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Rolling Weekender and Retro Metro Weekender Review

4/24/2014

15 Comments

 
The trip my daughter and I took to San Francisco, I had her use the rolling weekender bag and the retro metro weekender bag by Thirty-One.  Yes, I am a consultant and no, they did not pay me to write this.  My reviews are solely my experience and opinion of the product (good and bad).

The rolling weekender retails at $180. This bag is literally a duffle with wheels. 
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When I first got this bag, I wasn't too happy with the design. This bag does NOT stand on its own like a typical carry on bag with wheels. The bottom is rounded. Therefore, it rolls over like a turtle on its back if not put down flat on the ground like a normal duffle. If you notice all the promotional photos of the bag, it's always tilted. 

With one zipper across the top to get into the main compartment, it's a tight squeeze to get anything bulky inside of it. Think, clamshell. It has pockets on the inside and pockets along the outsides of the bag. There is one sturdy handle on the "top" of the bag where the retractable handle folds in. 

The bag is very compact and feels sturdy when rolling around. The wheels are strong and sized nicely so there is no drag when trying to maneuver through a busy airport. I have not had to use it for travel until a few weeks ago. That's when my thoughts on this bag changed and I now truly enjoy it.

The bag looks small and doesn't open very wide with that one "smiley" zipper that goes across the top of it. We use space saver bags when traveling which compacts all our clothing. We were able to fit TWO large space saver bags filled with clothes, a large and heavy textbook, more clothes, a box of chocolates, toiletries, jackets, shoes, and much more in this bag. I was shocked at how much it could hold when packed in an organized fashion.  

With all the stuff in there, the bag was a lot heavier than it looked. With all that weight, the wheels held up and the bag did not drag when rolling around. It was easy to steer and maneuver, including in the airplane. While most people were wacking the crap out of peoples legs and elbows, this bag zipped through the aisle like a breeze. I even rolled it in FRONT of me on my way in. With the bag tilted as you walk, it holds a backpack, or any other bag on top of it with ease. 

Even with the added weight, the handle still felt sturdy and the bag wheeled nicely. I wheeled in my heavy backpack (filled with work stuff including my laptop) on top of the full duffle easily. When I got to my row, the handle folded down quickly and effortlessly. The strong strap on the side is nice and wide. Not just the strap itself, but it was stitched on to where you could easily grasp it and pull up to get the bag up and into the overhead compartment. Same for taking it down. Pull, drop, grab the handle and go. I loved it!  I'm debating if I should pick up another one in sea plaid because I really loved this bag a lot and we'll be taking more trips this year. But, I had to withhold because I have my other weekender bag that I will now review. I feel like the person in the hair club for men commercial. I am not only a spokesperson for thirty one. I USE IT! LOL

Now, the retro metro weekender. Retail price is $80.  Ahh, I love this bag. Why? Because this sucker is made of a very durable canvas material. There are two large pockets (no closure) inside and one big zipper pocket. The outside has one large pocket (no closure). This large bag is very light weight. VERY.  You can get an optional shoulder strap but with the length of the straps already on it, you don't really need it.

When not in use, it folds up EXTREMELY small and flat if folded properly. I always pack this bag on trips as my 911 oh my god my luggage is overweight life saver bag.  So, I had my daughter bring this with her when she met me in Seattle.  When using space saver bags, you can EASILY pack 3 weeks+ worth of clothes in this thing with tons of room to spare. Note, it will be heavy and that's when you'd probably want a shoulder strap for it.

On trips, this becomes my 2nd carry on item. I fill it with everything under the sun that my luggage cannot hold (less liquids, gels, etc).  This bag is most helpful when going home. You know, when you return your rental and you have to scour the car for crap to take out like your gps, cell phone charger cables, your cell phone, etc.  I just chuck it all in there. It's easier to run with one or two bags versus five.  Once I get to my gate and can settle down, that's when I rearrange and organize my stuff. Usually, I can re-organize it all and get everything to fit in my Cindy tote. Smaller tote that can hold a lot of stuff. That's when I fold up my retro metro weekender nicely, and tuck it away. ahhhhh. Not even lesportsac can touch this bag. Trust me, I have a huge duffle from lesportsac. Their bags are also lightweight, but the material is VERY thin too. Load that bag up and snag one thing. That sucker will rip open like a C section gone mad.

I did use that retro metro weekender on a trip to the Phillippines. I fit everything I needed into this bag for a 9 day trip. That's right. NO CHECK IN! Awesome right! The best part, on the way home, it fit a ukulele, a huge musical jewelry box, my purse, and much more. I didn't want to pack those fragile items in a box or luggage. So, I hand carried ALL OF IT on the plane discreetly in my bag. Amazing! The super duper best part of it all? It says OLIPAS on it. Yayer! P.S. the bag you see below is the same design I have. 

