The Timbuk2 Checkpoint bag is the latest addition to my bag collection and has become my bag of choice on many trips, both domestic and international. It’s ideal for a number of reasons.
It comes in two sizes and the medium is the 22″, suitable as a carry-on. The wheels are skateboard wheels which seem to provide a pretty smooth pull and can be changed out (for a faster run through the airport, perhaps?).
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There’s enough room in the front zippered pocket to slip your laptop into it and includes lots of pockets for organizing your paperwork, tickets and passport. Inside the main compartment is a shoe pocket to keep your sneakers and heels away from your clothes. There are also a number of internal pockets (with clear plastic fronts so you can see inside) as well as a compression system to keep your clothes flat.
The bottom of the bag is tapered so it slips more easily into the overhead bin and there are stabilizers on the bottom so it won’t topple over when sitting on the ground.
The only thing this is lacking, is the ability to turn it into a backpack. I can forgive that one missing perk, however, because this is such a great bag in every other way.