I’m not a fan of rolling bags for reasons mentioned elsewhere. But, if you must roll this old article from Slate is good for establishing criteria with which to evaluate the accursed conveyances. Some of the models in the article are out of date, but the author’s points are excellent:
“A good bag rolls smoothly on a wide wheelbase, with a sturdy, comfortably situated handle to guide it. A bad bag rocks drunkenly on its wheels, with a hard-to-grip, poorly angled handle. It’s always finding ways to bump into your legs.”
“With a careful eye, you can suss out which bags are well-crafted and which will soon be plagued with sticking zippers and mangled handles.”
His winner is the Tumi Vestry which is no longer produced. If style is important to you and money is no object, check out the $495 (now on sale $369 as of 8-12-07) for 20” Tumi Ducati (right). It’s 20” x 13.75”x 9”, comfortably under maximum legal carry-on dimensisons. I like bags that are a little undersized if they are rigid like this one - less stuffing required to get in the overheard. And you certainly wouldn’t want to scuff up this beauty. This is the bag for beautiful people: If the bag fits, roll it.
Note: Alert OBOW reader Stephen R. points out that while it looks like the tow handle is for right-handers only, the handle actually pivots for comfortable use with either hand.
We’ll have a review in coming weeks of a less-expensive Tough Traveler rolling carryon with removable wheels.