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Rolling Carry On Luggage Comparison

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By Lis Jakub

Rolling Carry On Luggage Comparison

Pictured here are 2 well used soft side rolling carry on cases.

The colorful carry on is from Berkley.

Dimensions are 8 x 13.5 x 21. Empty weight 6 lbs.

The more conservative blue one is from Jeep.

Dimensions 8 x 14 x 18. Empty weight 8.2 lbs.

Both fit the guidelines for Carry-On Luggage for most airlines. Both are wheeled. The Berkley's depth can be increased by 2", simply by opening a three-sided zipper. That also converts the original carry-on into a luggage item that must then be checked through, because it no longer fits the carry-on luggage template..





The Comparison

Just as above, let's compare two very popular luggage lines: Eagle Creek and Rick Steves.

Both seem well designed and constructed. Both will make any trip more comfortable and enjoyable. Both systems fulfill the necessary requirements for light weight and easy maneuverability.


Rolling carry on luggage is extremely popular, because weight is thought not to be quite so important. Still, the thinking that it is easier to pull a case than to carry it disregards the many situations, which require lifting even rolling carry on luggage. Besides being able to lift your luggage into the airline overhead bin, you also need to handle transfers between stations of public transport such as cabs, trains and buses. Therefore, never disregard weight!

Which size you choose depends on the length of the trip, the reason for going, and whether it is the only case, or other luggage is being checked through for the same destination.


Eagle Creek Tarmac 20 Carry-On

Rick Steves 21" Convertible Carry-On

Rick Steves 21" Roll-Aboard

The Outer Limits Carry-On Bags

Here are two carry-on bags similar in size to the above.

Eagle Creek's Tarmac 20, dimensions 20x14x9.5, weighs 7.5 lbs.

Rick Steves' 21" Roll-Aboard, dimensions 21x14x9, weighs 7.1 lbs.

If you opt for the non-wheeled convertible carry-on, the empty weight is all of 2.8 lbs.

For short trips this size might well be all you need. It fulfills airline size requirements and fits easily into overhead airline luggage bins. The cases are lightweight and roll easily without twisting or turning.


Netted, zippered compartments in the Tarmac 20 model keep everything organized, yet visible. There's a special compartment for shoes. Several additional handles, in addition to the retractable one, allow for easy pick-up and lifting.

The 21” Convertible Carry-On in the Rick Steves line is possibly even more versatile and useful, as it doubles as a backpack. For this reason it has comfortably curved, padded shoulder straps and a padded waist belt. It converts easily from suitcase to backpack and still fits within airlines’ guidelines for carry-ons.

Should you require a rolling carry-on, there is the 21” Roll-Aboard model.

Both the Eagle Creek Tarmac 20 carry-on bag and Rick Steves Convertible Carry-On are designed to be used in conjunction with their manufacturers' super useful packing cubes and other pack-it system items.

As regards price, the Eagle Creek Tarmac 20 comes in at $ 200.00 to $ 250.00, while the 21” Roll-Aboard in Rick Steves’ line is priced between $ 100.00 and $ 140.00.



Eagle Creek Underseat Tote

Rick Steves Avanti Rolling Tote

The under the seat carry on bag




Both Eagle Creek and Rick Steves have a small carry-on overnight bag, 15” in the case of Rick Steves’ line and 13.5” from Eagle Creek.

Both are quite roomy and will fit under your airline seat, thus allowing for access to everything you want within reach.

Price wise the Rick Steves Avanti Tote comes in at the lower end - $ 70.00 to $ 100.00 compared to $ 115.00 to $ 165.00 for the Eagle Creek tote..


Eagle Creek 25 Hovercraft and Rick Steves 24" Roll-Aboard

Larger Wheeled Bags

Finally, a quick look at the larger bags: Eagle Creek Hovercraft 25 - 25" Rolling Expandable Upright vs. Rick Steves' 24" Roll-Aboard

The Eagle Creek model delivers dual exterior pockets for travel necessities and is designed to fit Pack-It kits and cubes. It features a protective kick plate and wheel housing, protecting the bag from urban obstacles. It has an ergonomic telescoping handle, soft, easy grab top and side handles and a slip away luggage tag.

Rick Steves’ model comes with honeycomb frame, full lining, non-slip handle, smooth rolling wheels, 3 exterior pockets, 1 large side pocket, clip-in security pouch and the possibility to expand the depth by 2”.

Price: Eagle Creek $ 180.00 to $ 250.00, Rick Steves $ 135.00 to $170.00.

Are the Eagle Creek bags constructed more durably? The higher price tag makes you wonder.
All prices quoted were taken from Amazon.


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