I might have been naive enough to post the other day that I was making a “quick” trip to Cincinnati. Sadly enough, there wasn’t much “quick” in my return. A long story short, I stumbled in last night a little after midnight. Sigh.
That aside, during the trip I received an email from Randy, who has some specific needs with regard to a new bag for which he’s shopping. I know at least one of you has been experimenting with a lightweight wheelie, so I asked Randy if he’d be ok with my posting his question. He is, and here it is, in his own words:
To my question (with some background first):
I am a business traveler who spends a moderate amount of time traveling (40 – 75 nights a year, plus 20 – 25 day trips). I am also some who has a ruptured disc in my lower back (L5/S1… its genetic…. thanks Dad), and have to think through how I pack and what bags to use on a daily basis. Not because I am worried about the daily effects, but rather the long term effects. I suspect I’ll have to consider surgery at some point, but I am only 35, and my exercise and diet regimen will hopefully push that into my 60s before I have to really think seriously.
Currently I have a medium Timbuk2 Commute 1.0 with a Skooba Designs SuperBungee Strap (http://www.skoobadesign.com/product/skooba-superbungee-bag-strap-30/). I also have a Victorinox roller that I have used pretty exhaustively for 2.5 years now.
I am thinking of getting a new bag. Your site and many others are not directly against roller-bags, but your reviews and recommendations clearly focus on carryable bags without wheels.
Any experience (from either you or your readers) with rolling bags that meet your utility requiremewnts but might be easier in the long term on someone like me?
Any ideas? I’d appreciate it if any of you could comment with your suggestions. Thanks!
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!- You may also enjoy these related posts:
- Checkpoint-friendly netbook and laptop cases at close-out prices at Skooba Design
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December 4th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
I used wheelies for years and they were fine, back in the days when not so many people had carry-on bags and the wheelies weren’t pushing the size limits and subject to possible (Asian and European international flights) weight limits). I could always get them in the overhead compartments and it was always a lot easier wheeling them around, except for an occasional Tokyo or Taiwan staircase where escalators weren’t handy.
My move to “one bagging” it with soft-sided shoulder suitcases (Air Boss style) and convertible backpacks (Rick Steves Classic style) came about because –
1. I started to bump against weight restrictions – 15.5 pounds with frequent “weight checks” at the ticket counter.
2. The design of some overhead compartments has changed – even on Boeing jumbos – my 22″ wheelie that used to fit in “end to end” would now only fit sideways, and often there wasn’t enough room.
3. I needed to carry more contents. Before I carried a lot of water bottles – before 9-1-1 – because I arrived at midnight dehydrated and the two tiny hotel water bottles weren’t enough. Now I arrive midday and can stop at a 7-11, but need more gear(for jiu jitsu – uniforms are hard to replace locally). The lighter weight of a “one bag” and its lack of “hard surround” means I can carry more, lighter.
4. It’s a fun fad and I like the mental challenge.
BUT unless you are going to be trekking – with buses and trains – the classic Rick Steves scenario – you can’t beat a wheelie for pure comfort, since the transits are all short, sweet and predictable.
In fact I got tired of humping a heavy shoulder suitcase a few trips ago, and bought 3 wheelies (the Costo wheelie, my workhorse equivalent to your Victorinox, is just too big and heavy, but great for checkthrough). My 3 bags are:
a. Cheapie 20″ from Walmart, because it’s “flimsy” it’s also light – 7 pounds IIRC.
b. Classy & expensive Briggs & Riley lightweight 18″ – fatter than Walmart, 8 pounds, small enough to make ticket counter and gate agents smile.
c. Landor & Hawa SUB-0-G – 20.5″ x 14.2″ x 7.8″ Weight: 4.8 lbs. Uses a perimeter frame made of aluminum tubing and fiberglass. Yes, under 5 pounds, but almost as large as my Costco wheelie – small enough, though, to actually be legal. Not sturdy enough, imho, for repeated checking through, but SOLID for carry on. Best of all, under $90 if you shop around.
