Wheeled duffle options
 

I'm taking a tour (something I haven't done in a while, mostly have traveled independently) to South America in November. The four-week itinerary includes everything from tropical jungle to mountains to cities, so I'm anticipating wanting to pack a little heavier than I would if I were traveling on my own, and I'm planning to check a bag (something I usually don't do). The tour operator recommends "heavy nylon fabric, wrap-around handles, built-in wheels, and a heavy-duty lockable zipper. Please do not bring a rigid (plastic shell) suitcase."

I've done a lot of searching on line and I'm considering these options:

- eBags TLS Mother Lode Junior 25" Wheeled Duffel (http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/m...ductid=1325227)

- eBags TLS 25" Expandable Upright (http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/t...uctid=10186876)

- Travelpro T-Pro BOLD 25" Expandable Rollaboard (http://www.ebags.com/product/travelp...uctid=10124515)

Anyone with recommendations about these or other similar bags you think I should consider?

Thanks!

My only question is do you really think you need a 25 inch suitcase? I would be inclined to go with a smaller rolling suitcase ( 22 inch), and a duffle or backpack that meets the local airlines carry-on standards. I prefer to keep at least a change of clothing and my electronics in my carryon. I wonder why they don't want you to bring a hard shell case. I prefer those for checked luggage, myself.

I bet it's for their own convenience. Duffles are a lot easier to sling into the belly of buses. Pack LIGHTER than you normally would. I have a small duffle backpack from north face that I really like. I'd skip the wheels. The structure adds weight and you'll be tempted to overpack. It sounds like an adventure tour, and I don't know why you'd pack heavier- I bet you'll still be responsible for schlepping your bag around.

I like an actual duffle bag shape. For the trip you describe I think at least a 25" is the right choice size.

https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/9154...3916-pprrright
Not necessarily that bag because the weight is a little heavy and the size a little too small, but that's the shape I like, duffle bag with a U-shaped top opening for easy packing.

I think all three of the ones you linked are too heavy (weight empty) at 9 to 12 lbs.

I also wouldn't pay $200 for a suitcase.

Do you have a TJ Maxx, Marshall, or similar you can go to?

I've always purchased cheap luggage. In my experience, the edges might fray a bit but they have been good for at least two roundtrips to Asia with at least one stopover each way. The last trip I took I had two plane changes each way and my duffle bags made it back pretty much intact. I used a Coleman wheeled duffle bag that is sold by Walmart. At about $30, I don't get too upset about any damage it might sustain. No broken zippers or straps and the wheels and telescoping handles always worked.

After having soft sided luggage damaged by the airlines (or airport handlers), I went to polycarbonate clamshell style . Also has the advantage of keeping out rain , dust and resists crushing.I like having at least one spinner bag. So far it hasn't been cut or lost a wheel, but I bought a good one,yes, at Marshalls.

Duffles are annoying for regular luggage in a long trip, it is hard to keep them organized, they work for overnights or overflow, not main luggage when you are always moving.

Get something you can keep organized and I would not bring a large bag. Are there places where you will be able to have laundry done overnight?

"Please do not bring a rigid (plastic shell) suitcase."

Use what suits you and the type of use it will get. For example, while wheels might suit the average tourist moving only between airport, taxi, hotel etc. or walking it down a paved street, they are useless on dirt streets or cobbled streets or when you are going to encounter a lot of stairs etc.

Bear in mind that anything that adds weight means less comfort for you when you do have to pick it up off the ground. So if you anticipate actually having to 'carry' it much, make the weight of whatever you choose your number one criteria. I personally would never use any kind of bag that weighs more than 3 lbs. empty.

To get relevant suggestions for any particular type of bag, you would need to say more about just how you expect it to be used as per above.

A side note on clamshell vs. zipper bags. Clamshells have one major advantage. They are harder to steal from. Watch this video to see how silly it is for anyone (your tour company) to suggest that a, " a heavy-duty lockable zipper" implies any kind of security for your stuff.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JvmAktLvFg

Kinda makes you realize how easy it would be for someone to put some illegal items in your bag, not just steal what you put in it! Don't yah just love the risks of travel!

" I wonder why they don't want you to bring a hard shell case. I prefer those for checked luggage, myself."

