When two pieces of luggage recently blew out — one died of old age, the other was a victim of airline-related violence — I found myself frantically trolling online just before a trip, trying to snag a reasonably priced bag fast.
I found what looked like a good buy, a Samsonite Aspire, and the 21-inch model sounded carry-on friendly. At $90 for spinner wheels, the price was friendly, and shipping that day was free.
But when the Aspire arrived, all it aspired to was collecting dust bunnies in my closet. The listed dimensions — 21 by 15 by 8 inches — were a lie; it’s a good 22 1/2 inches long because of the wheels, and sure enough, United made me gate-check it, twice. The 15-inch depth is only if you’re diligent about not overpacking so as to push the zip-top out, and if you actually use the outside pockets, it falls over. Heck, it falls over when it’s empty. Not to mention the handle is cantankerous — sometimes it just doesn’t want to work.
Sooo, it was time again to look around for a new bag. I found two carry-ons that I love — it can be worth paying for good-quality pieces — as well as a funky-fun bag that can serve as a carry-on within a carry-on.
Fishpond Sporting Club Collection Carry-On Overnighter. Carrying this attractively weathered thing around makes me feel as though Robert Redford might pop in any minute to ask when we’re going fly-fishing, and there’s just nothing wrong with that. The fact that this well-crafted bag — every seam has been carefully and often double stitched, the conveniently placed handles are thick and sturdy, and the heavy, waxed cotton fabric feels really good — was made in Silverthorne is just a bonus. It can be carried as a backpack or a messenger bag and has two large compartments, as well as a smaller one in front. Despite its soft sides, the thing is hearty and holds a ton of stuff — it got me through a day in which kayaking indeed turned into an overnighter.
Cost: $189
Rick Steves Autobahn Rolling Backpack. I’ve long been a fan of Rick Steves’ products; I hauled my last rollaway, the Avanti, from his line daily to work until it literally wore down to the wheel stubs, and my usual carry-on backpack, the Civita, is also his. After the Samsonite debacle, I picked up Steves’ Autobahn Rolling Backpack and have been delighted with its simple-but-rugged construction. The trade-off for not having spinner wheels is a solid base supported by a bar that doubles as a handle, deep-set wheels wide enough to be off your back when you carry it as a pack and a front compartment that can be packed to the gills with smaller stuff and still not blow airline regulations (it also includes a padded laptop sleeve). When you hit an escalator or stairs, it’s nice to be able to sling the comfy straps on and walk off easily with the backpack.
Cost: $179.95
Urbandillo Shrink and Go Classic Pak. This groovy bag is the answer to the question, “What can I squeeze into my carry-on that I can take shopping or out and about?” The concept sounds gimmicky but actually works: slouchy-chic bags made from shiny nylon in black or purple have pull cords that squeeze them down into little pods that can be tucked into the corner of a carry-on for easy transport, perfect for bringing back souvenirs or toting along an extra evening bag. It would also work well on a cruise. The line offers five options; the Classic Pak is backpack-style and also can be converted to a shoulder bag. The only downside we found (and I say “we” because the bag has been appropriated by a teen daughter) is that the stringy straps prohibit carrying much weight. Nice touch: For each bag purchased, the company donates a blanket to a kid in need.
Cost: $45
Kyle Wagner: 303-954-1599, travel@denverpost.com, ,
