Luggage Shopping with Briggs and Riley's BRX Line #brxtravelgear

We tend to go through luggage pretty quickly around here, at least that’s been our MO up until now. Waaaay back when Jay and I were doing the long distance dating thing (from NH to WI) we both went through several bags in a few years. I should probably say that the AIRLINES went through the bags, as most of the damage took place while the bags were out of our sight!

We bought some new bags and took them on our honeymoon and on several trips during the couple of years after, and before we knew it, we had rips, tears and random metal pieces sticking out of those too. We had bought a little “better quality” bags this time thinking they might last a longer. They didn’t.

By the time we were starting to vacation as a family, we needed new bags again. We just bought whatever was on sale at TJMaxx and figured it didn’t matter if they got a little beat up for what we had paid. Three Disney vacations later, they were looking pretty bad.

When I was offered the opportuntity to go shopping for new luggage, I jumped at the chance – especially when I heard that the luggage I would be shopping for was “adventure gear” meaning especially rugged and had a …..wait for it……lifetime guarantee.

Sign me up!!!

So off I went in search of Briggs and Riley’s new BRX line. I started by doing some checking online to find out what was the maximum size carry-on bag most airlines will allow.

Next, I went to Briggs and Riley’s website to see what they offered that might fit my needs.

It looked like both the 19″ and 22″ uprights would work for me. I wanted to see them in person to get a better idea how much each one would hold. I downloaded a list of stores near me that carry the BRX line and headed out. (Looking back, I realize that calling first would have been a smart move!)

I headed to REI who was listed as a retailer but was told that did not carry any of the BRX line. Next, I went over to Erehwon at the Bayshore Mall who said that they usually do carry it, but were sold out at the moment.

Ugh!

Next I went to Laake & Joys who did have several pieces of the BRX line in stock for me to look at.

You’ve gotta love a store with a big blue canoe propped up by the door!

I looked around for luggage and had to ask someone where it was. Turns out it’s hidden away behind the tents!

The guy showed me where the BRX line was – I was disappointed to see that they only had three pieces. Luckily, both of the ones I was interested in were there.

I pulled out the 19″ to take a look at.

I thought it might be a tad small for me – I tend to overpack!

Next, I grabbed the 22″…

This looked a tad roomier but would still meet most airline regulations.

I checked the tag, just to make sure.

Surprisingly, there wasn’t any literature or information about the features of the suitcase, so I just started exploring on my own.

There was a handy small pocket on top – perfect for those liquid items in a ziplock that have to be scanned separately.

There was also a luggage tag with its own pocket – no fear of losing it or having it read by some passerby.

Both bags also had a padded laptop pocket (with exterior access) perfect for a tablet, iPad, or laptop.

Both bags also had a strap so that you could attach additional bags. The great feature is that these straps have built it storage so you’re not always losing them!

The 22″ bag certainly looked like it could hold a couple of day’s worth of clothes – even for me – so that is the one I chose.

The following week, I got to give my new bag a try as I was headed down to Bloggy Boot Camp Chicago. I packed about three days’ worth of clothes in it along with my laptop and charger and they fit with room to spare.

(I use packing cubes to help keep my clothes neat and organized while travelling.)

Here it is (open) next to the BRX rolling duffle for comparison.

And here are both packed and ready to go!

There are a number of things I love about the Briggs and Riley BRX line:

The lifetime guarantee – even if the damage is caused by the airline. While these bags cost a little more upfront, not having to replace them every three years will save money over the long run.
The weight of the bags – before I put all of my stuff in, it was really light!
Organization – I love that it has a place for everything I would be needing to get at during my flight.

The only complaint I have about the bags is the lack of color choices. While I’m grateful that it’s not the typical black bag, I really didn’t care for the tan and would have liked another option or two other than the grey. Petty complaint, I know!

This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. All opinions expressed are my own.

Luggage Shopping with Briggs and Riley’s BRX Line #brxtravelgear

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