Pic 7: My final step is to help everything stay in place with a bandana across the top, then buckling the internal straps in an “X” over the bandana. (One pair of shoes in the right side pocket cards, jewelry pouch, flashlight, adaptor, and sewing kit in the left.) Pic 6: If I were on a road trip, or not worried about anyone digging in my bag, I would take advantage of the organization the side pocket offer and pack this way. (I used a TSA approved combination lock on the two zippers to the main compartment to secure my bag.) There are two side pockets, but for this trip, security was an issue and I didn’t want to risk losing things in the outside pockets to anyone’s sticky fingers. Pic 5: The bag easily fits everything in the main section. Running shoes (with a pair of socks stuffed in each shoe) Everything I will pack, ready to go into the bag. To give you an idea what this bag holds, here’s what went into it on my recent five week volunteer trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand. Keeping heavier items toward the back/bottom eliminates the issue and the bag stands up beautifully on its own. (Ideally I would prefer it to have four spinner wheels rather than two roller wheels.) However, I’ve finally found a solution to this by using packing cubes and putting a little more thought into how I arrange what’s inside the bag. I’ve never had anything damaged because of it tipping, but it’s a little bit of a nuisance to have to find a place to prop it up or deal with picking it back up every time it tips. My least favorite thing about this bag is its tendency to tip over when standing upright. (It also has a handle at the top and two straps that Velcro together across the body to assist with lifting/carrying.) The bag is very easy to pull, even fully stuffed. Most airlines limit each bag to 50lbs (23kgs), so filling the bag to capacity, I’ve gotten to that limit, but never over. It provides the perfect quantity to weight ratio. My favorite thing about this bag is that, it’s almost impossible to pack it overweight. It’s a great size for storing under a bed and rolling out as needed. I’ve found myself using the bag during my trip like a drawer or chest, in lieu of an actual dresser. The U-shaped opening makes it easy to see everything in the bag and get to the item I want without digging around for it. With the packing cubes, it’s easy to stay organized throughout my trip and keep all my belongings in the same place.

As a bonus, it does double duty once at my destination. It’s been durable and easy to maneuver through airports, city streets, and African soil.

The bag has been perfect for my move to Hawaii and most recently for a five week stay in Thailand. (There’s also a medium size option, which would be a shorter trip or a more minimalist packer.) The bag comes in a variety of colors, and while it may not be the most polished look, it definitely stands out on a luggage carousel!

I initially bought the bag to take to Kenya for a two-year term in the Peace Corps, so I purchased two of the extra large size. It weighs just under 8 lbs (3.5kg) which is really light for its size. It hasn’t disappointed! The wheels are great, as is the wide opening and soft construction. Having traveled with every bag style from military duffle to hiking backpack to traditional, old-fashioned suitcase, I picked this hybrid style, hoping it would be the best of all worlds. I also knew if the bag didn’t hold up in any way (unlikely, given the rigorous testing of all L.L.Bean bags) I could have it repaired or return it without any hassle. When choosing luggage, I went with this company because of that guarantee, knowing that if I took the bag on a trip (or ten) and didn’t like the way it performed, I could return it, no questions asked. I have a lot of experience with L.L.Bean products, and my favorite thing about the company is their lifetime guarantee. (On my own time, I pack a lot lighter and usually in a backpack.) As a volunteer, I tend to bring those “just in case” kind of items, as well as supplies necessary to the trip.įor these trips, I’ve found the perfect bag: the L.L.Bean Quickload Upright Rolling Duffle ($179 US). Since I most often travel with nonprofit organizations and am usually interacting with children or needing to keep within a dress code, I don’t pack like a tourist. I currently live on the island of Oahu in tropical Hawaii, where I work in the hospitality industry. I’ve traveled to destinations on five continents and am itching to put my feet on the last two ( South America and Antarctica). At the tender age of 13 the travel bug bit me and I haven’t ever recovered. The following L.L.Bean rolling duffle review has been submitted by Leah Buckman.

Llbean rolling adventure duffle