Travel Products - Recommendation for duffel-like carry on?

I have many short/weekend trips (around 2-4 nights) booked for the rest of the year, and would like to get a new duffel bag, or something of the sort. Currently, my primary duffel is an old Tumi T-tech duffel which they don't make anymore and has a button missing from the handle. I was wondering if anyone had recommendations or suggestions.

It needs to be pretty large, enough to fit my clothes for around 5 days. Now I travel relatively light and not for business, so think t shirts, an extra pair of pants, fresh underwear and socks for each day, no suits, and maybe a charger or two, or anything else that's misc. I want it to be high quality, reasonably attractive (I care about aesthetics), and roomy but not too unwieldy. And preferably under $300 (cheaper is better, but quality comes first), though will consider bags that are really nice.

It will mostly be for clothes and misc. items, since I always travel with my backpack, so that's where I would have my laptop/iPad, important papers, etc. I occasionally bring the duffel with me on longer trips with my backpack and Tumi Alpha 22in roller (I don't own a bag larger than that) if I need the extra capacity.

Thanks in advance!

Before answering your question, let me ask why are you wanting to replace the Tumi duffel? Just because the handle has a button missing? You could either repair that yourself or have it done for probably less than $10 at a repair shop or shoemaker.

Or is it the pocket layout or the design you don't like anymore? In that case what would you like in its place?

I own a Tumi Alpha Bravo McGuire duffel. Nice. Not very big though but if you travel light and leisurely it should be enough.

The flat out best duffel I know is the Andiamo Valoroso VD25. If you can still find one, buy it. Sometimes they still show up on ebay. Do a search on here for that model to see what is written about it.

BTW, a search for duffel on this forum will give many good results. ;)

Till

Before answering your question, let me ask why are you wanting to replace the Tumi duffel? Just because the handle has a button missing? You could either repair that yourself or have it done for probably less than $10 at a repair shop or shoemaker.

Or is it the pocket layout or the design you don't like anymore? In that case what would you like in its place?

I own a Tumi Alpha Bravo McGuire duffel. Nice. Not very big though but if you travel light and leisurely it should be enough.

The flat out best duffel I know is the Andiamo Valoroso VD25. If you can still find one, buy it. Sometimes they still show up on ebay. Do a search on here for that model to see what is written about it.

BTW, a search for duffel on this forum will give many good results. ;)

Till

Of course, you are right. I was being lazy and didn't want to deal with too much information. I apologize :)

I have heard of the VD25, but failed to find any on sale. I looked up the McGuire, but that seems to be discontinued, is that right?

I couldn't remember the name of my duffel, but found it in a very very old email. I have the Gibson.

Its not the button, but it does have a good amount of wear and tear, and the fabric on the T-tech is much more inferior than the stuff I have on my Alpha. The pockets are fine, but the design is quite boring. I could go for something more sleek?

Anyway, I will do a search and try to sift through the results, but any suggestions would still be appreciated. Thanks!

Take a look at the Redoxx Beano's series - different sizes. I have three Redoxx pieces and am pleased with each one

http://www.redoxx.com/Airline-Carry-On-Luggage/100/100/dept

Darn it! They phased out the McGuire, too? I do have a knack for bags that are good but will soon be discontinued. Or is it that the companies don't get it and discontinue their best bags? Or the customers don't get it and don't buy the best bags because they don't recognize them, thus forcing the manufacturer to discontinue it?

Anyways...

The Redoxx seems like a good option but is not very stylish either.

Check out Samsonite Black Label Boston Bag. Probably hard to find, too, but very stylish.

In another way Filson is quite stylish. And for very simple bags Longchamps is also a good source.

For a second chance at that elusive VD25 you can also try the Andiamo Bravo BRD25. It is the same bag in a different material. Looks actually a bit more elegant.

Now, I haven't tried it myself but from the description and the pictures the Briggs Riley 642 Baseline duffel looks very good.

http://www.briggs-riley.com/category/productDetail.aspx?id=Action-Duffle-Bag_642&sec=travel

The important thing in a duffel (more so even than in other bags) is the pocket arrangement and use of space. I think the 642 does a really good job on that point. Also, if you like the Tumi material, you will like the BR material. It is a three-filament nylon as opposed to Tumi's mono-filament but it almost looks the same. Slightly shinier maybe. Price at $199 with their great warranty is also very good.

