FYI, thin hard shell break easily. I work in baggage. The temp under the plane is -32 degrees. Once the bag hits something, especially the wheel area, it’s going to crack. 4 wheels my be easier but they break and take up space in the overhead. The thicker hard case the better. Soft case with 2 wheels will last you longer. Get a plastic cover for rain.
Softshell can be squished and jammed into a tight space between other luggages ( in those overhead compartments wh for example). I use a spray to make it waterproof and have worked well. Also, when I open my softshell, the lid portion is light whereas the hardshell has both the "lid" and bottom are heavy & they need to lay flat to have easy access. Softshells fit those hotel luggage rack better and if there isn't one, can be laid on top of a skinny desk etc.
I prefer a soft side as you don’t need as much room to open it (the lid can be leaned up against a wall); the space isn’t divided in two (if you have something too high/wide to pack on one side and you can utilize the space better); and outside pockets that have a little more give if needed.
We are preparing for an upcoming trip to France and stumbled upon your videos. I showed my wife and she’s hooked. We spent an “exciting” 😂 Friday night watching them and learning new things we should have known with our travel history.
I just returned from a trip to Morocco using the level 8 Road Runner. At check in with AF I met some resistant with the rep. She told me the carry on was too big. I knew it wasn’t but to appease her, I left the line and later returned going to another agent without any issues. As someone who has used a variety of carryons, I found the Road Runner to be one of the best as it provides easy access to your iPad or laptop. Additionally, the 360 spinner wheels allows you to easily push the luggage even down the narrow isles of the airplane and yes it easyly fit into the overhead compartments of the aircrafts.
I use a backpack that meets the size limits for almost all airlines. It’s much lighter than most suitcases so I don’t have to worry about weight limits. I also prefer wearing a backpack to rolling a suitcase.
Absolutely! I weighted my roll on suitcase -- almost 9 lbs! By contrast, my backpack is 1.5lbs. Unless you're unable to carry weight on your back, and many people are, the backpack makes sense for any number of reasons.
I don't like carrying a heavy backpack BUT I hate to pay for checked bags more. If there's a light backpack with wheels, that would be my first choice & then backpack my second choice and learn to pack as light as possible :)
i agree-prefer a rolling back pack as it weighs much less despite frame and wheels, and is easily smooshed into overhead bins or if needed shoved under a seat. it also offers laptop padded zone if needed, and exterior pockets.
Hard shell for me. Samsonite's ranges that use Curv shells are incredibly light and durable. Both my checked suitcase and my carry-on are Samsonite Curv.
I know this is a huge social media campaign for Level 8, however, would you pay for it yourself if you had to? Level 8 luggage is incredibly expensive. It's been very hard to believe travel UA-camrs when they are given luggage and tout it as the best.
At least for me, is not common to have multiple luggage to choose. Just only an big one to go in plane storage and a small one as carry-on. Only sponsored traveling UA-camrs could have this.
Level 8s are worth the price for what you get. There are many competing brands that also send luggages for reviews so this is fair game. I bought several L8s so I am not biased. Their wheels are superior to most luggage brands. The hype is real. They are more affordable than monos or away, better wheels and just as durable.
Have three options, checked suitcase, backpack type and hard shell carryon it all depends on where travelling to and how many days am away for. Have just completed 63 days travelling 24 plus hours flying to get there, didn't use hard shell carryon as had to change planes part way through travelling, had a larger soft shell bag(may one day buy another hard shell suitcase with TSA locks size to be determined), but the old soft shell suitcase pulls sweet as due to its 6 wheels, but is over 20 years old plus a small 30 liter backpack plus handbag, which could fit into backpack, if needed to.
Actually the aluminum one is great because it has no zippers so it won't break open if you overpackeded or opened because I saw people using a pen to open the zipper and sometimes they can zip it up
I'm very picky with my luggage. I have soft sided Tommy Bahama 26 inch CHECK IN suitcase with spinner wheels, because spinner wheels is easier with larger, heavier luggage. But my carry on is the Rollink collapsible luggage which is only 5lbs empty and only has 2 wheels which i prefer for a lighter weight, carry on. I can manuever faster in the airport and its easier and lighter to fit into the overhead bin.
The Rollink looks very interesting. Never heard of it until I saw your comment. The Vega has 2 wheels which look better than a lot of the spindly spinners....and it's only about 5 lbs.
@secretariatgirl4249 lol! I have added more luggage to my wardrobe. I don't like the clam shell , 50-50 lids on most hard shells. But i didn't want another soft sided carry on. So I have 2 new acquisitions. I have the Hanke 22 inch hard shell with the top lid of a soft side. And I also have the Briggs and Riley 21 inch that has 70-30 opening. I find 50-50 clam shell too cumbersome to open and close. I gave my Rollink away.
