Rick Steves Luggage3039029

What luggage pieces would you buy if you were in the market for new ones? I've taken a good look at my own. I have lifted one and found it sadly lacking in the lightweight requirement and have found the pull-out handle slightly bent - new luggage would actually be nice - new lightweight, rolling carry on luggage.

Two luggage systems have intrigued me: Eagle Creek and the Rick Steves line of luggage. Rick Steves Luggage Both seem well designed and constructed. Both will make any trip more comfortable and enjoyable.

Both systems fulfill the necessary requirements for light weight and easy maneuverability.

Rolling carry on luggage has been extremely popular for some time, because weight is thought not to be quite so important. The thinking is that it is easier to pull a case than to carry it. While this is true, it disregards the many situations, which require lifting even wheeled carry on luggage. Remember that besides being able to lift your luggage into the airline overhead bin, you also need to handle transfers between stations of public transport such as cabs, trains and buses.

Which size luggage one chooses depends on the length of the trip, the reason for going, and whether one only has one piece of luggage, or other luggage items are being checked through for the same destination.

If other luggage items are being checked through to the destination, a smaller carry on overnight bag might be the ideal carry on case. Both Eagle Creek and Rick Steves have a small carry-on overnight bag, 15" in the case of Rick Steves line and 13.5" from Eagle Creek. Both are quite roomy and will fit under your airline seat, thus granting access to everything you want within reach. Price wise the Rick Steves Avanti Tote comes in at the lower end - $70 to $100 compared to $115 to $165 for the Eagle Creek tote.

For short trips, when only one slightly larger bag may suffice, the Eagle Creek Tarmac 20 carry-on bag might well be all you need. Its compact size makes it easy to fit into overhead airline luggage bins. It is lightweight and rolls easily without twisting or turning.

Netted, zippered compartments keep everything organized, yet visible. Shoes have their own special compartment. Several additional handles, in addition to the retractable one, make for easy pick-up and lifting.

The 21" Convertible Carry-On in the Rick Steves line is possibly even more versatile and useful, as it doubles as a backpack. For this reason it has comfortably curved, padded shoulder straps and a padded waist belt.  It converts easily from suitcase to backpack and still fits within airlines' guidelines for carry-on cases.

Should you require a rolling carry-on, there is also the 21" Roll-Aboard model.

Both the Eagle Creek Tarmac 20 carry-on bag and Rick Steves Convertible Carry-On are designed to be used in conjunction with their super useful packing cubes and other pack-it system items.

As regards price, the Eagle Creek Tarmac 20 comes in at $200 to $250, while the 21" Roll-About in Rick Steves' line is priced between $100 and $140.

Finally, a quick look at the larger bags: Eagle Creek Hovercraft 25 - 25" Rolling Expandable Upright vs. Rick Steves' 24" Roll-Aboard.

The Eagle Creek model delivers dual exterior pockets for travel necessities and is designed to fit Pack-It kits and cubes. It features a protective kick plate and wheel housing, protecting the bag from urban obstacles. It has an ergonomic telescoping handle, soft, easy grab top and side handles and a slip away luggage tag.

Rick Steves' model comes with honeycomb frame, full lining, non-slip handle, smooth rolling wheels, 3 exterior pockets, 1 large side pocket, clip-in security pouch and the possibility to expand the depth by 2".

Price: Eagle Creek $180 to $250, Rick Steves $135 to $170.

Are you in the market for new luggage? Both the luggage lines above have good reputations for quality of design and construction, and they meet the requirements for light weight and maneuverability. The prices quoted for comparison were all found at Amazon. Happy trails to you.