This article is part of a series giving you detailed reviews on
a wide range of the major choices of carry-on bags available
today. |
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with our related reviews and our summary recommendations (see
links in right column). |
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Distinctively Different Bags
Some innovative alternate solutions to
your carry-on luggage needs
|
|
There's no real limit
as to how inventive people can be when designing unusual
luggage for special needs, such as the combination
suitcase/chair shown opposite.
Here are reviews of some more practical bags that you might
find helpful and valuable in your own travels.
|
Scroll down or click these links to
jump to the review you wish to read
Eagle Creek Pilot EXP
Porter Case PCi
Porter Case PCx
Porter Case PC II
(older model)
Red Oxx Safari Beano 5.5
SeatKase Carry-on Luggage (opens in new webpage)
SkyRoll Carry-on
Luggage (opens in new webpage)
Eagle Creek Pilot EXP
Point A Expandable Carryon PLTX
|
|
This is very different in
design to the traditional wheeled carry-on bag, but ends up
offering almost the same functionality, and at half the
weight of its heavier competitors.
Lots and lots of
compartments make it versatile, and a combination of solid
construction and a solid guarantee make it a good choice for
people seeking a less traditional approach to their carry-on
luggage.
|
Price and
availability |
$165
With their excellent service, competitive price and
generous guarantee policies, we generally recommend
eBags
for most luggage purchases
and they stock a full range of Eagle Creek bags. |
Warranty |
The card with the
bag says in bold letters 'Lifetime Guarantee' and the
detail offers to repair or replace the bag free of
charge. There is no
specific exclusion for airline damage, and their website
offers more details about what seems to be a fair and
open ended warranty policy, with no obsessive need for
paperwork or other hassles. |
Official size |
21" x 14" x
9" (44"
total) |
Measured maximum
external size |
This bag is not
simply rectangular in shape, and being soft sided, is
rather amorphous. The
long side is fairly easy to measure, at about 22".
But, assuming you haven't woefully overpacked, the other
two dimensions - width and thickness - are about as
specified by the manufacturer.
This makes the bag a legally sized bag in all
dimensions. |
Measured internal
size |
About 20" long, and
13" wide, with 5" of depth in the main bag compartment.
The bag can be overpacked to a reasonable extent because
the sides are soft rather than inflexibly hard. |
Expandability |
Yes
An unzippable gusset adds another 1.75" of capacity to
the bag. |
Weight |
6.25 lbs claimed.
Tests to about that weight.
This makes it the lightest of all bags reviewed, and
half the weight of most. |
Construction |
The bag is
constructed out of 420 denier textured twill Nylon.
The base and back are fairly rigid, the sides and top
are soft. Most of the
construction is with rivets rather than screws.
There is no special protection on the corners, but being
soft and amorphous, it is more likely to simply absorb
impacts rather than deform.
The zips on the main locking compartment have eyelets
that you can pass a padlock hasp or cable through if you
wish to lock them.
Compartments are lined. |
Color choices |
Red Black
Blue Bags are
designed in a three color scheme, making them
distinctive and easy to spot on a carousel (if checked). |
Handles |
Only one handle, on
the top, and just the one set of support legs, on the
bottom.
This is a curious
weakness. For a bag that has just about everything
else, it is surprising that they didn't add a side carry
handle, or even backpack style straps. |
Towing Handle
|
Extends 37" and 40.5".
Telescoping design with three sections. Doesn't
wiggle much.
Mounted internally. |
Wheels |
Two wheels that
roll with a little resistance, measuring 3" by 0.85".
About one third of each wheel is protected inside the
bag structure. |
Stair skids |
Some rudimentary
plastic strips above the wheels - could be a bit longer
to be fully effective. |
Outside
compartments |
The bag has lots of
compartments, in a backpack style.
