The number one rule of travel is being a smart packer. With all the new air travel restrictions and common airport hassles, I refuse to check my bags, unless I am going on a two week plus international trip and even then I hesitate. I can fit all my essentials into a regulation carry on bag if I do the following:

1. Choose your foundation clothes, i.e. nice pair of jeans, black or beige skirt/slacks/shorts (whatever your preference), neutral blazer, neutral flats and nice sandals for evenings out.
2. Select multiple T-shirts, 1 white and the others colorful so you can I change up your look each day. T-shirts don’t wrinkle, they wash and dry easily and they’re comfortable.
3. You only need 2-3 pair of undies, 1-2 bra’s, and 2 pair of socks, as these can be washed at night and dry the next day.
4. Accessories can change up your look. Take a couple of bright scarves, costume jewelry for the evenings and hair clips for those updo’s.
5. Swimwear doesn’t take up any space and can be placed in the side compartments of your bag. If you choose to bring a cover-up make it one that can also be worn as a sundress. Duplicate uses, no excuses.
6. Hit the dollar store for travel size vanity items such as; deodorant, toothpaste, mouthwash, sewing kits, mini clear containers for lotions, shampoos, etc…
7. Always save space for those souvenirs and learn to buy small flexible items such as fabric items, jewelry, items that are flat or can be rolled.

Nothing here is rocket science but just by taking these few small steps to pack smarter and lighter, will set you up for a much more enjoyable trip.

Deciding which luggage to purchase can be difficult, with so many types, styles and manufacturers available. Choosing between hard-sided luggage and soft-sided luggage does not need to be difficult. Besides personal preference, there are some things to consider when choosing the correct luggage. Knowing the mode of travel, how often travel is required, and what contents will be transported, should help in determining the correct type of luggage to use.

If carry-on luggage is needed, the 22” inch size luggage is usually the largest size allowed. Airline regulations can be different from one airline to the next. It is best to check with them for their requirements while planning a trip (use the handy airline carry on requirement chart on right for more details). The 22” size luggage is perfect for overnight travel or up to a couple of days.

Benefits of Hardside Carry On Luggage

If it is extremely important that the contents are protected from possible damage, hard-side carry-on luggage would be the best choice. The exterior of hard-sided luggage is very durable and secure. For the protection of the contents, the inside is heavily padded. If delicate items are being transported, such as expensive cameras and equipment, breakable gifts, electronics, or any other critical items, hard-sided luggage would give the best protection from damage occurring. Additionally, hard-sided luggage is more weather resistant and waterproof than soft-sided luggage. If the contents of the luggage are critically important documents, hard-sided luggage would offer the most protection from weather related problems.

Hard-sided luggage can take more abuse from everyday traveling than soft-sided luggage. If traveling is continuous, the best choice is hard-side luggage.

With the wide variety of colors and styles to choose from, it will not be difficult to find the perfect hard-sided carry-on. Today’s luggage is very fashionable, slim, lightweight and trendy. Even though the hard-sided luggage is extremely durable, it is lightweight, with some being lighter than soft-sided luggage.

Benefits of Softside Luggage

Soft-sided luggage is ideal for the traveler that does not travel constantly nor have the extreme need for the protection of contents that the hard-side luggage offers. Although the outside is not as durable as the hard-sided luggage, soft-sided luggage still is very durable. One of the advantages of soft-sided bags is their flexibility. They can be put in the overhead or under the seat of aircraft easier, since they are not as rigid. Soft-sided luggage also comes in a variety of colors and styles to please any traveler. Soft-sided luggage is available with protective padded pockets to carry laptops, electronics and other valuable items.

International Traveller luggage is made by Landor & Hawa USA, Ltd. They started their business in 2001 in Harlow, Essex, UK. The U.S. subsidiary was established in 2003 following the enthusiastic acceptance they achieved in Europe. Their designs are modern and incredibly lightweight. They introduced the Frameless and Freeform technology. The International Traveller Ion Frameless 22” Expandable Spinner Upright is one of the soft sided cases they introduced from this technology.

Features and Benefits for the Traveler

Because of this outstanding technology, the 22” Expandable Spinner Upright is ultra-lightweight and has more space for packing than the normal 22” cases. The size of this spinner upright is 22” tall, 16.25” high, and 9.5” deep. It can expand up to 3 additional inches. It weighs a light 8 pounds and 10 ounces. The old style framed structure has been replaced by twin molded EVA shells, which helped decrease the weight.

