The Suitcase That Almost Ruined My Film Project
Last summer, I flew to Iceland to shoot exterior sequences for “Par in the Fjords.” I’d packed all my camera accessories—lens filters, batteries, memory cards—into a budget suitcase I’d grabbed off Amazon. Figured it would be fine.
It wasn’t fine.
Somewhere between Vancouver and Reykjavik, a zipper gave out. Half my gear spilled across the baggage carousel. I spent the first three hours of my shoot crawling around the luggage area looking for a missing polarizer filter instead of capturing that perfect golden hour light I’d planned for months.
That’s when I learned: your luggage matters. A lot.
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The Real Problem With Buying Luggage
Here’s what nobody tells you when you’re shopping for a suitcase. You walk into a store or browse Amazon, and suddenly you’re drowning in options. Hardside. Softside. Two wheels. Four wheels. Spinners. Rollers. Expandable. TSA locks. YKK zippers. Polycarbonate. ABS plastic.
Every brand claims theirs is the best. Every review contradicts the last one.
And you’re left wondering: what actually matters?
Most buying guides just regurgitate manufacturer specs. They don’t tell you what happens when your bag gets hurled into a cargo hold. They don’t explain which features you’ll actually use versus the ones that are just marketing fluff.
After that Iceland disaster, I did what I do best—obsessed over the details. Talked to flight attendants. Interviewed baggage handlers. Tested suitcases on cobblestone streets in Prague while shooting “Going Home.” Threw bags down stairs (for science, obviously). Read hundreds of real traveler reviews, not the sponsored kind.
Turns out, buying the right luggage isn’t complicated. But it does require knowing what to look for.
Why Most Luggage Fails (And How to Pick One That Won’t)
The luggage industry has a dirty secret: most bags aren’t built to last. They’re designed to look good in showrooms and online photos. But actual durability? That’s secondary.
Here’s what I learned filming in seven countries over two years. The suitcases that survive aren’t always the expensive ones. And the cheap ones aren’t always trash.
What matters is understanding how different features perform in real-world conditions. Because knowing the difference between a chain zipper and a coil zipper might save your entire trip.
The Features That Actually Matter
Let me break down what you really need to know.
Zippers: Your Luggage’s Weakest Link
Remember my Iceland disaster? That failed zipper taught me everything.
There are two types: chain zippers and coil zippers. Chain zippers have interlocking metal teeth. Coil zippers have plastic coils that slide together. Chain zippers are tougher and more secure—you can’t pop them open with a ballpoint pen like you can with coil zippers.
Look for YKK brand zippers. They’re the industry gold standard. If a bag has YKK zippers, it’s usually a sign the manufacturer didn’t cheap out on other components either.
Hardside vs Softside: The Eternal Debate
I own both. Use both. Here’s when each makes sense.
Hardside luggage protects fragile gear better. When I’m traveling with camera equipment—which is basically always—I go hardside. Modern polycarbonate shells are lightweight and tough. They’re waterproof. Easy to wipe clean. Most come with integrated TSA locks for better security.
The downsides? They scratch easily (every scuff tells a story, I guess). They can crack if dropped from serious heights. And you can’t squeeze in “just one more thing” like you can with soft luggage.
Softside luggage is lighter. More flexible. Better for cramming into tight overhead bins or car trunks. Nearly all softside bags have exterior pockets—super handy for quick access to passports, chargers, or shooting notes.
I took a softside bag to Thailand for “The Camping Discovery” because I knew I’d be moving between locations constantly. Needed something I could compress and shove under bus seats. Worked perfectly.
The catch? Softside bags offer less protection. The fabric can tear. They’re vulnerable to rain unless treated with water-resistant coating. And if someone wants to slash your bag open, fabric won’t stop them.
Which is better? Depends on your trip. Checking a bag? Go hardside—it’ll survive baggage handlers throwing it around. Carry-on only? Softside might fit better in packed overhead compartments.
