Those who travel via air, often, have learned to pack only a good carry-on: no lost luggage (ever) and lots of flexibility when one has to change itineraries because of bad weather or other contingencies. So the question becomes even more important: What’s the perfect carry-on? Caleb recently pointed us to this pricey but perfect solution: the new pelican pro gear luggage series and its 22″ carry-on.
http://www.pelican.com/luggage/
As Caleb pointed out, “It’s intense, over-engineered, busting with features, and essentially break proof.” In fact, it’s also
-waterpoof
-crushproof to 1500 pounds!
-it has a vented interior, but is still waterproof
-flat profile all around, so nothing can get knocked off or caught/broken
-no zipper to break, get stuck, or fail
-it has a cloth-lined interior for that cozy feeling
-it has built in locks
-lifetime warranty!
-and more!
However, this bag might be out of our price range. So what’s YOUR idea of a perfect carry-on? Just click comment on the web version of this item… and thanks for taking time to share your best find.
I only use http://RedOxx.com bags. I follow the http://onebag.com rules.
I’ve had the same question lately! Been doing some browsing and found these bags:
http://www.tombihn.com/PROD/aeronaut30.html
They are pricey ($270), but the reviews I have found say they are great quality!
I use a simple gym duffel and a backpack as carryons. All my clothes, meds and needed items go there. Then I use a Contico trunk for $18 from the automotive dept at Walmart. It’s lockable. I also put duct tape over the hasps to keep them from accidentally opening. It’s durable and rainproof. Cheap enough to gift to someone. Hint for the trunk – put a screw into each end of the hinges on the back makes the lid more secure. I have used this for over 30 trips to Africa.
I forgot to mention that the duffel and backpack are useful if you need to transfer to a small mission plane or use domestic carriers with limited luggage allowances. The duffel itself only weighs a few pounds. It is cheap enough that you can replace it often. It’s small enough that you can put under the airline seat if necessary. It fits in overhead compartments even when space is limited.
I use a 20″ Travel Pro roller bag. It is the right size, light and is a sturdy piece of luggage. I got it on sale at Christmas a few years ago. No regrets with it. Travel Pro has even sent me some free replacement parts.
When the Pelican website does not list any kind of suggested retail price at all, that tells me it is probably out of my budget and probably overkill for the vast majority of us. For my travel purposes, I like the Samsonite Wheeled Business Case with designated compartments for computer, tablet, travel docs, clothing, etc. It’s hassle-free for removing your laptop at security checks yet still quite sturdy. As long as you are not doing an Amazon long-boat journey, your carry-on probably does not need to be waterproof. :-) I suppose it comes down to whether you will be doing some trekking with your carry-on or if you will be doing more traditional airport hopping. Here’s the link for the Samsonite. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004AB4Z10/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1