Carry-on Luggage Recommendations

[totallynot321Nole]

Asking here because I figure the LR has some seasoned business travelers.

I've been either checking a bag or cramming stuff into a backpack for too long, and I'm looking for a new carry-on to use for 3-4 day business trips. I usually wear dress shirts and slacks for 3 days, then jeans and a polo or sweater on the 4th day.

I'm looking for new luggage that meets the following criteria:

1) fits in a standard overhead bin

2) allows me to pack clothes without wrinkling them.

3) has room for extra shoes, etc.

Also, if anyone has packing tips, those would be appreciated too. For example, I've found that my shirts stay unwrinkled if I leave them in their dry cleaning plastic bags when I pack them.

 

[Formerly Rockymtnole]

Been a fan of Briggs and Riley for a long time. I have a 20 year old workhorse 22 roller that is still going strong. Probably close to a million miles on it. Just sent it back a second time and they put a new handle assembly. Also bought the new version of the same model and it looks just as solid.

The stuff is expensive but no complaints from me.

Re packing - look at an Eagle Creek Garment Folder for your shirts and slacks. You just need one.

 

[KitingHigh]

Definitely get the folder from Eagle Creek.

I’m a fan of their switchback carry on/backpack combo as well.

 

[lizfsu]

Nothing super fancy, but I use Calpak. specific model is Davis.

It holds a ton and can expand. I’ve put enough for a week plus shoes and toiletries in it. I’ve packed heavy coats and boots for a long weekend trip to Chicago. And it’s hard shell in case you ever do need to check it.

 

[FSU_UCLA]

My partner and I both upgraded to Away carry-ons this year, and we could not be more pleased with them. The built-in electable battery pack has been surprisingly handy on several occasions.

https://www.awaytravel.com/shop/luggage

 

[OrlandNole]

I use TravelPro and it's worked well for me. It's got a removable garment folder that keeps dress clothes (coats included) wrinkle free.

 

[PoopandBoogers]

My partner and I both upgraded to Away carry-ons this year, and we could not be more pleased with them. The built-in electable battery pack has been surprisingly handy on several occasions.

https://www.awaytravel.com/shop/luggage

I saw at an airport recently that they were asking people to remove the battery packs before carrying on.

*Just looked it up. Delta, AA and a few others make you remove it but can check or carry on if separated from the bag.

I usually use a back pack if only for a few days. Easy to move through airport and frees up hands. One thing to think about is if you don't have status and fly last minute a bunch, they will check rollers if running out of overhead, but never say anything about backpacks.
Ive never used the folders or special packing compartments, but have heard good things about them.

 

[SoddyNole]

 

[FSU_UCLA]

*Just looked it up. Delta, AA and a few others make you remove it but can check or carry on if separated from the bag.

The battery pack is designed to be ejected at security for scanning and then carried on, which is actually really convenient due to making the battery accessible throughout the flight.

 

[phideltflg]

I'm a big fan of my Tumi carry on bag. It handles everything I need for a full week without an issue, and easily fits in any airline overhead bin. They are a bit pricey, but Tumi runs a really good sale a couple times each year. I have a few friends that have purchased Away bags and been very happy with them as well.

 

[osceola74]

Try folding clothes using tissue paper similar to how new shirts are packaged. Went on a river cruise last month and folded everything with tissue and did not need to press anything.

 

[riseboi]

I'll throw in a vote for both Tumi and Briggs & Riley. Have several Tumi bags and currently use the international spinner. Quality and durability have never been a concern. And I have some family with B&R and they swear by them. Both tend to be heavier than brands of similar size. But, if I needed to get another one, I might get a B&R. I think they roll slightly better than Tumi and they tend to look smaller due to the exterior handle. I fly mostly AA, but on a couple occasions, Delta has given my a hard time because they didn't think my international carryon would fit.

In regard to packing, I'm a converted proponent of packing cubes.

If you haven't already, you find lots of opinions on the flyertalk forums.

 

[LesClaypool]

Try folding clothes using tissue paper similar to how new shirts are packaged. Went on a river cruise last month and folded everything with tissue and did not need to press anything.

Where’d you go on your cruise?

 

[osceola74]

Where’d you go on your cruise?

Went down the Danube River on Viking. Started in Budapest, finished in Passau, Germany which is 2 hours from the Munich Airport. It was basically a Christmas Market cruise.

 

[LesClaypool]

Went down the Danube River on Viking. Started in Budapest, finished in Passau, Germany which is 2 hours from the Munich Airport. It was basically a Christmas Market cruise.

Were the water levels sufficient to travel the whole way via boat? When I was in Switzerland, a tour guide remarked that b/c there’s been so little rain in Europe this past year, the river cruises have had to reschedule many of their itineraries (or parts of them) as bus tours.

