Baggage.
December 10, 2022 11:19 PM Subscribe
Looking for recommendations for luggage that is light and manageable. Do you have one you like?
I want to get a suitcase or wheeled duffel for a trip of a few weeks involving lots of European train travel with multiple cities in the course of a few weeks.
Criteria:
1. Light
2. Good wheels
4. Would have to be bigger than a bag approved for airplane carry on, but not too big. Should be able to stay with the train passengers at their seat if and when possible.
5. Well made (durable) but not super expensive (I won't set a price limit here, but mid level budget is involved)
6. Really helpful if can order on Amazon
(People don't still mostly use backpacks for this type of travel do they?)
I want to get a suitcase or wheeled duffel for a trip of a few weeks involving lots of European train travel with multiple cities in the course of a few weeks.
Criteria:
1. Light
2. Good wheels
4. Would have to be bigger than a bag approved for airplane carry on, but not too big. Should be able to stay with the train passengers at their seat if and when possible.
5. Well made (durable) but not super expensive (I won't set a price limit here, but mid level budget is involved)
6. Really helpful if can order on Amazon
(People don't still mostly use backpacks for this type of travel do they?)
People don't still mostly use backpacks for this type of travel do they?
I do. A Freitag Voyager is my bag of choice. It's extremely light and durable, has a HUGE opening so easy to find stuff, is visually distinct, and fits in carry-on and if you happen to break one of the clasps, replacements are free.
In addition, it's hand-made from mostly upcycled material by people paid a living wage
They have a slightly smaller version called the Skipper, which has a padded area for laptop. The Voyager has a similar space, but it's not padded (I put my laptop there anyway).
Oh, and for context, my previous bag was the highly regarded Tom Bihn Aeronaught. I hated it. Heavy, ugly, uncomfortable, cumbersome to pack.
posted by dobbs at 6:13 AM on December 11, 2022 [2 favorites]
I do. A Freitag Voyager is my bag of choice. It's extremely light and durable, has a HUGE opening so easy to find stuff, is visually distinct, and fits in carry-on and if you happen to break one of the clasps, replacements are free.
In addition, it's hand-made from mostly upcycled material by people paid a living wage
They have a slightly smaller version called the Skipper, which has a padded area for laptop. The Voyager has a similar space, but it's not padded (I put my laptop there anyway).
Oh, and for context, my previous bag was the highly regarded Tom Bihn Aeronaught. I hated it. Heavy, ugly, uncomfortable, cumbersome to pack.
posted by dobbs at 6:13 AM on December 11, 2022 [2 favorites]
I asked this question this summer and am very happy with my eventual purchase. You can get lighter weight etc but I really wanted 2 wheels, not 4, for durability and uneven terrain.
My sister has a version of this carryon by "it luggage" and it weighs NOTHING. If I was packing light-ish and not checking bags, this is what I would want.
posted by nkknkk at 7:59 AM on December 11, 2022
My sister has a version of this carryon by "it luggage" and it weighs NOTHING. If I was packing light-ish and not checking bags, this is what I would want.
posted by nkknkk at 7:59 AM on December 11, 2022
Oh my goodness we have a luggage set from "it luggage" and it has been the single worst material object we own. The wheels have broken on all three suitcases in every conceivable way.
Decathlon has some cheap, reliable luggage that is also light. Not sure if they have something exactly your size.
posted by ropeladder at 8:21 AM on December 11, 2022
Decathlon has some cheap, reliable luggage that is also light. Not sure if they have something exactly your size.
posted by ropeladder at 8:21 AM on December 11, 2022
(People don't still mostly use backpacks for this type of travel do they?)