I spent a month in Ecuador - from Amazon, to Andes, to Galapagos Islands with a 'just inside regulation' carry on and a medium purse. I had a very light Eddie Bauer back pack for day use, that was inside my luggage. I will admit, I had to either wear my ankle height trekking boots or put them on the outside of my bag as there was no room inside it.
I got the MEI voyageur bag. 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Now this is too big for Canadian flights, but I can cut down the 2 metal braces to still be compliant.
It doesn't have wheels, but it converts to a back pack and has a very supportive hip strap to make carrying easy. I am pushing 60 now and I can still carry it.The straps zip away and it just looks like a soft suitcase. Have also taken it to Africa for safaris and volunteering.
It isn't cheap, but is very well made. It does get dirty when checked, or put onto the boats to get to Amazon, but if you choose a grey, pewter, or mid range colour it washes off. No wear shows on the fabrics.
Soft sides just makes packing the vehicle easier.

Thank you for all the responses!

I bought the eBags TLS Mother Lode Junior 25" Wheeled Duffel, and at 90 liters I think it's too big, plus it's heavy, so I think I'm going to return it. And I'm going to look for something smaller.

It's hard to find a wheeled duffel around 60 to 70 liters without spending a lot. I agree with those who don't want to spend a lot on luggage, but there are 12 (yes 12!) different flights on this trip, and the last thing I want is to find my clothes scattered all over baggage claim. Durability is key. I've found some lower-priced and appropriately-sized duffels at Ross and Marshall's and TJ Maxx and Target for a lower price, but I worry about how they'll hold up.

I agree I'd prefer to use clamshell-style luggage, but I assume this is not wanted because it's hard to squish it into luggage compartments in vans and buses.

I look forward to checking out some of your suggestions, and if you have others, I'd love to hear about them.

Thanks again!

I wouldn't expect luggage at Marshall's etc to not hold up for one trip, if they work otherwise for size and weight. Very often they are just last season's styles in name brands.

REI has this 22 inch wheeled duffle at $169.

I think I bought one of this type in a larger size and returned it after I used it just because I don't like the duffle layout where there is one big compartment that you have to load from the top.

They are good about taking things back.

Sorry I forgot the link

https://www.rei.com/product/878303/r...eled-duffel-22

60, 70 and 90 litre bags! You gotta be kidding.

What aren't you planning to pack? That list has to be shorter than what you are planning to pack!

What kind of tour in S. America is it you are going on? Can you provide a link to the tour company's site and a description of the tour?

You say, 'jungles, mountains, cities. Are you going to have to pick up this bag and carry it yourself at all for say farther than 50 feet? Do you have any idea what your bag will weigh when packed?

It's the jungles and mountains part that makes me wonder just what kind of travel you will be doing in terms of having to carry your bag yourself.

Two very popular bags that people use for longer term travel where they will encounter various means of travel other than just airport, taxi or bus to hotel and city streets, are the Osprey Porter 46 and Osprey Farpoint 40. People take these bags on year long, round the world, trips.

Neither has wheels which only add weight to your bag. Weight is the travellers number one enemy when it comes to choosing and packing a bag. If you are only doing airport, taxi, hotel, city streets, then wheels are not a disadvantage but if you are going to have to pick your bag up and carry it, they are a major disadvantage.

Size also matters. There is a universal law of the cosmos which says that the bigger the bag, the more 'stuff' you decide to pack in it. Who wouldah thought! More 'stuff' means more weight and more weight means less comfort when you have to pick it up off the ground.

If you are planning to pack ball gowns and 8 pair of shoes, then you're never gonna be a lightweight traveller. That's up to you to decide but I would like to suggest that you give it some conscious thought before deciding and not just assume you need a big bag for travelling.

Here is a video of a woman packing for a 5 week trip and using a 40-45 litre bag.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNN0LoVJ5So

Most people make the mistake of first picking a bag and then deciding what to pack in it. I would suggest a better way to decide what bag to buy is by: 1. Start by setting yourself a weight limit you are willing to pick up and carry. 2. Determine what you will pack that will keep you under that weight limit. 3. Bundle it all up in a large plastic bag and tape it up tightly into a roughly rectangular cube form. Measure it and THAT is the size bag you need.

This might be a time to throw in another suggestion that helps people pack more appropriately...

Well in advance of the trip, pack the bag fully as you plan to take it, then go out in your own city/town and move around with it, take it on and off public transportation, in and out of taxis, etc. Walk a mile with it. See how it feels.

