Best bag I've ever had!

This is a shameless plug for the bag I carried - or wheeled, rather - around Spain for three weeks.
Because, unlike some past trips, not once did I ever find myself complaining about distance to walk finding hostels, how many times I'd have to lug it between hostel, bus -plane home, even.
It was small enough to carry on the plane and easy to sling into luggage compartments, didn't impede anyone's progress on city buses, held up through rain, didn't skew sideways on cambered roads or pavements, etc. etc. etc.
No matter how tightly packed it was easy to pull along.

The zips and seams are strong, as is the fabric. And it has a five-year guarantee, which means the manufacturers expect it to last much longer. I think they're probably right.
I don't treat my bags like flowers; I expect them to be like me - a bit rugged and up for the odd spot of mountain walking if the urge takes me.
Now I'm somewhat older, so prefer not to take a backpack except where conditions mean this makes for easier going. In Spain I didn't need to check out the backpack facility so can't comment on this, except to say it zips away very neatly and safely when not in use and the straps cover rolls back and fastens without coming off, so you can't accidentally lose it.
It measures 55x40x20cm (22x16x8 inches). There's also a separately zipped pouch on the front, big enough to hold a laptop and/or maps etc. Capacity is 44 litres (2685 cubic inches). And it weighs only 1.7 kg (that's 3.75 pounds for those using imperial measures) which is wonderfully light for all that it offers.
Fabric is Cordura and it comes in a variety of colours, including black. Mine was a rather fetching royal blue.

Possible minus points to note:
The backpack facility lacks a waist belt. As I haven't tested this facility I don't know how much difference this makes when travelling from city to city, for example.
If you have to carry it upstairs there's only a small (but comfortable) handle on the top; an attachment for shoulder strap would have been handy - though I managed it easily up three flights of stairs, so not really a problem.

OK - the nitty-gritty. It's called Cabin Max. The company is in Lyon I think. Amazon UK sell it for around £30. I think it retails for a much higher price in the USA, though. However, I've seen similar bags selling fr at least three times the price. I can't praise this one highly enough.

Thanks for the review, Go_2. I am looking to buy a new bag I can use as a cabin bag. However, I'm not really interested in a backpack option as I have too much pain and too little movement in my left shoulder, from lugging school bags before the back pack era. Does the back pack conversion intrude much into the volume and/or weight? Definitely want wheels, though.

No, it's very flat - and I don't think it adds much weight, either.
The pull-out handle also zips away. It's a very well thought out bag, IMO.

(I have a feeling there's also a bag made by the same company ( [www.cabinmax.com] ) that doesn't have the backpack option, and that this one is a little cheaper.

Oooh - I just went to the Cabin Max site. They ave a number of bags that are carry-ons and trolley (wheeled) only.
The 'zurich' is lighter, at 1.3kg and costs £25.
BTW 'Lyon' is listed as the name of the model; it's a UK company. I should have checked first, no?

Edited by: go_2

Being a luggage junkie, i have one of each...one with backpack potential, the other not. And while they appear to be the same size, the non backpack one is a better shape and holds more. I got the backpack one for my last trip to the Caribbean, and found i really didn't need it. A good sturdy wheelie is all one needs.

This review and recommendation came just at the right time. I have checked the Lyon but I don't think it comes with wheels which is strange as it has a handle that is used for pulling?

http://cabinmax.com/en/trolleys/27-cabin-max-lyon-blue-and-grey-trolley-bag-0616983191804.html#

I think I would prefer the Zurich as it has wheels.

http://cabinmax.com/en/trolleys/22-cabin-max-foldaway-trolley-bag-black-061799248099.html#

But, what I would dearly love is the 4 wheeler luggage.

http://cabinmax.com/en/trolleys/41-geneva-0616983191842.html#

Feedback please.

Wow, less then two weeks to go! :)

Lee

Yes, it has wheels. And they're very well placed. I think maybe the photo shows the backpack facility rolled over them.
Also, the bag didn't fall over when I stuffed it, which was great. In fact, it stood upright very wel and muc better than I'd imagined it would.

The Zurich holds more. It doesn't have the backpack facility, but if you don't need it that's great. I haven't road-tested that one but I'm sure it would come up to the same standard. And it's lighter and cheaper!

The Geneva weighs more, which would eat into your carry-on allowance. Also, its hard shell means you can't 'stuff' it if necessary.

Really, based on my experience with the Lyon, I'd go for the Zurich if you don't need the backpack.

Nice find! I have one of those more expensive roller backpack bags that you refer to (an Eagle Creek. Mine cost closer to 5x the Lyon!) and while I love it to bits, if I had known about your bag at the time I would have certainly bought it instead :-) !

PS: For all that extra money, I did get a waist strap on the backpack setup, handles on 3 sides, and a lifetime guarantee.

Slow down and take a breath Lee.

One week and 3 days to go! lol

One week to FREEDOM from the tyranny of work!

Edited by: Lee52

I love the light weight of the Cabinmax and would consider buying one when my current roller bag wears out, which looks like years away.

