That is without the daypack which zips onto the front and has extra straps as well. Eagle Creek Makes Adventure Travelling Easier, Stay Organized On The Road With Packing Organizers, Disclaimer Privacy Policy Contact us Sitemap. I have a high Sierra bag that I broke a wheel, but it is riveted onto an axle. Thanks for sharing your packing list and techniques! Why carry all that stuff on your back when you can roll it? I see its been a few months since youve been on here but you dont happen to have any information about this backpack do you? Ive been travelling a lot for the past 2 years and my bag is about ready to fall apart! Is it not too bulky on your back? Heres my Amazon affiliate link to one similar to mine (but mine is much older) . 2. Surely you dont normally check baggage? Reason being, if I did need a rollerpack (not the Dixon style but one called a monopack made in Germany) there was someone who owned one in Israel. In my experience, the Osprey zippers are solid. Just to note, if youre looking to go with carry-on luggage only and stick within the 7kg limit, youre going to lose weight/space with a wheeled backpack. But with a carry-on only bag, its just not that heavy to carry by hand, even for 3 city blocks.but those straps take up very valuable carry-on real estate! The Eagle Creek one looks great is it carry-on sized? Currently I am using a High Sierra AT6 which they discounted and changed styling. The advantage of an empty Sojourn is everything!-daypack,sacks,food, an onsite electric kettle will go in for non-flight travel and its still easy to lift. Supposedly theres a handful of mom/pop operations who make these things and Im trying to track them down. If you choose to own a Cadillac of luggage then the company will repair the bag no matter what happened to it. My Eagle Creek wheeled backpack has lost its wheel and Im looking for a replacement. . Ha ha. Heres an article with more info on different types of luggage and why I choose a wheeled case for carry-on travel along with my luggage recommendations for carry-on travel: https://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/best-luggage-long-term-travel-backpacks-vs-rolling-luggage/. (Id still take my wheelie carry-on, as I have before, and will again). Glad you like the Osprey! Will explain my travel ways in my forthcoming e-mail! It is interesting how your solutions have evolved over time and are still continuing to evolve. Given how much easier the trek itself will be with this pack, I think/hope any inconvenience of a larger pack frame for traveling on buses and such will be minimal. Thanks Toobusy I hope you find the right pack for your daughter! Again if I wasnt going with carry-on only, Id still very much be in the wheeled backpack camp! Also, High Sierra has quite a few carry-on sized wheeled backpacks. The wheels are perfect for the airport or for long city streets but when Ive had to rush, climb up and down stairs, or travel where there are no paved streets, the straps have been a lifesaver. I figured if Im gonna check it why not have the real estate? Free Shipping Orders Over $29.99 see details. You can either wheel your loaded bag or carry it as backpack with the hidden padded backpack straps that are stored behind the zippered back panel. Finally I got some good tips Thanks . It is definitely pushing the limit but Ive done it many times. Ive been doing that for 20 years now. The waist belt is imperative, otherwise, youll destroy your shoulders and back, and the chest strap keeps the pack closer to your body so you arent pulled backwards. When flying I wear my heaviest clothes leaving the lightest in the carry on. And youve pinned the idea even further with task-oriented stuff. It also has Tylenol, band-aids, chewable Pepto, antihistamines, misc. Sign Up for Email and get access to exclusive offers & the latest updates! You mentioned that you had a similar issue and referenced some web sites that told you how to do this. Jonny (http://dontstopliving.net). *Honestly, I do not work for Eagle Creek. . Lugging a backpack up a long staircase is not fun. I wondered if the bottom of a wheeled duffle would be durableI found the reinforced bottoms of the wheeled backpacks are quite sturdy. I wouldnt want to go camping with a wheeled backpack.that lady is gutsy! High Sierra offers range of travel products for the seriously active travelers. Sheesh.10 flights in 4 weeks.I would go with carry-on only if I were you! 2Steep hills (I mean more than 15% grades) are tough to negotiate as the unit will trap your feet underneath if youre not careful. Osprey Porter 46. Ooh! However its possible, depending on how strong you are. My bf and I are about to set out on a 4 month trip around SE Asia. Because if the hikes arent multi-day full-on camping experiences, I still think you can get away with a smaller light summit sack that fits into your normal luggage when youre not using it. The solid plastic bottom which holds the handle structure and the wheels in place became brittle and continued to break to the point the wheels floated out