Wheeled duffle options
Mar 19th, 2017, 09:26 AM
#21
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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!
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!
Mar 19th, 2017, 09:50 AM
#22
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.
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.
Mar 19th, 2017, 02:19 PM
#23
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.
Mar 19th, 2017, 04:58 PM
#24
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.
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.
Mar 20th, 2017, 05:44 AM
#25
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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'.
Mar 20th, 2017, 09:37 AM
#27
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.
Mar 21st, 2017, 08:30 AM
#28
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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.
Nothing in the OP made it clear what 'tour' meant.
Mar 23rd, 2017, 09:03 AM
#29
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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.
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.
Mar 23rd, 2017, 09:25 AM
#30
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!
Mar 23rd, 2017, 03:10 PM
#35
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?
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?
Mar 24th, 2017, 02:28 AM
#37
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.
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.
Mar 24th, 2017, 12:39 PM
#39
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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!
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!
Mar 24th, 2017, 01:37 PM
#40
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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!
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!