For 4 weeks, a 25" would be optimal. I bought a very lightwt Travelpro hardshell spinner for a month trip to France that worked out great. But for a previous trip to Spain, my husband and I had large wheeled duffels that ended up being close to 50# and because they werent spinners, might have made my left arm 2" longer with all the pulling to/fro train stations! However, it opened up like a Pullman, with each half secured and separated. Open-from-the-top duffels are very inconvenient. These were inexpensive and very sturdy, High Sierra brand. Another very lightweight line to consider is Lipault.

I was at TJ Maxx yesterday an there had a selection of 22 inch fabric wheelies weighing in around 6lb. They were all name brands in the $60 to $70 range. I'd go try one and see if that, plus a legal carryon will get you thru. There seems to be a lack of 23 or 24 inch bags, with the downsizing of free carryons.


I don't know if Dogeared has every been to South America but one gets to the Andes by bus and to the jungle by plane and launch. No need for backpacks if on a tour. The bus will be stopping in front of your hotel. You may have to carry your bag upstairs by yourself if they are using 3 star hotels. Stairs are more common than elevators. Pack light and use laundry services.

"For 4 weeks, a 25" would be optimal"

In what way optimal? I travel for considerably longer than that with a 22 inch roller (two wheels, checked for flights) and a day pack. And I do a lot of train travel.

Mlgb, I have been to every continent except Antarctica. I do not consider a 6lb bag as light. I have travelled using nearly every form of transportation known to man. None of that has anything to do with what kind of bag I choose to use on any given trip.

You seem to think that everyone going to S. America travels by bus, plane and launch and that 'the bus will be stopping in front of your hotel'. Really? How do you know that? I've actually found that it is quite rare for a bus to stop in front of your hotel unless it is a tour bus. You are making assumptions about the OP's trip for which there is no evidence. The OP has not returned to answer the question as to how they will be travelling. It may be that the OP will be travelling in a way that makes a wheeled bag OK. It may be that it will be a disadvantage.

Take a look at this tour company's suggestions on type of bag. Also note the weights they mention for various parts of their tours/treks. ie. their Amazon list and Peru list.
http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ca/per...1247/tripnotes

While you will see that they start out saying, "Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although a small to medium suitcase with wheels is ok too.", interpret that for yourself. What they are really saying is a backpack is better but we don't want to lose any bookings from people who want to bring a wheeled suitcase. So we'll include it and let them suffer for it after they've paid us.

Note on their Amazon specific list they end with, "Luggage is hand-carried at various stages in the trip for long distance. We strongly recommend you limit your weight to 15 kilos (32 pounds per piece)." How does that work with a wheeled suitcase? Do you think those 'long distances' are on paved streets in the Amazon?

I would be interested in hearing what you think 'packing light' actually means in terms of a specific weight you would consider to be light. I consider anything under 7kg/15 lbs. to be light; up to 11kg/25 lbs. to be average and anything over that to be heavy.

There are many people who travel for as much as a year or more and start out with as little as 5kg/11 lbs. total weight and that includes the weight of the bag itself. You suggest a 22 inch bag plus a 'legal carry-on' as well. That I can guarantee you will end up nowhere near 'lightweight'. Most people who think they are travelling light, never define what 'light' means.

Note on the linked site for their Peru Trek, you are limited to 5kg. What they don't say is that even if people pack exactly what they list, they will not manage to stay below 5kg.

You should also learn what the difference is between a travelpack and a backpack. One is designed for a mix of travel means while the other is designed specifically for backpacking in the great outdoors. Here is a simple explanation.
http://blog.tortugabackpacks.com/hiking-backpacks/

The Osprey bags I mentioned earlier are travel packs, which are probably the best type of bag for travel in S. America if you are going to have to do any carrying of your bag for any length of time on your trip.

OK, so first of all, here's the itinerary:

https://www.oattravel.com/media/Files/D2D/OAT/2017/ACA

I'm taking both the pre-tour extension to Easter Island and the post-tour extension to Iguassu Falls. I'm also staying one extra day in Buenos Aires at the end, at an Airbnb.

They don't mention anything on their web site or in their brochure about having to carry luggage, and all the hotels they mention seem like the kind of places they can drive us right up to, so I anticipate the only carrying of luggage I will have to do is in and out of airports and in and out of hotels. And for the final day in Buenos Aires, I expect to use a car service that will transport me directly between the airport and the door of my Airbnb.

