In that context it is invaluable for people with back or shoulder problems who want a wheelie and are confounded by the semi-absurd 15 lb. limit some carriers impose on carry-on luggage – like all the Asian carriers I fly on international trips and, from what I hear, on all flights through Heathrow. Since the average wheelie can weigh up to 9 lbs just by itself, that doesn’t leave much room for clothing.

In that context the light weight of the Landor makes up for its slightly less robust construction. Note that WE are not likely to break this or wear a hole in the fabric. But baggage handlers (called “baggage throwers” in Fight Club) are from an alternate universe with DNA derived from a combination of gorillas and Mr. Hyde. Though they have human form, their sole purpose in existence is to Destroy Checked Luggage. When confronted with the results of their mischief, they have a smile that would make the Cheshire Cat envious. That’s one of the reason I tape soft-sided luggage handles together. One of their favorite tricks is to fail to use the Velcro handle wrapper on my soft bags after “inspecting” their contents (generally foraging for food, I suspect) so that their brethren further down the line can yank on a single handle and start a separation between the webbing and the side of the bag. Neat trick, took me a while to learn how to work around that one.

Here in the USA I would much rather use something solidly made like the Rick Steves wheelie or the classic indestructible Costco. That way if push comes to shove, I can check it knowing I am contributing to worker compensation claims for hernias but my bag will get home intact.

But generally I use soft bags these days. They fit so much better in the back of small Asian taxis where most the the trunk is taken up by a propane tank, and fit better on my lap on a long bus ride to a beach resort. But that gets us into hard vs. soft luggage, a different kettle of bags altogether.

As I (think) I mentioned in the post, I would not check this bag. It’s plenty tough, but I don’t believe it’d hold up really well if checked with any frequency.

Just my $ .02