Hand Luggage Help !

[Drav]

Hi all,

I did a bit of searching before I posted this but the threads seem to be really, really old.

So ill post my question, and hopefully I can learn from the years of your guys experience

Basically im in the market for a new hand luggage. Budget is about $200, but I can stretch it if there's a really kickass option. Im looking for your guys opinions on what to get, and hell any handy tips you're willing to offer!

What will i need it for? domestic travel next month (perth), and o/s travel in january.

o/s travel options (not yet finalized) include UK, Dubai, Maldives and possibly France/Germany/Italy.

What do i need it to carry? mostly gadgets. Laptop, netbook, kindle, camera (not DSLR), psp. Id love some space in there though to fit in something like food or a water bottle or a hat!

So far im looking at the Samsonite domestic rollaboard looks pretty good but im a little worried about the size. Especially when you hear that in Europe they're pretty strict.

I also looked at the crumpler carry on, which also looked pretty good.

But yeah guys, any help would be most appreciated.

Thanks

Drav

 

[simongr]

I saw $200 and stopped typing Tumi....

However why not get a good back pack with plenty of pockets - it doesnt seem like you are going hand luggage only so why not try something simple - a backpack is easy to sling over the back and easier to store on board than a rollaboard. Lighter as well which means more gadgety weight available.

 

[globalexplorer]

I currently do about 12-13 international trips a year and a smaller number of domestic and always travel with carry on luggage only, no check-in (although I think from your post you are also looking to check-in luggage which makes a big difference to what you carry on, in my opinion). What I use depends on how long I am going away for and the purpose of the trip. For short trips I typically just use a standard $20 backpack which comfortably holds everything I need from electronics to LAG's and clothes. For longer trips where I need a bit more space I have the Red Oxx Air Boss which is around US$225 but wait a few weeks and it will probably only cost you about A$50 If I was checking in luggage then I would most certainly go with a budget backpack. I have tried and rejected the roller jobs because you are already at almost half your weight limit before you even start to pack the bag.

 

[munitalP]

Here's 66 posts of AFF members luggage ideas.

http://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/travel-insider-tips/luggage-27515.html

 

[ejb]

Red ox air boss. The only choice.

I travel with hand luggage only and it is the best thing I have ever bought.

I think anything with wheels is not a serious option as the space is wasted with the wheels and handles.

ejb.


Sent from my iPhone so please ignore auto corrects!

 

[simongr]

How good is the air boss for things like suits and formal shirts?

 

[medhead]

The air boss has folding instructions for shirts and suits. I tried it once but gave up, mostly due to my uselessness. It keeps my trousers fine. I have carried ironed shirtsin it and they came through fine. Now I just iron in the hotel each night. I also leave my jacket in the office, but I could fit that without any hassles.

Of course I doubt the air boss is worth it for the OP.

 

[ejb]

As I never wear suits I don't take this in to consideration. But as a former suit wearer I would say the airboss is not suit friendly.

ejb


Sent from my iPhone so please ignore auto corrects!

 

[Stuser]

The air boss has folding instructions for shirts and suits. I tried it once but gave up, mostly due to my uselessness. It keeps my trousers fine. I have carried ironed shirtsin it and they came through fine. Now I just iron in the hotel each night. I also leave my jacket in the office, but I could fit that without any hassles.

Of course I doubt the air boss is worth it for the OP.

What's an iron?

 

[Stuser]

the Red Oxx Air Boss which is around US$225 but wait a few weeks and it will probably only cost you about A$50

Why and where from? Looks good!

 

[oz_mark]

What's an iron?

Some sort of Apple product?

 

[futaris]

What's an iron?

The Apple iRon? Like DrRon?

 

[Stuser]

I had to ask, didn't I....?

 

[medhead]

What's an iron?

I received extensive, taxpayer funded training on how to use an iRon. I see it as my duty to ensure the taxpayers receive value for money in return.

 

[samiam]

The Apple iRon? Like DrRon?

+ 1 that gave me a smirk

 

[sinophile888]

The OP may like to investigate a Scottevest. My husband ordered one from the U.S and when our children saw it, they all wanted one as well. The Travel Vest for Men has 22 pockets and it even has an iPad pocket.

 

[djfuzz]

We have another thread about this, but if I were in the market now I would almost certainly get a Crumpler Dry Red No 3 (lightweight rollaboard), supplemented by a Dry Red No 2 (boarding bag) for gadgets you want within arms' reach.

Dry Red No 3
Dry Red No 2

Having said that, I bought a Victorinox WT 20 a few years ago and got a great deal from an Amazon marketplace seller (though I'm a bit miffed with Amazon marketplace now post-Touchpad firesale cancellation).

 

[Sequel]

With the recent tightening (or rather enforcement) of hand luggage weight restrictions, and given generally you are only allowed 7kg, I have spent a lot of time looking for the lightest option. I have found that the "combination" (part soft side, part duffle) win hands down, and by the looks, the Dry Red N0. 3 fits into this category.

I have just purchased an International Traveller from Luggage Direct , not the best looking bag, but then I am not the best looking either so cant be picky, and for the price I dont care if I have to buy a new one every year. And at sub 2kg! Given the Dry Red is 2.7kg, that is 15% less weight it can carry (4.3kg vs. 5kg). If you are not careful some "cabin" bags weigh 4kg's empty, it is worth looking checking carefully.

I haven't used it yet, only purchased last week. However also purchased the large size to use as check in (not on the website, I purchased it in store, but it is 98lts and sub 3kg from memory), which will use on 7 legs in the next few weeks, so will report back if it falls apart!

 

[serfty]

Note the Dry red No3 is a "115cm" rollaboard and by the published Qantas carry-on rules, you are only permitted one of these up to 7Kg.

You can take 2 x "105cm" rollaboards on Qantas Domestic Jet services (other than Olympic Dam) up to 7kg each.

 

[TonyHancock]

Note the Dry red No3 is a "115cm" rollaboard and by the published Qantas carry-on rules, you are only permitted one of these up to 7Kg.

You can take 2 x "105cm" rollaboards on Qantas Domestic Jet services (other than Olympic Dam) up to 7kg each.

I have just gone through the process of buying a new domestic carry on and I have to say the information from some websites can be misleading. One site lists bags as "Approved cabin bag size for Qantas domestic and international flights." when they are clearly larger than 105 cm. :-|