Travel Products - Best Duffel / Travel Bag for a CRJ 200

I've been flying SMF-LAX weekly and unfortunately everyone flys a CRJ200 on this route (Save for WN, but I'm not flying them). Gate checking is getting old and I want to get something that is small enough to fit in the small overhead. I only need a couple of day's worth of clothes.

Other threads have recommended the Tristar; but I really would prefer to use packing cubes and the Tristar doesn't seem to be "cube friendly" Can anyone recommend another high quality bag that can fit in the overhead of this sardine can?

Did you ever measure the height of the opening of that overhead bin? I suppose that is the limiting factor, no? I looked at photos. Looks like 8 inches.

You don't say what kind of clothes or what kind of load in general you are taking but the Western Flyer is 7" deep (if not overstuffed). If you don't plan to pack a suit jacket the WF would do.

If you pack really light, you might even be able to use it as a briefcase once you are on site. True onebagging. Nice when one can do it.

Till

I've actually been using this bag for a week or two and it fits (but just barely).

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Protege-20-Expandable-Duffel-Bag-Black/11069683#Product+Reviews

The bag is a complete piece of junk though so looking for something more high quality.

I'm usually carrying 4 pairs of underwear; 4 undershirts; 6 pairs of socks, sneakers, PJs, a spare pair of dockers, a pair of jeans, few casual t-shirts, and a medium sized toiletry bag.

I suspect the RedOxx Small Aviator bag will work quite well: http://www.redoxx.com/Aviator-Duffel-Bags/Small-Aviator-Bag/91011-SM/150/Product. A little smaller than the Protege but probably much better built. I have the Extra Small bag, which is about 2/3 the size of the Small, and I was able to pack for a four-day trip to Orlando quite comfortably, including a second pair of shoes. If the Protege will just fit, the Small Aviator, which is slightly smaller than the Protege, should have no problems.

I suspect the RedOxx Small Aviator bag will work quite well: http://www.redoxx.com/Aviator-Duffel-Bags/Small-Aviator-Bag/91011-SM/150/Product. A little smaller than the Protege but probably much better built. I have the Extra Small bag, which is about 2/3 the size of the Small, and I was able to pack for a four-day trip to Orlando quite comfortably, including a second pair of shoes. If the Protege will just fit, the Small Aviator, which is slightly smaller than the Protege, should have no problems.

This bag looks great! I just wish it had a shoulder strap; but for the price i'll probably just order it and give it a go.

Thanks!

I've actually been using this bag for a week or two and it fits (but just barely).

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Protege-20-Expandable-Duffel-Bag-Black/11069683#Product+Reviews

The bag is a complete piece of junk though so looking for something more high quality.

I'm usually carrying 4 pairs of underwear; 4 undershirts; 6 pairs of socks, sneakers, PJs, a spare pair of dockers, a pair of jeans, few casual t-shirts, and a medium sized toiletry bag.

With that kind of load the WF will definitely be enough. What is interesting here is that the smallest dimension of your current bag is 10". Do you mean it fits barely into the opening or it barely fits in depth?

A duffel will usually have a better volume to linear inch ratio than a flat bag (TS or WF). It will also have a smaller footprint.

Example: Duffel of 21x12x12. 45 linear inches but volume of 3024 cubic inches. Footprint of 252sq.inch.
Ordinary max size carry-on of 22x14x9 = 45 l.i. with volume of only 2772. The way it sits in the bin it has a footprint of 308.

So the footprint is 20% higher but the volume is almost 10% lower.

That speaks very much in favor of a well proportioned duffel.

And the fact that you don't carry any formal clothes reenforces that. So just find yourself a nice duffel that you like that has the right size and price. :)

Till

Other threads have recommended the Tristar; but I really would prefer to use packing cubes and the Tristar doesn't seem to be "cube friendly" Can anyone recommend another high quality bag that can fit in the overhead of this sardine can?

Maybe I'm missing something, but the tristar seems to be cube friendly:

http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/TBP/TB091


In the Tri-Star:
Small Packing Cube: Use one Small by itself or with a Medium in any of the three main compartments.
Note: The Small Packing Cube is available in either Fabric/Fabric or Fabric/Mesh. The mesh version allows you to easily see what's inside while the fabric version keeps items like shoes separate from other items.
Medium Packing Cube: Use one Medium by itself or with a Small in any of the three main compartments.
Large Packing Cube: Use one in any of the three main compartments.

