Here's my $.02 on the issue of a roller bag -- the 4-wheeler I bought made train, taxi, and car transfers in Switzerland and Austria easy as pie. I set my Gator bag on top of the roller, and away we went. Plus, the Rimowa Salsa Air 26" was so lightweight, I could get on and off faster, and on my own without assistance, than my husband could with his ever-lovin' Eagle Creek roller. You'd be amazed at how easy a roller will make your life, particularly if you have to hustle...glide that 4-wheeler down the tracks and around the station. There's a reason so many Swiss use polycarb luggage -- it's light, flexible, and practical.
The conundrum about Switzerland includes not just train transfers, but the intent to do some DAY HIKING, for which one really should in higher mountains carry "The Ten Essentials," that can generate an overall load of about fifteen pounds, well above what a Co-Pilot can handle, and with that, optimally handled by a true day pack with weight-transferring hip belt, such as the Osprey Talon 22:
which has of course a volume about half that of the 46 liter Osprey travel pack I already own. So one alternative might be to CHECK my 22-inch roller for the flight over and back, and use a largerdaypack such as that above as my carry-on, and somewhere including a very light folding zipped cross shoulder bag for urban day excursions. Well...I have almost a year to figure this one out!
Forget the Co-Pilot...nicely made bag, but inappropriate to your hiking needs. Get a sturdy day pack with some kind of hip/back help, but one that can also fold into your luggage. My Eagle Creek day pack is too light for that purpose, but the Ospreys are really nice.
I'm also going to be heretical here, and ask: Why wouldn't you (not the small 'you,' but the larger YOU) check your bag on an international flight? If you're transferring from one flight to another, keeping it in the overhead compartment makes some sense. But, on a non-stop?? Why not lighten the load in the airport while you get a coffee or sit around during that 1-3hours used for international "check-in"?
Interesting post and a dilemma I am now familiar with - heading up to Canada in a couple of weeks and plan to do a bit of day hiking as well. My usual day pack is too big for the trip so I just bought the Osprey Daylite - incredibly light pack but roomy - it will easily hold the "10 essentials". and if I don't use it as my "personal item" it's small and light enough to fit in my carryon! Plan is to use that as my personal item and only take my 20" carry on - plan to pick up a knife and a lighter once I get to Canada to complete my "essentials" kit!
One bag: a wheel-less, carry-on bag measuring no more than 22" x 14" x 9"
We hate the idea of checking bags because they can get lost or redirected (yes even on a nonstop flight), damaged, and then you're at the mercy of the baggage handlers as to how long it takes to get your bag if you get it in one piece.
And when I get a coffee at the airport, I'm not "wearing" the bag--it's on the floor by my feet. No problem.
You are free to travel any way you wish but please remember this website is for those wishing to discuss one bag style of travel and not standard type of travel with full size wheeled suitcases.
As I say often, one bag travel is not for everyone.
<< not just train transfers, but the intent to do some DAY HIKING, for which one really should in higher mountains carry "The Ten Essentials,">>
As I wrote before (http://www.1bag1world.com/obow-light-travel-forum/post/2106860), I'm planning a 2-week vacation in Mitteleuropa, and the possibility of day hiking in the Wienerwald, if the weather is good, may affect what I take. The Wienerwald is neither high nor remote, and I should be able to fit a version of the Ten Essentials in a Travelling Light sling bag (not as functional as a day pack for hiking, but more functional in cities, where I'll be most of the time).
A tool kit, in the contemporary version of the list, or a knife in the original version, is the clanger for one-bagging. I see no alternative to buying a knife there (mailing it back unless I check the main bag on the return trip).
Luggage is damaged every day and in every way, I'll grant you that. I've seen bags damaged on Amtrak, on the subway getting to the airport, in a rental car...you get the idea. But, the odds are, I suspect, still in our favor that all comes through safe & sound. I simply like to get rid of anything extraneous when I have to hang around. The stuff I really need (medicine, for example, or a change of underwear) is in my carry-on bag.
