8 pounds empty is still way to heavy for my taste! I think my Sun Chaser is about 18 pounds packed and ready to fly.

I thought I would NEED the wheels. I was even thinking of getting one of the Walkin' bags at Magellans which is so well built you can even sit on it when in long lines. Then I got a trip with several RJ segments. End of wheels in my thinking.

I did a lot of research on this. Read all the postings on this part of FT. Studied the RedOxx site and read nearly all of it. (lots of good info on that site).

We have a rule that we have to travel in business attire when on the company's tickets. I pack along the pants that go with my suit, a complete wool pants outfit with sweather, an evening outfit that is all silk and light in weight, some 'play' clothes, an extra skirt but not an extra jacket and the typical range of underwear, blouses etc.

I take the wool outfit even to hot climates as I've nearly frozen in some meetings. It is all IceBreaker and very light in weight. I have one packing cube that is all Icebreaker: pants, 2 pullovers and a sweater. The 2nd pullover is to have a color option other than black. I got the idea for IceBreaker from a posting on this area of FT. I got it to go to a cold, wet climate and decided I liked always having it in my bag.

I could go a week or a month with the same stuff. I have to check a bag because the TSA won't let me take tools in my carry on. Silly TSA! What do they think I'm going to do? Take apart the airplane?