On the top of the outside cover, there is a 1.75"
gusseted compartment measuring about 10" x 5.5". A
single zip goes around the top and half the sides of
this. Inside there is
a smaller mesh sided compartment with top zipper,
measuring 10" x 4". This compartment also acts as
a divider in the larger compartment.
Also inside is a lanyard with clip for clipping keys
onto. The clip is poorly designed out of plastic,
and the retaining spring was loose meaning the clip was
not sealing closed.There are no compartments on the back
or sides, all are on the front.
Beneath this compartment is a larger one, measuring
about 10.5" wide by 13" deep, with a 1" gusset.
Inside is a double divider, a small zipped mesh pouch, a
pen sleeve, and another couple of pockets. With so
many organizer type pockets, this bag could do double
duty as a briefcase.
Both compartments have protective padding on their
outsides. |
Inside compartments
in base |
There are no
compartments inside the base. |
Inside compartments
in lid |
The cover has a mesh
cover over its entire opening, with a full length zip
most of the way up. There are no other
compartments in the lid. |
Suit carrier
included |
No |
Other Removable
holders inside |
No |
Waterproof
compartment |
No |
Packing Straps |
Two adjustable
webbing straps in the main base running across the short
dimension of the bag. |
External carry
hook/strap |
Yes - one adjustable
piece of webbing that is permanently fixed onto the top of the bag,
loops around and then clips onto itself. |
ID holder |
No. |
Other features |
There are various
straps that can be used to compress the bag if it is
fully packed. Zips
have web pulls attached to their handles making it
easier to find where the zips are and to then grasp and
pull them. |
Porter Case PCi
With Saddlebag, Suitbag and Laptop
carrier options
|
|
The Porter Case PCi is
a successor to the earlier Porter Case II
series, reviewed below.
The PCi is very different to every other bag reviewed.
It represents as a
clever and ideal compromise between a product that is as
lightweight as possible while still being extraordinarily
strong.
The differences between
this and traditional wheeled carry-on luggage are
generally positive, and this bag combines robustness with
multi-functional purpose that can enable it to be used
either as a semi commercial or industrial carrying tool as
well as a regular traveler's bag.
In the illustration you
can see it as a regular wheeled carry-on bag, open, and in
its unique role as a luggage cart.
|
Price and
availability |
$259 for the Porter
Case PC II. $29.90
for the saddlebag and $22.95 for the suit carrier.
The laptop computer sleeve is $29.95.
Available
direct from the manufacturer.
Special Note : If you order by phone, ask for the
Travel Insider special deal - you'll get a free
saddlebag when you buy the case. |
Warranty |
The Porter Case
comes with a three year limited warranty (reminiscent of
the three year limited warranty with Travelpro when
their bag is being used for commercial purposes), and
excludes airline type damage.
This is a
regrettably poor warranty and the worst of all suppliers
reviewed, however our understanding is that they fairly
give you the benefit of the doubt if you have claims. |
Official size |
22" x 14" x
8" (44"
total). |
Measured maximum
external size |
22.5" x 14.25" x 8.5"
(45.25" total) - this is close enough to legal for
most airlines. |
Measured internal
size |
21.5" x 13.5".
The base is 5" deep, the lid adds another 2.5". |
Expandability |
No. |
Weight |
13 lbs.
13.2lbs actual. Tests
to about this weight or slightly less.
The saddlebag and suit carrier add about 1.5 lbs to the total
weight. |
Construction |
The case is
described as made of 'durable space age materials'.
This appears to be primarily ABS for the case itself.
The case is hard sided, with tight corners so as to get
the maximum amount of internal space.
There is no added protection around the corners.
There is a metal sealing strip where the two parts of
the case hinge together, and three hinges on the back of
the case. The case is
secured by two snap fasteners that lie flush against the
case when closed. A combination lock is in the
middle of the case as well, but this is not a TSA
approved lock and so it is best not to set the lock if
you're checking the case.
I always worry when traveling with bags that have snap
fasteners such as this that they can be accidentally
opened if checked, with the only solution being to place
duct tape over both catches once they've been closed.
