I was just at the Travelpro store. I’m fortunate that the store is a repair shop. A few times a year they have a huge warehouse sale. I buy for family members. There are so many different sizes, when an inch can matter on Mexican airlines. They also have a backpack with wheels, which my sister got. Since I rarely travel, I’m still on my first set.
I’m getting my old Hartmann tweed 22" fixed - though it’s estimated to take 6 weeks. The luggage guy said Hartmann quality has really gone down since my bag was made. (Mine is about 8 years old.) I had a brainstorm - since I am such a minimalist packer, and do a lot of day trips where I just need one change of clothes, I really could use a rolling tote instead, so got a Travelpro Maxlite tote in a grape color and it’s ready for my trip to the East Coast tonight - with so much room still I may just forego a briefcase. I still do covet the Briggs and Riley but can’t quite justify it as long as the Hartmann is alive and kicking.
@BunsenBurner – that Tumi stands up well to being checked? I don’t usually check bags, but sometimes must on the return trip if I buy too many souvenirs.
I’m also in search of a new bag – also hate the spinners. I don’t like the hard cases, but for some trips I like some structure.
It survived a few trips on Alaska, including my flight back from Boston. Of course, it got dusty and dirty as any checked bag would, but the snake print camouflages dirt well. Because I prefer to carry it into the cabin, I already washed it a couple of times: soap, brush, and a good rinse in the bathtub.
GMT, as long as you have a sturdy cardboard box and some good padding around your wine, it will survive being checked in a softshell suitcase. I wrap my bottles in plastic bags prior to packing so I do not have to wash the bottle upon unpacking.
GMT: get a Wine Diaper! http://www.amazon.com/Diaper-Reusable-Absorbent-Eco-Friendly-Accessory/dp/B00308FONW
Cool idea, but $80 for a 3 pack?! Wow. I will take my chances with my sweaty Lulu running stuff, plastic bags, and fedex boxes. 
My solution to wrinkle spray was water which is actually better because there is no odor. The trick is to find a small spray bottle with a VERY fine misting action (you want mist not droplets). I found mine (2 oz size) at Wal-Mart in the travel-size section. Just carry it empty. I hang up the clothing I want, spritz lightly and run my hand over it to smooth out wrinkles. Works like a charm (and doesn’t require steaming up the bathroom). If you carry it in your purse it works to cool you off too when it’s hot out.
@gosmom, I cudda used that wine diaper. I once slid a bottle into the leg of a boot, thinking the leather would pad the bottle. When I got home, I had shards of glass in the boot and lots of purple clothes.
Rolled clothes for weekend trip and took more than I ever had before with room left over in my 21". Could have gone for a week easy. Had two long dresses, two short dresses, capris, shorts, about 6 tops. Rolling and some non-wrinkle fabric make for one very happy traveler.
I came home and rolled all my non-wrinkle clothes for the dresser in my closet. Easier to find stuff and got more in the drawer. In fact put two drawers together.
Told you!! You can easily get a week in a 21".
" Had two long dresses, two short dresses, capris, shorts, about 6 tops."
For a weekend?! Wow, sounds like you have a lot planned!
I bring that much for a week in HI and end up wearing half of it because we spend most of the day in our swimsuits.
Did have a lot planned but could have left some at home. I mainly wanted to experiment with rolling. Got a bigger trip planned. I’ve gone 3 weeks to Europe carry-on and never missed a thing.
Bunsen–my friend’s case never made it on a sailing trip–t-shirt and a swimsuit were plenty for a week.
My Rick Steve’s 20 inch bag came in yesterday and I just shook my head in amazement wondering how in the heck I plan on taking THAT for a 10 day trip to Italy. I know I can, I’ve been reading all about how much to take and how to roll, but it was still quite a shock. The inside is only 19". I rolled two skirts this morning really tight just to see what they would look like tonight. I plan on getting one of his matching personal items bag, so I will have a little more room. DH will probably purchase a 22" that will be checked if need be. I am determined!
conmama–it’s in the fabric. You need non-wrinkle fabric that you can roll tight and not worry. Thin and light weight that dries fast. Microfiber underwear. Socks that dry (socks are the worst). .
