Review: Flylite Medium Foldaway Wheeled Cabin Holdall

A couple of weeks ago, I posted a question regarding lightweight wheeled bags. There were many suggestions but one bag, Flylite Medium Foldaway Wheeled Cabin Holdall , stood out. 

I’ve been aware of this bag for sometime but had never actually seen one. So, I contacted the manufacturer in the UK who was happy to send one for review. 

Honestly, I didn’t expect much. I mean, a bag weighing just over 3 lbs (1.4kg), with wheels and a strap for a pull handle? How good could it be?

First, the specs:

The exterior of the bag is made of 1680D woven nylon and the interior is lined with vinyl. The bag measures 55 cm x 40cm x 20 cm (21.7 x 15.8 x 7.9 in.) It weighs just over 3 lbs (1.4 kg.)

The pull handle strap is adjustable in length, has a padded grip, and folds away into its own pocket when not in use. The wheels are similar to those found on roller blades. There are three carry handles on each side of the bag for easy storage and removal from overhead bins. 

There is one large compartment for packing and one smaller, thinner compartment on the outside front. The larger compartment has two internal tie-down straps.

When not in  use, the bag folds down and is held together with a velcro strip.

Now, the verdict. Honestly, I was surprised. It’s a lot better than I thought it would be. When packed, the bag stayed upright and was easy to maneuver with the strap pull handle. 

The bag was made to meet the carry-on dimensions for low cost European airlines such as Ryanair. Those dimensions are slightly different than standard U.S. carry-on rules but since the bag is basically soft sided all around, except for the bottom where the wheels are attached, I doubt you’d have a problem carrying it on board most airlines unless the bag was over packed. 

I can’t say whether the Flylite would do well being continually checked, but for someone who wants wheels, doesn’t expect to take the bag into any rough terrains or over rough conditions, this Flylite may do the trick. 

The one downfall I did find was the lack of “D” rings to allow the attachment of a shoulder strap. Considering how light the bag is, I’d like the option of attaching a shoulder strap especially if I had to carry the bag for any distance. 

The Flylite Medium Foldaway Wheeled Cabin Holdall is available from the manufacturer.  The price is 45 GBP ($74) including shipping anywhere outside the UK or EU. 

(This bag was supplied by the manufacturer for review.)

(Frank II)

Comments

[Paula S]

I like that bag. I like that it doesn`t have the usual hardware and telescopic handle.
Did you try putting it over your shoulder by the pull strap, not the same as a proper shoulder strap I know but might suffice for a short carry?

[Frank II]

The photo is a little deceiving. The pull strap handle is not long enough to act as a shoulder strap. The bag would literally be in your armpit and off balance.

[Paula S]

Ahhhh, rather like some of my old bags then! I've armpitted a few of them in past years.

[Hellsbells]

This bag sounds good. Would be great if it came with backpack straps as well.

[Paula S]

The more I look at this bag, the more I like it.
Having stared at it for some time and noticing handles either side, what about clipping a shoulder strap to those handles (could use carabiners or metal rings if the handles are too thick.....I use both on some of my bags).

[tcl]

This bag reminds me of the now extinct Chinatown-I-did-too-much-shopping-on-vacation bag once common at inexpensive luggage stores worldwide (mostly in Chinatown hence the nickname). It was available in a variety of sizes and had the worst 4 "spinner" wheels that would basically only last your trip home from vacation. However it was lightweight and cheap (US$10-30) and one could reliably find it almost everywhere.

[Frank II]

TCL--I remember those bags very well. The good news is that this bag is much stronger and made better than those old "throw aways."

[Tas Brandsd]

thank you for sharing post articles are very helpful