This bag looks great! I just wish it had a shoulder strap; but for the price i'll probably just order it and give it a go.

Thanks!

I haven't missed a shoulder strap, but I read where someone had a shoemaker modify the bag with a couple of D-rings for attaching a shoulder strap. If I'm taking this and a briefcase/laptop bag, I generally just carry the briefcase as a shoulder bag and switch hands when necessary with the Aviator. I've had no problems.

I have a magnum size canoeing duffel. Its solid and looks great. The main thing is its water resistant but I always keep it covered regardless of manufacturers claim. I hate zippers because they re too much expensive and not resist water. I use it during my bicycle adventure and it helps me a lot when I stuck in a rain.

I've nearly tried them all, and I'm convinced that this B&R bag (http://www.briggs-riley.com/category/productDetail.aspx?id=Rolling-Cabin-Bag_TUC115&col=transcend) is the largest rolling carry on that will still fit in the overhead of those ghastly CRJ 200s. The overhead bins on those small CRJs are 8" in height, which is the exact dimension of front-to-back of the B&R. It will fit overhead with the wheels out. My experience has been that if you try to fit a 9" bag (or bigger) up there, it won't work. I've flown the Embraers and the 200s and the little Barbie jets on most of the legacy carrier partners, and this bag has always fit overhead.

B&R luggage builds its telescoping handles on the OUTSIDE of the bag, which not only makes for easier packing (because the inner bag space is more symetrical), but that metal handle provides a sort of protective frame to lay the bag on, which I like since it fits up there wheels out.

I also carry a TriStar, and I can fit a breathtaking amount of stuff in there as well, and it ALWAYS fits into the overhead of the CRJs as well. But it can get a bit heavy sometimes, and there are no wheels. So I've come up with the solution of using the B&R wheeled bag, and then carrying the Tristar on top of it. And the most interesting part of all of this has been: there is usually plenty of overhead bin space for BOTH my bags on the smallest CRJs, because everybody else had to gate check their bags! I usually retract the handle of the B&R right before boarding, and carry it by it's builtin handle. I then put the Tristar on my back like a backpack. Even the surliest gate agent won't take a second look. They seem to target nearly any wheeled bag...but the B&R looks downright small with the handle retracted, especially compared to everybody else's 22" rollaboards. And the gate agents never seem to stop anybody with a backpack.

So...there you have it. Hope it helps!

+1 for what thegasguru said. I use a TravelPro rolling cabin bag, mostly because I got it for $45.00 on closeout, but will go for the B&R when it's time to replace it. I use a large military backpack that handles packing cubes really well. The eBags Motherlode also holds an amazing amount of stuff. The Travelon bag bungee (http://www.google.com/search?q=travelon+bag+bungee&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a#q=travelon+bag+bungee&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=ycq&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=H3KYT7PuMoPt0gHmkqnDBg&ved=0CKoBEK0E&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=8bf0eec7c6b8b732&biw=1280&bih=889) lets me pull the backpack and cabin bag as one unit through the airport.

+1 for what thegasguru said. I use a TravelPro rolling cabin bag, mostly because I got it for $45.00 on closeout, but will go for the B&R when it's time to replace it. I use a large military backpack that handles packing cubes really well. The eBags Motherlode also holds an amazing amount of stuff. The Travelon bag bungee (http://www.google.com/search?q=travelon+bag+bungee&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a#q=travelon+bag+bungee&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=ycq&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=H3KYT7PuMoPt0gHmkqnDBg&ved=0CKoBEK0E&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=8bf0eec7c6b8b732&biw=1280&bih=889) lets me pull the backpack and cabin bag as one unit through the airport.


How well does the motherlode fit into a crj overhead? On paper it's the same size (or larger) as plenty of 20" rollerboards that don't fit. Does it only fit if it isn't full and you make the most of the soft sides?

Or more generally, I'm also curious what tristar competitors fit in the overhead of a crj. I think a Patagonia MLC would fit. Do the various 22x14x9 soft sided bags fit?

