seeking info about luggage and travel accessories

It stinks to travel when you have aching body parts! So Sorry…

I was just in Italy for 3 weeks on RS tour so had to tote my own luggage from bus to hotel and thruout cobblestone streets and hills. I used a spinner style AWAY brand larger carry on suitcase (largest carry on size fits on MOST not all overhead compartments, you may have to gate check but it does get thru security on United Airlines- not sure about some of the European airlines). I also had a small AWAY weekend bag that has a flap that securely fits over the carryon suitcase. They also make backpacks with that same attachment feature.

I loved it and it was very securely fastened even when toting thru Venice over cobblestones and bridges. I did though notice that my wrist was slightly sore from grabbing the handle tightly by the end of 3 weeks.

I have travelled extensively and I can say this arrangement worked great for me, considering. Lots of other details like compressor straps etc and also an optional removeable rechargeable battery that is accessible from the top of suitcase that you can use whenever to recharge your phone etc. The suitcase does have a lock feature, but not the small weekend bag.

The AWAY line is relatively expensive, though, I feel- the only drawback. Look at the website for prices. For some the price may not be expensive, but it was a splurge for me. A worthwhile splurge.

Their customer service is great too, I actually misplaced my battery on a previous trip and reached out to purchase another and they actually sent me one for free. This was a couple of years ago for that- so not completely sure they still have the same policy.

This was just my experience and I am a relatively healthy but not super strong woman- just average I would say.

It wouldn’t hurt to check out the website- I do recommend this brand if you are willing to spend a bit more.

https://www.awaytravel.com

Good luck!

There are many companies, Osprey for example who offer backpacks for a woman's size and frame. One thing to note specifically, especially with your issues, is to look for packs that ride higher on your body frame. In my experience not lower than above the waist.
Also don't overpack, especially in terms of weight.
I also carry a small backpack that I carry in front of me.
A travel vest holds all the important information, passport, tickets some cash.
As far as avoiding pickpockets the most important strategy is to have or develop a high degree of situational awareness.
Don't get distracted, if a random stanger approaches, do not engage. Be hyper aware of what is around you and pay attention to where you place your things in a restaurant or elsewhere.

"Clever Travel Companion" has a tank top with pockets. They're worn under a shirt or a sweater and are very secure. I bought them on Amazon but I noticed they're no longer in stock; eBay does have them though.
They run pretty true to size.

I would look into a backpack that also has what’s called a luggage trolley sleeve/strap. This allows you to slide the backpack over the handle of your spinner suitcase. You can wheel the spinner all the way down the airplane aisle with the backpack sitting on top of it. I have this backpack. There may be lighter options out there, but this one locks, is water resistant and has a trolley sleeve: Tzowla Travel Laptop Backpack Water Resistant Anti-Theft Bag with USB Charging Port and Lock 15.6 Inch Computer Business Backpacks for Women Men College School Student Gift,Bookbag Casual Daypack https://a.co/d/8MRMfqn

Next, I would seriously look at what is in your heavy purse, and do you REALLY need to lug all that stuff around? I use this bag as my everyday purse and as my travel day bag: Roma Leathers Genuine Cross Body Purse Bag, Multi-Pocket https://a.co/d/gaaEPsJ

It’s small: 9” x 6.5”. I wear it cross body. It’s small enough that I can wear it under my jacket and nobody knows it’s there. I keep my hand on it in sketchy situations if it’s not under my jacket. It holds everything I need for the day: phone, ID, credit card, lipstick, small comb, hair clip, folded up shopping bag, etc. It’s big enough to hold my passport for easy access at the airport. And it easily fits in the backpack above on travel days. I would recommend trying a small bag like this as your daily bag at home and getting used to it before the trip.

Also- sorry I forgot to mention this but I packed a daytime crossbody purse in my luggage for when I was out and about. But for the travel time- I just kept with the larger AWAY spinner style suitcase and the small AWAY weekend bag. Lots of pockets and organizational features in the weekend bag. I hope this helps- don’t mean to be a walking advertisement for AWAY luggage but I was very happy with it-
Happy travels!

