Rick's New 20" Rolling Backpack

I haven't tried it, and I won't unless they come out with a much lighter version without the wheels. I think it's only been out a few months, so I doubt if you will find anyone who's used it yet. However, I think the size is great for those of us who can fit all of our stuff in 2000 cu in. My major complaint about most of the convertible backpacks is that they are too big. It opens fully for packing and the straps fit into a sleeve where they won't catch on things.

The new bag looks well designed and the 20" size should meet most airline's regulations. I like the zippered pocket on the inside 'lid' rather than my convertible carry-on bag where it is just a large open pocket with items always shifting around and hard to organize. It's about the same weight as other brands of this style and looks like it'll suit my wife. She will not give up her wheels but could use it as a backpack for short distances. A tote bag should easily slide over the sturdy looking handle. Hard to judge by the photos but they do sell good products and I have not had any problems with any of my assorted RS bags. Good luck!

2k cubic inches is a good size. Rick should sell a similar-sized convertible bag without wheels. (His classic bag is 2.5k ci.) Ages ago he carried a smaller bag made by Eagle Creek (though not any more). I still use mine.

While I have not seen Rick's bag, if you read reviews these type of bags don't do well.. It's compromise on both the rollerboard and the backpack and winds up generally as the "worst" of both :) Space backpacks normally have is used by wheels. And there are all those extra straps to deal with if you only use it as a rolling bag. Plus the "wheels" aren't exactly a "comfort" feature up against your back!

All good points...thank you so much!

I just ordered it and won't be able to give you a full report until Sept. My usual trips last 3-4 weeks. Packing light is key and I usually take clothes, first aid kit, washing kit, toiletries kit, a netbook computer and camera gear. When I weight them at home, I am usually in the 35 pound range and have used the RS convertible backpack. Last couple of trips, the straps were digging into my shoulders and my travel partner's wheeled bag didn't seem to slow her down a bit, so I thought I'd try something new. If this wheeled backpack holds up, I think I'll like it. We'll see. I have taken the shoulder bag on occasion to hold my camera gear (DSLR and several lenses) and I think this bag should hold it okay.

Packing light=35 lbs?????

Frank. My thoughts exactly.

I have the Autobahn rolling backpack that Rick was selling last year. The wheels aren't against your back and the straps are packed out of the way when you are just in rolling mode. I like it. It's a nice little bag that I could pack if I had to, and it is 1.5 lb heavier than my other 19" rollaboard. That is the trade off.

If you are traveling in an area with lots of cobblestones, the backpack feature is really nice.

Although I still use a rolling 22" carry-on, it really is a pain in towns with lots of cobblestones! I might try this new bag just to have a way to carry my bag over the cobblestones without straining my back. I have seen several people lose their wheels on their rolling suitcases when they drag them down a cobblestone street!

The bag will probably work great if you carry a lot of gear (cameras, lenses, gadgets, etc.) and will be on cobblestones or on & off the underground (all of those escalators and stairs to change lines or return to street level). Probably wouldn't work for the "wash clothes EVERY night" bunch.

Ray, I say pack that thing up and get out there! I'll be waiting for your YouTube video review... I'm intrigued that it weighs 1 1/2lbs less than the 21" rollerbag. Of course, you lose 2" in depth 8-( That's nearly the size of the Civita Day Pack! If ETBD would like to send one to me, I'd be the Very Bestest, Mostest Thorough Bag Tester There Ever Was. Seriously. (not holding my breath...) As much as I lurve my backpack and all of the benefits that come with it, it would be really nice to be able to sit the thing down on a wet surface, and to pull it sometimes...