My luggage almost lasted a year. The handles have ripped off, a wheel came off, the zippers fell off. I want one with a laptop compartment and that fully locks up. Thank you for your video! 😀
Soft shell. I love the idea of the hard shell, but HATE the clam shell-like way you have to open it. It requires more space to open it and can be inconvenient in smaller spaces (like hotels in big cities). Also, my travel pro weighs 6 pounds versus your 10 pounds. When it’s filled up that can be pretty heavy to lift, especially if you’re 5’1, like me.
weight is a major issue in Australia 7kg for most airlines carry on, so l and another to consider is zipper construction security double teeth zippers are a must for me particularly travelling to places like Africa & asia so am about to purchase and am leaning towards American Tourister eco 4 at lest that 2kg in weight
Using an old Atlantic soft carry on with 2 big wheels. I can't see 4 small caster style wheels surviving my last trip to Portugal. There is no flat surfaces there, every sidewalk and road is tiles or cobblestones and try towing a 4 wheel suitcase for 5-10 minutes from transport to hotel, trust me 4 wheels are only good for smooth airport and hotel floors. I like to travel to Europe and take public transport so have to have very durable wheels for the not so smooth surfaces. For me that's my preference but my observation is most flight crews use 2 wheels as well.
I'm always jealous of the people swishing through the plane aisle with their 4 wheels and then I remember that my bag gets dragged for miles on concrete and cobblestones - so I've stuck to a two wheeler with nice sturdy wheels.
I have been traveling all over for the place for 23 years and I can officially say that American Tourister had done wonders for me. Currently, my daughter has the Moonlight Carry-On and Checked in Bag, and it has been thru 4 countries with many transfers. It has a few little scratches but this bag has done wonders for her. Now for myself, I have learned that more bags isn't always great. I currently have the Samsonite Underseat with USB, and the Bartlett set. I hate all with a passion, it's a pain to walk them across certain surfaces and they don't balance well. The wheels are flimsy and I highly don't recommend these bags. However, I am getting all new luggage after getting these a year ago. I donated them to a homeless shelter. I mostly travel with my Swiss Gear bag, and I've decided to just a 21-inch spinner since I have internationally a lot. I am still researching brands and I'm not a fan of Tumi, Away or the July bags. Recently, I found excellent one from a online store which started by a luggage manufacturer in China. Unfortunately, I could not directly buy from them because they always sell on sets as a factory. Obviously, I'm not really their target customer. that one in red color I loved, for example, (www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Pp-1801-3pcs-Luggage-Bag-Travel_1600991098560.html?spm=a2747.manage.0.0.61ba2c3cttxmsp)
I prefer soft shell and it can be as protective as a hard shell, you just need to buy a good quality luggage, like my Travel Pro Crew Expert. Regarding wheels, you might have already realized that tiny wheels are very hard to maneuver on carpeted floors, like most Vegas hotels and casinos, which you usually have to cross to get to your room. That’s why I decided to go with a rolling luggage. The wheels are 2 to 3 times the size of 4 wheeled luggage’s, and airline crew use them for a reason. They are also pretty easy to go over obstacles, cobble stone surfaces, grass, etc. Anything but a flat surface is going to be a hassle for tiny wheels. Yes is easier to just push it through an airport, but that’s the extent of the advantages.
LOVE Level 8. The finish, durability and organizational features can’t be beat. Much better than the “Away” bag (which is more expensive). I use the Road Runner. Love the laptop section, and the TSA locks. It’s amazing how much it can fit. I used nothing but the Road Runner, and a smallish backpack for a 3 week trip in Europe.
Thank you for your comprehensive overview! We have always used Tumi luggage, including carry-on, but find that some airlines do restrict weight (e.g., Italy's ITA Airways @ 8kg), so we now have Monos carry-on luggage, which is considerably lighter than Tumi, but still rather well constructed.
LOL, a few years ago, I bought what I considered a disposable hard-shell carryon for $25, fully expecting to toss it after my trip to Chicago. It’s still like new after several trips to my surprise.
Hard shells for life and I roll with Samsonite, which has double locks as well. Level 8 luggage is comparably priced to Samsonite. Samsonite has been around for a while and has stood the test of time. For me at least anyways,
On a recent trip, I knocked my Samsonite hard-sided carry-on suitcase over at security and broke the extending handle. I snapped off the remains of the broken handle and threw away those pieces before going through security in order to get the case and its contents onto my flight home. I was expecting to have to send the case away for chargeable repair, but when I contacted Samsonite on my return, they directed me to their parts website where I could order a replacement handle. I submitted my details, the purchase date and the serial number of the case, then selected the part that I needed, expecting to get a price to pay. Instead, the website sent me an order confirmation with the part priced at 0.00. The part arrived by UPS, complete with new screws and even a Torx key to fit the screws within a couple of days. Samsonite is not cheap, but this was excellent customer service. Many luggage brands will not supply parts to a customer under any circumstances, so you are forced to use an authorised repair centre.