1/ While I know I dont have your sort of problems, my back isn't what it use to be so I switched from a RS Bag Door bag to the forbidden spinner so there is weight on me, 100% on the ground.
2/ Now my choice is a lousy solution for a RS tour where the bus parks 300m down a cobble stone road, followed by a monumental staircase to a 5th floor hotel room in a hotel with no elevator and 3 foot wide staircases.
3/ But my typical trip is from the 1 story house to the car to the paved airport parking lot to the slick as glass departure terminal to the taxi to the front door drop off at the 4 star hotel; so it works for me.
4/ My little under-seat bag hangs over the handle of the carry-on and when I get tired of standing I use the handle like a cane (its that stable, never falls over).
5/ As far as the lifting weight in the airplane; most of the time I fly on airlines with a 8kg carry-on limit and like most folks I come close to maxing that out; so essentially, in the plane, even the lightest bag weighs the same as the heaviest.
6/ The fanny pack is a good idea; but basically, what works for each is an individual thing and you cant do wrong and you will learn along the way.

1/ Purse, bag, fanny pack; since you are still figuring it out why not by the cheapest you can find.
2/ My el cheapo Walmart and Target bags have lasted 20 years, but once you figure out the perfect combination for you then if you want to upgrade you can spend as many hundreds of dollars as the purse permits.
3/ the only other advice is the less you carry the less they can steal, and while its sort of more common in some places they are generally thefts of opportunity and most reasonable solutions will make the guy next to you a better target.
4/ You only really need to carry a passport, phone, a little cash and a credit card and that's just a few pounds (keep another credit card and drivers license, in an old beef jerky package in your luggage back in the room)

I have worn a fanny pack on 20 trips to Europe and having my hands free is HUGE. But - nothing of importance goes in there. The important stuff (passport, cash except a few dollars for the day, credit and debit cards and so forth) is in a homemade pocket that buttons into the inside of my pants (or skirt) behind the left pocket. I even wear this when traveling in big cities in the US (like Boston!). I feel totally secure with this system.

My first suggestion is talk to your doctor to see what he or she suggests. You may also want to speak to a physical therapist to come up with a plan.

That bring said, you want to take as much stress as possible off your upper body. The spinner luggage will not force you to put pressure on your spine the way a two wheeled bag would. Getting a second smaller bag with a trolley strap to ride on the spinner is also a good idea.

For fanny pack security, pacsafe sells sone with security features.

https://pacsafe.com/collections/waist-packs

Instead of your heavy purse, try wearing a lightweight crossbody with only these items in it:

Covid mask, if needed when you travel
A couple of mints
A couple of Purell single-use sanitizer
A pen & paper
Your phone
Reading glasses, if needed
A coin purse with your next lunch Euros & coins
A lip balm or lipstick

Place extra mints, coins, etc. in a ziploc in your suitcase and replenish your purse each evening. Purses can get heavy very quickly with extra stuff. I try to be careful, too, so my shoulder doesn’t begin to hurt.

I use a Fanny pack whenever I travel just because a crossbody begins to hurt my shoulders and back. I use a Vera Bradley cloth bag that converts from a crossbody to Fanny pack, just in case I need to switch. Cloth is much lighter. I also carry the bare minimum with me. Like Jean wrote, a coin purse with some coins, a cloth for my glasses, my drivers license, one credit card (I leave the backup in my suitcase), a lip balm, etc. I find there is hand sanitizer everywhere so that is out. I use a 4 wheel suitcase and a small tote with a trolley sleeve. This current trip my suitcase weighed in at 21lbs so I could manage it on the trains fine.

Stenosis, bad knees and mid foot arthritis have been very painful for my wife too. (She just had back surgery.) The biggest problem is making it thru the airports. You didn't mention if you have a partner to help you when traveling.

We went on one trip to Europe via cruise ship repositioning with a travel wheel chair. We went to the first of every line coming and going--including going right to the door of the airplane. I have a backpack suitcase, and I towed her 21" TravelPro Ultralight swivel.

We've been on 2 European trips the last year with my wife on a Luggie power scooter. It's faster than I can walk, and she has been riding thru the airports and all the way to the airplane door. The scooter folds down, and the airline gate checks it and returns it to the airplane door at the other end. It has a 10 mile range. We'll never be without it again when traveling.

