We bought these for an 18 day trip using trains, subways, cars, buses, and planes as our only luggage. Held up very well even when being a bit rough with them getting on and off trains and subways and rolling down uneven sidewalks. Be aware though that in Europe the carry on size for airplanes is more strictly watched and it is easy to stuff these (or stuff settles to the bottom) to be too wide, we saw them questioning sizes of rolling bags, we put them on as backpacks instead of rolling for these instances and that seemed to help lower the concern. It did fit under one seat but not others, mostly we put them overhead. Used the carry handle many times and no sign of tearing. Fit my laptop plus clothes but if you fly don't put your laptop at the bottom as it will be too hard to get out. Very happy with the quality and these will be our go-to travel bags from now on. Only improvement would be elastic straps to hold items in place instead of settling down to the bottom. Read more
I liked this rolling backpack very much. It was just the right size - I used it as a carry-on. I liked the option of rolling or using the straps to carry on my back. It probably would have been too big and heavy for my wife, but it was great for me. Getting the straps out and putting them away was the easiest of any of this kind of backpack that I have seen. I liked the fact that the zippered cover for the straps wrapped over the wheels and attached with Velcro so any dirt on the wheels did not get onto my clothes. The only thing that was of no use to me was the padded computer sleeve. It was quite bulky, and I was not taking my computer anyway, so I removed and left it at home. Read more
I bought this not quite a year ago for my son as a 4th grade book bag. The school requested that the children use a roller-type bag. After wasting a ton of money on over-priced kids roller bags that don't even make it until the winter holidays, I decided to get something tougher. I withheld my review of this bag to see how it endured the school year. First: I knew going in that any bag I chose would have to endure 9 months of carrying an average of 15-20 pounds of books and various school supplies. That's why I looked at solid brands with a good reputation. I am old enough to remember the 1980's Samsonite commercials with the gorilla tossing the luggage around--the point being, that the luggage could take it. So, I believed that this bag could endure a 9-year old taking it to school every day. The bag itself did extremely well. The material, zippers, and wheels are STILL in GREAT shape. The backpack straps are still like new. The only "flaw" in the bag design, IMO, is the handle and handle mechanism. It didn't hold up to repeated use. It eventually broke completely, with the handle itself bending and then no longer being able to slide in and out. Eventually, because the handle was permanently extended, it snapped in half. I admit it was un-gentle use (9-year-old boy, remember), but I felt like the handle was a bit thin relative to the bag size and it's capacity. Ultimately, it lasted for 75% of the school year--better than the usual kiddie roller bag. I looked for a place near me that could repair the part, but didn't find anything. I didn't find much help on the Samsonite site either. So, now I have a really beefy backpack (which, even empty, is a bit heavy for a backpack) and I have to buy another school bag. Would I buy this bag again? Probably, but it depends on the deal I get relative to other well-made bags of similar design. Read more
I bought this backpack back in 2014 at a Samsonite Outlet when I landed a job as a corporate trainer, knowing I’d be traveling a lot. This bag has been my reliable companion across 28 countries and 48 states. It’s easy to pack, deceptively spacious, and incredibly durable! It always fit as a carry-on or under the seat, and not once did a gate agent make me check it. Even on regional flights, they stowed it in the closet for me. After 10 years of loyal service, it started to show some wear and tear, as you'd expect, so I decided it was time for a new one. I was so happy with it that I found the exact same bag on Amazon and bought it again! I just used the new one on my first trip while its older brother stayed home in the closet as a keepsake. I’m definitely looking forward to another 10 years with this great bag! Read more
I received my bag today and already have it packed up to be returned. Overall, the bag is well constructed and was close to giving it a try and keeping it. Bottom line is that I fly a lot and hoped to get everything I travel with in one bag. The main compartment does not open 180 degrees and was very cumbersome to get laptops in or out of the bag. The padded storage laptop sleeve was nice and a flap folded over for additional security. However, this bag will be a pain in the TSA line and that is the main reason for returning. If you don't need a bag for flying, I would recommend it. Read more
I replaced my husband’s old travel backpack with this wheeled version because he was really struggling to haul it through long airline terminals on our travels. The Samsonite is very roomy with multiple interior and exterior pockets, and can even be used as an overnite carryon bag on 1 or 2 night trips. The handle is retractable, and the backpack straps are hidden in a zipped pocket, so they can be tucked away if you don’t intend to carry the pack on your back. The wheels are sturdy and travel easily over smooth as well as bumpy surfaces. We gave it a real workout on a recent 3 week African safari. We used it to carry a laptop, iPad, Kindle, books & papers, 1 change of clothing for each of us, water bottles, medications, neck pillow, and 1 large 100-400mm telephoto lens that won't fit in my camera backpack. It was heavy, but still under the carry-on weight limit, and the wheels were a life-saver. We’re getting rid of the old backpack since this is the only one we’ll ever need now! Read more
Exactly what I was looking for. Price went up after I bought it, but if it comes back down again I will buy 2 more as gifts. Read more