 

[NotGuiltyNole]

If you want something damn near bullet proof, go with Pelican. I have flew 66 legs last year and love it. It is not expandable, so might not fit your needs.

As for your shirts, when you dry clean ask for them to be boxed. You have some wrinkles, but they fall out pretty quickly.

 

[osceola74]

Were the water levels sufficient to travel the whole way via boat? When I was in Switzerland, a tour guide remarked that b/c there’s been so little rain in Europe this past year, the river cruises have had to reschedule many of their itineraries (or parts of them) as bus tours.

We had to go by bus from Budapest to Vienna. Then we took the bus back to Bratislava to spend some time there. But from there on it was OK.

We slept on the boat every night.

 

[wdnole]

Feel like inept traveler after reading this thread... lot of carry-on expertise. Wow.

Well, although I've been a frequent traveler for work over the last 15 years I guess I found out early that the carry on thing didn't really work for me. My work trips are rarely defined in duration and my lesson came years ago when I went on a "two-day" trip that turned into two weeks.

Ended up buying clothes and a large suitcase after about 5 days when it was apparent I wasn't going home soon. So I typically check a bag and prepare for two weeks for 90% of my work trips... guess I've never developed these skills. Also, when you start with a pair of steel toed work boots and a hard hat the carry-on is pretty much done. Could wear those on the plane I suppose lol.

 

[Formerly Rockymtnole]

Also, when you start with a pair of steel toed work boots and a hard hat the carry-on is pretty much done. Could wear those on the plane I suppose lol.

Having big feet or needing to pack more than one pair of shoes definitely limits your options.

 

[Urban Cryer]

Maybe I’m just high maintenance, but I could never pack what I need for 3-4 days in a carryon, how do u guys do it?

 

[Formerly Rockymtnole]

Maybe I’m just high maintenance, but I could never pack what I need for 3-4 days in a carryon, how do u guys do it?

Pick a color scheme and mix and match.

Lay out what you think you'll need to pack and put a third of it back in your closet.

 

[NoleFan2U]

Pick a color scheme and mix and match.

Lay out what you think you'll need to pack and put a third of it back in your closet.

I put half back. Not bad for a female!

 

[OsceolaNole]

Any of you guys “steam iron” your shirts by hanging them in the hotel bathroom and running a hot shower?

Part of my first night ritual. I usually wear wrinkle free shirts, but they look crisper after a steam!

 

[totallynot321Nole]

Any of you guys “steam iron” your shirts by hanging them in the hotel bathroom and running a hot shower?

Part of my first night ritual. I usually wear wrinkle free shirts, but they look crisper after a steam!

I do, but it only seems to fix minor wrinkles.

 

[KitingHigh]

Maybe I’m just high maintenance, but I could never pack what I need for 3-4 days in a carryon, how do u guys do it?

Day one right side out
Day two inside out
Day three, commando
Wash in sink and air out then start the cycle over

 

[KitingHigh]

Any of you guys “steam iron” your shirts by hanging them in the hotel bathroom and running a hot shower?

Part of my first night ritual. I usually wear wrinkle free shirts, but they look crisper after a steam!

Yep, for work

My signature move on vacation is to not pack enough shirts and then my wife has to let me buy new ones. I got most of my resort casual wear that way.

 

[PoopandBoogers]

Maybe I’m just high maintenance, but I could never pack what I need for 3-4 days in a carryon, how do u guys do it?

You cant fit 4 shirts and 1 or 2 pants, 5 boxers, 5 socks in a carry on? How much do you pack for a 3 day trip. If you have on what your wearing for the 1st day, then its only packing for 2 or 3 days worth. Maybe boardshorts, sandals and a workout shirt also. That easily fits in a carry on or a backpack with room to spare.

 

[Urban Cryer]

You cant fit 4 shirts and 1 or 2 pants, 5 boxers, 5 socks in a carry on? How much do you pack for a 3 day trip. If you have on what your wearing for the 1st day, then its only packing for 2 or 3 days worth. Maybe boardshorts, sandals and a workout shirt also. That easily fits in a carry on or a backpack with room to spare.

I exercise everyday and I never wear dirty gym clothes.

 

[Buckheadnole]

Been a fan of Briggs and Riley for a long time. I have a 20 year old workhorse 22 roller that is still going strong. Probably close to a million miles on it. Just sent it back a second time and they put a new handle assembly. Also bought the new version of the same model and it looks just as solid.

The stuff is expensive but no complaints from me.

Re packing - look at an Eagle Creek Garment Folder for your shirts and slacks. You just need one.

Briggs and Riley all the way, for the win. I have the international carry on. Fits in CRJ 900 overhead bins as well. Can pack up to 5-7 days if creative. Rarely have to gate tag it. Serves me well as a multi-million miler on Delta.