The Wirecutter Show: Episode Summary – "Pack Your Bags!"
Host and Guest Introduction
In the January 29, 2025 episode of The Wirecutter Show, hosted by Christine Cyrclassette, Kyra Blackwell, and Rosie Guerin from The New York Times’ Wirecutter team, the focus is on selecting the ideal luggage for various travel needs. Joining the hosts is esteemed travel writer Kit Dillon, Wirecutter’s senior staff writer specializing in travel gear, who brings a decade of experience and a wealth of knowledge to the discussion.
Christine’s Travel Dilemma
Christine Cyrclassette kicks off the episode by sharing her excitement about an upcoming family trip to Japan. She expresses concerns about her current luggage choices, primarily relying on a minimalist backpack from college and a family duffel bag. Christine highlights the challenges of traveling with family, such as limited storage space at home and the difficulties of lugging a duffel through airports.
“I don’t really know if I have the right bags. I’m not sure.” [02:08]
Discussing Luggage Types: Hard vs. Soft Sided
Kit Dillon delves into the long-standing debate between hard-sided and soft-sided luggage. He explains that, contrary to popular belief, hard-sided luggage does not significantly outperform soft-sided options in terms of protection.
“Hard sided does not seem to protect anything that much more than soft sided does.” [11:34]
Kit points out that soft-sided luggage often offers better organization with additional pockets, making it easier to pack and access items. He also notes that hard-sided bags can suffer catastrophic damage, such as cracking or zipper failure, which can render the luggage unusable.
Price Points and Warranty Considerations
The conversation shifts to the financial aspect of purchasing luggage. Kit advises against spending less than $200, emphasizing that lower-priced bags are more prone to failure.
“Don’t spend less than $200. You’re just risking things going catastrophically awry.” [14:46]
He discusses the value of warranties, highlighting three major brands recommended by Wirecutter: Away, Travelpro, and Briggs & Riley. Kit explains the differing warranty models:
- Travelpro offers excellent warranties against airline damage but requires sending the bag in for repairs.
- Briggs & Riley provide a robust lifetime warranty that covers any defects, allowing repairs at numerous global centers.
- Away tends to replace broken bags entirely, prioritizing customer satisfaction but at a higher environmental cost.
“The baseline of materials have gotten better and cheaper...what you’re paying for in higher end things will often be like, you know, smoother rolling wheels or really nice zipper.” [15:51]
Testing Process and Bag Recommendations
Kit describes Wirecutter’s rigorous testing process, which assesses usability, durability, rolling efficiency, and longevity. He emphasizes that recommended bags should last at least five years, with some like Briggs & Riley lasting a decade or more.
“We look for longevity. So how well will this bag travel over the years?” [20:08]
He shares personal anecdotes, including a memorable incident involving an alligator on a luggage carousel in Equatorial Guinea, underscoring the unpredictable nature of travel.
Packing Tips: The Power of Packing Cubes
One of the standout recommendations from Kit is the use of packing cubes. These organizational tools come in various sizes and help travelers compartmentalize their belongings, making packing and unpacking more efficient.
“Packing cubes are sort of one of those incredible pieces of gear that actually do somewhat alleviate the panic around all this.” [28:18]
He explains how packing cubes facilitate better organization, reduce travel stress, and even allow for packing slightly more items by utilizing space more effectively.
Personalized Recommendations for Travelers
During a lightning round, Kit provides tailored luggage advice based on the hosts’ individual travel styles:
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Kyra Blackwell, a last-minute traveler who prefers carry-ons, is recommended the Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-inch and the Cotopaxi Alpa 35-liter travel pack.
“It carries way more than I think even they advertise.” [24:21]
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Rosie Guerin, who travels with family and requires spacious, nestable luggage, is advised to consider Travelpro Platinum Elite or Briggs & Riley Baseline for their compression systems and robust warranties.
“An incredible piece of luggage.” [26:27]
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Christine Cyrclassette, contemplating a shift from a duffel bag, receives suggestions to transition to soft-sided options like Patagonia’s Black Hole Duffels for better durability and warranty support.
“I feel like I'm not gonna carry it. I'm gonna make my husband carry it.” [27:17]
Final Advice and Wrap-Up
As the episode draws to a close, Kit offers his best advice for chronic overpackers: practice selective packing by removing 30% of items initially considered necessary. This method helps in minimizing luggage weight and avoiding the stress of overpacking.
“The best strategy is honestly is to pull out everything you think you need and then immediately just pull away 30%.” [30:27]
The hosts reflect on the practical takeaways:
- Price Threshold: Aim to spend over $200 for reliable, durable luggage.
- Warranty Importance: Invest in bags with strong warranty support to ensure longevity.
- Soft-Sided Preference: Favor soft-sided luggage for better organization and flexibility.
“My aspirational desire is a trunk for all of my transcontinental travel.” [34:26]
Looking Ahead
The episode concludes with a sneak peek into next week’s topic on selecting the best lubricants through sample packs from sex toy retailers, ensuring listeners have actionable and engaging content to anticipate.
“Make sure you’re following the show on your favorite podcast app so you don’t miss it.” [35:51]
Key Takeaways
- Invest Wisely: Quality luggage over $200 with strong warranties offers better long-term value.
- Soft-Sided Advantages: Enhanced organization and flexibility make soft-sided bags preferable.
- Organizational Tools: Packing cubes significantly improve packing efficiency and reduce travel stress.
- Tailored Choices: Select luggage based on specific travel needs, whether solo, family, or adventure travel.
Notable Quotes
- Kit Dillon: “Hard sided does not seem to protect anything that much more than soft sided does.” [11:34]
- Kit Dillon: “Don’t spend less than $200. You’re just risking things going catastrophically awry.” [14:46]
- Christine Cyrclassette: “I absolutely do not feel ready for my trip, but I think that I am clear on what I'm gonna use for my luggage.” [33:33]
Conclusion
The Wirecutter Show episode “Pack Your Bags!” offers comprehensive guidance on selecting the right luggage, balancing functionality, durability, and budget. With expert insights from Kit Dillon, listeners gain valuable knowledge to make informed decisions for their travel needs.