Enter the Softside Carry-On roller from Away. Available in Carry-On, Bigger Carry-On, Medium, and Large (for checking or a trunk) this is a back to basics of the rolling bag you might have grown up with, but with all the wise touches and integrated accessories of an experienced traveler put together with the quality of a bag you will have (and use) for years.

Away became “Instagram-famous” (or product of envy) for their hard-sided roller synonymous with the Covid-era desire to travel when you had no reason to. The sleek approach to a piece of luggage became a type of status symbol for the freedom and minimalist ease of walking down a flight corridor or city streets. 

Here, Away takes their lessons learned and applies them to a slightly more economical, soft-sided, four-wheel roller that looks more at home with business casual (or casual casual). It’s almost as if the company moved to the ‘burbs along with their clientele after getting priced out of the city. 

I took this roller for a spin when traveling from car to commuter trains into New York City from two states over packing just my personal luggage.

Who It Suits

The Softside series by Away is a solid piece of luggage for anyone traveling by plane and/or car for a work to casual trip.

The simple construction with quality materials, practical organization, smart functionality, and a hint at style make it a no fuss go-to suitable for business to casual uses. 

The Carry-On size is perfect for peace of mind when traveling with international or budget airlines and you don’t even have to own any packing cubes to get away for a week.

For those of us obsessive about our packing strategies, the expanded compartments and organization are seamlessly integrated and give you additional storage options, so no need to overthink your packing game. Just stack the things you regularly use and get out the door with minimal effort. 

If you are looking for a middle-of-the-road option for luggage and want a bag that feels more modern and elevated than your traditional department store find, this is for you. 

Who It Doesn’t

The Softside Carry-On is not the best if you need more than a large backpack’s worth of items. I found that I was packing it tight even though I’m used to traveling in and out of a 35-45L travel backpack. When I read the storage capacity I realized why it felt so small – it is! Additional sizes are available if interested.

This bag is not the best for cracked sidewalks, old roads, or if you will be navigating cities with lots of stairs.

This is also not the bag for business travelers who are looking to “dress to impress” with their luggage showing a sign of status.

If you need to pack more than a week’s worth of clothes and mostly travel by car or flights with generous overhead bins, or even want to have a family bag you can check and forget (included lock that matches is a nice touch for that) then I recommend the larger versions of this bag. 

Specifications

• Softside Carry-On Suitcase
• AWAY
• Rolling Bag
• 21.9″ x 15″ x 9.1″
• 32.2- 37.2 L (when expanded)
• 9.2 lbs
• Hardware / Materials
• $225

Design

The Softside has a bit of a retro-modern approach to a classic roller, introducing the cloth-like feel and the familiar squish of comfort like a cozy pair of sweats, but with durable nylon and a water-repellent coating. This results in a feel that is surprisingly “hard” to the touch compared to the images on their website. The bag holds up, it doesn’t cave in, and the water-resistant protection helps keep it looking clean. While intellectually I know that this means you can opt for the light Stone color, my instincts forced me to avoid the look of wear and tear with a darker color. 

This bag is deceivingly simple, and has just enough of the bells and whistles that you need in a dependable piece of luggage without trying to over-incentivize you to its usefulness.

The soft colorways available are all about coming home and the comforts of home while on the road. This isn’t your sleekest bag for business travel but a feeling of keeping it casual yet with the elevated touches of modern functionality and athleisure. 

Organization

The exterior of the bag features a ribbed design hiding two no-show slim exterior pockets giving you a convenient place to stash your passport and your laptop or tablet. The lower laptop (or document) sleeve is always in reach, though it’s a tight fit so it takes a little wiggling to extract out. This provides a bit of padding though not guaranteed laptop protection if you checked this bag for whatever reason. This design is not only aesthetically pleasing but it may hide your items from grabby hands or sneaky fingers when you aren’t looking.

When you open the bag you will see a large open cavity. On the backside of the cover is one big mesh organizer with a zipper. Covering the open cavity is a patented interior compression pad system that doubles as small item (cables, chargers, odds and ends) storage with mesh zip pockets, with what could even be used as a shirt sleeve compartment on the backside. This organization sleeve is bound to the bag with two compression straps, holding down the contents behind it. How much it actually compresses your items is questionable, since it’s not going to give the amount of compressing into every nook and cranny that additional packing cubes provide. Away does sell their own proprietary cubes that may fit the bag’s dimensions successfully. At the very least, this compression sleeve ensures that TSA won’t deal with a mess of stuff falling out when they go see what oddly shaped item you packed in your bag that set off their concern.

Expansion

When the built-in compression isn’t doing it, there is some built-in expansion. Away took the expansion (or compression) of the main section from their previous roller and put it to work in this bag. Being a frequent traveler I try to only buy packing cubes or bags that expand so this was a real win for me, especially considering that this bag is meeting international budget airline restrictions in size and it’s easy to run out of room quickly. 

Bonus Items

One of the great things with this bag is that it comes with all the accessories you need for regular travel. 

There is a hanging zippered pouch sewn onto the top of the main compartment. This is just about the size of a toiletry bag, so you can skip the bulk of a designated toiletry bag if you choose and still have your items quickly accessible.

Lockable zippers are nothing new but Away takes the extra effort to help you stay coordinated by including a TSA approved combination lock that matches your bag color exactly. Either they really want to make sure that you can secure your items, look put together, or a bit of both. 

The bag even comes with a tidy laundry bag which you didn’t know you needed, but once you have it you will not go back.

The last included accessory is a black leather luggage tag. Here is one area of the market where there seems to be no innovation to traditional luggage but in lieu of a remarkable approach to something as simple as an identification label, Away has provided a quality leather luggage tag in a traditional design.

