If you travel a lot, then the likelihood is you're willing to invest in a decent quality suitcase that's designed to last.
Osprey have just ramped up their offering in this realm with their new Rolling Transporter series - a development of the Transporter Duffel released last year. The Rolling Transporter takes the basic design of the Duffel and adds a chassis, wheels and retractable handle to turn it into an adventure ready luggage option.
The 40 litre version on test conforms to most European and worldwide airline carry-on restrictions including Ryanair who we recently travelled with using the Transporter. Most people would be surprised at how large a case you can take as carry-on luggage and the Transporter was easily the largest I saw in the boarding queue. I found the capacity sufficient for my needs for a five-day training camp including gels and shakes, water bottle, training kit and footwear and evening clothing as well as the usual wash kit.
Storage is split between the main compartment, a small document pocket on the top of the case and a mesh pocket inside the clamshell opening. This is easily enough to organise yourself but if you wanted to further break kit down then the use of storage cubes would be recommended.
One thing we noticed straight away is just how robust the Rolling Transporter is. We love the High Road Chassis - the base and frame of the bag - it's sturdy and makes standing the bag up or laying it on its back very easy and stable. The outer material has a reassuring thickness and fends off light rain, although it isn't fully waterproof, and the grab handles are chunky and comfortable to use as well as being plenty - five in total. All this adds up to a case that you can happily chuck around like you would a duffel without fear of damage. All the zips feel good to use, catch free and smooth running, and the chunky pullers on the two-way zip of the clamshell opening and the top pocket are very easy to locate and grab on to.
Rolling the Transporter along cobbled streets and up gravel tracks is a dream thanks to extra-large polyurethane wheels and the rubberised grab handle is really comfortable to hold for long treks through airport terminals.
Unlike any other luggage we've had the Rolling Transporter has had a lot of comments about how good it looks, and we'd be inclined to agree, it has an adventure ready premium look about it that we've found to be reflected in use.
So, what does all this cost? £180 if you buy direct from Osprey, if you're used to spending £30 on a suitcase from your local supermarket then this might seem excessive but check out suitcases from the likes of Patagonia, The North Face and other premium brands and you'll appreciate the value that the Rolling Transporter offers.
