thursdaysd

I thought I had solved the bag question. I had moved on from the Eagle Creek backpack I had carried for a decade to a Rick Steves roll aboard. I was very happy with the bag, until the expansion zipper went on the last trip - and I wasn't even expanding the bag!

Now I'm obviously reluctant to buy another RS bag, and in any case he now only carries a 20 inch, and since I check the bag for flights I'd rather go 21 or 22 inches. But I want it light weight. I was looking at the ebags TLS line linked from another thread here, but they weigh over 7 lbs empty, as does the same sized Eagle Creek.

So, any suggestions for sturdy rolling bags that weigh under 7 lbs? Also, there are a lot of spinners around now, but they look flimsy to me - I would have thought the wheels would be fighting a losing battle with luggage handlers, and maybe cobblestones. Anyone have good experiences with them?

suze - I can't figure out which IT bag you're happy with, Could you post a link?

MmePerdu

I've used nothing but Eagle Creek bags since maybe they were invented. I always choose a light weight option and even on my sometimes very long, far off-the-beaten-path trips, they've never failed me.

Ebags has this 22" - 5 lb. 12 oz.

http://www.ebags.com/product/eagle-c...uctid=10222069

Just the first one I saw so check the site for more which I'm sure there are.

suze

http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-154...recs-pdp-gtab1

This is mine, except a different color/pattern, and mine's a 24" which I check. I've had no problems with the wheels, dragging it all over all kinds of situations.

suze

oh, and I don't use the exterior pockets (other than maybe to layer in a sarong or something like that). Even at 24" mine is 4 lbs empty, and comes in at my usual 25 lbs packed. On a return trip I've had it stuffed as full as 32 lbs which came thru OK but was a little harder (less stable) to handle.

I do toss a luggage strap around it, because it IS very lightweight. So far so good, but I've only used it maybe 6 times so far. Still looks brand new.

thursdaysd

Thanks for the links!

MmePerdu - 5 lb 12 oz is certainly better than 7 lb 2 oz. I need to spend some time on the Eagle Creek site - and at REI, their sale ends tomorrow.

suze - how do you like the handle? It looks strange to have the handle the same width as the bag, but I suppose the main issue is whether it works, lol.

Am also considering a new camera, decisions, decision...

suze

I thought that handle would be stupid (and almost stopped me from buying it honestly, but the incredible lightweight won me over)... but turns out it works just fine. Often I don't even use it, like rolling along in an airport line, I just hold/pick up the fabric loop handle on the top of the bag.

I found mine at TJ Maxx for $49 a few years ago.

thursdaysd

It occurs to me that having the handle the full width would alter where the ridges are on the inside. Not sure whether that would make it easier or harder to pack - I have a system for where they are now. It also looks like it doesn't recess into the case, though, which could be a downside for checking it.

janisj

>>Not sure whether that would make it easier or harder to pack<<

I teach packing classes and the rods being on the outer edges of the bag is better (assuming the other features of the bag fit your needs).

The way most bags are w/ the the rods dividing up the compartment basically in thirds really limits what you can put where and flexibility.

Nelson

<i>> since I check the bag for flights I'd rather go 21 or 22 inches</i>

Question please, that confused me: isn't 22 inches OK to carry on for all airlines?
http://www.travelnerd.com/airline-fe...-luggage-sizes

I see rules have changed in the last year, so now I'm a little worried about our rather old Eagle Creek bags which might be 15" wide, depending on how you measure.

We haven't flown for over two years, my wife needed some major surgery, but is recovered and we are getting on a plane in two weeks. Wondering if we'll be forced to check that bag?

Those Eagle Creek bags, perhaps a earlier version of their Adverture Hybrid or Morphus, have really held up over the years. But I'd consider looking into a lighter one now.

janisj

>>Question please, that confused me: isn't 22 inches OK to carry on for all airlines? <<

Definitely not. Anything smaller than a 737 will often have very small overheads. Plus some budget airlines restrict the size of carry ons even when the plane might accommodate them. You need to check your specific airline(s) rules.

janisj

I posted and it 'took' but it didn't top the thread so trying again (this glitch happens 2 or 3 times a day for me -- weird)

Nelson

Thanks, I should have said all "major" airlines, I did check a number of them before I posted, 22" was OK in all cases, but your point is well made.

Nelson

I've seen the not topping glitch too. It feels like a cache issue I've seen back when I did web development, but impossible to say.

Thanks again for the reply. Now wondering about our possible 15" width. Guess we'll see what happens, they might force a gate check.

Meanwhile some of the new bags look very nice...

suze

OK I got my bag out of the closet and looked more closely to be able to describe


There aren't "ridges on the inside". The handle parts are at either edge of the bag like a frame, so you don't have those two ridges down the middle like a 'normal' handle configuration that you pack around. When you open to pack, you are packing into one plain open rectangle with nothing in it (two minimal mesh pockets on the lid side) basically like packing into a box.

You're correcct, the handle top just sits there, there's no strap to secure it & it doesn't recess into anything. Never been a problem.

I don't think this suitcase will last forever (can't weigh only 3-4 lbs. and be study to last a lifetime!) but when I need a new one - either for a smaller size or to eventually replace this one - I'd definitely shop IT brand first. I love this particular bag.

suze

stuRdy enough

thursdaysd

Thanks suze!

Nelson - I choose to check my bigger bag (i.e. the 21 or 22 inch one) because it holds some things that won't go through security, and because I don't want to cart it round the airport or find room for it on board. (Or worse, have to gate check it.) my carry on fits nicely under the seat in front of me.

Also, I will be flying budget European airlines on my upcoming trip. My understanding is that 20 inches is the limit on those flights.

Hope you have a great trip!

Nelson

Thanks thursdayd. This is a domestic trip to PA, Longwood and Winterthur Gardens should be fantastic!

Since there are two of us traveling we have started to check one bag for the reasons you mention, then deal with another between the two of us. This contains more difficult to replace items, but the idea of walking on the plane without the darn bag at all has appeal.

Here's a first person account of the 14 vs. 15" width issue, which has changed since we last flew.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel...mits/10246511/

Actually, if airlines are enforcing carry-on limits then that is fine with me.

thursdaysd

Very interesting, Nelson, thanks for the link.

I wonder what evidence there is for this claim, though: "should you ever have to check your bag, spinners are treated more gently by baggage handlers" It's not something I want to test, as I'll be traveling for up to four months and don't want to have replace luggage in the middle of the trip!

All the vital stuff - electronics, pharma, change of clothes - goes in my daypack.

MmePerdu

It isn't only airline baggage handlers that can expertly wreck one's luggage. I watched in horror as a female coach driver in England grabbed the handle of my very first rolling bag, before handles were recessed or otherwise secured, and emerged from the baggage compartment with only the handle in her fist. It was a small one and made the rest of my trip hell, bending to roll it along using a handle on the top with no other option. It was an Orvis bag, a good one and 100% guaranteed, so they fixed it for me when I got home. But I considered it a lesson to only have a handle than couldn't be broken in that way again.

MmePerdu

Now that I think about it, I should have bought a cheap bigger one to put the Orvis bag inside. Hindsight.