Performance

When taking this bag for a spin (or a trip back home) I was getting used to the four-wheel design. Rollers are great for flights and car rides but on my first test drive I took this bag for a ride on commuter rails heading into New York City. The wheels are indeed smooth, but while Away professes that they work over cobblestone, I can say they did not fare incredibly well on the sidewalk on my block in Brooklyn. There also isn’t a locking mechanism so be sure to hold on when the subway rattles back and forth.

The handle extends smoothly and slides back into itself with ease. No complaints there.

The Softside Carry-On size is compatible with budget airlines’ carry-on size requirements. If you rarely ever find yourself on a budget airline you may opt for the Bigger Carry-On as the Carry-On can feel a bit small even with the optional expansion.

The Good

• Size and style for most travel
• Bells and whistles you actually use
• Expansion
• Minimalist design
• Smooth four-wheeler 

The Not So Good

• Not as sleek as the hardcase designs
• Limited capacity in this size
• Rolling not as effective over cobblestones as advertised
• Still will put you out over $200

Verdict

Overall, I can safely say that this is the every-person bag that will get you from point A to B for a 3-5 day work or personal trip (for this size) while feeling a bit cozy all at the same time.

You can purchase Away’s bag on their website for $225.

Many thanks to Elke Sudin for the above guest review. Elke is a NYC based artist, designer, and entrepreneur. Traveling for her businesses turned her into a bag nerd/one bag lifestyle junkie.

The post Revisiting the Roller | Away Softside Carry-On Review appeared first on Carryology.

Big On Function, Minimalist In Style

Aer have always favored a clean, minimalist style and the Carry-On continues this design language. Four years in the making and inspired by contemporary architecture, the suitcase features an elegantly understated silhouette that moves easily between business and leisure travel.

The hardshell suitcase is made with Makrolon® polycarbonate, paired with a bluesign® approved CORDURA® re/cor recycled nylon ripstop liner. Durable but lightweight, the suitcase weighs 8.4 lbs (3.8 kg) and offers a 48L capacity. Designed to fit in most US airline overhead compartments, it’s a sleek option for avoiding the baggage carousel and potential checked fees.

Keep On Rolling – Or Don’t

The Hinomoto Miraclent® metal ball bearing wheels keep you moving silently and smoothly and Aer also collaborated with Hinomoto to create the world’s first integrated brake system for their wheels, so you can prevent the suitcase from rolling away from you.

Additionally, Aer teamed up with YKK to create a recycled version of the trusty double-coiled YKK RCW zipper that is puncture-resistant and three times stronger than other luggage zippers. Further security features include a concealed smart tracker pocket and an integrated TSA-approved combination lock.

Ditch the Jumble

Inside you’ll find a removable compression pad with a magnetic Fidlock fastener on one side of the case, while the other side features a zippered compartment, so your gear will stay secure and jumble-free no matter how enthusiastic baggage handlers might get.

The patent-pending top and side handles feature integrated attachment points that are ideal for the included leather luggage tag. Additionally, the patent-pending aluminum triangular trolley system offers four height settings for maximum stability.

From Sophisticated Stealth to Popping Personality

There’s a reason that black is a popular colorway for suitcases, suiting any setting and outfit whether you’re traveling for work or play. But bold and bright colorways stand out, making it easier to keep an eye on your suitcase. Not to mention allowing you to let your personality shine and get a little playful on your travels. So Aer provided five colorway options including Black, Fog White, Pale Mauve, Safety Orange, and Dark Olive to suit a wide range of travel preferences, ensuring you can pick a suitcase that matches your own style.

One Size (Nearly) Fits All

Like lots of other carry-on options, Aer’s team decided to design a carry-on on the larger side of airline regulations, for roomier packing. So this will fit in the baggage sizers and overhead bins of all major US carriers and most international carriers. But note, if you’re lugging this onto budget airlines or in the EU, there’s a slight risk of paying extra fees, so if that’s at all a concern, check out these carry-on restrictions for 64 airlines to help you make the call.

UPDATE: Aer have released a ‘Carry-On Small’ for folks you want a more universal size. It’s currently sold out but click ‘notify me’ here to get the latest updates.

Coming in at a very reasonable US$319, the Aer Carry-On does a great job of offering affordable long-lasting quality with a smart range of features to help make your journeys smooth and enjoyable.

The post Aer Soars With Their First Suitcase appeared first on Carryology.

And after many months of testing, these are the best backpacks for travel, in our opinion. Whether you like GORUCK, Aer, Bellroy, EVERGOODS or TOM BIHN, there’s a best travel backpack for you.

Able Carry Max Backpack – 30L

EVERGOODS CTB35 – 35L

YETI Crossroads Backpack – 35L

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro – 40L

GORUCK GR2 – 34L

Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus – 38L

Tom Bihn Techonaut – 30L

Heimplanet Transit Line Travel Pack – 34L

Aer Travel Pack 3 – 35L

Mystery Ranch Mission Rover – 30L

Osprey Sojourn Porter – 46L

Peak Design Travel Backpack – 45L

A heads up: Bellroy and Carryology share the same founders. You can read about our origin story here.

And hey, we’re reader-supported too, so if you find something that sparks your interest and click through and purchase via our affiliate links, sometimes we’ll get a little kickback from the brands or retailers. It helps us to make more content and build this channel. Although, we’ll just point out, some brands don’t have affiliate options, and that’s cool with us too. If the carry is awesome, we recommend it!

The post Best Travel Backpack For One Bag Travel In 2024, Tested appeared first on Carryology.

Who’s it for?

Those who like to travel with their kids, and keep things organised. With multiple carry options, a thoughtful layout, and a few tricks up its sleeve, the Hideaway duffle makes travel with offspring a breeze.

Who’s it not?

This is a function first travel bag. It isn’t for those who are minimalist travellers.

Who are No Reception Club?

The brainchild of Daniel and Gemma Ng, No Reception Club was founded from their desire to travel with their two children. Disappointed at the lack of functional options, they took to Kickstarter with their first two products – the Getaway Bag, and the Sidekick sling. These proved to be a huge success and have gained a feverish following.! Many of the Carryology team (myself included) have become reliant on the Getaway and Sidekick as a non-negotiable when travelling with a little one, it even came with me to the hospital to bring my daughter home. So, what does their newest addition bring to the table?

