Lighthouse 22" Hybrid Upright Bag
3.6
5
11
11
Prefer previous design
I was encouraged to post a review after talking with a customer service representative. I went online today intending to purchase a new Lighthouse 22" wheeled bag. I've been very pleased with the red 22" wheeled LE bag I've had for the past several years and had already replaced it once early on; other than a zipper tab breaking, it's been problem-free. What I especially like about the bag I have is that it is the lightest--at slightly over 6 #--of all my luggage, and I have several sets from various manufacturers, some much "higher end" than LE. What I'd hoped to find today was an equally light bag, ideally with expansion capability--the only thing missing from the one I have.
I was dismayed to see the current Lighthouse bag weighs in at 9# (according to the information)--which would make it the heaviest of all my lugggage, even heavier than my largest bag--and has been changed to a clamshell design, which I do not like. I'd considered changing to a 4-wheel design for ease of maneuvering in airplane aisles (though I may rethink that now, based on comments of another reviewer here), so that change wasn't a major issue for me. So now I have to begin searching all over again, and whatever I buy won't match what I have. This is a major disappointment. While it may not be an issue for a short trip or a car trip, I wouldn't even consider a 9-lb. bag for extended travel or international travel.
April 11, 2013
ugh.
I know that times change, tastes change, and I usually discount the reviews that say things "used to be better:" - I usually prefer the newer, updated products. Not this time. I hate the 4 small wheels They stick out, which means the suitcase body has to be smaller to still fit the size requirements for carry on...and while that requirement tends to be lax in the US, it is usually stringent in Europe where I've seen people have to pay to check bags because the wheels kept the bag from fitting. When the wheels stick out, I've also had them get caught on conveyor belts and rub so that one or two wheels become misshapen and the suitcase can no longer be pulled along. Running to make a connection? Tipping the suitcase on the 2 big wheels gave enough stability that I could really hurry to the next gate..keeping it upright on 4 wheels is fine for moving slowly, but not when you are hurrying. Not to mention how much easier it is to pull across a rough parking lot and up and down curbs with 2 big wheels. I paid a premium for Lands End luggage relative to what I could get elsewhere cause I loved the wheels. Glad I got a suitcase last year; sorry I can't complete the set.. Well, I have a saved search on eBay, so I may eventually find the piece I want.
I also don't like the clamshell. Don't like having to fully open suitcase to get things, and how small things tend to fall out when closing a clam shell, especially when I am only in a given place for a single day...On a recent trip, I was in a different hotel each night for a week.,
Couldn't you have some of each style? A set with 4 wheels; a sest with 2 wheels?
For now, no more Lands end luggage for me.
August 11, 2012
I'm buying more. Such a useful suitcase.
I have a lovely set of expensive matched luggage that is nowhere near as useful as this. I'm buying more in different colors because my kids keep taking it to use themselves. It's lightweight so even when it's filled I can lift it overhead in a plane. I had it monogrammed with our family name so I can always spot it - that monogramming feature is useful. I love those rolling wheels (took me a little while to learn not to send it spinning off...) so that you don't have to tip the suitcase to move it. What I've found recently on several trips is that this is all I need because it holds so much, which has not been true of other 22 inch suitcases I own. I've had it for six months and used it many times.
I'm not sure why I need to give a "fit" - this isn't clothing. But a lot of clothing fits in it!
October 24, 2011
Small, Placement of Zipper is Awkward
I have the lighthouse bags that preceded this set, and loved them. Had problems with the zippers breaking, but the bag design was FABULOUS. This one I returned immediately for two main reasons:
1) the zipper is in the middle of the suitcase so that it opens half and half on each side. I use this suitcase as a carry on to pack all the kids' things on plane rides - little toys, games, snacks - and having half the suitcase open everytime I want to get to something on the plane only seems like it would cause things to fall out, not to mention it would be harder to get into.
2) As other reviewers have said, the bag itself is smaller than my older ones because the wheels take up some of the length. What happened to the old durable big wheels on the older design that could be dragged on dirt roads if you had to!?!
If you are just packing clothes and constant accessibility is not your goal, I could see how this suitcase might work. But for me, since this was meant for smaller items, I had to send it back.
June 16, 2011
I was disappointed with this. It really seemed small. I will be sending it back.
The quality was very good, but the bag was too small for my use.
June 13, 2011
8 countries later and I'm sold!
I took this bag on a European tour. It was perfect. I was able to carry it on all flights, and pack everything I needed. It is expandable, so that helped. It held up wonderfully. The biggest asset was the four wheels, size, and weight. It was easy to maneuver- even could push down the ailse on the plane by turning it and using the handle to direct. I was able to push it through international airports with one hand over bumps, escalators, etc. The handle has a little "move" in it, but if it breaks, I'm sure Lands End will replace. The carryon duffel is the perfect companion. You can carryon the wheeled suitcase and one other bag. So the duffel can hold purse, camera, snacks, umbrella, rainjacket, medicines, etc.
May 31, 2011
Love This Bag!
I received this as a gift and I fell in love with it as soon as I took it out of the box! It's perfect! Love the color (got it in red and black), love how lightweight it is, the handle moves up and down easily, and it rolls like a gem. My first piece of rolling luggage ever and I can't rave about it enough. It's roomy and comes with a hanging bag for shirts or dresses. This bag can't be more perfect! Absolutely love everything about it!
May 28, 2011
Stylish and Lightweight
The Lighthouse 22" Hybrid is lighter than my older 20" Lighthouse Wheeled Carry-On. I especially like the strap and plastic hook on the bag which is perfect for my computer bag.
April 3, 2011
Great small suitcase for carryon
This compact case is deceptive regarding how much it can hold- with a deep space on each side. The swivel action of the wheels makes it actually fun to manuver and it can turn on a dime. My only disappointment is that it came without a luggage tag built right into the body of the case.
April 3, 2011
My only complaint is that it is slightly smaller that full sized rollones (under seat size) because the 4 wheels use up some of the 22" bag length.
I like the double clam shell design because it means I don't have to dig through top layers to get to lower layers. The double clam shell, is spit in the middle so each half is displayed and available. I also like the expansion gusset so we can use the bag in either its smaller configuration or its full size.
April 2, 2011