Wheels: Two vs Four Changes Everything
This one surprised me.
Four-wheel spinners are everywhere now. They glide smoothly in airports. You can roll them beside you, in front of you, behind you. They’re easier to maneuver through narrow airplane aisles.
But here’s the thing. Those externally mounted spinner wheels are vulnerable. They snap off. I’ve seen it happen multiple times at baggage claim.
Two-wheel suitcases have recessed wheels that are protected from impact. They’re better for uneven surfaces—cobblestones, cracked sidewalks, curbs. When I shot “Married & Isolated” in rural Portugal, my two-wheeler handled those old village streets way better than a spinner would have.
The trade-off? Two-wheelers are less ergonomic. You have to tilt and drag them. And those recessed wheels eat up interior packing space.
For pure airport travel on smooth floors, spinners win. For city streets and varied terrain, two wheels are more reliable.
Weight Matters More Than You Think
Airlines are strict about weight limits. And checked bag fees add up fast.
The bag itself shouldn’t weigh you down. Aim for 7.5 pounds or less for wheeled luggage. Nonwheeled bags should be under 4 pounds.
I learned this the hard way shooting “Blood Buddies.” Had to pay overweight fees three times because I didn’t account for how heavy the empty suitcase was before I even packed my gear.
Weigh your packed bag before you leave for the airport. Trust me on this. Nothing ruins a travel day faster than repacking at the check-in counter while everyone behind you glares.
Handles: The Part Nobody Thinks About
A good handle makes a massive difference on long travel days.
Look for adjustable-length handles with soft grips. Make sure the handle retracts fully inside the luggage—partially extended handles break easily when bags get thrown around.
Two-post handle systems are better than single-post. They’re more stable and let you strap a smaller bag on top while you’re moving through terminals.
Test the handle in the store if you can. Does it rattle? Does it feel flimsy? That’s your answer right there.
Compartments and Organization
I used to think organization didn’t matter much. Just throw everything in and deal with it later, right?
Wrong.
On longer shoots, good compartment design saves time. Padded laptop sections keep your electronics safe without needing a separate bag. Suiter compartments let business travelers pack formal wear without needing a garment bag.
For filmmakers like me, having dedicated spaces for specific gear means I’m not digging through everything looking for one cable at 5 AM before a shoot.
Locks: TSA-Compliant or Nothing
For U.S. travel, your lock needs to be TSA-compliant. This means security agents can open it with a master key instead of cutting it off if they need to inspect your bag.
Most integrated locks on modern luggage are TSA-compliant. If you’re adding an aftermarket lock, check the packaging—it should clearly state whether it’s TSA-compliant.
I replace lost locks with simple TSA-approved padlocks. Nothing fancy. They work.
Choosing the Right Size
Size matters more than you’d think. Here’s how to decide.
Carry-On Luggage
For domestic flights, carry-on dimensions are typically 22 inches high × 14 inches wide × 9 inches deep. That includes wheels and handles.
But here’s the catch: airlines aren’t consistent. European carriers often have stricter limits. Budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier are even more restrictive.
Measure your bag yourself. Manufacturer labels lie. Consumer Reports found that 9 out of 11 suitcases they tested were larger than advertised.
If you fly multiple carriers, buy a carry-on that meets the most restrictive rules. Otherwise you’ll end up checking bags and paying fees you didn’t budget for.
I keep a carry-on that maxes out at 21 inches. Haven’t had to check it once in three years of constant travel for film projects.
Personal Item Bags
Your carry-on isn’t your personal item. Learned that the first time I tried to board with both and got stopped at the gate.
A personal item fits under the seat in front of you. Think briefcases, small backpacks, camera bags, laptop bags. For U.S. flights, dimensions range from 17×9×10 inches to 18×14×8 inches.
Aisle seats have the least underseat room. If you’re tall and always grab aisle seats like me, get a smaller personal item bag.
