Thoughts on quality/durability of RS products?

Ebags has a similar bag called the "Weekender Wheelie." I sold my RS wheeled bag and replaced it with the Ebag version. The ebags version has hidden backpack straps and a waist belt. Both bags weigh the same. The ebags bag also has a front pocket organizer for pens, supplies, files, etc. You can order the ebags version, and ifyou don't like it, they'll pay for the return shipping.

I have other RS items and think they are of good quality.

I have the 21" rolling bag and love it. But, I can see where people wouldn't like the inside because the bars for the handle do take up some space. Last time I went to Europe with one bag plus carry on I used this plus the Veloce day bag. Used two travel cubes in the suitcase- one for undergarments and one for misc small items. I bought all in 2005 and they are wearing well.

I also have the Civita day bag which is my favorite. It's been around since 2003 and is holding up great, and it is much lighter fabric. I even threw it in the wash after an unfortunate mud incident and it came out just fine.

I've also got a few other smaller items and I'm confident in his products.

I highly recommend the Civita bag for daytime sightseeing use. Very light and durable, mine has spent several weeks already in use on trips and looks good as new.

As for Rick's carryon bag, I used to have it. Then I went on a RS tour and one of the members had the MEI bag recommended on the onebag.com site. It is a better bag, IMHO. It has an internal frame to keep it from acting like a sack of potatoes if its not packed right, and better padding on the hip belt and shoulder pads. I bought one. That said, Rick's bag is still pretty good and I'd have no hesitations recommending it.

You need packing cubes. For one thing, the zipper is in about the middle of the bag. It's hard to balance loose items and then zip it shut unless they are stacked nicely. Also get at least 2 compression sacks; one for socks, underwear, etc, and the other for dirty clothes.

What has turned me off on his bags, is his logo is plastered on it.

I use Eagle Creek and LLBean packing cubes and love love love them!

Do you have a AAA office near you? Is that something that is in Texas?

I ask because some of my local AAA offices have travel stores and they sell Rick Steves products...
that way you can see, feel, analyze the product in front of you instead of online...

Buon Viaggio

I can't speak for the latest version of the RS bag, but I bought a convertible in 2000 and it has served me well on 5 trips. All the parts have held up well. In fact, last year I decided that, at 1000 denier material, it is too well made. I went out and got the Campmor bag because it uses lighter weight material (500 denier) and is 3/4 lb lighter.

Using smaller containers to organize your bag is essential. You don't want to dig through 17 lb of stuff to find what you want. I use stuff bags from a camping store.

Folks, I wanted to say a big Texas GRACIAS for all the advice and input!

I had a feeling that the cubes would be a necessity. I thought the one big main compartment might be tough to organize without something to compartmentalize it all. I'd actually looked at the Air Boss type bag that's divided into several sections to help with that. Anyone have experience with bags with a divided main section? Air Boss, Tri Zip, etc?

I appreciate knowing your older bags has held up, and I'm hoping to hear about the durability of the newer design bag. Several websites have commented that the new RS bags have lesser fabric and zippers when compared to the ones more then a year or so old.

To the gentleman who commented on the Campmor bag, is that the "Outdoor Products Essential Carryon" that is only $30?? If so, does it really compare to the RS bag? In terms of size, capacity and quality? If it is, WOW! I would really like to hear more about it if it is!

Thanks again!

I LOVE my RS bag. My husband does not and uses Eagle Creek. It's just a matter of personal preference.

I was not the person who initially wrote about the Campmor Outdoor Essentials bag but I got one and returned it.

While bags are personal preference, I felt this inexpensive bag was not the same quality as others--especially my ebags weekender. Yes, it was lighter and cheaper but no where near as comfortable.

The campmor bag felt flimsy and when fully loaded the backpack straps got tiresome after awhile. Very little padding. I just didn't want to trust it traveling through Europe and not being able to take being bounced around.

I've heard from a couple who have used it and loved it.

For ten dollars more, you can get the Ebags Weekender and if you're a AAA member they'll give you 15% off and free shipping. If you don't like it, you can return it and they'll pay for shipping back. In a sense you can check it out for free.

That goes for the RS bag as well. There are online luggage stores that sell the RS bag for less than Rick does, offer free shipping and free shipping back if you want to return it. Now is the best time because it's off season and the stores want to move product.

The MEI Voyager has two metal stays to keep its shape, that's true, but it costs a lot more, too. It depends on how rough you are with your luggage since one of the reasons for packing light is to keep your luggage away from baggage handlers. The RS bag does just fine for a lot of people.

We have three of the older style RS backpacks that have been extremely durable through a couple hundreds days of European travel, a study abroad program, and four years of college by two sons. During that time I used an Eagle Creek bag but had problems with broken buckles/clips but fixed under EC;s lifetime warranty.

We prefer the packing envelopes over the packing cubes or packing mates. Also find that large zip lock packs work just as well as any of the compression bags but far cheaper and convenient. One advantage is you can use a magic marker to id what should be in each bag. Big advantage when packing up a room with four people and making sure everything is accounted for and in the right bag.

I use a RS small shave kit and am happy with the quality. I would use RS products but have found better deals including my Ebags convertible carry-on elsewhere.

I like the onebag discussion on what to look for in materials. There are so many products available, I wouldn't rely too much on the specific bags he recommends.

Hey Skip - as a fellow engineer (and travel light junkie now) I think the RS bags did great. Many have said the old ones lasted for years and years. If youre unsure about the new models - check ebay for lasy years model (you can tell they look diff). They may even be cheaper or closeout (Rei too maybe).