International Traveller Ion Frameless 22” Expandable Spinner Upright comes in black or black with white dots. The polka-dot pattern is very stylish and is easily recognizable. It is very beautifully lined, which makes it look smart while protecting garments. The top, inside cover has a zippered curtain to separate items and to hold items in place. The curtain also contains a mesh pocket with a zipper and a bottom pocket with elastic. The bottom half of the main compartment is the largest area and has straps to hold contents in place.

Another unique design is that the wheels are molded into the body for extra protection.

Our Take

International Traveller Ion Frameless 22” Expandable Spinner Upright is perfect for anyone that is looking for durability in an extra, light case. International Traveller makes several sizes of luggage, and it will be easy to get additional cases for a matched set.

Delsey Luggage has been in business since 1946. They offer several styles and designs in luggage. They are constantly improving on design and fabrication to stay current with today’s traveler. The Delsey Helium Pilot 22” Carry-On Expandable Suiter Trolley is one of the cases from the Pilot collections.

Features and Benefits for the Traveler

The Pilot 22” Carry-on is available in blue, black and platinum. The frame is made from polycarbonate that is lightweight. The outer material is 2520 D Ballistic DuPont Teflon and includes nylon with EVA foam backing on the front panels for protection. The interior is padded and covered with a twill pattern and carries the Delsey logo. The main openings have self-repairing nylon zippers. It includes pads on the side for fabric protection when it is placed on its side.

The size of this Helium Pilot Carry-on is 22” Tall, 14” wide, and 8.5” deep, plus it can expand an additional 2” for additional packing. It weighs 10 pounds and 3 ounces.

There is even an ID tag that conveniently retracts and hides when not being used. The TSA combination lock gives peace of mind while keeping belongings secure. The front panel has two gusseted pockets with zippers that lock.

This case has several pockets to keep things organized. On the front panel, there is a portfolio pocket for tickets and other items that require quick access. The water-resistant laundry pocket keeps soiled clothes separate. Additional bags can be carried using the Tote-a-Long clip.

The Trolley is a one button quick release system for extending or lowering the chrome accented, padded handle. There are top and side handles that are spring-loaded for easy carrying. For smooth and effortless movement, it has Velocity ball bearing wheels.

Our Take

The size of the Delsey Helium Pilot 22 Carry-On Expandable Suiter Trolley is great for a few days travel. There are many other sizes to the Pilot collection, so finding matching luggage will not be a problem.

Since 1919, Atlantic Luggage has continuously worked to manufacture the most lightweight cases. Their luggage is not only lightweight, but it is also durable. The Atlantic Compass 22” Expandable Carry-On Upright Suiter is one of their finest carry on suiters.

Features and Benefits for the Traveler

The size of this upright is 22 inches high, 14 inches wide and 9 inches deep. It expands 1.5 inches for extra room when necessary. It weighs 9 pounds and 7 ounces. For smooth movement, it has the popular in-line skate wheels, which are also made with light-weight material. With the light weight, and the grip handle foot on the bottom, it is very easy to lift.

The Atlantic Compass is available in black, blue or ruby. It is made with 1680D polycarbonate blend fabric. The inside offers protection by being fully lined.

The frame is made with honeycomb construction which insures the suiter to be lightweight as well as strong. The zippers are made so that they are easy to grab hold. Straps are included which secure contents in place. The vertical handle can retract for easy storage. When extended it is comfortable and makes pulling effortless.

This Upright Suiter includes a wet pocket. Both the suiter and wet pocket are removable. The suiter is roomy and durable. The main compartment is spacious and will hold multiple items. The shoe pockets have elastic for holding footwear securely in place.

This Atlantic Compass Carry-on comes with a 10 year manufactures warranty.

Our Take

The Atlantic Compass 22” Expandable Carry-On Upright Suiter works well for business and for everyday travel. It is perfect for one or two days travel. Atlantic Luggage has other cases available that can be purchased to make a matching set.

Atlantic Luggage has been in business since 1919. They are innovative and continuously working to keep their luggage lightweight and durable for today’s travel. Atlantic Infinity Elite 22” Expandable Carry-On Upright Suiter is an upright that delivers the promise of a lightweight, durable, carry-on for the modern traveler.

