Buy it for Life

I've been using a Briggs and Riley (checked bag)since 2006 for quarterly business trips (including overseas: it's been to England, Ireland, India, France, Norway, Russia). Still going strong, nothing's ever broken.

I think it was ~$350 when I bought it. I just looked, and the equivalent model now goes for $750. God-damn, inflation's a bitch.

2016. Used almost monthly for mostly carry-on. Only two issues - the expansion is a little wonky like it got pushed from the side while expanded so one side is stronger/ tighter than the other - one zipper pull is bent and I'm waiting for that to break to take it in.

I've only ever heard good things about Briggs and Riley bags, but here's my take on it:

They're a low key fashion brand. A $700 piece of luggage is a splurge, no matter how nice it is. If it gets replaced 2 or 3 times under warranty, it's probably the last bag you'll ever buy -- but a nice Travelpro should last equally as long, you'll just be buying replacements instead of getting warranty replacements.

This is all dependent on how often you use it, of course. This community isn't about buying the cheapest thing or the most economical thing, so B&R fits the bill, especially if you travel often.

But to reiterate, I've only ever heard good things. They are good bags, and having a good bag is super important if you travel often.

I also want to point out how ridiculous this picture is. Nobody is hand stitching these bags... C'mon!

Bought one of these in 2014, used it for a few years until it got stolen by airport staff. Bought the same model again. It's a reliable bag.

I bought mine back in 2017 and i've taken it on several international trips with no issues. I take good care of my things though.

Sounds like what you really need is a Peli case. Lifetime warranty, tough to survive the apocalypse, and half the price.

I use my B&R bags aaalot and they're awesome. Money well spent

Thanks everyone for your input! I'm weirdly excited about using new luggage lol.