Field Test: 5 lightweight bags

With many airlines adopting new baggage-weight restrictions, luggage manufacturers have shaved pounds off their suitcases. How does that affect durability?

Eagle Creek Tarmac ES 25, $285 (weight: 10 pounds)
Money Magazine's Field Test Winner:
Eagle Creek Tarmac ES 25, $285 (weight: 10 pounds)
Grade: A-
Durability: The nylon never ripped or even scuffed. The telescoping handle got bent, but it was covered under warranty.
Functionality: Few bells and whistles, but this bag is well designed for everyday use, especially the expandable compartment.
Favorite Feature: The exterior "auto cinch system" that helps compress the load.
Warranty: Lifetime "no matter what" policy. If an airline trashes the bag, Eagle Creek will still deal with it.
Bottom Line: The bag may have too sporty a look for some, but it helps if you buy it in black (as opposed to "sangria").
Money Magazine's tester packed these bags to the max, and dropped, dragged and stomped on them.

Eagle Creek

Helium Fusion

Samsonite

Travelpro

Tumi
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Market indexes are shown in real time, except for the DJIA, which is delayed by two minutes. All times are ET. Disclaimer LIBOR Warning: Neither BBA Enterprises Limited, nor the BBA LIBOR Contributor Banks, nor Reuters, can be held liable for any irregularity or inaccuracy of BBA LIBOR. Disclaimer. Morningstar: © 2013 Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer The Dow Jones IndexesSM are proprietary to and distributed by Dow Jones & Company, Inc. and have been licensed for use. All content of the Dow Jones IndexesSM © 2013 is proprietary to Dow Jones & Company, Inc. Chicago Mercantile Association. The market data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved. FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2013. All rights reserved. Most stock quote data provided by BATS.