Of course you have a collection of luggage! You're a nomad...or were for many years. Dangers of the gig. haha. I need to check out some of the Level 8 stuff so I can put the cool tips you supply to work. I burned through a couple pieces of luggage each year back when I was travelling for work. No more travel for work with Zoom/Webex, etc. Now it's just travel for fun, like "I'm working from California this week" haha.
IMHO, for carry-on I go with soft. Unless you are as abusive as a angry baggage handler and love to leave your luggage in the rain, the security issues of a soft is a non-factor as it is with you all the time. But for checked, hardsided is the way to go. Since it will be in the hands of others during transit, it's security (note: nothing is theft proof, but can increase the time for access) and durability stands out. Also, if you can spare the bucks, go polycarbonate over ABS. The flexibility of PC makes it nearly indestructible while the rigidity of ABS makes it more prone to breakage.
The 4 wheel spinners are OK for a carryon due to being able to rolled sideways down the plane aisle, but go 2 wheel for checked bags. Those small wheels will get broken off by baggage handlers and work poorly on rough streets. Just take a look at what airline employees use, you will not see 1 spinner. I bought Travelpro Flight Crew 5.
A warning to international travelers who don't know this already. Just because a given airline has certain weight limits doesn't mean that a partner airline whose aircraft you might actually be flying on in one or more segments of your booking airline itinerary, or an airport you'll be embarking from on one or more of your segments, have the same weight limits, so you should always limit the weight of your checked and carry-on luggage to be under the max weight limit of the most restrictive of these, or else you're going to run into problems that could potentially cost you money or make you miss your flight. We found this out recently when booking separate segments through Delta, one from the US to London and another from Paris onward (we took Eurostar from London to Paris without incident). We had no issue with checked luggage but carry-ons were a whole other matter. No problem on the first segment, which was flown on Delta which has no carry-on weight limits. But when we tried to board our second segment, also purchased from Delta but on Air France, which is a Delta partner, in CDG, we found out that there was a 12kg combined carry-on weight limit and we were several kg over that. We had to go through the weight check multiple times, moving the excess weight around each time, until they finally let us through, just barely in time to get through security and make our flight.
We always appreciate your excellent information and sharing your personal experiences. I purchased the Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable with Double Spinner Wheels, Carry-On 21-Inch. Thanks
I am very happy you chose this brand and size of luggage 🧳 I have been interested in Level8 and now I can show my husband what luggage been thinking about buying. Great video...I'm team hard-shell. Have a great week, Megan. 🥰
Definitely get the smallest carryon with wheels that don't come off. They will take a lot of abuse so make sure the wheels are study. That's a nice collection of luggage you have Megan
Soft shell. Can take some bangs and bumps without showing damage. I don't like the spit of the hard shell. There have been time I need to open my carry-on on the airplane. Relatively easy to do and still keep everything together. I don't see that being easy with the hard shell. And the front pockets are convenient.
Great video, but I always use duffel bags . Bought one more than 10 years ago , and still as good as new . Not too much to look at , but gets the job done. And for carry on bags , guess what ? another small very small duffel bag . For ladies obsess with colors. , they come with variety of colors , mine is black , and for carry on , it is light brown , kind of light brown, I don't know . I am not color blind
Beautiful Eyes, how come you don't make videos of your travel trips anymore? Did that old Da Nang video from a couple of years ago put a stop to all your travel videos?
3:18 10 pounds!! You may have problems in Europe. My experience is that most West Euro Airlines allow weight limit of 8ks for carry-ons, East Euro Airlines are worse at 7ks, it's also my experience that most West Euro Airlines don't weigh your carry-ons as much as East Euro Airlines do, in my view a 10-pound carry-on is ideal for a weekend excursion, but spending two to 3 months in Euro, you'll need something much lighter.
I bought a suit carrier wheel on case that I have used off & on. I use this for quick domestic trips for work & for formal holiday trips like weddings.
I'm looking for a medium size checked luggage that will fit onto a tour bus. The measurements are; 30X18X10 which I am having difficulty finding! What would you recommend?
I think its a shame that almost all the suitcases are from one brand. I would have liked to see different brands in comparison to each other. But still the content was somewhat helpful.
