I bought a duffel bag with wheels from LL Bean because they seem to be very popular now. When I packed to see how things fit, the bag tips forward and does not stand straight up. Ugh ! Anyone else have similar problem ? Or found one that doesn't ?

travelindi

Nope. I got one that also tipped and just gave it away - all new - to the Goodwill a couple of months ago after the darn thing sat under my bed for a few years. Couldn't ever get it to stand up straight!

Will LL Bean take it back or exchange it for something better?

Yep. Hate it. It's great for packing really big and bulky stuff (ski clothes, beach stuff, etc) but hate it for "every day" travel needs.

easytraveler has a good idea. See if LL Bean will allow a return/exchange. Mine is one of theirs too - but I use luggage to store out of season clothes, down comforters, etc. so I'm not going to return mine

Hated mine for all those reasons. AND I found that while "out and about", rolling merrily along and constanting having to stop and get it upright again, my clothing all shifted down in a mess at the bottom.

I think it's inherent with duffels because of their shape. The one I have from Eddie Bauer sometimes tips over and sometimes doesn't. I'm guessing it has to do with how I pack.

I don't use mine often but I didn't have that problem. Also, I thought my clothes would shift down and get all messed up (didn't think that through when I was buying it) but they didn't. I don't know why but they stayed fairly neat. I hardly every use mine because I prefer the rolling case I got later. Mine works pretty well -- any of you is welcome to have it, though. I need the cupboard space.

Can you post the link to the so-called duffel bag so I can see what you are talking about.

Here's a pic of mine -
http://tinyurl.com/2mr9eu

I also have a small rolling duffle that was cheap and I grabbed at a Wal-Mart or K-Mart to bring items purchased on a trip home. It wobbles so much it reminds me of a toddler trying to walk. I still use it as a "shoe bag" on trips, but put it on top of my rolling suitcase. It's a pain in the neck to roll.

Duffel, yes DUFFEL, bags on wheels are NOT meant to stand straight up! The wheels are on them for you to wheel them along instead of carrying them and breaking your back!

We have had wheeled duffel bags for years and we have never thought to stand them straight up! They are duffel bags, for heavens sake!

My rolling duffle, bought in a local shop - inexpensive (about $50), 28" has a firm bottom (opposite end from handle) with two foot-type posts, so when standing upright doesn't tip over. This type should be available from somewhere.

Yup, that's one reason I don't like wheeled duffles. They are too floppy and hard to handle, at least the ones I've seen.

The same (off balance) thing happens if/when I use the "expandable" feature on my 24" roller suitcase.

Suze, my small carry-on had the same problem -- expanding it made it off balance. Then my SO pointed out something I'd never noticed before. At the bottom (the wheel end) of the suitcase there was a little pull-down panel that balanced it. Maybe yours has something like that.

Per LLBean's website:

Our products are guaranteed to give 100& satisfaction in every way. Return anything purchased from us at any time if it proves otherwise. We do not want you to have anything from L.L. Bean that is not completely satisfactory.

I say it's not satisfactory - send it back!

P.S. My wheeled duffle does the same thing as do my wheeled backpacks.

My small 22" rollaboard is expandable, but had a bar extender which can be pulled out to avoid tipping.

thanks for all your comments. Guess LL Bean is great about returns, so I will be shipping mine back. Quickly buying another suitcase because I leave this friday on a trip ! Ciao

travelindi

Dear hdm ~
If you are serious about passing along your piece of rolling luggage - please contact me - as I have one in the military, who does not yet have his own piece of luggage, and this might do well with his uniforms. Many thanks for considering!

Hi tom_creans_daughter,
Maybe I should have mentioned that it's red. Would that suit him? And where are you?

I now use only duffels and LOVE THEM!!!! I put all my clothes sorted into plastic bags so things stay orderly and neat. I find them easier to handle and much much lighter than a reg. type piece of luggage. When I set it upright I just lean it against something and dont have a problem. I had falling problems w/ reg. luggage too...and they were much heavier and harder to handle for me. I travel alone and am female.

Hello hdm - will try to get in touch with J; I do not think color would be an issue.

Last time he traveled, it was with his dress uniform in a plastic bag, over his arm...
Will be in touch, g'night

G'morning hdm ~
I want to thank you greatly for even considering passing along your rolling duffel, but I have heard back from my Favorite Army kid (I have one in the Navy too!)~
and he will decline the offer. His concern is where to put it when he deploys, as he will not be coming home prior.
Again, many thanks !