Hideaway

When the opportunity presented itself to test the new Hideaway Duffel, my wife and I jumped at the chance. We were fortunate enough to spend some time with Daniel and Gemma in Sun Valley, Idaho to dig deeper into the philosophy behind their brand and their designs.

Once you use the Hideaway Duffel, that thoughtfulness is clear to see. I’m pretty convinced that many specialist bags are pointless, and I had found that to be the case with most bags labelled as diaper bags. As you might imagine, I have a library of wonderful bags, and my wife and I have found great success using those with our own internal set up of pouches for our day to day. However, travel is a different beast. If you’re a parent, chances are that you know wrangling a child while juggling seat assignments, your own luggage, and your sanity can be quite the task. Daniel and Gemma have been through that struggle many-a-time and have come out the other side with the Hideaway Duffel.

The Hideaway Duffel aims to make it easy to go from home to the plane to holiday. That’s quite the challenge to take on, and one that they’ve succeeded in. The premise itself is straightforward, a carry-on approved duffel that saves time at both ends of your trip, while making the travel portion as seamless as possible. My wife, daughter and I have used this for multiple trips over the past six weeks, and we come away impressed each time.

Build it and they will come.

One area that kickstarter bags can often fall down in is the construction and materials used. Not here. The manufacturing standard on the No Reception Club bags is flawless, and I’ve not once worried about durability as I’ve tossed it into overhead bins or thrown it on top of a wheeled carry on. Almost the entire bag is constructed from CORDURA® Recycled Polyester and nylon fabric, simply meaning it’ll take all the beatings it needs to when carting around your little one. The leather trims are vegetable tanned too; this is an eco conscious product. The locking zippers are from the beloved YKK® – this might be a diaper bag but it is a premium product too. All of the hardware that you interact with is slender, unobtrusive, and sleek. If someone didn’t know that it was a diaper bag, they’d be none the wiser from the exterior. Personally, I think this is one of the reasons for NRC’s success. The idea for their products is undoubtedly strong, but the execution and attention to detail is fantastic. When investing in anything for a child, our first thought is focused on giving them the best, and spending money on products that you can rely on! 

Function First

Good construction and pleasing aesthetics are one thing, but function is the name of the game when it comes to travelling with children. I have similar feelings about the camera bags that I review, it simply has to deliver at “crunch time”.

Crunch time with kids is running between gates, getting unpacked quickly once you’ve arrived, and swapping the bag between parents seamlessly at the airport amongst many other crisis moments! A bag that helps, rather than hinders, in those moments is critical to a successful trip.

Let’s start with the airport. There are three main carry options with this bag: 1. Grab handles–simple, comfortable, reliable. They are on three sides of the duffel (four if you include the leather snap grab handle on top!) 2. Luggage pass through–if you have a roller suitcase or carry-on with you, pop the Hideaway over the handle and keep another hand free ready for wrangling! 3. Backpack carry–the straps neatly stow away behind the luggage pass through, and have an adjustable width. Meaning you can easily adjust for whomever is playing pack mule! This feature is an epitome of NRC design. It isn’t some grand overhyped feature for marketing purposes, rather a simple and elegant choice that makes a real difference in use. Also on the exterior you’ll find two compression straps attached to the lid of the Hideaway, this is a natural spot for any overflow items such as a jacket or extra blanket.

Now you’ve arrived at your destination, and inside the duffel is where things get really interesting. We have to start with the cubby. The cubby will quickly become your best friend when travelling with your little one. It is designed to be your portable drawer, and it makes transferring from your home set up to your holiday one a breeze.

Thanks to the customisable walls inside the cubby, you can configure this to match your drawers/clothes storage at home. This allows you to rely on that muscle memory and save precious seconds mid blowout change. It has a charming printed pattern depicting all things travel, its own zippered lid, and even a handle that can be used to hang inside a wardrobe if that’s how you roll.

The cubby also attaches to the main bag via Velcro tabs to stop it rattling around while on the move, and is easily detached to give you use of the Hideaway as a more traditional “open” duffel. We’ve done this a few times where we’ve popped the cubby in a drawer and then used the hideaway as an impromptu grocery bag or day bag.

Elsewhere on the Hideaway you’ll find pockets galore, and not just for the sake of it either. Each of these pockets can pull triple duty, but in a way that is truly useful. While listed at 42L, with these pockets, it feels like the Hideaway can carry a whole lot more. In the main cavity you have one flat zippered pocket that we use as a pocket for an airtag, extra tissues, and extra wipes. This is right at the opening of the bag, so easy to grab in a pinch. On the interior lid there is a mesh pocket divided into two, roughly a two thirds to one third split. We’ve found this to be a great home for extra bottles, bibs, and overflow accoutrement. We’ve also used this for a vest or jacket.

On the roof of the bag, there are two exterior access pockets, again in a two thirds, one third configuration. The two thirds pocket is a cooler pocket. With its mesh dividers, it is home to pouches, snacks, and even a pre-made bottle or two.

As is the way with children, it’s in one end and out the other–the bottom third pocket is where we’ve kept extra diapers for immediate access.

On the top end of the hideaway there is a zippered pocket with volume, perfectly sized for a smaller dopp kit, so it’s quick to grab hand sanitizer, Aquaphor, Desatin when the time calls. Also on the exterior, behind the grab handles are two magnetic water bottle pockets! This comfortably houses water bottles up to 20oz, perhaps even larger depending on how stuffed the main volume is.

The rear of the bag is the Hideaway’s best kept secret. Upon first inspection it may just look like the back panel, but a closer look will reveal a zip that runs three sides of the bag. Open this and you’ll be greeted by a wet/dry compartment. Look closer still and you’ll realise that this liner has some give to it. 

