Hybrid Convertible Backpack Carry On Bag for Planes and Trains!

Love it!

By: Sunny - Yukon, Canada June 23, 2009

I love this bag! My first use was a weekend trip at Easter, and it easily took my extra winter clothing for skiing. For my next trip the bag held everything I needed to last me 2 weeks, and I knew that if I was gone longer it would work for that too. I've had the bag in my tent for a two night trip with my son's Cub Scout troup, and it held my personal stuff plus my camping dishes and the supplies for a group activity. Most recently it came with me for a two night trip for a bike relay race. It held everything I needed - including my spare tools, bike helmet etc. - everything except my bike! It was like Mary Poppins' bag - everything was there to make the trip a success.
I am really pleased with how the two main zippers open all the way around so it is easy to get into the bag from any direction. On the plane I had my book and headset packed near the top end and positioned the zippers there, so that when the bag was under the seat I could get the stuff out without any fuss.
I've gotten several compliments on how the bag looks. I do like the backpack straps and was very pleased to use them going through a busy airport. It was wonderful not to have to check it! I would have liked to have been able to cinch the straps just a bit shorter to fit on my back better, however at that time the bag was very loaded. For most of the trips, I have used the grab handles or the shoulder strap.
I bought the Sky Train on the recommendation from Onebag.com. I was apprehensive because I knew that a duffel bag wasn't my style, and I wondered if having two compartments was really the answer. The simple design overall is what makes it work, and I am looking forward to many more trips!

Three weeks in Thailand

By: Crystal Eakle - Beaufort South Carolina June 18, 2009

I bought a skytrain and a gator bag for my husband and a skytrain and a gator bag for myself to travel to Thailand for 3 weeks. My husband wasn't convinced that all of our things would fit in the bags when they arrived but we packed them using the bundle method and our things not only fit but arrived in Thailand with us (carryon) with our clothes looking great with very little wrinkles.
I told my dad about the bags and he ordered a skytrain and a gator bag for the upcoming family vacation. All three of us did carryon with the bags for 2 weeks traveling to Orlando, LA, and then cruising for a week. The bags fit in the overhead storage on planes and the gator goes under the seat.
I can't say enough nice things about the bags. Great quality, stylish, and best of all - really roomy inside.
Thanks for such great bags. I'll never check a bag again thanks to Red Oxx.

Remarkable

By: Jon - Alabama June 15, 2009

OMG!!!!! I was unaware that a simple design could hold so much! As a frequent over nighter, I pack a days worth of things into my Syktrain and if I wanted to bring the kitchen sink, there's room for that as well. The ONLY downside to this bag is that if you're not careful, you'll have packed everything you own in it and not realize it until you lift it. Great Bag...

One Year Later

By: Dave - Pennsylvania June 11, 2009

I was tempted to write a review shortly after my first trip, but I'm glad I waited. This bag has been with me on Amtrak in the States and high-speed rail in Taiwan, as well as numerous flights.
+ When I begin packing this thing, I always worry that I'm running out of room and won't be able to pack everything. By the time I'm done, I've usually packed more than I need! This bag just keeps accommodating everything I want to stuff into it.
+ When I was in my twenties, my dad gave me one of his old travel bags to take to Asia. While I love the PanAm insignia, the damn zipper broke on the luggage conveyor belt sending my clothes and toiletries every which way for all of the Bangkok airport visitors to see.
With the Sky Train, this is not a concern, nor will it ever be. These zippers are solid.
* Sometimes I miss the wheels, but only because I'm not that strong. I love the backpack straps when I fill the bag with heavy clothing. I love making those straps vanish into the rear compartment even more -- it makes stowing the Sky Train into the overhead compartment even smoother.
- The backpack straps & the claw shoulder strip (which I don't use as often) both include heavy metal hardware. You really don't want to stow the bag with any of these straps dangling, b/c the metal could knock someone in the head. I don't really mind, b/c I love tucking the straps away when they're not in use.
+ I've never had a problem squeezing this bag into any space. It's very squashable
+ It's easy to clean.
+ It's made in the U.S.
+ I've considered buying a second Sky Train to use as a checked bag, although I will probably check out the Air Boss as a carry-on first.
Thanks for making such a wonderful, reliable product.