of position. (I have a small one for my computer and day use, but nothing that holds all my gear. High Sierra versatile adventure lifestyle travel gear is just what adventurers everywhere need and like. I want Hotel de Paris aesthetics with an Iditarod spirit. Ive even considering riveting some attachment points onto my aluminum carry-on for shoulder straps. The challenge (as youve probably already discovered) with carry-on sized wheeled backpacks is that you lose valuable packing space by incorporating both straps and wheels into the luggage. Turns out I tried it out at his house but decided against it. Hi Tim, They say this one is 22 which is about what mine is without the handle. Did you buy the Osprey Meridian? I wouldnt worry too much about waterproofing. Hi Nora, great post-very informative! Hi Tim, I have used the straps more than I thought I would. 4) One across the top of a small compartment on the front. 1) Do you travel to places with cold climates at all? If you select to ship it to the repair center, we recommend using a carrier that will provide you with a tracking number.ORYou may choose to personally bring your product to a Samsonite Company Store and the Store will be happy to ship this to the repair center for you at a a small fee: To move forward with this process, please CLICK HERE to create your repair request. I didnt have that luxury when my zipper pulls broke on a train in Siberia (! Yay! The design is different. Should be a great addition as well to go with it. I disassembled my bag to remove the wheels and determine what parts I would need. My husband and I are planning to take our two kids (2 & 5 years old) to SEA for 7 months of travel. I have actually considered moving to a 100% rolling option (no straps) myself, but for the few times I have needed the straps, Ive been glad theyre there. Finding a backpack that works for you though is a process like finding the perfect pair of jeans haha. You have all definitely given me something to think about. When I was traveling with a big server I had a custom made hard side case with foam padding all inside. I bought it in Hong Kong in 1998. Hi Tania, You said you wouldnt buy the Osprey again. I think if I keep tweaking this thing, I will eventually get it to where it works for me. Have a great trip! However if your bags are carry-on sized, they wont be that heavy, so for particularly rough patches you can just carry it by hand. Up/down stairs, cars, boats, buses, dirt and cobblestone roads, and when I needed to, on my back very comfortably. After all the beating the airlines have done to it mine is still in the best shape of any luggage Ive tried. As I struggled with my manly 80 lb pack across the border, she casually wheeled across. Recently, with my roller-bag, I had to drag it up a gravel pathway and about 100 steps.I missed my straps! Having now taken quite a few trips (up to 3 months long) with carry-on only, my big clunky Osprey (and all the stuff I used to put into it) seems superfluous. I'm Nora Dunn, and I've been a digital nomad since 2006. Thanks Darren! It wasnt really that practical for general hostel-type stuff, but it was the most comfortable one FOR ME and I figured that was the priority so I compromised. After long time carry-on, I went crazy : brought 9 months of supplements, extra clothes and lo and behold, Im lugging 25KG. Great post (and I thought I was the only one anal enough to preach the virtues of wheeled backpacks) Although I still stand by everything in this post, you may want to see how and why Im now a roll-aboard girl only, and what criteria you need to decide what is the best wheeled backpack for adults. Thanks for the information. Im embarking on a month long trip from Europe->Indonesia and im struggling with what luggage to buy. Anybody else youre aware of? Most of those things take surprisingly little space. Im going to receive the North Face Longhaul 30 soon and compare it to the Double Track. Your bag becomes a part of you and is one of the few constants on such a tripyou need to be good friends with it. I now travel with 1 t shirt and 2 long/ short sleeve zipable light weight hiking shirts See http://tinyurl.com/eagle-creek22. Great discussion. Mental note: Eagle Creek! I had a convertible pack for years and never had to carry it for more than 20 minutes of walking. This warranty covers only defects in materials and workmanship. I'm going to guess I need to replace the axle and wheels both, and would like to know haw or go about this. The inline skate wheels came with high precision bearings unlike the cheap original bearings. I recently went back to checked luggage after traveling full-time with carry-on only, and although having some extra creature comforts is great, I regard my 20kg of luggage with no small degree of contempt when I have to pack it up and lug it around. Years ago, I coined a phrase, which I continue to live by: The weight of your bag is equally proportionate to your level of misery on the road. All Rights Reserved. Hi Liana, Since going with wheelies, I havent looked back. I