Imagine it’s the end of your holiday, you’re reluctantly admitting that reality awaits, and you have a hotel room or airbnb full of dirty kids clothing. Well in tandem with the included laundry bag, you can collapse the cubby and pack it flat in main compartment (using those Velcro tabs to keep it in place). Pop all the soiled clothing into the laundry sack, push through and voila, you’ve transformed your portable wardrobe into your portable laundry for the journey home. This’ll stop any smells or stains finding their way into the clean compartment and you’ll be ready to hit the washer when you get home. Another thoughtful and practical design choice that is a lifesaver on the road!

Verdict

This is a product I didn’t know I needed, and now I can’t envisage travelling without it when we’re on the road with our daughter. It simplifies our travel, it carries very well, and it is a streamlined and understated bag, which is my style! When you have a child, there are many items that you’ll be told you need to get, and only a few of them actually end up making the difference you hope they will. The sound machine was the first one for us, the portable bottle brush tray was the second, and now the Hideaway is the third. We want our daughter to be able to see the world, we want to find ways to say “yes!” to travel when opportunities present themselves, and we want to do it together. The Hideaway Duffel just made that a whole lot easier.

Carryology readers can take $30 off their NRC purchase with code ‘CARRYOLOGY30’!

The post First Look | No Reception Club Hideaway Duffel appeared first on Carryology.

Max Legal Carry On – For anyone who has been in the Everyday Carry game for a while this category of travel bags needs no introduction. For the uninitiated, these are bags that typically land in the 35-45L range and are classified as being the maximum dimensions allowed by most airlines. Many times these bags are also designed around multiple methods of carry: Hand, Shoulder, and Back. 

Every brand under the sun makes something in this category, ranging from simple classics like Patagonia’s Black Hole or The North Face’s Base Camp to maximalist feature-rich offerings from Peak Design, Matador, and countless other carry brands all around the globe. What if your needs land somewhere in between? You want simple ease of use but also a more technical aesthetic without getting bogged down with complex features. 

Enter Nomadic Research – A veteran-owned brand who have made a name for themselves in the covert tactical and MIL/LE realms. Founded in 2017, they have created a refined and thoughtful collection of products that reflect their vast experience in the field. There’s always been a strong crossover between the practical needs of the tactical and Everyday Carry worlds. Both demand the best materials and construction, comfort in use, and features that remain easy to use while in action. The Nomadic Research TTL Travel Bag 38L is a prime example of a max airline legal bag born out of the needs of international air travel and the unique demands that are often placed on such pieces of kit. 

Features

The TTL is an unassuming bag on the surface. It blends in with any other black travel bag while you’re in transit. It offers three different methods of carry: Folded seatbelt grab handles on the top and sides of the bag, an included detachable shoulder strap, and backpack straps that tuck away completely in a dedicated zippered pocket when not in use.

The bag features a 38L clamshell design with a dedicated padded laptop sleeve, and two front accessory compartments. Each half of the clamshell features a U-shaped zippered compartment each with two flat mesh pockets on the front to keep your contents well contained during travel.

The clamshell side closest to the back panel has 4″ of depth (measured from the seam to the top of the center of the zipper) and features collapsible dividers to help keep contents organized. These dividers are Velcroed in place and lay flat when not in use. The clamshell side on the front of the bag has 3″ of depth and is a wide open space.  

The forward compartment is a half zip opening and has 2″ of shared depth with three large zippered mesh pockets inside. The zippered pocket on the very front of the TTL has shared depth with the larger compartment behind it. There is a large loop field and another smaller zippered mesh pocket. 

The loop field is sized to perfectly fit the optional Admin Organizer from Nomadic Research. Other flat hook-backed accessories will also fit. It’s pictured here with a hook-backed MOD from The Brown Buffalo. This front pocket shares its volume with the half zip compartment and the front half of the clamshell. It’s best reserved for smaller flat items when you’ve got a fully packed bag.

The padded laptop compartment on the rear of the TTL is sized to fit up to a 16″ laptop and is a floating sleeve design so there’s no chance of your laptop coming in contact with a hard surface when setting the bag down. There is also room for documents or other flat items in this compartment.

A luggage handle passthrough on the back features a zippered closure on the bottom, allowing it to be used as a simple slip pocket for when the bag is being used as hand luggage or a shoulder bag.

The backpack straps hide away completely and cleanly into a zippered compartment on the back panel (separated and padded from the laptop compartment).

Most importantly – It easily passes for an overhead carry-on bag for even the most strict airlines in the US. Anecdotally, if you’re willing to give up all your legroom in Economy it does manage to fit under the seat, but it does not fit in the “Personal Item” baggage sizer when fully packed out. Passenger beware.

Carry-On – Yes 100%.

Personal Item – YMMV.

Materials & Construction

The shell of the TTL is made from Dimension Polyant’s VX21RS X-Pac which features a 210d ripstop nylon face fabric with DWR coating laminated to polyester X-Plys, and a 50d taffeta backing. The “S” moniker in VX21RS stands for “soft” and this has a notably softer and quieter hand feel compared to the more common VX21. This is achieved by omitting the PET film that is used in VX21. Even without the film, the lamination process allows VX21RS to retain the same level of weather resistance as VX21. 

The interior is fully lined with a gray dobby weave nylon which provides a good level of brightness to help find items that may have fallen into a corner. Under the side and top handles are a small accent piece of reversed X50 Multicam Black X-Pac. An unusual choice but a nod to Nomadic Research’s Raid backpack which came in an X50 Multicam Black X-Pac option. The carry handles on the side and top are a simple dual-layer folded nylon seatbelt construction. Don’t let the simplicity fool you – these are comfortable to grab and all webbing throughout the bag is bartacked for additional strength. The zippers used throughout the TTL are YKK 10RC and 8RC reverse coil in a matte black finish with silent heat shrink tubing zipper pulls.

