Customer Reviews

Rick Steves 21" Roll-Aboard

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I purchased this bag in November and have used it only half a dozen times, checking it three of those times. Already one of the corners has pulled apart and a zipper pull has fallen off. While it's an attractive bag and designed for flexibility, the materials and workmanship are quite poor. Stay away!

The description of the bag sounds promising but the result is very disappointing. I used this bag once as carry-on luggage for a business trip and I gave it away upon my return.

* One side of the bag is relatively deep but very little can fit into the other side. Also, that second side does not fully zip open. You have to "stuff" items into that section. Anything put in those pockets will stick out and make it extremely difficult to fit in the overhead storage space on the plane.
* The suitcase is *extremely* prone to tipping over. I would imagine that issue is even worse when the pockets are extended.
* The handle is very cheap, would not consistently extend to full length, and does not provide a solid base for the bag.
* The bag is heavier than advertised -- not a lightweight piece.
*A lot of effort went into "storing" the handle and allowing a zipper closure to protect it -- a total waste of space if this is intended as a carry-on suitcase.

I find it hard to believe that this was designed by someone who travels regularly. Who would want to drag a bag through an airport that is constantly tipping over and the handle won't lock into place? I expected more from a bag supposedly designed by a travel expert.

Nicely designed pack, but a little plastic part that connects the rolling handle to the bag broke on the very first trip I took with it. Thus, when I pull the handle out, only one side connects with the bag anymore.

I'm very disappointed in Rick! It is unstable and if you breathe too heavily this suitcase falls over. I also purchased the tote which I absolutely cannot fit my lap top in. I wish I could return it but I found out about the flaws too late.

I traveled with this overseas for 2 weeks and was very disappointed in the construction. 90% of the time the retractable handle would not extend. The handle would get stuck when I was trying to extend it to pull the bag, pulling with the handle partially extended is very uncomfortable. The part that was getting stuck was down inside the handle storage shaft and not easy to reach or free. I found the bag also tipped over frequently, it does not seem to be constructed to be balanced when packed. The bag was never overpacked or loaded with unusually heavy items but I found I had to lean it against a wall or my leg most of the time to keep it tipping over.

I'm surprised by the negative reviews of this bag. We have four such bags in our family, and have had wonderful luck with them. Mine is 6 years old and has been throughout Asia, Europe, Mexico and the U.S. It has been pulled over cobblestone, up stairs, over gravel, etc. I've always carried it on board for international flights, and have never had a problem with it not fitting in the overhead compartments - including Air France, NWA, Delta. (I tend to check bags domestically, so that may be the problem here.) I love the fact that the bag is so light and that it has sufficient pockets outside for easy access to books, documents, etc.-- especially great for train travel in Europe.

Size is longer than advertised and wheels are underbuilt and not engineered properly. I'm sticking to Samsonite which is beefier, carry on ready and fabricated by a company that really knows how. Rick, stick to your excellent travel writing.

This purchase was a replacement for the same item that was stolen from my car so I already knew and loved it. Durable, functional and the perfect size.

I selected this rolling suitcase based on it's simplicity and light weight. After a recent 2 & 1/2 week trip I can say that it works great. The handle is strong, it rolls nicely, and holds a lot.

I have only used this bag only once, but I wanted to add my review before I forgot. It seems to be more difficult to the use the zippers; they stick, and it's next to impossible to tighten the internal straps when they are connected (it was difficult to work each piece back even when not attached). It seems almost all bags have telescoping handles that wiggle and feel flimsy; that is a problem with this bag too. This version seems smaller or at least with less internal space than my mom's 21" RS carry on bag, which is a couple years old, and that bag seems to be more poorly made than her original Rick Steves 21". The only positive is that the small front pouch, which doesn't really hold a lot other than a small paperback, has side gussets to contain items when open, unlike the older bags. I wish the lid had some structure; if there are any items in the "lid," it collapses on itself and is difficult to flip open (that is my biggest complaint at the current time as I kept trying to flip it open, and it took multiple times to keep it open). Unfortunately this bag is a present as I didn't speak up fast enough, so I'm stuck with it until it falls apart. Based on reviews, I hope that Rick Steves honors the warranty.