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When It Comes To Your Gear, Do You Spend More Or Replace Faster?

February 11, 2009 at 10:01 AM | by | Comments (6)

Last Christmas we ripped the wrapping off a brand new, custom Timbuk2 messenger bag. After ten years, we were pressed to upgrade from a $20 bag from the Delia*s catalog by a generous relative, and we were confident it would serve us well on those short trips for which a mini wheely would be inappropriate.

Imagine our surprise when, barely six weeks and two overnight trips later, our Timbuk2 is already showing signs of wear, from loose threads off the buckles to (distressingly) a fraying corner. Suddenly we're rethinking our strategy -- that quality trumps quantity, eventually if not immediately.

Travelers are generally of two minds on gear: Invest in long-wearing classics that you can preserve (call it the Louboutin theory) or travel on cheap stuff it's okay to wreck (the Target theory). So which are you?

Let us know which fancy schmancy travel gear has fallen apart and which gear has passed your rigorous TSA-handling tests in comments below.

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[Photo: CeeKay's Pix]

Comments (6)

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Return to » When It Comes To Your Gear, Do You Spend More Or Replace Faster?


ooo

I like this post. Yea, I can't get into those Timbuk2 bags. I see so many on the streets and the looks just as you described, and worse. I have a Freitag (the Cooper style) and I haul everything in it, from 50lbs of groceries and assorted crap to my computer to my stuff for weekend trips. It's what I took to Hong Kong with me last week and what I take to Starbucks daily here in NYC. It's even cream in color, but the good thing about tarp is that I can take a sponge to it every so often and scrub the crap out/off of it. So yea, Freitag all the way.
JetSetCD on February 11, 2009 at 10:36 AM #Permalink

price

And oh yes, it was $175 when I got it. Might be closer to $200 now. The straps are even recycled seatbelt.
JetSetCD on February 11, 2009 at 10:37 AM #Permalink

Go Big Or Go Home

I'd rather spend a little extra on something that lasts. I really dig Tom Bihn's bags. I've had one for my laptop/everything else for two or three years and it looks as good as new. Made in the USA too!
kjb on February 11, 2009 at 4:43 PM #Permalink

it all depends

i get bored of laptop cases so i have about 2 to 3 that i rotate between. however, my fave one is a lesportsac tote from about 4 years ago. ive been using this steadily for the past 6 months. i love it because it weighs nothing--it's nylon. which helps when you are throwing in a laptop and a power cord. it's also washable so ive had gum stuck to the bottom of the bag and i spilled cranberry juice in an outside pocket (don't ask) and i just plopped in washing machine. good as new!
juliana on February 11, 2009 at 11:14 PM #Permalink
Parent

I am embarrassed by this.

I go for replacing faster -- especially because I always buy luggage and bags and such when I need 'em, which usually comes right around the time I have just seen a massive chunk of my bank account go toward an airline ticket or hotel stay.

My $72 giant Vera Bradley duffel bag is going on its 5th year of life and it is holding up ASTOUNDINGLY well. If you don't mind the super obnoxious colors and patterns (which I obvs don't), it has served me better than any wheelie bag for overnight quickie trips, the gym, etc. The trick with those things is to get really bright colors because the darks fade fast.

Perhaps this is why nobody takes me seriously as an adult.

Also, Tumi's hold up pretty well but they are PRICEY.

Jenna on February 23, 2009 at 3:44 PM #Permalink

Quality over leaky shampoo

I tend to splurge on such goods. $12 suitcase from NYC flea market in order to bring souvenirs home? Lasted only 2 more trips after that. Meanwhile I've had my carry-on suitcase from Atlantic for 12 years, and it's going strong. ZipLoc filled with 99 cent 3 oz. bottles from the drug store? Be prepared for shampoo or hair gel on your clothes. All my bottles are Nalgene and stored in a TSA-approved quart-size Eagle Creek bag.
Susan Brigid Clark on February 27, 2009 at 3:50 PM #Permalink

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