Category: Luggage

The Ridge Check In Luggage Suffers From Scale

by Anil Polat | Aug 22, 2024 | Luggage | 0

The Ridge Check In is a rugged piece of luggage made of highly durable materials very similar to their Carry On. In many ways it’s like Ridge took their popular Carry On and zapped it with an enlargement ray. The result is a hard shell 4 wheel roller that is strong and spacious but suffers from growing pains.

You can watch the full video review above and read on for more.

Hard Body

The Ridge Check In comes in 5 different colors from bright basecamp orange to the sleek alpine blue. No matter which color you decide on all of the Check In versions have a matte poly-carbonate shell. In theory the matte finish, instead of a flat or glossy one, should help with scratches and scuffing, something hard shell luggage is especially prone too. Even with the two rubber bumpers running vertically down the front of the Check In it won’t take more than a flight or two for the first signs of wear. (To help combat this Ridge have included a cleaning eraser that does a decent job of wiping off scuffs but you’ll have to be diligent about using it after each trip.)

The poly-carbonate shell is thick to help add to the durability of the case and other Ridge luggage I’ve tested has held up well to frequent travel wear and tear. Like the Carry On the Check In also has aluminum corner protectors to prevent the corners getting turned inward from being tossed around. Those too scratch fairly quickly but again, no luggage looks like new for long.

Water Shell

The Check In has YKK zippers and an IPX3 rating meaning it can resist a strong downpour of rain and keep the contents dry. Most luggage doesn’t have (or the manufacturers don’t bother) to get an IPX rating for their bags so Ridge have gone above and beyond here. They’ve also made the most of the interior space – the Check In is 70 liters and compared to other premium bags of similar dimensions – Ridge have been able to squeeze out just a few more liters in the same space.

What’s Missing

The weight is also on the lighter side for hard shell luggage of this size (67.3 x 47 x 26.7 centimeters or 26.5 x 18.5 x 10.5 inches). The Check In has a few kilos on soft sided luggage but at 4.6 kilograms or 10.2 pounds, isn’t has heavy as the hard shell competition average. The interior is lined with light but durable 210 denier polyester (labeled with plenty of Ridge logos) with a clam shell design. One side has compression straps while the other has a mesh zippered window to keep contents in their place. I’d prefer compression straps on both sides to better keep contents in their place during baggage handling but being hard shell helps compensate just a bit.

The lack of a handle or hard plastic bar on the bottom of the Check In is also a major lacking. On the smaller Carry On a handle not being there isn’t as big of an issue because presumably the bag will be lighter simply by being a smaller bag. For the much larger Check In though, picking up 20 kilos (or 30 plus pounds) of weight with nothing but the rubber zipper lining to grip isn’t very comfortable at all. I’m afraid it will wear on the bag over time and eventually give out. Not to mention drops or mishandles trying to pack the Check In on trains, car trunks, or other higher surfaces.

The Check In has the durability and lifetime warranty to set your mind at ease but keep in mind this is a $450 piece of luggage. There is a lot of competition at this size though with Away, Monos, and Samsonite all making luggage that’s nearly as durable but runs $100 or more cheaper. If you’re the kind of person that changes your checked luggage frequently, then you might want to look at some of the less expensive but still premium alternatives. But if you don’t mind the higher premium price for the minimalist look and rugged build, the Ridge Check In is a bag that should last you a long time.

Does Backpack Material Make A Difference Against Thieves?

by Anil Polat | Aug 1, 2024 | Luggage, Security | 0

We know that using this zipper trick can help to deter stealthy thieves from getting to your valuables but when it comes to more brazen criminals what your bag is made of can make a big difference. Slash attacks are when a crook cuts through your backpack to get at its contents, either when it’s on your back or when it might be under your seat on a bus or train.

To see whether or not nylon’s strength is worth its weight in protection versus lighter polyester and then even cheaper fabric blends, I put them to the test. Using several sharp kitchen knives I cut to the bottom of the question and found that material matters but not the way you might think. You can see the results in the video above to see whether your backpack holds up or what you might want to look for in your next luggage.

Patagonia’s Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Is Grounded

by Anil Polat | Jun 6, 2024 | Luggage, Travel | 0

Finding a travel bag that’s just the right size – not too big but not anxiety-inducing small isn’t easy but Patagonia’s Black Hole Wheeled Duffel comes close but doesn’t work where you might need it most.

You can watch the full review in the video above or read on.

Less Shiny But Still Glossed

The Black Hole is a long standing line by Patagonia and the wheeled version of this duffel is 70 liters and comes in several color options, black, buckhorn green, and touring red. Patagonia says this redesign of the Black Hole is less shiny then the previous versions but make no mistake, the recycled polyester rip-stop used here is noticeably glossy.

