Want to get ready for a well-packed voyage with luggage that’s inspired by days gone by? The Champs Vintage Collection 2-piece hard side luggage will help you do just that. It pairs vintage charm with the loveable favourites of today: features that you’d never see on an old steamer trunk. Think 360-degree wheels, lightweight product materials, and butter-smooth zippers.
What’s included in this Champs Vintage Collection 2 Piece Hard Side Luggage set?
This expandable, hard side luggage set features a 29″ luggage case and a 21″ luggage case. (That’s a large luggage piece and a carry-on luggage piece, though you’ll need to double check carry-on sizing with your airline before travelling.) Both pieces feature integrated TSA locks, 360 degree spinner wheels, and telescoping handles.
Included in the set featured here are two black and orange luggage pieces. The Vintage line also comes in white. Note that this luggage set features two pieces from the Champs Vintage product line, which has vertical ridging; Champs also makes a Vintage III product line, which has horizontal ridging and features different wheels.
Details that pop out about the Vintage collection
My favourite part about this Champs luggage set was its enthusiastic inclusion of pockets. Like most people, I love a good pocket—be it a luggage pocket, a pants pocket, or a pizza pocket. (Just kidding: pizza pockets make for a good pun, but we all know that Pizza Pops are the superior snack.)
Pockets and organizers
In the 21″ carry-on piece, Champs includes a zippered half with an additional mesh pocket overlay. On the other side, there’s an open half with an elastic X-band to hold your clothes and other belongings down. You’ll notice a long, zippered, nylon pocket along with a thick, vinyl zippered pocket that can be removed and reattached with snaps. This vinyl pocket is awesome for storing toiletries or quick-grab items, but not both. (You don’t want to reach your destination only to find your phone charger covered in shower gel goop!)
In the 29″ piece, Champs includes a zippered half with a mesh zippered pocket overlay on one side. In that half, however, there’s also an elastic X-band within. This will help to hold your pocket contents tight during travel, which is especially handy as luggage pieces get larger. You may want to pack light going to your destination but fill up with souvenirs and shopping before coming home; the extra band helps make sure your items stay as safe as possible on the way there.
On the other side of the 29″ hard side luggage piece, there’s an elastic X-band without a covered front. There is no vinyl bag included in this piece. Both the 21″ and 29″ pieces come lined with a zippered opening. You can access underneath the lining of your luggage for additional storage or cleaning. (I always find this to be the ideal spot for storing documents. It’s not to hide them; just to keep them flat and un-rumpled by sweaters and socks.)
Product quality
Every detail that gets added to a piece of luggage costs the manufacturer money to include, so it’s great to see so many organizers built into this set. The zippered expansion on both pieces is handy and easy to use with a smooth zipper, and the number of pockets really is stellar. The integrated TSA-friendly locks work well, with two zippers that can be snapped into place in any order. I also like the inclusion here of 360 degree spinner wheels: They’ll make navigating your travels that much easier.
The 29″ luggage piece features standing feet on its side, which are great for propping your luggage on its side without scuffing it or getting it dirty. The micro-textured shell of these pieces is equally great for this purpose. It hides wear and tear well and resists scratches.
Each of these hard side luggage pieces is extremely light but firm. I like that Champs included a flexing feature on each handle, which makes lifting your bag more comfortable when it’s full. I’d have preferred a softer handle to cut down on pinching, but the flex helps.
Things to look for in the Champs Vintage set
Despite this line’s many positive attributes, I find that this luggage feels slightly flimsy. That may be a benefit if your primary objective is to find a luggage set that’s as lightweight as possible, but it may not deliver the smoothest user experience.
The telescoping handles of the Vintage Collection wobble, not locking firmly into place. They occasionally retract or extend when I don’t want them to. They’re great to have included, but if I was rushing through an airport, I wouldn’t trust the telescoping handles to stay in their position.
There’s also no bottom handle on the larger piece of this collection, which can make lifting it difficult. There is an included side handle, but it’s nice to have both a bottom and side handle when you’re lifting your own bag! If you need to get it up onto a bus, weigh scale, or countertop, having symmetrical handles really helps—and Champs includes a bottom handle on their other designs.