I am also trying to decide on the new rolling backpack with wheels as well as the 21' roll-on. I'm not used to carrying anything on my back as I don't have a strong back. I will be going to Europe for a month Sept into Oct. My travel partner will be getting the regular packpack, plus we each have a day bag. Please advise!!! Thank You

I go to Europe every summer for a month and have always used RS 21" (+/-) roller bag. It holds everything I need for the month (doing laundry while there of course). I have pulled it all over Europe from Scandinavia thru Spain and Portugal, thru Eastern Europe and Turkey and have never had a problem with it going over all kinds of surfaces. Yes, I do have to pick it up occasionally when I encounter steps but I really have no choice due to back injury. Happy travels

I was interested in the rolling backpack mainly because it is 20" instead of the traditional 21" and because it is quite a bit lighter than my 21". I keep reading that in Heathrow they often make you check the 21" as it really measures closer to 22" with handles and wheels. I probably will not use the backpack straps...just do not want to take the chance of having to check my bag. Any Heathrow experts out there? :)

Ray, I have a BIG favor to ask of you - I'm sending you a Private Message, too, because I'd really like the info. It looks like the bag is very apt to tip forward, because the bottom 'foot' is no further forward than about halfway. My RS 21" bag will tip forward if I'm not careful, and the 'foot' on it is more towards the front. My bag is still in my Shopping Cart; I was ready to 'pull the trigger' but then I noticed this potential 'foot' problem...:-( So, if you'd be willing to load it up with 'stuff' - including/especially the lid - and give your opinion, I'd really appreciate it!!!

I got some great info from Ray this morning - in a nutshell, he had no trouble with it tipping forward while more heavily-weighted in the 'lid' (front) of the bag. It stayed upright on both long- and short-piled carpeting. I'll just have to keep the heavier things on the bottom of the bag ;-) Oh Boy, it's done. Ordered ;-)

@Eileen - You'll have to bring it to next months meeting so we can check it out.

I'm very interested in purchasing this bag to replace my convertible carry-on. The only thing I am worried about is the amount of space that the stowed handle takes away from the interior. It's hard to tell by the photos and I may have to drive down to the store. Anyone have a bit more info on this? Thanks!

Ummm, no, I don't think so, Andrea. Letting y'all paw all over my new bag?!? OK - I'll bring a bunch of disinfecting hand wipes for you to use first ;-) After playing with it for awhile, I'll come back to this thread and post my thoughts. I'm sure they'll be absolutely spellbinding ;-)

I just received it! The handle does take up alot of interior space but i am still anxious to try it out. Ill be doing a practice-pack soon andwill be taking it to the beach for a week before taking it to france. I don,t think youll be able to plop a bag on top of it, its just too small plus it is not very structured. Itis very comfy on my back. I'll be sure to update you all.

I just bought this bag because it was on sale :) Today I packed it with all that I'm taking on the 14 day GAS Tour and it weighs about 20 lbs. (2prs pants, 2 skirts, assorted tops, one pair shoes, assorted other wraps and odds and ends) It does not tip over on the tile floor or a light pile, but did tip over on a lumpy thick carpet. I have always used a convertible backpack (both the RS and Osprey Porter-which I love)but wanted wheels for those long airport walks. With it on my back, the straps are basically comfy. The bottom kinda hits my back just a little but it's not like I'm going trekking with it. For those cobblestones or climbing 6 flights of stairs, it'll be just fine. It looked so small before I started packing, but it holds quite a lot. Wouldn't really work for a winter trip with heavy clothes but for Spring to Fall- it'll be great. If you put a tote bag on top, it will tip over, BUT if you just want to put a tote bag on top while you're wheeling it around, the handle is very sturdy and quite tall. Hope this helps!

For those that have the bag, could one of you take exact measurements including wheels and handles? And perhaps the exact empty weight?

I couldn't get it to tip over. Packed it two ways, a "normal" pack with slight extra weight in the front and a very heavy pack with no weight in the back.... Tried both packs on short and shag carpet. Did tip with no weight in the back, but even a bit of weight there left it stable. The handles do take up some room, and size will be a concern.... but I have some work arounds for that. I wouldn't mind the size (and it may work) but I tend to take "extra" camera gear.... which could just be a bit much for this bag.... so we'll see. I just decided that enough was enough when lugging a pack on my back..... others I travel with took a roller and it worked fine. Plus, I like the idea that it is a little softer and squishier than the other roller RS sells.