@@WeMissIan but the topic of this video wasn’t to review different brands of luggage, it was to discuss the pros and cons of two different “types”, hard and soft shell. 🤔
It's very hard to find objective coverage on UA-cam these days. Most channels are partnered; they're incentivised to push products from particular brands; it's pervasive across so many industries that getting a genuine recommendation for a product is almost impossible. User reviews are the best option imo, but with bots, free products etc even that is under threat. Even though we've got more information than ever, research takes much longer because you need to go to so many sources to get a balanced overview.
I got a M softshell from Swiss for check. I'm using a 35L backback for my carry-on with a sling bag for personal. Qatar, but I heard they're strict for carry-ons.
i usually use a small backpack to go to Vegas as I go solo. Nothing big in there. 2 shorts, etc etc. Whats a good choice for 3 to 4 days in Cancun? Again solo traveler.
Any pliable receptacle with just about enough totable volume for ones essentials ---whose description lack addition of all sorts of fancies---such as bulging extra side pockets---wont to cause emcumberance during emergency retrievals of stuff, or expendable weight, suffices.
I'm not a fan of a video where you're telling me how to pick the best suitcase and also tell me that one of the best ones I can pick are from a company that's paying you to say that. I understand sponsorship but this time there's a conflict of interest.
I just got home from Orlando to Jamaica and as I got out the car my hard shell fell out of the car and bam I lost my large champion suitcase. I cried 😟😭😭🥺 I will never buy that again
I have the Level8 Road Runner and I’m wondering if you’ve used it for international flights and if yes, which airline? I’m planning a trip in a few months and based on the guidelines from the airline, my bag would be too big but only by 1” so I was wondering whether to risk it as I’ll be flying business class. Any thoughts?
Less than 9 pounds? Mine is the July Light Expandable and it weights less than 5 pounds (4.9 to be exact). I would never buy a carry-on that weighs more than 7 pounds.
Hi Megan. Great channel. Appreciate all the tips and insights you share here. I am looking for a tote bag as my second carry-on/laptop bag/beach bag. (My main carry on is a Rimowa Classic aluminum.) Do you have any recommendations for me to check out? My budget is up to $1000 CAD. TIA.
FYI, thin hard shell break easily. I work in baggage. The temp under the plane is -32 degrees. Once the bag hits something, especially the wheel area, it’s going to crack. 4 wheels my be easier but they break and take up space in the overhead. The thicker hard case the better. Soft case with 2 wheels will last you longer. Get a plastic cover for rain.
Please recommend the most durable but not taking much weight luggage material, thank you
Softshell can be squished and jammed into a tight space between other luggages ( in those overhead compartments wh for example). I use a spray to make it waterproof and have worked well. Also, when I open my softshell, the lid portion is light whereas the hardshell has both the "lid" and bottom are heavy & they need to lay flat to have easy access. Softshells fit those hotel luggage rack better and if there isn't one, can be laid on top of a skinny desk etc.
My wife and I prefer hard shell over soft shell. The brand we always use is Samsonite
What model Samsonite suitcase did you choose to go with?
I prefer a soft side as you don’t need as much room to open it (the lid can be leaned up against a wall); the space isn’t divided in two (if you have something too high/wide to pack on one side and you can utilize the space better); and outside pockets that have a little more give if needed.
In Australia, the carry on weight limit is usually 15.4 pounds (7kg). I will only consider cases that are 4.4 pounds (2kg) or less.
Also, the domestic size limit is usually 42 inches (105cm), not the international standard 45 inches (115cm).
@@MsWonderBunnyThird World country
Our preferred checked luggage is rolling duffels, and our preferred carry-on is a carry on sized backpack. So I guess my vote is for softsides.
We are preparing for an upcoming trip to France and stumbled upon your videos. I showed my wife and she’s hooked. We spent an “exciting” 😂 Friday night watching them and learning new things we should have known with our travel history.
haha! Welcome to the channel!
Soft shell for me. As you mentioned, it’s more flexible and has the pockets.
Soft shell always.. Samsonite offers some great options and they are extremely light!
I just returned from a trip to Morocco using the level 8 Road Runner. At check in with AF I met some resistant with the rep. She told me the carry on was too big. I knew it wasn’t but to appease her, I left the line and later returned going to another agent without any issues. As someone who has used a variety of carryons, I found the Road Runner to be one of the best as it provides easy access to your iPad or laptop. Additionally, the 360 spinner wheels allows you to easily push the luggage even down the narrow isles of the airplane and yes it easyly fit into the overhead compartments of the aircrafts.
I use a backpack that meets the size limits for almost all airlines. It’s much lighter than most suitcases so I don’t have to worry about weight limits. I also prefer wearing a backpack to rolling a suitcase.
