It sounds like the Campmor Essentials convertible bag would be what you're looking for. I've used this bag for numerous trips, and though low cost, it is holding up really well. The only issue everybody seems to have is the big white Campmor lettering. I used a black marker on this, so not too noticeable now.

Oops, the correct name is Campmor Essential Carryon.

Thanks, travlsolo2! The logo doesn't bother me, but I fear it will be too small for a 2 week trip. I have to think about the size of my bag pretty seriously, though, so this one goes on the list. Price is certainly right! Here's the link, in case anyone else is curious:
http://www.campmor.com/essential-carry.shtml

Big sale on the Dakine bag on ebay. Only $34.99/free shipping. Have a wonderful trip! (long url but should take you there)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DAKINE-Women..._qi=RTM1562569

Wow, thanks, wikoffclan! I bought it Free returns, too, so if it turns out to be too small or something, I can send it back. Thanks very much!

Beware of fake stuff on ebay

ebags is always having a sale. My old suitcase lasted 3 years and developed a couple of holes. I have a number of suitcases at home I am using before buying anything new. The next oen up is a hot pink $50 bag bought in Sydney, Australia, when the handle broke off the bag I had.

No matter what you buy, it will not last long. I never use a bag larger than 26" if I am flying anywhere. Too much to lug when you get there. When you home exchange, you do not need a lot of stuff because you do laundry.

<No matter what you buy, it will not last long.>
This has not been my experience. I have never had a suitcase that lasted less than hundreds of trips, but all mine are Samsonite or eBags brand. Because the Samsonite carry a lifetime warranty, I was able to have a minor zipper problem repaired for free. That particular bag was used frequently for 15 years before that problem occurred, and is still going strong.

This is really why I won't buy some random brand for $50 at an outlet: I don't want to have to toss a bag after only a few years.

MissGreen, I agree. My purchase was through eBags eBay store, so definitely not a fake.

I've never had a bag fail or wear out -- but then I usually carry on so they seldom get tossed around.

I do get a new bag every so often, but because I get tired of the old one or want something '<i>sexier</i>' -- not because of wear/tear.

The old bags don't go to waste -- I teach packing classes so I use my old luggage for the demos.

I get new bags as circumstances change. Got the eBags carry on because I wanted to stop checking a bag; now I need this duffle.

Which, btw, is a good value at $35, but I wouldn't like to have paid more for it. The Dakine material feels sturdy, but the biggest pro is also the biggest con: it's very light and totally unstructured, and folds down to nothing when empty, all of which is perfect for my purposes, but may seem flimsy to someone else.

74l will be big enough, I've decided. Any bigger and I wouldn't be able to carry it!

Thanks to Tab for recommending it and to wikoffclan for the sale tip, and to all who gave advice.

I always check a bag when going overseas. No matter what I get, sooner or later, the bag hits the dust. It can be a broken handle, holes in the bag or a problem with the wheels. Even my Eagle Creek bag got killed by the airlines. Now I refuse to buy a new bag but am just using whatever I have (with wheels) in the house. I need to reduce the bags I have and I know the airlines will take care of that for me.

Glad you got it, NewbE. DH has that same bag in a dark grey plaid, which he uses everyday for the wellness center. It hasn't aged a bit. Very strong fabric.

I received my Dakine from eBags, too, and like it a lot. Got a 20% discount coupon from them for my next purchase. Which I don't need, if anyone wants it. I could e-mail it.

Well I have enjoyed this thread immensely because I, too, need to pack with a 33 lb limit for a trip to Africa. The limit is for the bush flights - also requesting soft sided luggage - but I am also spending a week in Cape Town before heading off of the 10-day Safari. I know I can meet the weight limit - but I don't have a duffel. So, what to buy? So I read this full thread - and chuckled at some of the angst ridden replies. C'mon traveling friends, this is just a travel forum! Be kind. Anyway, I got great leads for Dakini, North Face, LLBean, and Patagonia. In summary, it appears that I need something in the range of 12x12x26. Traveling light is liberating. Wheels are easier, but not for bush planes. And the elephants are waiting for me.

Just returned from another flight, using my Dakine bag
http://www.ebags.com/product/dakine/...erunder/207233
(mine's a different color pattern, but the same strong fabric)

It really holds up to the wear & tear of being checked, without any marks. I get compliments on it, and love that it's design stands out, so I don't worry about someone taking it by mistake. L

I love its 'split level' design, where both inside packing areas have a mesh zipper separator, and are equal sizes. It's easy to pack and to find things in.