Construction seems to be predominantly riveted.
The inside of the case is lined with a soft felt type
material that is glued to the case exterior. |
Color choices |
Black |
Handles |
Only one, on a long
side. The towing handle also has a short position
that allows it to protrude just an inch or so above the
case top, so it could be used as a second handle if
necessary, albeit with slight inconvenience in opening
and closing the handle (requires both hands to do this).
There are extra feet on the base of the bag - these
would be necessary when the bag is in its trolley
position. |
Towing Handle |
Extends 38.5" when the bag is in the normal upright
position, and 40" when the bag is in its trolley
position.
The handle requires both hands to open and close, and
also has a second position open just an inch or two,
enabling it to be used as a regular carry handle.
Telescoping design with two sections. Appears
to be almost unbreakably strong.
The handle is mounted externally but is largely recessed and
so is well protected from external
forces.
Due to its dual purpose design, when the handle is used
to tow the case in the traditional carry-on type manner,
the handle is not next to the wheels but instead on the
opposite side. It takes a while to adjust to which
way to tilt the case before towing it.
When used in its luggage cart mode, the handle is next to the
wheels. |
Wheels |
Two very solid wheels
that turn with freely.
Wheels measure 4" in diameter and 1" wide, with a
flat
tire shape so the whole width of the wheel contacts the ground.
The wheels are about two thirds recessed, but don't have
side protection, although they are flush with the rest
of the outside of the case. |
Stair skids |
No. |
Outside
compartments |
None. |
Inside compartments
in base |
None. For this
reason we recommend you consider getting a saddlebag
(see below) as well, and note that Porter Case are
offering a saddlebag free if you tell them you're a
Travel Insider reader. |
Inside compartments
in lid |
None. |
Suit carrier
included |
An optional
suitcarrier can be purchased, and would probably be
carried in the lid of the case.
This is a basic
tri-fold carrier with a loop at the top rather than
hanger. The loop does double duty both for
securing clothes hangers inside the bag and also for
attaching to something in your hotel room.
There is also a
mysterious fold over snap loop, but I couldn't work out
what it is for.
There is a wire
frame inside one of the thirds to give form to the
carrier. |
Other Removable
holders inside |
No. We did
however evaluate an optional external removable holder -
what they call a saddlebag.
This is a useful accessory and acts in place of the
compartments you'd otherwise find in a regular style
wheel-aboard bag. It is a large bag, about 14.5" wide and 21" long, and
3.5" deep. It has a handle that can be looped over
the extendable handle of the bag and held in place that
way for carrying. It also has a shoulder strap and
two carry handles for carrying by hand.
On one side it has no pockets. On the other it has
a large pouch with fold-over velcroed flap, measuring
about 14" wide and 15" deep.
There is an external pocket on top of this, measuring
14" wide by 9.5" deep.
The main compartment of the bag opens with two zips that
run around the top and first 4.5" of the sides.
The bag has good padding to protect its contents. |
Waterproof
compartment |
No. |
Packing Straps |
Two elastic straps
in an X shape go across the lid of the case. |
External carry
hook/strap |
Yes. A long 6
ft length of 1" webbing is designed to run from a D ring
on the case up to a friction clip on the top of the
handle to hold a pile of other boxes and bags on top of
the case when it is being used as a trolley. |
ID holder |
Yes, a cheap but
quite robust plastic thing on a plastic loop. |
Other features |
Leaving the best for
last, the most distinctive feature of this unique case
the ability for the case to pivot 90°
away from the towing handle, switching instead to
becoming a trolley base onto which you can add up to a
massive 200lbs of additional luggage.
This is a very clever and easy
process and makes the bag ideal for times when you're
traveling with a lot of luggage.
There are various
other accessories that can also be purchased from the
Portercase website to go with the bag.