I haven’t used the Landor yet – it’s superb, but on my last wheelie trip, I knew I would check the wheelie for the flight back (fewer worries about the consequences of lost luggage). But next stateside trip I will use it. Looks super smart too.
Finally – look at the Zuca Sport (originally for students) – http://www...
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December 4th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Here’s the link to the Zuca Sport… http://is.gd/5crQ1 But Michael, this thing weighs 9 pounds… ??
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Michael W. Reply:
December 4th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Sadly, 9 pounds is actually a very competitive weight for wheelies. Wait until you check out the “lightweight” Briggs & Rileys, my 18″ is still 8 pounds, only a pound lighter than the overbuilt Zuca. Besides for USA travel weight doesn’t seem to be as much a problem as size and “threat level” – whether other passengers will cheer or boo as the gate agent requires a gate check….
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December 4th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
…and here’s Gadling’s review of the Landor: http://is.gd/5crXR
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December 4th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Randy, the excellent Travelpro Plat5 19″ roller (really a 20″ model) is available right now on Overstock for $120. If you don’t need a suiter (and with the folding methods I’ve posted you don’t really need one) this would be pretty perfect. The most salient pro might be the handle which is very easy on the shoulder and back. Weight is under 10lb I believe. I know, that’s still not super light, but as Michael said, a full featured and durable roller in this size is hard to make under 9lb.
The now super rare 22″ model is currently available at goinginstyle.com for $300.
You can read my review of the Plat5 22″ model on OBOW.
The Andiamo Valoroso line is the only other wheelie I know that has a very ergonomic handle. I have the big 28 incher. Getting harder to find in the 22″ size and rather heavy at 12.8 lb but simply a wonderful bag.
There are two other possibilities you might consider. One is a rolling duffel bag. These are usually lighter than the normal rollers. But they don’t pack suits so well. And they are sometimes not quite as good for having your briefcase ride on top of them. But the volume to weight ratio is much better.
The last possibility if you want to reduce weight is to use a tote or duffel that is to your liking and use a lightweight cart with it. Samsonite Micromover and EZM T-roller are the lightest ones I know of.
Oh, and of course, in your case to avoid any load at all on the back a 20 spinner might be a very good thing to look at. Heys has super lightweight polycarbonate spinners for not much money. On the other end of the spectrum nothing rolls as smoothly and effortlessly as a Rimowa alu multi-wheeler in my experience. They are light, too. But be ready for the sticker shock! Don’t get the polycarbonate ones with zipper. There is now a series that has PC shells and an alu rigid frame. That is much better in terms of durability and control when steering it.
If you tell us about other requirements in terms of size and features we might be able to narrow it down further.
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December 4th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Our “up in the air” frequent flyer exec swears by the “spinners.” I thought they were a senseless gimmick until she explained them to me.
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December 4th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Well, spinners can be justifiable. If you have back, shoulder or wrist problems or if you have really heavy loads to transport they are a godsend. For normal duty the risk of having wheels break off and the added weight and bulk as well as the decreased interior volume make it hard to justify.
What does she have to say about them? Perhaps I am forgetting some positive or negative arguments.
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Michael W. Reply:
December 4th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
They don’t stick out and you can take off in any direction without much fuss. Haven’t tried one and it’s been a while so I may be getting that wrong.
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December 4th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Great comments; thanks. My reaction to the Zuca is as much to its design and appearance as the weight. It must just be me, but those things look about as preposterous as possible to my eye. I wouldn’t be caught dead using one. Just my opinion.
I’ve never thought seriously about the spinner as an option… perhaps one might make sense for Randy. …though I’m certainly intrigued by the Landor piece Michael bought a couple of months ago.