Absolutely! I weighted my roll on suitcase -- almost 9 lbs! By contrast, my backpack is 1.5lbs. Unless you're unable to carry weight on your back, and many people are, the backpack makes sense for any number of reasons.
I don't like carrying a heavy backpack BUT I hate to pay for checked bags more. If there's a light backpack with wheels, that would be my first choice & then backpack my second choice and learn to pack as light as possible :)
i agree-prefer a rolling back pack as it weighs much less despite frame and wheels, and is easily smooshed into overhead bins or if needed shoved under a seat. it also offers laptop padded zone if needed, and exterior pockets.
Soft shell! I don’t like my bag split down the middle because sometimes I pack taller items.
I prefer a soft case. I often had to stay at a super tiny hotel room. With a soft case, you don't need much space, to open the luggage
Hard shell for me. Samsonite's ranges that use Curv shells are incredibly light and durable. Both my checked suitcase and my carry-on are Samsonite Curv.
I’ll have to check them out. Happy travels, David!
I know this is a huge social media campaign for Level 8, however, would you pay for it yourself if you had to? Level 8 luggage is incredibly expensive. It's been very hard to believe travel UA-camrs when they are given luggage and tout it as the best.
So true 🙂
At least for me, is not common to have multiple luggage to choose. Just only an big one to go in plane storage and a small one as carry-on. Only sponsored traveling UA-camrs could have this.
The luggage she showed was only $178 for the 20’ you think that’s expensive?
Level 8s are worth the price for what you get. There are many competing brands that also send luggages for reviews so this is fair game. I bought several L8s so I am not biased. Their wheels are superior to most luggage brands. The hype is real. They are more affordable than monos or away, better wheels and just as durable.
Agreed, stick to samsonite. UA-camrs have lost their credibility
Have three options, checked suitcase, backpack type and hard shell carryon it all depends on where travelling to and how many days am away for. Have just completed 63 days travelling 24 plus hours flying to get there, didn't use hard shell carryon as had to change planes part way through travelling, had a larger soft shell bag(may one day buy another hard shell suitcase with TSA locks size to be determined), but the old soft shell suitcase pulls sweet as due to its 6 wheels, but is over 20 years old plus a small 30 liter backpack plus handbag, which could fit into backpack, if needed to.
Actually the aluminum one is great because it has no zippers so it won't break open if you overpackeded or opened because I saw people using a pen to open the zipper and sometimes they can zip it up
I'm very picky with my luggage. I have soft sided Tommy Bahama 26 inch CHECK IN suitcase with spinner wheels, because spinner wheels is easier with larger, heavier luggage. But my carry on is the Rollink collapsible luggage which is only 5lbs empty and only has 2 wheels which i prefer for a lighter weight, carry on. I can manuever faster in the airport and its easier and lighter to fit into the overhead bin.
The Rollink looks very interesting. Never heard of it until I saw your comment. The Vega has 2 wheels which look better than a lot of the spindly spinners....and it's only about 5 lbs.
@secretariatgirl4249 lol! I have added more luggage to my wardrobe. I don't like the clam shell , 50-50 lids on most hard shells. But i didn't want another soft sided carry on. So I have 2 new acquisitions. I have the Hanke 22 inch hard shell with the top lid of a soft side. And I also have the Briggs and Riley 21 inch that has 70-30 opening. I find 50-50 clam shell too cumbersome to open and close. I gave my Rollink away.
My luggage almost lasted a year. The handles have ripped off, a wheel came off, the zippers fell off. I want one with a laptop compartment and that fully locks up. Thank you for your video! 😀
I only do SOFT SHELL! Right now I have a Tumi line up for my travel backpack, carry-on bag and checked luggage.
Hard Shell ! I need to check out the Level 8 now that you showed them and get one for my daughter. I love newsletters!
Love hard shell, both checking and carry on..💙
Hardshell! I just bought a Level 8 suitcase and I love it so much 😍
Soft shell. I love the idea of the hard shell, but HATE the clam shell-like way you have to open it. It requires more space to open it and can be inconvenient in smaller spaces (like hotels in big cities). Also, my travel pro weighs 6 pounds versus your 10 pounds. When it’s filled up that can be pretty heavy to lift, especially if you’re 5’1, like me.
You bring up some good points. Thanks for sharing!