As I mentioned, I've often traveled with just carry-on luggage in the past. I have the Rick Steves Convertible Carry-on, and this works well for me, but it's a struggle to fit all my belonging into it. (I travel with a CPAP machine, and this takes up a lot of room. I also love blogging about my travels, so I carry a small notebook computer.) On this trip I will have layovers in ATL both directions, and there are 7 internal flights. I have a small backpack I will use as my carry-on for my essentials and my CPAP, but I think I will be happier if I can relinquish my luggage and have less to carry with me at the many airports.

I understand that traveling light is critical when you have to carry your luggage to and from train stations and bus depots and hotels on cobblestone streets and up and down hills. I've traveled this way many times, and I'd never take a rolling bag on that kind of trip. But I think this will be different, so I want to consider going with their suggestion of a rolling bag. But I will keep looking, and I'll definitely consider that a 22" bag might be adequate.

Anyway, thanks for all the advice. I wasn't aware that there was so much fervor about this topic!

When you said "jungle" I thought you meant the Amazon. The area arund Iguazu is no doubt technically jungle, and it's true that I stayed in town, but I did not find it especially hot and humid.

That itinerary is similar to one I did independently:

http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...-patagonia.cfm

I'm pretty sure that by that time I had switched from a convertible backback to the 22inch roller, either way it weighed in at 10-11kgs.

I think your initial idea of the 25" (but I would look for lighter-weight ones) is fine. That's hardly a gigantic piece of luggage! I see zero benefit in downsizing to a 22" for the kind of trip you describe.

Yes the luggage topic does have some ardent posters who are committed to having it be "their way" or the highway. Even if their normal style of travel bears no relationship to your particular trip.

It was clear (to me) from your first posting that you would be on a tour, and so I figured you would not need to hike with your own luggage across borders, or drag a suitcase across cobbles. That they would be on your tour bus, a van, boat or airplane, that there would be bodies to help with transfers (although one never knows when being ale to lift your own bag comes in handy, even if that just means you can go to your room without standing around).

suze, the OP has already looked at one of the 25inch bags and finds it's likely too big and too heavy. I agree, having actually been to the places she is going to, I know it's not like going to Europe where one feels a need for lots of outfits for going out to dinner. Nor is it like going to one hotel where you get to unpack for two weeks.

You may want to post a tentative packing list and mention your month of travel on the South America forum since there are quite a few regulars who have done long trips and have visited most of your stops. If you haven't found crellston's blog yet, I think he's got a good packing list there. I've been to the Andes, to Patagonia, to Buenos Aires, Santiago/Valparaiso, Puerto Montt/Llanquihue and to Iquitos (plenty hot!) as well as some of the subtropical 'jungle' areas of Ecuador and Peru. My trips are 3 or 4 weeks long. I've NEVER needed a 25-inch suitcase and it would be more of a burden than a help IMO. A small rolling suitcase, a duffle and a small pack or tote for the personal item worked fine for me.

If you carry our warm jacket onto the plane it doesn't need to packed into your luggage, so you don't need a larger suitcase just for that. For Patagonia I'd want to bring a waterproof windproof shell that folds up and can be tucked in your pack and a separate warm polyfleece or merino layer which you probably won't need during good weather. When the sun is out it's quite warm. Depending what month you are going Santiago and Buenos Aires can also be warm if not hot!

I'd recommend packing some small binoculars if you have room, you may come across flamingos, guanaco, rhea, condors and other cool critters.

Yes, it seems clear(now that you have given a link where it is made clear) that you are only going to have to go from bus to hotel. Take the kitchen sink in that case if you want to. What size bag you buy is irrelevant if you don't have to carry it at all. The site even mentions 'luggage porters'.

<<It was clear (to me) from your first posting that you would be on a tour>>

Maybe because he said: "I'm taking a tour"

Some tours handle your luggage for you and some don't. I usually take the latter, if I take a tour at all, and actually prefer it. I don't want to wait for my bag to be delivered to my room when I could get it there much quicker myself, and I don't like leaving it out in the corridor for anyone to steal. Not to mention that I prefer to stay in small B&Bs, gueathouses, pensions etc. that don't have the staff to handle bags.