use the straps rarely so dont care much about comfort. Wear a fanny pack to get extra stuff through carry-on security. Lynne Awesome! Problem is that I have come to love travelling so much that Im finding it hard to be in one place for this long. My jaw dropped and I knew what I would be buying in the near future. In general, Im anti-backpack. I proceeded to see what could be done. For me, the lighter the better, since its so much easier to schlep small light bags around than large heavy ones backpack straps/wheels or not. 10 national flights within with 4 weeks. But Ill answer with my 2 cents anyway. Ive never heard of Eastpack before. , Thanks, Mianne! youve change my mind about the wheeled backpack. Im always on the lookout for that JUST RIGHT wheeled backpack. Heres a youtube review for it latest incarnation: You could also get some waterproof spray to give your bags some extra protection Not sure if it would definitely make much difference, but its usually cheap. Barons Youre welcome! Im sesrching for something that looks and functions like a nice suitcase but has some removable / stowable pack straps for when the going gets tough. What surprised me was how quickly the zipper pulls broke (like, in the first month). I just cant seem to find a carry-on wheeled backpack that seems big enough or airline approved. I just LOVE their luggage! 1) the one hidden in the back closest to you (for passport) Hey Tim Ooh thats a great travel hack! Glad this article came on time. Happy travels! My input: dont try to save money, dragging a defective bag around on a dream trip isnt worth the savings. Lumbar packs are surprisingly spacious and should hold all your everyday essentials, including water bottle to keep you hydrated. Im going to order one today. This is a mistake. Lynne A 600-mile hike? 2009 - 2022 TheProfessionalHobo.com. Do you take another daypack as well for carry-on? They have a No Matter What guarantee for most of their bags, which will cover repair or replacement for the bag, even if it switches owners. High Sierra bags carry a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner against defects in materials or workmanship under normal recreational use. You get a much quieter running wheel made with higher quality in mind. The High Sierra daypacks are durable and full of practical features, like mesh padded shoulder straps, heavy duty zippers, great internal organization, spacious main compartments and earphone ports. I think Ill try mine on some local trails and get more familiar with it before hauling it overseas. I saw so many bags come through that place, and then one day, accompanied by a beacon of light and angel-song, I saw this: The news got even better when I discovered it was very inexpensive at under $200, and solved so many of my problems! And with the amount youre moving around, you dont your bags to weigh you down (pun intended). Size does matter. The cheaper the better, and I definitely dont want to have to buy a new one while Im there so I would like for it to be sturdy. He is insisting a backpack is the best way to go and if I want to roll my suitcase just get a roller. She said no, unpacked the straps and up she went. ), but its worthwhile to look into, given the cost of Osprey. And if youd prefer to do the carry on backpack thing, here are the Best Carry On Backpacks for One Bag Travel. And sometimes, you do. Ill tell you right now I love this bag and Ive had this thing all over Europe. Jonny. If I were to get a wheeled backpack that fits carry-on standards, Eagle Creek has one that would be the best in my opinion. Hey Tim, For my passport, iPad and paper maps I have a lightweight leather shoulder bag. Great piece on the gear. Hey Hugh, The reply was as follows: Unfortunately, we do not carry replacement wheel parts. Many thanks for any help you can provide! Its okay for the odd schlep here and there, though. We watched SO many people struggling with their wheeled suitcases in Vietnam in was a running joke, even for my 12-year-old daughter. And please do let me know if the holy grail pack ever makes an appearance! Did you know you can get daypacks with a detachable wheel and handle frame thingy. Some duffels offer some smart extras. We traveled around the world with separate wheeled bag and daypack. And have never since seen it anywhere again. The High Sierra Backpack range consists of the High Sierra Collections backpacks already mentioned and series of day backpacks. A couple of people complained about the quality have you had any problems with yours? The removable daypack fit my 17 laptop plus camera stuff, documents etc and its been my motorcycle back pack for 4 years now, such a great daypack. I wear mine in the front, it always has my passport (in a separate zipper closest to me). It has a detachable daypack (with padded laptop section), padded backpack straps, and amazing warranty. I need straps, for example while walking up stairs while carrying a tower PC (I do yearly presentations in Tokyo and soon maybe Shanghai, and part of my 10-minute trek involves some long