Atlantic Infinity Elite 22" Expandable Upright Suiter Average Rating:

Features and Benefits for the Traveler

Black, chocolate, or denim are the available colors for the 22” Upright Suiter. It weighs 10.8 pounds and is 22” high, 14” wide, and 9” deep. It is expandable to another 2.5” for storage. The material is made of strong 2520 Denier Ballistic Nylon fabric, which is exceptionally durable. The fabric is coated with Duraguard to help repel water and stains. The interior is lined, which helps protect contents. The frame has a honeycomb construction, which keeps it lightweight, to protect the contents.

This upright suiter includes a laundry pocket on the back panel. The tri-fold suiter and hanging wet pocket are removable. It has a handle that is retractable and is easy to pull. It features top and side handles made of comfortable designed leather. There is a removable add-a-bag strap for carrying another bag. Several pockets are included to keep items separate and organized.

For additional safety, there is a no-tilt foot that prevents expanded uprights from falling forward. The zipper pulls are rubberized for smooth action. The back of the luggage has skid bars to protect it from damage.

A lock with keys is included for security. There is a holder for identification, which allows quick access. Atlantic Infinity luggage has a 20 year warranty which covers defects in materials and workmanship.

Our Take

The Atlantic Infinity Elite 22’ Expandable Carry-On Upright Suiter is perfect for two or three days business travel. For longer travel, Elite has other larger matching luggage.

There are many different types of carry-on luggage to choose. Every color imaginable is available, and they come in a wide array of styles. Choosing the right luggage is important to insure a wonderful traveling experience. The amount of travel, what types of transportation, durability, security and personal preferences will play a major role in choosing the type of luggage required.

Wheeled (Rolling) Carry On
Wheeled luggage makes traveling much easier because of the maneuverability. It is great for anyone that wants the ease of pulling luggage rather than carrying. It is also a great choice for children since it is easy for them to pull. College students with acres of campus grounds to cover between classes, several heavy books and a laptop will enjoy this type of luggage.

Spinner Carry On
Spinners make traveling a breeze. With four wheels that turn 360 degrees, spinners offer the most maneuverability. This is great luggage for anyone that does a lot of traveling. It is important to have control of the spinner when on steep slopes. With four, 360-degree wheels, it can easily get away and roll down hills.

Duffel Bags
Duffel bags are great for both short and extended trips. They can hold a large assortment of clothing and accessories. They are great as a carry on. They are easy to store in the overhead and under the seat of planes. Duffel bags are very durable and can take a lot of abusive handling. They are great for many different types of travelers.

Backpack Carry On
Backpacks come in a variety of styles and colors. Whether traveling for school, sports, or business, they are a favorite choice. They are great for overnight or weekend trips. Because backpacks are made of flexible material, they are easy to store under the seat or in overheads. Backpacks with computer compartments are great for college students and business travelers.

TSA Approved Locks
TSA stands for Transportation Security Administration. This type of lock allows Transportation Security screeners to open locks with a master key. If a TSA lock is not used and the key for the lock is not available, the airport security staff would have to cut the lock. This could cause damage to the baggage and belongings. Using TSA approved locks on baggage assures the traveler of security. The ease of getting through airport security is one of the greatest benefits.

Understanding the different types of carry on luggage available will make the choice easier and more pleasant. Luggage is an investment and with the right choice can bring years of use.

In 1973, Athalon started their manufacturing plant in Denver, Colorado. They developed rigorous, quality control standards in order to develop the most durable, light weight, and water repellent products. Today, they are the leader in designing and manufacturing bags that will stand up to the demanding use of sport teams and other adventure travelers. The Athalon 15 Pocket Duffels 22” Wheeling Duffel is one of their outstanding bags.

Athalon 22" 15-Pocket Duffel

Features and Benefits for the Traveler

Blue with black and rust with black are the colors that are available. The bag measures 22” inches tall, 11” wide, and 11” deep. It is made of high-density polyesters uppers and ballistic nylon bottoms. It has a lightweight, strong honeycomb frame. The bottoms are reinforced with protective runners. It features a hidden, telescoping pull-out handle that has an ergonomic rubber grip. There are rubber ergonomic handles on the top and sides for comfort and ease in handling.

For smooth pulling there are large ball-bearing, sealed in-line skate wheels. Adjustable cinch compression straps hold items securely in place.