Finally, if you’re looking to purchase this Champs Vintage luggage set because what you seek is a luxury-feel luggage line without luxury pricing, then this is not the set for you. Aesthetically, I think Champs has nailed it here: These pieces look great. But functionally, they aren’t made to the same standard as their design. At minimum, the band wrapping around each piece should be cut at the sides, as shown in the brand’s marketing materials. Instead, my 29″ luggage came with its branding sewn together in the middle, right over the Champs name—a slight defect as the strap was sewn folded under a little bit.
Is every Champs Vintage set the same?
Writer’s Note: This section added February 12th, 2023.
After this review initially went live, Champs reached out to my editor and I to see if we’d like to try a second sample of this same set. The brand representative I spoke to was very gracious, saying that the product quality of the set I reviewed wasn’t representative of the entire line. Perhaps, they said, the band I photographed above was sliced by an exacto knife.
We’re committed to posting fair and honest reviews at the Best Buy blog. So, you’re getting a little peek into the behind-the-scenes work of a product review here—because we do want to give the most accurate representation of the product possible, but we don’t think this would be a fair and honest review if we didn’t let readers know there was a second set.
Upon reviewing and examining the second set, I agree with Champs that the split seam shown in this review is likely not present in every item. And, based on their responsiveness, I think it’s likely that Champs would try to work with the customer if one of their products shipped like this. However, that doesn’t change the fact that we did receive one with the minor flaw pictured above. You can tell in close-up photographs and in real life that the band above was intentionally and precisely finished with an overlap on the name.
What can multiple, identical luggage sets tell you?
Writer’s Note: This section added February 12th, 2023.
As a product reviewer, I receive duplicate items fairly rarely—but it’s actually pretty handy when I do. For instance, in this review, the duplication means that I can tell you that while some of these products contain a small flaw, at least some Champs Vintage luggage sets come out without the luggage seam.
More importantly, I can confirm what stays the same between sets and what changes. Both sets had the same roller wheels and telescoping handles. Both had the same precise stitching. (You’ll notice this even overtop the seamed leather band; the stitching is extremely uniform.) In terms of overall look and construction, my first and second Champs Vintage luggage sets were almost identical, which generally speaks to uniform construction. I noticed additional scuffing on the second set—straight out of the manufacturer’s box—that was not present on the first. It wasn’t particularly evident in person, but is very obvious in still images.
Overall, my recommendation for this luggage set stays the same. It’s a nice two-piece set with lots of space for storage and organization. But, if you want a luxurious luggage experience, I recommend that you try Champs’ updated Vintage III Collection instead. You can read more about Champs’ higher-end product quality in my review of the Champs Marquis Luggage Set from 2019. That particular set is no longer available, but I recall being very satisfied with its quality.
Is the Champs Vintage Collection luggage set worth it?
If you love the look of the Champs Vintage Collection and need both a large and small piece of luggage for your travels, then this 2-piece set will be great for you. Each piece comes with ample storage space, organization, and pockets.
To upgrade your purchase, I recommend shopping for other Champs luggage pieces or purchasing the Champs Vintage III Collection instead. The Vintage III 3-piece Expandable Hardside Luggage Set is slightly more expensive than the 2-piece set, but it’s a better buy with an included middle size. The extra 24″ piece is handy for medium-length trips and travelling with kids. Each luggage piece is also upgraded. With the Vintage III Collection, you get to enjoy a similar design with an enhanced user experience. Expect to see double-set wheels (which roll really smoothly) and a cool, built-in USB charging port next to the TSA-approved lock of the 20″ Vintage III carry-on. Another great choice is the Champs Luxe Set, which comes in three colours and maintains a glamorous, vintage feel with its metallic gold accents.
Shop the Champs Vintage Collection 2-piece hard side luggage online at Best Buy.
Table of Contents
- What’s included in this Champs Vintage Collection 2 Piece Hard Side Luggage set?
- Details that pop out about the Vintage collection
- Things to look for in the Champs Vintage set
- Is every Champs Vintage set the same?
