BootsnAll Travel Community

While cruising the internet I came across some luggage that looked inexpensive but got good reviews. The luggage is by Rick Steves. Looked kinda not so sturdy but according to the web site people seemed pleased.

Looking for some new luggage either a backpack type or rollie wheels but nothing too large, 21" to 22".

Any experienced RS users?

Only the name is special. The quality is not great. Not designed by him. Made by the same people who market Kiva Designs, and their management is pure scum.

Choose another brand. You can do a lot better.

I am a little embarrassed to say I have one. Approximately eleven years ago I bought a Rick Steves backpack that supposedly can double as a regular suitcase.

It is not a very handy regular suitcase, and as a backpack, just imagine something the shape of a suitcase with straps.

I hold that pack responsible for tipping me over onto train tracks after getting off a train in India! Okay, it was my fault for not getting a better pack...I budget pretty tightly and it was just not as much of a priority as...food and transport.

It is still holding together but I agree with static. If you are investing in new luggage go for something else.

For what they were designed to do, going from train to hotel, they work great but for any serious travel, they're not so good. Better backpack straps and a really good waist belt are needed for any distance over a hundred yards. You can use a "serious" backpack for plane,train and taxi travel but you can't use the Rick Steves backpack in the boonies. I'd save up and buy a good travelpack.

I agree that most of the Rick Steves brand products are likely just a product of merchandising, rather than actually endorsed and used by Rick Steves, but can somebody then give some suggestions for good travel luggage?

Is there something like a case that has wheels but can also be used as a backpack, for shorter distances? I don't like leaving stuff in hostels, and since I travel light, it would be great to just wheel it OR back pack it as I want.