Backpack Style Carryon Luggage

[SDSorority]

Hi everybody. Hubs and I are going to Europe for 2 weeks next summer cool1: ) and because of all of the airplane transfers, train trips, etc., we're ONLY going to be packing in carryon bags. I have read that backpack style carryon luggage is the way to go (rolling a suitcase down cobblestone streets just isn't practical I suppose?). So, we have found these two:

Red Oxx Sky Train bag ($255)
http://www.redoxx.com/sky-train/91019/product

Rick Steves Convertible Carry-On ($100)
http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/ca...entId=8&id=139

I saw the Red Oxx Sky Train mentioned in the “One Month One Bag” post:
http://milevalue.com/one-month-one-bag/

Is the Red Oxx Sky Train truly worth the price over the Rick Steves bag? OR, do you have another backpack-style carryon that you'd suggest?? $100 - $255 seems awfully expensive for a piece of luggage (and we'd need 2 of them!), but we want something that will last a long time, rather than something that will fall apart mid-trip!!

TIA for any suggestions!!!

 

[maplevale]

I haven't used either of those - and I have never managed to pack in JUST a carry on.

However we have done Europe a few times. The one time when we were young and broke) we flew into Glasgow, took a bus to Edinburgh and then a transit to a stop NEAR SIL's apartment and then WALKED about 1km down a cobble stone road with our 2 rolling suitcases. It was fine - really was not that big of a deal at all. Took them on the Metro in Paris and the Tube in London and had no issues.

That said - I do find that rolling suitcases have less space then other options because of the spot at the back where the handles slide in - so I would look for something easier to pack.

I would be hesitant about a backpack on a train/subway (make sure you bring it around to your front or take it off and put it under your feet). Both so you don't knock people but also in some area's pick pockets target tourists and backpacks are easier to get into without someone noticing.

 

[SDSorority]

I haven't used either of those - and I have never managed to pack in JUST a carry on.

However we have done Europe a few times. The one time when we were young and broke) we flew into Glasgow, took a bus to Edinburgh and then a transit to a stop NEAR SIL's apartment and then WALKED about 1km down a cobble stone road with our 2 rolling suitcases. It was fine - really was not that big of a deal at all. Took them on the Metro in Paris and the Tube in London and had no issues.

That said - I do find that rolling suitcases have less space then other options because of the spot at the back where the handles slide in - so I would look for something easier to pack.

I would be hesitant about a backpack on a train/subway (make sure you bring it around to your front or take it off and put it under your feet). Both so you don't knock people but also in some area's pick pockets target tourists and backpacks are easier to get into without someone noticing.

Good to know! We'll be really cautious about that!

 

[crispychicky]

How about this one?
http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/mother-lode-tls-weekender-convertible/143101?productid=1370034 ......$90
We have some ebags luggage and all the pieces have held up really well.

or maybe this one if you want something a little smaller:
http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/...-convertible-junior/241465?productid=10209111 ......$63 for orange, $81 for the other colors

 

[SDSorority]

How about this one?
http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/mother-lode-tls-weekender-convertible/143101?productid=1370034 ......$90
We have some ebags luggage and all the pieces have held up really well.

or maybe this one if you want something a little smaller:
http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/...-convertible-junior/241465?productid=10209111 ......$63 for orange, $81 for the other colors

GREAT FINDS!!! I'm really liking that first one! THANKS!!!

 

[tinkermom23]

How about this one?
http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/mother-lode-tls-weekender-convertible/143101?productid=1370034 ......$90
We have some ebags luggage and all the pieces have held up really well.

or maybe this one if you want something a little smaller:
http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/...-convertible-junior/241465?productid=10209111 ......$63 for orange, $81 for the other colors

We have the ebags weekend convertible and love it! I use it a lot and it is really tough and holds a ton! I highly recommend it.

