cbflowers

We want to travel carry-on all the way and know that sansa has the 25 pound weight limit. Anyone have advice to type of luggage to use-specifically brand and size?

Thanks

diantha

Trust me on this one. Duffle bags and bubble wrap.

tully

Duffle bag. Found a great one at TJ Maxx for about $20.

Suzie2

I use a medium sized backpack without a frame and can travel for a month down there with that including several in country flights.

hopefulist

I'm a big fan of conversion packs - carry-on sized with good suspension systems and straps that tuck away. This is what I'd get if I was in the market for a new one, the REI Vagabond:

http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...cat=REI_SEARCH

(You might have to cut and paste if the whole link isn't live). Happy trails!

glover

Yes! Ebags "Weekender Convertible"
http://www.ebags.com/ebags/weekender...?modelid=15026

Similar to the one hopefullist recommends above (boy, that looks nice!) at half the price $54.
I bought one and took it to Panama for two weeks - had to pack less than 25 lbs to ride their domestic planes. Holds more than you'd think. Check out all the positive reviews. It held everything on my "travel light" packing list for the tropics. It's a great bag.

Suzie2

The REI bag is very similar to what I have. My straps tuck away as well. The one I have also came with a small day pack that can zip onto the front. I can generally keep it at 15lbs with just clothes. When I start adding books, flashlights, binoculars, etc. the weight really goes up.

I am sure the lightweight duffles are a good weight. I just have to be more balanced and can't have all my weight in one hand.

cbflowers

Thanks for the advice. Did all of your bags meet the 22 x 14 x 9 requirements( I think those are the current dimensions) for international carry on? We once packed for what we thought was going to be carry on and the bags were rejected and had to be checked.

hopefulist

I am really loyal to the Columbia Pak Mandu conversion pack I've had for years and it's never been rejected as a carry-on. If it was really stuffed they might look at it, though, and I have to carry the attachable smaller backpack separately on the plane as a "personal item" which suits me fine.

One of my sons purchased the REI Vagabond last summer and it's truly carry-on sized; he didn't have any trouble with multiple flights to/from Honduras last summer. If you like the blue it's only $75 right now which is a steal in my opinion for something that well made; REI really stands behind their products. There's a slightly smaller version, too. Both have truly amazing suspension systems a la backpacking unit which sets them apart from less expensive options and in line with products 2 or 3x as expensive. If you don't have an REI close (to try one on with weight for comfort) and are interested I'd order it enough in advance so you could send it back if the fit wasn't good for you. That advice applies to any backpack.

The week-ender one Glover recommends looks like a great buy and would probably hold more since it's more rectangular in each direction ( the Vagabond has a slight tear-drop shape). It's more of a suitcase with straps and the Vagabond is more of a true backpack, I think, so the choice depends in part on how you're planning to travel and how much time you think it'll spend on your back. For me, that's a lot, even in airports, so comfort is a priority along with durability and functionality. Both have interesting organizer pockets - the websites have lots of alternate photos for comparison.

For what it's worth, I don't like duffle bags for travel. They're hard to organize, offer minimal protection to contents, and are uncomfortable for me to carry because then I'm lopsided and they rub against my leg - gets old. I can (and have) run like the wind through airports to make a connecting flight with my little conversion pack.

If you haven't come across my packing list in past threads and are interested, let me know.

Happy trails!

hopefulist

Meant to also add that the Vagabond is expandable in case you buy souvenirs and want to check luggage on the way home.

glover

If you really want to get more into the topic of "traveling light", frommers.com is today linking a podcast by the initiator of the onebag.com site - a very useful site on the topic, with lots of bag recommendations there as well. And the Washington Post Travel section covered the topic not too long ago as well. .. .

Suzie2

The One Bag site was very informative. The bundling was an interesting idea. Will have to try it. I usually roll but my clothes do get wrinkled. Seems like the bundle would be a good way to keep fragile stuff safe as well.

I did find it interesting that the bag that I use -(the pre-1999) Eagle Creek in green is the one they thought was the best. It has been great for me. Can't say how many trips it has been on but it has been on a lot! It still looks like new. We also have a slightly larger Eagle Creek that is very good as well, it is just a little too big for me.

cbflowers

The one bag site is very good. Lots of other interesting links to explore. I checked out all the recommended bags. Good quality stuff. I liked the feature of the zip off day pack since we will be doing a lot of hiking. I found this particular bag if anyone wants to look at it and tell me what they think. Thanks!
http://www.ebags.com/eagle_creek/cen...?modelid=67241

hopefulist

Rick Steves has a good packing site, too:

http://ricksteves.com/plan/tips/packlight.htm

mazuka

I haven't even thought about luggage yet. We have the hard-side suitcases and I'm guessing that it might be better to look into some of these different types of bags instead for our trip in March.

Tess_Durberville

Found this thread and thought I'd ask for any additional feedback for light weight luggage .... also, I don't think I could hoist that weight on my back (short 40-something female w/ shoulder/arm issues). Looking into a duffle with wheels .... or even a light roller (8 lbs or less). Other ideas?