Patsy:

Wow what a great thread - thanks every one.

Sandy

I just received our Mother Lode eTech Mini 20". It is very light and has great storing capacity. 2557 cubic inches. I really think this is the one I'll keep. The Rick Steve's Convertible Carry On is only 3 lbs (no wheels) & is 2500 cubic inches fully expanded.

Still waiting to receive the TravelPro that yk likes.

Wow - this is Still going - thanks for all the great info. Finally purchased several pieces of the Heys luggage. Two mid-size for my son and dil and two small carry-ons. Will let you know how they hold up after our trip to Canada next week.

I wound up buying the Eagle Creek Hovercraft 22" rolling bag, and have so far used it on a shart US trip (as checked luggage).

Thoughts:
* (Con) It is indeed 23" long, so I can well imagine it not making it as carryon luggage, esp. outside the US.
* (Pro) Very light compared to my trusty Briggs & Riley, but feels sturdy.
* (Pro) Nice long handle!
* (Con/mixed) You don't get the full depth of the bag as open packing area. The inside of the top lid is "walled off" as an open area under a zipped mesh cover, probably to give structural stability to the lid. I found that annoying but understandable. In practice it makes the lid esp. suitable for awkward large stuff -- a folded trench coat, a bag of laundry, a flattened daypack. I wouldn't put anything too heavy in it.
* (Con/mixed) Handle assembly protrudes inside the bag, esp at the top (handle) end, limiting your packing space. (Briggs & Riley suitcases have the handle assembly outside, so I'm not used to this problem.)

As a devotee of the Eagle Creek Pack-It system, I was able to fit:
- 18" Pack-It Folder
- Two Full Cubes (one had to go in outer pocket)
- Half Cube & equivalent of Quarter Cube (beneath Folder, between struts of handle)
- Small Sac of flattish stuff
- LL Bean hanging toiletry bag, medium size (kind of a struggle, b/c not a good shape here -- I may get an Eagle Creek Wallaby II)
- 1 pair sneakers + 1 pair sandals (note that none of the Eagle Creek diagrams on how to pack this bag include shoes!!)
- Misc. items, including large hardcover book
- Space leftover without using the zippered expansion capability: some, but not lots -- outside small (top) pocket, inside-the-lid area (I think I had something small in there).

Traveling with my Mother Lode 20" mini. I love it!!! Fit in the overheads when other carry-ons stuck out. I have the eagle creek packing envelope in the bottom part (big one but not sure of the size) and it's light and very easy to put overhead even packed full.

DH has the Victorinox and had to be checked with AA but not with other airlines along the trip. Maybe AA just wants to get their $15 bag fee, I don't know.

Highly recommend the Mother Lode. It's light and looks small but packs a lot of items.

BeachGirl, what happened to the TravelPro?

yk, sorry, I just saw your note. I kept the 19" TravelPro for domestic travel for dh. I was able to get a lot in the 20" Mother Lode and never had a problem taking it onboard and fitting in the overhead.

A friend of mine got a set of Delsey luggage (I think it's called Helium zip) at Macy's 6 months ago and has loved it. She's gone on 3 trips already with it.

Beachgirl, is the Mother Lode lighter than the TravelPro?

7lbs 6oz for Mother Lode 21". TravelPro 19" is slightly heavier at 7lbs 8oz. If anyone can tell the weight difference they deserve a prize! ;) Amount you can pack is definitely different.

At home, I didn't notice any significant difference other than amount that could fit into the bags. I packed all three with the same contents. With the compartments I was able to fit more into the Mother Lode than Rick Steve's (unexpanded). If you expanded Rick Steve's I doubt you could carry on unless you were first class on a larger aircraft.

We compared Rick Steve's 21" rollaboard, 19" TravelPro and the 21" Mother Lode.

Mother Lode won the vote.

Check out ebags Weekender Convertible and stellar reviews. The budget version of a similar more $ recommended by Rick Steves. I can't believe how much this thing will hold. Have used it for month and longer trips (admittedly I've learned to travel light). It's the best.

