The soft sides on this bag make it simple to fit into cramped overhead bins. The packability is great for such a light-weight bag.

With airlines around the world cracking down in carry ons, this is the right size and weight. Going to South America soon and I am looking forward to NOT paying the excess baggage charges!!

I am an avid traveler, whether for adventure travel or family visits. Whenever possible I like to carry-on, but the weight of a regular bag can be tough to hoist into the overhead compartments. Thus I purchased this bag. I chose it for weight first, then for the ability to convert to a backpack. Six month of use later I rate it 5 stars. It is perfect for quick weekend trips or bustling through Manhatten crowds. When I first received the bag I was a bit disappointed in the lack of complete frame (which is what makes the bag lightweight) Half the outside of the bag is kind of floppy and I was worried about how sturdy it would be. I put it to the test this month with a trip to the Middle East. I used it as a carry-on, filled to the brim with back-up clothes on the way out and half empty traveling on tour. The "half frame" made the luggage fit into the buses and small aircraft where there were strict dimension limits. Extra points for the most comfortable handles ever.