 

[kristenrice]

Another recommendation for eBags! They have a lifetime warranty and their bags are so practical and durable. I have an eBags addiction...even though we rarely travel. DH gets upset because every time we are going on vacation, I *have* to have another bag.

I love their packing cubes too. They really help pack a LOT of stuff into a small space. I'm looking into purchasing a toiletry kit and some shoe bags for our upcoming trip. We don't have those items already so I can almost justify the purchase.

 

[LuLuO]

Another eBags Convertible fan.

 

[RamrodinTonight]

I can't speak to the backpack, but I've never had a bad experience with ebags brand!

 

[bumbershoot]

The one thing to be very aware of is size. Even RS bags aren't small enough for carryon if you're flying on an airline like ryanair. So KNOW what airlines you're going on, and what the allowed dimensions are.

 

[DLgal]

High Sierra AT6. Great line of bags. The 22" carry on size has hidden backpack straps so you can either roll it or carry on your back.

 

[MickeyFan1981]

High Sierra GRIP has great wheel luggage with backpack straps that can be hidden. I used the bag for a 32 day trip in Europe and Asia... Very durable!

 

[Cruise]

Just wanted to add to the other posts....

Red Oxx is a truly quality product and will take just about whatever you can dish out and last you a long, long time. If you have any problems, they have an excellent warranty and will work with you to repair or replace your bag.

That being said, they're great for road warriors - people who travel for a living, live out of their bags, and stay on the road. They're built for a lot of use. If what you need is just for the occasional trip (and specifically this trip to Europe), I'd say you'll do fine with the ebags option. They are also a quality product and have a good warranty and will certainly hold up for more than just a few trips but are marketed more toward the leisure traveler.

 

[BadgerGirl84]

I highly recommend the regular ebags tls mother lode backpack. I bought that bag for my 2 week Europe vacation and it was so perfect. I could pack a lot In It (but not overpack) and also navigate very easily since it was on my back. Love that bag.

 

[SDSorority]

Such great information- thanks guys!!!!!

 

[PoohLover78]

As someone who's done a lot of backpacking all over the world, if you have a REI near you, I'd highly recommend go there and look at trekking backpacks! They are designed to be light, small but still hold a lot of stuff. You will also need something that is still awesome to wear, even though it's heavy. If you don't have a REI near you, try whatever sports store you have near. You will want to try out backpacks before you get them.

Osprey and Gregory would be two very good brand to look at. I know they are a little bit on the pricier side but they are well worth it! REI has their own brand which is also very good. If you don't want to spend as much but still want to have light backpacks with great comfort, look at North Face or Deuter. A 35l usually is well within carry-on limits, sometimes even a 40l (I use a 35l Osprey as carry-on).

If that's still too pricey for you, pick a model that you want and buy it used on ebay or Craig's List if you have no problem using a used backpack.

 

[hops&dreams]

As someone who's done a lot of backpacking all over the world, if you have a REI near you, I'd highly recommend go there and look at trekking backpacks! They are designed to be light, small but still hold a lot of stuff. You will also need something that is still awesome to wear, even though it's heavy. If you don't have a REI near you, try whatever sports store you have near. You will want to try out backpacks before you get them.

Osprey and Gregory would be two very good brand to look at. I know they are a little bit on the pricier side but they are well worth it! REI has their own brand which is also very good. If you don't want to spend as much but still want to have light backpacks with great comfort, look at North Face or Deuter. A 35l usually is well within carry-on limits, sometimes even a 40l (I use a 35l Osprey as carry-on).

If that's still too pricey for you, pick a model that you want and buy it used on ebay or Craig's List if you have no problem using a used backpack.

Possibly check out Geartrade.com - some items are used, some are just returned, but are still in new shape, just can't be sold as new (tags may be missing, might have a small stain, etc. I got a $280 jacket for $62 on that website!

It's mostly for outdoor gear, but pp mentioned REI, so it made me think of geartrade. (the seller I bought from was backcountry, which is a well-known online retailer) Just a thought....