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RS carry-on and Euro bag update

Greetings,

I've participated in a couple of recent threads seeking advice on bags, and I've been singing the praises of the Euro Flight Bag in conjunction with the 20" rolling carry-on.

I used these bags again for a five-day trip to D.C., Virginia and Maryland last week. Once again, I found this to be a great combination for my needs, at least when rolling through airports. Some people have complained about the Euro bag not sitting securely atop the carry-on, and I did for whatever reason find it to be a bit "floppier" this time than in the past, but never any big problem. And it's still worlds ahead of my previous "solution" to carrying a CPAP which involved schlepping three bags, one being the original CPAP bag which I absolutely could not secure well to the carry-on handle. Talk about floppy!

As I've described before, I use the Euro bag to carry my CPAP, minus the humidifier, and associated cords and tubing. I wrap my Nikon P530 camera into the Civita day bag, which goes into the Euro next to the CPAP. I also carry my Kindle, earphones, gum and anything else I might want to access on the plane. With that load, the Euro bag is barely half full, which makes it easy to smush under an airline seat. On our upcoming trip to Italy, I'll probably put a few other things in, such as my packable rain jacket and "don't tell Rick" bag, zipped inside a travel pillowcase, giving me a little something to rest my head on flights without carrying a separate pillow. All that will probably come in between 9 and 10 pounds.

As I said, rolling the two bags through the airport was a breeze. However, on our very full return flight from Raleigh, we had to gate-check our carry-on bags through to Peoria, connecting through Atlanta. Which meant I then needed to haul the Euro bag around with me instead of rolling it atop the carry-on (and I'll have to do that again next month, climbing stairs and such in Italy). I've mentioned before that I found the included shoulder strap to be quite uncomfortable. I'll definitely be replacing the strap, but haven't gotten around to it yet. Slinging it over one shoulder, the strap digs in a bit and part of it sticks up. The best solution seemed to be to wear it cross-body, but with the bag probably around 7 or 8 pounds this time, that was definitely not very comfortable, either. I ended up taking the strap off and just carrying it by the top handle.

Others have complained about how the lack of structure makes the bag floppy and that zipping the large main compartment is a bit ungainly. I get that, and I'd say it bugged me a bit more on this trip, maybe because it had been discussed recently.

At any rate, it's still a good solution for my CPAP/personal item needs, but if I someday spot something that seems better, I'd be willing to switch.

I will, though, again wholeheartedly sing the praises of both the RS 20" rolling-carry-on and the Civita day pack. Great bags that do everything I need comfortably.

Posted by
1068 posts

Nice report. For my last half dozen trips, I've gone with the Rolling Carry on as my main bag (have also used the rolling back pack on occasion.) I vary my "carry on" based on length of trip, amount of photo gear etc. I have used the Euro Bag, but also like the Veloce Shoulder Bag and a couple I have from Red Oxx. To date, the "perfect" combination eludes me, but perhaps that is because each trip is a bit different. The "floppiness" of the Euro Bag never has bothered me, but I don't open it up much once I board the plane. In any event, nice to get feedback.

Posted by
9436 posts

Thanks for this great info stoutfella. You helped me when I bought the RCO last month, appreciate it.

Posted by
8 posts

If you are traveling around Europe you may want to check out Cabin Max luggage- as it's designed specifically for European airline carry on sizes.

The main carriers who are picky about size are the real budget ones- ryanair, easyjet and wizz air.

Your more mainstream carriers are not so much a problem like airitalia, lufthansa, BA etc

Always worth checking size limits before flying even if someone you have flown with before, as airlines seem to change limits quite often.

Posted by
11510 posts

Since your CPAP is a medical device and does not count toward your carry on limit, does removing it from it's medically labeled bag and putting it in Euro Flight bag remove that privilege?

Posted by
1110 posts

Suki - the cpap bags aren't typically labeled, at least not the ones I have seen. The 3rd bag doesn't really have to have any special labeling to be allowed, as long as it's got the cpap in it.

And stoutfella is putting everything in one bag + carryon suitcase, so he's under the limit.

Posted by
790 posts

Suki and Celeste: The original CPAP bag was just a plain, soft-sided case, think of a double-sized toiletry case. I printed and laminated a simple tag with a red cross and the words "Medical device -- CPAP." No one gave it a look when I used it as a third item. Celeste is correct that my whole point in getting the Euro bag was to eliminate the three-bag juggling act. I transferred the red-cross tag to the Euro bag and, again, have never been questioned. I take the CPAP machine out of the bag as required going through security.

Posted by
1485 posts

II took my flight bag on top of my ravenna case out for its very first ride this evening......flight bag is full w 4 pounds half price easter candy & 7 pounds of coffee that i am using to bribe various family membrs into letting me stay w them for a couple of nights (its a very simple barter system w my family, there may also be piles of mending placed in front of me.) anyway, with such a load there is no floppiness, per say, but it threatened to topple my otherwise sturdy ravenna roller. Those inside small pockets? perfect for protein bars, herbal tea bags, and a mending kit.

Posted by
790 posts

doric8: Yes, that's quite a load in the Euro bag. I'm hoping to keep mine at 10 pounds or less next month. I have the soft-sided RS carry-on, and some people complain that it tends to tip with a hefty load on top. It definitely changes the center of gravity and makes it more vulnerable to tipping, but as long as you're paying attention, i.e., don't just come to a quick stop and let go of your bag. Make sure it comes to rest before letting go. Of course, giving the top bag a bump can lead to it going over. But as long as you're aware, no worries. Enjoy the Ravenna. It looks very nice. What color did you get? I just have basic black for all my RS bags.

Posted by
790 posts

One thing I forgot to include in my original post: I'll add my vote to the "palm up" school of thought when rolling the bags. I tried it this time and found it put at least a bit less stress on the shoulder. Since there has been discussion of this topic, I noticed a lot of flight crews rolling their bags that way, too.

Posted by
1485 posts

I have the plum...pretty sharp w the black edges. I bought the ravenna back pack with it intially...a nice pair. Bought the flight bag on sale this year. Have only used this stuff domestically. My critique on ravenna back pack is both my personal laptop & my work laptop are too big to fit....so computer goes in ravenna roller bag and toiletries, etc go into back pack if flying. This is a driving trip...so computer is in a ratty old computer bag & ravenna backpack stayed home. Stoutfella, i was near yr town yesterday...i could have droppped off some chocolate & coffee your way!