The shoulder strap consists of a padded dual-layer seatbelt webbing and will support the heaviest of loadouts that you can pack into this bag. It connects corner-to-corner to provide a more balanced carry.

The stowable backpack straps are lined with a 4-way stretch fabric on the side that sits against your body and are padded with a very dense comfortable foam. These are some of the nicest stowable straps we’ve come across. Easily on par with backpack straps from the best of the best out there – stowable or not.  There are ample amounts of smooth seatbelt webbing to adjust the straps to fit any body type.

The backpack straps and removable shoulder strap are anchored to metal D-rings with non-rotating metal snap hardware similar to what you’d find on a rifle sling.

In Use

Over the past few months, we’ve taken the TTL on numerous car trips as well as a few cross-country flights on several different types of aircraft. Some folks will always prefer hard-sided roller luggage over the soft squishy type. But if you’re often finding yourself on small tight regional jets and would rather not gate-check your bag, soft-sided luggage is The Way.

Packing the TTL is about as easy as it gets. The very nature of soft-sided luggage means that the stated dimensions have room to flex. Splitting your packing into two large compartments makes it harder to overpack. As long as each side closes easily, you’ll know that the clamshell will close and the bag will be good to go.

Through most of our travels we kept the TTL in backpack mode. It was love at first sight once we felt how good the straps feel on-body. Carrying it for hours through airports and convention centers was a breeze whether it was fully packed out or used as a daily driver once we had unpacked at our destination. If you’re going to utilize the forward half zip compartment and front zippered pocket, we found it best to pack out any bulkier items you may want quick access to before packing that side of the clamshell. 

Due to the nature of soft-sided bags, there is always some degree of volume sharing between compartments. A fully packed clamshell half will start to eat up space in those two front compartments. This is not a unique problem and is something you’ll come across in all forms of soft-sided bags. Tom Bihn’s Aeronaut line of bags uses this volume sharing as a feature between the three compartments.

In the forward half zip compartment we packed the Arc’teryx Heliad 6 with an iPad Mini, portable charging bank, cables, travel documents, and snacks. It was easily retrieved after passing through security and worn on-body while the TTL went in backpack mode.

This brings up a broader topic of travel bag packing theory and with the TTL specifically. We preferred to travel with the TTL fully packed with clothes and travel essentials that won’t be accessed until the final destination is reached. Alternatively, if you’re not packing the TTL quite as full, the half zip compartment and front zippered pocket become much more usable in transit – especially if used as a shoulder bag or hand luggage. These two pockets are less accessible when in backpack mode.

A bonus feature of a travel bag of this size – if you’d rather deploy a smaller pack for everyday use once you arrive at your destination, most 20L or smaller bags fit quite nicely in the deeper side of the clamshell. 

We threw a Mission Workshop Sanction AP in there for a trip to San Francisco. Especially if you fill the smaller bag up efficiently, you don’t lose much space at all doing this.

When you find yourself needing to slim down the bag to be as sleek and low profile as possible, the backpack and shoulder straps all stow away completely – leaving only the carry handles exposed and no loose webbing to get caught when you need to move through tight spaces or gate-check the bag.

The Good

TL;DR – The TTL is good. Very, VERY good. In the best way possible the TTL feels like the spiritual successor to the out-of-production Triple Aught Design Meridian 40L bag. From the covert aesthetic, VX21RS exterior, similar capacities, and 3-way carry – the TTL takes those cues and applies Nomadic Research’s take on what a travel bag should be. And they have executed that with thoughtful precision. It’s not flashy or particularly exciting even. It does what it needs to do and gets out of your way in a simple, comfortable, and good-looking package.

Soft-sided luggage – love it or hate it – has its place in the world of Carry. The TTL is well-made, easy to use, and feature-rich without feeling overbearing. 

The Not So Good

There is always some amount of trade-offs made when considering soft-sided luggage and the TTL is not without fault. This only applies to using the TTL as a backpack – because the lower strap anchors are low profile and sit inward from the edges of the bag, depending on how you have the TTL packed out, the back panel can bulge out around the lumbar area. Whether you notice this will vary from person to person. A small frame sheet or repositioning of strap anchors would be ideal.

One more grab handle on the bottom, please! Every time we put the bag in the overhead compartment or under a seat on a plane it felt most natural to put it topside-first. Unfortunately, the handles are only on the top and the side, which leaves no handle to grab on the bottom when you go to extract the bag again.

A minor quibble but even a very small flat piece of webbing would go far in making this a near-perfect maximum carry-on sized bag.

The shoulder strap is quite stiff and can be slippery in use unless you sling it cross-body. The use of seatbelt webbing can be a double-edged sword here. We would’ve liked to see something with a bit more grip for one-sided shoulder carry. On the plus side, the D-ring anchors allow you to swap out for any other straps you’d like to use.

Verdict

Nomadic Research may be flying under the radar for some but it’s clear these guys have some excellent design chops. The TTL Travel Bag 38L is a remarkably easy-to-use travel bag that will feel right at home in any modern bag collection.

Scoring

Geek / Performance

Space & Access 9/10

Organization 6/10

Comfort 8/10

Style / Design

Look & Feel 8/10

Build, Materials & Hardware 9/10

Features 8/10

Stoke / Experience

Warranty & Support 9/10

Brand Experience 9/10

Value 9/10

X-Factor 8/10

The post Nomadic Research TTL Travel Bag 38L Review appeared first on Carryology.

1st Place

Carl Friedrik x Scuderia AlphaTauri Carry-on

Highly Commended

These are the pieces that just missed out, and in most cases, by the smallest of margins. To them, we award a High Commendation. The below were of outstanding quality, displaying fine craftsmanship and design flair. With honor, we bow our heads in the utmost respect and kudos. If this were a dais, they’d be biting their teeth into silver medals, while their flags were hoisted into the horizon – a feat not to be overlooked. And we’re sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.