I just purchased the following 20.5" only 4.8 lbs. by Landor & Hawa recommended by someone this Fodor's. It is on Discount Luggage.com and they have free shipping.

Size: 20.5" x 14.2" x 7.8"
Linear Inches: 42.5"
Weight: 4.8 lbs.
Warranty: 10 Year

Landor & Hawa's innovative SUB-0-G Collection is the world's lightest luggage on the market. Each aircraft grade fiberglass element frame is strong and durable, providing maximum protection against impact.

I have a Heys carry-on & it fits into the overhead with no trouble. I find it big enough for several days travel. It's got a couple of scratches but no big deal otherwise. It also maneuvers easily.

those of you who have had your luggage sized at the gate. if you make the 22" or less. do they also check whether it is more than 9" deep and 14" wide? I find a side handle often makes it more than 14- especially on the travelpros - more like 14 1/2 - 15. Has this been an issue for anyone that has had their luggage measured at the gate?

I am looking at the SUB-0-G luggage that you just got, Sue878. How does it seem to you "in the flesh", so to speak? The handle looks a little short to me--is it long enough?

I love LLBEan's lightweight set -
http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/sto...9-tn&cat4=2946

After one trip to Canada (via air and train) and one trip to Rome - the Heys luggage held up great and worked extremely well, so - Thanks Doug Stallings for that advice as well as to others who offered suggestions.

I couldn't decide, so I bought 3 to compare--the Landor & Hawa 21", the Eagle Creek Centerline 20" and the Antler 20". All less than 7 lbs. Am keeping the Antler. The Landor would have been the winner but with the handle and wheels, it's really 24" high and the total liner inches came to something like 48-49". I'm worried that when the airlines get more picky about carry-on, it won't pass. The Eagle Creek didn't have any inside pockets for small items and the mesh cover on the inside of the top didn't have any give, so it wouldn't be easy to overpack the bottom compartment and have the contents go up into the top. Haven't used the Antler yet, but imagine it will hold up just fine.

RuthMC:

I just took my luggage on a trip and checked it and it was fine. The handle is a little shorter then my other luggage but I really didn't notice it. I LOVED it because it was so lightweight even after it was packed and I don't usually pack light.

how do all these fare on budget European airlines? aren't they stricter as far as carry ons go?

And, I traveled with a back pack on our last trip, first time in decades and was reminded how handy that is. Any thoughts on favorite convertible back pack's like Rick Steves?

Hi.

I've just come across this forum (& website) and have read the replies with interest.

I am travelling from UK to Tahiti/Easter Island next July & will be taking some photographic equipment (tripod + Canon 50D + 4.5kg lens). One of the flights has a 10kg limit (inc luggage itself + sleeping bag), so I am furiously looking for lightweight luggage.

The following are lighter than anything I have seen listed here (where minimum seems to be 3lbs = 1.36 kg):

Flylite Medium size foldaway - 44L, 55cm x40 x20, less than 750g (=1.6 lbs)

Samsonite S-Cape Duffle Cabin Bag - 55L, 55 x29 x 34, 1.16kg (=2.55 lbs)

Samsonite S-Cape Shoulder Bag - 23.5L, 38 x28 x 21, 0.68kg (=1.49 lbs)

Antler Urbanite II Gym Tote - 28L, 50 x27 x24, 0.8kg (=1.76 lbs)

I hope these are of interest to folk. Now, to find a lightweight sleeping bag...

Enjoy.

Now those are REALLY lightweight!

Well, if you really want to get as light as possible, there are plenty of options. I would suspect that this one is a fair bit lighter than the options mentioned above:

http://www.muji.us/store/bag/foldable-boston-bag-l.html

There is no weight listed, but I would be shocked if it weighs more than 1 lb. I have 3 of these and bring one along all the time to give me an extra bag for my return trip. They hold up surprisingly well.