- What can multiple, identical luggage sets tell you?
- Is the Champs Vintage Collection luggage set worth it?
I am an overpacker, I would need the 29″ suitcase
I start out as a minimalist but after shopping on vacation, I’d be an overpacker and need the 29″ Champs!
With my frequent trips to see family in NF, the 21” carry-on would be perfect for the short flight from NB.
But I would love the larger 29” suitcase for a vacation to the Rockies 🙂
I’m in the middle but lean towards minimalist
I would go for the 29 though
I am an overpacker, I would need the 29″ suitcase.
I am a minimalist packer, but wife likes to max out so I would take the largest suitcase I could get. 29″ i guess. also like room to bring back treasures and the local junkfood
I am a minimalist and would take a 21″ or smaller on my next trip
I am a minimalist but would still take a 29″ with me
I am a minimalist and would bring a 21″ with me
I am a pretty good packer. Not over done but everything we need. 29″ would be my pick because although I don’t tend to over pack I do shop and bring a lot of stuff home.
I’m an overpacker and I would bring a 29″ suitcase with me on my next trip.
Times have changed for me! I set out the clothes that I want to bring, then only pack half of it! Apparently I have become a Minimalist so the 21″ would be a “Suitable” choice for me.
I am a minimalist packer,so I would take the 21″ champs luggage hard bag on a trip.
I am a minimalist packer, i would take the 21 champs luggage bag on a trip.
I’m an overpacker and would bring the 29″ suitcase on the next trip
I am a minimalist packer and would take the 21″ on my next trip.
I would like to think I’m a minimalist but I pack way to many vacation outfits, so I’ll go with the 29″. I’m going to Portugal to visit my family in July so this would be a great help with packing.
Overpacker so 29″ – need room for souvenirs and gifts!
I am an over packer so I would take the 29″, however I would share it with another family member.
I am an overpacker, no matter how hard I try! hah I would take the 29″ case on my next trip
I’m a minimalist and I would choose the 21″ for my next trip!!
I am an overpacker but am trying to retrain myself to pack lighter. That said I would take the 29″ and share the bag with my hubby!
Minimalist for sure! More room for souvenirs, so I would take 29″ suitcase!
I’m an overpacker so definitely the 29″
I’m an overpacker, so I would take 29″ suitcase on my next trip.
I’m an overpacker likely the 29″ would be best for me
100% an overpacker, I am def bringing the 29″!
29 inch, overpacker
I’m an overpacker so the 29″ is best for me.
minimalist packer for sure!
The 29” is perfect so that I have extra room!
I would take 29″ suitcase as you never no what your going to want to bring back so need extra room. It depends where I am going warm, I’m a minimalist but sometimes I go to differnt climates so need all kinds of clothes/jackets.
I’m a minimalist. Keep it simple and not complicated (21″)
21 in, minimlist
29 inch, overpacker
We are definite over packers….29in please and ty
I’m usually an overpacker so I would need the 29″
I tend to be an overpacker and would use the 29 inch suitcase to be on the safe side.
I am a minimalist, but make sure I have what is needed for the specified travel, so the luggage size is based on travel needs.
I am an overpacker…and I also like to bring back stuff so I would have to choose the 29″ size of suitcase
I’m a minimalist and I would take 21″ suitcase on my next trip
I’m an over-packer so the 29″ is best for me on my next trip.
I am a minimalist but always bring a large suitcase just in case I find a great buy or unique buy on my vacation. The bigger the better the 29’
I am a minimalists when I pack so I would choice the 21″ suitcase
I’m an overpacker so the 29″ is best for me.
i’m a minimalist so the 21″ is right for me
I’m a minimalist and I would take 29″ suitcase on my next trip
I always over pack. Huge fan of the hard sided Large suitcase with an the expanding zipper.
im an overpacker so the bigger size (29″) would be great! 😀
I’m a minimalist so the 21″ would be my size choice.
As I tend to over pack for my travels, I would require a luggage option that accommodates my needs. Therefore, I believe the Samsonite Ziplite 4.0 29″ Hard Side Expandable Luggage would be the ideal choice for me.
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