These accessories include a very useful soft computer
carry bag that can be used as a stand-alone bag as well
as packed inside the main Porter Case, and also computer
sleeves to keep your computer protected. |
Porter Case PCx
With Saddlebag, Suitbag and Laptop
carrier options
|
|
The Porter Case PCi is
a successor to the earlier Porter Case II
series, reviewed below.
The PCi is very different to every other bag reviewed.
It represents as a
clever and ideal compromise between a product that is as
lightweight as possible while still being extraordinarily
strong.
The differences between
this and traditional wheeled carry-on luggage are
generally positive, and this bag combines robustness with
multi-functional purpose that can enable it to be used
either as a semi commercial or industrial carrying tool as
well as a regular traveler's bag.
In the illustration you
can see it as a regular wheeled carry-on bag, open, and in
its unique role as a luggage cart.
|
Price and
availability |
$259 for the Porter
Case PC II. $29.90
for the saddlebag and $22.95 for the suit carrier.
The laptop computer sleeve is $29.95.
Available
direct from the manufacturer.
Special Note : If you order by phone, ask for the
Travel Insider special deal - you'll get a free
saddlebag when you buy the case. |
Warranty |
The Porter Case
comes with a three year limited warranty (reminiscent of
the three year limited warranty with Travelpro when
their bag is being used for commercial purposes), and
excludes airline type damage.
This is a
regrettably poor warranty and the worst of all suppliers
reviewed, however our understanding is that they fairly
give you the benefit of the doubt if you have claims. |
Official size |
22" x 14" x
8" (44"
total). |
Measured maximum
external size |
22.5" x 14.25" x 8.5"
(45.25" total) - this is close enough to legal for
most airlines. |
Measured internal
size |
21.5" x 13.5".
The base is 5" deep, the lid adds another 2.5". |
Expandability |
No. |
Weight |
13 lbs.
13.2lbs actual. Tests
to about this weight or slightly less.
The saddlebag and suit carrier add about 1.5 lbs to the total
weight. |
Construction |
The case is
described as made of 'durable space age materials'.
This appears to be primarily ABS for the case itself.
The case is hard sided, with tight corners so as to get
the maximum amount of internal space.
There is no added protection around the corners.
There is a metal sealing strip where the two parts of
the case hinge together, and three hinges on the back of
the case. The case is
secured by two snap fasteners that lie flush against the
case when closed. A combination lock is in the
middle of the case as well, but this is not a TSA
approved lock and so it is best not to set the lock if
you're checking the case.
I always worry when traveling with bags that have snap
fasteners such as this that they can be accidentally
opened if checked, with the only solution being to place
duct tape over both catches once they've been closed.
Construction seems to be predominantly riveted.
The inside of the case is lined with a soft felt type
material that is glued to the case exterior. |
Color choices |
Black |
Handles |
Only one, on a long
side. The towing handle also has a short position
that allows it to protrude just an inch or so above the
case top, so it could be used as a second handle if
necessary, albeit with slight inconvenience in opening
and closing the handle (requires both hands to do this).
There are extra feet on the base of the bag - these
would be necessary when the bag is in its trolley
position. |
Towing Handle |
Extends 38.5" when the bag is in the normal upright
position, and 40" when the bag is in its trolley
position.
The handle requires both hands to open and close, and
also has a second position open just an inch or two,
enabling it to be used as a regular carry handle.
Telescoping design with two sections. Appears
to be almost unbreakably strong.
The handle is mounted externally but is largely recessed and
so is well protected from external
forces.
Due to its dual purpose design, when the handle is used
to tow the case in the traditional carry-on type manner,
the handle is not next to the wheels but instead on the
opposite side. It takes a while to adjust to which
way to tilt the case before towing it.
When used in its luggage cart mode, the handle is next to the
wheels. |
Wheels |
Two very solid wheels
that turn with freely.
Wheels measure 4" in diameter and 1" wide, with a
flat
tire shape so the whole width of the wheel contacts the ground.
