Luggage: Reviews

Updated March 2012

As airlines place restrictions on luggage, travel experts say it's important to pack lightly -- ideally in one carry-on bag. Luggage manufacturers are responding with versatile new bags that weigh significantly less than older models, meaning you can pack more and still avoid weight surcharges.

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Best rolling luggage

Eagle Creek Tarmac 22

*Est. $280 Compare Prices

The Eagle Creek Tarmac 22 offers the best of all worlds, reviewers say. It's well made, lightweight and expandable, and its rugged wheels roll smoothly. And unlike most luggage brands' warranties, Eagle Creek's… expandunconditional lifetime warranty covers airline damage. Although the Eagle Creek Tarmac 22 meets typical airline carry-on size limits, it can expand to a size just over the limit, and a couple of owners report they had trouble fitting it into overhead bins. A smaller, 20-inch Tarmac carry-on is available, as are two, larger check-in bags. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

CNNMoney.com: An older version of the Eagle Creek Tarmac 25 wins this comparison test against bags from Delsey, Samsonite, Travelpro and Tumi.

Wired: The Eagle Creek Tarmac 22 earns a rating of 7 out of 10 ("very good, but not quite great").

USA Today Magazine: The Eagle Creek Tarmac 22 is one of five lightweight carry-on bags recommended here.

Amazon.com: In roughly a dozen user reviews, the Eagle Creek Tarmac 22 earns an overall rating of 4.5 stars out of 5.

REI.com: The handful of reviews for the Eagle Creek Tarmac 22 at REI.com are more mixed than those at other sites.

EBags.com: The Eagle Creek Tarmac 22 has only a handful of reviews at eBags.com, but they are mostly positive.

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Buy from Amazon for $285.00
Sunny Sports for $285.00	Altrec.com for $284.95	eBags.com for $213.00

Budget wheeled bag

L.L.Bean Rolling Adventure Duffle, medium

*Est. $90 Compare Prices

Travel experts recommend budget rolling luggage for infrequent travelers. The L.L.Bean Rolling Adventure Duffle, size medium, is made of water-resistant nylon in an assortment of colors; three print fabrics, made of… expandpolyester, are also available. Though this bag has few features, it is lightweight (less than 6.5 pounds) and is backed by an unconditional lifetime warranty. Users describe the bag as very durable and say the wheels roll smoothly. One caveat: At 23 inches long, it may exceed airlines' size limits for carry-on baggage. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Wired: In this roundup of assorted gadgets from 2007, the L.L.Bean Rolling Adventure Duffle receives a score of 8 points out of 10 (which translates to "excellent, with room to kvetch").

The Early Show: In this segment from CBS News' "The Early Show," Real Simple magazine editor Kris Connell names the L.L.Bean Rolling Adventure Duffle, medium, as the best duffel in the magazine's test of more than 100 carry-on bags.

LLBean.com: We found roughly 400 user reviews for the L.L.Bean Rolling Adventure Duffle, medium, at LLBean.com (the only site where this bag is sold).

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L.L.Bean

for $109.95

Budget nonwheeled carry-on

eBags Weekender eTech Convertible

*Est. $60 Compare Prices

Nonwheeled bags are lighter than rolling luggage, provide more packing space and are easier to fit in overhead compartments. This 3.6-pound nylon bag has top and side handles and, for heavier loads, it converts to a… expandbackpack with adjustable, tuck-away straps. Plenty of pockets, internal tie-downs and exterior cinch straps make it easy to keep contents organized and compact. This bag does not come with attachment points for a shoulder strap, however. The eBags Weekender eTech Convertible has a limited lifetime warranty, but accidental damage isn't included. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

San Francisco Chronicle: Travel editor John Flinn recommends against rolling luggage, favoring carry-on bags that can convert into backpacks instead.

EBags.com: The eBags Weekender eTech Convertible is a Best of the Best product at eBags.com, with more than 2,700 reviews and an overall scores of 4.6 stars out of 5 or better in all categories (appearance, durability, organization and value).

Amazon.com: There are about 30 user reviews for the eBags Weekender eTech Convertible at Amazon.com, with all but five awarding it a perfect 5 stars out of a 5.

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Buy from Amazon for (check price)
eBags.com for $55.99	Buy.com for $56.99	Walmart for $55.99

Big rolling duffel

REI Wheely Beast 28-Inch

*Est. $180 Learn More

If you just need one huge rolling bag, reviewers recommend this 6,000-cubic-inch duffel as an excellent value (there's also a mammoth 7,200-cubic-inch version). Packing is easy with a big main compartment, a place for… expanddirty gear and plenty of zippered pockets. The Wheely Beast is made from tear-resistant ballistic nylon, and REI offers lifetime unlimited returns or exchanges. Unlike the other Best Reviewed picks, this bag does not come in a carry-on version. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Outside Magazine: The REI Wheely Beast 28-Inch is "a high-value/low-price rig that just might outlast you," tester Ted Alan Stedman says after taking it on a walking tour of England.

REI.com: In about 35 user reviews, the 28-inch REI Wheely Beast earns an overall score of 4.6 stars out of 5.

TravelGearBlog.com: Daved Brosche says the 35-inch REI Wheely Beast is tough and a great value, and he says the wide-mouth opening makes it easy to pack bulky gear.

Available at REI.com for $149

Best nonwheeled carry-on

Red Oxx Air Boss

*Est. $225 Learn More

Reviewers say the Red Oxx Air Boss, made of urethane-coated Cordura nylon, is expensive but extremely durable. It's ideal for business travelers, since it accommodates several days' worth of clothing plus a laptop in its… expandthree compartments. The 3.4-pound bag measures 21 by 8 by 13 inches, well inside the limits for carry-on luggage. It's well made, reviewers say, with double-stitched seams and durable zippers, and it carries an unconditional lifetime warranty. Most owners' only quibble is that the Air Boss can be uncomfortable to carry by its single shoulder strap. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

OneBag.com: Business travel expert Doug Dyment helped design the Red Oxx Air Boss.

PracticalHacks.com: One of this blogger's specialties is one-bag travel.

Onebagger.squarespace.com: This unidentified reviewer gives the Red Oxx Air Boss a perfect 5-star rating, calling it a top pick.

Flyertalk.com: This thread on the frequent-flyer forum is dedicated to discussions of the best luggage brands and models.

RedOxx.com: More than 480 users review the Red Oxx Air Boss on the manufacturer's website, giving it an overall score of around 4.8 stars out of 5.

Fodors.com: Doug Stallings gives top ranking to a similar Red Oxx bag, the Sky Train, which lacks the separate compartments of the Air Boss but converts to a backpack for easier carrying.

$225 from Red Oxx