That would be the bag I'd look at first in terms of duffels these days.

Till

FYI, the tumi mcguire is available here:
http://www.amazon.com/Alpha-Bravo-Travel-McGuire-Duffel/dp/B003VPWZ5O

You may want to consider the Tumi Super Léger International Wheeled Satchel:

http://www.tumi.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12293499&prodFindSrc=search

I can tell you that the Tumi Alpha Bravo Kessler duffle is in my top 3 of bags that I 'one-bag' with depending on the trip.

Based on what you described for your contents, this bag would work.

It does exceed your stated budget but online searching would find one below the MSRP of $395.

I really do like the versatility of this bag, it has really well designed pockets, good handles, and as you mentioned combining with a roller at times, the back of the bag has a roller slide through pocket so you can easily put the bag on your roller and be on your way.

I've been looking for a similar weekend bag; consider the Jack Spade Wayne Duffel. Typically it's in leather or waxed canvas (and about $500), but there is a nylon version at Nordstrom's; it's currently on sale for $280 for 2 more days.

It meets all your criteria: under $300, stylish, high quality, and decent dimensions. I've been on the fence about pulling the trigger since I have no opportunity to see one, but I have a nylon jack spade messenger that is pretty solid; build quality is fantastic.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/jack-spade-wayne-nylon-duffel-bag/3304412

As member oshelef posted above, the McGuire duffel (in spruce) is still available at Amazon for $249 (originally $345). In the special offers and promotions section, you can subscribe to Amazon's clothing email specials and they will immediately send you a 20% off coupon that is usable with this Tumi duffel. You price will drop to $199.20. The coupon works on other Tumi items as well.

I have the Filson small duffel, which I really like. Primary problem is it lacks organization (no pockets inside for small things) and has a slit opening rather than a U-opening (which makes it hard to pack).

Now I use the Barbour International Traveller (http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=4a78), which has better organization and is easier to pack. The dimensions are larger than the Filson small duffel (it is a "tote bag" type and so is quite tall) but as long as you don't overpack it, you will be able to get past the luggage sizer.

Check out Tom Bihn bags. TomBihn.com I think.

I just got a Western Flyer and it's a great bag.

Check out Tom Bihn bags. TomBihn.com I think.

I just got a Western Flyer and it's a great bag.

If you want to go a little bigger you could get the aeronaut (that's their max carryon bag). Tom Bihn is great stuff (well designed, lasts forever). It's a little pricey, but certainly not worse than Tumi. ;)

Hey everyone, thanks so much for all the input. Also, thanks freezy for the 20% coupon from amazon.com. That might be good if I want to purchase other items as well. Right now I think the Briggs and Riley baseline duffel and the Tumi McGuire look like the best fit for me. I also like the Tumi Alpha Bravo Kessler, but it seems like a smaller bag (not sure if it'll fit enough things for a trip longer than 2 nights). Maybe as a secondary bag to a larger duffel? I'm also looking at the Tom Bihn bags.

I generally like to look at my top options in person before purchasing, but know that's sometimes not possible. I'm not sure if in this case it would be more of a hassle than it's worth.

And I see that the McGuire can be purchased from amazon, but meant that I couldn't find it on Tumi, so I figured it was discontinued. Not sure if I could find one in stores anymore to look at.

Although I do not own one (yet), I would suggest a duffel bag from Blue Claw (http://www.blueclawco.com/). They look gorgeous and are US-made.

Hey everyone, thanks so much for all the input. Also, thanks freezy for the 20% coupon from amazon.com. That might be good if I want to purchase other items as well. Right now I think the Briggs and Riley baseline duffel and the Tumi McGuire look like the best fit for me. I also like the Tumi Alpha Bravo Kessler, but it seems like a smaller bag (not sure if it'll fit enough things for a trip longer than 2 nights). Maybe as a secondary bag to a larger duffel? I'm also looking at the Tom Bihn bags.

I generally like to look at my top options in person before purchasing, but know that's sometimes not possible. I'm not sure if in this case it would be more of a hassle than it's worth.

