Samsonite Spinner cabin luggage: a review
Light travel
I travelled to Japan for 10 days with my new travel bag, the Samsonite Spinner. Coincidentally, my partner has the same bag, which meant we were well matched to travel light.
The handsome Samsonite Spinner is a four-wheel drive spinner bag that rolls easily, whether pulled along or driven alongside the walker.
We used public transport everywhere: planes, trains, subways - and our small bags never prevented us running for the next train - and catching it!
I was able easily to lift my bag - strong woman :) - into the overhead racks on planes and trains. Our small bags fitted into the petite Japanese hotel rooms. And I even used my bag as a footrest on longer layovers.
Light luggage
Before buying my new bag, I researched the lightest possible carry on luggage that I could find. The Samsonite Spinner weighs in at a mere 1.5 kgs. This is an excellent option for anyone travelling with carry on luggage only: the average permitted carry on weight is 7 kgs. This means you can pack in an additional 5.5 kgs of clothes and toiletries.
The Samsonite Spinner conforms to the dimensions for permitted carry on bags. I recently wrote about the variation in size and weights permitted by airlines flying in and out of Australia. Check that article for current carry on regulations.
At the start of our trip: leaving Canberra airport with our matching Samsonite bags.
Style never dates
The strange thing is that a few years ago, when researching light bags, I also bought the Samsonite Spinner for my partner - and had forgotten that. So when my new bag arrived, I was delighted that we now have a pigeon pair! These bags are plain, practical and unadorned: perfect for light travellers.
Quality
The Samsonite Spinner is a good quality, soft bag with a single zip opening. It does not have the option to expand, which is not a bad thing if you are only able to travel with 7 kgs: no temptation to over fill the bag.
The zip, handle, wheels and various other bits and pieces of the bag work well. Nothing broke or jammed or tore during this trip. Having said that, I never had my bag transported by the airlines - which is a good thing!
My bag midway through our Japan trip
The inside of my bag has orange trim, which is a nice contrast to the plain grey exterior. The bag came with an additional soft overnight bag, rolled in its own pouch - for any additional purchases or alternately this small bag can be used as a day bag when travelling. The Samsonite Spinner also comes with a combination lock, which I didn't use as my bag does not go into the hold.
The Planepack way
I am firmly committed to travelling light: only one carry on bag that weighs no more than 7 kgs. The benefits of travelling light are many and varied: it's easy to get in and out of cars, trains, subways and planes; my bag is always with me (never lost or delayed); as a traveller, I can be flexible and change destinations at a whim; a limited wardrobe means less hassle and decisions in the morning, and I never, ever stand anxiously at the airport baggage carousel, waiting for luggage that doesn't come.
It's so easy travelling with a small bag! At the end of our trip, showing off our matching Samsonites as we prepare to board the Bullet Train from Kyoto to Tokyo.
The Samsonite Spinner is an excellent, functional and handsome piece of luggage that I can see myself using for many more trips to come. I highly recommend it to anyone considering a new small carry on bag.
Rating: 5/5
