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 so i would take the 21, time for change!
I am an overpacker so I would take the 29″
I’m an overpacker so I need the 29″ – weight limitations on airlines has helped me cut back but I still have to be selective to avoid overweight charges.
I usually am a minimalist unless it’s a long trip LOL! For my next trip I would take the 29″ so I have space for things I bought on the trip.
I’m probably an over packer and would bring the 29”
Unfortunately I am an overpacker and would need the 29 inch suitcase
Minimalist packer, 21″ suitcase
I’m a minimalist so a 21″ would do for my next trip.
I am a minimalist packer so I would take the 21”.
overpacker – 29″ – easier to bring stuff back and not have to fold anything!
Definately an overpacker unfortunately!!!
I’m an overpacker but I would still go with the 21″ and just make my stuff fit or reduce my stuff.
My husband and I are overpackers (he packs a portable speaker, a plastic wine glass, etc, so we would use the 29″ size.
I’m a minimalist packer so I’d only need the 21″ luggage. I know if I need anything, I can just buy it in the place I’m at. Def need to use storage cubes to make it work though!
I would like the 21 inch that would work for me.
overpacker so maybe the 21 would help me lighten the load
I am minimalist packer so I would take the 21″.
overpacker – 29″
I’m an over-packer – I’d like the 29″ suitcase as I like to shop
minimalist packer so the 21″
As a minimalist packer, the carry-on would be ideal for me! Thank you for a very thoughtful review.
I am a minimalist packer but like to have extra space for my husband’s overflowing bag, so I would take a 29″ bag.
I am a minimalist and would take the 21″.
I am definitely an over packer but always try to be the minimalist packer but it never works for me so would take the 29″ suitcase
I am an overpacker and I would take the 29″ on my next trip.
i am a minimalist, but my wife is an overpacker but i would still choose the 21″
I am definitely an overpacker, so the larger the luggage the better!
overpacker – 29″
I wish I were minimalist but I’m an overpacker and would need the 29″ suitcase.
I like having a carry on that I can keep with me, so I would choose the 21″. I am a minimalist and usually end up not packing the right clothes for the weather anyways.
Although I am a minimalist packer I would go for the 29″ because my husband is not so he usually needs room in my bag.
I’m definitely an overpacker and would use the 29″ but my goal is to one day work towards the 21″ !!
I always overpack. I’d probably take the 29″ even though the 21″ would be roomy enough.
I am an over packer trying to learn to by a minimalist. I would love the 21″ case.
I’m a minimalist packer (or I try to be) – 21″ would be great to help encourage me to be that
I am an overpacker so the 29″ for me
minimalist 21″
I am totally an overpacker lol so the 29″ for me lol (you gotta have room for souvenirs)
minimalist – 21″
overpacker – 29″
minimalist – 21″
minimalist
I am a minimalist packer the 21″ would be perfect.
I an overpacker so I would need the 29″
I am a minimalist packer, I would need the 21″.
I’m an over-packer, but I’d really like to be a minimalist. I’d like the 29″ suitcase because I’d try to fit everything in without needing to check in any luggage (since I may never see it again if I did that!)
I am a heavy overpacker, so I need the 29″
minimalist packer so the 21″
As an overpacker I need the 29″ suitcase 🙂
I am minimalist packer so I would take the 21″.
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