Other threads have recommended the Tristar; but I really would prefer to use packing cubes and the Tristar doesn't seem to be "cube friendly"

I second oshelef and tfar. The Tom Bihn Western Flyer should be enough for a two day trip and it is also very packing cube friendly. I prefer two small packing cubes per compartment instead of using one large one for the WF. The small packing cube is just slightly bigger than an eagle creek quarter pack it cube which works too.

I am currently making an effort to use smaller bags if they are non-wheeled simply because it forces me to not overpack -- thus keeping the weight down. I overpacked my first trip with my Red Oxx Air Boss and still haven't recovered from the trauma I caused myself. The Red Oxx Claw Strap HURTS when the bag is heavy. I will one day re-experiment using the Tom Bihn Absolute Strap.

I recommend the Western Flyer. I can't recommend the TriStar simply because I have never tried it -- though if I don't already own an Air Boss, I would consider getting one.

How well does the motherlode fit into a crj overhead? On paper it's the same size (or larger) as plenty of 20" rollerboards that don't fit. Does it only fit if it isn't full and you make the most of the soft sides?

Or more generally, I'm also curious what tristar competitors fit in the overhead of a crj. I think a Patagonia MLC would fit. Do the various 22x14x9 soft sided bags fit?

I don't have a motherlode, but my backpack is the same general size. It fits because it's squishable. The problem with the rollers is that they are solid and won't bend. Even with a full lode of packing cubes and clothes, my backpack will bend enough to fit in the overhead. The compression straps help with that. I might have a problem if I stuffed it full, especially if the stuff was rigid.

I have used a Filson Medium travel bag and have had it fit ok.

http://www.filson.com/products/travel-bag-medium.70246.html

How well does the motherlode fit into a crj overhead? On paper it's the same size (or larger) as plenty of 20" rollerboards that don't fit. Does it only fit if it isn't full and you make the most of the soft sides?

Or more generally, I'm also curious what tristar competitors fit in the overhead of a crj. I think a Patagonia MLC would fit. Do the various 22x14x9 soft sided bags fit?

Part of the problem with wheeled luggage is that the manufacturers often give the dimensions that do NOT include the wheels and handles - as if those parts don't "count" somehow. So, when it comes time to jam it into the overhead bin, your luggage is suddenly larger than you expect.

I would imagine that if my fully loaded Tristar will fit into a small CRJ overhead bin, then so too will the Motherlode and the MLC. The key is that they are soft sided and MUCH more pliable for fitting into the bin. But more importantly, they don't have the rigid wheels and handle skeleton that just won't budge. Again, if you really need wheels - and you're forced regularly to take a leg that includes a CRJ - then the largest wheeled bag that will fit into a CRJ overhead bin is the B&R. There may be others, but I know for a fact that the B&R fits snug as a bug, wheels and all, and even an inch larger would not fit.

Part of the problem with wheeled luggage is that the manufacturers often give the dimensions that do NOT include the wheels and handles - as if those parts don't "count" somehow. So, when it comes time to jam it into the overhead bin, your luggage is suddenly larger than you expect.

I would imagine that if my fully loaded Tristar will fit into a small CRJ overhead bin, then so too will the Motherlode and the MLC. The key is that they are soft sided and MUCH more pliable for fitting into the bin. But more importantly, they don't have the rigid wheels and handle skeleton that just won't budge. Again, if you really need wheels - and you're forced regularly to take a leg that includes a CRJ - then the largest wheeled bag that will fit into a CRJ overhead bin is the B&R. There may be others, but I know for a fact that the B&R fits snug as a bug, wheels and all, and even an inch larger would not fit.

I realize that most wheeled luggage doesn't fit - both because of the rigidity of the frame and the misleading size (wheels, handles, etc...) But do all unframed, unwheeled legal carry ons fit in the crj overhead?

Or put another way, anyone have much experience with 22x14x9 wheel-less carry ons fitting in the small crj overheads?

I realize that most wheeled luggage doesn't fit - both because of the rigidity of the frame and the misleading size (wheels, handles, etc...) But do all unframed, unwheeled legal carry ons fit in the crj overhead?

Or put another way, anyone have much experience with 22x14x9 wheel-less carry ons fitting in the small crj overheads?

Tristar is 19x13x8. It fits snug when packed to a "bulge" in a CRJ. Hth.

Tristar is 19x13x8. It fits snug when packed to a "bulge" in a CRJ. Hth.