Thx. again.
kc
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December 4th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
I use both a rolling bag, an old 22″ gen 1 Tumi and a soft shoulder bag, another old Tumi, their 2-Zip. I’ve been thinking about a new rolling bag since the rolling Tumi is heavy (but very durable, over 1 million flight miles and still going). I’ve narrowed it down to a couple of bags. The leading candidate is Tumi’s Light-Weight International Carry-On, http://www.tumi.com/alpha/ligh.....-carry-on/ , which weighs 7 lbs, 0 oz. Or for even lighter, there is the Eagle Creak HC2 Hovercraft Duffle 22, http://www.eaglecreek.com/bags.....-22-20239/ , which weighs 6 lbs, 8 oz. I’ve had other Eagle Creek products and been very pleased with them. The no matter what guarantee is a big plus, too.
Greg
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December 4th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
While I like to use a shoulder bag (the Red Oxx Sky Train), my wife likes wheelie bags. We recently bought the Patagonia MLC Wheelie (the 2009 model), and have found it to be lightweight (6 lbs, 11 oz.), very well made, and quite organized. There are plenty of pockets and compartments to organize your things, unlike my Red Oxx. The compression system consists of a removable organizer with several pockets. The wheels are smooth, and the pull handle feels solid. And the bag really looks nice.
Unfortunately, even though the size is listed as 22″ on the Patagonia website, it feels a bit smaller. My wife really found it difficult to pack one week’s worth of clothing in this bag. But for 2-3 days of clothes, the bag is great. And if you pack your dress clothing using the bundle method, it should be sufficient for short business trips.
One last thing: even though this is a convertible bag, I found the backpack functionality to be less than ideal. I suppose if I were moving around in a wheelie-unfriendly area, I might use it. But for the most part, we plan to keep this bag a wheelie.
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December 5th, 2009 at 1:37 am
Michael, what does she mean by “they don’t stick out”? I suppose she means your footprint is smaller because you are not dragging an extension behind yourself. Right? That is true and I think that is an advantage. Changing direction easily is perhaps an advantage, too. Although, in good ole tongue-in-cheek sexist manner, I am a man, I know where I am going, nothing stops me, no need to change direction quickly because I want to look into a shop window. :)
Another advantage could be that you can actually brace yourself against the bag. It works a bit like a crutch. I don’t need that yet but I notice that my mother really likes to take a luggage cart even if she only has a small rolling carry-on because she can put her weight on the cart. It works like one of these walking aids for her.
Randy, it seems like you are already traveling with two bags but perhaps you might be interested in my rationalization of why and when the two bag method including one roller may make more sense. It bruised some onebagging sensitivities but I think it’s still worth the read:
http://www.1bag1world.com/obow.....ost/894037
Greg, your suggestions are very good. I didn’t know the Tumi was that light. Cool. However, the EC no matter what warranty is only good for their ES series, as far as I know. They changed that at some point. I have the ORV Supertrunk duffel. Amazing bag and crazy volume to weight ratio but certainly not a carry-on. :)
Cheers,
Till
[Reply]
Greg Reply:
December 5th, 2009 at 8:05 am
Till, the no matter what guarantee appears to apply to the new Eagle Creek HC2 series. If you open the link I pasted in my post above, in the bottom left hand corner of the web page is a warranty link, which when clicked pops up the no matter what warranty. I was surprised but happy to see it.
Greg
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Till Reply:
December 6th, 2009 at 3:03 am
Greg, you are right. Actually it says so right to the HC2 Hovercraft collection description under “Collections”. I think that is new, too. Anyway, I hadn’t seen that, so thanks for correcting me. The equally new Deviate line does not have that warranty. It was formerly reserved to the ES series, as I said.
The only other big producers with such a warranty that I know of are Briggs Riley, Boyt for the Mach5 line and Travelpro for the Platinum line.
Till
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Randy Reply:
December 7th, 2009 at 10:35 am
I agree with many of the comments on yoru post. With all the “crap” we have to bring on a trip nowadays, I just can’t do it in one bag, especially with my back.
