In 2006 I purchased a Rick Steves carry-on suitcase. I have traveled heavily in Europe 5 times and all over the USA and Canada. The bag has worked without any problems at all and looks as good as new. Recently, however, upon returning from a trip I noticed that the zipper that allows the bag to be expanded was opening up and there was no longer a pull tab to control the zipper. I contacted Rick Steves' website and asked about the best way to repair the suitcase. The folks at customer service told me (I had forgotten or never knew) that the bag has a lifetime warranty and what color did I want for my new bag. I was thrilled because the bag has been so durable, easy to handle in difficult terrain, and suitable for my travel needs. I have been able to carry everything I need for trips over three weeks long with just the bag and Rick Steves' Apenzel day pack. Very very pleased and would recommend it to anyone. Also, the day pack, which I have used for every imaginable use both traveling and hiking is still in good shape except for a little duct tape where I have worn through by sliding it around. Great products.
Posted by
Amsterdam
558 posts
I agree. I have a rolly bag that must be 10 years old. I've lost track. It has endured rolling over cobblestones, banged over curbs, stuffed in overhead bins & been manhandled by baggage workers. It's still in fine shape.
My real prize is the matching, both in red, backpack. I moved to Europe 5 years ago. I walk to the grocery. It is my go-to bag for my daily shopping. Still in great shape.
I am especially pleased with the zippers. They never stick and they hold fast to being overstuffed.
Posted by
Freedonia
15247 posts
The bag has changed since you bought your last one. I'd like to hear what you think after you use it.
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
2084 posts
Sounds familiar. We bought some RS bags in 2007 and they were used a lot. For a while my husband was traveling almost weekly, and that is what he used and he had to check the bags due to contents. Anyway, about a year or so ago, the zipper finally gave out. I did not contact RS about it though as I figured we had gotten our monies worth. I bought one of their new bags. I like it and it works well for me. It is shaped just a tad different than the first one, but I have no complaints.
Posted by
Fort Myers, FL
1700 posts
They do have a lifetime guarantee and they do not flinch about it. Unfortunately, I have had to claim twice for zipper problems. There is such a huge profit margin on these bags, they can readily afford the guarantee. it is nice to have, but frustrating when they fail.
Posted by
Cape Ann, Massachusetts
3211 posts
I've had my most recent one, slightly smaller than the one I purchased in the 2000s, since 2015. It is regularly checked, wheeled through all kinds of weather and terrain, and it still looks like new. I also love the organization on it. The older bag was fine too, but too big for carryon, and so I purchased the 2015. I purchased an Eagle Creek tarmac bag several years ago, because I am a bag addict, but oddly I always end up taking the RS bag. I've never had a problem with the zippers.
I did have a problem with the handle on a prior case of theirs, but they immediately sent me a new one, which is the above mentioned bag.
Posted by
Austin, TX
1946 posts
I love that R S offers such excellent customer service. However the bags are pricey but no one who has posted is complaining about the price.Everyone seems to love the bags.
Doesn't Rick just allow one backpack when you book one of his trips?
Are all the bags excellent?
Posted by
9 posts
I purchased one of his backpack convertible carry-ons (without wheels) and it got lost on its way to Venice. It traveled through several baggage handlers and several countries over 3 weeks. Apparently it went through DHL and then three airlines to get home to me. I just got it back yesterday. If it weren't for all the tags due to all the transfers, you'd never know it went anywhere. Seriously, it looks brand new.
Posted by
Atlanta
4897 posts
Doesn't Rick just allow one backpack when you book one of his trips?
bostonphil7, Unless things have changed post covid, one carry on size is recommended - not required. The only requirement is (or was) that one has to be able to handle the luggage on one's own.
Posted by
Phoenix🌵
2788 posts
I loved my Rolling Carry-On until the handle quite retracting this trip. I jiggled it down through the trip but by the time I got home, it refused. I bought it in 2017. It lasted one trip to Hawaii then, three trips to Europe and a couple domestic trips. The bag looks brand new. But without a workable retractable handle, "rolling" is "carry" and that's worthless to me. From an old post, it's not fixable and no replacement parts. So disappointed. I expected better quality.