The question came today, “What size carry-on is the best for a mission trip?” Although you might be tempted to answer, “The biggest one you can find,” (ha-ha), seriously… what’s your favorite carry-on for missions trips and international travel? For us, nothing beats a backpack. And if you’ve got some sensitive camera gear and a laptop, nothing beats the LowePro ProTactic BP450 AW II. The large inner cavity holds a ton of gear and LowePro gives a generous supply (never enough) of padded velcro dividers to customize the bag to your liking. But for rollerboards, Wow — there must be a thousand favorite designs. How would you respond? Size-wise, can we all agree 21x13x9 is the safest size? (Please go measure yours and comment below.) Got a favorite brand you can recommend to others? I (Doug) have ended up with Briggs and Reilly, mainly because my son sold me on the “guaranteed for life” replacement deal. They have a greater “carry-on finder” at https://www.briggs-riley.com/pages/gudelines-buildershopping-helper . But what’s YOUR fave?
7) What’s Your Favorite International Carry-On?
I like Eagle Creek Tarmac. I bought it for a similar reason (life time replacement guarantee) but also because it weighed less than its competitors at the time. Many international airlines were more limiting on weight than the US.
My main carry-on is a sturdy 22″ Travelpro Rollaboard. I like it even better after installing skateboard wheels several years ago. It rolls smoothly and quietly. It’s 20 years old and going strong; it’s ideal for trips in which I seldom leave a smooth surface. When I go to a place with cobblestones, lots of stairs or dirt roads/paths, I carry an eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender convertible bag. It is well-constructed, with an array of large and small pockets. If you’re patient, you can often purchase them at a big discount.
Good point about weight, Jeff. And Grant, we’ve heard great things about Travelpro.
I also find backpack the best. The picture is confusing. That can’t be Doug’s Lowe-Pro mentioned in the article so it might be joke for old times.
Osprey Porter 46. Great comfort and stability with straps that allow you to compress or expand to the best size for the airline you are flying with. Easy accessible laptop pocket for getting through security. Two
VERY nice, Chad. Looks awesome.
Targus Rolling Laptop Case – Fits Laptops with Screen Size Up to 16-inch. See it at Dell.com
I have used it for years and it is perfect for extensive travel and will hold all you need.
I like the eBag’s TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible and TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible Junior. I own them both and use the larger one on longer trips. If you watch for sales and coupons, they are cheap – you can buy 3 of them for the price that some of the suggested bags above charge (right now, 89.99 and 79.99). Lots of pockets and *most* of the bells and whistles of the more expensive bags. I combine these with packing cubes and have gone three weeks with just the backpack.
This is a great list. Appreciate you guys chipping in your best findings.
Ebags is a great option. Have trekked all over the world with them. They are shaped specifically to fit into the overhead bin. Lifetime guarantee. Just had one that lost a wheel replaced for free.