recommendations on travel bags

We are also beyond the backpacking stage of life and both use the rolling carry on bag. And we don't have a bit of a problem using them for 3 1/2 weeks at a time in Europe. We haven't been in a situation in Europe or anywhere else for that matter that we couldn't roll the bags. Let us know if you need our packing list.

You can go as small as you like--the key is to build in time and a place to do laundry. My trips are fewer days, and I still use a backpack because we often stay in inaccessible places, but I make sure at the middle point that we rent an apartment with a washer. An alternative is to use a laundry service.

I don't have experience with either of Rick's bags mentioned but I now travel with an REI 22in roll-on that has backpack straps. I've successfully gotten this bag into the overhead bins on regional jets but it DOES NOT conform to the size requirements for many European short-haul and budget airlines.

I like the roll-on feature for smooth pavement and airports but the backpack straps are particularly convenient for boarding trains, climbing many flights of stairs or cobblestone pavement. One feature I really love is a matching day-pack which can ride in a "kangaroo pouch" on the front of the main bag. The day pack is perfectly sized to carry what I need and still fit under the seat without taking up all my legroom.

If you are staying in apartments, it becomes a lot easier to pack light. Having a cloths washer and drying rack (or dryer) enables you to cut way back on cloths...

If European or budget airlines are in your travel plans, Eagle Creek now has an 18in roll-on with backpack straps.

Just to be perfectly clear, these are roll-on suitcases with backpack straps to be occasionally used as a backpack. They are NOT backpacks with wheels. They should not be compared to purpose-designed (trekking) backpacks in design or utility.

My husband uses the RS rolling carry-on, and I have a similar size Eddie Bauer Expedition. You definitely can use just a carry-on the 3+ weeks of travel in Europe. We wondered how we would be able to pack light for our 1st RS trip back in 2003. We haven't checked a suitcase since - so easy to manage and saves a lot of time. We sink wash clothes as we travel. While one of us is on the internet in the evenings, the other person is washing a few items; then we switch and the other person is on the internet.

Enjoy your trip to Italy, my favorite European country!

We use Travel Pro rolling carry on's and have noticed many other "world travelers" to use that mid priced brand. We've been using their 21" rollers for the last 2 years--and they're very light weight. They're available very inexpensively on Amazon.com.

Norwegian Air Shuttle singled my wife and I out last week in Oslo to demonstrate our bags size in their somewhat small bag rack. We failed the test and had to pay $40 each to check our bag. While our bags are 21", the wheels stick out under the bottom a couple of inches. (When we got on the plane, we noticed that dozens and dozens bags carried on were larger than ours.)

I would now tell anyone traveling Europe to limit their carry on bag to 20" in length. Up to 22" carry on bags will work in the U.S., without having to be checked, however.

As a woman, who does not want to lift heavy bags...I have traveled for weeks by packing lightly and just doing laundry along the way, so I used two bags, both carry on size.

I just don't want too much weight on my back in case I need to tour before my hotel is available etc.

I do not recommend back packs with wheels as they dig into the back and they are heavier than necessary.

The Travelon or Samsonite makes a similar 15" underseat bag was great for my computer camera and about 3-4 days of clothing plus shoes and extras like books. The rest of my clothing and dop kit were in the backpack which also doubled as a day pack. I used a smaller bag at night.

I traveled to Italy last fall with this: http://www.ebags.com/product/osprey/porter-30-travel-backpack/277437?productid=10313627

http://www.ebags.com/product/travelon/15-wheeled-under-seat-bag/277007?productid=10311871

Pack light!

Enjoy!

I haveused the RS rolling carryon (20") for several 90-day trips. Works very well on everything but gravel.

I also take a Civita or Ravenna daypack.

The wheeled backpacks are uncomfortable for me, and the straps are heavy (nicely padded, but heavy).

Both of those bags will be fine on most airlines. Be aware that a wheeled bag with backpack straps will have less packable room as the backpack straps take up some.

The problem with many rolling bags is they claim to be 21" or 22" but that is just the bag itself and does not include wheels and handles.

The two RS bags you mention are pretty much right on target including the wheels and handle.

I'm currently on a 10 week trip with the Ravenna Carry On and a small Eagle Creek tote.

If you have your heart set on a rolling backpack, take a look at the new Eagle Creek Expanse Convertible International Carry On.

I have the 20-inch Rick Steves rolling carryon, and you have to pack light in it, not over 15 pounds total, or it will pitch forward hard and fast, in a split second. I've hit dogs, babies, and toppled newsstand map displays. I've hit people in line. I've crashed cups and glasses to the floor. I've spent my entire trip picking it up off the floor. So dumb and so badly made. I wouldn't buy it again, not worth the high price. There are much better out there.

One time I packed it at 17 pounds, big mistake, I had gotten ill on a hot bus in Rome, and I couldn't drag it through the FCO airport. When Security saw me struggling to drag it to them, they decided to call an Ambulance, but I refused it. I was going to miss my flight! I consented to their monitoring on the plane, but they took a big chance on me. First thing they did was take the RS 20-inch rolling carryon away from me. I didn't see it again until I landed in the US.

