roll aboard or convertible carry on

The final answer has to be your personal preference. Here's a couple things to think about.

I prefer the carry-on. It weighs a lot less. At this stage of my packing light maturity, I'm paying attention to how much everything weighs including my bag, clothes, extra pair of shoes, toiletries, etc. It works better for hiking a mile or two from the train station to a hotel or hostel. It easier to carry because it has a variety of straps and handles.

My wife prefers the roll-on, her clothes are smaller so less space doesn't seem to be an issue. She likes to pull it through airports, which can often be a mile or two hike in itself, while I'm carrying my load. She can usually pull it in train stations, through parking lots and on sidewalks (when available). She lives with carrying it up stairs or pulling it more akwardly over cobble stones.

When we travel we're both happy with our choices. Neither of us says we'll go the other way next time.

Ron and Lee,

Could you share your thoughts and impressions of the Campmor carry on bag? Durability, quality, construction, etc? How does it compare the the RS convertable?

The question is "how strong are you?" I've taken Rick's basic bag and the 21" roll aboard (which I've carried on). I'll always choose the roll aboard, given a choice. However, I'm not a strong person.

The three most important criteria in choosing a carry-on bag are weight, weight, and weight. The best airlines have carry-on weight limits, so the less your bag weighs, the more of the important stuff you can carry.

Most roll-aboard bags seem to weigh 7-10 #, so on Lufthansa, for example (17.6# limit), you could only take 7.6 to 10.6 #. With my Essential Carryon, at 1.75 #, I can take almost 16 #.

There seems to be a difference of opinion here.Some say a 21 inch Steves roll on wont be allowed as carryon and others say it will.Who is right?

Paula, Buy whichever you like best. The first reply you got was excellent advice. I use a roller.... unless I don't. For Italy, I probably would use a roller in the summer because it is so hot then, and try to carry it on plane if allowed. In the UK, I'd probably use a "carryon" (I also love the lightweight outdoor product 1# bag). And which can you carry on? It all depends on the airlines, easier on US carriers than say German or discount ones.
Happy travels.

Jack the simple answer is ,, everyone is right.

All airlines seem to have different carry on allowences, so while you may carry on the bag on one airline, on another it will have to be checked.

So, best answer anyone can give you is check with the airline YOU are flying with, they have the final say.

It's true all Airlines set different dimension, size and weight restrictions. It is good sound advise to check with each individual Airline that you are travelling with. Some people even go so far as to choose the Airline they fly with based on the most generous luggage allowance specification.

As for Jack's question...My best guess is this...S/t the PSA's at the Counters only visually inspect the size of a carry-on. They don't always make you put it in the sizing box to ensure that it is not over the permitted carry-on size. They get really tight about restriction when there is a Sup lurking in the shadows or if you give them a hard time.

For example, I'm familliar with the 21" carry-on restriction. I know that the RCC is 21" and is actually slightly over the limit. However, I have seen them on board the Aircraft. It makes no difference to the Flight Crew and we generally don't concern ourselves with that sort of thing.

(cont'd...)

Our main issue is when a Pax asks US to lift and stow an obviously overweight bag. In that case, we will require that Pax to check their bag. Otherwise, once you're past the counters, you're more or less home free.

I'm not sure if Paula is concerned about using her RCC as a carry-on or not. I don't know who she's flying with, but if it's ACA (Air Canada) I think she could probably pull it off judging by the number I've seen on board. If she's flying with TS (Air Transat), she would have to check this bag. Their size restriction is actually smaller than that of ACA (Air Canada).

As for the question at hand, I personally would prefer something more portable than something with wheels. When I travel as a single Gal travelling solo I like something I can put on my back rather than bump along the cobbles and dirt. I like to be ready for a quick exit if need be. But it does come down to preference.

I suggest taking a trial run with each type, wheeled Vs not, and see what you think. Walk around the block or at the Mall. That should help to give you a better idea of what you find most practical.

For those with the Outdoor Products Essential Carryon---are the zippers lockable? In other words are there two zipper pulls on each zipper that can be locked together? Not just the main compartment, but the secondary one as well. (I can see on the photo of it that the smaller, document compartment only has one zipper.)

Any problems with it not having a waist belt or can one be attached?

What are the dimensions of the outside pocket? (Not the very small one--the larger of the two on the side.)

TIA

Thank you all. I am looking at a carry on as i have absolutely crazy flights to get to Italy this summer....cheap but lots of hops...i am hoping to use carry on to eliminate the potential for lost luggage. I an leaning towards the carry on but am worried about heat....however, i am going to italy so i assume heat is a no-brainer.

i have a 26 in rolling bag with convertible straps but it is crazy heavy. i think i will be investing in rick's convertible and just pray i get past the counters.

thanks for your advice...keep it coming as i still haven't purchased yet.

I have the convertible but I know many people prefer the roller. My one bit of advice is, that if you use a bag with rollers, please carry it off the train/boat/subway for 10-15 feet, THEN set it down and extend the handle. I can't tell you how many times I've seen someone step though the doorway of the railcar and immediately set the bag on the ground and extend the handle. The bag is literally on the train, in the doorway and people are falling and tripping over the bag. Be courteous and walk off to the side and out of the traffic pattern before setting the bag on the ground. It's an issue of safety.

Ron,

Thanks, that's very helpful! Can you tell us, does the ESSENTIAL CARRYON have tie-down straps in the single main compartment? Do they work ok? And, what are your thoughts on the backpack straps and shoulder strap that comes with it? I mean in terms of comfort and fit?

Thanks...that bag, at that price point, has my attention!!!

Skip

I loved my Eagle creek Explorer LT bag. It is a carry on size back pack with a detachable day bag (which was the perfect size). It had VERY comfortable shoulder and waist straps that were thick foam padding. THe back panel was soft foam as well that allowed for a little breathability. It also comes with a packable duffle bag (also doubles as a rain cover) that was very handy when I came back with lots of souveniers! It also had lots of tie down straps.
My on;y beef with it is that the waist/shoulder straps couldn't be zipped up inside, but that is the trade off with having such thick comfy straps!
Plus it is 100 % lifetime garrantied.

Both my daughter and I used Rick Steves' 21" Roll Aboard as carry-on with KLM. I saw cases similiar to the Roll Aboard used on Lufthansa to Frankfurt on to Israel in November with our tour group.

Being a lady I prefer the wheels.

I think the best of both worlds can be found in the Eagle Creek Switchback Max 22. It is carry-on size, it has a sturdy handle and wheels and comfortable backpack straps. It also comes with a detachable daypack...

During three trips to Europe we have never used the straps; the handle/wheels are more convenient in most situations. But it is nice to know that the straps are available if we need them.

We use Eagle Creek packing cubes to organize items in the large main compartment.

The switchback isn't an inexpensive bag compared to some of the alternatives, but it is very well constructed and it will last for many years of travel.