The wheels are about two thirds recessed, but don't have
side protection, although they are flush with the rest
of the outside of the case. |
Stair skids |
No. |
Outside
compartments |
None. |
Inside compartments
in base |
None. For this
reason we recommend you consider getting a saddlebag
(see below) as well, and note that Porter Case are
offering a saddlebag free if you tell them you're a
Travel Insider reader. |
Inside compartments
in lid |
None. |
Suit carrier
included |
An optional
suitcarrier can be purchased, and would probably be
carried in the lid of the case.
This is a basic
tri-fold carrier with a loop at the top rather than
hanger. The loop does double duty both for
securing clothes hangers inside the bag and also for
attaching to something in your hotel room.
There is also a
mysterious fold over snap loop, but I couldn't work out
what it is for.
There is a wire
frame inside one of the thirds to give form to the
carrier. |
Other Removable
holders inside |
No. We did
however evaluate an optional external removable holder -
what they call a saddlebag.
This is a useful accessory and acts in place of the
compartments you'd otherwise find in a regular style
wheel-aboard bag. It is a large bag, about 14.5" wide and 21" long, and
3.5" deep. It has a handle that can be looped over
the extendable handle of the bag and held in place that
way for carrying. It also has a shoulder strap and
two carry handles for carrying by hand.
On one side it has no pockets. On the other it has
a large pouch with fold-over velcroed flap, measuring
about 14" wide and 15" deep.
There is an external pocket on top of this, measuring
14" wide by 9.5" deep.
The main compartment of the bag opens with two zips that
run around the top and first 4.5" of the sides.
The bag has good padding to protect its contents. |
Waterproof
compartment |
No. |
Packing Straps |
Two elastic straps
in an X shape go across the lid of the case. |
External carry
hook/strap |
Yes. A long 6
ft length of 1" webbing is designed to run from a D ring
on the case up to a friction clip on the top of the
handle to hold a pile of other boxes and bags on top of
the case when it is being used as a trolley. |
ID holder |
Yes, a cheap but
quite robust plastic thing on a plastic loop. |
Other features |
Leaving the best for
last, the most distinctive feature of this unique case
the ability for the case to pivot 90°
away from the towing handle, switching instead to
becoming a trolley base onto which you can add up to a
massive 200lbs of additional luggage.
This is a very clever and easy
process and makes the bag ideal for times when you're
traveling with a lot of luggage.
There are various
other accessories that can also be purchased from the
Portercase website to go with the bag.
These accessories include a very useful soft computer
carry bag that can be used as a stand-alone bag as well
as packed inside the main Porter Case, and also computer
sleeves to keep your computer protected. |
Porter Case PC II
With Saddlebag, Suitbag and Laptop
carrier options
|
|
The Porter Case PC II
is very different to every other bag reviewed.
It represents as a
clever and ideal compromise between a product that is as
lightweight as possible while still being extraordinarily
strong.
The differences between
this and traditional wheeled carry-on luggage are
generally positive, and this bag combines robustness with
multi-functional purpose that can enable it to be used
either as a semi commercial or industrial carrying tool as
well as a regular traveler's bag.
In the illustration you
can see it as a regular wheeled carry-on bag, open, and in
its unique role as a luggage cart.
|
Price and
availability |
$229 for the Porter
Case PC II. $29.90
for the saddlebag and $22.95 for the suit carrier.
The laptop computer sleeve is $29.95.
Available
direct from the manufacturer.
Special Note : If you order by phone, ask for the
Travel Insider special deal - you'll get a free
saddlebag when you buy the case. |
Warranty |
The Porter Case
comes with a three year limited warranty (reminiscent of
the three year limited warranty with Travelpro when
their bag is being used for commercial purposes), and
excludes airline type damage.
This is a
regrettably poor warranty and the worst of all suppliers
reviewed, however our understanding is that they fairly
give you the benefit of the doubt if you have claims. |
Official size |
22" x 14" x
8" (44"
total). |
Measured maximum
external size |
22.5" x 14.25" x 8.5"
(45.25" total) - this is close enough to legal for
most airlines. |
Measured internal
size |
21.5" x 13.5".
