When it comes to travel, your luggage can make or break the experience. The right bag matters – and not all luggage is created equal. Today’s travellers are increasingly prioritizing durability, space efficiency and smart design, making the search for the perfect luggage a challenging task.
Durability and Versatility
- Briggs & Riley: A premium brand known for its lifetime warranty that covers everything, including airline damage and extreme wear.
- Dakine: A brand with roots in Hawaii, known for trendy seasonal prints and coordinating backpacks, but lacking a full-coverage warranty.
- Eagle Creek: Offers versatility with convertible rolling backpacks, durable designs and a ‘No Matter What’ lifetime warranty.
For frequent flyers, Gosselin recommends Briggs & Riley, a brand that stands out for its exceptional durability and versatility. With its lifetime warranty, you can travel with confidence, knowing that your bag is protected against damage or wear and tear. The standout feature of Briggs & Riley is its compression system, which allows you to expand the bag for packing, then compress it down to fit standard carry-on dimensions.
The Outdoor Enthusiast
Younger adventurers or those heading out on more rugged journeys may prefer Dakine, a brand with a reputation for producing high-quality, rugged bags that can withstand the demands of off-the-beaten-path travel. While it may not have the same level of warranty coverage as Briggs & Riley, Dakine does offer a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty on defects.
- Split Roller Duffel: A popular pick from Dakine, featuring trendy seasonal prints and coordinating backpacks.
- Other popular bags from Dakine include cobblestone-print backpacks, trains-themed duffel bags and more.
Another great option for those who value durability and versatility is Eagle Creek. Their convertible rolling backpacks offer a range of benefits, from comfortable carrying to easy packing. Eagle Creek also boasts a ‘No Matter What’ lifetime warranty, which provides peace of mind for the outdoor enthusiast.
The Household Name
For a middle ground, Eagle Creek offers a range of bags that blend durability and versatility. Their ‘No Matter What’ lifetime warranty provides protection against damage and wear, while their convertible rolling backpacks make packing a breeze.
| Eagle Creek | Durability: 8/10 | Packing Options: 8.5/10 | Warranty: Lifetime |
| Dakine | Durability: 9/10 | Packing Options: 8/10 | Warranty: 10-year manufacturer’s warranty |
| Briggs & Riley | Durability: 9.5/10 | Packing Options: 8/10 | Warranty: Lifetime |
Finally, there’s Samsonite – a household name for more than 100 years. With options across all price points and a reputation for reliability, it’s a go-to brand for anyone wanting trusted quality. Samsonite has something for everyone, offering a range of bags that cater to different needs and preferences.
A Word from the Expert
“You’ll never have to buy a bag again,” says Cherise Gosselin, owner of Kelowna’s luggage and travel accessory store Bag’s N All. “Standout features include their compression system, which allows you to expand the bag for packing, then compress it down to fit standard carry-on dimensions. It’s great for the sophisticated traveller – or someone who’s replacing their luggage a lot because they travel so much.”
The right luggage can make all the difference in your travel experience. Consider not just how your luggage looks, but how it performs – and how long it will last.