It does. Is the limiting factor the 8" or the 13" or does it barely fit both? I'm guessing it goes in sideways, so the long dimension isn't the limit.

Maybe I missed it before, but this thread
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta-skymiles-pre-worldperks-merger/873405-list-overhead-bin-dimensions.html
has this:

25 DCI OVERHEAD DIMENSIONS
26 -------------------------------------------------------
27 AT7 42L X 8W X 14H
28 CR7 43L X 16W X 8H
29 CRJ 43L X 16W X 8H
30 EM2 31L X 16W X 8H
31 RJ9 42L X 12W X 12H
32 ERJ 63L X 20W X 9H
33 ER3 63L X 20W X 9H
34 E70 24L X 16W X 10H
35 ---------------------------- REVISED/20AUG07/ATLHGDL/AH


So I'm guessing that a 22x14x9 would fit as long as it wasn't packed to full and could compress some to become slimmer.

Yep, it's the 8-9" that is the critical number. Thicker than that might not fit through the bin opening.

OP Here. Thanks everyone for the extremely helpful insight and recommendations; and my apologies for not responding sooner.

I've been doing a lot of research on bags based upon the comments posted here, and one duffel that was not mentioned but has caught my attention is the Tumi McGuire (http://www.tumi.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4209912), with dimensions of 9" x 21" x 10.5" (1985 volume). My biggest concern is with the 9" height (as the bin is measured at 8"); but the previous duffel I was using was 10" and was able to squeeze into the bin. I really like the large single compartment.

The B&R TUC115 that was suggested by thegasguru is interesting; I wasn't originally looking at a wheeled bag, but I am planning on stopping a luggage store this week to take a look at it. Based on the recommendation of the Tristar + B&R, I'm nervous about the capacity of the bag and I'm not really interested in carrying (and purchasing) two bags.

I was incorrect about the Tristar not being cube friendly; but I've pretty much ruled that bag out. I really don't want a compartmentalized bag, and to be honest I'm not a big fan of the way it looks.

The Patagonia MLC (http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/patagonia-mlc-maximum-legal-carry-on-bag?p=48107-0-155) that oshelef mentioned also looks promising (The bag, not the wheelie) as it is 20.5" x 13.5" x 7", and I'm planning on going to investigate this one in person as well.

I did order a small RedOxx Aviator, for $35 I thought it was worth the price and I need a new compressible duffel to travel with on long trips for souvenirs anyway. I think I want a bag with a should strap though, so once I get it I will look into having hooks added for a strap.

Anyway, I'll let you all know how my in-person investigation goes this week, but thanks again for everyone's help. If there's any further suggestions or something I'm missing, please let me know!

OP Here. Thanks everyone for the extremely helpful insight and recommendations; and my apologies for not responding sooner.

I've been doing a lot of research on bags based upon the comments posted here, and one duffel that was not mentioned but has caught my attention is the Tumi McGuire (http://www.tumi.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4209912), with dimensions of 9" x 21" x 10.5" (1985 volume). My biggest concern is with the 9" height (as the bin is measured at 8"); but the previous duffel I was using was 10" and was able to squeeze into the bin. I really like the large single compartment.

The B&R TUC115 that was suggested by thegasguru is interesting; I wasn't originally looking at a wheeled bag, but I am planning on stopping a luggage store this week to take a look at it. Based on the recommendation of the Tristar + B&R, I'm nervous about the capacity of the bag and I'm not really interested in carrying (and purchasing) two bags.

I was incorrect about the Tristar not being cube friendly; but I've pretty much ruled that bag out. I really don't want a compartmentalized bag, and to be honest I'm not a big fan of the way it looks.

The Patagonia MLC (http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/patagonia-mlc-maximum-legal-carry-on-bag?p=48107-0-155) that oshelef mentioned also looks promising (The bag, not the wheelie) as it is 20.5" x 13.5" x 7", and I'm planning on going to investigate this one in person as well.

I did order a small RedOxx Aviator, for $35 I thought it was worth the price and I need a new compressible duffel to travel with on long trips for souvenirs anyway. I think I want a bag with a should strap though, so once I get it I will look into having hooks added for a strap.