Pro tip: check airline guidelines for pet carriers. Those dimensions usually match the actual underseat clearance better than the vague “must fit under seat” descriptions.
Checked Luggage
Standard checked luggage ranges from 24 to 30 inches in height. You can go up to 36 inches, but check with your airline first.
Most carriers charge $30–$35 for the first checked bag, $40+ for a second, and $150+ for a third. Budget airlines charge for everything, including carry-ons.
Some airline credit cards waive checked bag fees. Worth looking into if you travel frequently.
I typically use a 26-inch checked bag for longer shoots. Holds all my camera gear plus clothes for two weeks without going overweight.
Storage Matters (Even If You’re Not Thinking About It Yet)
Where will you store your luggage when you’re not traveling?
Hardside luggage doesn’t compress. It takes up the same space empty or full. If you live in a small apartment, that matters.
Softside bags are more forgiving. Duffel bags and backpacks can be shoved into closets, under beds, or any awkward corner.
I keep my hardside bags in my garage. My softside bags fold into a storage bin in my closet. Think about your space before you buy.
The Brands That Don’t Suck
After testing too many bags to count, here’s what actually holds up.
For Carry-Ons: Travelpro, Samsonite, Briggs & Riley, Away, Eagle Creek. All solid. Flight attendants swear by Travelpro—that tells you something.
For Checked Luggage: American Tourister, Travelpro, Samsonite, Delsey, Ricardo Beverly Hills. These brands consistently get high marks for durability and customer satisfaction.
Premium Options: If you’ve got budget for it, Briggs & Riley and Tumi are worth the investment. Exceptional build quality. Lifetime warranties that actually mean something.
Monos is getting popular in the mid-range category. Good design. Reasonable prices. I haven’t put one through years of abuse yet, but initial impressions are positive.
Budget-Friendly: Samsonite’s entry-level lines punch above their price point. American Tourister too. You can get decent quality without dropping $400 on a carry-on.
Travel Mode Matters
How you travel changes what you need.
Flying: Pay attention to airline restrictions. Keep your carry-on within limits. Watch the weight on checked bags.
Road Trips: Flexibility matters more than rigid protection. Soft bags maximize trunk space better than hardside luggage.
Cruises: Flat, rigid bags stack better in ship storage. Hardside luggage is ideal here.
Train Travel: You’ll be lifting your bag more than rolling it. Weight becomes crucial. Two-wheeled bags handle platform gaps and train steps better than spinners.
I shot “Noelle’s Package” across five cities by train through Europe. My lightweight two-wheeler was perfect. Watched people struggle with heavy spinners at every station.
Don’t Fall for These Traps
Trap #1: “Carry-On Approved” Labels
Ignore them. There’s no universal standard. Airlines set their own rules. Measure your bag yourself or risk gate-checking it.
Trap #2: Buying Too Big
Bigger isn’t always better. A 30-inch checked bag might seem great until you’re lugging it through three terminals. Right-sizing your luggage to your actual needs makes travel way easier.
Trap #3: Choosing Style Over Substance
Pretty suitcases photograph well. But if the zippers fail or the wheels break, who cares how good it looked on Instagram?
Function first. Style second.
Trap #4: Skipping the Warranty Check
Some brands offer lifetime warranties. Others give you 90 days. This matters when you’re investing in quality luggage.
The Quick Decision Guide
Still overwhelmed? Here’s the simple version:
Short trips (weekend to 5 days): 21-inch carry-on, softside for flexibility.
Week-long trips: 24-26 inch checked bag if you’re packing a lot, or a maxed-out carry-on if you pack light.
Two weeks or more: 28-30 inch checked bag, hardside if you’re protecting valuables.
Frequent business travel: Softside carry-on with laptop compartment and exterior pockets. Look for Travelpro or Briggs & Riley.
Adventure travel: Two-wheeled softside bag or a travel backpack. Spinners fail on rough terrain.