In the 70's and 80's I had Berghaus back packs, but too expensive by the 90's and I bought a Black Wolf back pack. It was fantastic. My partner and I now both have Black Wolf Blade Runners - got fed up with carrying back packs at the age of 59 - and they are going strong after 3 years. Unfortunately they are a bit weighty: 3.4kg for the 4010 litre and 4kg for the 6020 litre. Virtually indestructable though and good sturdy wheels.

We've had 20 years of Black Wolf and I like the brand. If only their roller bags could lose a bit of weight.

Counting down to retirement also....9 months and 2 weeks...after 40 years of helping others in Community Services. Can't wait.

Edited by: davidfromOz

go_2, I'm relieved that you've embraced the integrated wheelie. Back in 2007 I bought a rolling backpack, thinking there'd be times when the straps would be handy. But I never used the backpack capability--not on the cobblestones of Istanbul, not on the crumbling sidewalks of Yangon, not in crossing multiple tracks in a couple of train stations. So I cut off the straps; never missed 'em. I suppose that if I ever have to make my way on foot from one Bedouin encampment to another, I might curse they're absence, but....
Lee
(way past 52 )

Oooh Lee (Gil) - another one older than me. Makes me feel young again! Yippee!
Where have you been hiding these past few months?

To update you - Lee52 and I are going to walk the Camino (Santiago de Compostella) next spring.
I shall NOT be backpacking. I'm currently making a 'donkey' to carry my stuff. Lee might take some wheels, too. Would you like to join up? It's only 1000 km from Seville on the via de la plata...

go_2, as you may have noticed, I posted Latin America Travel Report, which answers your question of where I’ve been hiding.

Your invitation to join the Camino trek is enticing, it truly is. But I’m battling serious foot pain (plantar fasciitis/heel spur) and 1,000 km is about 997 more than I want to tackle any time soon—though if my stretching regimen finally starts to kick in, that vision could expand slightly.

What I am planning, though, is my first venture into Africa, including Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia (looking for signs of anything Lor might have left), Sudan (looking for whirling dervishes), and possibly Morocco (chasing Lor again.)

I’m curious what your donkey will be composed of, and how it’ll be deployed. I’ll be keenly interested in following your preparations for the trip—and of course the trip itself.

Cheers
Lee

Lee - sorry to hear about your heel spur. I agree it would make walking agony.
However, Africa is great. If you haven't been there yet - beware! It can become very addictive. The dervishes whirl better in Turkey, however. Though the Sudanese experience is quite heady, too.

Re. your question about Jamilla (my donkey) I've just put up a posting devoted to her.
I will read your Latin America report when I get home - going out now to buy more 'donkey stuff'', etc.

what i cant figure out, is why you want/need your donkey. You seem to have found the perfect bag with wheels, why aren't you using it?

Canayjun - Jamilla will be fund-raising for a charity I support. I have this 'thing'about asking for sponsorship for myself - I can't do it - but will be making a website for Jamilla and enabling people to make donations.
Hopefully, the Camino won't be the only pilgrimage I make with her - and there can be spin-offs as well if she really takes off.

anyone know if these bags are available in Canada/US? Shipping from GB is to expensive.

I think I've seen them on a US website - but costing a lot more. Check out the website (@ #2). Maybe a contact there can help?

I currently use a Baggallini Rolling Tote.

It's small enough to use as a carry-on, but it's got 3 compartments and if you use packing folders or packing cubes, it actually holds a lot; certainly enough for a 2 week trip. :-)

Regarding USA retail, it's the same price as Britain, though the shipping cost (which is free in the UK) runs an extra $15.
Grand total in dollars was $61 and they shipped immediately (not sure how long it will take to receive it). This is a damned fine deal since it's almost impossible to find any wheeled backpack for less than $100. The Rick Steves approved model sells for $159 and I wonder if it's any better than this one.

Good news bruce. Where in north americadid you order it from?
Margaret

I ordered it online from the manufacturer. Very impressed with it. . I haven't put it to the test yet, but it appears to be well made with lots of storage options. Took about two weeks shipping time from the UK to West Coast US. My guess is that they'll set up a distribution center over here if sales warrant.

Edited by: bruce3404

Good to hear your news, Bruce.
I'm always very nervous when recommending a hostel or an item, as it smacks of 'advertising'.

But on the rare occasion where I find something special I like to pass it on. :>))

My travel case is 'travelling' well although it does make quite a clatter when the wheels rolled on cobblestones. Lol

At times, I expected to be pulled out by a good citizen of the place for noise pollution.

Hey, go_2, thanks for the recommendation. Thanks also for the colourful luggage strap which helps to brighten the case up. Btw, Ryanair did not bothered to weigh my bag. My only gripe about the bag is that the sides collapsed but it holds well inspire of the rough treatment it is getting.

Thanks also for the feed. And, for the escort to the bus stop. Much appreciated. :)

Lee

Look forward to seeing you again soon, Lee.

Thanks for your recommendation go_2. I'll have to admit that right after I ordered the bag, I thought that maybe yours was a review from an employee of the manufacturer. Glad to hear otherwise and I agree that if you find a truly good product or service, you should pass the word on.