Prometheus Design Werx All Terrain Duffel

Need a bag that will tackle any terrain in all elements? The Prometheus Design Werx All Terrain Duffel lives up to its name, offering a burly and waterproof build that shrugs off hard use and harsh weather and simply asks, “What next?”

The waterproof IPX7 rating allows the bag to be submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes, making this a great choice for boating trips or land travel in extreme weather conditions. In addition to padded grab handles, the duffel also includes removable padded shoulder straps for flexible portability. Exterior daisy chain gives you the freedom to secure additional items externally, while an interior zippered pocket provides secure yet accessible storage for smaller items. When adventure calls and you can’t afford for your gear to get wet, the All Terrain Duffel won’t let you down. Super effort, Prometheus Design Werx!

Osprey Farpoint Wheeled Travel Pack 65L

Osprey have been in the carry game for almost five decades and their extensive experience shows in pieces like the Farpoint Wheeled Travel Pack 65L. The bag offers a selection of well-thought-out features to make your travels as easy as possible. The front panel main compartment opens up wide for convenient packing and gear access, while the design remains lightweight but ready for demanding travel use by integrating tough fabrics in areas of high wear.

Of course, key to successful travel is the ability to adapt on the fly and the Farpoint Wheeled Travel Pack has you well covered here. In smoother and flatter terrain such as airports or pavements, the wheels let you easily haul your gear from A to B. However, when things get a little rougher or you need to ascend steps, simply deploy the stowable harness and hip belt for comfortable backpack carry. Plus with top and side grab handles you can maneuver the bag in tight spaces too. If you need dependable, adaptable and functional luggage for your next trip, this bag is ready to embrace a world of exploration. Well done, Osprey!

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Even if we’re not traveling first class, we all deserve to feel like we’re traveling in first class. Here at Carryology, we know that the best way to do that is by upping the class of your carry game. While we’re big proponents of one-bag travel, we know that’s not always the best case for every scenario or every person. Enter the Carl Friedrik Carry-on X. We’ve tested this carry-on roller over the past year, over several trips, over many more flight legs and layovers. It’s held up spectacularly and performed admirably. Even better, we got compliments on it and another traveler in an AMEX Lounge even bought one while we were chatting with them about it. Let’s get into the details.

Who It Suits

You’re an experienced traveler who needs to look professional on your way to and from your destination, whether for business or for pleasure. Premium materials are important to you, as well as a premium aesthetic. You may be a part-time one-bag traveler, but you know that sometimes four wheels are a better way to get the job done. 

Who It Doesn’t

If you’re looking for a gear hauler to beat around, this isn’t it. At over $500 the Carry-on X is not a budget option either, and while this is a premium product, the price-conscious among us may find a better fit elsewhere. It may go without saying, but if you’re focused on one-bag travel, you probably already know that a suitcase isn’t for you.

Specs

Design

The Carl Friedrik Carry-on X may be as svelte as suitcases come. The gunmetal polycarbonate shell looks great and functions even better. While we do have some favorite aluminum-bodied suitcases, those get significantly beat up over time, and aluminum just doesn’t bounce back quite the same. You’ll often end up with dings and dents over a relatively short period of time. In the case of the Carry-on X, this was never the case. Did we get some scrapes and scratches? Yep, but the shell as a whole is in better shape than any aluminum roller would be in after a year of baggage handling.

While the shell is nice, the leather accents are the real eye-catcher – available in black, chocolate, or cognac. I opted for the cognac for the highest contrast against the gunmetal. The handles, a strip across the top-front, and a few other bits are all matched to whichever leather finish you choose, and while they don’t affect the overall functionality of the roller, it’s touches of luxury like this that can really elevate a product to the next level.

While the leather looks great, we do wish the handles were fully wrapped or finished softer around the edges. The edges are a bit sharper than we’d like. The handles are also spring-loaded against the shell, so that when they’re not in use they can sit somewhat flush. While this keeps the handles from potentially catching on things, they were a little too tight. Getting your fingers underneath the handles isn’t a super pleasant experience, at least at first. This issue did alleviate itself over the last year, but you’ll probably be dragging your knuckles across the textured shell for the first few trips.

Another thing that, at first, we wanted to change was the weight of the polycarbonate used for the shell. It’s a bit flexible, which isn’t usually something I want in a suitcase. However, this really didn’t show itself as an actual problem. I’d compare it to how 500D nylon feels versus 1000D nylon. If you’re used to 1000D, you may at first see 500D as less durable, or even downright fragile, but in reality you’ll never wear it out through normal use. The shell on the Carry-on X is sort of like that. Maybe you’ll feel like you want a thicker shell, but in reality, it’s way more durable than it even needs to be.

Features

The Carry-on X comes with all of the accouterments you’d expect on a modern carry-on. A quick-access laptop compartment, interior compression straps and one included compression panel, and a handy USB pass-through for charging your devices on the move. The bag itself offers good security without it being overbearing.

The laptop panel is great for those who are traveling with only their roller as their primary travel hauler. Otherwise, we typically keep our laptop in our backpack or shoulder bag that’s accompanying us. The sleeve easily fits a 16″ device, and the other pockets are great for accessories, like chargers, or even your e-reader. Since the entire case is hard-sided the protection is superb. We had no issues tossing this in the overhead or when we needed to check it at the gate with our laptop still inside. 

Part of me wishes that the closure method, which is a smooth #10 style zipper, was instead the same aluminum locking mechanism used on the side of the main case. The zipper provides some back-and-forth flex to the compartment, which you may see as good or bad, but it’s definitely worth calling out. The zipper also does not have any built-in locking or security mechanism, which we would have liked to have seen.