Just to add the chorus, they absolutely do! I've had the Tom Bihn Aeronaut for many years (and love it, sorry dobbs!) and my husband has the Patagonia MLC. Both bags are a delight to travel with for all the reasons koahiatamadl lists, and I've done a number of trips of the "6-10 countries in six weeks" variety using just this backpack. If a backpack is possible for you, health-wise, I absolutely recommend it.
posted by goodbyewaffles at 8:23 AM on December 11, 2022
Just to add the chorus, they absolutely do! I've had the Tom Bihn Aeronaut for many years (and love it, sorry dobbs!) and my husband has the Patagonia MLC. Both bags are a delight to travel with for all the reasons koahiatamadl lists, and I've done a number of trips of the "6-10 countries in six weeks" variety using just this backpack. If a backpack is possible for you, health-wise, I absolutely recommend it.
posted by goodbyewaffles at 8:23 AM on December 11, 2022
Just adding to the backpack chorus—I have this duffel/backpack and highly recommend backpack travel. I was always the kid who refused to put both straps on their shoulders in school, but I like this one because I can carry it like a regular duffel if I'm just going a short distance (from the platform to the train or whatever), and then strap in for serious walking. It is NOT light when empty, but the backpack straps make it approximately a thousand times less of a schlep than a much lighter one-shoulder weekender bag. (I don't know that I would buy this one again because the straps are set a little wide for my narrow shoulders, but I won't have to make that calculation... perhaps ever, because it's so rugged.)
posted by babelfish at 9:48 AM on December 11, 2022
posted by babelfish at 9:48 AM on December 11, 2022
Light and ‘bigger than allowed as carryon’ are incompatible requirements - the way for luggage to be lightweight is to bring less stuff. And secondarily to reduce the tare weight of the bag.
Focusing on light and maneuverable, i will add my voice to the chorus for ditching wheels and going with one of the made-for-purpose luggage backpacks. I’m another Tom Bing Aeronaut 45 customer.
I can see where dobbs is coming from on the critiques for the Aeronaut - the weight of the zippers and piping adds up - but I am happy with it enough that I am not likely to shop for a different bag unless something happens to the Aeronaut.
posted by janell at 11:56 AM on December 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
Focusing on light and maneuverable, i will add my voice to the chorus for ditching wheels and going with one of the made-for-purpose luggage backpacks. I’m another Tom Bing Aeronaut 45 customer.
I can see where dobbs is coming from on the critiques for the Aeronaut - the weight of the zippers and piping adds up - but I am happy with it enough that I am not likely to shop for a different bag unless something happens to the Aeronaut.
posted by janell at 11:56 AM on December 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
I've always preferred travel backpacks or duffels that have backpack straps to rolling luggage. It makes it much easier to maneuver when you have to switch from a nice flat sidewalk to janky walkways, stairs, escalators, narrow spaces, muddy/gravelly areas, cobblestone streets, etc. But I'm also a light traveler and prefer keeping it to one ~40L main luggage for carry-on and one personal item (small backpack). You may need to go with wheeled luggage if you plan on bringing a lot of stuff on your trip.
Thule Chasm 40 L Duffel Bag
Thule Landmark 70
Thule Aion 40L Backpack
REI Co-op Big Haul 40 Recycled Duffel or the 60L version
Cotopaxi Allpa 42 L Travel Pack
posted by extramundane at 12:08 PM on December 11, 2022
Thule Chasm 40 L Duffel Bag
Thule Landmark 70
Thule Aion 40L Backpack
REI Co-op Big Haul 40 Recycled Duffel or the 60L version
Cotopaxi Allpa 42 L Travel Pack
posted by extramundane at 12:08 PM on December 11, 2022
Response by poster: This is all super helpful input. Still trying to decide if our traveler prefers wheeled or backpack with associated trade-offs.