Skytrain to Urumqi

By: Lisa - Venice March 1, 2009

I can't believe how much this bag holds! I packed all kinds of winter gear between it and my much-loved Mini Ruck - including a huge pair of Sorrel boots. I've mostly been using it as a shoulder bag due to bringing along my Mini Ruck (I've already got a Gator in my shopping cart and wish I'd had it on this trip), and it really is easy to manage (I'm an average-sized, sorta middle-aged female). On and off Chinese trains, up and down stairs, in all kinds of dirt and muck - and it looks great too, so if my next trip is business, I wouldn't hesitate to use it.
I'll try and take a photo of the bags when I get to Yining. Highly recommended.

Won't fit in overhead of CRJ700

By: Mike Utecht - Indiana February 27, 2009

This will not fit in the overhead bin of a CRJ700. I own an Air Boss and quit using it because it is too big for this space. The sky train is another inch thicker and would be even worse.
I fly Northwest and Delta every week, and unfortunately I have to take CRJ700's and ERJ135's, neither of which accommodate your product.
I use an Osprey Circuit back pack, which will fit in the overhead bin of every airplane I have ever been on.
I would love to use a Red Oxx bag because the quality is better than anything on the market. But you need to make a bag that will fit all airplanes.
Note: It will fit under the seat in front.

Great Carry-On for Shorter Trips

By: BT - Maryland February 24, 2009

In preparing for a one-month trip to Hong Kong, I became convinced that I wanted to try out the whole "one bag" concept from onebag.com. It was an aggressive move, and an ambitious trial run. After all, one month is a long time!
I bought the Sky Train bag, which I love, and the matching Chica as my day bag. And although I'm a "chica" myself, I also bought the matching Red Oxx shaving bag and decided to use it as a cosmetic case. What a great idea! It's soft and shapeless, so it gave me more flexibility than a regular cosmetic case.
The Sky Train turned out to be wonderful, and I've since taken it on another trip (one week) where I drove instead of flying. I will use this bag as my primary bag from now on.
I will say this to the light-packing women out there: the bag can get heavy. Sure it can hold a lot, and be packed to the gills. But once you do that, it's hard to lift it, carry it, and be cute at the same time! One month is a stretch for carrying one, easy-to-carry, carry-on bag. But for one- or two-week trips, this bag is absolutely perfect. I love it and would recommend it to anyone. Especially for car trips: no contest.

Think carefully about backpack option

By: Kubor13 - Toronto, Canada January 16, 2009

Great bag and exceeded my expectations. Holds a lot more than it appears it will. Used it for trip to Orkey Islands, Edinburgh, Ireland and London, (and other less exotic trips more recently) but found it easier to carry by the handle and have never used the backpack straps. I backpacked a lot when I was younger, but now that I have grey hair, it proved to be an unnecessary option that added extra weight and reduced the bag's capacity. Next time I'd just get the Air Boss, which has an extra compartment. (Also, re pricing, I was hit with customs/duty charges of an extra $35 or so for shipment to Canada, making the bag extra expensive.)

Excellent carry on bag

By: Robert - Massachusetts January 12, 2009

If you haven't used a Red Oxx bag before, you are in for a surprise. The quality of the product is exceptional, I can't imagine a more sturdy or well-constructed travel bag. I'm already adding a matching laptop briefcase to my collection. I use the Sky Train as a shoulder bag mostly, but I like having the backpack straps there in case I want to throw it on my back for a longer walk through a terminal or across a few city blocks. The bag seems to be set up for the "bundling" method of packing, although I suppose it would accommodate folded clothing as well. A minor complaint: I wish the hardware on the bags was black instead of shiny metal.