That being said, I am working with bankers all day on my trips and the thought of bringing a bag into a meeting that has all of my “worldly possessions” for the trip just doesn’t go over well. Many times I travel without a rental car, so leaving it in the car is not an option.
I have been a two-bagger for several years now.
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December 6th, 2009 at 2:32 am
I don’t know if it’s available in the US, but I’m currently traveling Australia using a Hedgren rolling duffle (official name “Hedgren Great American Original 47cm Trolley Duffle”). I bought it at an Australian airport when it became clear that carrying a shoulder bag was going to annoy the heck out of me.
The bag is smaller than the American carry-on maximum, at approx. 11 x 20 x 10 inches, 2258 cubic inches when stuffed. But it’s a good size when combined with a slim backpack for my laptop, and I’m happily using it for a 7-week business trip. Even though it’s a duffle, it’s stiff enough to look somewhat structured, and the black version looks professional.
It seems light, and it’s easy to put in an overhead or pull out of a trunk. For frequent travel from city to city, it has been far more pleasant to use this roller than my very lightweight (14 oz) Patagonia shoulder bag because it doesn’t bear down on one shoulder or swing forward every time I bend or reach for something.
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December 6th, 2009 at 7:34 am
For a number of years, I have used a Tutto “regulation” carry-on (20×13x9 – about 5-6 lbs; there also is a 22 inch model that is just a tad larger than max carry on but would likely work for some air carriers). It’s a 4 wheel bag with ballistic nylon suspended from a polycarbonate frame. It’s easy on the back, wrist, etc. It has 2 basic compartments – the main one is much like a regular rolling bag. There is also a garment compartment on the side opposite the main compartment – It can hold a carefully folded sports jacket or suite. The bag also now has top entry access. They claim you can load up to 100 lbs in extra luggage, boxes, and so on on top of the bag as you pull it along. It looks like a sales case but is the best rolling bag I have ever used. I have had one for 15 years and it has been taken all around the world. It will fit in overhead bins on full size planes – not on a regional jet; however it does fit under most seats unless there is an entertainment box there. I also pull it up and down stairs without picking it up unless I am in a rush. For what it’s worth, it can collapse for storage (I have never needed to do this). I have traveled for as much as a full 5 days with this bag – doing no laundry (5-6 shirts, 2 pair pants, underwear, workout shirt shorts, toiletries, etc.)
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December 7th, 2009 at 9:56 am
Sorry for my delay in responding. Bought a Palm Pre on Friday and have been playing, then got a sick kid on Saturday and haven’t been near a cokimputer since.
It was my email to Kevin that spawned this post.
I have toyed with the “One Bag” approach to business travel int he past, but since I live and die in the banking industry the bigger bag doesn’t go over well in meetings for some reason. So I have always ket to the two bag approach – smaller bag for the laptop and supplies as well as day trips, and then the roller for the clothes. (while not the Ultimate Bag Strap, the Skooba Super Bungee has been wonderful on my Timbuk2 Commute 1.0, by the way)
I have had this ruptured disc for 5 years now, so I have gotten pretty good at the adjustments to my packings travel habits, and have been very happy with my Victorinox (Werks 2.0 I believe… My friend was on the team that designed the bag). But it is getting long in the tooth and starting to show some wear. Hence my search.
My main requirement is to have something light that travels well on airplanes, since I do a lot of that. I also want something that the telescoping handle is of a two-post design, rather than the single-post design of my Victorinox Bag. It has a little stabilizer that comes up to help a bag from falling off. But after 2.5 years, it doesn’t stay in position well anymore.
There have been some good suggestions here, and Costco recently started carrying Tumi luggage, which I want to check out. I also have been intrigued by the Eagle Creek stuff (being an avid fan of the store REI).
I htink I still jave a few months left in this bag, and I am not in any hurry to pick something. I’ll do some hands on and report back what I find.