*So: How many liters approximately would be a sweet spot for 2 -3 weeks of travel assuming doing laundry once in the middle? 40? 50? More? They are trying to pack light as possible of course but winter clothes can be heavy.
posted by ojocaliente at 2:02 PM on December 11, 2022
*So: How many liters approximately would be a sweet spot for 2 -3 weeks of travel assuming doing laundry once in the middle? 40? 50? More? They are trying to pack light as possible of course but winter clothes can be heavy.
posted by ojocaliente at 2:02 PM on December 11, 2022
If you're still looking for a more conventional wheeled luggage after all the backpack love, I really like my TravelPro Maxlite carry-on-sized luggage. They're not the cheapest option, but it's probably the lightest wheel luggage I've owned. I have the fixed 2-wheel version, but they have a version with spinner wheels if you don't mind giving up a bit of interior space. They also make larger versions of this luggage for checked baggage, though I don't have any experience with those. (I'd personally agree that it's better to try to make your stuff fit the carry-on size bags for greater flexibility; unless you have to bring something with incompatible dimensional requirements, it's much nicer to have the option to use it as carry-on or checked. Frankly, if you can plan around having laundry facilities available, I'd be surprised if you couldn't make it work, even for 2-3 week trips.)
My personal approach to travel is to use both a backpack and my carry-on luggage, with the carry-on handling the bulkier items and clothes, and the backpack for the stuff that I want to keep close at hand, with the expectation that my luggage will be stowed or checked during travel, and stay wherever I'm lodging while I'm out doing stuff. Of course, this may not be a style that works for what you have in mind though.
posted by Aleyn at 2:30 PM on December 11, 2022
My personal approach to travel is to use both a backpack and my carry-on luggage, with the carry-on handling the bulkier items and clothes, and the backpack for the stuff that I want to keep close at hand, with the expectation that my luggage will be stowed or checked during travel, and stay wherever I'm lodging while I'm out doing stuff. Of course, this may not be a style that works for what you have in mind though.
posted by Aleyn at 2:30 PM on December 11, 2022
The suggested bag size, depends to some degree on (winter) packing "style." What activities will the traveler do? How often will/ can someone hand wash some clothes (with Dr. Bronner's)? How much budget is there for new (travel friendly) clothing?
This guy packs for winter destinations in a 35 liter bag.
This gal packs for winter in a 40 liter bag.
This person packs everything in a carry on sized bag.
posted by oceano at 4:01 PM on December 11, 2022
This guy packs for winter destinations in a 35 liter bag.
This gal packs for winter in a 40 liter bag.
This person packs everything in a carry on sized bag.
posted by oceano at 4:01 PM on December 11, 2022
The Freitag Voyager bag I linked above is 43L. I travel only to warm destinations (so, no boots, heavy coats, etc). I also travel for fun, so only casual wear (no suits).
I often travel for 5 months with access to laundry whenever I need it. The bag is more than sufficient and I often only fill it 3/4s in case I want to buy things while travelling.
posted by dobbs at 4:06 PM on December 11, 2022
I often travel for 5 months with access to laundry whenever I need it. The bag is more than sufficient and I often only fill it 3/4s in case I want to buy things while travelling.
posted by dobbs at 4:06 PM on December 11, 2022
*So: How many liters approximately would be a sweet spot for 2 -3 weeks of travel assuming doing laundry once in the middle? 40? 50? More? They are trying to pack light as possible of course but winter clothes can be heavy.
With a European train itinerary, I'm also on Team Backpack, but regardless of what you choose, I would stay within carry-on limits, which is ~ 40L plus a personal item, that can usually be up to ~20L, depending on the airline. There are reasons to not check luggage (loss, damage, etc), but mostly, I just think it keeps you honest. If it's too much for you to haul through the airport comfortably, it's too much to haul around a city, up stairs, through train stations, to your hotel... It's an exercise of creative constraints that is likely to make your whole trip easier.
To do that in the winter or across multiple climates, there are many tricks. Layering, laundry, and reducing the number of shoes are my top tips. Capsule wardrobe so you have many mix and match outfits. Wear your heaviest outfits on travel days. I usually get away with 2-3 bottoms, 4-5 tops, and various accessories. I don't have travel specific clothes, but I do have some clothes that pack easier than others and are more versatile. You probably do too. Packing light is a whole internet rabbit hole, starting with r/oneback and r/heronebag.
