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One of the reasons why Travel Fashion Girl is an invaluable resource for you is that you can always count on learning from others’ mistakes. In fact, TFG is comprised of 6 years of lessons learned while traveling in my quest to find lightweight luggage solutions. Learn from my expensive luggage lessons as I uncover the best suitcase for me. Will it be a rolling duffle bag? Find out!
Rolling Duffle Bags
Let me make the mistakes for you – especially when they’re expensive. In this case, my mistake was spending almost $300 on a suitcase that just wasn’t the right fit for me. Ouch!
When I purchased my new Osprey Meridian 22 this year, I delved into unchartered territory: wheeled luggage. I am a backpacker and have been since 2008. However, my increasing back problems have caused me to hand in my backpacker “badge” and get a set of wheels.
I’ve been absolutely miserable with this bag! The problem doesn’t lie with the bag itself – it’s a terrific bag for someone without back problems that can actually take advantage of the backpack straps.
Why I have issues finding the perfect bag
The problem lies with the type of traveling I do and the tough terrain in which I cross. It’s hard to find the right travel bag to meet my needs. A backpack really is perfect for my type of traveling.
After we created the Guide to Choosing a Suitcase based on expert travelers’ opinions (not mine as suitcases are not my cup of tea) I realized where I went wrong. I followed the tips we received in order to create the guide and now I think I know what I really need:
I need a rolling duffle bag
I don’t need a backpack with wheels as I can’t carry it anyway but I need a bag that’s easy to lift when crossing rivers, climbing up ferry steps, or when confronted with massive potholes on the sidewalks. Rolling duffle bags are the perfect solution!
These are the characteristics that are important for me as a long term traveler with back problems:
- STRONG wheels
- Lightweight (around 5lb ideally)
- Shoulder strap
- Carry-on size
- 40 Liters or about 2000ci capacity
- Organizational pockets not necessary (I love my own packing organizers!)
- Prefer easy to clean nylon or synthetic material as opposed to canvas or fabric
- Soft bag preferred
- Price tag under $350 (I travel 365 days a year I’m okay with an investment piece)
Use a capsule wardrobe to pack light but create many outfits which can easily fit into your luggage with the help of packing cubes to compress your clothing!
After racking my brain and obsessing over which bag to buy, I thought I’d share my research with you. Which of these wheeled duffle bags would you choose?
16 Wheeled Duffle Bags: Which would you choose?
The North Face Wayfinder 19″ Travel Bag
High Sierra Carry On Expandable Wheeled Duffel
Kipling Madison Wheeled Luggage
Samsonite Luggage Andante Wheeled Duffel
LeSportsac Luggage Rolling Duffle
eBags Mother Lode Wheeled Duffel
eBags eTech Mother Lode Wheeled Duffel
Rockland Luggage 22 Inch Rolling Duffle Bag
Travelpro Maxlite Rolling Duffel
Tough Traveler Wheeled Prestige
OGIO Business and Luggage Ascender
Bric’s Luggage Carry On Rolling Duffle
Piel Leather Soft Carry-On Wheeler
Osprey Ozone 22″ Wheeled Luggage
After careful consideration, I purchased the Osprey Ozone and absolutely love it! It’s not a duffle but it’s super lightweight and spacious too.
Which of these rolling duffle bags would you choose?
For more luggage ideas, please read:
Planning for a trip to Scotland mid August and am thinking of a duffle….checked out the ebags TLS Mother Lode Junior 25″ Wheeled Duffel but it weighs almost 12 lbs! That seems like a lot???
It’s a touch heavier than other wheeled duffels, but most are around 10 lbs. The fabric and the wheels themselves weigh a good deal, I’m afraid! A non wheeled version or a non duffel would cut down on the weight.
I’m preparing for a month long to Colombia and came across your site. I’m glad I came across your post. I was about to invest in a new backpack, but I also have back and leg pain. I have a wheeled duffel from FUL which I absolutely love! It was affordable, it’s durable, the zippers are great quality and the wheels are amazing. I like that it has organizational pockets. I live in New York, do it takes a lot of wear. I agree that it’s easier than a regular carry on. I can easily go up and down subway stairs with all the handles. The only down side is sometimes the length doesn’t fit in smaller overheads. I may take the time to invest in a new smaller rolling duffel and a day pack for hikes.
Yes that sounds perfect! Rolling duffle plus small daypack backpack. Check out today’s post on mine! https://travelfashiongirl.com/best-day-packs/
I just ordered the Eagle Creek Load Warrior 22″ in Ochre (love the color!) on sale for $149.50. Traditional colors are $230.
http://www.backcountry.com/eagle-creek-load-warrior-22-wheeled-duffel-2500cu-in#review
Thanks for the tip! That’s the one I’ve been wanting 🙂
You forgot REI. I have an REI tech beast that is the best! It has been discontinued but they still offer the wheelie beast. I looked at the ebags but there were too many compartments and too much fabric. The beast duffles are a big empty space.
Cool thanks! Will check it out.
In an effort to try to pack light for an upcoming trip to England, I found your site and I was starting to think about getting a convertible backpack, then you mentioned back problems. Then I find your post about a rolling duffel.
I have been using a FUL duffel for years and it has been great as a carry on and very durable. I guess I don’t need to think about getting a convertible backpack. I already have something that is great! I just need to get some packing cubes and learn how to not over pack!
Here is the FUL duffel that I have, and it wasn’t very expensive either.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ful-21-Wheeled-Duffel-with-retractable-handle-gray-blue-/351082373267?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item51be23e093
Yes Rolling Duffel’s are the way to go! I have an eye on an Eagle Creek bag. Let me know how the FUL works on your trip. Thanks!
Which bag did you end up with? The North Face? Did you like it?
Hi Donna, still have my Osprey only because I just bought it last year and it cost so much money…BUT I really want a duffle!
I just bought my eBags Motherlode tech bag for my 3 week trip to Vietnam. Lots of space, handles, and replaceable wheels! Works perfect with packing organizers as well. It’s a very affordable and well-thought out bag.
That’s great to hear! Good bag and good value!