Anyway, I'll let you all know how my in-person investigation goes this week, but thanks again for everyone's help. If there's any further suggestions or something I'm missing, please let me know!

The Patagonia MLC is an excellent bag if you want just a single compartment. I personally prefer organizing by compartment, but I totally get that this is a very personal preference. In fact, I also have the Red Oxx Skytrain for when I want a less compartmentalized bag.

The dimensions of the MLC are excellent for CRJ overhead bin storage. And like all non-wheeled soft sided bags, you can pack WAY more into those than their wheeled alternatives. And I have to caution anyone following this thread: the B&R that I'm fond of isn't really big enough for "one bag" travel. I have switched to what I like to think of as "hybrid" one bag travel system, that involves 2 bags: the B&R + a non-wheeled soft sided bag (Tristar, Airboss, Skytrain, MLC, Weekender...whichever). I put the non-wheel bag on top of the B&R, and now I have wheels, most of the advantages of "one bag" travel (primarily that I never have to check luggage, not even a gate check), but I get to skip the biggest disadvantage of one-bag travel, namely the sore shoulder from the heavy bag.

the B&R + a non-wheeled soft sided bag

This makes lots of sense except that when I split bags up at my destination (e.g. leaving one wherever I'm staying) I never want a wheeled bag for the bag I use at my destination. Though if you are someone who does, or for whom a wheeled briefcase works, I see the appeal. Though I wonder how much longer (or how broadly now) the wheeled briefcase gets considered a briefcase/personal item and not a carry on.

I have a Tristar and a Red Oxx Skytrain. The main difference is that the Skytrain really isn't compartmentalized. So if the compartments are what you don't like about the Tristar, you might look at the Skytrain. Great bag, great warranty.

I'm a big fan of Red Oxx generally. How about one of their duffels? The Sun Chaser sounds like it might be good for your needs. The Flying Boxcar might as well. The Safari Benos line might be a bit slim for cubes - they are more for people who fold/roll and stuff/layer.

The Air Boss can probably take a cube on each side, if that is how you want to pack. SkyTrain is probably better for what you are looking for, however.

I have a Tristar and a Red Oxx Skytrain. The main difference is that the Skytrain really isn't compartmentalized. So if the compartments are what you don't like about the Tristar, you might look at the Skytrain. Great bag, great warranty.

Yeah. The SkyTrain is probably more conducive to using packing cubes, with the larger compartment.

Though I wonder how much longer (or how broadly now) the wheeled briefcase gets considered a briefcase/personal item and not a carry on.

That is simply a matter of whether it fits under the seat in front of you. And maybe of weight restrictions as pertaining to the sum of your cabin luggage.

Till

That is simply a matter of whether it fits under the seat in front of you. And maybe of weight restrictions as pertaining to the sum of your cabin luggage.

Till

Not quite true. I can't find the link to the list I saw it on, but here is an example:
http://www.aircanada.com/us/en/travelinfo/products_services.html

I bet plenty of rolling briefcases are more than 6 inches deep.

For working with packing cubes, I recommend the Eagle Creek No Matter What duffels. I have the small and medium. Why I like them is their base is 12" wide. So even in the small, which has a 12" x 18" base, I can fit their 18" packing folder. I use the 18" packing folder for dress shirts. I put it in the duffel first, then stack in cubes, shoes, etc. Of course, If I am not bringing dress shirts and don't use the packing folder, the cubes still fit very nicely. The duffels are light, tough, and if not jammed completely full, fit easily in the CRJ overhead. The medium not jammed full will easily carry a week's worth of clothes.

The only drawback is because of the wide base, especially when using a packing folder that is fairly rigid in the bottom, the shape can be a bit awkward. My preference if I am going to be doing a lot of walking with my bag is to use a more vertical format (like the Red Oxx Air Boss). But when I'm not going to be doing a lot of waking with my bag, the duffel is my choice just because it is so easy to load and unload.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Protege-20-Expandable-Duffel-Bag-Black/11069683#Product+Reviews

Is this type of bag (shape and dimensions) acceptable as a personal item, as long as it isn't overstuffed?

Also, is it too large to fit underneath the seat or in the overhead bin of an Embraer 120 Brasilia?

I checked the UA website, but didn't find their maximum dimensions for the Personal Item.

AA is 36 linear inches, and BA is 40 linear inches.