Keychain metal bottle opener from 2000. Gift from my then girlfriend when her and her family went to Vegas. It’s been and edc on my chain wallet 23+ years. Still opens bottles without issue.

There’s no luggage manufacturer that’ll do quick returns or exchanges. I’m not saying to bring the backup with you. I’m saying if your travel needs are greater than six days to bring a carryon and checked luggage. Depending on who your travel with (airline) you should have status and get free checked luggage for your first 2 checked bags. Have the backups at home. This way you minimize downtime. If you’re saying you don’t have extra space in your home for additional luggage then you’re sol. I keep my spares inside of other luggage (overnight bag inside of carryon and carryon inside of checked bag).

My philosophy is, if I’m gone for more than six days being checked luggage. If less than six days then only carryon.

I travel just as much as you and I’ve learned to have backups. I have 3 carryons, 2 over night bags, 2 checked bags, suit bag and a suite duffel bag. If I know I’m staying anywhere longer than my usual 6 days I bring my checked bag with me and a carry on and messenger bag. Having a double or backup is the solution here. 90% of my luggage is Briggs and Riley and I’ve had to use their repair service before. Though it may take a week or four to get my stuff back I have a backup ready to roll. I learned this the hard way of having to do a long term stint in the field and I didn’t bring any large luggage. So I lived out of my carryon. I then started my collection of luggage and if anything needs repair it gets sent out and I have the backup ready to do. American Airlines ripped my bag once and they repaired it for free just took 2 months to get it returned to me. I then said I need to get a backup and here I am with all the luggage listed above.

I have both the 2 wheel and 4 wheel spinner. Just get the 2 wheel and call it a day. That lifetime warranty and build quality can’t be beat. One of the biggest downsides is when it gets gate checked it can be mistaken by someone else. Personalized luggage is the way to go. Oil marker and spray paint. The 4 wheel spinner is just a durable but I hate the way it feels when on concrete. Change is good and luggage works makes a quality product too. Just a brand whore at this moment. Given B&R have taken care of me throughout the years of 50+ flights annually.

Briggs & Riley @work backpacks have a lifetime warranty look professional and are versatile.

Briggs & Riley. Enough said. Lifetime warranty. Built for the traveler and easy repairs.

It ain’t leather but it sure as has lasted me 2 decades now for my j sling and 1 decade on my walls streeter. I’ve changed the strap a twice, as it looses it spring. Still my edc.