Protecting film equipment: Hardside. Always. No exceptions.
What I Actually Use Now
After all this research and testing, here’s what I travel with:
For carry-on: A 21-inch softside Travelpro with exterior pockets. Lightweight. Handles anything. Flight attendants use them because they know what works.
For checked bags: A 26-inch Samsonite hardside spinner when I’m traveling with camera gear. A 28-inch softside when I’m not.
Personal item: A small camera backpack that fits under seats. Holds my laptop, shooting notes, and essentials.
It’s not fancy. It works.
The Mistakes That Cost You Money (And Sanity)
Here’s something nobody talks about: nearly 73% of travelers regret buying their luggage within the first year.
That’s insane. Three out of four people make the wrong choice.
After years of testing bags on film shoots and talking to hundreds of travelers, I’ve figured out why. It’s not that people are dumb. It’s that they make the same predictable mistakes.
Mistake #1: Buying Oversized Luggage
Bigger feels better when you’re standing in the store. More space for everything, right?
Wrong.
Airlines calculate luggage size using linear dimensions—that’s height + width + depth combined. For most carriers, checked bags can’t exceed 62 linear inches total.
That 30-inch suitcase that’s 20 inches wide and 14 inches deep? That’s 64 linear inches. You just paid an oversized baggage fee.
I watched someone at Vancouver airport get hit with a $200 oversized fee because they didn’t measure correctly. The bag “looked normal” but exceeded limits by two inches.
Always measure yourself. Manufacturer labels lie constantly. Consumer Reports tested this and found 9 out of 11 suitcases were larger than advertised.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Empty Weight
Heavy luggage steals your packing capacity.
If your empty suitcase weighs 12 pounds, and the airline limit is 50 pounds, you only get 38 pounds for your actual stuff. That’s a problem on longer trips.
I made this mistake on “Blood Buddies.” Packed a heavy hardside bag, filled it with equipment, hit 54 pounds. Had to repack at the check-in counter while people behind me glared.
Aim for bags under 7.5 pounds empty. Your clothes and gear will thank you.
Mistake #3: Wrong Wheel Choice for Your Travel Style
Spinner wheels look great on smooth airport floors. But if you’re traveling to cities with cobblestone streets, they’re a nightmare.
I’ve watched spinner wheels snap off in Prague, Barcelona, and Lisbon. The externally mounted wheels can’t handle uneven surfaces.
Match your wheels to where you’re actually going. Airports only? Spinners are fine. Real cities with real streets? Two-wheelers last longer.
Mistake #4: Skipping Warranty Research
Some brands offer lifetime warranties. Others give you 90 days.
Briggs & Riley repairs or replaces luggage for life, no questions asked. That’s worth paying extra for.
Away offers 100-day trials plus limited lifetime warranties. Travelpro has strong warranty coverage.
Budget brands? You might get a year if you’re lucky.
When you’re spending $200+ on luggage, warranty matters. Don’t skip this research.
Mistake #5: Focusing on Looks Over Function
Instagram-pretty luggage photographs well. But pretty zippers still break.
I’ve seen gorgeous rose gold hardside bags with wheels that failed after three flights. The manufacturer used cheap components to hit a price point while maintaining the aesthetic.
Function first. Always.
A boring-looking bag with YKK zippers and solid construction will outlast a pretty bag with questionable internals every single time.
Mistake #6: Not Understanding Denier Ratings
If you’re buying softside luggage, denier count matters.
Denier measures fabric thickness and durability. Higher numbers mean tougher, more durable fabric.
Here’s the breakdown:
- 600D polyester: Budget quality, won’t last long
- 1000D nylon: Solid mid-range durability
- 1680D ballistic nylon: Premium, extremely tough
Quality softside luggage should be at least 1000D. Anything less tears easier and won’t survive aggressive baggage handlers.
Budget bags often use 600D fabric. Looks fine initially. Falls apart within a year of regular use.