Better than a S.T.O.M.P II

By: Hiroshi - Kansas January 10, 2009

I love this bag! Plenty of space, very comfortable, and easy to get in and out of places with. A whole lot easier than using the old STOMP medical backpacks from the military and it's almost exactly the same size! Win-win situation here.

Very Pleased

By: Anonymous - Florida December 20, 2008

Found bag very useful and fit easily in overhead compartment despite having bag loaded with items. One issue, using as backpack, can straps be rigged with some sort of harness going across the front so that that straps don't slide off the shoulders?
Very pleased with purchase.

The Best way to travel

By: Herbie P - Cary, NC USA December 5, 2008

Excellent product, visionary design - the simplicity keeps my goodies well organized and traveling light. A friend told me about the Sky Train's durability and the one bag travel concept. After a two week trip to China with "old fashioned luggage" I knew I was in need of a change - lugging "rollable" heavy luggage up and down train/subway/apartment stairs and scurrying for a bus/taxi/train was intolerable (even though I'm a very strong 200 lb. male). I needed something that could go on my back, hold all my gear, and fit in the overhead. This is it. My first trip using the sky-train was a 3-day business trip in the US, the bag held my business clothes, workout gear, electronics accessories and fit nicely in the overhead even on the small commuter jet. Then I got to return to China for 10 days and the experience was much more enjoyable. The Sky Train held all my goodies, quickly switched from shoulder bag to backpack as needed, and all the airlines and airport staff were completely impressed that I wasn't checking baggage and only carrying "that small bag". I let my 9 and 12 year old sons borrow it for summer camp, it held all their stuff and was easy for them to carry. My only regret is that I now have to buy them for my wife and kids as they've become believers as well.

Wonderful bag but...

By: Katherine - Maryland November 12, 2008

After dragging (and checking) a 22" roller bag on several recent trips, I got a Sky Train because I wanted to be able to fly carryon only. And I didn't need to take my computer and it's attendant goodies. The good news: I felt liberated. The bag packed like a dream, I put my clothes in a medium sized Eagle Creek folder and it fit perfectly. I didn't really pack the small compartment because with my clothes, etc., in the main compartment, there wasn't much room left. I used my Gator Bag as my "personal item" and had the coolest luggage on the plane. Bad news: On the way home I must have put more in the Sky Train, because the Gator Bag had practically nothing in it except my purse. When I got home I weighed the bag. 20#. This didn't seem like it was that heavy, but my back really suffered. I now have a mini-ruck which I wanted to use for my computer, but my 15" MacBookPro is too large for the compartment. I love these bags. I just have to figure out how to use them properly.

I had my doubts at first but now I'm convinced

By: Anonymous - California October 28, 2008

I travel often for work and even sometimes for pleasure and am always looking for the perfect luggage. As a woman in my 60s, I was concerned about being able to lug a bag around without the rolling wheels, and I got the Sky Train rather than the Air Boss mostly because of the backpack feature. Well, so far, I haven't had any need to put it on my back and it's very easy to carry around with the claw strap. I knew I was on the right track on my first trip with the Sky Train, when I was waiting for the airport shuttle and chatting to a couple there. The man looked at my bag and said incredulously "You mean you traveled all the way from California with just that little bag!" I then took it on a longer trip and was again very happy with it. It held plenty of clothing and accoutrement's for a week, along with my laptop and accessories, and I could easily have packed a lot more into it. It was easy to manage and to carry, and it was very convenient to be able to have everything with me at the airport and on the plane - it made life much simpler not to have to wait for a checked bag, plus the airline couldn't lose my luggage! I got an Air Boss for my son and he is very happy with it as well. These bags are well made and high quality. I am a very satisfied customer so far.

