The forever suitcase: defined as the one bag that will last a lifetime, be your constant companion on trips of all kinds, and meet your particular travel needs, all without disintegrating into a pile of cheap materials before you even make it home. This is no carry-on bag, folks. This is a suitcase that has it all and fits it all.
I scoured the racks and tested out many makes and models. Height, weight, maneuverability, and durability were the most important criteria, but I also examined features like zippers, handles, and compartments. My final list of medium-sized beauties boasts super-smooth wheels and ergonomically designed handles alongside new features like built-in overweight indicators and global bag-tracking systems. Read on to find out which suitcase should find a forever home in your closet.
Note: Prices quoted are manufacturers’ list prices. Most suitcases are on sale for lower prices through online outlets such as Amazon.com and LuggagePros.com.
Delsey Helium Ultimate Expandable Spinner Suiter
Perfect For: The Overpacker
The built-in overweight indicator in Delsey’s Helium Ultimate 25″ Expandable Spinner Suiter Trolley is a godsend for the traveler who tends to pack everything but the kitchen sink. While the scale won’t exactly help break your habit, it will at least prevent you from throwing in that one last item (or seventh pair of shoes) that would otherwise have taken your bag from pleasantly plump to totally overweight. The 25″ Helium Ultimate comes preprogrammed to indicate when it’s overstuffed and weighing in at more than 50 lb. Simply pack your bag, then lift it by the small top handle. If the bag is overweight, a built-in display on the handle will turn red.
In addition to this much-appreciated cost-saving measure, Delsey has thoughtfully included a number of useful interior and exterior pockets so you can keep organized all the extras you just had to pack. The ergonomics of the bag could use a bit of work, as the handle was a bit difficult for me to pop up and the spinner wheels were a bit tippy. With hope, Delsey will work out these kinks, and their admirable efforts to make the world a better place for overpackers won’t go unnoticed.
Weight: Medium weight, at 10.8 lb.
Dimensions: 25.2″ x 16.9″ x 10.6″
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty. Delsey covers all manufacturer defects.
List Price: $350
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