And I see that the McGuire can be purchased from amazon, but meant that I couldn't find it on Tumi, so I figured it was discontinued. Not sure if I could find one in stores anymore to look at.

The McGuire on Amazon qualifies for free returns. If you do not like it, they will pay for the return shipping. For the price and hassle free return, it might be worth a try.

I have the Kessler and it holds quite a bit of stuff. For me, it can handle a lot more than 2 days. Although this item qualifies for the 20% savings, it does not for free shipping on returns.

Good luck.

Take a look at the Redoxx Beano's series - different sizes. I have three Redoxx pieces and am pleased with each one

http://www.redoxx.com/Airline-Carry-On-Luggage/100/100/deptI own the Beano PR5 and it is extremely versatile and WILL fit in every regional jet's overhead I have been on.

A duffel bag I've fallen in love with after reading many reviews of it is the NorthFace Basecamp Duffel Bag Series. In particular the SMALL size (comes in XS, S, M, L, XL sizes also).

- It's not fancy or elegant in any manner as far as looks go -- Most probably won't meet the needs of the thread starter ... but others might find it of use if they ever search and find this thread.

- It is extremely durable (lifetime warranty). I've used it for over 250K miles around the world as my primary bag in the last 1.25 years. I've carried it on mostly ... but also checked it quite a few times - no problems with wear or tear due to the material.

- Can be carried three ways - a) by a hand b) strap over the shoulder c) slung over the back as a backpack using built in shoulder straps - which are very comfy imho - especially of you load this beast up heavy

- Quite water resistant, I've never had probs of anything getting wet as far as it being exposed to rain (including heavy rain) as I was lugging it on my shoulders or it was sitting on the ground ... until I could find shelter.

- No dividers, etc or any fanciness to the inside of it. Just one external opening on the top that opens the "lid" up 3/4 of the way around the length of the bag via two sturdy zippers (one one zip seam). On the inside of the bag on the lid section there is a mesh zip to hold small items you might need to access -- I use it for travel docs, iPhone, USB charger, aspirin bottle, zirtec bottle, a few cables and an earphone. Otherwise I pack in all my stuff into the bag.

- On the outside it has 4 straps to cinch the bag size down if you need to make it smaller ... i.e. you didn't fill the bag up fully ... thus securing items from moving around inside.

- I don't recall ever having to check the bag at the gate because it wouldn't fit an overhead bin. NOTE: I've stayed away from the regional jets mostly ... but I do believe I've had one flight where I took this bag with me also.

For me I was enthused enough to have mentioned this bag as changing my travel experience to my friends and relatives.

FYI, the tumi mcguire is available here:
http://www.amazon.com/Alpha-Bravo-Travel-McGuire-Duffel/dp/B003VPWZ5O

Thanks for the link, it was helpful.

Before answering your question, let me ask why are you wanting to replace the Tumi duffel? Just because the handle has a button missing? You could either repair that yourself or have it done for probably less than $10 at a repair shop or shoemaker.

Or is it the pocket layout or the design you don't like anymore? In that case what would you like in its place?

I own a Tumi Alpha Bravo McGuire duffel. Nice. Not very big though but if you travel light and leisurely it should be enough.

The flat out best duffel I know is the Andiamo Valoroso VD25. If you can still find one, buy it. Sometimes they still show up on ebay. Do a search on here for that model to see what is written about it.

BTW, a search for duffel on this forum will give many good results. ;)

Till

Til, I don't want to take this thread off OT, but I am wondering if you (or anyone else here) have ever had trouble with using a duffel as carry-on - particularly on intra-Europe flights.

I have read of GAs occasionally taking a hard-line on the sizer at the gates - this is actually my biggest concern, because even a duffel that is inches under the overall l+w+h of 45" still won't fit in the sizer if it is reasonably full. It's a point I really wish the airlines would clarify. After all, a 30x2" poster tube probably wouldn't fit in the sizer (unless diagonally), but it wouldn't take up much room in an overhead.

I'm also curious about intra-European airlines and their attitude towards duffels, since they tend (IME) to be much stricter about carry-on size.

I'm in the market for a new carry-on, and once again I'm tempted by some of the duffels out there - seems to be my best option for cutting weight without giving up the wheels - but I continue to worry about the airline sizer issue.