You guys rock. Thanks for the valuable input. I do have a few more thoughts though
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Originally Posted by
_ABB_
I travel for business so I always have suits, jackets, slacks, etc in my checked bag and need the structure of a framed bag to keep my clothes unwrinkled. It seems like getting the hand truck and carrying that could be more of a hassle than it's worth.
Yea, that does make a lot of sense. I guess I should clarify that my primary intention is to be doing international travel where I expect to be partially moving myself and my family every couple of years. I also expect to travel in between, and I would like the flexibility to carry/ship things that are not easily found in a given location.
As such, I do not really need to worry too much about clothing/business travel per se...space, versatility, and durability are my primary concerns.
Originally Posted by
tfar
If you do need two bags, a wheeled piece is still the way to go. Get one wheeled and set a duffel bag on top. You can fit a duffle on top of a 28" suitcase that would also be too big for the cabin. So you have two must-check pieces that are transported together. Additionally, choose a wheeled bag that has a removable J-hook or other type of extra luggage attachment. With this you can dangle a third piece (like a briefcase) on the front, while the duffle is riding on top.
This will allow you to transport three bags and up to 50kg with one hand. Pretty efficient if you ask me.
How do you think this would compare to two large duffles + a hand truck where I leave some space in one of them for the hand truck? I can see how having the wheeled piece would be more convenient, but it seems I lose a bit of versatility - is it worth it?
Originally Posted by
N1120A
Here is the thing about the aviator duffels, which are great bags - they can only be carried by hand. No shoulder strap and no place for one. If you insist on a bigger checked bag, why not go with something convenient like the Big Oxx that has backpack straps as well?
Frankly, the price differential....I could get 4 Aviator Duffels and a hand truck for the price of 1 Big Oxx and have more than enough for my wife and myself, whereas 4 Big Oxxes (sp?) would buy me a (very) used car.
But I agree, it would be nice to have at least the option of carrying it differently. Not sure I can afford that though. I did see these
Adventure Duffels from LL Bean, which come with a nice guarantee, but if I'm overseas I won't really be able to take advantage of it...so I was thinking that I need more durability up front.
Originally Posted by
N1120A
As for hand trucks, there are ones that weigh a pound or less for quite reasonable prices on Amazon
Care to reference any that can carry 2 loaded checked bags (~100 lbs) well? I've been looking on Amazon too but maybe my Amazon skills aren't up to par
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