A recent topic of conversation among a group of my more geeky friends was the fact that it took so long to come up with the idea to place a few wheels on a piece of luggage in order to wheel it easily through the airport.
Can you even remember how you ever found your way to your gate without the use of rolling luggage?
The rollaboard idea is usually credited to the founder of TravelPro, Robert Platt, a former NWA pilot, but the patent is held by Bernard Sadow. While Bernard had the idea first, Robert had an audience and started making these for other crew members in 1987. Pretty recent – eh? Such a simple idea that we now take for granted.
While I’ve owned many other brands of rollaboard luggage, truthfully, I hadn’t ever owned a piece of TravelPro until recently. I’ve now got the Travelpro Walkabout Lite 4 22” Expandable Rollaboard.
First, this bag is relatively lightweight at 8.3 pounds and at 22″ it’s just the right size as a carry-on for most airlines.
The folks at TravelPro have taken great care at adding extra features that are big bonuses for me. This includes:
- Interior mesh pocket with a zipper (so simple, but such a great feature!).
- Two rather wide and deep front zippered pockets, one large enough for magazines, the other for paperwork such as your boarding pass.
- Expandable main compartment which gives you an extra 2 inches of room (perfect for when you return home with souvenirs).
- Removable garment suiter keeps clothes wrinkle-free. This can also be used as a divider between clothes.
- Handles on the top and side for easy grabbing from an overhead bin.
The only criticism I have of the bag is that it seems just slightly cheaply made in terms of the fabric and zippers. The website states, however, that it’s a “Nylon fabric with DuraGuardâ„¢ coating featuring stain and abrasion resistance for greater durability” and that the zippers are a “self-repairing nylon zipper system ensuring flawless operation and providing consistent closures.”
Until this goes through some pretty rigorous trips with me (i.e. checked through to some off the beaten path destinations), I won’t know for sure how well it will hold up. But I’ll be sure to report back 🙂
Travel Well!
Beth
Related links:
Briggs & Riley Explore 22″ Upright
Eagle Creek Switchback Max 22
In a former life I was a flight attendant. I tried a few suitcases over the years – in all price ranges – this brand is the only one that lasted. Not sure if the zippers and such are the same as they were when I bought mine in the late 90’s but I’ve never had a problem with them. The only thing that’s starting to get wonky on mine is the telescoping handle, and that’s after some pretty rough treatment over the years. The wheels which were often the first to go in my old bags are still holding strong. Curious to see how yours treats you – happy travels!
Great article.
Some clarification. There were two patents for rolling luggage. Bernard Sudow did have a patent for his style of rolling luggage. Bob Platt had a patent on what is now called rollaboard.
Bernard Sadow’s invention added four small wheels and a pull strap to an old style suitcase. Bernard’s invention was difficult to pull because you had to bend down to pull the strap and this coupled with the small wheels caused the bag to become unbalanced very easilty.
Bob’s invention was much different. He took the suitcase and changed its orientation from horizontal to vertical. Then, he added two large wheels and an extension handle. This invention is the Rollaboard and the name Rollaboard is trademarked by Travelpro.
I laughed when I read your first paragraph because I’ve often wondered that myself! We sent a man to walk on the moon before someone figured out it’s easier to tote a suitcase around when it rolls!
I never can seem to find a rolling carry-on I like. This one looks to have many interesting features though. I’ll see what you have to say when you’ve tested it a bit more.
we just got a travelpro and LOVE it. i also like the details – and the lifetime warranty!