Soft shell makes sense for carry ons, but hardcase for checkins
No
weight is a major issue in Australia 7kg for most airlines carry on, so l
and another to consider is zipper construction security double teeth zippers are a must for me particularly travelling to places like Africa & asia so am about to purchase and am leaning towards American Tourister eco 4 at lest that 2kg in weight
Using an old Atlantic soft carry on with 2 big wheels. I can't see 4 small caster style wheels surviving my last trip to Portugal. There is no flat surfaces there, every sidewalk and road is tiles or cobblestones and try towing a 4 wheel suitcase for 5-10 minutes from transport to hotel, trust me 4 wheels are only good for smooth airport and hotel floors. I like to travel to Europe and take public transport so have to have very durable wheels for the not so smooth surfaces. For me that's my preference but my observation is most flight crews use 2 wheels as well.
I'm always jealous of the people swishing through the plane aisle with their 4 wheels and then I remember that my bag gets dragged for miles on concrete and cobblestones - so I've stuck to a two wheeler with nice sturdy wheels.
I have been traveling all over for the place for 23 years and I can officially say that American Tourister had done wonders for me. Currently, my daughter has the Moonlight Carry-On and Checked in Bag, and it has been thru 4 countries with many transfers. It has a few little scratches but this bag has done wonders for her. Now for myself, I have learned that more bags isn't always great. I currently have the Samsonite Underseat with USB, and the Bartlett set. I hate all with a passion, it's a pain to walk them across certain surfaces and they don't balance well. The wheels are flimsy and I highly don't recommend these bags. However, I am getting all new luggage after getting these a year ago. I donated them to a homeless shelter. I mostly travel with my Swiss Gear bag, and I've decided to just a 21-inch spinner since I have internationally a lot. I am still researching brands and I'm not a fan of Tumi, Away or the July bags. Recently, I found excellent one from a online store which started by a luggage manufacturer in China. Unfortunately, I could not directly buy from them because they always sell on sets as a factory. Obviously, I'm not really their target customer. that one in red color I loved, for example, (www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Pp-1801-3pcs-Luggage-Bag-Travel_1600991098560.html?spm=a2747.manage.0.0.61ba2c3cttxmsp)
I prefer soft shell and it can be as protective as a hard shell, you just need to buy a good quality luggage, like my Travel Pro Crew Expert. Regarding wheels, you might have already realized that tiny wheels are very hard to maneuver on carpeted floors, like most Vegas hotels and casinos, which you usually have to cross to get to your room. That’s why I decided to go with a rolling luggage. The wheels are 2 to 3 times the size of 4 wheeled luggage’s, and airline crew use them for a reason. They are also pretty easy to go over obstacles, cobble stone surfaces, grass, etc. Anything but a flat surface is going to be a hassle for tiny wheels. Yes is easier to just push it through an airport, but that’s the extent of the advantages.
I prefer a soft case with pockets. While going through security, the pockets offer me a place to put my wallet, phone, etc.
LOVE Level 8. The finish, durability and organizational features can’t be beat. Much better than the “Away” bag (which is more expensive). I use the Road Runner. Love the laptop section, and the TSA locks. It’s amazing how much it can fit. I used nothing but the Road Runner, and a smallish backpack for a 3 week trip in Europe.
Thank you for the info. The choices for carry-on cases are overwhelming.
Thank you for your comprehensive overview! We have always used Tumi luggage, including carry-on, but find that some airlines do restrict weight (e.g., Italy's ITA Airways @ 8kg), so we now have Monos carry-on luggage, which is considerably lighter than Tumi, but still rather well constructed.
LOL, a few years ago, I bought what I considered a disposable hard-shell carryon for $25, fully expecting to toss it after my trip to Chicago. It’s still like new after several trips to my surprise.
"Hard shell". And good seeing on your travels again soon. Stay safe and happy :)
Hard shells for life and I roll with Samsonite, which has double locks as well. Level 8 luggage is comparably priced to Samsonite. Samsonite has been around for a while and has stood the test of time. For me at least anyways,
On a recent trip, I knocked my Samsonite hard-sided carry-on suitcase over at security and broke the extending handle. I snapped off the remains of the broken handle and threw away those pieces before going through security in order to get the case and its contents onto my flight home.
I was expecting to have to send the case away for chargeable repair, but when I contacted Samsonite on my return, they directed me to their parts website where I could order a replacement handle. I submitted my details, the purchase date and the serial number of the case, then selected the part that I needed, expecting to get a price to pay. Instead, the website sent me an order confirmation with the part priced at 0.00. The part arrived by UPS, complete with new screws and even a Torx key to fit the screws within a couple of days. Samsonite is not cheap, but this was excellent customer service.
Many luggage brands will not supply parts to a customer under any circumstances, so you are forced to use an authorised repair centre.
Of course you have a collection of luggage! You're a nomad...or were for many years. Dangers of the gig. haha.
I need to check out some of the Level 8 stuff so I can put the cool tips you supply to work.