As expected, Kevin’s readers deliver beautifully. Thanks so much.
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Randy Reply:
December 7th, 2009 at 10:12 am
That would be computer, not cokimputer. Geez, I am a horrible typist.
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Till Reply:
December 8th, 2009 at 3:34 am
Randy, I cannot but repeat and emphasize my strong recommendation of the Plat5 series rollers. They fulfill all your needs, come with a fantastic warranty and at an affordable price IF you can find them.
I see one here:
http://www.surrayluggage.com/trav9619.html
and here:
http://www.luggagefactory.com/.....=S203-9619
and here:
http://www.goinginstyle.com/Tr.....P2666.aspx
They also have the super rare 22″ model which does fit most overheads wheels first except those where you would have to gate check anyway:
http://www.goinginstyle.com/Tr.....8C118.aspx
I seriously think there are hardly any better rollers out there and I have sort of a reputation for knowing the market and for being very critical.
I certainly wouldn’t wait with the purchase if you even like this model remotely.
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Randy Reply:
December 8th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
I have a close friend who has one and he loves it. I’ll have to look further into that.
I am also looking at the Eagle Creek HC2 Hovercraft Duffel 22 mentioned in one of the comments above:
http://www.eaglecreek.com/bags.....-22-20239/
I have become a big fan of Eagle Creek for some of their other products I use, so I am trying to find a floor model to look at (not something easily done with that Plat5 22).
Thanks for the strong recommendation on the Plat5. Out of curiosity, do you have an opinion on the Plat6 models?
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Till Reply:
December 8th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
Finding a floor model of a Plat5 will be close to impossible unless you live in a huge city or in a podunk place where they might still have one but you’d have to be quite lucky and search for some time.
http://www.1bag1world.com/blog.....eview.html
This is the link to my review of the 22 incher. The 19″ model doesn’t have a suiter I believe. Otherwise they are very similar.
The warranty on the Plat5 is the same no matter what warranty that EC has on their HC2 case. However, the Plat5 will be heavier but better equipped. I was thinking that for you with your ruptured disc the handle of the Plat5 would be fantastic. As I said, only the Andiamo Valoroso has a similarly ergonomic handle.
My opinion of the Plat6 is that it is only a little lighter if any but does look sleeker. BUT the layout of pockets is far from being as practical as the Plat5 and it lacks the unique handle.
For example it has no magazine pocket in the bag and no book style big front pocket. Instead it has two hard compartment with each one being fairly flat. The suit compartment is not separable as it is in the 5er. If you want to pack something more bulky it won’t fit because the 6er has the two separate hard compartments. The 5er has a big, deep compartment (that you can expand, too) and the suit compartment is integrated yet separate into that big compartment. You can even adjust the size of the suit compartment and use it for something else without the suiter panel thereby giving you the same organization as the two hard compartments of the 6er. The suiter panel in the 5er is a separate piece that can be used in other luggage as well.
It has only one instead of two flat zip pockets on the front. It also lacks the totally ingenious toiletry panel.
As opposed to the Plat5 the HC2 is a nylon box on wheels.
Valoroso, Tumi, Hartmann may come close to the Plat5 but even they don’t quite get there and they cost twice the price and are heavier while having the lesser warranty.
The funny thing is that I think the Plat5 is actually one of the only pieces of mass produced luggage that might INCREASE in value. I mean I bought mine for $170 or so. The few that are left are at $300 now. That is more than they were going for when they were still regularly sold. That should tell you something. :)
Anyways, I have no interest in selling you on the Plat5 except that I think it would be the ideal bag for your situation and I’d hate to see a fellow PHer miss out on it.
But if you like Eaglecreek, do check out the Switchback22. That’s a very sweet bag.
Cheers,
Till
December 9th, 2009 at 3:27 am
Small correction on the Plat6 criticism. The bag I described with the two hard main compartments is the vertical suiter. The normal 22″ has a single big compartment but all the rest of the remarks are still correct.