The interior is simple yet spacious, as you’d expect from a roller like this. The only notable addition is a small center zip pocket that stores the pass-through to the top-facing USB ports. The sleeve isn’t huge, so your massive >10,000 mAh battery may not fit, but there’s no reason you couldn’t just keep it in the main compartment if necessary. I actually found myself using this feature quite a bit. It was nice to be able to charge right from my suitcase rather than holding my battery in one hand and my phone in another, or trying to find an outlet. I think for future iterations, Carl Friedrik could probably standardize on USB-C rather than USB-A, as I did need to keep an adapter around just for the case.

The interior compression straps and compression panel are well-designed, easy to use, and easy to remove. Personally, I found using the compression panel a must, as without it one side of the suitcase always spilled into the other depending on how I was packing that day. But, if you don’t want it, it’s very easy to remove it and just use the interior Y-shaped compression straps. It was nice that the panel itself is a fully zippable pocket for stashing smaller items of clothing.

The aluminum locking mechanisms on the main compartment were really a joy to use. I never found them difficult to latch or unlatch, even when the Carry-on X was stuffed to the max. And the internal numeric locks make sure that nothing opens by accident. It’s a very satisfying “click” whenever they’re used. Honestly, I’ve been more used to semi-rigid luggage and zippers, but the Carry-on X has converted me.

Performance

It might seem odd to wax poetic about luggage wheels, but the four Japanese-made Hinomoto wheels are a pleasure to send rolling through the terminal. If you’re going to run a suitcase, then four wheels are the way to go. It’s a much more pleasing experience to just push or hold the luggage next to you while walking rather than having to pull it behind you. Especially if you’ve got a bag stacked on top of the collapsible handle.

Speaking of which, the collapsible handle is pretty standard. The grip is plastic, though at this price point, and with all of the other accents and handles, we’d have liked to have seen this be leather wrapped since this is the main point of contact you’ll have with the Carry-on X. The collapsible rods easily adjust to a number of pre-set heights, so you’ll have no problem rolling it no matter how tall or short you are. We do wish the rods were just a bit tighter though. While it doesn’t affect overall function, the handle does wobble just a bit. This is common on almost all roller luggage, but we’d like to have seen the Carry-on X on the other side of that almost-all.

The Good

• Professional and stylish aesthetic with superb build quality and materials
• Tech panel is great for quick access to your gear on the go
• USB pass-through is useful and lets you bring any battery you want
• Wheels are as smooth as butter

The Not So Good

• No locking zippers on the tech panel, where your potentially most valuable items reside
• Slightly thicker or denser polycarbonate would give a better overall feel
• A leather wrap on the roller handle would have added a nicer touch point

Verdict

Personally, I’ve never thought of myself as the target customer for high-end roller luggage. I do some business travel, but not a lot, so I had always been pretty happy with my semi-soft luggage when I wasn’t one-bagging it. But I’m a convert. I loved every second of rolling this piece of luggage through the airport. It looks great and it’s a pleasure to use; both when packing and en route. The compliments are a nice bonus as well.

If you’ve ever even thought of upgrading your luggage game, add Carl Friedrik to your list. The pricing is premium but on par, and the polycarbonate construction will look great throughout most of its long life – if not all of it.

The Breakdown

Space & Access 8

Organization 7

Comfort 6

Look & Feel 9

Build, Materials, & Hardware 9

Features 7

Warranty & Support 8

Brand Experience 6

Value 6

X-Factor 7

The post Carl Friedrik Carry-on X Review appeared first on Carryology.

Senior Editor, Brandon Vulaj, gives us the details… from behind a very large wall of bags (he comes out from behind them later, we promise )

Featured Gear:

Émigré Boston Bag
Émigré Briefcase
Émigré Backpack
Émigré Tote Bag
Émigré Travel Organizer
Émigré Wash Bag
Émigré Laptop Sleeve
Émigré Garment Organizer
Émigré Shoe Bag
Émigré Backpack Straps
Western Rise X Cotton Tee

Filmed using:
Panasonic Lumix DC-G9
Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7
Tascam DR-10L
Peak Design Travel Tripod

The post Émigré Inaugural Travel Collection | First Look appeared first on Carryology.

1st Place

Able Carry Max Backpack

The Able Carry Max Backpack has conjured up some serious carry magic. Creating a bag that hauls all your carry-on gear while remaining comfortable and low-key on the go is a hard challenge. The Max Backpack offers 30L of space, yet somehow seems to be able to carry even more, while feeling like a smaller pack on your back. A lot of this has to do with the minimalist aesthetics, keeping the bag understated and avoiding unnecessary attention as you travel.

Now it’s no secret that travel can be downright tough on your gear. Able Carry’s solution? A burly mix of X-Pac and 1000D Cordura nylon shrugs off scuffs and scrapes as you roam, while also offering protection from inclement weather too.

Access and organization can make or break a travel bag. But Able Carry’s thoughtful approach keeps all your gear tidy and secure on the go, but easily accessible when required. A front admin pocket neatly stashes smaller items, with further quick-access pockets at the ready for travel essentials. You also benefit from an easily packable and accessible clamshell main compartment and a separate laptop compartment with a suspended, padded sleeve.

Well-padded shoulder straps, a ventilated back panel, a handy magnetic sternum strap, and Able Carry’s A-frame support take the schlep out of hauling your gear, making travel more enjoyable and encouraging you to roam a little further than you might otherwise have. All in all, this is an incredibly well-thought-out bag that will handle a variety of trips with ease. And its sleek design can double up as a day bag at your destination, ultimately making travel more convenient. Superb work, Able Carry!

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Highly Commended

These are the pieces that just missed out, and in most cases, by the smallest of margins. To them, we award a High Commendation. The below were of outstanding quality, displaying fine craftsmanship and design flair. With honor, we bow our heads in the utmost respect and kudos. If this were a dais, they’d be biting their teeth into silver medals, while their flags were hoisted into the horizon – a feat not to be overlooked. And we’re sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.