If you don't have a travel partner, you'd need to limit yourself to a 21" rolling bag and a cross the chest bag. We can travel indefinitely that way and we carry less clothes on every trip we go on. And arrange for a porter and a wheelchair to get you thru airports and down to the door of the airplane.

We got an apartment next to the Venice train station, and my wife was only able to go a short distance there without experiencing arch bridges over canals. That was okay as we've been to Venice many times. Sometimes you meet some limitations being mobility challenged.

Like many others here, my back isn’t what it used to be. I have a carryon sized spinner bag and my personal bag is a backpack that has a strap across the back to slide it onto the suitcase handle if I don’t fill it too full. Otherwise I can just rest it on top and twist the straps around the handle. I use a very small Baggallini crossbody bag and I bring a fanny pack for certain situations. I use on the plane to hold my reading glasses, phone, etc. and I use it while out and about occasionally to give my shoulder a break. I wear it cross body, or around my waist if it’s raining and I want to cover it with my raincoat or if I’m doing an activity like bike riding.

I don't yet have back issues, but I have to carry a large, heavy bag of vitamins and supplements on my long trips, so I try to make everything I take with me as light as it can be. I love the light weight of my IT bags. I managed to find some two-wheel bags at either Marshalls or TJ Maxx during the pandemic, but I suspect the company now makes only four-wheel spinners--which I imagine might be better for your back. IT bags are comparatively cheap, and it would be hard to find any lighter wheeled bags.

I think including a travel vest, fanny pack and/or small backpack (the latter not for valuable items) would be a good idea. Carrying things near the center of your body will probably be more comfortable. I always use a standard cross-body bag, but I swear by something made of lightweight fabric so at least the bag itself isn't contributing to my weight problem.

I have a bad foot, bad knees, sciatica and arthritis in my neck, so I’m always on the lookout for a better bag. On our trip to France this past spring I used a fanny pack as my day bag. Most days I wore it cross body, bandolier style. If my neck was bothering me I could switch up to wearing it on my waist. When we were in crowded areas or transit, I always pulled the pack part around to my front and kept one hand on the strap. We’re currently in Germany for 3 weeks and I’m using a very light-weight and compact Lesportsac Village crossbody that I picked up at Nordstrom Rack. It’s working well. The key is to reduce weight and carry just the essentials. No water bottle, guide book, iPad or umbrella in my day bag.

In addition to a day bag, for security, I use the PacSafe CitySafe CS25 crossbody & hip purse (5”x8”). It fits up to 3 passports (cuz I’m the mom), credit/atm cards and cash, and it can hold a bit more - my phone, lipstick and an Epi-pen if I want to go out without my day bag. It converts to a hip belt and has all of the anti-theft features (cable straps, anti-slash wire mesh, clip locks). It’s very comfortable. In the morning, put it on over my top, under my sweater or jacket and don’t take it off until I get back to the hotel.

For my carryon personal item, I use a Baggallini or Lesportsac tote bag with a special zipper pocket that converts to a trolley sleeve. That trolley sleeve feature makes all the difference. I barely touch the tote when I’m in transit.

Hope you find a combo that works for your issues.

@acraven, I bought an IT spinner bag a few years ago at either Ross or TJ Maxx when I needed something a bit larger than a carry on. It’s 25” I think. It’s super lightweight and I really like it. I prefer to use a smaller bag and searched for awhile earlier this summer. I found IT bags at either one of the above stores or Tuesday Morning. I can’t remember for sure because I bought numerous bags and returned them until I found the one I kept. My problem with IT was I could only find hard sided cases now and I wanted a soft side. I ended up with a 21.5” Travel Pro from Macy’s with a great discount. I paid under $100.

There has been massive shift toward hard-sided bags (as well as to spinners) in the market over the last few years. I don't care about appearance, but I don't like the clam-shell opening since I stay in a lot of tiny hotel rooms where it would be hard to find floor space to open the bag fully. And I think the hard-siders are a bit heavier. Nevertheless, I'm pretty sure I'm going to end up with a hard-sided spinner eventually because it's increasingly hard to find anything else. At least there are now double wheels on most of the spinners; I hope they are sturdier.

