Has anybody bought Rick Steves carry on luggage? Wondering your thoughts on the quality

I like my RS Rolling Carry-On. I’ve used it on four Europe trips/tours and domestic trips. I was amazed when they stood beside their warranty on my 6 y/o suitcase and replaced it when the handle quit telescoping.

If you look at the “Packing Forum” you will find many topics on RS luggage and other brands.

EDIT: Since others are also posting about the warranty, I want to add that except for the handle problem, my first Rolling Carry-On looked almost new. The wheels held up with no problems rolling on cobblestones and sidewalks, sometimes 1/2 mile+.
I did carry-on outbound and bag check home. The biggest problem I have, which is NOT the bag’s fault, is overpacking. My challenge is keeping the depth close to 9” and weight under 22lbs.

Been using my current Rick Steves Convertible Carry-on for at least 10 years. My adult kids are still using the pair bought in 2010 that was passed on to them. never had any issues with it. I do not let it get checked.

I think there are better bags, but for a lot more money. I've used the Classic bag for several years. Yes I recommend them, unless you want to spend a lot more.

What Stan said ...........

I have two spinner carry-ons, two rolling carry-ons, and a small day pack, and I am super happy with them all. The quality is excellent, in my opinion.

Ditto what Stan said…we have the Ravenna rolling carryons. RS honors their warranty as they replaced one where the stitching broke.

In the last couple months there have been lots of posts about the Rick Steves carry on bags. Much has been said about the lifetime warranty.

I like mine. It was also replaced when the handle would not telescope.

My rolling carry-on has been going strong for nearly 20 years. The larger wheels are great for negotiating cobbled streets, even steps on Venetian bridges! Most of my traveling now is domestic and for weekends so it’s not getting a lot of use just now, bought a smaller spinner instead.

I bought my first Rick Steves bag, then known as Europe Through The Back Door, in 1991. It was a convertible non-wheeled bag with a different design than today's convertible carry on. It was a tough bag, made very well, and did the job. I still have it and I'm waiting for the future Rick Steves museum, or the Smithsonian, to call and request it for their collection. (LOL)

Since then, I've owned numerous RS bags. Three of the four wheeled bags I bought had to be replaced due to either manufacturing faults or them breaking while traveling. All were replaced or my purchase refunded without hesitation. As others have said, excellent customer service.

I've also owned numerous non-wheeled RS bags. Never had a problem with them. I may even buy another one before the sale is over.

Are you looking for a wheeled bag or a non-wheeled bag? Have you looked on Amazon?

For its price point, especially during the sale, you're getting a decent bag. There are better, of course, but they will cost more. Sometimes a lot more.

I have the carry-on suitcase. Bought it in 2017. Used it maybe 4 times a year. Early on a lining tore, and the handle would get stuck for the last few years. I called them to see if they changed suppliers, and if so, I might consider buying another from them. They had me send pics of my suitcase, which still really otherwise looked in excellent condition, and sent me a new one without charge. Good customer service!

My 4 kids are still using their convertible carryons that I purchased them in 2014. They have taken them to over 50 countries. My 24 yo daughter swears she should be the spokesperson for the bag as she raves to everyone who will listen about it. She over stuffs it and is the worst packer I have ever met. She threw it down in Brazil last month and the zipper popped open, she had like 50 pounds in it. She managed to fix it and is still dragging it around.

I had to upgrade to an Osprey 40L Bag. It doesn't hold as much as my Convertible Carry On but I needed more of an internal frame as I'm getting older (49) and my back was starting to hurt (I can only bring 2 packing cubes vs 4, so literally half the amount of clothes). I do miss my Rick Steve's bag. I carried it for 2 months around China and it was with me for 8 years and 60 countries. I often think about getting the rolling bag but the thought of rolling my bag through dirty streets grosses me out.

On our first. Trip 18 years ago we got the backpack bag which my husband still uses and loves it. I switched to the rolling bag about 12 years ago for comfort. It’s a trouper over cobblestones or smooth surfaces. It fits in the overhead bins with no problem when I fly domestically and has weathered being checked multiple times. It looks nearly new (after 2-4 trips per year I’d estimate) and is great.
The only negative is it doesn’t fit in the overhead bins of the smaller European airlines. When packed with my clothes and shoes for our usual trip it weighs about 23-26 pounds.

I recommend Rick Steves luggage with caveats. They are fine if you do not drag them miles over rough roads, deserts, rough rocky terrain. In other words, if you travel conservatively and do not abuse/use luggage as a tool to get you everywhere you think you need to go. Min had the guts ripped out from hauling over rough terrain. I mean stuff hanging out the bottom and back and a damaged handle. But I am an indiscriminate traveler. Not careless, just exuberant

We've been using the Timbuk2 brand CoPilot roller bag for several years and love it! What's great is the skateboard wheels that are semi-set into the suitcase and not sticking out like a regular roller bag, making it easier to stow overhead on the plane. We appreciate 2 wheels over the 4 wheels because the luggage doesn't tip over like a spinner and the wheels go easily over cobblestones.