The Athalon 15 Pocket Duffels 22” Wheeling Duffel comes with 15 pockets to make sure organizing is easy. The main compartment zips open completely to provide easy organization and includes zippered pockets. The shoe pockets will hold up to two pair of shoes. There are four conveniently located outside pockets and the top lid has a pocket for last-minute items. The mesh pockets inside the top lid are for securing smaller items. The PVC toiletry pouch is made to see through and is detachable.

This Duffel features a pop-open interior frame, which allows the case to lay flat when being used, and makes storage easy and convenient.

Our Take

These bags are great for people on the go. They are made to handle all the demands of routine travel that can be encountered. Packing is easy, fast, and organized. This bag will suffice for several days travel. Athalon has a variety of larger-matching bags for longer trips.

Athalon established their business in Denver, Colorado in 1973. They developed a variety of bags with the highest quality and durability that could withstand the most rigorous testing. All of their baggage is made to be water repellent, light weight, and exceptionally strong. All of these high standards are incorporated into The Athalon Fusion 22” Double Decker Rolling Duffel.

Features and Benefits for the Traveler

Two bags in one: Top unzips from bottom section to become a duffel with hidden backpack straps.

The size of this Fusion Double Decker is 22” high, 15” wide, and 12” deep. It weighs only 9 pounds. The manufactures warranty is for five years.

This is a fabulous bag for all family members and any occasion. The top is made so that it can be entirely removed from the bottom. This is particularly convenient for using the bottom part as a wheeling carry-on or for using the top, duffel, by itself.

The Double Decker features an over/under section to store boots, laundry or anything else that needs to be kept separate from the main section. It has a trap door in the over/under section which allows easy access to the main compartment. The zippered side pockets provide easy access for items that are needed quickly.

The Sealed Ball-Bearing in-line skate wheels make handling easy and smooth. The telescoping pull-out handle has an ergonomic rubber grip and can be hidden. The top handle has a padded grip for comfort. There are protective runners on the bottom to keep the bag from getting damaged.

The roller may need to be separated from the duffel, in order to put it in the overhead. The duffel can be stored under the seat. The Athalon Fusion 22” Double Decker Rolling Duffel has enough storage for about three day trips. For an overnight stay, the duffel will work great by itself. For longer trips, Athalon offers larger-matching bags.

Our Take

A 22” carry on that’s great for the organized traveler. We also appreciate the versatility of the removable duffel bag. With a 5-year warranty, this is a great value and a bag that will fit a number of needs.

In 1978, Harry and Hank Bernbaum started this company using their own name, but eventually changed the name to High Sierra Sport Company. Their bags are truly innovative and practical. They are made for all active lifestyles. The High Sierra ATQ Collection Carry-On Wheeled Backpack with Removable Daypack is one of the remarkable collections that they provide.

High Sierra Carry-On Wheeled Backpack Average Rating:

Features and Benefits for the Traveler

The versatility of three bags: A wheeled carry on, a convenient backpack, and an easy carry day pack.

The Sierra ATQ Carry-On Wheeled Backpack with Removable Daypack is available in Carbon Gray, Pacific Blue, and Cardinal Red. The fabric is Duraweave, Metallic Mini-Weave, 1200 x 1800-denier Duralite. Its high-density foam structure helps maintain the bag’s shape while keeping it lightweight. The back panel and the backpack straps are padded for comfort. The size of this backpack is 22” high, 13.5” wide, and 8.5 inches deep.

The versatility of this bag has made it extremely popular. It can be used as a wheeled bag, a backpack or a daypack.

The daypack has many functions. It can be unzipped and used as an easy carry-on. Besides having a back strap that can be slipped over the extended handle of the main bag, it also has a quick-clip buckle at the top for quick attachment to the main bag. The organizer is removable and includes a zippered pocket, a scratch resistance cell and PDA pocket, MP3 pocket, and a space for pens.

The backpack has oversized, in line skate-style wheels for ease of movement. The handle is telescoping for quick and comfortable use. The grab handles are ergonomic Sure-Grip molded-rubber with Vapel mesh padding to wick moisture. Water bottle pockets are on both sides of the backpack.

Our Take

The High Sierra ATQ Collection Carry-On Wheeled Backpack with Removable Daypack is ideal for school, hiking, sports, cycling, traveling and so many other activities. High Sierra has many other sizes and designs available.