Tess - the only concern I'd have with that bag is that there really isn't a convenient pocket for your tickets, etc. The small top pocket apparently opens the wrong way so items fall out if you open it while it's standing on end.

P.S. After reading several reviews, I think there are a few people out there who could stand to read the "packing light" threads. :)

Tess, I don't care for the backpack-y confirguration (personal opinion). I must more like a nice smooth box shape, of a normal rolling suitcase... with a couple of exterior pockets.

Good points -- thank you both for your comments. I'm also more used to a more boxy shape, the traditional roll-a-board carry-on, however I'm seeking to get a piece that's no more than 8 lbs. From my search, that type of more structured frame adds to the weight.

I've found another candidate -- this is a "Quickload Upright Duffle" from LL Bean -- http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/sto...ch&feat=sr

Again, anyone who has this bag or something similar?

My 22" rolling suitcase weighs 7.5 lbs empty. No special brand. I bought it on sale at JC Pennys years ago.

Tess, Quickload Duffle billed as 40% lighter weighs 7lbs 11 oz, so not that amazing light imo. AGain I don't like the "squishy" configuration of the shape of the bag. My favorite is more like the one at the bottom called Sportsman something.

And some of the new poly-carbonate hard sided luggage is very light. 7 to 7.5 lbs for a 21 inch rollaboard. There are several brands out there . . .

Suze - that's the weight for the 26" bag. The carry on size is about 6lbs 10oz. The one you mention is 10lbs.

If you're looking for a more softsided, maleable bag than Suze's suggestion, how about the Sportsman's Rolling Gear Bag. It's 7lbs for the 22" and has some outside compartments for easy access (basically a duffle bag on wheels).

The backpack I intend to use as a carry-on is 3 1/2 lbs empty. Still too much to waste with an Alitalia limit of 11 lbs for carry on. I intend to use my extremely light Nike gyn duffel.

I have a question about the Alitalia 11 lbs limit. We are arriving in Rome on a Delta international flight from Atlanta and connecting to an Alitalia flight to Palermo.

Will I have to make sure my carry on meets the 11 lbs limit or do they give connecting passengers a break on this (I know, don't laugh I am just trying to be really hopeful). I cannot find any information on the Delta or Alitalia site about this.

I checked with a Delta representative just yesterday. I believe the over water carrier's rules govern checked luggage only but not carry on. The good news is you are most likely allowed 2 checked bags vs. Alitalia's one checked bag (for domestic flights). That said, call Delta with your specific circumstances. They were extremely helpful to me yesterday.

This weekend I was in a Bag N Baggage store and looked at the new Polycarbonate luggage. It looks great and is wonderfully light & manueverable. However, when I checked the ebags.com website for comments, several people mentioned the lack of durability for this material. They said that luggage was fine as a carry-on piece, but that it easily dented and got scratched when checked.

toedtoes --
Thanks for pointing out that other LL Bean luggage. I hadn't noticed the Sportsman's Rolling Gear Bag. I'll have to get off the fence and make a decision soon on which of these to buy. My trip to Peru is next month and we'll be traveling by plane & train within the country.

I never (or essentially never) check bags so that wouldn't be an issue. I have lots of bags/suitcases (mostly given to me by different vendors/retailers to test since I give packing classes) but not yet one of the polycarbonate ones. Maybe I should angle for one to try out . . . . .

Tess, since your time is pretty limited and you're unlikely to be able to return and get another bag in time for the trip, you might want to look at some local stores where you can try out the piece first.

Target has some Eddie Bauer pieces that are nice. The Silverton Vertical Travel Pack fits in with what you're looking at. The shipping weight is 7.7lbs, so the actual bag is closer to 7lbs.

Just a brief word of advice here, after doing much traveling in the past 6 months. Even if the only thing you intend to carry onto the plane is a purse--make sure it is on wheels!! If you have a heavy purse on your shoulder, it can really weigh you down and slow you down on the long walks between gates--especially at some of the larger international airports. If you must have a purse, get a small light one and put it inside of the small carry-on with wheels. As you trudge those miles between gates, you will be very happy to have a bag on wheels instead of on your shoulder or back. Believe me.

If carry-on limit is important: Use allowed dimensions and have a rip-stop nylon bag made. Buy a wheeled cart at destination. How about bright yellow?

I am considering using my small wheeled carry-on more often, after a few particularly LONG walks thru airport connections recently where my tote bag was too heavy, as mentioned above.

Tote bags can be very attractive and appealing, but believe me--they lose their appeal very quickly during long walks in huge terminals. Do buy some sort of tote bag on wheels, and then put your shoulder purse inside of it. You will be very happy that you made this choice. From one who found out the hard way. jg

we have just arrived back from Europe, We flew on ANZ (who allow 2 bags pp wght70lbtotal & one carry on) to LHR . but EUC allows you to check in one bag & one carry on, after checking in when I arrived at security they said my carry on was to big!!and I had to go back & check it in! it seems their measurements are different to the Airlines !! plus it is one item no purses etc, people were knelt on the floor trying to re pack & unload. one lady had a small plastic bag with a sandwich & she had to push her purse in with her sandwiches.