birdstrike

I'm still looking for a BAAmax bag. I just made up the name as a play on Panamax.

GadgetFreak

Have you checked out the BR235X? Im guessing I can compress it the .15 inches in depth that it exceeds the BAA limits. That what is bad about wheeled bags. Im not sure parking a car on a B&R wheeled bag will compress it Im a bit torn between that and the RedOxx Air Boss. I will probably end up with both

birdstrike

I did, thank you. The Air Boss looks really cool, too small, but really cool. It I didn't have an original Eagle Creek Solo Journey I might well buy the Air Boss.

The BR235X is very close to BAAmax, but the wheels and handle take up a significant amount of that room. I don't know if it would serve any better than my Eagle Creek Load Warrior LT 22.

GadgetFreak

The BR235X doesnt have wheels and it is expandable if the opportunity and need arise, like putting a bottle of whisky in after clearing LHR measuring devices. Im really thinking this stuff through to the important details if I say so myself

birdstrike

Ah! I was looking at something different. This looks interesting. I will hie me off to a luggage store to take a look!

Thanks!

aktchi

Oops! I didn't pay close attention to an unfamiliar sounding name and thought it was for real, just not sold around here!

I do have both and both have gone through many airports and airlines including LHR and BA. In my experience soft bags dangling from your shoulder are seldom challenged unless overpacked and showing a visible bulge in the middle.

With a wheeled bag OTOH and there is no way to "understate" its size. If you want a safe choice in that variety, I'd keep it 20", preferably 18".

I see I was too late pointing out your error. BR235X is another great bag, slightly bigger, higher Danier and heavier than Air Boss.

Neither is perfect---I can certainly suggest modifications---but I did buy and do own both. What more can I say.

goback

I ditched my wheel aboard some time ago, because the weight of the wheels chews up most of the limits imposed by Qantas and Virgin Blue.
I did look seriously at the Redd-OX, but went for the Tom Binh Aeronaut http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/500/TB0906
It has been very useful, even manages to pass the Dash 8 carry on test at Canberra.

kiwicounter

I don't have an Airboss but a PR5 Safari Beanos by Red Oxx. It's been used for domestic travel in NZ quite a bit but its first international trip will be next week to Europe. With only ~4.5kgs (10 pounds) inside it should meet carryon limits very easily. I can't stand checked luggage, its so much easier to buy toiletries when you're 'there' and I know that each time I fly I want to take a little bit less the next time

mre2b9

I like the Patagonia MLC (stands for max legal carryon).

It's L 22˝ x W 9.5˝ x H 13˝ but totally unstructured so will easily overpack and then cram into small spaces.

It is high quality, with good ballistic nylon and quality ykk zippers, but isn't overbuilt with big heavy metal hardware. It weighs only 3 lbs (less if you take off the shoulder strap and backpack straps).

I think it looks more professional too.

They use to have a similar slightly bigger model, and I've had that one for about 8 years and it has always been allowed on any plane including in UK.

http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/prod...AR.TRAVEL_GEAR

aktchi

Red Oxx just came out with a new convertible called Sky Train. It is 20x9x13. Designed by the same person who designed Air Boss. Maybe worth looking into: redoxx.com/catalog/p_91019.html

GUWonder

As LHR (and several UK airports) have now relaxed (at least on a "trial basis") back to a carry-on + a personal item, BA has been allowing customers transiting LHR to once again do as we do in the US and take our roll-a-board and separate laptop bag on board BA flights even if going beyond LHR.

GadgetFreak

I have a Skytrain bag and love it. If you search here for it there are some mentions of it. I also wrote a brief review on the Red Oxx site.

aktchi

GadgetFreak: Do you own or have on-hand experience with Air Boss too, and if so how do the two compare? After a point, I find it difficult to work with printed numbers and photos.

GadgetFreak

Sorry, just the Skytrain. I do know that the Airboss has three main compartments while the Skytrain has two. I put clothes in an Eagle Creek folder in one and either put my briefcase (if I can only have one bag) or miscellaneous items in the other.

aktchi

I do find the three compartments in Air Boss convenient although I realize that this reduces the capacity slightly. Still, I'll put the Sky Train on my short list should I need something in future. BTW enjoyed your review at Red Oxx.