When I first considered upgrading my luggage, Olympia USA luggage quickly caught my attention. You know how important reliable luggage is when you’re traveling, whether for work or fun.
I’ve been through my fair share of suitcases—some lasted just a trip or two, others stayed with me for years. So, naturally, I did my homework before picking Olympia USA, and I must say, I’ve been pleasantly surprised.
But before I get into the details of my experience, let me share something that’s essential—where to buy this luggage. It’s crucial to find a reputable source, and I’ve found that buying directly from Olympia’s website or trusted retailers like Amazon, Target, or Walmart is your safest bet.
These platforms offer protection plans, and you can easily return items if anything’s off. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the deals and discounts that pop up often!
Now, let’s talk about what makes Olympia USA luggage a popular choice and why it might be worth considering for your next trip.
Why Olympia USA Luggage Stands Out?
Olympia USA has been a go-to brand for travelers seeking quality luggage without breaking the bank.
The brand offers various designs, and this 3-piece luggage set is no exception.
Built with a blend of polycarbonate (PC) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), this set combines style with durability.
You get a lightweight yet sturdy piece of luggage that doesn’t sacrifice quality for the price.
I opted for the 3-piece set, which includes a carry-on, a medium suitcase, and a larger option, each expandable for when you need extra packing space.
Let me break down what I think makes this set stand out in my experience.
Pros of Olympia USA Luggage
- Durability and Lightweight Design
As someone who’s traveled both for short and long trips, I need luggage that can handle being tossed around but isn’t too heavy. The Olympia USA set struck the perfect balance. The material—ABS and PC—makes it tough enough to resist scratches, dents, and rough handling.
Plus, it’s lightweight, so you can pack more without worrying about exceeding weight limits. I’ve seen other hard-shell luggage crack under pressure, but this one seems to hold up quite well, even after multiple uses.
- 360° Dual Spinning Wheel System
Let’s talk about wheels. If you’ve ever struggled to drag your luggage through crowded airports or along uneven sidewalks, you know how frustrating it can be. The Olympia USA set has a 360° Dual Spinning Wheel System that makes gliding the suitcases effortless.
Whether I was on smooth airport floors or bumpy sidewalks, the wheels held up beautifully, making my travel experience a lot smoother.
- Expandable Storage
One feature I absolutely love is the expandability. Each suitcase in the set expands by 3 inches, which provides an extra 30% capacity. This saved me a few times when I couldn’t resist picking up extra souvenirs during my trips. It’s great to know that I can fit more in when needed, without having to carry a separate bag.
- Patented Utility Hook for Hands-Free Travel
I have to give Olympia some credit here—this is a clever design. The utility hook is something I didn’t know I needed until I used it.
You can hang a purse, backpack, or even a small shopping bag on the hook, allowing you to keep your hands free while navigating busy airports or train stations. It’s a minor detail, but when you travel often, little conveniences like this make a big difference.
- Hidden Laptop Compartment
If you’re someone who travels with a laptop, you’ll love this feature. The carry-on has a hidden compartment specifically for laptops, which is incredibly handy when going through airport security.
Instead of opening the entire suitcase, you can quickly access your laptop and put it back without causing a scene. This little feature makes my travels more efficient and hassle-free.
Cons of Olympia USA Luggage
Of course, no product is perfect, and Olympia USA luggage does have its drawbacks.
- Wheels Could Be Smoother on Carpets
While the 360° wheels are excellent on most surfaces, they’re not as smooth on carpets. I noticed this when I stayed at a hotel with thick carpeting—pulling the luggage upright wasn’t as seamless.
I had to drag the suitcase behind me instead of rolling it upright. While this isn’t a dealbreaker for me, it’s something to be aware of if you’re expecting smooth gliding on all surfaces.
- Plastic Parts Can Be Fragile
Another minor issue I encountered was with some of the plastic components. For instance, the decorative plastic pieces on the wheels can come off easily.
It’s not a major problem because it doesn’t affect the suitcase’s functionality, but if you’re particular about aesthetics, you may find it annoying. I ended up supergluing one piece back on, and it’s held up fine since then.
- Limited Color Options
While I appreciate the sleek design, I would have liked a wider variety of color options. The set comes in classic shades, but if you’re someone who likes bright or unique colors, you might feel limited.