The hard plastic back is covered with the same polyester but has a matte finish and contrasts nicely with the shinier elements. The Black Hole 70 liter version measures 70 centimeters by 35.5 by 30 centimeters and the use of polyester here makes it about 25 grams to a kilogram on average lighter than similarly sized luggage in this price range that uses nylon. The reduction in weight also comes with better weatherproofing since it uses TPU-film laminate.

Keep On Rolling

The wheel bolts are placed on the outside and exposed which has lead to other users reporting damaged, dented, and misaligned wheels, especially when the Black Hole gets chucked about by baggage handlers. I haven’t had any problems and it might not be a problem for you depending on how you use this bag.

There’s also a lack of handles on the Black Hole. Being a duffel, you have a large snap-able grip on the front that goes over the main opening of the bag but there are no other handles on the sides, making it difficult to get a hold of at certain angles. There’s a plastic handle on the bottom of the Black Hole but a flimsy fabric grip on the top, making for an uneven hold. In situations where you’re just throwing the Black Hole into a car trunk or back of a truck, it’s not an issue. For train overheads or airport luggage carousels though you’re going to miss those handles which are common on most other bags.

Spacious Gravity

Patagonia have really maximized the interior space giving you a large 70 liters to work with. There is one big bucket with no interior dividers and there’s usable space right into the corners. Internal compression straps give you a little more room if you pack softer items like clothing that can be tightened down.

The interior space is good for gear or longer trips and it’s one of the roomier 70 liter bags I’ve come across (though from the outside it doesn’t look that big). To me, the Black Hole is a good back for hauling gear for fishing, skiing, or hiking, that’s going to go right into a car. It’s also good for family road trips but doesn’t have the best feature set for airports. Trust me, you’ll be looking for those side handles in a lot of situations so while the size of the Patagonia Black Hole 70 liter is spacious without feeling excessive, carrying all of that weight, at least on planes, will have to wait.

Rolling Your Clothes Saves Space In Luggage But At A Cost

by Anil Polat | May 2, 2024 | Luggage | 0

We could all use a little more space from our suitcases and aside from packing less or getting a bigger bag how you fold your clothes can make a big difference. It turns out that rolling your shirts and pants can significantly save space, reduce wrinkles, but not if you’re short on time.

Watch The Technique

You can see in the video above on how to roll shirts (sleeves in, collars forward) and pants (split down the middle and rolled straight) results in space savings of around 44%. That is a lot of added space compared to folding and just a little more than having no method at all. It turns out the throw everything in your bag and smash it down so the zippers close is a valid method only 11% less efficient.

In between though on the scale of time, is folding. Rolling is the slowest method, free for all the fastest, and folding lands in the middle. You can see there are advantages and disadvantages to each packing method so if you’re short on time, fold or throw, but keep in mind that luggage won’t be as efficient. Rolling takes more time not just at packing but also repacking, which can add up if you’re taking a multi-city trip.

The Ridge Commuter Backpack Is Solid But Standard

by Anil Polat | Feb 15, 2024 | Luggage, Travel | 0

Ridge the company most known for its line of slim wallets has more recently ventured into luggage. They’ve got their durable but pricey Ridge Carry On and as part of the line, the Commuter Backpack. It’s sits between this world of travel bag and office bag and depending on where you’re going, the Commuter Backpack may or may not be the best fit for you.

Size And Specs

The Commuter Backpack is on the smaller side at around 20 liters and measures 46 x 31 x 18 centimeters. It’s available in four distinct colors ranging from black, matte olive, base camp orange, and alpine blue with all of the colors bright but not overstated or tacky. As Ridge tend to do, they’ve opted for durability but the use of 900 denier ballistic nylon makes the Ridge Commuter Backpack heavier than average at 1.43 kilos (3.15 pounds).

The Ridge Commuter Backpack | Travel Backpack with Laptop Holder...

Quality YKK zippers are used and the combined with the other materials in use, the Commuter Backpack is weatherproof. You can’t submerge this backpack (unless you want to get everything inside wet) but it will keep its contents dry in even a strong downpour.

Inside The Bag

There are two side pockets for small water bottles, a flat front pocket that goes down about a quarter of the bag length you can use a a quick grab pocket or for smaller items like chargers or cables. (Since this pocket is more exposed, I wouldn’t store anything of high value like a passport.) The main compartment is a big open pocket with a halfway zip although a three quarters or sided access would make getting your stuff in and out a bit easier. Ridge have also squeezed in a separate laptop compartment as well with a soft microfiber suede lining and big enough to hold a 16 inch laptop.

