Recommendations for Light-Weight, 4-Wheel, 22-in. Roll On.
 

I'm going to buy new roll-on luggage for a 5-week international trip that involves 9 flights! I'll be using this along with a smallish backpack that fits under the seat of the plane. There are a lot of choices (and price points) to choose from but I'd love to hear from someone who thinks what they use is the BEST. (Ditto for a versatile backpack that's not too big) Thanks!

How often you travel so will use the luggage would affect my answer.
Over the years, I keep moving to smaller and lighter luggage.
At first I bought high end.
TravelPro lasts for decades, but tends to be heavier and more expensive.
Rick Steves bags have lasted long, not as long as TravelPro, but lighter and cheaper.
A Delsey was OK, but not as study. I would not buy again.

I bought a Rick Steves rolling carry-on on sale 13½" x 20" x 9", 6+ lbss, travelstore.ricksteves.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&theParentId=8&id=527
Took it on its first trip recently--not a real workout, just airports, planes--none of my my usual cobblestones, stairs, trails, etc.
It packed nicely, lightweight, fit in overhead. The front is soft, so it is difficult to get a strapped on backpack to balance when pulling over uneven surfaces or rounding corners. So, if I use this under my "normal" conditions, my backpack will need to stay on my back.

It may be larger than what you are thinking of it it must fit under your seat, but I really like my Embark Jartop Elite Backpack
http://www.target.com/p/embark-jarto..._2&term=embark
I like the way the main compartment opens (jartop) so nothing falls out. The main compartment is large, so bulky items fit (I don't space split up into small odd size spaces. It has a computer compartment too. If not full, it does fit under the seat, but can hold a lot if used to its full capacity. Some reviewers say theirs ripped easily, but I haven't had any problems in the last year and I am rough on it.

I often purchase at a local TJ Maxx or Marshalls. Too often lately the stores have had only the 4-wheel spinners and I don't want to use use weight and space on wheels. Last bay I bought online when I saw a sale.

Kay2: I'm considering buying that Steves bag -- can you tell me what the total height is including the wheels? And can I ask if you flew an American airline, or international? I'm flying Iceland Air and it's limits are just under 8 inches for depth, so not sure if the 9" would be allowed...

This bag has become my beloved one-and-only in a short time:
http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/m...uctid=10150071
It may not be your ideal size and weight, however. Also, I confess that Rick Steves sets my teeth on edge and I would not buy his products.

I'm in love with my newish "IT" brand 4-roller. Their 22" weighs 3.5 lbs only. About as light as you are going to find in a suitcase that has handles & wheels.

As for a daypack, I don't think you need anything special when you're basically using it as a tote bag. I'd buy anything cheap that seems to fit what you are picturing.

<B>suze:</B> That super light weight IT roll aboard intrigues me. You've posted about it before. I always travel carry on <i>sized</i> but occasionally end up checking it (like tomorrow I'm flying to London and my rollie is heavier than usual since I'm taking some books/gifts to a friend).

Is that bag sturdy enough to withstand being checked?

Yup. Mine is actually the 24" weighing in at 4 lbs, so it is always checked thru. I do put a luggage strap around it. I've only used it ~5 trips so far (Hawaii, Mexico, Oregon) but it still looks brand new. Rolls beautifully, surprisingly even outdoors over cobblestones, stone stairs, etc. I'm crazy about it.

ps- I know the list price on them is expensive. I found mine at TJ Maxx for $49.

Thanks for all of your replies. I'm seriously considering the Eagle Creek 22" Tarmac, but I've read that it's actually 23-inches. I'm wondering if I'll be able to get through on international or foreign flights with this. Has anyone been told they had to check their 22- or 23-inch roll-on bag on an international flight?

Stricky: It totally depends on the airline. easyJet for instance you'd be out of luck w/ that bag. They do offer SB (speedy boarding) where you get a front of the plane seat and a slightly larger cabin bag for an extra fee, but 23in is too big.

If you want to be sure I wouldn't buy anything larger than a 21".

A lot of the luggage manufacturers say a bag measures 22-inches, but with the wheel, it's really 23 or 23-1/2. Or the handle doesn't retract, so that adds ½-inch. Or the outside zip pockets add an inch beyond the 9" wide that's regulation, even when empty. It's been challenge finding the right kind of roll-on.
Thanks for all your recommendations.