unavoidable staircases). Copyright Bruce Erdman 2022, Joiner of Fine Furniture, 4865 Stratford Drive, Greendale, WI 53129 (414) 550-6384, Gyokucho #372 Rip Cut Dozuki (Dovetail) Saw. My cousin and I are traveling South America for about 5 months. I love the idea of a wheeled backpack next time I o travelling Im definitely getting one xx. There, I realized three impracticalities of this bag: and bought another bag. Im stuck with it. Gigi Agreed (on disagreeing)! Thank you for this post. And so, it is. I used to use a garbage bag as a liner when I did multi-day camping/trekking trips. Theyre heavier. I swore off wheel bags ever since. Hi Nora 1. My piece http://dontstopliving.net/tuesdays-travel-essentials-a-backpack/ Awesome! Hi Mark awesome! Ive been in search of a carry on approved wheeled backpack that can fit all of my essentials for 2 months and I have been struggling. 3) One that curves around the top for full access to the main compartment. I hear you loud and clear on the weight thing! Ooooohhh I love you and I love this site! I need to get out again and have decided that a backpack with wheels is the way to go for me. But it all depends on your style and pace of travel. My heaviest items are a laptop and a guide book, plus a bottle of water. I think I got mine in Ecuador. So I think this is the carryon size and they have much bigger ones. This largely depends on how much stuff you (think you) need to bring. Do you still use a bag with wheels? That served me as I traveled Asia and Europe, but it was a pain i the @S#. I just bought another Eagle Creek for my wife for her birthday last month since I liked mine so well. They all have the 4 swivel wheels which I think is just an accident waiting to happen. Thanks for the input! My daughter does not like the suitcase because she is a teenager and doesnt want to keep wearing the same things (I only pack 3 tops, 3 bottoms etc no matter for 1 week or for 3 months) so this Patagonia wheeled backpack is too small for her. But if you do take another daypack for carry-on, then sneaky! I sent an email to Rick Steves about getting replacement wheels for our bags. Not sure Ill be switching just yet but thanks for a good article. Unique built-in high-density internal foam structure helps maintain the shape while minimizing the weight. I had no trouble with mine. Tough decisions. The detachable daypack is wonderful for a laptop/carryon and in larger planes you can often get away with carrying the whole thing on. I dont know if Osprey has models with detachable daypacks, but its worth a search. Having said that, there are a few mementos and warmer clothing items that I need for full-time travel, but can leave behind if I have a base. But Ive had a few occasions to travel for up to 3 months and leave my main pack behind. Ive read a few posts about people not using their backpack straps if theyve had a combined bag, but that hasnt been for SEA specifically hope you get a chance to reply despite it being long since your post! Look for really sturdy side and top handles (yes, you need both); theyre imperative for lifting and carrying the bag which youll inevitably need to do. Are you aware of packs designed more for wilderness trail travel, ones like the dixonrollerpack.com ? Wow. But its further testament to the versatility of a wheeled backpack. They are sturdy with only one access point but not water proof which is my main worry. I do love wheels.and so does my back! Uber Park is actually giving away a folding backpack on their site and anyone can WIN. Its so great to get some first hand perspectives from long time travelers. Packing a bag in another i find really handy. If you purchase a High Sierra product from an unauthorized reseller, your High Sierra warranty may be deemed invalid. It swallows everything and is quite sturdy. Should anything happen to your bag, please contact us and we are happy to help out! I did 2 months in the states (im from Sweden, so no cheap bags for me..) and I wanted a pack that looked decent, could haul A LOT (going to burning man) and at the same time being lightweight, cheap and have both backpack straps and wheels. You may want to check out my updated post about what I currently travel with: https://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/2014/05/best-luggage-long-term-travel-backpacks-vs-rolling-luggage/ The main pack has several different pockets/zippers to keep stuff properly organized and easy to find. I know its an old post and article but I thought it raised some interesting points on choosing things that are fit for purpose. Hi Susanne, And thanks for the tip about Osprey. You make a great point about crappy terrainits murder on any wheels. My wheely with zip-off rucksack (the latter holds my electronics when checking in/going through security at airports) is just 50 ltrs and qualifies for carry-on. While the wheeled backpacks seem interesting, I think they are mostly suited to urban travel and would probably stick with a traditional pack if it was going to be on my back for any length of time. Check out this post to determine which type of luggage best suits your style of travel, and then this post to select the best carry-on or checked type of bag for you). 