Innovations in rolling luggage are pretty rare – mainly because there is very little left to innovate with. Thankfully, something new does pop up every now and then, like in the new Case Logic 22″ Upright Lightweight rolling case.
This good looking piece of luggage is two things in one – a lightweight rolling case and a TSA checkpoint friendly laptop bag.
The model I am reviewing is in the gold color version – which is a very striking color, and something that is bound to help make finding your bag much easier.
The checkpoint friendly part of this bag consists of a laptop sleeve that slides into the front pocket. The sleeve will hold laptops up to 16″, and when inserted into the bag, it provides a decent amount of padding for your computer. Because the sleeve has nothing obstructing the images of an X-Ray machine, you won’t have to remove your laptop for inspection (unless requested to do so). The top of the sleeve has 2 handles making it easier to pull out of your bag.
The inside of the bag is nothing special – there are several zippered pockets and the usual compression straps. The frame of the bag is made of lightweight EVA molded plastic, which helps keep the weight down to 7 lbs 13 oz. The wheels are positioned on the outer corners, reducing the space they take up inside the main compartment.
The zippered expansion system adds two inches of additional storage space, just keep in mind that a fully expanded and packed bag may not fit in the overhead, forcing you to check it.
A zippered water bottle pocket lets you pull your bag around, giving you a spare hand for making the obligatory loud phone call when strolling through the airport.
All in all a very well designed piece of luggage – the build quality feels good, the wheels are nice and smooth, and the retracting handle doesn’t feel like it’ll break after your first trip.
I’m especially enamored with the color and the laptop sleeve. Being able to store your laptop in a checkpoint friendly pouch, leave you with more room in your second carry-on item. Of course, the laptop sleeve will take up some space in the main compartment of the bag, but that is a trade-off you’ll have to make. Best of all – it’ll reduce the weight of your second bag, something your shoulders will thank you for.
PROS: Integrated laptop carrying sleeve, bright color, expandable, ten year warranty
CONS: Zippered expansion system instead of locking mechanism
The Case Logic 22″ Lightweight Expandable Upright Roller retails for $179.99 and is available in black, grey and gold. The bag is available directly from Case Logic or from your favorite luggage retailer (where you may find it for around $150). The bag comes with a ten year warranty.