edvasquez

Numerous International trips. Always use carry-on bags. Eagle Creek Switchback. 43.5 inches, 6 1/2 pounds, and straps to use as a backpack for those cobblestone streets. No problem on US-based aircraft. Easy to roll. Easy to carry.

NeilA

Luggageworks. Great bags-super heavy.

peterk814

No self-righteousness. its called facts. but thank for providing the one scenario where having wheels may not be as efficient to have. gold star for you!

Boogie711

Other facts:
Areas where wheels are a hindrance:
- Lugging your bag unto a bus.
- taking your bag across a sidewalk.
- walking across snow.
- walking across grass.
- walking across cobblestones.
- walking across carpet.
- dealing with a broken wheel.
- navigating down a narrow aircraft aisle.

Areas where wheels are 'caveman superior'
- perfectly smooth airport terminals.
And.... we're done.

Thanks for playing.

chipmaster

What did I miss when you walk with luggage with no wheels or wheels that make carrying them worse, the extra appendage? Do the no wheel lift themselves onto bus, levitate so you don't have to carry them across grass, cobblestones, etc. etc.

I agree that spinning wheels are more prone to breakage, but shouldn't the buyer choose with end usage and risk in mind.

It is early in my B&R life, but so far the spinners beat out my two decade hold Hartmann two wheeler I know for many $ is important, then again balance the value, sometimes you got to pay a lot for something, for some worth it, others have their other values.

TheMadBrewer

Read the descriptions of most wheeled luggage -- it will talk about "Grab Handles" not "Carry Handles." As an experiment, try using one to carry your roller/spinner from after clearing security to your plane.

My bag doesn't levitate, it is comfortably on my back so when I need to get on a bus or train I just get on. When I come to some construction and am forced onto an uneven cobblestone street, I just keep going. Stairs ahead? No problem.

Somebody made a snark about chiropractors upthread -- I would guess if you routinely use a backpack style bag you likely have less chance of hurting your back -- you are exercising your core muscles as you carry. You're more likely to have issues lifting that heavy roller into the overhead.

I would say, though, that is argument is silly -- different people have different needs. If you always go from plane to taxi/Uber/Lyft to your chain hotel and back then a roller (or spinner) will work for you.

If you travel as I do (and as some of the other no wheelers who posted here) I am taking public transportation to my charming, out of the way hotel in a cobblestoned European city. A roller is a problem and a spinner nigh impossible. That is not even considering train/subway stations (or hotels) with out elevators or escalators.

The key is getting a bag with good backpack straps and good weight distribution. I got some tips from a friend who is a serious backpacker and that helped a lot.

And BTW, I am a 60+ overweight, fairly out of shape person. If I can lose the wheels then most anybody can.

AnalogMan

Asian carriers commonly limit weight allowances for carry-ons. EVA allows 7kg or 15 pounds. I fly that airline enough that I have changed my carry-on to ditch the wheels. I think having a bag that can be carried as a backpack is a definite advantage.

Emma1420

Last time I took an Air New Zealand flight my hand luggage was weighed. The weight limit was 7 kg. So not having a roller bag makes a huge difference.

I always got the impression that weighing hand luggage was pretty common practice especially on intra country or intra region flights.

Jimmie76

One of the thing I like about my B&R Carry On (Verb Fuse)



is the fact that it has wheels, handle, and a flat base. That, the recommendations about the brand on here and the warranty were what sold it to me Whilst I'll happily admit that it isn't the lightest thing out there it is built to last. It does also come with a lifetime warranty just in case. Although this won't be to the taste of everyone it was to me.