https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ en Mon, 18 May 2026 17:37:31 GMT vBulletin 5 https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/images/misc/rss.jpg https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-products/2218076-thinktank-airport-navigator-v2.html Sun, 17 May 2026 18:05:06 GMT ThinkTank Photo, as the name suggests, is known for photography bags — slings, shoulder bags, backpacks and rolling cases. But no law requires you carry cameras and lenses with their gear. In fact, you can easily remove the padded dividers and the... ThinkTank Photo, as the name suggests, is known for photography bags — slings, shoulder bags, backpacks and rolling cases. But no law requires you carry cameras and lenses with their gear. In fact, you can easily remove the padded dividers and the ThinkTank Airport Navigator V2 becomes my favorite carryon luggage.

What's unusual about it is that it's a 4-wheeled version of a "pilot case" — short and squat and top-opening. Most pilot cases are two-wheeled, which makes sense if you are actually a pilot and don't want the case rolling around the cockpit. But for those of us in the cabin, the four wheeled design is so nice. Not only is it maneuverable, but you can place a very heavy bag on top (like the ThinkTank Photo BackStory 15, fully loaded with camera gear) and it won't tip over as easily as a typical "portrait orientation" carryon bag. The older version (V1) was a two-wheeled bag.

I like that it can open from either the top or the side, the later enabling both quick access to documents or a laptop as well as to the entire compartment if laid flat on its back. I like that there are ample side pockets, useful not only for water bottles but other items (a packable jacket/vest, slippers, an electronics pouch that can be clipped to a D-ring) and some straps on top that are meant for a tripod but can hold down an umbrella or a jacket or a newspaper.

Wheels are excellent, build quality is excellent, and when the extending handle broke when I abused it, ThinkTank sent me a free replacement in the mail right away with instructions on how to install it myself.

It's a little small (about 24–26L), I wish the extending handle would have more intermediate positions and would stay locked in intermediate positions both pulling up and pushing down. I wish the wheels had a brake so it wouldn't roll around so easily (the wheels are really low friction!) and I wish the top opened with a latch rather than a zipper.

But it's one of the very, very few top-opening four-wheeled bags I've found (I own four, from four different manufacturers) and my favorite of the bunch. Top opening makes it so convenient to use not only for traveling from point A to B, but along the way too.

And the "landscape" aspect ratio isn't just for stability, it also means it flies under the radar. It won't fit under an airplane seat, but somehow it doesn't register as a wheeled bag to gate agents.
]]> Travel Products lipoff https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-products/2218076-thinktank-airport-navigator-v2.html https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-products/2217472-luggage-recommendations-check.html Wed, 06 May 2026 00:21:16 GMT I have had good luck with Samsonite (comes with 10yr warranty) - but its been a while since I last bought one. Wondering if you guys have recommendation for a brand or produce or place to buy? Are the hard shell light bags are worthwhile? It... I have had good luck with Samsonite (comes with 10yr warranty) - but its been a while since I last bought one.

Wondering if you guys have recommendation for a brand or produce or place to buy?
Are the hard shell light bags are worthwhile?
It looks like I am looking for the 62" or slightly smaller bag. A set is fine too.
What do these bags weigh lately? Any metrics I should consider when buying? ]]> Travel Products sciconf https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-products/2217472-luggage-recommendations-check.html https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-products/2217447-rimowa-essential-cabin-vs-original-cabin-o-worth-weight-difference.html Tue, 05 May 2026 11:41:14 GMT Hi all, I’m trying to decide between the Rimowa Essential Cabin and the Original Cabin, and would love some input. The main differences I’m considering: * Weight: about 1.1 kg / 2.2 lbs lighter for the Essential * Closure: zipper... Hi all,

I’m trying to decide between the Rimowa Essential Cabin and the Original Cabin, and would love some input.

The main differences I’m considering:

• Weight: about 1.1 kg / 2.2 lbs lighter for the Essential
• Closure: zipper (Essential) vs. clamps (Original)
• I’ve read that the Essential might be more flexible and can fit slightly more due to the zipper

Does anyone here have experience with both? How do they compare in real-world use (durability, packing capacity, ease of use)?

Thanks in advance! ]]> Travel Products Meisterflieger https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-products/2217447-rimowa-essential-cabin-vs-original-cabin-o-worth-weight-difference.html https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-products/2217229-rothco-travel-vest.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:45:39 GMT I'm considering a travel vest. Scottevest seems to be the most popular but the landed price is $400 Canadian after taxes, duties and shipping from the USA. The Rothco vest is about a third the price and I can order it from amazon.ca. Any opinions on the Rothco vest or similar less costly travel vests? ]]> Travel Products NorthernMiner https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-products/2217229-rothco-travel-vest.html https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-products/2217211-tumi-warranty-caveat-emptor.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:52:17 GMT I’ve owned several TUMI products over the years and always thought I was buying premium quality and premium service. This was my first time testing the second part. The bag in question developed a problem with one of the metal buckle components.... I’ve owned several TUMI products over the years and always thought I was buying premium quality and premium service. This was my first time testing the second part.

The bag in question developed a problem with one of the metal buckle components. Oddly, one comparable component has held up perfectly well, while the other has lost its finish through ordinary use. In other words, one part appears fit for purpose and the other seems to have taken a more artistic approach.

TUMI Japan’s explanation was that this is not a fault but “patina”. Which was interesting, because I had previously been dealing with TUMI Australia on the basis that the item would be replaced.

The customer service process was the real achievement here. I was told I would receive a response within 4 days. When I followed up 8 days later, I was told they were still within their response time. This was my first indication that TUMI may also manufacture time.

I was then offered partial solutions that did not resolve the issue, directed toward a cheaper model, told a model I was willing to accept was unavailable when it was in fact listed on their own website, and asked to work through a return process that was unnecessarily difficult for an item I use every day.

So, to summarise: premium bag, non-premium component, and a complaints process that managed to be slow, argumentative, and hard work all at once.

A luxury brand does not prove itself when everything goes right. It proves itself when something goes wrong. On this occasion, TUMI did not come close.

I would have accepted a straightforward repair, replacement, or refund. Instead I got a lesson in “patina”, logistics, and patience. ]]> Travel Products Kiwi_FF https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-products/2217211-tumi-warranty-caveat-emptor.html