The best bag I've owned

By: Mary - Virginia September 17, 2008

I just returned from a two-week vacation to Scotland. I used this bag as my primary carry-on, and a Gator as my personal bag; after packing, I had room left over for souvenirs! Our tour guide was grateful for my only having one suitcase, too. I am amazed at how much I can fit into the Sky Train, and the backpack straps were extremely helpful while walking through Newark Airport. And when our flight was delayed, the Sky Train, on end, makes a very good footrest.
I was also happy that the bag kept out the wet. I worried when it was set onto the wet pavement, but my clothes inside stayed nice and dry.
Thanks Mary,
You can also spray the bag with a water proofing product like Camp Dry to increase the water repelling ability of the fabric.
Red Oxx

Not sure at first

By: Martina - St. Louis, MO September 2, 2008

Getting ready for my annual European trip/going "home"for 6 weeks, I ordered the Skytrain. Did not feel like hauling several pieces of luggage and most of my stuff is there anyway. But I needed something to take for shorter trips around the continent, easy to carry, soft enuf to put my head on sleeping at the airport etc. Pictures here looked great, nicely shaped, colorful. Being not too flashy, I ordered the charcoal one. What arrived was a flat box with something inside, that did not look impressive at all :( My first idea after pulling it out was - Oh, great, all this money and I get a plain cloth bag! Whatta rip-off!!! started turning it around and trying to justify the purchase...well, there is quite a bit to "plain Jane" bag - the zippers are more solid than anything I've ever seen, there are no silly fancy flashy pockets, additions, only add weight and nothing else, it fits on my back wonderfully, on a T-shirt or a winter jacket, it is sooo easy to pull on, the plastic handles are a fantastic idea!, shoulder strap does not hurt or slide and you can grab all the buckles even with gloved hands. then I started putting stuff inside, thinking maybe half of what I would like to take might fit...that bag is BOTTOMLESS!!! and basically all the weight will be my stuff, not luggage. THANK YOU for a fantastic design, me and my Taurus (the bag got a name already, OK:)) haven't been on a plane or a train yet but we are READY!

Ms.

By: K.T. - Alberta, Canada August 22, 2008

The Greatest Piece of Luggage I Own!
I purchased my Sky Train a while ago, and it's been great from the start. It has gone to Portland as carry-on. It had to come back checked because I had bought 17 books at Portland and I couldn't lift it. The books and my clothes all fit in the bag, with no seams gapping or straining!
It went to Las Vegas, where my friend and I smugly sailed passed frustrated travelers waiting for their luggage to arrive on the carousels. We were able to catch our shuttle quickly and were out of the airport in no time flat. It came back as carry-on, despite all the souvenirs I had bought for everyone. Most recently it has gone to San Jose, California. I was the envy of my traveling companions, (although they insisted I wouldn't be able to last carrying my bag everywhere) as I patiently waited for them to get their luggage. I ended up being put on luggage guard duty, while it took 1/2 an hour for them to get their bags. On the way home I did have to check it, not because of any problems, but I had bought a lot of Bath and Body Works items, and they don't let you take that volume of liquid items as carry on. I love, love, love my Sky Train. I'm now thinking about the Gator....
Next adventure for me and my Sky Train, Montreal Quebec, and Europe!

Sky Train

By: Annie - Arizona August 8, 2008

My children and husband were shocked when I loaded just one bag into the truck of the car for our recent trip to the east coast. I mean "really" shocked! They did not believe that I could actually travel with one bag since my pattern has been to travel with at least two large suitcases and a carryon bag. Thank you, Red Oxx for creating a top quality bag which I could stuff to the max and still pass the carryon monitors at the airport.

Where has this bag been all my life?

By: Jeff Rovner - Laguna Beach, California August 5, 2008

My family takes a long vacation every summer, and we ordinarily check all of our luggage. But after a terrible experience last year, when the airlines lost our bags for several days, I decided that this year I would follow the advice of experts and figure out a way to carry on all of my stuff.
So in preparation for my recent three weeks in Spain, I bought a Saffron-colored Safari Beanos Bag to carry my computer, electronics paraphernalia, reading materials, etc., and a matching Sky Train Bag for clothes.
I'm delighted to report that the experiment was a total success. The Safari Beanos and Sky Train performed flawlessly. They held everything I needed and were incredibly user-friendly and durable. The attention to detail and thoughtfulness of design are remarkable. In fact, as I used the bags I discovered several practical features I hadn't known about, such as the outside pocket of the Beanos bag that turns into a sleeve to fit over extendable handles on other luggage.
These bags are now among my most prized possessions. I give them my very highest endorsement. Kudos to Red Oxx!

