No Pretzel Luggage

Never mind last minute packing; how about last minute luggage? During my previous trip to my home town this past Christmas, the luggage that greeted me at the carousel bore little resemblance to the luggage I started my journey with. Suitcase No. 1 sported a jagged split down one of its fronts while Suitcase No. 2's zipper gaped open where the handle had come away from the leather. I can't even in clear conscience blame air travel in general and baggage handlers in particular. I am a procrastinator and in all truthfulness, my luggage has needed to be replaced for awhile.

Now just under a year later, I am still victim of my own procrastination. I went to fetch my suitcases only to be reminded that I don't have any. But there's a silver lining; how to put this nicely? My old luggage was...well old. My suitcases were semi-soft sided and had wheels. But they didn't have retractable handles and while they could be wheeled through a busy holiday-time airport, I had to twist myself pretzel-like to do so. This apparent disaster presented the perfect opportunity to upgrade to upright luggage that looked like it belonged in the twenty-first century.

While it is fun in a desperate sort of way to sit on your suitcase in order to get it to close, expandable luggage is much more stylish and convenient to use. My new upright luggage set includes two suitcases of different sizes, a beauty case and a shoulder bag/carry-on with an adjustable strap. The retractable handles work like a dream and the wheels are so quiet I almost forget that my suitcases have wheels. In addition to having the confidence that my possessions are safely locked away and fully protected, the bonus to owning a new luggage set is knowing I don't have to roll it alongside of me twisted like a pretzel.

- E.L.

Leather Luggage by Cymax Stores

Buying Guide: Leather Luggage

Looking for luggage that both durable and luxurious? Think leather!

Leather luggage gives off a lavish, rich look while remaining resilient at the same time. There are many different grades of leather available, so read through the following types to learn more about them and which one you’d prefer for your luggage:

Full-Grain

Full-grain leather is the highest quality leather you can come across. Why? It has been split directly from the hide with no sort of alterations. If you like the appearance of real leather, with its markings and texture, opt for full-grain leather pieces.

US Luggage Leather Rolling Computer Cases USLD5291

Top-Grain

Top-grain leather is the next step down from full-grain. With top-grain, a layer of leather has been shaved off the top, removing any sort of damage. The “true grain” has thus been removed, and an imitation grain is added instead. This is ideal if you don’t prefer the natural cracks and grooves in raw leather’s look.

Winn International Top Grain Cowhide Leather Slim Brief With Built-In Laptop Sleeve

Bonded

With bonded leather, small pieces of leather have been mixed with a bonding agent, making a new type of leather that’s inexpensive, yet durable. Look for pieces made with bonded leather if you want the look of leather, but a cheaper price.

Royce Leather Padfolio in Bonded Leather

Suede

Suede is a finish that is applied to leather’s surface. It makes the surface have a “brushed” texture, and is soft and supple. An entire luggage piece constructed of suede is not the best idea, because suede can be moisture damaged, but pieces featuring suede trim adds an expensive look.

Traveler's Choice Newcastle 3 Piece Designer-Inspired Travel Collection

Genuine

Made from the lower level of the hide, and then finished in a material that resembles top-grain leather, genuine leather is basically the less expensive version of top-grain leather. Perfect if you love the look of top-grain but it’s over your budget.

Royce Leather Garment Cover

For more leather luggage pieces, search the Leather section of Luggage Set Select!