High Sierra AT658 26 -Inch Expandable Wheeled Duffel with Backpack Straps

My old luggage of 25 years finally had to be replaced. I was looking for new luggage and asked several stewardesses what they would recommend. This is one brand they suggested. It has a divider inside. It can be carried like luggage or wheeled. In addition it can be carried as a backpack, because of the back straps. There is a larger size, but when the expansion is employed by unzipping, I would be right at the weight limit for air travel, which is why i wanted the 26" size. Cheaper luggage is available, but lacks the quality the numerous options for carrying.

This pack accompanied a 21 yr old female student to Florence for school. According to her, it was extremely functional and well-designed. She is about 5-4 and sturdily-built; she had no problem hoisting it fully-loaded and carrying it as a backpack. Believe me, it was FULLY loaded..within 1 lb or so of the 50-lb limit, on return trip.

No new damage was noticed upon return but it mostly served a apt storage unit between the plane trips. Wheels and straps were sturdy.

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Preface: I purchased 3 bags. This one, the 22-inch (smaller) version and the 32-inch (larger) version.

This bag in particular is too large to carry on, so I've checked it on a number of flights. I think you'd have to work pretty hard to go over 50 pounds worth of stuff in it, unless you like to travel with bricks or something. When I use it, its usually on midsize trips, 2-5 days or so, along with the carry-on 22 inch bag.

As far as the series AT-6 luggage in general, some reviewers have knocked it because its not a spinner type (4 independent wheels), and I'm not sure why, its pretty obvious its not. If that's what you're looking for, all I can tell you is that this luggage isn't what you're looking for.

All roll aboard luggage with the retractable handle like this takes up space inside and this bag is also no exception. There is a thin piece of material between the compartment and the telescope path which is flexible, so you could probably cram a few extra pairs of socks in if you plan ahead.

I have taken these bags on numerous trips since purchase and they're holding up very well, checked and as carry-on. I've not had any broken contents (knock on wood) in any case, nor have any parts or straps been torn or broken (knock on wood).

The built-in ID card holder is a really nice feature, protected from the elements and is attached by a piece of elastic so it can't simply fall out and be lost (spreading your personal information all over the airport). I don't use the backpack straps much, but on the smaller bag, they're comfortable. I find the this and the larger one too heavy to wear like that comfortably.

The only way I could suggest High Sierra make this series better (again, I'm not letting it detract from my rating because it is clear it doesn't have this feature) is to add a "daisy-chain" strap for easier towing of more than one piece. This problem is easily corrected with a simple, economical product: Travelon Multi-Bag Stacker

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I have the larger version of this bag and liked it so much, but you can easily over-pack and end up paying more money at the airport check in. My wife and I were going on a trip to the UK and they have even more strict weight regulations, so we bought this model (the 26 inch size) and were very happy. We didn't get charged any over-weight fees and we packed these bags up tight. I also like the wheels and the backpack which in the UK helps a lot because they aren't as efficient (i.e. lazy, haha)as us Americans and have more stairs.

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I traveled for several weeks in Asia with this bag, staying in several hotels, traveling by plane/bus/taxi, etc. The bag served me well. But, it is strangely shaped, and pretty heavy (I believe it is almost 10 pounds). The weight meant that I was frequently flirting with airline limits on small planes. And, while I bought it because I liked the shoulder/backpack straps, between the weight, the shape/balance, and the way the straps are designed, there is no way that I could ever have "worn" this thing (and, yes, I can backpack with a 50 pound pack...if it is a *real* backpack).

Which brings up the shape: The bulge at the top means that when you are standing it, a lot of the weight is hanging out beyond the bottom support...so the bag was *VERY* tippy...it rarely would stand stabily. And, as mentioned above, a lot of the weight is pretty far back from the backpack straps...which is about the last thing you want in a backpack.

All in all, this is a well made bag, with good features...but would serve much better on a car trip than on public transportation.

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