There is no better product

By: Brian - Ladera Ranch CA July 23, 2008

I have now owned 3 different Red Oxx products and can testify to their superior quality and craftsmanship. I have a bad habit of always looking for a new bag for travel or laptops or just toting along stuff on trips. I've owned Tumi, Dakota, Samsonite, Patagonia, TImbuk2, BooqBag, Oakley, and even a few trash bags in my time and there simply has never been a better bag for me to use than my Red Oxx Air Boss and Sky Train.
I recently bought a Sky Train mostly for the back straps, and have found it to be a trusted and worthy travel companion. My most recent trip I had it loaded with 11 days worth of business clothes, workout gear (including 2 pairs of size 11 shoes), toiletries, and misc power chargers for PSP, iPhone, iPod, Kindle and a GPS. I have to say it was a tough squeeze, but I did get it all in and just under the 50lbs weight limit. I never wanted for a thing on my trip and I looked freshly pressed and ready for business every day I was working.
I sold my Air Boss after a couple of trips with the Sky Train and have found the Sky Train's straps to be a nice additional feature over the Air Boss. However, the Air Boss has slightly more space than the Sky Train and for that reason I'll probably switch back (see paragraph one above regarding bad habits), but it won't be for any lack of functionality in any Red Oxx product line. I love the quality and it does make me proud to see such a superior product come from the heartland of America.
It's funny. I see a lot of comments on you get what you pay for here. I can honestly say that after my first Red Oxx purchase I never balked at the price even for a second. It's money well INVESTED and if you're willing to separate from the brainwashed roll-along crowd you'll never look back.

I'm a believer now

By: Mary - NYC June 15, 2008

I have used this bag twice now: once for a 2-week trip, once for a 1-week trip (both times to Europe). What's notable is that I'm a 46-year-old woman, and on both trips I had to look extremely presentable. Meaning, even though I'm an efficient packer, I had to pack multiple pairs of shoes and several outfits in order to meet my obligations for "dressing up" on several occasions.
I was skeptical at first, but now that I have used this bag twice, I'm a believer. It's easy for me to carry either way, depending on the situation. It fits nicely in the overhead bins, and it's rugged but still sleek.
It's made well, so I assume I will be able to enjoy it for years to come. Now, my mission is to find a second, smaller carry-on (my "personal item," as the airlines call it) by Red Oxx. I'm hooked!
(Mary,check out the Gator)

Great product, great service!

By: Colin Asquith - Edinburgh, Scotland June 1, 2008

I bought the red Sky Train bag a close to when I was leaving for a 3 week trip to Japan and Australia. Red Oxx couldn't have been more helpful in ensuring that I got it delivered in time, the service was excellent.
I decided to travel with only one bag to avoid hauling lots of unused gear with me, and I followed the instructions for optimal packing. I'm 6'5" so it wasn't like I was just fitting dainty sized clothes in there. I took it as hand luggage to avoid the headaches of the opening of Terminal 5 at Heathrow, and then found it easy to travel all across Japan with. The bag is really comfortable and durable, it has a good number of useful pockets and is really well made, the zips and ties are fantastic. I hardly used the bag as a backpack as it was a lot more comfortable than I had imagined when using the shoulder strap as the rubber keeps it in place and spreads the weight over your shoulder.
Thanks to Red Oxx for the quality product, keep up the good work! I’m hoping to get the chance to get away a lot more often so I can test it even more!

if you ever run into trouble

By: Anonymous - Germany May 29, 2008

Uncomplicated people, outstanding customer service. I had a problem with my Sky Train and received unbureaucratic and fast help - which I value a lot!
Great bag, great company, buy your stuff here!

