Heys xcase
 

Hi All,

I'm planning a trip to Italy in August and would like to take a carryon. Does anyone have any experience with the Heys xcase 19"? Is this big enough for 2 weeks? I've seen mixed reviews. The pros: light and durable. The cons: faulty handle and zipper and doesn't expand.

Never heard of it, but doesn't "faulty handle and zipper" kind of contradict "durable"? Whether you can manage with a 19 inch is a matter of your packing style - and isn't related to the length of the trip - I take the same amount regardless of how long I'm going. (Aside from guidebooks, that is!)

I reviewed one of these bags, and the size is pretty small, but I could probably pack everything I need in it for a 2-week trip (since I pack only for 1 week and do laundry). It's definitely not sturdy enough to check. And it's pretty cheap.

However, I think if you really want to do a carry-on only trip, then you should take a bag without wheels. A Tom Bihn Aeronaut (expensive) or even an ebags weekender (about half the price) can hold more stuff and will weigh much less, converting to a backpack.

I just returned from a two-week trip to Italy with a Heys 20" with wheels. I was pleased with it.

Thanks all!

Whereas I could probably do the backpacking Italy my husband is not so inclined to that. He'd prefer ensuite bathroom. It doesn't have to be 4 star but affordable, clean and nice. With that being said would you still recommend a certain bag over another (Heys etc.)?

Doug - The backpack idea sounds great. I haven't carried a backpack this full since highschool and am afraid of the weight. I used to use a shoulder bag that was perfect except I always end up with a strap bruise on my shoulder.

luvtotravel - so you recommend the Heys 20"? How are the wheels on the terrain? Is it that easy to move around with? How many pairs of shoes did you have in your luggage? I was thinking sneakers, dress/casual clogs in case we go to dinner/dancing and sandals. Is that too much for Aug?

Thanks for all your help.

The thing about backpacks is that you need one with good hip belt. That will take the weight off your shoulders. You should only buy a backpack if you can test-drive it in the store with the same weight you'll carry when you travel - REI is really good about this.

My guess is that a bag without wheels would weight about 20 pounds when fully packed (unless you travel with lots of books or a computer, then it could be heavier). For that kind of weight, you can get by with a simpler backpack. If you want to buy a real backpacking backpack, that's fine, but I was suggesting a travel pack that can turn into a backpack if you want to carry it that way. The straps on these bags are sufficient since you won't be carrying your bag for more than 15 or 20 minutes at a time. (If you were traveling all day with it on, then I definitely would recommend a more supportive pack with a good hip belt.

Fully packed my main pack weighs just under 10 kilos, or close to 22 pounds. I have traveled with a convertible with a poor hip belt, and with an Eagle Creek convertible with a good hip belt, and the difference was instant and remarkable. If you're a hefty guy it may not make so much difference, but I'm a not particularly fit older female, and it makes a very big difference to me. You can't tell this from looking at the bag, you need to try it out.

My husband and I travelled to Scotland for 3 weeks and we took the HEYS 4WD (hardsided) 26" and 30" bags (never had a problem fitting them in the taxis or in our rental car). We don't like to take carry on (except for purse and sometimes laptop bag). These cases are among the lightest on the market so worries about overweight luggage wasn't a problem for us. They had expanding zippers and we didn't have any trouble with them. What we did get for the luggage and what I think might help you if you decide on the 20"xcase is to use the Packing Cubes that Heys makes. These are nylon fabric zippered cases for packing your clothes. We bought 2 sets, in 2 different colors so that we each had our own set. They come in 5 different sizes so it made it easy to seperate our belongings. The largest we used for slacks/dresses and sweaters and the very smallest we used to store things like the camera accessories and odds and ends.
These cubes were so handy--when it's time to leave, you just put them back in the suitcase-the packing is already done. They also keep your clothes from getting wrinkled.

Realdower, you can see us with our suitcases at http://gallery.me.com/twdcards#100151

We were all happy with our choices. Mine is the turquoise one -- I must have been in a happy mood when I ordered it. You can find them for as little as $69 on the internet including shipping. I don't remember the name of the store, but there are two I'm aware of in Southern California. The four wheels work incredibly well on smooth surfaces. A little work on Italian streets, but still okay. Filled, my bag (without the expansion) weighed 22 pounds; empty, the bag weighs 6 or 7 pounds.

I had two pairs of sturdy walking shoes with me, both pairs are large -- I have huge feet (probably more than you wanted to know). One pair I wore and the packed pair I filled with socks.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Here is a website to purchase a Heys 20" spinner for $69.00.
http://www.peninsulaluggageonline.co...php?prodID=966