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)