Well built bag, looks great

By: Sam K - Phoenix, AZ May 24, 2008

I just received my Mariner Sky Train last week and I was very impressed when I took it out of the box. You can tell immediately that it's a very well constructed piece of luggage and it looks very sharp in Mariner. There are no stray threads anywhere. I can't wait until my next trip so that I can try it out. It was a bit expensive, but if I can get 20 to 30 years of use out of it, the cost is negligible. It looks like it will last at least that long as it appears to be very durable. I like the flexibility of the back pack straps and will probably use it mostly for leisure travel, but it looks nice enough for business travel as well. With the recently announced policy by American Airlines of charging $15 for the first checked bag (and $25 for the second), it even makes financial sense and it would help pay for itself over time by avoiding the need to check any luggage. Great job, Red Oxx!

Sky Train

By: Al S - Charlottesville, VA May 21, 2008

The Sky Train arrived yesterday and my first impression was "what great craftsmen ship. The people who designed and made this really care. The stainless steel fittings have heft and open easily. There wasn't a loose thread in the bag. I'm really going to put it to work and learn to travel light with no check-in. Given the poor rep of two of my local carriers, United & US Air, this is almost a condition of travel.
My only suggestion is that you ought to include more descriptive literature on your product line & the How to Pack diagram with each shipment.
I ordered up a cell phone carrier now, knee jerk reaction to satisfaction with your product.
the best to you and thanks for keeping it in the good old USA
al
Al,
You can download the Bundle Wrap method here http://www.redoxx.com/articles/packing-for-air-travel.html

Another hit -- great bag

By: Anonymous - Arlington, Virginia March 22, 2008

I already own an Air Boss, which serves almost all my travel needs very well. Its only drawback (for me) is that it cannot be carried as a backpack. I find this feature important when charging through airports, or walking to and from the underground, metros, subways, etc., which I try to use if at all possible when traveling to cities with mass transit.
When the Sky Train was released, I was delighted and bought one as soon as I could. I just got back from a short (2 day) trip to NYC; it was my shake down trip with my new bag. This was an all rail and walking trip -- DC metro, Amtrak, NYC subway -- with some taxi rides around NYC (due to the rain).
Like the Air Boss, the Sky Train seems to swallow up packed items with ease. Plenty of room for all that I needed, including my exercise equipment, clothes for 2 business meetings, assorted papers and a lap top. I used the backpack mode exclusively. I had no problem negotiating rapid transit, and the 20 block walk from NYC's Penn Station to my hotel was fairly comfortable.
My only complaint -- the bag should include both a sternum strap and waist belt to help distribute the weight load more effectively. I know that the Sky Train is not meant for hiking/mountaineering, and I am not suggesting that it should be designed that way. But being able to adjust the bag with these additional features would take it, in my opinion, from nearly perfect to perfect.
All in all, another superior product. Its my third Red Oxx purchase, and won't be my last.