Hopefully my reviews help you decide if these bags are right for you. Please subscribe to my blog and share it. Much love!


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15 Comments
Alisha
6/24/2014 10:01:42 am

I bought the Uptown Rolling Weekender. In about 2 weeks i will be taking my first airplane. I was wondering if it would be able to be carry on?

Thank you,
Alisha

Reply
Maria Olipas link
6/24/2014 10:36:04 am

Hi Alisha!
Yes, this rolling weekender is definitely a carry on bag. On smaller planes, it will not fit onboard so they will have you gate check it in. On the larger planes, it fits perfectly in the overhead bin. Thanks for reading my review!

Reply
Jenna
9/4/2014 09:46:03 pm

Thank you for your review, Maria! I was trying to decide if I should get the rolling weekender and you have made up my mind. I am passing your review to my consultant so she can refer other customers to it. Thanks!

Reply
Maria Olipas link
9/5/2014 02:08:53 am

Hi Jenna!
I'm glad my review helped you and thanks for forwarding it along. I appreciate it. The rolling weekender just made it back into the fall catalog and I'm debating if I should get another one. My husband will kill me! LOL! But it's such a useful bag to have for a traveling family.

Aloha!
Maria Olipas

Reply
Misty
9/6/2014 01:33:28 am

And you have had o problems with the retro metro weekender being a carry on bag with airlines?

Reply
Maria Olipas link
9/6/2014 03:12:54 am

Hi Misty,
I have not. One thing to note is on my trip to the Phillippines, there is a weight limit to large carry one items. So on my way there, I had to move some things into my moms bag. Although my RMW bag was barely half full, it was heavy. Using vacuum sealed bags compacted all my clothing which made the bag look "small". Other than that, never a problem on any flight I've taken it on.

Depending on what you put in there, it may or may not fit under the seat in front of you. On my return flight, with it filled with a ukulele and jewelry box, I had to put it up overhead. I was worried that other people would crush my bag, but it worked out just fine.

I hope this helps and thanks for reading my blog!

Maria Olipas

Reply
Chris
9/24/2014 09:27:33 am

My retro metro bag just arrived and it looks like has fraying on the fabric trim. Is it supposed to look like that?

Reply
Maria Olipas link
9/24/2014 09:48:56 am

Hi Chris,

There shouldn't be any fraying on the bag. You may have gotten a faulty item. If you can, send me a picture of the fraying area at olipasinc@gmail.com. I'd like to see the problem.

If you purchased the bag from a thirty one consultant, go back to that person. They can get a replacement for you.

Thank you for reaching out to me.

Reply
Maria Olipas link
9/24/2014 10:46:09 am

I emailed you, but will post here for other readers as well.

I just confirmed with my upline that the bag is supposed to have that frayed design to it. I never noticed it until you mentioned it. I haven't had any problems with my bag coming apart and I use it heavily when traveling. Hope this helps!!

Reply
Liz
5/14/2015 02:52:40 am

Which one is bigger?

Reply
Maria Olipas link
5/14/2015 04:31:57 am

Hi Liz!

Capacity wise, the retro metro weekender. That bag is HUGE and because it is not structured, the bag will conform to whatever you put in it. However, loading it up to its fullest capacity will (depending on what's in it) be too heavy to carry. The best part about it is when you are done using it, the bag folds down very small.

Reply
McKenzie Moore
6/16/2016 09:39:51 pm

Hi Maria!

I know this post is old - but I am hoping I hear from you anyways. I have a trip coming up in August and I have both of these bags. You have gotten away with using the retro metro weekender as your personal item and rolling weekender as the carry-on item? I just don't want to get stuck at the airport not allowed to board the plane!

Thanks!

Reply
Maria Olipas link
6/16/2016 10:00:58 pm

Hi McKenzie! Yes, I am able to use the retro metro weekender as one personal item and the rolling weekender as my carry on. Because the retro metro is a non structured bag, it appears smaller than it really is (if it's not loaded with a ton of jackets that can poof it out).

I have never had a problem traveling with these including our international trips.

Thanks for reading my blog! I appreciate your comment!

Reply
Lindsey
11/23/2016 05:08:53 pm

About to go on a trip and searched google specifically to see if anyone had any experience using the Retro Metro Weekender as a carry on. Thank you for this post!! I feel better now.

Reply
Maria Olipas link
11/23/2016 05:39:21 pm

Aloha Lindsey! I'm glad this blog helped you. I still (years later) use these bags for travel. They have been holding up very well considering the mileaage we've put on them. I am no longer a consultant with Thirty One but still buy their products once in a while. Enjoy your trip!!!

Aloha, Maria

Reply



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