Pretty much any simple duffel bag will be less than 2 lbs.

The issue is finding something with wheels that is relatively light. For the longest time, the manufacturers seemed most interested in adding features and pushing the size envelope, without regard for weight. Lately, the trend seems to be toward lightweight wheeled luggage to meet more stringent airline weight requirements.

I would love to read any further thoughts about wheeled carry on luggage. I am finally considering buying a new bag....Tumi and Briggs and Riley seem to get great reviews.


What is the maximum size I can buy to make sure I will be allowed to take it onboard?

Is there such a thing as discounted Tumi luggage?

Briggs and Riley tends to be very heavy. Even their "Superlight" 22" rolling carry-on is over 10 lbs. They are good quality, though and have a good warranty.

The traditional Tumi luggage is heavy, though not as heavy as Briggs and Riley. They have some new hard-sided pieces, though, that are quite light. Again, good quality.

I stick to 20 inches.....and that includes the wheels and all. Have not had a problem so far!!

Thanks! Consumer Reports just ranked the Tumi Alpha 22" Frequent Traveler as the best carry on.

They say it meets all airline carry-on requirements...

http://www.consumersearch.com/luggag...dable-carry-on


I have never had a wheeled carry on suitcase.

That's a good recommendation. Heys makes strong sturdy luggage that is very dependable. I personally love the hardside luggage as it protects your contents from being crushed and provides better protection from the elements. I also prefer colored or printed design luggage so it's easy to find at baggage claim. I found a neat site that does reviews on hardside luggage and it may help if you are looking for recommendations. www.hardsidepolycarbonateluggage.com They always seem to have some type of special going on.

We just bought a 20in Antler wheeled carry-on. I will report back after our trip in three weeks but right now, it looks good - sturdy, light-wieght, and lots of space inside.

I love the Briggs Riley Transcend series - much lighter than the baseline series and just as sturdy. The 26" rolling duffel has taken us around the world with no problems. It's just under 9lbs - not bad for it's size. Wheels and handles are great - and if it ever gets damaged, just ship it to them for repair. I've used the repair service on previous pieces and it's great.

I'm topping this thread in the hopes that someone can recommend the largest,lightest rolling duffel that will pass both AA and BA requirements. We're attempting to go on safari with carry on - Purchased the Travelpro Lite (22"x13"x10), but sadly, it has a plastic handle on the bottom that will make it an inch too long for BA, and I think it's an inch too high for AA.

Most rolling bags (duffles included) won't meet the weight restrictions for small planes if you do any flying during the safari. If you really want to go carry-on, you should concentrate on a bag without wheels. Check out the Aeronaut or the eBags ELS Motherlode Weekender Convertible or eTech Convertible. LLBean makes a similar bag. These travel packs all have backstraps so you can carry them on a bag, compression straps so you can tie down your clothes in bundles, and several compartments. Rick Steeves makes a travel pack without individual sections if you prefer that.

If you really desperately need a bag with wheels, the eBags e-Tech Motherlode Mini 21" might work, but it's twice as heavy as the travel pack.

I can vouch for the MotherLode 21". With it's curved top, it fits in the overhead bins when my husband's Rick Steve's doesn't.

Thanks - you've convinced us...no wheels. I'm checking out all of your suggestions, but I'm afraid they won't satisfy BA's stringent requirements.

I just ordered a Mother Lode TLS Weekender from ebags and am excited waiting for it. There are excellent reviews on their website. I'm really hoping it's as good as all of the reviews are saying it is.

http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/m...ductid=1370034

I know it's not a roller bag, but I like that it's easy to take as a backpack or shoulder/crossbody bag. I compared 4 convertible bags on ebags the other day and this one seemed to stand out. I looked at the 21" rolling duffles but the wheels and frame added a few pounds and had less space! The 21" Mother Lode rollers are 8lbs 11oz and 7lbs 6oz and 2752 and 2557 cubic inches capacity respectively.

