Alpha Layover

OGIO Unisex Alpha Layover Luggage: Luggage shops are now dominated by 4-wheel spinner bags, which make great sense in the larger sizes. But for carry-on bags, those spinners eat into available storage space, because they take up 2-3" of what could otherwise be internal capacity. So I always go for 2-wheel carry-on for maximal space. This OGIO Alpha Layover is the current "best available" 2-wheel roller carry-on. It maxes out the dimensions to the permitted 22"x14"x9" for international carry-ons, but also has a zipper expansion of an extra two inches in thickness when checking the bag with souvenirs on the return flight home. EDIT: The bag is actually oversize for carry-on, at nearly 22.7" in length (photo). MMmm.. This is an issue: returning the bag because of that. Lots of pockets, beefy zippers, a good rugged telescoping handle, and grab handles on three sides plus on the front (useful in hotel rooms). Good durable fabric and with wear patches and protective bits around the edges. What's not to like? The reasons for only 3/5 stars here? 1. This bag is oversize in real life, not legit carry-on for any Airline we fly -- it is 22.7 inches tall, not 22", and fails to fit the sizing things at the airport. 2) The design of the bag leaves the main large zipper not only fully exposed, but also protruding: it literally sticks out from the side of the bag. Which means it WILL be rubbing on airport luggage handling systems, and therefore WILL someday get damaged. Hopefully later, than sooner, but probably sooner. Other bag designs don't have that zipper sticking out like it does, or they also have a protective flap of some sort for it. Not this one, and that's a major defect one can see in other reviews here.

well made piece of gear