Heimplanet Transit Line Travel Pack 34L

Heimplanet have really stepped up their carry game in recent years and it shows with pieces like their Transit Line Travel Pack 34L. Dialed in to deliver everything you need for flexible and efficient travel, this pack blends into a range of urban environments. Not to mention doing double duty as a day-to-day hauler for larger loads too. The clean exterior and tough, eco-friendly DYECOSHELL fabric let this pack fly under the radar while easily enduring the demands of travel use.

Intuitive organization makes this bag a joy to use. Quick-access pockets keep those smaller essentials secure but within easy reach, while the main clamshell compartment gives you packing flexibility. Inside you’ll find padded, suspended storage for a laptop and additional interior pockets. But there’s also a central zippered divider, giving you the flexibility to keep clothing separate from your tech or open it up to one large compartment depending on your needs. The pack also includes a removable hip belt and sternum strap, load lifters, and side compression straps to keep both larger and smaller loads comfy on the go. Fantastic job, Heimplanet!

NOMATIC Navigator Travel Backpack 32L

Constantly need to flex between just-the-essentials setups and maxed-out loads? The NOMATIC Navigator Travel Backpack 32L provides a slick solution with its expandable design, increasing to 41L when you need to pack for longer trips or stash those all-important souvenirs. In addition to easy expandability, the pack offers a host of further travel-friendly features, while retaining a clean aesthetic that moves smoothly through multiple travel settings.

Your gear stays well organized as you venture, with a front admin pocket, cleverly-designed water bottle pockets, and separate exterior-access laptop storage. Add in the clamshell main compartment and you can easily store and retrieve items throughout the bag. Padded edgeless straps, a removable padded waist belt, and load lifters take the strain out of hauling your travel gear. And it’s all served up in a sleek silhouette that nimbly straddles the work/leisure divide. High-five, NOMATIC!

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The post Best Carry-On Champion | Carry Awards IX appeared first on Carryology.

1st Place

Samsonite Ibon

Samsonite are true icons in the luggage industry. The brand has been around for 111 years (yes, you read that right) and over their extensive history they’ve pushed the boundaries of luggage; setting benchmarks for durability and creating innovative pieces that changed the nature of what luggage could be. So it’s not surprising that Samsonite are innovating yet again – and this time with the highly impressive Ibon.

Modern-day travel habits and needs have shifted. While hardside luggage is great for protection, it’s not always easy to pack or retrieve gear from it, especially in small spaces. And while duffel-like access is convenient for tight spaces, you might feel a little anxious as your duffel disappears into the bowels of checked luggage carnage. The Ibon offers a refreshing middle ground, courtesy of Samsonite’s signature innovation. A one-point lock opening provides access to the suitcase with a quick and simple twist; job done. But adding to the clever design is the shape of the compartments. Traditional hardside luggage opens up to wide and shallow compartments. The Ibon instead offers narrower but deeper compartments that maintain a smaller footprint. This makes it easier to open, easier to pack, and takes up a lot less space while doing so.

Samsonite doesn’t stop there though. Multiple carry handles (including an interior one) make it easy to maneuver the suitcase both closed and open. You also benefit from useful interior dividers and pockets for organization, as well as the easy-breezy nature of spinner wheels. All offered within a hardside construction exuding the superior quality that travelers have come to love and expect from the brand.

While traveling can definitely be fun, it’s also often tiring and inconvenient. The innovative Ibon does away with a lot of packing frustrations and its useful feature set really does shape a practical travel experience. And when trips are easier, they’re more enjoyable. Exceptional work, Samsonite!

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Highly Commended

These are the pieces that just missed out, and in most cases, by the smallest of margins. To them, we award a High Commendation. The below were of outstanding quality, displaying fine craftsmanship and design flair. With honor, we bow our heads in the utmost respect and kudos. If this were a dais, they’d be biting their teeth into silver medals, while their flags were hoisted into the horizon – a feat not to be overlooked. And we’re sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.

Zero Halliburton Edge Lightweight Continental Carry-On Case

Zero Halliburton’s aluminum cases are instantly recognizable. But being the savvy brand that they are, they knew such cases wouldn’t suit the needs of everyone. It was time for a refresh. Pieces that conveyed that same iconic aesthetic and sense of quality, but lighter. Not to mention less of a hit on your wallet too. The Zero Halliburton Edge Lightweight Continental Carry-On Case delivers all of this in sleek, well-crafted elegance.

This case offers high quality throughout, with thoughtful details that enrich your journeys and bring a touch of luxury to your travels. The ZH Concave Edging adds a classy look but also strength; a scalloped grip handle on the base and ergonomic telescoping handle enhance maneuverability; a smart metal logo badge also doubles as a shopping bag hook. And that’s just the start of the carefully considered details. Practical interior organization also keeps your gear tidy and secure, so you aren’t faced with a jumbled mess on arrival. All wrapped up in a sturdy polycarbonate build available in a range of colorways. A luxurious look and feel, precision manufacturing, and travel-friendly features make this a smart companion for both business and leisure trips. Excellent effort, Zero Halliburton!

Norrøna 120L Trolley Bag

Norwegian brand Norrøna are well versed in creating gear for challenging conditions. And travel can be downright tough. So they’ve designed their 120L Trolley Bag accordingly. This rolling duffel uses highly durable and sustainable fabrics, specifically ECONYL® 450D for the main exterior fabric and a hard-wearing 900D ECONYL® for the base, both with a 2000mm PU coating. However, the bag doesn’t have a metal trolley system, allowing it to come in at a surprisingly lightweight 2.4 kg.

The 120L Trolley Bag also offers multiple carry methods. Tough wheels that will handle offroad use, stowable shoulder straps for backpack carry, as well as a range of conveniently placed grab handles. The main compartment is complemented by a quick-access front pocket, both with their own interior organization. And the clean, tapered shape gives this bag understated style that transitions smoothly from backcountry slopes to urban jungles. This is a well-considered, sustainably made, and burly luggage piece that will serve you well for many years of travel adventures. Well done, Norrøna!

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