I compared the Thule Crossover Duffle Pack, the Mother Lode TLS Weekender Convertible, the Weekender eTech Convertible and the Rick Steves Convertible Carry-on. All got excellent reviews and have somewhat similar warranties. The Thule was only reviewed on ebags by one person so I'm taking that high reviewer rating with a grain of salt. The rest were reviewed by 160+ people, and 2200+ for the eTech.

<b>Thule:</b>
2501 cubic inches. 23" x 13.5" x 9.5". 2.43lbs. $140.

<b>Mother Lode TLS Weekender Convertible:</b>
3299 cubic inches, 3651 cubic inches when fully expanded. 22" x 14" x 9". 3.7lbs. $100 (though I just ordered it for $85 and free shipping due to a pretty common 15% off and free shipping sale).

<b>Weekender eTech Convertible:</b>
3066 cubic inches. 22" x 14" x 9". 3.64lbs. $40.

<b>Rick Steves Convertible:</b>
2500 cubic inches. 21" x 14" x 9". 3 lbs. $95.



The BA hand baggage restriction is 22" x 18" x 10", and you have to be able to lift it into the overhead bin. Any of those four bags would work for the requirements (the Thule could be squished an inch on the longest measurement if needed). eBags.com had quite a few more "hands free" carryon's and I've had great luck using them for bags. They have free returns so I often order 2 or 3 products that I'm choosing between and return whatever I don't like. I simply wait until one of their 10%, 15% or 20% and free shipping deals is on (very common) and then order. No stores in my area carry bags even remotely similar to these so it's online only. Zappos.com has a lot of stuff, but I've had better luck with eBags lately. I'm not trying to advertise for them, but I am a happy customer.

Good luck and have fun on your trip, I'm utterly jealous! :)

Thanks so much! I am checking out all of your suggestions. My crazy type A husband (who is a luggage nazi and doesn't ever let us check) actually drove to LAX to see if this rolling duffel would fit in the BA sizer.

(22"x13"x10") http://www.ebags.com/product/travelp...%20duffel%2022

The whole BA area was closed when he got there (on strike?), so he tried the AA sizer and it didn't fit! (We're flying to London on AA - We had not too concerned about them...usually very lenient, but I hear BA makes you go back and check "oversized" luggage as you change planes at Heathrow.)

So then we decided to forget the wheels and we purchased a 22"x13"x9" Travelpro duffel

http://www.ebags.com/product/travelp...fel/97202(much nicer color than the ones in the photo...a dark khaki)

- last one at a closeout at a luggage store near here. We need four - might get three more, but I will check out your suggestions first because they seem to have more room even though they're the same dimensions.

IowaRedhead, I really like my MotherLode. (good price, btw, for you!) On our trip to China last fall, we each tried a new bag -- MotherLode, a Rick Steve's bag and ? Eagle Creek. Mine was the only one that didn't have to be checked as it would fit into the overhead bin. Plus, I like it.

I need a new rolling duffel. Will check out the travel pro on ebags.

Good luck, crosscheck.

I have a folding cart that fits in my personal item bag (about the size of a computer bag). I can put my wheelless Rick Steves bag on it when I'm walking thru the airport. I'm over 60, love to travel, and always carryon. It holds all I need for three weeks and weighs in around 20 pounds fully packed, but I can get it down to 17 pounds if I need to.

http://www.conair.com/travel-smart-f...art-p-542.html

BeachGirl, If you like the travelpro and are not in a desperate rush, you might want to wait for a sale. We got ours for $65 on ebags two weeks ago - now the price is $79.

kathcoll, We did think of getting a set of wheels if we can't use a wheeled duffel, although we are going with our two teen boys and they can carry my bag. The Safarilink limit is 15k, including hand luggage.

This is all making me crazy. I'm thinking we should each bring one safari outfit, one fleece and forget the camera equipment...just download some close-ups of leopards giving birth and say we took them.

I have a 35 litre lightweight rucksack that weighs less than 350gms (14oz).