Just as you have different clothes for different events, you have certain luggage for certain trips. I collect luggage like other women collect shoes. What can I say, I love to travel. 🙂 Since I’m on the road often, I “try on” luggage each trip, seeing how it holds up to my shoving, bumping, and heaving.
Based in Montana, Red Oxx designs and distributes luggage that is built to last. According to their website, “A noble warranty is a no-bull warranty. We’re not here to ask what happened to it. Just send it back to us and we’ll fix it.” It’s just that simple. I know, wow, right?
I took the Sky Train up for a weeklong trip to Alaska, which was a perfect trip to “try on” the bag. I wanted something that would be easy to sling over my shoulder (no rolling luggage here please). I pictured myself shoving the bag into a crammed trunk full of camping gear, and not having to worry about rearranging to fit the bag. That’s one of the pluses of a soft luggage bag-fits much easier into tight places than a ridged rolling pack.
The bag itself is impressive in how many carrying options they have built in. For example, there is a handle to simply grab the bag at the top of the luggage, protected with a plastic ring. Or, there is a detachable shoulder messenger bag strap-it’s not padded, but it works well enough. Finally, two hidden backpack straps can clip on to metal hooks at the bottom of the bag. I used it as a backpack mostly and found it comfortable on my shoulders, not cutting in and chafing.
I liked how the hardy zippers open practically completely, allowing you full access to the items inside. I practiced their bundle packing suggestion found here, and while it worked, there were a couple of items that didn’t quite fit. I had some shoes, and a few dresses, and I couldn’t exactly incorporate these into the packing style. Luckily I could shove my sneakers into a second compartment, but it was somewhat bulky.
I utilized one of their Lil Roy’s to store my toiletries. As the business had began from an ex-military man, the items definitely have an extremely durable, no-messin’-around look about them. I have no doubt that both the Lil’ Roy and the Sky Train will last for as long as I live. I could probably even pass the bag down to my future kids.
Dimensions: 20″ L X 9″ W X 13″ H
Capacity: 2340 cubic inches
What I love:
- Choose your color: 12 colors to choose from
- Made in America
- Lifetime warranty: super duper durable
- Excellent access to the compartments
- Compression straps are great for fitting more clothes
Not so much:
- Durable = heavy bag (4 pounds)
- Clunky, metal clips
- Lack of waist belt strap
- No padding on shoulder messenger strap
- Very utilitarian look
You can purchase the Sky Train pack for $255 on the Red Oxx website here.Â