I plan to research AWAY luggage for the person who is recommending AWAY.

I take 5 prescription meds so I have to carry a bottle of each with me. I have four OTC meds that I need to carry. Then there are personal care items although I carry samples or travel size. Still all this adds up in weight.

I have plenty of time so I am going to go thrifting and look at luggage as well as bags and accessories. I want to look at luggage that has the carry on bag with a strap that can tie to the spinner. That sounds like it would be a big help. I also want to check out backpacks, fanny packs and money belts.

Thank you for all your input.

Some of my problems may be my health issues which have nothing to do with luggage or travel.

.

ok. so first AWAY luggage does not fit my budget.

I searched sites having to do with Best Luggage for Back Pain or for backs, legs, shoulders, etc. They do exist. I do not have much time to read the results right now but on at least two, Osprey was the number one choice. Someone did recommend Osprey.

Fanny packs and money belts were recommended over purses.

I will eventually read some of these articles and update my information.

It will not hurt to try some of these suggestions and it might even help.

Hi bostonphil7, regarding a moneybelt. As you probably know, you don't use it in place of a purse but for security to carry your passport, extra cash and back-up credit and debit cards. In other words for things you do not access daily. I used Stashbandz for the first time last month. It goes under your clothes, not like the website picture shows. It has four pockets to distribute the bulk. It's very stretchy and comfortable. I loved it and can't say enough good things about it.

I was going to give you a link to the extra small Travelon purse I used but it's discontinued. It's similar to this, right sized for just bare daily necessities and my phone. It did not cramp my neck as larger purses do. For sightseeing days if I needed more room, I also carried a packable backpack. Mine is from Eddie Bauer. To keep extra weight off my shoulders, neck and back, I do not overstuff it but it gives me room to carry a rain poncho, small umbrella, jacket, camera and water bottle. I added a few snaps for security.

As for a suitcase and personal item, like other posters said, I'd shop around to see what fits your needs best. We each have different ones we like and fit our needs. As you've seen, watch the weight. My friend's Briggs & Riley carry-on spinner bag weights 10 lbs! Yikes! I'll stick to my RS Rolling Carryon at 6 lbs. 4 lbs doesn't sound like much until you lift it.
If you haven't looked at the RS Carryon Spinner, that may work for you. Usually in November, all the luggage goes on sale. The personal item I used this trip is out of business. It worked good but I'm still searching for the perfect one. Whatever you decide, keep it small to force you to pack light. I overpacked this trip because of more OTC drugs and personal and Covid supplies, thinking I am in better shape than I am. But I won't make that mistake again next year.

Pill bags help cut the medicine bulk down. Ask your pharmacist to print out prescription labels for you to put on the pill bags. For OTC drugs, my hubby prints out labels for me.

Good luck in your search. Enjoy your trip and cruise. Let us know what worked for you.

I was obsessed with getting my suitcase as light as possible for my current trip as I had one leg on Air France which has a 12k weight limit for carry on and personal item.

After much research I went with the Osprey Ozone 2-wheel 21.5 inch bag which weighs 4.5#. I’m 3 weeks into my trip and it’s been great. It weighed about 16# when I left home. It’s pulled well over broken pavement and cobblestones. I could lift it into overhead bins.

However…this bag has a monopole handle so the extra bag with a trolley strap does not ride well on this. There is an add-a-bag system with a strap that hangs off the front but my personal item dragged on the floor so I’m not using that!

If you go shopping take a portable luggage scale with you. Yes, I’ve gone down the row in TJ Maxx weighing each bag, lol.

In addition to getting the lightest luggage that will work for you, weigh everything you plan to take and eliminate what you can. For your meds, move them to ziplocks if you can to save weight!

