Budget Luggage

eBags was sold to Samsonite or is in the process of being so many there will be some other good buys too.

Thanks for the tip. I've been looking at the bag; the sale might convince me to buy one. I've wanted something like this, the same size as the RS Rolling Backpack but lighter, without the wheels and structure. Always seemed strange to me that RS finally makes a smaller bag (Rolling Backpack) for those of us that pack light and want a small bag, and then they add weight by making it a roller. A bag this size should be a pack.

If you have a tight budget, these may help.

Nothing to do with a tight budget, this bag is superior to bags costing far more.

I don't work for the company, either, but this bag has a lot of things I like - not too heavy, good size (about 2000 ci), hideaway straps, cinch straps, waist belt and sternum strap.

REI says that this bag has been discontinued. Maybe that's why the only color available is sucky green. Get it while you can.

I just hope eBags doesn't become an exclusive outlet for Samsonite.

Muji is running a sale on their hard-side luggage through July 16. I love the 33L size case--it's served me well through a few dozen flights over the past 6 years. Holds a ton, super light, barely even scuffed. The wheels allow you to push or pull the bag--pulling wrecks my elbow, so I often end up leaving it upright and just guiding it along by the handle. It does fit as carry-on on every airline I've flown since getting it, including Southwest, Jetblue, American, Delta, Air France, Air Berlin, Virgin, SAS, and Aer Lingus.

http://www.muji.us/store/special-theme/hard-carry-flat-rate.html

Ebags has a Carhart brand rolling suitcase, carry-on. It is heavy. It's built like a tank. It's on sale. I would buy it if I needed a sturdy suitcase. Carhart brand makes tough stuff.

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/samsonite-to-buy-out-colorado-based-ebags-for-105-million

http://us.fashionnetwork.com/news/Samsonite-says-to-buy-U-S-online-bag-retailer-eBags-for-105-million,814323.html

Looks like Samsonite bought themselves another way to sell luggage,

https://www.wsj.com/articles/samsonite-confirms-deal-to-buy-tumi-1457047863

As for Muji, don't call me, I'll call you (Not).

I don't consider 7½# (3.4 kg) light, let alone "super-light". Note: the OP describes the Carhart carryon as "heavy" at 4 kg (8.8#).

SAS and Air Berlinallow a max of 8 kg (17.6#) for carryon, which only gives you 10.1# for contents. Carry it in a 1¾# Essential Carryon and, packed. it's only 5.4 kg, less than 12#.

There are Samsonite and American Tourister and other brands (Chaps, etc) for sale at Ross Dress-For-Less, and also Marshalls, usually at a big discount.

If you don't immediately need a bag, a lot of the big names in the sector clear out their discontinued item stock from about mid-January to early March. That time of year, you can find some very good prices (often 40-70% original retail) for Eagle Creek, Osprey, PacSafe, Briggs & Riley and the like from web discounters like Sierra Trading Post, The Clymb, and Left Lane Sports.