@gacat123 This is an updated review of the Weekender by Lori Greiner.
Having now traveled with it since June 20 with about another week and a half to go, I do not think I will use it again and will give it to a relative or to one of the organizations in my hometown who do fundraisers. They have already told me that any luggage pieces would do well when they take items to sell.
There are three reasons that stand out as to why I do not want to deal again with the bag.
1. Although I really, really wanted the leopard design, but because it looks expensive, I just feel uncomfortable with it, standing out in airports, hotels, etc. It is okay going to someone's home for the weekend or when I went to Palm Beach this past March; that wouldn't bother me. But I feel conspicuous elsewhere.
2. The side pockets, which Lori demonstrates as a good place to put a hairdryer or other such items, just stick out too much for me. I keep hitting things when I am pulling it behind me; and I am not like many people who roll their luggage alongside them. I notice it in airport terminal stores when I go down the aisles and also even when I pull it behind me in the plane getting to my seat and then disembarking the plane. I end up picking it up and carrying it. I never had to do that with any other carry-on luggage.
3. If you notice her demonstrate the bag, she can put in and easily lift out several pairs of blouses, pants, shoes, etc. However, when using it as a carry-on I do not carry that many pieces of clothes in it. I put in one set in case my checked-in luggage doesn't make it, but mostly I put my electronics or things I would not want to be without in it, not clothes. Thus, the way the opening is situated (zipper way low, from top to bottom, when opening), my things fall out the minute I open it. With clothes in it as she shows, that does not happen. But a bunch of little items like I carry in it, it isn't practical for me.
I just checked the dimensions and compared it to the Puddle Jumper Wheelie. The Weekender is 15" high/long, 17-1/2" wide, and 10-1/2" deep. The Wheelie is 21" high/long, 15-1/2" wide, and 9" deep. Therein lies the problem....that extra two inches in width going down aisles. And that dimension is before you put something in it, which I did not do because it really would have made me knock stuff over while passing by things. The Weekender is more of a boxy look, and made it harder to get in some compartments on smaller commuter planes that I had to take on this trip.
However, I must say that the two organizational pieces that came with it, I am using them all the time. And I also love the four organizational pieces that came with the matching tote. I will keep those for sure. Very well made and handy.
I am eager to try the Lug Puddle Jumper Wheelie that is sitting at home waiting for me. I believe the dimensions will work better for my needs.
My Rick Steves 25" luggage just keeps meeting all my needs for checked-in luggage. It has survived much beating over the years from the baggage handlers. But if Lug ever comes out with a checked-in luggage piece, I may just try that. I think they would have that coming at some point.
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