I burned through a couple pieces of luggage each year back when I was travelling for work. No more travel for work with Zoom/Webex, etc. Now it's just travel for fun, like "I'm working from California this week" haha.
Great video as always. I travel 2 weeks out and home for a week. I love my engineering work and travels.
I prefer hard shell cases. Soft Shell are too heavy and the hardshells are plenty of room and stream lined. My personal choice of course.
IMHO, for carry-on I go with soft. Unless you are as abusive as a angry baggage handler and love to leave your luggage in the rain, the security issues of a soft is a non-factor as it is with you all the time. But for checked, hardsided is the way to go. Since it will be in the hands of others during transit, it's security (note: nothing is theft proof, but can increase the time for access) and durability stands out. Also, if you can spare the bucks, go polycarbonate over ABS. The flexibility of PC makes it nearly indestructible while the rigidity of ABS makes it more prone to breakage.
The 4 wheel spinners are OK for a carryon due to being able to rolled sideways down the plane aisle, but go 2 wheel for checked bags. Those small wheels will get broken off by baggage handlers and work poorly on rough streets. Just take a look at what airline employees use, you will not see 1 spinner. I bought Travelpro Flight Crew 5.
More exterior pockets make it more difficult to keep my items organized? Either you misspoke or I am really missing something :D
A warning to international travelers who don't know this already. Just because a given airline has certain weight limits doesn't mean that a partner airline whose aircraft you might actually be flying on in one or more segments of your booking airline itinerary, or an airport you'll be embarking from on one or more of your segments, have the same weight limits, so you should always limit the weight of your checked and carry-on luggage to be under the max weight limit of the most restrictive of these, or else you're going to run into problems that could potentially cost you money or make you miss your flight.
We found this out recently when booking separate segments through Delta, one from the US to London and another from Paris onward (we took Eurostar from London to Paris without incident). We had no issue with checked luggage but carry-ons were a whole other matter.
No problem on the first segment, which was flown on Delta which has no carry-on weight limits. But when we tried to board our second segment, also purchased from Delta but on Air France, which is a Delta partner, in CDG, we found out that there was a 12kg combined carry-on weight limit and we were several kg over that. We had to go through the weight check multiple times, moving the excess weight around each time, until they finally let us through, just barely in time to get through security and make our flight.
We always appreciate your excellent information and sharing your personal experiences. I purchased the Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable with Double Spinner Wheels, Carry-On 21-Inch. Thanks
Great to have you on the channel, Michael! Hope you are happy with your purchase!
Softside for carryon hard side for checked bag
Too many bags are being lost and airlines are often forcing ppl to check in hand carry . Please use an AirTag or tile or something like it
(Just a suggestion) It would be great to include metric measurements for your non-American subscribers. 😊
I am very happy you chose this brand and size of luggage 🧳
I have been interested in Level8 and now I can show my husband what luggage been thinking about buying. Great video...I'm team hard-shell. Have a great week, Megan. 🥰
Definitely get the smallest carryon with wheels that don't come off. They will take a lot of abuse so make sure the wheels are study. That's a nice collection of luggage you have Megan
I purchased the LEVEL8 Hardshell carryon for my upcoming trip to Bali.
Soft shell. Can take some bangs and bumps without showing damage. I don't like the spit of the hard shell. There have been time I need to open my carry-on on the airplane. Relatively easy to do and still keep everything together. I don't see that being easy with the hard shell. And the front pockets are convenient.
I would have to say hard shell due to my bed bug phobia and rising cases in hotels and airbnbs.
Great video, but I always use duffel bags . Bought one more than 10 years ago , and still as good as new . Not too much to look at , but gets the job done. And for carry on bags , guess what ? another small very small duffel bag . For ladies obsess with colors. , they come with variety of colors , mine is black , and for carry on , it is light brown , kind of light brown, I don't know . I am not color blind
Always soft shell. Thanks for the video.
Beautiful Eyes, how come you don't make videos of your travel trips anymore? Did that old Da Nang video from a couple of years ago put a stop to all your travel videos?
Hard shell definitely 💖
Always soft shell, because of the weight of suitcases.
I know this is an old video but I am curious, where did you get the black lacy tank?
Ordered hard from Beis. Good quality construction.
Definitely soft sided bags for my wife and I.
Happy travels to you both!
3:18 10 pounds!! You may have problems in Europe. My experience is that most West Euro Airlines allow weight limit of 8ks for carry-ons, East Euro Airlines are worse at 7ks, it's also my experience that most West Euro Airlines don't weigh your carry-ons as much as East Euro Airlines do, in my view a 10-pound carry-on is ideal for a weekend excursion, but spending two to 3 months in Euro, you'll need something much lighter.