Go basic colors and plan on wearing same things over. When I went to Greece (and it was HOT!) I ended up wearing the same shirt almost daily. It was super light weight and dried in a flash–I’d rinse it out, roll it in a towel and put it back on. Make sure you have a light weight pashima or similar to visit churches (to cover knees or shoulders)
Thanks gouf78. Most of mine are non-wrinkle. I have a few that will, but will have that spray to help. I don’t plan on taking socks…I will be wearing walking sandals instead of sneakers. I’ve been wondering about underwear and looking at the ex-officio. I read good and bad reviews, plus I"m not sure if I want the ones with or without the lace band (I’ll be wearing the mid-bikini, not the briefs). The underwear I have are not all cotton and I like the way they hold my tummy in. I’ve been thinking (I hope this doesn’t gross you all out I got the idea on a travel forum), of using a pantyliner and getting two days worth of wear out of one (so just take 5 underwear). I might purchase one of the ex-officio just to try it out, but even sale with shipping it’s $23…ouch…especially if I don’t like it…not like I can send back. I will be carrying a very light weight sarong in my purse to wrap around if I need it.
I am a minimalist packer but I don’t skimp on the underwear. You don’t get a lot of space savings scrimping there. It’s shoes and toiletries where you save the space. For a 10 day trip try for 2 pairs of shoes max - wear one, pack one. You could get away with 3-4 bottoms.
I pack scrubs to sleep / lounge in. I get them for free as H is a physician but I recommend this to everyone. You’re decent enough in a hotel room if someone comes to the door.
I just did a 9 day trip to a India in a carryon plus the Vera duffel - and I had a computer and work materials with me too.
I realize I don’t belong on this thread, but I would need at least 5 pairs of shoes for a 10 day trip.
I stuff my suitcase when I fly since it seems that where I travel the weather is " variable@.
San Francisco in September for example.
@MomofWildChild …you are not alone, believe me! Last June we went on a 10 day vacation in California from LA to San Francisco. I took a duffle bag as a carryon (check my suitcase)…want to know what filled it up? Yep…13 pairs of sandals/shoes and I wore them all. For this 10 day trip, I am talking 2 pairs of walking sandals…as cute as I can find, and that’s not been an easy task and I’m still looking…1 flat sandal to wear with a maxi dress and one 3 inch wedge peep toe black patent shoe to wear with my black pencil skirt in the evenings (alternating with the maxi). Everyone says 2 shoes, I’m taking 4.
Have been following this thread with great interest as we’re taking a trip to South America next month and lighter packing will make traveling so much easier. I’m generally a pretty light packer but have picked up some great tips. Will be buying one of the super lightweight backpacks to use as my carry on and to take on the train when we have an overnight by Machu Picchu and are limited to 17 lbs (suitcase stays back at a hotel).
I also won’t scrimp on underwear…it is light and just doesn’t take up that much room. I don’t want to have to do laundry in my room at night. And, conmamma, do pantiliners really weigh much less or take up less room than the actual underwear? The idea doesn’t gross me out at all…just not sure I see much of a space saver. My challenge is shoes. I’ll need some kind of sturdy hiking shoe but won’t really want to use that on non-hiking days and, well, I love my shoes and that’s where I tend to overpack.
We’ll be traveling in an area with high humidity and I do think I should research socks that dry out quickly. Oh, and I’m going to stop by Uniqlo (?) and check out the shirts that were recommended upthread.
Our family of 5 went to Europe for almost 3 weeks some years back and we all each only had a roller suitcase that could go on the plane and a carry on. It was easy to make that work as it was summer…winter would have been much tougher.