You're right about one-bag travel not being for everyone. I've traveled a lot in my life -- did the backpacking thing in college with Frommer's Europe on $10/day in my hand, did the 1-bag wheeled thing for 10-12 years, tried the backpacking thing again on this trip. I'll try it again on the next go-round. I'm leaving all options on the table, and want to be as open-minded as possible to the options available.
i one bag as much as possible, and think its great. but i think the real differentiator is business vs pleasure travel. with business, the company issued laptop is the harder part, rather than clothes. the second biggest is issue is local and to a lessor extent, original travel mode. traveling by bus, train, boat, over cobble stone streets etc. not ideal for wheels. thats clear, but not everyone faces those types of hurdles. but the vast majority of US travel, does not involve that. and the vast majority of business travel is local. i routinely travel sun or mon through friday with only my tristar. lightweight laptop bag in the middle. c-level type of meetings, my dress is long sleeve shirts, wool trousers, and dress rockports. these days i don't really bother carrying casual clothes, and my packing list is minmal with sink washing. still, the bag is a little more than 20lbs. i do have to carry papers and work related items, and sometimes wear a suit or jacket (and if you need to pack one, is bulky vs heavy). i see alot of people post about casual, walking, or dress/casual rockports, (or polo shirts) but not everyone can get away with those. there are many business roadwarriers who are very eager for more tips on light travel, but quite a bit is really geared towards leisure travel, and often that seems like international vs going to NYC or DC or sea world. i think you'll find the business related tips a little different than the casual traveler, because there is only so much you can do if semi formal business clothes are required for 5 days. the other controllable items in the packing list fun to research and source.
In our new forum, which everyone will see starting Wednesday, I hope, I've broken it down into categories so it's easier to share and find specific information.
I've added a category to our "Travel Tips" section titled "Business Travel."
Hi Frank!! Love this website and it's definitely given me a lot of ideas of how to "lighten my load" - many of which I've already implemented. But I had a question for you! Do you typically place your bag in the overhead bin or can you fit it under the seat? If you do store it in the overhead bins how do you handle getting out your reading material/ipad/kindle etc., etc. for the flight? Everything I take would easily fit in my carry on (which alas, has wheels as my dr. has said I shouldn't carry a bag due to a back injury) but I always take a small bag for these items as I don't want to hold up the line removing them just before I heft my case into the bin. Just curious how you and other true "one baggers" handle this!
My "day bag"--whatever that might be--is pre-packed with everything I need/want during my flight. I'll either take it out just before boarding or as I get to my seat. It's always in an easy-to-get-to compartment so I don't hold up the line.
I always try to put my carry-on in the overhead so I can have more legroom. Occasionally, there's no room and it goes under the seat in front of me.
And that's where I learned a little trick. When the flight attendants come around during pre-flight check, I place both feet on my carry on and push so it looks like I'm trying to stretch my legs as Amuch as possible but I'm really trying to make it look like the bag fits easily under the seat. If it doesn't, it gets checked.
Being able to do the "underseat push" is one of the benefits of having a soft sided bag. And, of course, not filling it to the brim.
If I have to do this, the day bag stays in the main carry-on until after takeoff as both wont' fit underneath at the same time.
Remember, when we say "one bag," we mean one bag in transit. A second bag packed inside the first is fine. But when I'm moving through an airport, train station, subway, walking in the street, and so on, I only have one bag to worry about. (The second is inside the first and not a worry.)
Thanks Frank! Love that "push the bag" tip! My "personal bag" is a nylon tote which is easy to push under the seat and folds up easily so fits in my one bag if I need it to. Really wish I could do wheel less but not willing to injure my back again .. so wheels it is! The key for wheeled bags I think is to find the lightest possible (no easy task, that) and then REALLY watch the weight of what you pack - at least for me that has been true - trying out a couple of new things on my upcoming trip so will report back if they are successful!
