There are a lot of options out there in terms of carry-on bags. I’m talking the 22″ or less pieces of luggage that’ll hold most of what you need on a trip, not your daybag. I’ve tested out a number of these over the last two years+ and share my thoughts on a few bags here.
Eagle Creek Switchback Max 22
By far this is my favorite bag I currently own. It’s a 22″ inch (the maximum size most airlines will allow for a carry-on) and has wheels to use as a roll-aboard as well as straps that easily convert it into a backpack. It also comes with a detachable daypack.
While I haven’t used the bag itself often as a backpack, I like having the flexibility to do so. Since I often travel to developing countries, where cobblestoned and dirt roads are common, it comes in handy to be able to toss this on my back yet be able to wheel it into a hotel lobby or through the airport.
The bag includes organizational panels and a couple of larger pockets so that you can separate out paperwork and magazines from your clothes and electronics. In addition there are mesh panels that can be adjusted in order to compress your clothes down. The stabilizer leg keeps the bag from toppling over and can be used as a handle when pulling it out of your trunk or out of the luggage holding area of a bus.
My one wish is that it had more interior pockets. I like to have places to tuck away receipts, business cards and other small items and there’s very little opportunity for that with this bag. I’m sure the Eagle Creek packing cubes can solve that issue, however!
Eagle Creek Available on Amazon
Timbuk2 Checkpoint
This is the latest addition to my bag collection and while I haven’t been able to take it on a big trip (yet!), it definitely ranks high on my list 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?).
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.
Timbuk2 Items Available on Amazon
Victorinox
I want to give a nod to Victorinox because these folks have, traditionally, been one of the biggest names in luggage. I’ve tested out a couple of their bags over the last two years and, unfortunately, the one that I liked best for its features, has unreliable wheels and has since been replaced with a new model.
I want to chat about it for a moment none-the-less so that when you’re making your own decisions, you can use this information to help you determine what’s right for you.
I love the Trek Pack Plus because it has just the right amount of interior pockets, space in the main compartment for lots of items, is a roll aboard with wheels (however unreliable) and the ability to convert it into a backpack. It also comes with a zip-off daybag.
As a 22″ inch, it is also thin enough to easily roll down even a tight airline aisle. The bag that replaced the Trek Pack Plus, the E-Motion 360, is a tad too wide for airplane aisles and tends to topple over if the weight isn’t distributed just right.
There’s probably been enough response from travelers that Victorinox will eventually come out with a bag that incorporates all the great features of the Trek Pack Plus yet has reliable hardware. Keep your eyes open here and on the Victorinox site for more info.
Victorinox Luggage Available on Amazon
*****
Here are a few things to consider when you’re out shopping for a bag:
- There’s nothing like trying one on for size. Get yourself out to a luggage or travel store or an outdoor retailer to test a bag out for yourself. Sales staff are generally pretty knowledgeable about gear and you can determine what best suits your style of travel and packing habits.
- Having the ability to turn your carry-on into a backpack may not be a high priority for you. Manufacturers often make similar bags without the backpack option.
- Buy a bag that’s going to serve you well for several years (or more) and for various types of travel, be it business, leisure or adventure. These bags aren’t cheap – you’ll want to make the right choice so that you aren’t rethinking your options in another six months.
Travel Well,
Beth
Related links:
Victorinox Trek Pack Plus
Eagle Creek Tarmac Plus One
PacSafe Metrosafe 100
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Donna Hull says
I’m still looking for the perfect carryon bag. The Eagle Creek looks interesting. I may have to give that one a try.