We are on week 9 of a 10 week European trip. In the past we have used the Eddie Bauer packable backpacks and have them in several sizes. We are happy with them, but for this trip I was looking for something that packs up smaller and is even lighter. I found these on Amazon and am happy with how small it packs up and it weighs next to nothing. If I put it on my back empty I wouldn’t know it was there. https://www.amazon.com/4monster-Packable-Backpack-Lightweight-Resistant/dp/B077GSTC6P/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2HCDY76UNCL3&keywords=4monster+daybag&qid=1665987332&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjU1IiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=4monster+daybag%2Caps%2C406&sr=8-1

Friends that traveled with us earlier in the trip used these lightweight bags that pack up even smaller than what we have. https://www.rei.com/search?q=sea+to+summit+day+bag

Sea to Summit makes extremely lightweight gear. I have one of its daypacks to use in case I plan to do rough walking (I have balance issues, so a crossbody bag on rough terrain is not smart), but so far it has just lived in my suitcase. It weighs virtually nothing. I also have a Sea to Summit collapsible umbrella that is my go-to for travel. It has blown inside out at least 5 or 6 times and still works fine. It's the lightest sturdy-feeling, collapsible umbrella I've found.

Sea to Summit gear isn't cheap, and you may have to get it shipped from Spain.

I have a lot of research to do but I have time.

I checked out Osprey on the Osprey site but some of the luggage is out of my budget. There were a few pieces that I could afford.

I will check out some of these brands on Amazon and Ebay. I also will hit thrift stores.

I think not carrying a purse or carry on luggage over my arm will be an improvement no matter what.

I have an appointment with an orthopedist next week and will talk to him about my flare ups when traveling. One of the reasons that I am going to the orthopedist is because of my flare up when I took a recent trip. I was doing ok and improving until the trip. The whole time that I was on the trip, I was in terrible pain when walking and standing.

Re plantar fasciitis
I have managed my plantar fasciitis for 25 years.
Never stopped walking, even though the standard advice during a flare up is ice,stop walking.
Over the years I have learned how to manage this.
1. Most important in my experience is to obtain custom molded orthotics for your shoes. Before I was eligible for Medicare my health insurance paid for new orthotics every year, my Medicare doesn't but this is an essential expense.
2. Second is to find lace up shoes that will help. For me it has been trial and error,but finding the best shoe is critical.
3. Stretching to release the tightness of the facia. Even though the facia which is a band of connective tissue in the arch, stretch of the whole line from the bottom of the glutes is beneficial. Then specific stretch achilles heel, and flex of the of the arch.
4.anti inflammatory diet, in my case plant based, Mediterranean diet is another example. Inflammatory procees affects the whole body including the facia.

I know Osprey will have sale prices at REI at least once a year if not more.

I would check all the luggage sites prior to and right after Thanksgiving. Many have Black Friday sales where you can find deep discounts.

If I understand correctly, you will have a checked spinner bag and the backpack is your carryon. So how big a backpack do you need? Some people say backpack to mean a school-kid sized bag, is that what you mean, or a big whole-trip sized carry-on? Any potential problems getting a backpack on and off? I honestly don't think brands are that important if you're not packing everything into them, and you can often find decent small backpacks all over. I often see Jansport, NorthFace, LLBean, etc., at reasonable sale prices, if you want sturdy. The Rick Steves bags I think are a good value, and frequently on sale.

One thing you can do to attache a backpack to your wheeled bag (if it doesnt have a strap) is to use a large carabiner or two to clip it on to the handle.

Hello Stan,

Thanks for your input.

I know so little about backpacks that I do not even know what I might need. I really need to do more research on backpacks and also go thrifting where I might be able to touch them and try them on.

I have only had a backpack a couple of times in my life and it was very many years ago.

I am wanting my backpack to replace my carry on bag in the hopes that I would might avpid a flare up when traveling.

I have spinal issues as well as advanced arthritis in knees, ankle and hip. I recently returned from a 7 week Europe trip where I had an Osprey wheeled bag and an Osprey day pack. I try to carry my daypack using both straps and to alternate which hand I use to pull my bag.

The best thing I took on this trip was an electric heat pad which got lots of use at the end of every day to help the pain in my back and hip.

some one or maybe more than one has suggested boots or good tie shoes.

I can wear neither. I have a huge bunion on my right foot but I have Morton's Neuroma on my left. I would be crippled (are we still allowed to use cripple?) with pain especially on the left foot.