Hi! My tote is a Longchamps Pliage bag. It doesn't have much in the way of organization - in fact it doesn't have any - no outside pockets, no interior pockets or dividers but it works for me - I can carry my laptop in it if I have to but normally just bring my ipad, kindle ( camera - have used it for carrying either a DSLR or a point and shoot) and my small, kipling cross body bag and a sweater. I bought this in the duty free shop at Heathrow a few years ago on sale so it wasn't very expensive. I love it because it's very lightweight and I can fold it up and it fits easily in the front pocket of my carryon. I've found that the more pockets a bag has the bulkier and heavier it is. The bag is surprisingly durable - still looks brand new after weekly use for over 4 years! It isn't a bag I would check - don't think it would last long for that!
if I may re: Frank's fancy footwork (bravo)....we flew Swiss to Geneva (in economy), and it was refreshing to be treated as an adult for a change. They played a short, animated safety video via your personal video device in the seat back. None of the flight attendants policed the aisles looking to bust you for not shoving your carry-on totally under the seat.
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http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/product/multi-use/talon_22?tab=specifications
which has of course a volume about half that of the 46 liter Osprey travel pack I already own. So one alternative might be to CHECK my 22-inch roller for the flight over and back, and use a largerdaypack such as that above as my carry-on, and somewhere including a very light folding zipped cross shoulder bag for urban day excursions. Well...I have almost a year to figure this one out!
I'm also going to be heretical here, and ask: Why wouldn't you (not the small 'you,' but the larger YOU) check your bag on an international flight? If you're transferring from one flight to another, keeping it in the overhead compartment makes some sense. But, on a non-stop?? Why not lighten the load in the airport while you get a coffee or sit around during that 1-3hours used for international "check-in"?
Interesting post and a dilemma I am now familiar with - heading up to Canada in a couple of weeks and plan to do a bit of day hiking as well. My usual day pack is too big for the trip so I just bought the Osprey Daylite - incredibly light pack but roomy - it will easily hold the "10 essentials". and if I don't use it as my "personal item" it's small and light enough to fit in my carryon! Plan is to use that as my personal item and only take my 20" carry on - plan to pick up a knife and a lighter once I get to Canada to complete my "essentials" kit!
One bag: a wheel-less, carry-on bag measuring no more than 22" x 14" x 9"
We hate the idea of checking bags because they can get lost or redirected (yes even on a nonstop flight), damaged, and then you're at the mercy of the baggage handlers as to how long it takes to get your bag if you get it in one piece.
And when I get a coffee at the airport, I'm not "wearing" the bag--it's on the floor by my feet. No problem.
You are free to travel any way you wish but please remember this website is for those wishing to discuss one bag style of travel and not standard type of travel with full size wheeled suitcases.
As I say often, one bag travel is not for everyone.
As I wrote before (http://www.1bag1world.com/obow-light-travel-forum/post/2106860), I'm planning a 2-week vacation in Mitteleuropa, and the possibility of day hiking in the Wienerwald, if the weather is good, may affect what I take. The Wienerwald is neither high nor remote, and I should be able to fit a version of the Ten Essentials in a Travelling Light sling bag (not as functional as a day pack for hiking, but more functional in cities, where I'll be most of the time).
A tool kit, in the contemporary version of the list, or a knife in the original version, is the clanger for one-bagging. I see no alternative to buying a knife there (mailing it back unless I check the main bag on the return trip).
Luggage is damaged every day and in every way, I'll grant you that. I've seen bags damaged on Amtrak, on the subway getting to the airport, in a rental car...you get the idea. But, the odds are, I suspect, still in our favor that all comes through safe & sound. I simply like to get rid of anything extraneous when I have to hang around. The stuff I really need (medicine, for example, or a change of underwear) is in my carry-on bag.
