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.
The rolling weekender retails at $180. This bag is literally a duffle with wheels.
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!
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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