SCEPTIC NO LONGER

By: Roger J - United Kingdom March 22, 2008

After researching various bags for several months, I purchased my olive Skytrain in December 2007. I took delivery when I overnighted in Houston on my return from Nicaragua back to home in the UK.
I was initially disappointed, even on that first trip back home. HOWEVER, I have just completed a 3.5 week assignment in Maputo, Mozambique and am now a confirmed Redoxx fan: great build quality and customer service, although there are some improvements that could be made (four tie downs in each compartment for adaptability/flexibility, "sleeve"`panel at rear to enable Skytrain to be slipped over trolley or handle of other luggage).
I decided to go for carry-on luggage due to reports that Johannesburg Airport en route has an increasingly unenviable reputation for theft and damage.
My Skytrain carried: four shirts, two pairs slacks, pair of New Balance walking shoes, tie, handkerchiefs, sunglasses, toilet kit (core of bundle-wrap), portable scanner and cables, all in the main compartment; packing cube with underpants, socks, three t-shirts, one swimming costume, running shorts, spare power adapter for Toshiba notebook, external CD/DVD drive and power cable for use with Toshiba Portege M200 notebook, laundry bag, medication, flip-flop sandals, all in second compartment; "outside" compartment contained book (thick book, "Charlie Wilson's War"), toiletries in clear inspection bag, compression straps (just in case!).
Note to onebag.com aficionados: I note that most of you ALSO carry another bag for in-flight use; I carried a 2002 Swiss Army Webmaster tough nylon computer bag with my Toshiba Portege M200, cables etc, plus a Fujitsu U810 UMPC etc, system CDs, external HDD, camera, spare glasses, mouse, LaptopDesk, etc.
Because I am 60 years old and have a back that was subjected to years of enjoyable sport, backpacking etc, I also used a collapsible trolley.
I have confidence I can go without check-in bags for most assignments in future, thanks mainly to my Redoxx Skytrain.

SKY TRAIN

By: MIKE HARVEY - CHANNELVIEW,TEXAS March 13, 2008

I purchased the Sky Train mainly as a carry on for shirts and slacks,as an alternative to a large roller type garment bag.I have my shirts dry cleaned,folded,and plastic packaged.I packed 5 shirts,4 slacks,1 jacket,pj's,and several other items.I ended up not using it as a carry on on this trip,I took off the monkey knots in case they were a problem for conveyor belts.All worked well,clothes were no more wrinkled than using a heavier,larger bag.I weighed the bag on my return with soiled clothes and books and assorted items. It weighed 22 pounds. It was pretty stuffed,with about 18 pounds not counting the bag. The bag is rugged,holds a lot and I will use in all my trips coming up,maybe even as a carry on.
I have several Red Oxx bags,all are worth the money.I am a satisfied customer.
Thanks
Mike

Christmas Success

By: Anonymous - Dublin, Ireland February 4, 2008

I recently took delivery of your SkyTrain product. I did quite a bit of research on carry-on
bags before purchasing the SkyTrain including checking the carry-on
luggage dimensions stated by the airlines I would be most likely to
use - this bag complied with the greatest number of them.
I used the bag for Christmas holiday trip, as a trial run
for a more lengthy journey in 2008 which will include both plane &
train travel. The trip was within Ireland on a commuter airline -
their carry-on luggage criteria were 8 x 11 x 17 ins. (the SkyTrain
is compliant-ish) and max weight of 7 kg.
The weight restriction turned out to be more of an issue
than the case size - as your case weighs 1.8kg, that left 5.2 kg for
clothes etc.
Nevertheless, even with Winter-weight clothes and
weighing each item, I managed to get a sportscoat, 1 pair of
trousers, 1, shirt, 1 pyjamas, 1 set of underwear, socks, tie,
electric shaver (it was surprisingly heavy [350g] - I will have to
seek a smaller, perhaps battery powered one in future), hair brush,
toothbrush, toothpaste, charger for mobile phone, a hat and two
editions of national geographic (I find these just the right physical
size and reading length for 1-2 hour plane and train journeys), plus
travel documents and still was just over the 7kg limit. I used the
bundle-wrap method described in your website for the clothes.
If weight restriction was not an issue, I could have
easily fitted twice the amount of clothes, I am sure.
I found the construction of the bag and the zips and
handles and back back straps of solid construction, very comfortable
and easy to use. The general construction of the case gave me
confidence that if I was forced to treat it as checked luggage, it
would withstand the baggage handlers 'care & attention'. Its overall
appearance passed muster in the 5 star hotel I stayed in over Christmas.
In the event, the airline did not comment on the size of
the case, nor did they weigh it and inside the plane (a ATR 42/72 -
small body, 70 person commuter plane) the case fitted both within the
overhead locker (even though they are triangular in section) and
under the seat - no effort and no problem. ( I noted that a sign
inside the locker said 30kg max - each locker serves 4 seats, hence
the 7 kg limit - though it would only have been possible to fit 2
cases of the dimension criteria in each locker.).
The return trip was equally smooth and traveling through
airports at Christmas was considerably easier by virtue of not having
to wait for checked luggage to be regurgitated by the system.
On the basis of my experience with the SkyTrain, plan to
purchase other Redoxx products - the Gator & Travel Basket. - to
supplement my options for my next trip.
I congratulate you on producing such fine travel case.