2) a small lightweight summit pack for the day trips. My shoes are simply Adidas blue shoes I have used them for hiking before, BUT when I am working in PR or as a teacher I have my black shoes which I wear for those jobs then ditch them when I move on again. It would have been stowed underneath but I just didnt want to call attention to myself or deal with the hassles of something so odd and relatively cumbersome.) Hi Diana, Do you have an article that talks about what clothes to take and how much of it? Thanks for the recommendations. You get three bags in one as you can use them as wheeled upright bag, duffel or backpack. Lately Ive been thinking about eliminating the extra weight and and loss of space of the built in wheels on my carry-on and getting a bag like the Red Oxx Air Boss or Tom Bihn Tri Star and adding a light weight luggage cart if needed. And the Osprey was a great bag, but for the price I was disappointed that the zipper pulls broke so quickly. Incidentally, I dont disagree that a properly designed travel-centric pack as you describe is an ideal option. This is a hard one but through the comments here i found the eagle creek morpheous that could actually be my perfect bag in combo with a messenger bag. in case you do some shopping at your destination. A team member will contact you by phone to obtain this information securely if necessary within 2 business days. As for quality, it is top-notch. This guarantee does not cover damage caused by an airline or other common carrier. One European airline has managed to break a part off. And with those you zip the straps into a a hidden flap and walk into your fancy press trip hotel with a suitcase, no problem. Expert on long-term travel, personal finance (as a former CFP), remote work, and lifestyle design. 9/10 most people are usually better off having a few options and then choose according to the trip. For some solid Wheeled Backpack suggestions, youll totally want to check out this recent post I put together, which gives you even more food for thought: https://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/checked-vs-carry-on-luggage-and-why-checked-is-best/. Other than looking funny as you stroll around because your pack is bigger than most others, or has a longer frame than others, it can function in both urban and wilderness settings. He talks about walking around with his backpack (years ago) in Europe for 3 or 4 hours and the convertible pack is not made for that. Not worried about price by the way, just functionality. If I need to carry it by hand (up some stairs for example), its light enough that I dont need straps. Beyond that not much coverage is offered. Happy rolling.. . I went through about 4 different backpacks and a large duffel before I realized that I no longer wanted to be a walking target with the front/backpack thing going on. Works for us old folks! The only wear that is visible is the tail end of one of the straps which looks a bit chewed. In those cases I would move my laptop to the daypack and give them the big half. You can buy anything you dont have. Conrad and I use rolling duffles which have tons of room and come which a detachable shoulder strap. Anyway, my point is that I think people should consider what THEY need and choose the right tool for the job. Im on my way out to get one! Just checked out the http://tinyurl.com/CaribeeSkymaster70 and it looks pretty cool! The extra weight of wheeled backpacks are only a problem in two ways: Every Rick Steves travel product comes with our guarantee that it will be free from material and manufacturing defects for the life of the product. Eaten it. just thinking its easier than putting on a backpack each time you need to move. I dont travel often but am looking for one of these after going on a trip with somebody who has one. Regarding one of the threads above about water proofing, I once took a paddle down the Missouri River in Montana through the Missouri Breaks for a week. I got the 30 because its strictly for taking things to a homebase overseas and leaving it there while out and about trekking. I love your site but i TOTALLY disagree with this point! Hi Lynne, Hi Vengama, Hey Jo Thanks for the advice about Osprey. I have yet to need a repair and Ive had my Switchback for 3 years and toted around 3 continents so far. 2) If you plan to try and go hiking with the pack. Ah yes, after 30+ years of travel, it is the dear WBP (Wheeled BackPack with straps and zip-off rucksack) that gets my vote every time. I agree with comments about wheeled backpacks. Happy travels! Here is my impression of the Dixon Rollerpack, having had it for a few weeks and logging a few dozen miles on local dirt roads and trails: For carry-on, Im a big fan of a plain and simple wheeled case, no straps. (Lets not forget the straps on the wheeled backpack; theres no reason to wheel around Vietnam if the conditions are bad. I was thinking that