You're right about one-bag travel not being for everyone. I've traveled a lot in my life -- did the backpacking thing in college with Frommer's Europe on $10/day in my hand, did the 1-bag wheeled thing for 10-12 years, tried the backpacking thing again on this trip. I'll try it again on the next go-round. I'm leaving all options on the table, and want to be as open-minded as possible to the options available.
but i think the real differentiator is business vs pleasure travel. with business, the company issued laptop is the harder part, rather than clothes. the second biggest is issue is local and to a lessor extent, original travel mode. traveling by bus, train, boat, over cobble stone streets etc. not ideal for wheels. thats clear, but not everyone faces those types of hurdles.
but the vast majority of US travel, does not involve that. and the vast majority of business travel is local.
i routinely travel sun or mon through friday with only my tristar. lightweight laptop bag in the middle. c-level type of meetings, my dress is long sleeve shirts, wool trousers, and dress rockports. these days i don't really bother carrying casual clothes, and my packing list is minmal with sink washing. still, the bag is a little more than 20lbs. i do have to carry papers and work related items, and sometimes wear a suit or jacket (and if you need to pack one, is bulky vs heavy). i see alot of people post about casual, walking, or dress/casual rockports, (or polo shirts) but not everyone can get away with those.
there are many business roadwarriers who are very eager for more tips on light travel, but quite a bit is really geared towards leisure travel, and often that seems like international vs going to NYC or DC or sea world. i think you'll find the business related tips a little different than the casual traveler, because there is only so much you can do if semi formal business clothes are required for 5 days. the other controllable items in the packing list fun to research and source.
In our new forum, which everyone will see starting Wednesday, I hope, I've broken it down into categories so it's easier to share and find specific information.
I've added a category to our "Travel Tips" section titled "Business Travel."
Love this website and it's definitely given me a lot of ideas of how to "lighten my load" - many of which I've already implemented. But I had a question for you! Do you typically place your bag in the overhead bin or can you fit it under the seat? If you do store it in the overhead bins how do you handle getting out your reading material/ipad/kindle etc., etc. for the flight? Everything I take would easily fit in my carry on (which alas, has wheels as my dr. has said I shouldn't carry a bag due to a back injury) but I always take a small bag for these items as I don't want to hold up the line removing them just before I heft my case into the bin.
Just curious how you and other true "one baggers" handle this!
My "day bag"--whatever that might be--is pre-packed with everything I need/want during my flight. I'll either take it out just before boarding or as I get to my seat. It's always in an easy-to-get-to compartment so I don't hold up the line.
I always try to put my carry-on in the overhead so I can have more legroom. Occasionally, there's no room and it goes under the seat in front of me.
And that's where I learned a little trick. When the flight attendants come around during pre-flight check, I place both feet on my carry on and push so it looks like I'm trying to stretch my legs as Amuch as possible but I'm really trying to make it look like the bag fits easily under the seat. If it doesn't, it gets checked.
Being able to do the "underseat push" is one of the benefits of having a soft sided bag. And, of course, not filling it to the brim.
If I have to do this, the day bag stays in the main carry-on until after takeoff as both wont' fit underneath at the same time.
Remember, when we say "one bag," we mean one bag in transit. A second bag packed inside the first is fine. But when I'm moving through an airport, train station, subway, walking in the street, and so on, I only have one bag to worry about. (The second is inside the first and not a worry.)
My tote is a Longchamps Pliage bag. It doesn't have much in the way of organization - in fact it doesn't have any - no outside pockets, no interior pockets or dividers but it works for me - I can carry my laptop in it if I have to but normally just bring my ipad, kindle ( camera - have used it for carrying either a DSLR or a point and shoot) and my small, kipling cross body bag and a sweater. I bought this in the duty free shop at Heathrow a few years ago on sale so it wasn't very expensive. I love it because it's very lightweight and I can fold it up and it fits easily in the front pocket of my carryon. I've found that the more pockets a bag has the bulkier and heavier it is. The bag is surprisingly durable - still looks brand new after weekly use for over 4 years! It isn't a bag I would check - don't think it would last long for that!