Carry on
 

Sorry if this has been discussed already. I am planning a trip for the near future and am looking for a new carry on as I am not overly happy with the one I have been using. What do you use as a carry on and what do you like/dislike about it?

I use a soft sided suitcase that fits into the overhead compartment. I like that it has zipper pockets, wheels, and a handle.

I have several different carry-ons but like J62 the ones I favor most are my soft-sided roll-ons (Osprey and Eagle Creek brands) that I purchased at REI and the Backwoods Store. They are lightweight, sturdy and meet the carry-on size restrictions of all airlines but hold a lot of "stuff" and the zipper pockets come in very handy. I very rarely use my older "hard sided" roll-aboard anymore.

>>I am not overly happy with the one I have been using.<<

You don't tell us what it is or what you don't like about it, so how can anyone give useful advice?

I travel carry-on only so I use a 21 inch (sometimes a 19 inch-er) soft sided rollaboard and a medium-sized handbag. Except when traveling on budget carriers in Europe when I stuff the handbag inside the carry on since they mostly allow only one item.

Are you checking a suitcase in addition to this carry-on?

Or you are traveling carry-on only?

Two different answers depending on which you mean.

On domestic flights and most international flights I use a 19 inch hard sided clamshell. Quite often I can pack for 3 weeks with only that and a large tote. Where there are stricter weight limits for carryons or they don't allow wheelies (some international flights and internal "puddlejumpers") I have to go with a small backpack or a plain duffle with no wheels. Then I'm usually allowed a checked bag which can be a wheelie, between 19-24 inches. I prefer the ABS clamshell design but not with the extra zipper for a pop out which adds useless weight.

PS even the lightest weight wheelie is usually approx 3kg which is useless if your carry on limit is 7kg.

I have a soft-sided 20-21" BRIC bag in blue and white plaid that no one ever mistakes for their bag. :)) I've used it for many transatlantic and within Europe trips.

With that and a Le Pliage tote bag I am set (I also pack it into the roller bag when on Europe budget carriers).

I also have a Rick Steves 22' rollerbag that I used before I got the BRIC.

I use a backpack. I find it very hadny - I keep my hands free.

If a backpack can work for you, Rick Steves has an extremely lightweight one which can be carry on. I am no longer carrying on my back so I gave mine away to younger generation but it would definitely work well for someone who does.