You don't realize how much you feel the entire weight of a 2-wheeler rolling carryon bag until you can't drag it anymore. You will feel every ounce of it. You don't even realize that it works by putting ALL its weight on you until you can't move it.

Look around for a 4- wheeler carryon bag you can move by merely touching and guiding it. A 4-wheeler will carry its own weight. It doesn't need to put weight on you to work. You won't feel any of its weight. If you get sick, you can still move it. There's No dragging, No pulling, No yanking.

There's a LIPAULT carryon worth the money -- 20-inch, 4 wheels, lightweight, classy and beautiful. It wears well, stays elegant. As opposed to the RS rolling carryon that wears like it's been through a war zone, so ugly! You have to pack it so carefully or it will turn on you. You have to baby it. Don't waste your time and energy on it when you can do better!

And RS Customer Service won't help. First time I contacted them from Italy, all they did was fight with me, at 7,000 miles away, they kept repeating they would NOT refund the cost, I was Furious at their bad attitude, they kept going on about pitch and angles and other Jabberwocky, when out here in the field, it's Crap!

Gosh, Sandra, I'm sorry you have had such terrible issues with your RS carryon. I've been using them for years on lots of trips and never had any of the issues you describe. In my own experience with their customer service, I did have a zipper break after my first bag had been on several European trips and they replaced it, no questions asked, and at no cost to me. But then I was in Colorado and not Italy! I have 2 of the carryons now and 1 is just slightly smaller than the original. Both are totally functional and I've never experienced the falling over or unbalanced behaviors you describe. Maybe just lucky? You might try calling the store again when you are home? I am especially sorry for your experience in Rome. That must have been scary!

There are so many good brands of luggage. The main thing is the length, width, depth, and weight. Packing cubes and folders are a big help as well. Just get bright colors of cubes, so they are easy to see and won't get left behind. Check out RS luggage, Ebags brand, eagle creek, samsonite, travelon, LLBean, osprey, etc.. Have a budget price as well to weed out many suitcases. Look at reviews. RS luggage is good quality. I have several different cases of different brands. Have fun luggage shopping.

Sorry, Sandra, that you felt so ill on that trip. I love my RS carryon, and I've had many bags previously to test. Unfortunately, I pack mine 20-23 lbs., but it has never tipped over and I place my camera/purse bag on top of it. The three outside pockets work perfectly for my carryon organization...in other words security, etc. I check mine and it still looks like new, has held up well. Mine rolls fine...perhaps there was something wrong with the wheels on yours? In fact, if I hang a bag on the extra bag holder, it counterbalances the weight and it feels like I am not rolling any weight at all! As I love buying new bags, it is almost disappointing it works so well, because I can't find another bag that I prefer...so no excuses for buying another bag!

From what I've read on this forum, I can't imagine putting a rolling backpack on my back for even a few minutes of walking. Those wheels would be digging into my back big time.

I have a 22" Lipault Paris Plume spinner that I love. Lipault includes the wheels and handle so its measurements are true. In spite of all the dissing of spinners, I find that bag the easiest to get around with, but it is really too big to carry on for any but US based airlines and maybe a few others. It's never tipped over and has done yeoman duty on 2 wheels when needed. This will sound silly, but I use a dog training lead on the handle attached to my hand so it can't roll away on slight slopes or in moving vehicles. I have not yet tried the 20" version which is called an international carry on.

Last year I flew British Airways and used the 22" Eagle Creek Load Warrior. It's not that much smaller than the 22" Lipault, but its design allows it to fit in the sizer. It has 2 wheels, and I didn't find it as maneuverable as my spinner, but it only tipped over once. I did like all the ways to grab it to put it overhead on trains, and I took lots of trains.

Right now I'm on a domestic trip testing how low I can go with the Eagle Creek Afar Backpack. It's amazing how heavy 12 - 15 pounds are on my 71-year-old back, hips and knees. Perhaps I've not adjusted it right yet, but I'm not relishing the thought of carrying 15 - 20 extra pounds on my person including my crossbody tote and the backpack.

I've been lucky to get all 3 of these pieces of luggage, along with my baggallini totes and little purses, on sale online or at TJ Maxx. When I get home next week, it may be time to revisit that 20" Lipault again.

A quick forum search will surely turn up dozens of discussions on this topic, and I've participated in multiple ones. Short answer: I own the RS 20" carry-on and have used it pretty extensively. I like it very much and have never had any of the issues Sandra reports.

I also have the RS roller and have had no problems. I've done 8 weeks with it including one trip where I had to pack hiking boots!