I might have to move to a backpack for longer journeys BUT after reading from the experts here I might change my mind and advance to a wheeled backpack. Samsonite, wheeled, and sturdy enough to pull over any street or path or muddy walkway with stones in between. Thats the only downside-colour and brand wise-its just not my style :/. The whole thing is too thick to fit in most overhead bins. I too have went through this same situation and ended at the same solution. Im not sure its what I should be using in Israel. So when the zipper irreparably broke on my High Sierra bag while in northern Sweden, I had a week to buy another bag before immediately putting it through its paces on the Ultimate Train Challenge. High Sierra of course caters for those that are into winter sport as well, offering range of ski and snowboard bags, boot bags, and daypacks perfect for the slopes. Heres a video review I did). I used to travel with a cabin sized wheel on, it took me a couple of trips dragging the samsonite over cobbles and tracks before observing everyone elses problems and solutions and here is what works for me But I get you are a professional hobo so you do need ultimate versatility. But for the most part, wheels are king. throws at you! It must be checkable as airline luggage and have good wheels. Compared to other people Ive travelled with, I pack extremely light. (For a packable daypack that weighs less than a pound, check out the Free Spirit 30L Adventure Backpack, by one of my favourite travel gear companies. I just ordered it yesterday. High Sierra luggage stands for practical performance and outdoor activity. UpdateI did go to Israel but without the rollerpack. I like that the day packs can attach to them, so you dont have to wear one backpack on the front and one one the back. Thus, Ive opted for the extra space lost with backpack straps and chosen a carry-on bag with wheels only. Please complete our CONTACT US page with details of your spare parts request. Jonny, Hi Jonny Its all about the style of travel you prefer. Thank you so much everyone for your advice. There are traditional looking ones and trendy ones. My compadres on the Ultimate Train Challenge were immediately enamoured with the bag, whilst lugging their backpacks around Europe and Asia. Thats my experience. I found this one which is similar to the one I had. This policy seems to be the norm in luggage of this sort, not just this companys policy. Both of my wheeled backpacks were murder on the lower back with the hard base and wheels atthe bottom. Hi Tim I concede; I do know of better designed travel backpacks (which you describe) that solve many of the problems of the other (top loading) backpacks but I hold staunch that the wheels have been way too good for me. Can you tell me what the back packs with the attachable wheels/frame are called or send me links to them? I frequently find myself walking with my pack on for long stretches and needing my hands free at the same time for directions, dog wrangling, etc., so a really comfortable backpack that distributes the weight properly on my hips and shoulders is a must for me. Of course, you still have to get the damaged bag to the manufacturer. Check out my free Travel Lifestyle Guides to answer all the questions you have about your own travel journey! However, the northern 2/3rds, 400 miles, are mostly roads or well-groomed trails. My husband and I are going on a 2-3 month trip around the world and we will be getting on about 20 plane rides give or take with some very tight connections (wish us luck). I travel 2 weeks out of every month, and love these bags. The Evolution range includes the only High Sierra wheeled luggage, as well as backpacks and wheeled duffels. Your own travel style might determine your best luggage choice. UPDATE: My luggage strategy has changed again! Somehow I got interested in what happens if the wheels ever break. Great questions! . I am with you as I started in 1993 with a big old used US Navy Sea-bag that I bought at a surplus store. Thank you thank you! But still, Ive seen it in action, and its pretty sad on packing space. Hi AH, I spent years looking myself). Always an actor/singer/dancer. (I still had a few lessons to learn why backpacks suck). Glad this post helped, and happy travels! I read online an article about someone who had the same problem, Osprey apparently mailed them replacements. In 12 years of full-time travel, my backpack/suitcase/whatever has assumed the functionality of my house (and then some) keeping all my possessions safe while enduring the hard knocks of travel. I got the sojourn (60) last month from Amazon. I am extremely style focused but obviously would never use this for any form of trekking. companion had a cheap supermarket chain wheeled bag and that still looked like new. Post back here once youve had a chance to use it.let us know how you like it! Hi Ron, I also included a link to this article. Hi Ben, I like the larger wheels. Space is going to be my biggest challenge. But Im not trying to convince you.happy to agree to disagree!