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Imported.
Item 816229
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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Reviewed by 16 customers
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Tech Beast Wheeled Duffel - 22":
This bag was put to the test on my 18 day carry-on-only European vacation to France, Italy, Greece and Turkey. The color made it easy to see at all times and it fit perfectly into the overhead compartment of all but one commuter plane and a small train. And it withstood numerous high-speed chases to catch the next mode of transportation; including running it down the dreaded stairs and literally throwing it onto a train! It is a bit heavy when empty, so making it lighter would be appreciated (every little bit helps you know). Less weight means I can pack more without exceeding TSA weight restrictions, thank you very much. The detachable "quart-sized bag" was useless, in my opinion. It is too small and the rubberized plastic stuck to everything, making it difficult to slide in and out of my bag. As an upgrade on the next model, I suggest including a detachable strap and carabiner, allowing you to attached an additional pack to the outside of the duffel. Love it!
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Comments about REI Tech Beast Wheeled Duffel - 22":
It is the right size and fits easily onboard. It is extremely light before packing so you are able to fit a great deal inside before the bag becomes heavy. I was really impressed with how much we were able to fit inside. I purchased four of them for a recent trip to Hawaii and everyone was able to pack what they needed for 1 week inside. I also had one other bag to carry on which elminated the need for checking luggage!
Thanks
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Comments about REI Tech Beast Wheeled Duffel - 22":
Bought two of these for my kids to travel with. They were great for 1.5 years. I guess one of the wheels was damaged in baggage claim. It still rolls but the wheel is not fully round anymore, so it kind of thuds. REI can't replace the wheel, but offered to replace the bag. I don't want to have to replace a perfectly good bag. I wish I could just get the wheel replaced. I'm figuring this may happen to other wheels.
Pros
Cons
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Comments about REI Tech Beast Wheeled Duffel - 22":
As a consultant I am practically a professional traveller, living out of a wheeled carry-on and a laptop bag for 3.5 days out of every week, and wheeling/lugging both through various airports at least twice a week, every week.
In a sea of exactly-the-same-why-did-I-buy-something-everyone-else-has Tumi bags, this REI bag stands out in terms of both looks and function.
In terms of looks, well, it doesn't look like everyone else's bag, which is nice if you don't want to feel like a sheep-person, and extra nice if you like being able to tell your bag apart from others should you ever have to (gasp) check it in (on a CRJ, say).
In terms of function, it is cavernous in terms of storage (no silly extraneous pockets or straps to get in the way of interior storage so the quoted storage spec is what you really have to use) and I can easily fit 4 days of work clothes, a set of casual clothes, running shoes, and a set of running clothing in here. It rolls exceptionally well, and is very stable thanks to a solidly designed two-prong handle. It fits perfectly perpendicular (instead of those ridiculous bags that only go in sideways, wasting an incredible amount of precious overhead space and incurring the anger of your fellow passengers) in overhead compartments (handle side in, always (yes, wheels out)) of anything from the A-319/320 to a 737/757/777 or a MD-80 (basically every commercial jet). Like almost everything else it does not fit in the overhead of a CRJ. It also rolls/fits down the aisles of any of the commercial jets.
Durability has proven exceptional over the past year+ of constant wear/tear/abuse/travel. I love this bag. And given that the price point is lower than most of the competition, this is a complete no-brainer.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Tech Beast Wheeled Duffel - 22":
I have averaged 50-100 flights/year for the past 10 years and, as a result, have been through my share of carry-on rollers.
This bag is great in many ways: Beefy fabric and zippers, great wheels that roll smooth over all terrain types, wide track to prevent roll-over, good compartment layout, etc.
The feature that kills this bag for me is the oversize, super-tacky rubber handle. It's so big and sticky that it gets stuck on the receiving sleeve of my briefcase. It takes quite a bit of effort to slip on and off. On a typical airport trip, this may happen 6+ time (getting into cab, going through security, boarding plane, etc.) so it gets annoying quickly. Making the handle out of a harder rubber compound would solve this issue.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Tech Beast Wheeled Duffel - 22":
This bag has a tethered pouch for liquids. Passing through airport security is a breeze and the TSA people love it. You just open the compartment, let the clear bag hang out, no need to carry a worn "baggie" for your liquids. I hate putting my wallet and watch loosely through the machine so I pop my wallet, iPhone and loose change into the compartment and zip it up. No chance of losing anything through security. It fits PERFECTLY in the luggage compartment, especially if you put it head first. The bottom has a handle and it's very easy to get in and out of the luggage compartment. In the rental car bus, my bag stands out over all the dull black bags everyone else carries. Thanks REI.
Pros
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Comments about REI Tech Beast Wheeled Duffel - 22":
Best roller carry-on for multi-day trips I've ever used. I picked this up with my REI dividend a year ago and have carried it on approx. 80 flight segments. It fits great in overheads on the big jets and has held up well when tossed in the cargo hold on the regional jets. The ONLY feature this bag lacks is external compression straps, such as those found on it's bigger brothers. I'm writing this review today because I logged on to buy a another Tech Beast 22" for my wife.
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Comments about REI Tech Beast Wheeled Duffel - 22":
Hold a lot for this size bag.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Tech Beast Wheeled Duffel - 22":
Even though I received this as a gift, I chose this little suitcase myself. In the store, the color and noticeably high quality caught my eye. When I looked at the name (Tech Beast), I knew it was right. My first use for the bag was a vacation to the Virgin Islands, which are rugged in some parts and I also wanted it to work as a carry-on. It served me very well. It fit into the overhead compartments on the plane very easily (though these were all larger commercial planes, not the smaller exposed propeller type); was easy to maneuver through the airport on account of the long, sturdy extending handle; and it was easy to lift when necessary because of the many handles. I also thought all of the compartments were well designed, especially the small one close to the extending handles -- quick access for things like passports, money, and even a book.
I can't think of any issues with this product. Nice work, REI.
Pros
Cons
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Comments about REI Tech Beast Wheeled Duffel - 22":
OK, the funny thing about this purchase is that I bought the REI Tech Beast and carry-on for my husband last year for his birthday. He loved it. However, since our move from Washington State to California, I'd forgotten to look at his luggage (since it was in storage) when it came time to look for luggage for myself this year. In preparation for my big trip to Vancouver and Whistler, I ended up buying the exact same luggage without knowing it!
The 32" duffel & 22" carry-on combo is amazing. As a girl who tends to lean on the sporty side of life as well as be a fashionista, I needed all that space for shoes, ski gear, sweaters, make-up, laptop, etc...and I had absolutely no problem making it all fit with room to spare. Trust me, with a shoe-fiend like me, those outside compartments were my absolute favorite part of both bags. The wheels on this combo are also very smooth and very easy to roll on different surfaces. Zippers and entire construction of the luggage are top notch.
I couldn't be happier with my purchase, and the color, Deep Sea Blue, is definitely a stand out amongst the sea of black luggage on that receiving carousel. Love it, love it, love it.
I guess you can say, our entire household loves the REI Tech Beast luggage line since I bought two sets without knowing it.
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