I've done some searches for recommendations on rollaboard carry-on pieces, and they seem to focus on the 22" maximum-size rollaboard.

What I'm looking for is something that still has wheels, but is sized smaller for 1-3 day trips. I suppose I'm also open to non-wheeled options since it'll be light, but once I get to carrying a purse, a laptop case, and a duffel bag, I start feeling like a pack mule.

I've seen some nice-sized looking mini rollaboards in the airport before but I'm not sure what size they are. Maybe I should just start accosting random people and asking details about their luggage...

As a starting point, how about the two smaller wheeled totes in the Briggs & Riley Baseline Collection? See section five of the website below, models U-112 and U-114:

http://briggs-riley.com/baseline.htm#five






[This message has been edited by Non-NonRev (edited Feb 27, 2004).]

I use a 20" super-light that is just about perfect; you've got extra room on a short trip and, with some discipline, you can do a week or so with it.
A big plus is that I don't need some guy to help me hoist it into the overhead. Sure, I can't stuff a loaf of Poilane bread into it coming out of Paris, but it works for me.

I'm a cheap sob but I have to tell you that the I have briggs-riley 21" expandable and WOW is it great. It's not light at 12lbs but I have only had one time when I was asked to weight my bag.

The only minor drawback to me is that you can't slide it in to overhead bins length ways, it has to go in sideways. It's really 22.5" once you measure with the wheels on it. Tricky little people

The expandable version is probably much more than you need. As for the wheels. I haven't ever pulled such a well balanced bag in my life. With my laptop strapped to it I'm going to guess than I am pulling over 40lbs and it's effortless. I was really worried about the wheels as they don't look very tough but not a sign of wear on them in over 45 segments since I got it.

Good luck, it's so confusing to try and find something

I have a 20" Travelpro and in packing don't see much difference between that and a 22". I do love having it to travel with and on a couple of occasions when I've absolutely had to, it did completely fit underneath the seat in front of me on a 737.

Here's a 20" rollaboard from the Lands End catalog that may interest you...
http://www.landsend.com/cd/fp/prod/0...32167249100120

[This message has been edited by prspad (edited Feb 27, 2004).]

This one is a 22" but it seems to me to be a good deal. You can get free shipping if you go through ebates.com and use the free shipping code. You also get 4% cash back from ebates.
http://www.shopnbc.com/product/?fami...-SEDHDAlVerna3

This flight crew rollaboard and tote set includes both a 22" flight crew rollaboard and a flight crew tote. Made from Dupont Teflon coated Ballestic nylon, the 22" x 14" x 8" rollaboard features a full honeycomb frame that absorbs the harsh impact of rough baggage handling. It is light weight and comes with a new, improved speed buckle that has metal J-hooks. The attachment strap enables multiple bags to attach directly to the rollaboard.

The 11.5" x 15" x 10 tote has a black, patented ergonomic designed heavy-duty hardware. It features a full length bumper foot with handle grip and a zipper on the main packing compartment. It has a fully retractable, single hand operation handle system and ribbed corner protectors. It has screw construction on all removable/repairable compartments, with multiple interior mesh pockets. The fully lined interior is easy to clean and helps to keep your belongings neat and fresh. Its low profile soft grip top and side carry handles make for convenient traveling. It also features curved radius wheel housings with a patented removable wheel system. The corner mounted removable in-line skate wheels whisper quietly and provide superior stability and durability.

On the 20" rollaboards, will those suckers fit in the 'unmodified' overhead bins that typically require something to be set in sideways, not wheels first?

That's actually one of the criteria I forgot. I want something that will fit wheels first in most any overhead bin, if possible. Or even under a seat (assuming I don't have legs, I suppose). Something that will serve well in those 'oh no, no bin space!' times.

I'll peek about at the suggestions, too. A 20" rollaboard might be what I'm looking for.

Edited to Add: I'm looking at the U-112 Briggs-Riley, actually. Looks big enough for 2-3 days of clothes, and probably will slide under an airline site. Time to search around and see what folks think of that brand.

[This message has been edited by ebell (edited Feb 28, 2004).]

My 20" Travelpro fits "wheels first" on all UA mainline metal (of the ones I've been on 733/735, 752, 319/320, 777) with the exception of the 767 (had to go sideways). It did also fit underneath the seat in front of me on a 737 when it had to. (If it had fit into the budget, I definitely would've gone Tumi since I absolutely love my Tumi briefcase)

[This message has been edited by tweedledee (edited Feb 28, 2004).]

Just noticed that at the bottom of the page they have this note:
20" Wheeled bag measures 14"Wx22"H x9"D; 45 linear inches (2-4 days travel). So, it is also at least 22 inches....
Kate


[This message has been edited by kykate (edited Feb 28, 2004).]

I use

http://www.tumi.com/products/index.c...2_Link=Details

Meets all of your criteria.