Pilot Travel Gear

[Airdale]

I need to get a travel rollerboard and a case for holding my flight gear. I'll be having to stay at a crashpad for a few days at a clip as well as possibly jumpseating there and back, so size is important. I don't want something too big or too small. What do you recommend?

I was looking at a Travelpro 22" roller and possibly a Jepp. leather flight case. What do pilots typically use? Thanks

[Cheechako]

Do they have Costco on the east coast? Best $99 I ever spent. The Kirkland roll-aboard is better than any TravelPro I've owned. Plus if/when it breaks, I can just take it in (still have the receipt tucked away) and they'll give me a brand new one.

Lots of pilots shell out the cash for the Purdy Neat bags (luggageworksonline.com). They're heavy and expensive, but seemingly indestructible.

I've owned two Travelpro's and haven't been impressed. The zippers are weak, the wheels quickly start grinding and I've had the retractable handle break in the up position. Not fun when on day two of a four day trip!

[GaTechKid]

Do yourself a favor and go to www.ebags.com and get their Professional 22" carry-on. The bag was made for crewmembers, it has over 900 positive reviews from fellow crew, and it's on a spring sale for $89.00!! I've had it for a year and it's still in great shape.

The ballistic nylon case that I got from Office Depot for $65.00 can take a beating and last a long time. I did have the hard vinyl version with external wheels when I was at Colgan, but it wouldn't fit in the RJ so I had to switch.

[Airdale]

Sweet info guys, thanks! Can you fit a lot into a 22" case?

[casey]

i have a purdy neat 22" bag and a scott flight case.

i used to have the travelpro but it was a pain. wheels died on me, got them replaced with rollerblade wheels and that was ok but then the handle died. I took the suitcase apart to fix it and discovered pretty much all the plastic internal structure was cracked and ready to disintegrate. I gave up on at that point and went with the PNT bag.

for the flight case i started with the office depot special and figured out the specific TLC that bag needs to survive by the time i was on my second one. If you get one of those the key is to dig through the material hiding the screws for the handle and loctite them. Check them regularly for becoming loose and tighten as needed. i recieved the scott bag as a gift and so i retired the office depot bag.

[kellwolf]

I got the Costco bag at first to save some $$$. Personally, I found it a little small for 4 day trip, and the wheels kept locking up on me. Makes for an interesting dance as you're going through the airport and your rollerbag turns into a draggerbag b/c the wheels just stop rolling.

I've heard negative things about TravelPros. Just ask Amber about her trials with the ones she's had.

A couple of weeks ago, I broke down and got the PNS bag. My thoughts: I shoulda got it from the start. I can run over this thing with my car, and it would laugh at me. I DARE a ramper to exhaust themselves on this bag. It's got a better hook on the front than the Costco (I hated clipping and unclipping my flight case as opposed to hooking and unhooking it), the handle is tall enough that I can slip my laptop case over it, and it's got space and pockets for DAYS.

For the flight case, my Office Depot is still going strong. I'll probably get the Luggage Works flight case when it finally gives up the ghost, though.

[staplegun]

Originally Posted by GaTechKid

Do yourself a favor and go to www.ebags.com and get their Professional 22" carry-on. The bag was made for crewmembers, it has over 900 positive reviews from fellow crew, and it's on a spring sale for $89.00!! I've had it for a year and it's still in great shape.

I second the eBags recommendation.

I'm very hard on bags; I'm a commuter and went through 2 PNTco bags (I think they suck!) in 5 years. They are heavy and the handles have a tendancy to break, plus the frame will weaken at the bottom and the bag won't stand up.

I've had my eBags Professional 22" for 6 years and it's been great. The handle adjusts to 3 different lengths and is very tall at it's highest. It's bigger than it looks and holds enough for a 6 day trip. In January I replaced the wheels and axles, again after 6 years.

Kevin

[Airdale]

Originally Posted by staplegun

I second the eBags recommendation.

I'm very hard on bags; I'm a commuter and went through 2 PNTco bags (I think they suck!) in 5 years. They are heavy and the handles have a tendancy to break, plus the frame will weaken at the bottom and the bag won't stand up.

I've had my eBags Professional 22" for 6 years and it's been great. The handle adjusts to 3 different lengths and is very tall at it's highest. It's bigger than it looks and holds enough for a 6 day trip. In January I replaced the wheels and axles, again after 6 years.

Kevin

I just ordered mine tonight!! I also ordered a Pilot Avionics PA-1779T ANR headset. I figure the end of training is rapidly approaching and if I don't get these orders placed for things I need for IOE, I'll be screwed!

How does this eBag Professional work for toting around a flight case as well? Can they hook up, clip together or something? I had a few family members pitch in without even asking and send me money to get supplies for the job. They're pretty excited for me and want me to have the necessary things, how nice of them!

I'm looking into the flight cases now. Thanks for the helps folks!! I appreciate it!

[staplegun]

Originally Posted by Airdale

How does this eBag Professional work for toting around a flight case as well? Can they hook up, clip together or something?

I think it come with a clip-on hook and strap, so you can pick one or the other.

Kevin