While browsing today at my local REI I came across several variants of the new Osprey Ozone series of bags. NO, these are NOT specifically meant for trips to Los Angeles! These are very lightweight bags:

http://www.rei.com/search?query=Osprey+Ozone

I don't quite understand why they would make such a bag in a 28-inch check-in size, not of any interest to this board anyway, not to mention the lack of respect airlines have for all bags today, Of greater interest might be the 22-inch bag (don't tell Frank but it has wheels) which at 4 lbs. 8 oz. would be among the very lightest such cases available. However, it looks to me that it would not be as easy to pack as their class standard unwheeled backpackable Porter 46, two-thirds the weight, and costing less than half as much.

Primarily of interest here actually would be their $89, 1 lb. 7 oz. Courier Bag, complete with a rather comfortable shoulder strap, in a size that should work for Spirit Air with room to spare, and also work for someone facing a 7 kg. limit. This comes in a light gray to match one's suit, plus a rather flourescent dare you to lose me light green. The bag has a series of zippers that open widely to facilitate packing, while being more secure than the typical flapped courier bag.

Very interesting find, Alan. I like the concept a lot, especially with a padded sleeve for laptop or iPad. Osprey has a good reputation, but I just can't get over the almost garish looks.

It's good to see companies pushing the envelope with smaller, lightweight bags.

i've seen these too, and they seem sturdy enough. but not really for the heavy business traveler market, not because of sturdiness, but because of the monopole which is not popular for business travelers.

<<padded sleeve for laptop or iPad>>

Obviously I took a look to brief to pick up that very useful feature.

<<Osprey has a good reputation, but I just can't get over the almost garish looks.>>

I believe that there is an alternative color, Light Grey, that would not be so garish. Anyway, if I ever needed to travel totally wheels free, using the Porter 46 that I have, the Courier Bag could still be carried as a cross-shoulder bag, to add some extra capacity.

I've measured the internals of the Osprey 22" wheeled bag and unless you over stuff it, I don't think it is as big as the stated capacity. Their sales department did say the capacity was correct when I asked. However, I saw it loaded up going through SFO and still have doubts. The back is tautly tented over the monopole which takes away some of the wiggle room and the bottom has a curved spine which also removes a bit of space.

I'd probably look at this new Eagle Creek Load Warrior 22" next or one of The North Face wheeled duffels if you want wheels. The Load Warrior has two poles and a piggy back at 5 lbs 13 oz.
http://shop.eaglecreek.com/load-warrior-wheeled-duffel-22/d/1234_c_112

The monopole tends to be problematic, given that a lot of good "personal" bags have a rear slot that fits nicely over a double pole handle. While the double handle somewhat complicates packing the bottom of a bag, most travelers can figure out how to work around that.

I purchased the Osprey 22" in October and am quite happy with the bag. Having traveled quite a bit internationally with Victorinox, Tumi, and luggage from Rick Steve's, the bag is terrific. I especially like: (a) the top pocket for easy access to my Ziploc of toiletries; (b) the space available in the rear panel-pocket; (c) the compression straps; and (d) overall lightweight. The outer dimensions on the Victorinox and Tumi tended to not fit as well in the allotted carry-on space for international travel while the Osprey fits perfectly.

@BrianT - How is the Ozone bag holding up? Is it still working out well for you?

I'm thinking of getting the Osprey Contrail, Ozone, or Eagle Creek Load Warrior 22" and they're all made of slightly different materials.

What did you end up getting. I'm now weighing the Contrail, Ozone and Load Warrior -- while still keeping my mind open Patagonia MLC Wheelie, B&R BRX 22, etc.).

Thanks.