Re: Cubes: I got the old and new RS cubes - but seem to really pref my Eagle Creek 1/2 Cubes best for some reason. I found 3x 1/2 cubes work best and can be arranged more ways in a bag than a combo of all sizes. If youre like me you have all "engineered" travel/adventure clothes (hopefuly not to crazy) and fold/roll without wrinkels well. I take an extra net-like old RS_cube for backup since they were cheaper than Eagle Creek... Colors are nice too if you like to organize with "a system" (as you probably do or will as an engineer)! Have fun and practice - each time you will learn more ways to "perfect travel light"!

Hi Skip,

My husband has been using his RS 21" rollaboard since summer 2003 and loves it. I know, you mentioned the bag, but reliability-wise, the RS products seem to be very good.

Husband also uses the RS packing cubes in combination with the envelope style packing folders from Eagle Creek. I use both, too, and can tell you, they really help.

The packing folders and cubes really multiply the space you have, and also keep the inside of your bag organized (think: re-packing after a security inspection).

I don't think you'll need two sets of the cubes; just one small cube for unders, sox, etc. and a larger one for shorts, tshirts. Put your collared or long sleeve shirts, sweaters and pants in a packing folder (or two, if necessary). 18"-20" folder size seems best for my husband. I can get away with the 15" size, but it is pretty small.

Good luck on your travels, Skip. My son is an engineer, too, so I totally understand....

I can't speak for the RS product line. I purchased an Eagle Creek pack along with their packing cubes and folders and used them for a round the world trip last year.

I am sold on Eagle Creek now. My entire pack actually fell out of an unsecured luggage hold of a bus I was on that was travelling through New Zealand going about 80 mph. My pack was clipped by several cars that had been travelling behind the bus. When I got my pack returned to me, it had a couple slight scuff marks on the outside and the TSA lock I had affixed to the zipper had the enamel coating torn off it. Other than that, my pack held up great and nothing inside was broken. Can't say the same for another traveller on the same bus - his bag was demolished and his belongings scattered all over the road.

Thanks for your responses to my questions! About the cubes, do you find their size works? I wondered about the 5" depth, most others like Eagle Creek seem more like 3". Do either work better for packing then the other?

About the 'new' RS bags..does anyone know about the material? Is it ballistic, Cordura, or something else? I've been told it's changed from the older bags. Also, are the zippers YKK?

Oh, and yes, I'm analyzing to the max!...my "anal engineer" side! ;))))))))))

Skip - I pref the 3" (and then use 2 side by side or stack them dep on how much room I have). One 1/2 cube for socks/underwear, one for rolled t-shits, and a third for shirts folded in 1/2. Ricks are cheaper so that may work better for a budget. I found they tend to get "round" if over stuffed - vs the eagle ones keep their "square"ish shape better (cant over pack as easily!)

Thanks, Tom, I appreciate the knowledge! It's interesting, at 7x11x5, it would seem that the RS small cubes are the size of a shoe box? I think I understand your point, they may be a bit big for packing.... ;)

Go to the link below. ORder the bag, order the packing cubes. The company will ship it to you for free and if you don't like the items, they will pay to ship it back. This way, you can personally check it out and make a decision.

http://www.luggagepoint.com/lpProductDetail.asp?productId=14820

The go to a local store that carries Eagle Creek cubes and lets you return them. Buy them, take them home and compare them to the Rick STeves cubes. (Wait until the RS stuff comes before you buy the EC stuff.)

Then whatever stuff you don't like, you return.

I get the feeling that it will impossible for you to make a decision on these things until you can "analyze" them yourself. There's nothing wrong with that---you're an engineer.

Skip - one last comment - Frank is right - go over to your REI store and check them out (they have a big store in Dallas - since everything is bigger in TX right!) Order the RS bag online if you like it - and toss in a set of his cubes (cheap enough to test - sell on ebay or return if you no likey!)

Hello Skip. If you want a 21 inch carry-on bag, there are many to choose from, from various sources. I like a black nylon bag (but I usually do not carry it in an airplane). If you are interested in a low price, look at Sierra Trading Post (internet, and printed catalogs). I am a very experienced international traveler, I always packed light, carried minimal baggage. Different people have different styles and preferences for packing. For efficient use of space in a travel bag, the system that works well for me is:
put a stack of cotton undershirts in one soft packing cube. Put shirts in one transparent bag designed for being rolled: roll it, and tie it so it remains compressed. Men's undershorts are not bulky, therefore they do not need to be compressed in a bag.
I put my socks in the bag last : I poke pairs of socks into the corners and crevices. I think all of the Rick Steves' travel accessories are excellent. I use the "small travelin toiletries" bag. I think one of his most clever items is the "Pocket tote" bag.

And Rick Steves' silk neck wallet is the best neck wallet that I have seen, anywhere. And I especially like Rick Steves' lambskin travel wallet. It is soft and pliable, has two zippered compartments, and it is a shorter (better) size than the coin pouch for sale at AAA stores, for putting it in pants side pocket. Coins for paying for underground train tickets can be carried in that travel wallet (coin pouch). And a small amount of paper money, and paper receipts can be put in one compartment in that wallet (pouch).

REI is discontinuting carrying the Rick Steves line. So, if your local store has any bags left, you may get one at a great discount.

The REI stores in Dallas don't carry the Rick Steves line. I was at 2 of them this weekend, there were none to be found.

thank you to everyone who has written. I think I've got my answer on the "is one main compartment enough space for packing" question. ;)

Can anyone offer their thoughts/opinions/experiences on the durability of the Rick Steves Convertable carry on bag? Does the newer version hold up well?