Overseas luggage... urgent...

Thanks for continuing the topic.

The North Face Base Camp Duffel arrived, and I think it'll do just fine. It's a very heavy plastic-y material and seems to be durable and waterproof.

Unfortunately my mine boots arrived too late to be shipped with the equipment, so I've got to pack them now too. I can use some small bag I already have laying around for them.

Long haul, pick your airline carefully. Seat pitch is important. Who are you flying with Bob?
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I think we're flying Southwest from Alb - LA and then Quantas from LA - Sydney.

Shoes, just bought some Wolverine boots. They look nice for wearing in town and out to dinner, are comfortable enough long walks at the airports and hiking, and are still built for work when I don't have to wear the full mine boots. Didn't want to pack extra shoes and boots.
 
rnr said:
I don't think you're gonna like the duffel. Reason? One word. Wheels.
Gotta have something w/ wheels on what ever you choose. IMHO.
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Small wheels like you find on most hard side cases are a real pain on a cobble stone street, concrete sidewalks with bits of gravel, and most general rough surfaces. After a few attempts to rip your arm out of its socket, you will be looking for something else. ;)

Train entry/exit in Europe with a big bag can be tough. Aisles are narrow, doorways are tight, and where to you store that big bag?

A backpack that isn't overly wide or thick is the best solution I have found. I have both hands free to grab hand rails as the train moves, I navigate stairs, or pick up a drink or snack as I travel.
 
I know you already have your bag but what I like are the backpacks that meet carry-on requirements. The one I have is an old Eagle Creek Continental Journey but looking through Amazon lots of people make them these days and some are pretty cheap.

If you pack judiciously and wear your heaviest clothes then you should be able to pack all you need in a carry-on bag and that way you never have to worry about being separated from you luggage.

Wheeled luggage isn't that great. The handle part generally takes up too much room inside the luggage and the wheels only work on pavement. A back pack is better.

Chad
 
+1 on the samsonite suggestion
+1 on the hard shell suggestion.

I've had soft bags burst open. The luggage can get a huge amount of abuse if your bag happens to be the unlucky one.

Personaly I don't use TSA approved locks. I've not had my bags opened. I've done probably half a dozen flights into / within the USA since they changed the laws and my bags have never been opened. I don't like the thought that anyone who has a key to the TSA locks can get in my luggage without leaving a trace and take what they like without even marking the bag or leaving any evidence.

Also check the baggage allowance on any airlines / airports you're flying with. Often US airlines have much more generous baggage allowances than others. Last time I flew within Europe I seem to remember I was limited to one 1x 15kg check in bag and 1x 5kg carry on.
 
bladefixation2 said:
Also check the baggage allowance on any airlines / airports you're flying with. Often US airlines have much more generous baggage allowances than others. Last time I flew within Europe I seem to remember I was limited to one 1x 15kg check in bag and 1x 5kg carry on.
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I think there are different rules depending on where you are as well as the airline. Air New Zealand flying economy international the limit is 20kg, unless you flying to/from the USA, Canada or Tahiti when it is two pieces max total weight 46kg. Only time I came close to 40kg of stuff was when my father gave me a load of his grandfather's carpentry tools to take with me (and pass on to my sons).
 
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