Recommendation for duffel-like carry on?
Aug 5, 2012 | 9:41 am
#16
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: SFO
Posts: 24
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.
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.
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.
Sep 11, 2012 | 3:19 pm
#17
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Naples, Fla.
Programs: Southwest Zone C, Howard Johnson Platinum, Costco Business Member, Uber Diamond
Posts: 42
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-...e/100/100/dept
http://www.redoxx.com/Airline-Carry-...e/100/100/dept
Jan 14, 2013 | 10:04 pm
#18
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: DL DM, AA ExP
Posts: 189
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.
- 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.
Jan 15, 2013 | 1:48 am
#19
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: us
Posts: 7
FYI, the tumi mcguire is available here:
http://www.amazon.com/Alpha-Bravo-Tr.../dp/B003VPWZ5O
http://www.amazon.com/Alpha-Bravo-Tr.../dp/B003VPWZ5O
Jan 15, 2013 | 8:41 am
#20
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: where the chile is hot
Programs: AA,RR,NW,Delta ,UA,CO
Posts: 48,092
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
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
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.
