Two Wheel Bag 18" - 20"

My thread from July might give you some ideas https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing/packing-extra-light-question
Let us know what you decide. Packing posts are our favorite.

Thanks for this topic, this Travel Pro seems reasonable, but I wish it was lighter weight. One feature that's usually missing in smaller bags is a handle on the side to help lift it into an overhead bin. (It's featured in a few of the links from @Horsewoofie, thanks for that!) https://travelpro.com/collections/maxlite%C2%AE-5/products/maxlite%C2%AE-5-rolling-underseat-carry-on?variant=40011627561058

• Overall Dimensions (includes wheels and carry handles):
• H: 17.5 in. W: 14.5 in. D: 8.5 in.
• Case Dimensions: H: 15.25 in. W: 13 in. D: 8 in.
• Weight: 5.5 lbs.
• Volume: 26 L

I’ve found smaller-sized (under 20”) two-wheel rollers at Nordstrom Rack and Macy’s online and in store. They both carry Travelpro. I’m always on the hunt for the perfect bag. Two-wheelers are more rare than spinners. Travelpro makes several (like the one posted above) that would meet your criteria and is a very reliable brand.

This one has 4 wheels, but it’s very, very lightweight!
I have one in red that I got in Marshall’s a few years ago.
It’s been on three trips incorporating 12 separate flights, half of which were as checked baggage
It holds an amazing amount of stuff.
I love it.
Sorry for the long link.

https://ca.heys.com/products/world-s-lightest-spinner-xero-elite-21-carry-on?variant=30264361615457&currency=CAD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgK2qBhCHARIsAGACuznrBWXPeDRoNOQlMIG3PMo54DQSn8xaSqX3AeUNzwdUkDr3EMc4n1QaAkyVEALw_wcB

I thought that the Steves' two wheel bag was in the 20" range.

It is- the RS bag is 17", including wheels, I have it in black. It always holds more than I expect with creative packing and using the pockets likely intended for a guidebook or tech for socks, etc.
The website specs state 6+ pounds which is a pound more than my 21" Away carryon. So in situations where airline weight limits are a challenge the saved 4" might not be offset?
I do find it cumbersome to pull, being a "spinner" convert. On airport carpet it has to be dragged behind and the handle, at least mine, only has one setting that's too long for me at 5'2".
You might change your search to "underseat bag" to get more options.

At 18” - you are getting into the backpack range. For rolling luggage at this size - look in two categories: underseat luggage and budget airline luggage. There are choices in these categories. Also, for a smaller bag - look for fewer pockets and features that impede on packing space. Simpler is better for maximum packing volume. Here’s a starter: American Tourister 4 kix bag on Amazon.com. This type of bag is typically 27 -30 liters (4-5 days worth of clothes, minimalist style packing).

I have the Travelpro bag that is mentioned in sandancisco’s response above. Used it twice now for two 3 week trips (Scotland/London and Iceland/Portugal). It is marketed as an under seat bag but I found it doesn’t fit completely under the seat on most airlines. I use it as my carryon and place it in the overhead bin. There is a very small grab handle on the bottom of the bag to use in lifting into the overhead. A person with large hands probably would have difficulty using that grab handle though. All in all, I like the bag as my 4 packing cubes fit well in it and my black ballet type shoes fit in the side pockets. I have pretty small feet though so YMMV.

I’ll admit that with my mixed season trip to Iceland and Portugal, the bag posed a real challenge for me to include all the clothing items I wanted. The bag was checked in going home as I had purchased items that were not allowed in carryon (wine) and then some other gift items I didn’t want to break went in my carryon daypack.

Good luck.

Opinions please about soft VS hard luggage

My RS suitcase broke on our Thanksgiving trip after only 2 trips – very disappointing – so I am looking for luggage

jbare47
Samsonite international carry-on 18-21 inches

https://shop.samsonite.com/luggage/?prefn1=overall-height&prefv1=18%22%20to%2021%22%20%28International%20Carry%20On%29&srule=category-position

My RS suitcase broke on our Thanksgiving trip after only 2 trips – very disappointing – so I am looking for luggage

Julie, contact RS Merchandising. [email protected] The handle of my 6 year old Rolling Carry-On quit retracting in June, just barely made it home. I didn't expect them to do anything but hoped to get parts so my hubby could repair it. Parts aren't available. They replaced my bag. So unexpected and I was very pleasantly surprised. This type of service is why I continue to take RS tours and buy their products.

I’ve been reading about these (cheaply made) Rick Steves suitcases having both the handle break as mine did after little use, or other parts breaking – I wouldn’t want to deal with another one like it

Either a product is made well to be used or not…

I've been using the regular RS rolling suitcase for 10 years now, it's really taken some abuse, at least one international trip per years, on/off trains, many domestic trips, and it keeps plugging along like a champ. Bought one for my husband last year that's been on a couple of international trips with similar abuse and so far, so good with it, too. We do carry on domestic and going over, but typically check it coming home (when it's really packed!). I call it my magic suitcase - I'm always amazed how much will fit in it, even without expanding it.