For gear, if you go suitcase, my Briggs and Riley bag expandable carry on is still going strong after 15 years of solid use, though it is not cheap. For backpacks, Osprey Farpoint/ Fairpoint 40L is a good place to start.
posted by oryelle at 7:14 PM on December 11, 2022
With a European train itinerary, I'm also on Team Backpack, but regardless of what you choose, I would stay within carry-on limits, which is ~ 40L plus a personal item, that can usually be up to ~20L, depending on the airline. There are reasons to not check luggage (loss, damage, etc), but mostly, I just think it keeps you honest. If it's too much for you to haul through the airport comfortably, it's too much to haul around a city, up stairs, through train stations, to your hotel... It's an exercise of creative constraints that is likely to make your whole trip easier.
To do that in the winter or across multiple climates, there are many tricks. Layering, laundry, and reducing the number of shoes are my top tips. Capsule wardrobe so you have many mix and match outfits. Wear your heaviest outfits on travel days. I usually get away with 2-3 bottoms, 4-5 tops, and various accessories. I don't have travel specific clothes, but I do have some clothes that pack easier than others and are more versatile. You probably do too. Packing light is a whole internet rabbit hole, starting with r/oneback and r/heronebag.
For gear, if you go suitcase, my Briggs and Riley bag expandable carry on is still going strong after 15 years of solid use, though it is not cheap. For backpacks, Osprey Farpoint/ Fairpoint 40L is a good place to start.
posted by oryelle at 7:14 PM on December 11, 2022
Rothy's has a couple good bags. The weekender is pretty good for travel. Sfbags.com (Waterfield) has great ones too.
posted by VyanSelei at 7:50 PM on December 11, 2022
posted by VyanSelei at 7:50 PM on December 11, 2022
People don't still mostly use backpacks for this type of travel do they?
We do. Two Osprey Farpoint 40s covered two adults and two tweens for two weeks in Japan with room to spare. Stayed under Jetstar's 7kg / 15.4 lb carry on limit too.
posted by some little punk in a rocket at 2:50 AM on December 12, 2022 [1 favorite]
We do. Two Osprey Farpoint 40s covered two adults and two tweens for two weeks in Japan with room to spare. Stayed under Jetstar's 7kg / 15.4 lb carry on limit too.
posted by some little punk in a rocket at 2:50 AM on December 12, 2022 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
Well, they should if they don’t. Hear me out…
Backpacks have come a very long way. If you search one bag travel, you’ll get plenty of reviews of the best bags for different needs and price points. And a lot of the drawbacks a backpack had 20 years ago have been overcome. They have laptop compartments, they have assorted other compartments, they have countless different ways of getting into them/at stuff, they look sleek, the shoulder straps can be tucked away leaving you with a carry handle etc.
The reason why I recommend a backpack is that you and your bag will be navigating a lot of different surfaces/pavements, stairs, escalators, climbing on and off trains, presumably other public transit etc. All but the high end wheeled cases are going to be difficult on ground that is uneven…like a lot of footpaths in a lot of places. Looking at you, central London…
Whenever you get to any kind of step you’re either dragging a wheeled case up/down by force, destroying it slowly, or you’re stopping, lifting it by the telescopic handle, destroying that slowly, or you’re stopping and reaching through that handle awkwardly to get at the carry handle to lift it. And getting on a train from the platform often entails high, steep steps with gaps between train and platform. You’ll have to lift it.
A case much larger than carry on size is going to be difficult to lift over steps, into the luggage racks over your seat or is going to struggle to fit between the backs of seats…and if you want to keep your luggage close to you that’s where it will have to go.
There is also the fact that after even moderate abuse on uneven surfaces, stairs, lifting by the telescopic handle etc a lot of the more affordable wheeled cases start to break, specifically wheels and said telescopic handle. That makes them even more fun to manoeuvre.
So sure, carry on sized wheeled case for carry on that is going to be used primarily on smoothish surfaces in airports and hotels and limited use elsewhere can be lovely. But for extensive train travel with all that entails I’d find a backpack that works for my needs.
posted by koahiatamadl at 3:35 AM on December 11, 2022 [2 favorites]