For my entire twisting career, I've used a balloon apron.  That apron has held up wonderfully, even though it's seen a lot of use and abuse.  However, lately I've found that my trusty balloon apron is just too crowded with all the variety of balloons I carry to my gigs.  Even though I've removed a lot of balloons that don't get frequent use, my bag is still overflowing with product.  This makes finding what I'm looking for more difficult, pulling balloons from the apron can be challenging when its overfilled, and it weighs a ton which stresses my back during those long gigs.

I've seen other artists who use top-loading suitcases to store/transport their balloons.  While using a suitcase might require frequent bending to get the balloons needed for a design, it certainly reduces the wear and tear on one's back from wearing an apron and, from what I've seen out there, a suitcase will hold way more balloons than an apron.

I'm wondering what the other advantages and/or disadvantages of a suitcase are over using a balloon apron?  What do *you* use for your gigs?  Is one more appropriate for certain venues (e.g. restaurant work or parties) over another?  Are there reasons why I should stick with the apron or, for that matter, reasons why I should switch immediately to a suitcase?

Any suggestions and tips would be greatly appreciated...  thanks!  Btw, if you would like to share any pictures of your apron or suitcase, that would be helpful, too!

Regards,

Chris