Mistake #7: Not Factoring in Current Airline Fees
Luggage costs don’t end at purchase. Airline fees add up fast.
As of 2025, here’s what you’re paying:
Major Carriers (Delta, United, American):
- First checked bag: $35-40 ($35 if you pay online)
- Second checked bag: $45
- Third bag: $150+
Southwest (they finally caved and added fees in May 2025):
- First bag: $35
- Second bag: $45
- Used to be free. Not anymore.
Budget Airlines (Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant):
- Carry-on: $35-99 depending on when you pay
- Checked bags: $34-99
- These guys charge for EVERYTHING. Pay online when you book or fees double at the airport.
Pro tip: If you fly one airline frequently, get their credit card. Most waive the first checked bag fee. The annual fee ($100-ish) pays for itself after 2-3 round trips.
Delta, United, and American all have co-branded cards that include free checked bags.
Understanding Expansion Systems (And Why They Matter)
Modern luggage often includes expansion zippers. Pull a zipper between the shells, gain 2-3 inches of depth.
Sounds great. But here’s the catch.
Expanded bags often don’t fit in overhead bins. Consumer Reports tested this. Most expandable carry-ons exceeded size limits when expanded.
You expand your bag to fit souvenirs. Then you can’t use it as a carry-on anymore. Now you’re checking it and paying fees.
Expansion features are useful for checked luggage. For carry-ons, they’re a trap unless you’re disciplined about keeping them unexpanded.
The expansion fabric is also usually lower-denier material. It’s a weak point where the bag can tear under stress.
I use expansion features on checked bags only. Never on carry-ons.
Warranties: What Actually Matters
Not all warranties are created equal.
Lifetime Warranties Worth Having:
- Briggs & Riley: Repairs or replaces anything, even airline damage, forever. No questions asked. This is the gold standard.
- Travelpro: Limited lifetime warranty covering manufacturing defects. Doesn’t cover airline damage.
- Away: Limited lifetime warranty plus 100-day trial period.
Mid-Range Coverage:
- Samsonite: 3-10 year warranties depending on product line
- Delsey: 10 year limited warranty on most lines
- Monos: 100-day trial, then limited coverage
Budget Brands: Usually 1-3 years, manufacturing defects only.
Read the fine print. “Lifetime” doesn’t always mean what you think. Some exclude wheels, handles, and zippers—the parts that break most often.
If a brand stands behind their product for life, they’re confident it’ll last. That confidence is worth paying for.
The Bottom Line
Good luggage isn’t about brands or price tags. It’s about matching features to how you actually travel.
Think about your trips. Where are you going? How are you getting there? What are you packing?
Answer those questions honestly, and the right luggage becomes obvious.
Just don’t wait until you’re crawling around a baggage carousel in Iceland looking for camera equipment at 2 AM. Learn from my mistakes.
Your future self will thank you.
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About the Author:
Trent Peek is a filmmaker specializing in directing, producing, and acting. He works with high-end cinema cameras from RED and ARRI and also values the versatility of cameras like the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema.
His recent short film “Going Home” was selected for the 2024 Soho International Film Festival, highlighting his skill in crafting compelling narratives. Learn more about his work on [IMDB], [YouTube], [Vimeo], and [Stage 32].
In his downtime, he likes to travel (sometimes he even manages to pack the right shoes), curl up with a book (and usually fall asleep after two pages), and brainstorm film ideas (most of which will never see the light of day). It’s a good way to keep himself occupied, even if he’s a bit of a mess at it all.
P.S. It’s really weird to talk in the third person
Tune In: He recently appeared on the Pushin Podcast, sharing insights into the director’s role in independent productions.
For more behind-the-scenes content and project updates, visit his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@trentalor.
For business inquiries, please get in touch with him at trentalor@peekatthis.com. You can also find Trent on Instagram @trentalor and Facebook @peekatthis.