I bought a suit carrier wheel on case that I have used off & on. I use this for quick domestic trips for work & for formal holiday trips like weddings.
hard shell.I am going to Cancun in 13 days, Is there ATMS in Hotel Zone in Cancun?
Yes, plenty!
@@PortableProfessional where at in the hotel zone. never been to cancun before.
Hard shell helps me to not overpack.
I use a hard cover Mickey Mouse carry-on. Thanks for the advice.
I'm looking for a medium size checked luggage that will fit onto a tour bus. The measurements are; 30X18X10 which I am having difficulty finding! What would you recommend?
Soft shell is the best for me
Thanks for watching!
Hard case. I actually bought the Level 8 checked bag
I think its a shame that almost all the suitcases are from one brand. I would have liked to see different brands in comparison to each other. But still the content was somewhat helpful.
She said she partners with that company. It stands to reason those would be the majority of what’s shown here.
@@AnnelisR Yes, I got that... That's why its a shame. I don't enjoy watching advertisements, but real reviews.
@@WeMissIan but the topic of this video wasn’t to review different brands of luggage, it was to discuss the pros and cons of two different “types”, hard and soft shell. 🤔
@@lillianliber1798 Actually, that was only 30 seconds of the video.
It's very hard to find objective coverage on UA-cam these days.
Most channels are partnered; they're incentivised to push products from particular brands; it's pervasive across so many industries that getting a genuine recommendation for a product is almost impossible.
User reviews are the best option imo, but with bots, free products etc even that is under threat. Even though we've got more information than ever, research takes much longer because you need to go to so many sources to get a balanced overview.
I got a M softshell from Swiss for check. I'm using a 35L backback for my carry-on with a sling bag for personal. Qatar, but I heard they're strict for carry-ons.
MVST makes an all aluminum carry-on they sell for about half the price of the Level 8. Just saying.
We travel with bags .. little to no weight.. folds and place in our carry on.. expands for return trip. Flexible. My 2 cents.
I plan to go to Japan next year. I am leaning towards the Pelican brand of luggage.
Soft-shell all the way for me.
i usually use a small backpack to go to Vegas as I go solo. Nothing big in there. 2 shorts, etc etc. Whats a good choice for 3 to 4 days in Cancun? Again solo traveler.
Your video is confusing..you mention best luggage is soft shell but then talk about the hard shell is what you carry
If you rarely travel, I suggest buying used. You can find them at many thrift stores, yard sales, and Craigslist.
For sure! Welcome to the channel!
Any pliable receptacle with just about enough totable volume for ones essentials ---whose description lack addition of all sorts of fancies---such as bulging extra side pockets---wont to cause emcumberance during emergency retrievals of stuff, or expendable weight, suffices.
I always used soft shell but it got a gash so now I’m trying hard side
I'm not a fan of a video where you're telling me how to pick the best suitcase and also tell me that one of the best ones I can pick are from a company that's paying you to say that. I understand sponsorship but this time there's a conflict of interest.
Soft shell
I just got home from Orlando to Jamaica and as I got out the car my hard shell fell out of the car and bam I lost my large champion suitcase. I cried 😟😭😭🥺 I will never buy that again
I have the Level8 Road Runner and I’m wondering if you’ve used it for international flights and if yes, which airline? I’m planning a trip in a few months and based on the guidelines from the airline, my bag would be too big but only by 1” so I was wondering whether to risk it as I’ll be flying business class. Any thoughts?
what is the best website to buy international flight ?
Less than 9 pounds? Mine is the July Light Expandable and it weights less than 5 pounds (4.9 to be exact). I would never buy a carry-on that weighs more than 7 pounds.
Hard shell or soft shell doesn't matter really, as long as it is NOT Level 8.
What is the prieceswhat is the priecess
Hard shell
soft shell
9 pounds or 4kg is way way too heavy for 7kg limit carry on.
Hard shell ❤️
Hi Megan. Great channel. Appreciate all the tips and insights you share here.
I am looking for a tote bag as my second carry-on/laptop bag/beach bag. (My main carry on is a Rimowa Classic aluminum.)
Do you have any recommendations for me to check out? My budget is up to $1000 CAD.
TIA.
Hard shell
Thanks for watching!
Hard shell to keep everything dry
I clicked on your link and got 404 error message….😫
Thanks for letting me know! Which link? They seem to be working on my end.
Hard shell!
LEVEL 8 ... HIGH PRICED !!! TOO MUCH FOR ME !!!
Hard shell just wish they were lighter weight
Dont hate on vegas.
I tried to reply but the replies were deleted.