The base is 5" deep, the lid adds another 2.5". |
Expandability |
No. |
Weight |
13 lbs. Tests
to about this weight or slightly less.
The saddlebag and suit carrier add about 1.5 lbs to the total
weight. |
Construction |
The case is
described as made of 'durable space age materials'.
This appears to be primarily ABS for the case itself.
The case is hard sided, with tight corners so as to get
the maximum amount of internal space.
There is no added protection around the corners.
There is a metal sealing strip where the two parts of
the case hinge together, and three hinges on the back of
the case. The case is
secured by two snap fasteners that lie flush against the
case when closed. A combination lock is in the
middle of the case as well, but this is not a TSA
approved lock and so it is best not to set the lock if
you're checking the case.
I always worry when traveling with bags that have snap
fasteners such as this that they can be accidentally
opened if checked, with the only solution being to place
duct tape over both catches once they've been closed.
Construction seems to be predominantly riveted.
The inside of the case is lined with a soft felt type
material that is glued to the case exterior. |
Color choices |
Black |
Handles |
Only one, on a long
side. The towing handle also has a short position
that allows it to protrude just an inch or so above the
case top, so it could be used as a second handle if
necessary, albeit with slight inconvenience in opening
and closing the handle (requires both hands to do this).
There are extra feet on the base of the bag - these
would be necessary when the bag is in its trolley
position. |
Towing Handle |
Extends 38.5" when the bag is in the normal upright
position, and 40" when the bag is in its trolley
position.
The handle requires both hands to open and close, and
also has a second position open just an inch or two,
enabling it to be used as a regular carry handle.
Telescoping design with two sections. Appears
to be almost unbreakably strong.
The handle is mounted externally but is largely recessed and
so is well protected from external
forces.
Due to its dual purpose design, when the handle is used
to tow the case in the traditional carry-on type manner,
the handle is not next to the wheels but instead on the
opposite side. It takes a while to adjust to which
way to tilt the case before towing it.
When used in its luggage cart mode, the handle is next to the
wheels. |
Wheels |
Two very solid wheels
that turn with freely.
Wheels measure 4" in diameter and 1" wide, with a
flat
tire shape so the whole width of the wheel contacts the ground.
The wheels are about two thirds recessed, but don't have
side protection, although they are flush with the rest
of the outside of the case. |
Stair skids |
No. |
Outside
compartments |
None. |
Inside compartments
in base |
None. For this
reason we recommend you consider getting a saddlebag
(see below) as well, and note that Porter Case are
offering a saddlebag free if you tell them you're a
Travel Insider reader. |
Inside compartments
in lid |
None. |
Suit carrier
included |
An optional
suitcarrier can be purchased, and would probably be
carried in the lid of the case.
This is a basic
tri-fold carrier with a loop at the top rather than
hanger. The loop does double duty both for
securing clothes hangers inside the bag and also for
attaching to something in your hotel room.
There is also a
mysterious fold over snap loop, but I couldn't work out
what it is for.
There is a wire
frame inside one of the thirds to give form to the
carrier. |
Other Removable
holders inside |
No. We did
however evaluate an optional external removable holder -
what they call a saddlebag.
This is a useful accessory and acts in place of the
compartments you'd otherwise find in a regular style
wheel-aboard bag. It is a large bag, about 14.5" wide and 21" long, and
3.5" deep. It has a handle that can be looped over
the extendable handle of the bag and held in place that
way for carrying. It also has a shoulder strap and
two carry handles for carrying by hand.
On one side it has no pockets. On the other it has
a large pouch with fold-over velcroed flap, measuring
about 14" wide and 15" deep.
There is an external pocket on top of this, measuring
14" wide by 9.5" deep.