Here's my current trip.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing/capsule-wardrobe-paris-and-western-france-april-may

I also use the RS rolling carry on and it's the best suitcase I've ever used. It is rather floppy when empty, so you have to pack it strategically. Put shoes, toiletries, other heavier items on the bottom near the wheels, lighter things toward the top. Use the cinch straps inside and out to cinch it down. This will alleviate the tipping. It holds an amazing amount - it's deceptive. You can pack it until you can't lift it, it holds so much. When it's packed well, I can put my personal item bag on top of it with no problem.
Husband carries the convertible carryon with the backpack straps and it's very floppy when empty. Packing cubes help a lot. Again, holds a ton and overall great, well thought out bag.

We are leaving in August for a 90 day trip - 75 in Europe & a 15 night cruise back. I just bought Rick's Ravenna Rolling case - I love the pocket layout, the size & weight. We have the Euro Flight bags which we will secure on top of the Ravenna roller. The Euro Flight bag is great - very roomy. Neither of us carries a "day bag" - I carry a purse.

We take a lot of trains so being able to lift our bags is important.

Up to this point I have traveled for 42 days with a carry on & a big purse.

I recognize that convertible luggage (roll-on with built-in back-pack straps) isn't for everybody but it is my preferred solution. It affords me the ability to keep my hands free to help my traveling companions if the need arises... And, I have never had a problem with the wheels digging into my back. The two models I own (a 22 inch and a 25 inch) both have padded "modesty flaps" that protect clothing from wet/dirty wheels.

People might be interested in the following Consumer Reports article. (Thankfully this one is not behind the pay-wall.)

http://www.consumerreports.org/luggage/When-carry-on-luggage-isnt-carry-on-size/

It seems that under-estimating the true dimensions of luggage is rampant in the luggage industry.

Airlines are getting a lot more particular about carry-on luggage size. During my most recent trips overseas on British Airways, all passengers were required to place their carry-on luggage in a "sizer" at check-in. If the luggage didn't fit, they did not receive a yellow "carry-on tag." No yellow tag - no carry-on...

Christi I have Ravenna rolling bag, ravenna backpack and flights bag in plum, have only used them domestically, but love them

I would suggest going full roller or full backpack not a combination of both.

If you are unable or unwilling to carry the bag on your back, just use the straight roller. With ever shrinking weight and volume limits, every ounce and cubic inch counts. No need for extraneous padded straps which you are unlikely to use.

If you don't mind backpacking, getting rid of the roller and handle will free up a lot of weight and volume. You can put a roller on your back for a while, but a regular backpack is much more comfortable and efficient. I haver never seen a photo of a sherpa with a rolling backpack trekking on Everest.

Wow, thanks everyone for the helpful suggestions! My head is spinning from all the info! I can see that I have a bit of work ahead of me to decide, but I do have several months before the trip. Really appreciate all the input.

Take a tape measure with you when you go shopping, so you can check the actual size including wheels and handles.

I actually have 4 " true 22" roller bags, because I keep looking for the ideal bag and haven't found it yet. It I will probably stop with these as I am able to use them for different purposes.

The lightest is an REI roller bag that I haven't used yet. It is going on our next trip ( Slovenia hiking trip) because I will really need to pack light.

Next up in weight is my RS roller bag. I bought this at 20% off, and like it but do not love it. It is a perfect rectangle and holds a lot---and when packed it does tip over. I always lean it up against something when we are not moving. This bag has gone on five recent Europe trips with no tears or break Ken zippers.

Somewhat heavier is a Victorinox tear-drop shaped roller with backpack straps. I love this one, in part because of the T-handle that swivels. Totally avoids stress on my wrist. The trouble is that the monopole handle takes up quite a bit of room inside the back, so it is awkward to pack. And the backpack straps add weight. But that zipper compartment with the straps is a handy place to stash things at the last minute, especially flat things like magazines. And the backpack straps come in handy for climbing 4-5 flights of stairs to our room.

The heavyweight of the lot is a Mountainsmith 22" roller. This baby is so heavy it feels full when empty. I use it for domestic trips when we check our luggage, as well as for road trips and camping trips. It will never wear out, of that I am quite sure!

We ( my husband and I) also tried a RS backpack. We both hated it. It has no frame like a "real" backpack made for overnight hiking trips. So it does not carry weight well at all. My husband, although very fit, has back issues and he gave up on this backpack partway through a trip. We switched bags and I tried it the rest of the way, but found it very uncomfortable.

On most 3- week trips my bag ends up weighing right around 22 points, all in.

We used ebags in our carry on roller bags for a 2-week Paris trip and they were amazing at organizing and maximizing our packing.

I'm not a big fan of rolling backpacks since as a backpack the wheels dig into my back. I prefer one or the other or both. Usually a backpack and a small wheely suitcase when traveling light just because a large backpack isn't something I can get in as a carry on. If there are retractable wheels though (I haven't seen this) that could be cool. As far as luggage brands I've been using Swiss Gear these past few years.

I'm not a big fan of rolling backpacks since as a backpack the wheels dig into my back. I prefer one or the other or both. Usually a backpack and a small wheely suitcase when traveling light just because a large backpack isn't something I can get in as a carry on. If there are retractable wheels though (I haven't seen this) that could be cool. As far as luggage brands I've been using Swiss Gear these past few years.