It is available to view by going to the Travel Store and clicking on Bags. It is shown there with numerous others of his bags and is fully described and specifications are given.
It appears to be on sale until the end of March.

Charlie, I'm well aware of the stated dimensions. But it's not mentioned whether the listed dimensions include wheels and handles. Sometimes they do, and sometimes they don't. And regarding weight, one place says just under 6 lbs, the other says about 5.5 pounds. Half a pound can mean a lot when traveling on some airlines

So I just packed my new rolling backpack for a 8 day trip to the beach. After I put a few items in, I started to worry that it would not be big enough, but here is what I packed and I have PLENTY of extra room. 3 shorts 1 skirt 1 dress 5or 6 t shirts 2 tanks 2 bathing suits 8 undies 2 bras 3 socks pjs workout clothes and sneakers
Electronic chrgers will go in the front pocket along with a makeup bag and a quart sized ziplock bag holding my liquid toiletries. I am a short regular sized female, so I don't really know how a man would get all this in there though.

Well, a man probably wouldn't be packing bras, skirts, dresses, etc. I'm a regular sized man and I use a bag this size for a month and a half, but it isn't a wheelie.

Yeah, you are probably right, Monty. I am able to put more stuff if i wanted to. All in all, it looks like its going to work out great! I cant wait to take it to France! I highly recommend!

Good for you. Pack light, move fast, and keep your head down. Monte

My bag has been waiting for me at home for over two weeks while I've been out of town, so this weekend I'm planning on seeing how much from my RS Rolling Bag I can stuff into this new Rolling Backpack. Review coming within a week...;-)

Anxious to hear the reviews...this bag is still on my radar!

I just returned from a 10 day trip where I used the rolling backpack and loved it. The wheels work fine. I did not use a tote on top of it, as I used the rolling backpack on top of my suitcase and it worked fine. The sides are sturdy and that may or maynot be a benefit...compared to the traditional backpack that is soft and so you can stuff lots into it. The firm sides and back make it more durable and protect your internal items. I will use it for my next trip to Europe coming up shortly.

I hope this is not too late for your purposes... I've just used this bag for a month long trip to Eastern Europe, returning earlier this month, and it drove me nuts. I had to continuously search for a good location to lean it against as it constantly fell forward. The wheels and the two front stands are not even. Also, I have yet to be able to adjust the compression straps with one swift pull. I must use both hands to manually pull the straps either way. I like the size of the bag and I like the outside pockets. However, I've had it with the tipping and falling as well as the inside straps so the bag is being passed off to my brother who seldom travels and is not fussy. I will return to my 14 year old Eagle Creek rolling backpack, 3 lbs heavier but infinitely less taxing!

I purchased the rolling backpack and used it over the weekend so that I could try it out before I travel to Europe in September. As stated by the previous responder, first thing I noticed was that it falls forward when fully packed. It is very annoying and now that I have it, I'm not looking forward to using it in Europe. I have not tried using it as a backpack so cannot comment on that aspect of its functionality.

I've noticed some comments about the new RS Rolling Back Pack and tipping when the bag is fully packed. I've just returned from an RS 14 day tour of Scandinavia and used this bag. I found that the way the bag is packed makes all the difference. When I packed the bag carelessly on the fly, it did tend to to tip. But, when I took time to pack the bag properly, it stood fine on it's own. I put heavy things to the bottom and made sure that items packed in the inner lid pocket were evenly distributed. Using our packing cubes with this bag really helps, too. As a bonus, I was able to test the bag in an Easy Jet template at the airport in Stockholm and it fit perfectly!

Since the product manager is here, I have a question: Why did you replace so many of the zipper pulls on bags from ones with holes, where we could have put locks or clips, to ones without holes? Now it's impossible to secure the bags from roving hands. Until that changes, I won't be buying any more bags. I was alerted to this change when I bought a Veloce Guide Bag for Ipad awhile back and was disappointed I couldn't secure the pocket that would hold the Ipad. It's been sitting in my closet unused because of this poor feature. It would cost too much to return which is why I didn't bother.