Recommend me a large bulletproof suitcase

[TooNice]

...okay, maybe not bulletproof, but at least one that can handle the rough handling of airport staff in less gentle countries. The shell on my John Lewis case cracked on my latest trip and all I hope is that it can handle the trip back to the UK where it will be replaced.

Other than durability I am looking for:

- Lightweight (yeah, durable and lightweight might be a lot to ask for, but whatever is the best compromise at the moment).
- Spacious (within check-in luggage specifications). Don't need tons of pockets or anything just a lot of space inside with a light mesh separating the two sides.
- Four good lockable wheels. Having to hold a suitcase to stop it from rolling all over the place in the underground is quite inconvenient.

I am open to be persuaded on soft-shells (which probably won't crack), but I should note that I do travel to places with all kind of environment, including rain, snow, sand etc.

My budget is.. not unlimited, but not without flexibility and I am willing to be persuaded that something good but expensive is worth the asking price.

[deejayburnout]

Check out this link for some inspiration.

https://www.skyscanner.net/news/suitcasemustdie

[Dashers]

Clearly: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/tr...-suitcase.html

[TeePee]

Pelican Air in the largest size your carrier will permit.

I have several I got for flying with firearms, but now won't check anything else. Every other checked bag has been damaged or destroyed within a few trips. Four wheel cases, 'Spinners', give up interior volume and invite wheel damage. Spinners are a must for a carry on, but two wheels are a lot more durable for a checked bag.

[TooNice]

@deejayburnout:
Thanks. Weirdly enough, the link doesn't work from Hexus (redirect from to main page). But nothing a quick Google couldn't fix. Going by the test, I was quite keen on the Delsey Helium, but Amazon user reviews are scarce and not great (three people out of four reported damage), and it is priced a lot higher than in the review. The Eminent Move Air lack an option between 68cm and 80cm, which is a pity as the 80cm would be too big (if they take out a measuring tape) and the 68cm smaller than I'd like. I love how light the Cosmolite is (apparently 2.6kg), but it's at an "if it break, I'll cry" kind of cost, so the "Limited" Global Warranty would have to be pretty darn good to be considered. Their Neo-Pulse is the closest match to what I have/am looking for at under £150, though I am not sure how resilient they are (warranty is halved).

@Dashers: Thanks, but no

@TeePee: That does look pretty darn well made. But also a bit heavier than I'd want (case alone is about a third what they will allow in cattle class). Will definitely consider it if I'll will transport stuff that need more protection than average, but I am hoping that something less heavy duty could still handle some rough handling for more routine stuff.

To be fair, this John Lewis case is the first case I had that cracked, and the shell did feel pretty soft. Heck, I knew it wasn't strong since when I used it to transport a fully boxed PS3, I found a massive dent in the box on arrival.

Are Samsonite as good as their brand, or do you pay mostly for the brand?

[peterb]

I have used a samsonite soft case for a while. It's a bit scuffed, but then you expect that given the punishment they take on airline baggage handling systems. I noticed a toggle on one of the zips is missing (after 15 years of use) but it's been pretty good.

They don't make that model any more, this is the nearest style

http://www.samsonite.co.uk/cityvibe-...vel-bag-finder

[TeePee]

@TeePee: That does look pretty darn well made. But also a bit heavier than I'd want (case alone is about a third what they will allow in cattle class). Will definitely consider it if I'll will transport stuff that need more protection than average, but I am hoping that something less heavy duty could still handle some rough handling for more routine stuff.

They are very heavy, and the 'Air' cases are 40% lighter than standard!

[TooNice]

@peterb
My dad is also using something similar to that. He is quite fond of Samsonite, though I think that it is a relatively newly found fondness, and none of his Samsonite cases are over 5 years old. But while the test of time is still to be seen, he is well travelled, and what he is using now has already been to many airports. My concerns with something as expensive as the Cosmolite though (that 2.6kg -is- sexy), is that it probably has "STEAL ME" all over it.

@TeePee
I saw that! They definitely look like cases for specialised use.

[ik9000]

I just go for softshell, 2 integral wheels as well recessed and protected as possible . John Lewis ownbrand do ok, though I have picked up scuffs, dents to the trolley handles shafts and similar on my journeys which marr them somewhat. I'm resigned to the fact that it is inevitable so shop cheap, pack it strategically to ensure good padding to delicate items and use plastic bags where I'm concerned about wet. I've seen a good number of hard-shells split/smashed etc I just don't see the point.

[mobit]

British Army kit bag, about £15 on eBay.