I have had the plastic frame going on 15+ years. (CRJ). A bit small for 4 day trips with winter clothes. Great in the summer.

 

Got 10 years out of bag #1, only sent it back once for a "tune up". Frame was straightened out, zippers replaces, and screws that came out replaced, etc. Was like a new bag. Commuted the whole time with it. Albeit, not on RJ's. Just occasional DH's and not much exposure.

Almost 7 years on bag #2, still going strong. Same, no RJ commuting and just sporadic RJ exposure. Bag 2 is the "suiter" with the additional pocket on the flap. If I need to, I can easily get 10-12 days worth in it if I need to. Or, in the winter I can easily carry the overnight coat as well as a whole slew of other things with no additional bag required. But it will be heavy.

Although, bag #1 was purchased in 2000 when it was PNS and the bag was better built IMO. Better/stouter nylon, etc but the kick plate was weak and separated on the 90 degree bend where it guards the bottom of the bag.

Bag #2, has a better kick plate with a guard on it at the 90 degree bend and is showing ZERO signs of fail.

I haven't looked at the plastic frame bag lately. But it USED to be the weak spot was where the handle mounted in the top frame. It wouldn't take long before that area of frame weakened/fatigued where the telescoping handle mounted.

Granted, that WAS when EVERYONE had a flight bag and that was the spot that took the most flex/stress. Especially when going up and down curbs, etc.

Seems I remember PNS having a longer warranty period than LW. But it is nice to call LW, have a loaner sent to you in a box that you place your bag in and send it back for work if needed. Then repeat to get your bag back.

 

Sorry - regional New Hire FO - ERJ145
non commuter - paper binders for now. EFBs any day now, any day

Leaning towards lifetime guarantee 11 lb Costco special. Those LW bags dominate the scene as far as other pilots, but they sure are ugly and heavier.

26" bag was suggested by some - is that necessary? any issues stowing it if flying an ERJ145 for the indefinite future?

 

There's a very good reason LW dominates the scene.

 

Strong Bags, hands down for me. I have used mine for seven years and have yet to replace a part. Everything is replaceable on it, even the skin. So in theory you should never have to replace the bag, just individual components. The telescopic handle is pretty durable and rigid, and if it does break, I think it's only $25 for a new one. Everything on this bag is replaceable. I've used this bag in every type of environment from regional, corporate, and fractional. Ive had 7 days worth of cap packed in it. The skin can be taken off and washed when it gets dirty, there is no paint to scuff down to the metal, or sharp edges to cut yourself on, and the frame is metal. When I got mine it came with a duffle for free that is still in use today as well (still looks brand new). I just recently got the crew cooler to go along with it, and is equally as well made. I lookforward to many years out of it as well.

 

I really like my LW stealth metal version, but holy cow it's heavy. Mine's got the beefed up zippers and stuff so I feel like it'll last (going on a year and a half now and no damage, half of that commuting). When I see TP I just assume it belongs to a FA..
As for the strongbags cooler, I don't think it can be beaten. I love mine (after having several other competing brands' versions) as it'll hold ice easily all day and food for any 4 day really

 

Will a 26" even fit in the crj ? I think 7 and 9 it would be OK? But the 200 I wouldn't think so?

 

26 inch doesn't meet carry on guidelines, so out of uniform the gate agent may make you check it.

 

20% off all orders with "presday2017" code until the end of the month

 

I've had same bag for 10 years and have not replaced anything on it. I've rolled my bag over curbs, checked it into the back of crj's, and rolled it through slush mixed with type IV fluid on the way to the aircraft. The brand is Pathfinder. 5-10 years ago I saw many pilots with the same bag. I may be the only one left still using this durable bag, have not seen another one in a while.