I can not wear tennis shoes but I can wear loafers. Anything that easily slips on and off is ok

Someone suggested that maybe I should take a break from traveling but I am 77 and there is not a lot of time left. I was not able to travel for many many many years so I am trying to make up for lost time.

Bostonphil7

Here is the link to the small Travelon crossbody I have. Slash resistant and anti-theft. Holds just what you NEED when out and about. And I feel reasonable riced at $45.

https://www.travelonbags.com/shop-the-look/stadium-bags/all-bags/anti-theft-tailored-crossbody-phone-pouch/43203-341.html

My husband and I also use the Osprey 40L travel pack (Fairpoint for men and Fairview for women). Fits perfect on our torsos and distributes weight perfectly. And we also each have a 15L Osprey Daylite pack.

kdh

I believe that I can get Travelon on Amazon and i have gift cards. I came across the brand during a search but until nw never had anyone recommend it.

Thanks for the link.

Oh, Travelon is an oft recommended brand on the forum. You might just have missed people talking about it. Just know what you are getting with a bag that is marketed as "anti-theft". This one has:

"Our built-in 5-Point Anti-Theft security system will protect your valuables from pickpockets and thieves. Includes slash-resistant mesh barrier in all 4 sides and bottom body panels; slash-resistant and lock-down strap; locking compartments; and RFID blocking organizer."

The slash-resistant mesh barrier and slash resistant strap will have metal inside them which may make the bag heavier than you realize since you said you had some back and neck problems. I don't have arthritis or spinal stenosis and the one time I tried an anti-theft bag with the metal cord in the strap if felt quite a bit heavier than my regular bag. You might not notice a difference and I'm not wanting to discourage you BUT want you to be happy too. If you've got a TJ Maxx near you go by to see if they have any slash resistant purses so you can check the weight, then purchase on Amazon with your gift cards. If you have an AAA near you they may also have slash resistant purses you can look at without buying!

editing to add: I looked further on the Travelon website and found these pages demonstrating the amount of metal in the slash resistant purses.

Strap: https://www.travelonbags.com/resistant-strap.html

Body of the purse: https://www.travelonbags.com/resistant-body.html

You are wise to do research. I do want you to consider that if you find something that works that seems “out of your budget”, that it might be a good value in the end if it helps you travel with less pain.

I live close to a neighborhood that has several really nice thrift stores close to each other. I am going to have to go thrifting.

I am looking for a spinner, possibly a carry on bag, a money belt. possibly a back bag or cross over bag and maybe some tour guides.

Surely I will find something that will work for me.

Here is something to consider regarding the weight of a purse. The reason this is so much on my mind is that for my last trip I needed to go really light in case one of the airlines on one leg of my outbound flight weighed my bags (combination of suitcase and personal item).

Travelon Anti theft (Size: 4.75" x 6.5" x 2") - 0.7 pound/11.2 ounces

Tom Bihn Every day Cubelet (5.7” (w) x 7.3” (h) x 3” (d)) - 3.46 ounces for their lightest weight fabric. Even their heaviest weight fabric is just 4.9 oz for this bag.

Please note, I do not have either of these bags. Travelon has a base price of $45 (but Travelon has a 20% off deal on their website), Tom Bihn has a base price of $48.

cross-posting with you: IF you have a hand held luggage scale take it with you. I'd probably take my digital kitchen scale along as well but as you can tell I'm a little nuts when it comes to weight. Also take a tape measure with you so you can get an idea of size.

I have advanced degenerative disc disease and I find that a crossbody bag works better than a traditional purse. It's also a bit more secure.

BostonPhil: go to your nearest REI and check out what they have. Talk to their knowledgeable sales people, try out their bags, put weights in them to see how they fit. Then haunt their sales. Sign up for your local REI's email with their specials and their "garage sale"- dates when they re-sell used gear. And last but not least, haunt REI's used gear webpage: https://www.rei.com/used. Recently I saw a used Osprey Farpoint which was a steal. It's gone by now but you never know when another might turn up.

I have a very small Travelon cross body bag that I love. I picked it up for less than $20 at TJ Maxx. So you might keep your eyes open there.

I am going to go thrifting this week or next but Black Friday is right around the corner and I have Amazon gift cards.