LOL, curious how some people think 'tour' has only one definition in terms of whether you will handle your luggage yourself or not. The link I gave above to Intrepid is a 'tour' on which you have to carry your luggage 'long distances' by yourself. Intrepid is actually one of the biggest and most respected tour companies around.

Nothing in the OP made it clear what 'tour' meant.

Just thought I'd follow up with everyone who was kind enough to provide feedback and let you know what I have decided.

I ended up with three different bags at home, and I will probably decide which one to take with me when I pack for the trip.

I posted on my travel blog about the three bags. You can check them out at http://laneisgoingplaces.blogspot.co...-part-two.html

Thanks again for the passionate input.

That's funny. Take whichever one works! Bring some Duct Tape if you're worried about durability or see a seam starting to go. I've used it as a temporary luggage strap (you can unwind it from the cardbord tube to save space). I don't think I've ever returned from a long trip with any leftover!

Either of the first two, not the last one.

@suze - what is your reason for recommending against the SwissGear Checklite 22"?

This should be good.

If I had to take a duffle I'd take the third. Others are too big. If you want it to stand out stick a bright piece of tape on it or tie ribbons on the handle.

Well honestly I think they are all way too heavy (empty). They are all just barely under or even over 10 lbs! I've just never understood the point of a bag that is so heavy before you even start packing it.

For me the 22" is too small, especially for its weight, and for 4-weeks with such a varied itinerary.

Do you have your clothes/shoes/gear together? Would it fit in that small of a bag?

There are IT luggage (brand) 24-25" nylon roller bags that weight 4.37 lbs.

If the Samsonite doesn't work as far as size, I might return all three, add the money up and you can buy the Ikea one I linked, LOL.. or go back to Marshalls/Ross etc.

I looked more closely at the blue checked one, I'd also worry about quality. And it's a no-name brand. I might return that and the Samsonite if you decide it's too small and go back to Marshalls/Ross etc. If you have a TJMaxx nearby they seem to have some better brands than Ross.

All my luggage has come from TJ Maxx or Marshalls. All name brands. Never paid more than ~$50.

LOL, I wouldn't even be seen looking at any one of those bags in a store, never mind travelling with one.

You might as well have your forehead tattooed with 'dumb tourist.' A 10 lbs. empty bag? You must be joking. Why do people keep trying to say there is no difference between a dumb tourist and a savvy traveller?

If you want to travel with a duffle (I do on sailing trips for example where being able to stow your bag away once you get to the boat is important), then look at a REAL duffle bag.

Any one of the 6 REI Roadtripper duffles will outlast your lifetime. Nor do they cost much and even the 84L large size only weighs 1 lb., 7 oz. They're duffles, that means, they're simple, one big compartment and they have no features to be paid for, they're cheap. That's what a 'duffle bag' is and has always been.

https://www.rei.com/b/rei-co-op/c/du...wd-77088824958

If you don't have to pick it up and carry anywhere other than from the taxi to the airport carousel or from the taxi/bus into the hotel, WHY would wheels be needed? WHY would you add all that weight when it is of little use to you. A wheeled bag makes sense when either A. the bag is so heavy you cannot comfortably pick it up and carry it anywhere or B, when you are likely to walk fair distances with it on streets or in an airport where you have a half mile walk from one terminal to another.

Let's be serious here. The reason most people use a wheeled bag is because they don't know how to pack light and reason A above (too heavy) is in fact the overrriding factor.

The tour companies KNOW people pack too much and can't carry their own bags without having a heart attack, that's why they suggest a wheeled bag! It's easier than suggesting you learn how to pack light!

As I posted earlier, I'm no longer seeking advice, as I have made some choices based on the feedback I've already gotten. And I do (again) thank those of you who offered constructive advice that was helpful. I'm very happy that I was able to reject the much larger bags I was originally considering and have settled on more reasonably sized luggage, and I can make the final choice about which bag to use when it's time to pack.

I only want to mention that (1) none of the bags I've bought is anywhere close to 10 lbs; (2) I've frequently traveled with just a backpack-style carry-on, and I do know how to pack light, but for reasons that I have justified for myself (who is the only person I need to justify my choices to), I've decided I prefer a wheeled bag that I will plan on checking for this particular trip; (3) if my choice of luggage makes me a dumb tourist, so be it, and if you are offended by my choice, that's your problem, not mine; and (4) if you think mocking those who don't share your point of view is a worthwhile endeavor, that's also your problem, not mine.

Happy travels!