If you’re looking for a practical luggage solution, you can’t do better than Briggs & Riley. We outlined the reasons in our luggage picks post, but I’ll summarize. They’ve got an ironclad guarantee and easy replacement all over the world, they’re lightweight and decent looking. You can even buy them in colors other than black.
There’s currently a wide range of Briggs & Riley on sale at Sierra Trading Post. With a DealFlyer coupon (you’ll need to signup on STP, as their coupons are one-use-only) you should be able to get a genuinely excellent suitcase for about $150.
The great thing about Briggs & Riley: not only is their quality unimpeachable, but so is their guarantee. I’ve read many stories on clothes and travel forums about the extraordinary extent to which they stand behind their luggage, and the frequent travelers who love it. A worthy investment.