Question from Cheryl
I really need a new suitcase for my trips back east to visit family. I need something with some shape to it because I live out of the suitcase the whole trip as I visit various family members. I borrowed a popular commercial one for a recent trip and found that my clothes picked up the smell of the suitcase. Do you have any recommendations that do not have heavy outgassing ? I’m assuming that the tapestry/cloth suitcases could be okay but wanted to check with you first.
Debra’s Answer
I’ve been struggling with the luggage question for months.
I have a set of old leather luggage that I love–old style too, with belts in addition to latches. I’ve been using it for about twenty years and have taken it everywhere I’ve traveled. The belts and latches have all broken and been replaced, but now the spines are breaking and I really don’t think they will make it through another airplane trip, being tossed around as they do in airports.
Knowing I would be taking this trip to San Francisco this week, I’ve been looking for new luggage for months and running into the same problems. The synthetic luggage just STINKS! And I didn’t want to contaminate my clothing. Also, I wanted luggage with wheels this time around as I am tired of carrying it or strapping it to wheels.
I too wanted something with structure, which is why I wasn’t just getting the immediately obvious option: cotton canvas bags. Port Canvas has a wonderful selection of affordable, sturdy cotton canvas luggage, but it is soft.
I checked out the tapestry/cloth suitcases, but, alas, they too smelled because they are made from synthetic materials. Many years ago I purchased a linen and leather garment bag. I wish they still made these.
The most natural suitcases I could find were made by Hartmann. Made with leather and natural fibers, these do not smell at all, but they cost in the neighborhood of $800 a piece. I’m just not going to spend $800 on a piece of luggage that is going to get thrown around at the airport and anyone could pick up at baggage claim. That’s just a theft waiting to happen.
Patagonia!! We have several with no odor and some have wheels. I am giving away the samsonite I bought a Kohls years ago since they STILL smell like a sweet plastic PVC smell.
Patagonia Just substituted one con for another. They use GMO material/fibers With live organisms!
I just bought an old suitcase made by “The American Trunk Company.” It is beautiful hard sided teal cover. The lining is silky but I just discovered a tag that reads ” Celanese Acetate Lining.” I looked this up and it appears that the plant that produced it became a toxic site. Anyone know if this lining is still toxic? The product was used to replace silk in aircraft.
Here’s the EPA statement about the toxic site. . “Ammonia, metals, PCBs, organic solvents, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds…” Pretty toxic.
But who know what the situation was decades ago when this suitcase was made.
Not sure if they still carry them, but I bought a hard side, polyethylene case with no material inside at all, with wheels at the Samsonite outlet. Washed it out with baking soda, no smell. Works for me. Previously I had other hard sided luggage that I took the lining out of. I need wheels!
Could you look on your luggage to see if it has a model name? I want to look it up.
It’s stored away with tons of junk on top of it. If I ever get any company, I’ll see if someone can help me get to it. Sorry!
Contact Info for Samsonite:
https://shop.samsonite.com/contact-us
I bought an American tourister luggage and the odor of chemicals was horrible. I put a bowl of white vinegar and two open boxes of baking soda. I closed it and left for 2 days. Odor is gone but I hope it’s safe to use
Dear Debra,
Will packing using cotton bags or polyethilene bags protect your clothes inside regular luggage?
Thank you.
COMMENT FROM DEBRA:
If you are asking with cotton or polyethylene bags protect your clothes from toxic vapors generated inside luggage from their interior materials, the answer is no. Cotton not at all. Polyethylene needs a certain thickness that is more than most polyethylene bags.
Debra, what do you think of this one?
http://www.overstock.com/Luggage-Bags/Eco-Traveler-2-piece-Expandable-Carry-on-Luggage-Set/3110092/product.html
Thanks!
COMMENT FROM DEBRA:
This looks pretty good to me on paper. Note a few synthetic parts, but overall this might be a good one. These are closeouts though so it won’t last long. Can’t determine from description if there are any finishes on the fabric, so you might ask about that.
Wrapping items well in several layers of foil will give more protection than cotton or polyethylene bags. Airing the foil out first will help to dissipate any odors, including fragrance that it has picked up in stores or other sources