Carry on luggage help. - YouLookFab Forum

This may be an issue of a bird in the hand vs two in the bush....

With a good travel capsule, I've managed the last 10 years of trips with a carry on. I've used an Air Canada navy blue gortex suitcase that measures 20 x 14 x 7, and the recent addition of a medium sized Longchamps Le Pliage.

The A/C bag weighs about 6 lbs and is slightly smaller than airline rules suggest...so I haven't had any trouble getting it on planes.

Recently I've been thinking about getting new luggage. Was wondering about the Rick Stevens roll-aboard. At 20 x 13.5 x 9 it is about the same size as what I'm currently using. I like the simple profile. I rarely if ever use the extra pockets and prefer a plain presentation. I'm also liking the looks of the Le Sportsac line, which looks quite light. Or maybe I should just be happy with my old A/C bag (if it's not broke...)

Any minimalist packers with happy luggage experiences, please pipe in with your bag recommendations. I would love to learn what works for you!

9 years ago

carter

Veteran

This one always seems to get rave reviews in blogland: http://www.tombihn.com/PROD/TB0906.html. I like to have a wheeled version, but the wheels do take a lot of space and weigh a good bit.

bj1111

i have a tumi from about 10 years ago which is super--but heavier than what is available now. i pair with a large pliage that is the size of a small duffle.

we are replacing my husband's suitcase with briggs and riley. tons of fans in my world. honors their lifetime guarantee. i've had stories of a one bag purchase replaced twice (!) over the past 15 years.

http://www.briggs-riley.com/ca.....right_TU32

Runcarla

Nice bag, Carter! Like you, I really do like a wheeled bag, though. Prefer the 2 wheeled versions vs the 4 wheels. My current A/C bag is a 2 wheeler. It is the lumpy bottom of the bag, due to the channels for the extension handle that has me looking at new bags. Don't know if newer bags have the same issues.

avicennia

For shorter trips, one week or less, I use a small Delsy that fits under the seat in front of me in case the overhead bins are full.

rizamei

Active Member

I upgraded my luggage last year and got the Hartmann PC4 International. Runcarla, it's probably not a good rec for you, as it has the lumpy bottom on one side and 4 spinner wheels. But if anyone else is looking for a bag with spinner wheels, I've really liked this one. The spinner wheels have significantly reduced my hand strain when I'm schlepping across an airport to make a connection or taking public transit out to the airport. It's very light, and the small international carry-on compatible size keeps me honest when packing. (My policy is never to pack a bag that I can't lift myself into the overhead bin.)

Michelle

(website)

Carla, I can't speak to its style quotient, especially in relation to your tastes, but I bought one of the wheely bags they sell at CAW. They're designed to comply with airline rules, they can fit the kitchen sink, and that's really mostly all I need it to do. I only mention it here because it was a practical, affordable and Canadianized solution.

Your reply

abc

I upgraded to Briggs and Riley a few years ago and it has been worth every penny I paid.

abc...which one do you have of the briggs and riley?

If I recall the name of the line was transcend. Not their most expensive line.

I actually have 3 pieces but the carry on gets the most use out of all of them. I can literally walk through the airport pulling it with a few fingers. Easy to maneuver. No falling over. Ever. Smooth wheels. Good size and no pesky compartments and pockets to take up space from the main compartment. Love it.

catgirl

Someone here raved about the ZUCA, and I've had it on my radar but not tested it.

jenanded

Crumpler spring peeper! I think you can get them in the USA. Largest internal capacity. Lifetime pretty much world wide guarantee. I did 3 months work and leisure, snow to sunshine with this baby and it hasn't a mark on it. Worth having a look anyhow. And I also love the waterproof zip section inside for toiletries, swimmers etc.. very happy with mine.

Kim

Just FYI for our American friends, Air Canada (and any Canadian airline) has a 22lb (10kg)bag weight limit for your carry-on, along with the size conditions. So 6lbs can be a heavy bag and take up valuable clothing and shoe space! LOL I've looked at the Tom Binns and the Rick Steves bags, but just can justify the cost as I only really travel, by air, maybe 2 times a year. They look interesting though.

I could never figure out how most of the Youtube video could pack (cram)seemingly endless things into a carry on bag and I could only get 3 outfits and 2 pairs of shoes and a toiletry bag! LOL Imagine my surprise that most American airlines allow a 45lb limit! Suddenly all those videos made more sense!

I'm actually kind of glad, cause I wouldn't want to schlep 45lbs around Europe on the trains, underground and cobblestones, not to mention all the stairs! LOL

Glory

I would double check all size restrictions. I read 2 weeks ago that WestJet and Air Canada have changed theirs and the stores are not always in keeping with the correct size limitations. The promotions post they are compliant but some travelers have had experiences where they get to the airport and find the bag doesn't meet the new size restrictions.

Anonymous

I guess I'm from the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" camp. You're doing fine with your older, smaller bag. New bags have to be trained properly to heel and must be broken in, so there's always a learning curve. Something as simple as handle placement or as complex as rotating, trolley wheels can really trip you up for a while. I've carried the same brand of bag for years because of this; it's what I know.

Good counsel! I'm extra careful about the size, and actually have a small tape measure in my bag at all times! Comes in handy on all sorts of occasions.

Part of the reason that I like my existing bag is that it is slightly undersized, so meets the guidelines easily. It weighs 6 lbs, and fully packed has never weighed more than 22 lbs.

It's been 'checked baggage' when there haven't been time constraints, or extra fees, but I still prefer to travel light...and I do like a two wheeled bag...it is just so much easier to get around.

Thanks Claire. I think that is what I needed to hear. I'm surprised that bags are still so heavy! Mine is 10 years, maybe a little older, and weighs 6lbs. I would have thought luggage would have become lighter, and was curious about some of the newer fabrications.

The bag below, and packed for a month long trip!

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not sure if i'm more impressed with how much you got into the bag or how little you needed for 1 month.

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