Inside 210 denier nylon is used and made to be anti-microbial. As an added bonus Ridge have sneaked in a hidden Airtag pocket. Overall the Commuter Backpack has a straightforward design when it comes to the pockets – not too different than many other similarly sized backpacks – but the materials used are more durable than most.

Cost Considerations

You will pay for those premium materials though – this is not an inexpensive backpack. As Ridge says, the Commuter Backpack is built to last and given the liberal use of nylon I would tend to say they’re right. At only 20 liters though this isn’t going to be a one bag travel backpack but more of an office, school, or business trip bag.

At 20 liters it may be a bit overkill and heavy for everyday use but if you want a rugged yet stylish backpack to carry a laptop, some books, or light clothes in, the Ridge Commuter Backpack should last you for years of short trips.

Ridge’s Carry On Is Pricey Luggage Built To Last

by Anil Polat | Dec 28, 2023 | Luggage, Travel | 0

Ridge have ventured from building metal, minimalist wallets to luggage that places a premium on durability. The Ridge Carry On (that’s the rather bland name) is a hard shell roller with a conventional design that’s been beefed up for rugged luxury.

Solid State

The Carry On comes in a nice set of choices from Royal black, Alpine navy, to Basecamp orange, personally my favorite. It’s bright – easy to find at the luggage carousel if you decide to check it in but isn’t as neon as it looks like on the Ridge website. This is more of a fuller orange that stands out but isn’t tacky looking. The polycarbonate shell is matte so there are no reflections or fingerprints to worry about and also makes the carry on more scratch resistant

Sale

The Ridge Slim Minimalist Hex Style Mens Wallet with Front Pocket...

All around Ridge have accented the Carry On with black bumpers around the exterior and anodized aluminum corner guards. It stands 20.5 inches (about 52 centimeters) high and is 14 inches (35.5 centimeters) wide.

ridge carry on

Ridge have used weatherproof zipper lining – these are YKK zippers one of the more durable manufactures – the lining also being black adds a nice contrast to the over all look of the ridge carry on. Weatherproofing here is IPX3 rated, which means the carry on can a spray of water but isn’t waterproof. For rainy days though even if you check this bag and it’s sitting on a tarmac, it should provide a good amount of protection for the contents.

Keep On Rolling

The Ridge Carry On moves along 4 sets of double solid plastic wheels that are roll fairly well but occasionally still do that thing a lot of 4 point rollers do where it takes a second to align the wheels when changing directions. The wheels are thick and feel sturdy making it easy to move around on relatively flat surfaces. You can also roll the carry on at an angle on steeper inclines or less even pavement.

The handle has three height settings and a unique honey comb rubber grip that’s easy to hold – this thing isn’t going to slip out of your hands any time soon. The handle is smooth and clicky when it gets set and collapses nicely back into the body of the Carry On when not needed.

ridge carry on luggage

The Ridge Carry On isn’t a revolutionary design but raises the bar on the quality of parts and materials of a typical 4 point roller. The corner guards, slightly thicker shell, and use of heavy plastics in the wheels are some of the things that set it apart from luggage with similar body shapes and design. The use of those materials though does come with two other carry-ons though: price and weight.

Calculating Costs

The Ridge Carry On costs about twice as much as some other 4 point rollers you’ll find in this size and shape. Ridge are hoping that their investment in the build will mean while you’re paying more upfront for their Carry On, it’s luggage that will last you many years. The second price of the design choices Ridge have made with the Carry On is the weight. It’s 3.4 kilograms or 7.6 pounds, which is about a pound or half a kilogram heavier than similar hard shell rollers this size. Fortunately you probably won’t have to weigh the Carry On for many flights depending on where in the world you are but the weight is something you’ll want to keep in mind for both airlines limits as well as lifting the carry on into overhead compartments.

The Carry On is spacious enough for a 2 week trip. There’s enough storage for clothes, jackets, extra shoes, and most people, the Ridge Carry On will let you travel without having to check a bag. I could see this going well with a backpack for your laptop and other electronics so if you pack wisely that could be your entire luggage set up.

The Ridge Carry On is a bit pricier than some of the competition but if you travel frequently and find that you’ve had to replace your roller more than you’d like or you want to jump into the world of freedom that is not having to check a bag, then you might want to take a look at the Ridge Carry On.

About Anil Polat

Hi, I'm Anil. foXnoMad is where I combine travel and tech to help you travel smarter. I'm on a journey to every country in the world and you're invited to join the adventure! Read More