Anyone use the Ravenna mini 17 inch carry on?

Looking at airfare, for decent priced tickets they have restrictions- carry on only.

My question back is why can't you use the RS Rolling Carryon as a carry on.

Hi,
I have prosthetic discs in my neck so it's just a huge struggle now lifting things above my shoulders. Smaller and lighter will be much easier for me to handle. I have always packed that RS bag decently but it's just too hard to lift it up into those bins anymore. I will still be lifting the smaller one of course but I can lift it length wise and turn it once it's in the bin or sideways and do my best to get it up past my shoulders an in. Less stuff in a bag will be less I have to lift up. That might not seem like an issue to many people but to me with this, it's a big issue.

Lifting any bag into the overhead is a question of physical ability. The lighter, less-filled bag will be easier to loft and, now that you've explained the issue, the shorter bag should be easier to maneuver. Folks who have the other RS rollers like them and they seem to have held up over time and use. However, wheelies waste a bit of volume for the transmission and it adds significant mass. Can you not use a 23-25 liter backpack? It would be about the same size as the 17" roller. Unless, of course, you require the roller function. Have fun at your races.

Hi,
No a backpack is worse on my neck. The weight it adds on my shoulders just aggravates the neck issue. I'll just get the ravenna and give it a try. If it doesn't suit me, I know friends that will use it.

Has anyone here actually used the Ravenna mini to let me know what they thought of it overall? That's really the only reason I posted.

The Ravenna Mini weighs 6.85 pounds. That is significant for someone concerned with lifting overhead. There are other options that weigh less. For example look into Travel Pro Maxlite products.

Check to see if the airlines you're looking at have a weight limit for carryons. Some of those can be pretty restrictive.

Thank you Lynn, I had put that on the list to check also. Appreciate that!

I have the "regular " Ravenna, it rolls securely, but I agree with the suggestion that it may have more weight than you want

Wow! That Ravenna Mini is 6 pounds, 13 ounces. It's touted as having lots of pockets. It's been my experience that the more pockets and zippers, the heavier the bag. The U-shaped handle also adds to the weight. The exterior measurements are 17x13.5x8 and the listing says that its capacity is 1460 cubic inches, i.e. almost 24 liters. Its partial hard polycarbonate shell also adds weight and I'd think would make it hard to handle. Plus I could see no handles on it except at the top.

There are other brands that are much lighter. Osprey is one of them. So is Eagle Creek and the brand looks like it may be saved by its new owner.

I have 2 international sized bags. They may be taller, but they are much lighter and have multiple places to grab them. There are many vendors online and regular stores that sell these brands.

This Eagle Creek is a newer version of the one I have. It's a full 2 pounds lighter at 4 pounds, 12 ounces. It's 21.75x13.75x7.75 and 37 liters not expanded. There are many ways you can grab it to put it where you want it to go.

I recently bought this Osprey Ozone Global Carry-On at a very good price from REI. The Amazon link says it weighs 4 pounds, 11 ounces. My luggage scale says 4.5 pounds. It's shaped like many European bags. The measurements are 19.7X15.7X7.9 inches. The capacity is 38 liters and it doesn't expand. I haven't used it yet, but I did take it to the Delta counter at the Tucson airport to see if I can carry it on. They said it would be okay. Rounding up, 20+16+8=44 inches and most airlines have a 45 inch maximum (22+14+9=45).

Osprey also makes this more normally shaped, higher capacity but equally lightweight bag.

My 75 year old solo traveler self has found that weight (keeping the packed total below 22 pounds, preferably below 20 pounds) and ease of grabbing and lifting is more important than length or height of the bag. If you can, try any of the lighter carry-on options being mentioned as alternatives to the Ravenna Mini to see if you might find the same to be true for you.

Thank you everyone! Lo I think I will look into one of the ones you mentioned. 4 pounds sounds great. If I do go for 8 or 9 days, I can just do some laundry when I'm there. Ok thanks so much and take care!

I’m with Lynn, I love my TravelPro. Check them out at Macy’s which often has them on sale.

I have the RS 21” rolling carry-on and I really dislike it although I use it because it was expensive. I find RS luggage to be way over-priced. Next trip I plan to replace it with another TravelPro.

I'm glad to hear you are looking at other bags. (I've owned three RS made wheeled bags including the regular Ravenna and all either broke or had to be replaced.) Look also at Samsonite and IT as they both make lightweight bags. I have a Samsonite spinner that weighs 4 lbs.

If you have a discount store near you like TJ Maxx or Marshalls, they have an assortment of bags. Just bring along a tape measure and a travel scale.

Glad to be of help, Margaret.

My last trip I used my older Eagle Creek International bag. I kept the weight well under 20 pounds. I must admit that getting a luggage scale has been a real eye-opener for me. It's really kept me honest in my packing and maybe even saved me from potential injury. 😉

I did the long Portugal and Spain tours with a little time in Haarlem and Lisbon before the Portugal tour started, a little time between tours in Barcelona before the Spain tour started, an extra night in Seville at the end and a night in Haarlem before flying home.

The total was 5 weeks. I basically pack for a week and do laundry in my room, at a laundromat myself or have it done for me. Depending on what you pack, you should have plenty of room in any of the smaller bags for your very short stay.