The main compartment of the bag opens with two zips that
run around the top and first 4.5" of the sides.
The bag has good padding to protect its contents. |
Waterproof
compartment |
No. |
Packing Straps |
Two elastic straps
in an X shape go across the lid of the case. |
External carry
hook/strap |
Yes. A long 6
ft length of 1" webbing is designed to run from a D ring
on the case up to a friction clip on the top of the
handle to hold a pile of other boxes and bags on top of
the case when it is being used as a trolley. |
ID holder |
Yes, a cheap but
quite robust plastic thing on a plastic loop. |
Other features |
Leaving the best for
last, the most distinctive feature of this unique case
the ability for the case to pivot 90°
away from the towing handle, switching instead to
becoming a trolley base onto which you can add up to a
massive 200lbs of additional luggage.
This is a very clever and easy
process and makes the bag ideal for times when you're
traveling with a lot of luggage.
There are various
other accessories that can also be purchased from the
Portercase website to go with the bag.
These accessories include a very useful soft computer
carry bag that can be used as a stand-alone bag as well
as packed inside the main Porter Case, and also computer
sleeves to keep your computer protected. |
Red Oxx Safari Beano 5.5
No wheels and soft-sided, but
lightweight and extremely rugged
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Red Oxx was founded by
a former Green Beret Captain and parachute rigger.
This background indelibly imprinted on him the overriding
need for highest quality and reliability; attributes which
have clearly carried over into the extraordinarily robust
range of duffel bags the company manufactures.
These bags are
obviously not wheeled carryons, but we include a review of
one of their product range because we are very impressed
with the rugged reliability of these bags and their matching
robust warranty.
Best of all, these
bags, without hard sides, or wheels, or carry handles, are
wonderfully light. If you're struggling to get your
checked bag's weight down to the new 50lb limit most
airlines are enforcing, then using this bag can save you at
least 10lbs compared to a regular wheeled suitcase.
All in all, this is a
very impressive range of bags.
|
Price and
availability |
$185 for the Red Oxx
Safari Beano 5.5.
Other units of generally similar style but with larger
or smaller capacities are also available at prices
variously higher and lower.
Available
direct from the manufacturer. |
Warranty |
All Red Oxx products
come with a lifetime warranty. The warranty is
about as short and simple as we've ever seen, with no
exceptions or complicated procedures or any catches at
all. Indeed, they boast on a tag on the bag 'This
product is guaranteed forever, be sure to include it in
your will.'!!!
Bravo to Red Oxx for
such a 110% warranty. |
Official size |
27" x 11" x
11" (49"
total). |
Measured maximum
external size |
27.5" x 11.5" x
11.5"
(50.5" total) - this is close enough to legal for
most airlines, and because it is all soft-sided, the
chances are you could squeeze it into any official
sizing box. Note that
due to the soft-sided nature of the bag, it was very
hard to accurately measure.
Red Oxx don't actually describe this bag as a carry-on
bag. They make four sizes of bag in this series,
with the two smaller sizes being 100% carry on legal,
and this bag and its larger sibling being recommended as
checked bags rather than carry-on. You might feel
comfortable taking this bag with you as carry-on;
certainly most of the other ostensible carry-on bags
we've reviewed are even larger than this one. |
Measured internal
size |
This is an unlined
duffle bag, so there's almost no waste space at all,
with the internal dimensions being almost exactly the
same as the external dimensions.
The main compartment is about 19.5" long, with the
remaining up to 8" of length being used by two end
compartments. |
Expandability |
No. But....
the ability to shape and squeeze this soft duffle into a
variety of shapes gives it some flexibility in how you
pack it. Red Oxx say
this bag is sufficiently sized to hold 50lbs of
clothing, making it perfect for either carry-on (when
there's no weight restriction) or as a checked bag. |
Weight |
Not stated by the
manufacturer, but tests to exactly 4 lbs. |
Construction |
Wow! This is a
bag that is built like a battleship. No wonder
they give it a lifetime plus warranty.
