Antler Salento 72cm Large Roller > Reviews (3)

Some women have a thing about handbags or shoes but I have a thing about buying new suitcases and bags. I guess my passion could have something to do with my love of travel! However what ever the reason, I admit that I love buying new suitcases and bags! One of the favourites in my collection has to be my Antler Salento.I can’t remember exactly when I bought this case but think it was about two years ago. Neither can I remember how much I paid, but a quick price check shows this case is available from the Antler web site on half price offer at just £42.50.

What you get for your money.
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The Salento I have is the 72 cm one and is the largest in the Salento range. There is also a cabin bag and medium sized bag. The bag measurers 72x44x30 cm and has 68 litres capacity. The bag is quite light weighing just 3 kg before you pack. It is made of strong 600 denier fabric. The base and back panel are reinforced adding strength. The case I have is dark grey but I see that the latest colours on offer are blue or olive. The colour I have doesn’t show the dirt although it doesn’t stand out well on the baggage carousel so I tie a coloured ribbon around the handle so I can spot my bag quickly!

This is a wheeled bag and the wheels are made of strong rubber and situated well apart to give stability. I have owned wheeled bags that really are not that stable and tend to tip over to the side. However this bag is really stable, so scores full marks here. The retractable handle is located inside a zipped flap .There is also a strong rubber covered handle at the side of the bag and another nylon handle at the top.

On the outside of the bag there is one full length pocket on the opening flap and another small pocket at the bottom of the bag. Inside the bag is one large compartment with a full length pocket on the inside of the flap. There are also two small pockets, idea for packing small items you need to locate. The bag has a full length zip so is easy to open. There are two nylon clip straps at the side of the bag allowing you to pull them tight reducing the capacity of the bag. They also give extra security.

My opinion.
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This is one of the most useful bags I own and find it just the right size for me to take enough for a few weeks away. That said I have learnt to be very disciplined when I pack !The case has been used for several trips and shows no sign of any wear. The bag is easy to open and I like the large main compartment inside. The large inside pocket is useful for packing dirty washing, keeping it separate from my clean clothes. The two small pockets are useful for small items and make them easy to locate in the bag.

The full length outside pocket is great for storing books and magazines so I can access them on a bus or train without having to open the main bag. I keep a pack of face wipes and comb in the smaller outside pocket.

I prefer a soft fabric bag as it tends to take up less room than a hard sided case; a consideration if you are hiring a car and may need to squash your bags into a small boot space! The bag is very easy to wheel along and also very stable even when packed full. The side straps will extend to allow you to squash in a surprising amount! The handle is very strong and retracts easily when not in use. I like the zipped flat that covers and protects it from over zealous baggage handlers!

Overall this is a really well made and well designed bag that I hope will see many years of service. Writing this review has started me thinking about my summer travel plans!