However, the black suitcase with a subtle accent stripe works for me because it’s easy to spot at the baggage carousel without being too flashy.
Maintenance Tips For Olympia USA Luggage
Like any travel gear, your luggage will last longer with a bit of care. Here are a few tips I follow to keep my Olympia USA luggage in top shape:
- Clean After Every Trip: After each trip, I make it a point to wipe down my luggage, especially the wheels and handles. A damp cloth and some mild detergent work wonders for removing dirt and scuff marks. This not only keeps the luggage looking new but also ensures that any small stones or debris that may have gotten stuck in the wheels are cleaned out, prolonging their life.
- Store It Properly: When not in use, I store my luggage in a cool, dry place. Nesting the smaller suitcases inside the larger one helps save space. It also keeps the luggage safe from unnecessary wear and tear.
- Inspect the Wheels: Check the wheels before every trip to ensure they’re not loose or damaged. I give them a quick spin and make sure they’re rolling smoothly. If they feel sticky, I add a small drop of lubricant to keep them functioning properly.
- Use a Luggage Cover: If you’re worried about scratches or scuffs, consider investing in a protective luggage cover. This adds an extra layer of protection, especially if you tend to check your bags on flights.
Comparing Olympia USA To Other Brands
There are plenty of luggage brands out there, so how does Olympia USA stack up against the competition?
- Steve Madden Luggage
Steve Madden is known for blending fashion and function, creating luggage with trendy designs that stand out.
While Steve Madden luggage offers unique patterns and color options, it tends to focus more on aesthetics rather than durability.
In my experience, Olympia USA provides a more robust, long-lasting build with its polycarbonate and ABS construction.
While Steve Madden’s luggage is great for fashion-forward travelers, if you prioritize durability and function over style, Olympia USA is the better choice.
Plus, Olympia’s patented utility hook and expandable storage give it an edge when it comes to practical features.
- Geoffrey Beene Luggage
Geoffrey Beene luggage offers classic, no-fuss designs that appeal to travelers who prefer simplicity.
While it’s relatively affordable, it often lacks some of the advanced features that Olympia USA offers, such as the 360° Dual Spinning Wheel System and the hidden laptop compartment.
In terms of build quality, I’ve found that Geoffrey Beene’s soft-sided luggage doesn’t provide the same level of protection as Olympia’s hard-shell options.
If you’re looking for something that can withstand the bumps and scrapes of travel while keeping your belongings safe, Olympia USA’s blend of durability and functionality makes it a better long-term investment.
- Badgley Mischka Luggage
Badgley Mischka luggage focuses on high-end, luxurious designs with a touch of glamour.
While these bags are undeniably stylish, they come at a higher price point compared to Olympia USA.
If you’re someone who loves a luxury look, Badgley Mischka offers beautiful options, but the trade-off may be in durability.
I’ve seen some travelers comment that the materials don’t hold up as well to rough handling at airports.
Olympia USA, on the other hand, focuses more on practicality, offering sturdy construction, scratch resistance, and an expandable design that makes it great for frequent travelers who want a balance between style and durability without the hefty price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, there are luggage brands that manufacture in the USA, though they are less common. Some high-end brands like Hartmann and Red Oxx offer USA-made options, but most mainstream brands, including Olympia USA, manufacture overseas to keep prices competitive.
Airlines don’t have a preference when it comes to hard vs. soft luggage. It really comes down to personal choice. Hard luggage offers more protection for fragile items, while soft luggage can expand more easily to fit in overhead compartments or hold extra items.
Samsonite is often cited as the No. 1 suitcase brand due to its global recognition, reputation for quality, and wide range of options. That said, brands like Olympia USA are gaining popularity for offering solid alternatives at a more affordable price point.
Final Thoughts
Olympia USA luggage has become one of my travel staples for a reason. With its durability, ease of use, and practical features like expandable storage and a patented utility hook, it meets most of my travel needs without breaking the bank.
While it may not have the premium reputation of some high-end brands, it offers excellent value for money. If you’re looking for reliable luggage that will stand up to frequent trips, Olympia USA is worth considering.
And remember, for peace of mind, buy from trusted sources like Olympia’s official website, Amazon, Target, or Walmart to ensure you get the real deal and can take advantage of their customer service policies.
Safe travels!