The simple details
of the bag's construction don't give justice to the
immense impression of unbreakability one gets as soon as
one takes the bag into one's hands, but here they are
anyway.
The bag is
constructed of 1000 weight urethane coated Dupont
certified Cordura nylon fabric. The zippers are
oversized #10 YKK and are self locking, and most of the
zip openings have zippers at both ends.
Stitching uses #92
bonded SolarMax thread, and all seams are double
stitched and bound.
As for the
fastenings, the bag uses 304 welded stainless steel
sailboat hardware and Mil Spec snaps. |
Color choices |
The bag is available
in twelve choices, ranging from bright yellow (see
picture above) and bright red to more subdued colors
such as a dark olive, midnight blue, and black.
All bags have their material color offset with black
webbing. |
Handles |
There are two
webbing carry handles, one on each side of the top of
the bag, and a loop fastener to join them together for
carrying. There is
also an adjustable length shoulder strap with a rubber
anti-slip shoulder pad. |
Towing Handle |
Not applicable to a
soft duffle. |
Wheels |
No wheels. |
Stair skids |
Not applicable.
But this bag is so tough (and the warranty so
comprehensive) that we suspect you could drag it up
stairs, and even along the road behind you while driving
to your destination for a considerable distance before
the bag started to show any signs of wear. |
Outside
compartments |
There are five
outside compartments. At each end of the duffle
there is a gusseted outside compartment and on the
outside of this is a smaller pocket.
The outside compartments measure the full width and
depth of the bag, and are about 4" long. The
exterior pockets are also full width and depth, but have
no gusseting. The
fifth outside compartment runs along one side of the
bag. It is about 7" deep and 19.5" long, with no
gusseting. |
Inside compartments
in base |
There are no inside
compartments inside the interior of the duffel.
Just lots of space to fill with whatever you're packing. |
Inside compartments
in lid |
None. |
Suit carrier
included |
No. |
Other Removable
holders inside |
No. |
Waterproof
compartment |
No. |
Packing Straps |
No. |
External carry
hook/strap |
No. |
ID holder |
Yes, a cheap but
quite robust plastic thing on a plastic loop. |
Other features |
On one of the two
long sides of the bag is an external pocket, and on the
other side is a strip with zips at top and bottom.
If you open the zippers, you then have a sleeve still
attached to the bag at each end, and you can use this
then to secure around the handle of some other
traditional bag or trolley, making for a secure way to
carry this duffle. |
SeatKase Carry-On Luggage
A good bag, a great price, and a clever
extra feature
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On the top of the
SeatKase bag is a flap. Open it up and you have either
a seat you can sit on, or a work table you could perhaps place your
laptop on.
The wheels lock up when
you sit down on the bag, giving it a stable base.
This clever extra
feature in no way detracts from the bag's main mission, and
so provides a positive reason to consider SeatKase next time
you need a new roll-aboard luggage piece.
Click to go to new page with full
review
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SkyRoll Carry-On Luggage
Literally an 'outside the box' approach
to garment storage
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The SkyRoll carry-on
roll aboard suitcase is notable for the wrap-around suit
carrier that is wrapped around the outside of the inner
suitcase.
With a capacity for
three suits, it can carry a lot of clothing, and SkyRoll
claims it reduces wrinkling and creasing.
The design changes
needed to allow for a wrap-around suit carrier have,
however, meant some compromises to the usability of the bag
as a whole.
Click to go to new page with full
review
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Review methodology
Please note that weights and
measurements are approximate. Measurements in particular
are surprisingly subjective, and almost no bag/case has even
measurements across every part of the bag.
External measurements are
usually taken at the largest possible part - like an airline
would do if trying to negatively prove your bag was illegally
oversized.
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Originally published
17 Sep 2004, last update
30 May 2021
You may freely reproduce or distribute this article for noncommercial purposes as long as you give credit to me as original writer.
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