From Lambeau to Mexico

By: Cam Smith - Mississippi January 28, 2008

The Sky Train is as billed...the perfect hybrid travel bag. I left last Sunday and flew to Green Bay with my Sky Train and a C-Ruck full of cold weather clothes. The saffron Sky Train not only held LOTS of thermal underwear, wool, hats, socks, and gloves; it also doubled well as a cheesehead during the sub zero pre-game activities. Flew back to Mississippi on Monday, dumped the cold weather clothes, and filled the Sky Train up with a weeks' worth of shorts, t-shirts, and sandals for a week in Mexico. The padded backpack straps work great when you're not wearing a shirt and the claw shoulder strap or plastic handles work well when you've already got the C-Ruck on your shoulders. I like the Sky Train's two levels for separating clean/dirty clothes on the return trip or wet/dry while on day hikes.

Now my favorite

By: Anonymous - London December 11, 2007

I thought the Air Boss was good, but this is definitely an improvement. It's very comfortable to carry (I've only used the handle, not the back straps), and the compartments are just what you need, and nothing more, for hassle-free travel. The size is compact enough to escape the attention of the baggage size enforcers. When my flight was delayed, it was such a relief to know that I didn't have to worry about waiting for my luggage to come out at the end of my flight.
From just one trip (Chicago-London), I can see why this bag will be the one I'll be using for many of my travels.
Great job, Redoxx Design Team!

My new GO TO bag

By: Anonymous - NY to Teaxs December 8, 2007

I switched to this bag from the Aeronaut to better handle by business clothes. It definitely works better to keep my clothes unwrinkled. Although it looks small than the Air Boss - it really does expand to hold as much. I got my dad an AirBoss, which is great for travel by car, but the backpack straps are a lifesaver in the airport, now that I almost always need to connect. I suppose I would have preferred it 21" long, but now I can last 1 week on the road with the Sky Train and an Empire Builder. I'm now glad to be done fiddling trying to find the "perfect" bag, the Sky Train gets the job done with style.

Another Winner from Redoxx

By: Anonymous - North Carolina November 26, 2007

Just put my new Sky Train to the test in the Bahamas. The bag scores an A+
I love my Air Boss but on long trips I tend to over pack and as great as the claw strap is, my shoulder still gets worked over. The Sky Train, with its backpack straps, solves that problem. I also used my Gator Bag in combination with the Sky Train for the first time. Sitting empty on the bed, the Gator looks small. But when I started packing it I was amazed at how much it could handle. And, that short length proved perfect when slid under my airline seat giving me plenty of room to move my feet. I am looking forward to using the Sky Train and Gator on upcoming trips to Canada, Italy and Romania. I highly recommend these bags.

This bag is fantastic

By: GadgetFreak - Metro NYC November 14, 2007

I travel about 200,000 miles a year in planes. I have been using rolling bags but it is getting harder and harder to fit them in the various overheads on planes. Add to that about 5 trips through London Heathrow with their one bag rule and I was ready to try something different and go with a bag like this. I heard about Red Oxx on a frequent flyer web forum and decided to give it a try. I considered the Air Boss, and still may get one but liked the backpack straps, primarily for when I'm carrying a heavier notebook computer.
I am stunned by the quality of this bag, the "fit and finish" and the engineering. It is both very utilitarian and nice looking. It just feels like high quality. From the various zippers to the other hardware and to the shoulder strap it is incredibly well done. I particularly like the way the backpack straps are almost completely concealed. My only question now is which of your bags should I order next. Keep making these high quality products.