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Wheeled carry-on? - Robert M - 05-26-2017
Wheeled carry-on?
Hi everyone,
My aging American Tourister wheeled carry-on bag has finally worn out. I’ve had it for 15 to 20 years and the only thing holding together is duct tape. Definitely time to replace it.
The model I have has 2 wheels and is 19” x 14” x 9” or so since it has to be suitable for international travel. International carriers have tighter restrictions when it comes to carry-on bags. The size of my current bag is pretty close to the max.
The replacement needs to be soft-sided, ruggedly designed and have just two wheels. A great warranty is definitely a bonus. Tested spinners and didn’t like them.
Currently, I’m looking at the following models:
I’m a big fan of products from Timbuk2. Excellent products, amazing quality and a lifetime warranty. Tough to beat that! The bags from Eagle Creek come highly recommended and I gotta admit, I like the rugged looks.
Still, though, our forum is by far one of the best sources of information. Since travel gear ain’t my expertise by any means, I figured, I’d throw the question you. I’m trying to keep the price tag $250 or under. I can get the more expensive Eagle Creek Bag for a lower price than what’s on their own web site.
Any recommendations?
Thanks,
Robert
Re: Wheeled carry-on? - GuyGene - 05-26-2017
Timbuk, TravelPro, LL Bean, Orvis
Re: Wheeled carry-on? - polychrome - 05-26-2017
eBags makes good quality soft luggage. I travel often and their TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible has served me well over the years. It's not a wheeled carry-on but there are ones with wheels in their TLS line.
https://www.ebags.com/category/luggage/b/ebags/f/carry-on?origin=left_nav
Re: Wheeled carry-on? - anonymouse1 - 05-26-2017
See what wirecutter.com recommends.
Re: Wheeled carry-on? - OWC Jamie - 05-26-2017
We have Timberlands that have stood up surprisingly well. https://www.ebags.com/product/timberland/danvers-river-21-upright/281380?productid=10326436 Probably got them at Macy's or JCPenney though.
I also have a TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible because it fits right on top of the Timberland or another wheeled suitcase so I really don't need wheels nor an pull-out handle which steals space. I wouldn't want to use it as a back-pack for days but here and there it works well enough.
Re: Wheeled carry-on? - vicrock - 05-26-2017
I travel a LOT - both domestically and internationally and have found that usually the things that fail most quickly are wheels and handle for rollaboards.
My feeling is - buy cheap and replace every 2-3 years - usually by that time they are worn and filthy and you avoid getting stuck somewhere with a wheel off or the handle stuck up or down.
That said, I am about on year 5 of a 2 wheeler from Eddie Bauer - mostly because I love the way the outside pockets are set up - there is an upper pocked where my TSA compliant liquids bag fits perfectly. It is very worn on the corners and I expect to have it fail any trip - but I've not found one that is set up the same way.
Re: Wheeled carry-on? - Robert M - 05-26-2017
Hi everyone,
Thank you for the recommendations. I'll give them a looksie. I looked at what wirecutter.com/sweethome.com recommended. Unfortunately, they only evaluated models suitable for domestic travel. I love the Travelpro Platnum Magna 2 Expandable Rollaboard® Suiter 22" except it is too big. At that size, it exceeds the size limitations for international travel.
Checked a bunch from the brands listed and the higher quality ones are all too large. Typically, outside the dimensions suitable for international travel. Argh! I'll find the right bag.
Keep the recommendations coming!
Thanks,
Robert
Re: Wheeled carry-on? - mattkime - 05-26-2017
My wife needs a new large suitcase (the idea of traveling without checking luggage strikes her as barbarian) i'm tempted to grab one of these if they ever go on sale - http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-checked-luggage/ (the travel pro)
past that, i'm tempted to get used luggage simply expect very little of it.
Re: Wheeled carry-on? - Robert M - 05-26-2017
Matt,
My wife and I each use a carry-on. I bring a backpack or satchel on the plane, too. The wife brings a backpack and a purse. If necessary, we have a large wheeled back similar to the Travelpro 25" to check in. We usually stuff a lightweight but strong duffel in it. That way, in the even we need an extra bag for checking in, it's on hand.
When traveling with Little M, we get a seat for her. The bonus to that is she is allowed a carry-on. We treat her diaper bag as a backpack/purse and use a carry-on for the rest of her travel gear. Worked out nicely when we traveled to CA last summer.
Robert
Re: Wheeled carry-on? - Bo - 05-26-2017
We absolutely love our two Eagle Creeks! Not sure which version they are but (possibly the International) they have the removable backpacks. We've had them for about 6 years and they have travelled a lot domestically and spent a month internationally around europe as carry ons.
Overall they have held up extremely well with very little wear and tear (see photos). We did have a problem with a zipper once and sent it in for repair no questions asked. Their warranty is stellar.
We also have one of these Osprey Ozones which is super light but not nearly as durable as the Eagle Creeks: https://www.rei.com/product/837013/osprey-ozone-wheeled-luggage-18
Edited to add: Dims of ours below: 14"x22"x9" without backpack. That 9" might go to 12" with a moderately full backpack attached