Also, when you look at ebags and luggageonline who are normally the ones with the most customer reviews you see almost no reviews for the Plat6 series. They have been out for at least six months and no reviews? For me that is a sign that they are either not selling very well or people are not super enthusiastic (nor disappointed) with their purchase.
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December 14th, 2009 at 3:27 am
I’ll be following this one!
I’m a onebag packer, currently using a small North Face duffel. It fits everything I need but I am finding that shoulder carry is for the birds. I usually go from the car, to the airport, to the hotel. I’m not trekking through the jungle so I would rather have a roller.
I recently had an 8hour layover in Frankfurt & my shoulder was killing me by the end of it!
So I too have been looking for a carry on sized roller. Lightness is a major priority, as it capacity.
If you compare the Eagle Creek products at http://www.eaglecreek.com/bags....._carry-on/
you will find that the Ramble 22 is of comparable lightness to the rest (just under 8lbs), but has a 58L capacity. The rest have:
ORV Trunk 22 – 43L
Tarmac 22 – 46L
Hovercraft 22 – 48L
Twistpack 22 – 49L (this is my second pick as it is over a pound lighter than the Ramble…)
The Switchback 22 is a 2 piece, so that is out.
Don’t get anything “expandable” as once you expand it it won’t be carry on sized anymore.
I look forward to seeing what else is recommended. Great post!
S.
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December 25th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Hi,
for a wheelie I use one of these
http://www.bagworld.com.au/sho.....ase-black/
I can thoroughly recommend it.
Actually I have the grey version, you cant go past the 2.7kgs (5.9 lbs)
which is even less than the eagle creek bags and it fits perfectly wheels first into a 737 or A320 overhead which are the common domestic planes here in Oz.
I can bundle pack pants around an ec folder and place a pair of shoes in a shoe bag in the main area. Then add a packing cube with shorts underwear plus small packing cubes with electronics and toiletries in the lid compartment and away I go, with plenty of spare room. The laptop and other business stuff is in a small briefcase.
The hard decision is which bag to take, either this one or the Blackwolf MLC copy that I have, I find I just alternate depending on my mood of the day???
But if I could not use a back pack type bag I would undoubtedly use the Antler bag with a small tote shoulder bag in which I would carry on plane necessities such as the 3-1-1 bag, phone, netbook etc so that I didnt have to get up and down to the overhead all the time.
cheers
Bob
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January 26th, 2010 at 12:13 pm
I finally put my carryon sized wheelies in a row – Walmart Protege house-brand, Briggs & Riley 18″, Costco 2nd gen 22″, Rick Steves branded wheelie.
The Rick Steves is actually a sweet size – only slight taller than the B&R, shorter and narrower and less thick than the Costco. I think it’s pretty “legal” but I’d have to drag it to the airport and see if it fits inside a “luggage tester” to be sure. I am pretty sure the Costco fails that test.
In terms of efficiency the Steves is much better than the B&R since the B&R has its trolley rack on the outside of the bag. While this insures the inside compartment has a flat floor, it also wastes a lot of potential storage space – after all the “luggage tester” doesn’t care whether the trolley rack is inside or outside in terms of exterior dimensions, so you might as well have the bag “wrap” the trolley rack so we can stuff socks etc. between the rails instead of having all that space on the outside between the rails go to waste.
BUT if you aren’t trying to fit a “luggage tester” and are just worried about gate agent eyeballs, the B&R definitely LOOKS more compact than the Steves, even if it isn’t, really.
So right now my favorites are -
1. B&R because it’s so classy, and easiest on a gate check agent’s eyeballs;
2. Steves because it is quite lightweight (but not Landor lightweight) and if you have a luggage tester near the gate you can prove your bag is “legal”; and
3. Costco wheelie, but mainly for checking through – it’s heavy and big, a risk to try to carry on board.
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