Gear Review — Rick Steves Travel Gear
Share this:.
- Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
- Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
The Gear Junkie: Rick Steves Travel Gear By STEPHEN REGENOLD
Rick Steves, a travel writer and television host, has spent one-third of his adult life living out of a suitcase in Europe. Indeed, since 1973 he’s been away an average of 120 days a year, often taking his wife, Anne, and their two children along for the trip.
Consequently, Steves knows—I’d assume almost preternaturally—what makes for good travel gear.
Working with KIVA Designs in Benicia, Calif., Steves’ namesake company ( www.ricksteves.com ) sells a line of travel accessories ranging from money belts to suitcases to billfolds made for deriding a thief.
I employed some of Steves gear traveling last month, including the 21-inch Roll-Aboard. This $139.95 suitcase—sized at 9×21 x 14 inches—is made to pass most airlines’ carry-on size limits, though still magically cram enough clothing for a week’s stay.
The polyester package is nothing too unique. It’s essentially a nice suitcase at a fair price, plus there are little touches like a Lexan frame to provide some protection of your belongings inside.
Multiple small zip pockets and a large internal mesh pouch promote organization. For toting through the airport, there’s a telescoping handle that pulls out to 23 inches long. Inline-skate wheels keep it rolling smoothly on carpet or cement.
The Classic Back Door Bag ($79.95) is a similar product, though with backpack straps instead of the wheels and pull handle. This pack also lacks the Lexan frame found on the Roll-Aboard.
Described as a “just-the-basics” bag, the Classic Back Door measures 9×21 x 14 inches and weighs about 2 pounds when empty. There are several zipper and mesh pockets.
But the Classic Back Door has no waist belt for support, and the design is kind of boxy and strange—halfway between a suitcase and a backpack, but not really either one. I was a bit perplexed as to when this in-between design would have an advantage.
More interesting was Steves’ Lambskin Travel Wallet, an $8.95 billfold made to hold only a day’s worth of spending money and receipts. Your passport, credit cards and other valuables should be kept safely tucked inside a money belt.
Following this philosophy, in the rare case you’re held up or pickpocketed, you’ll lose only a small bit of cash.
Plus, there’s a multilingual card inside the wallet made to perturb the proverbial thief, as it reads: “Sorry this contains so little money. Consider changing your profession.”
I like that. The billfold is an idea born of experience on the road; the words, humor and optimism in the face of the wide world.
(Stephen Regenold writes The Gear Junkie column for eight U.S. newspapers; see www.THEGEARJUNKIE.com for video gear reviews, a daily blog, and an archive of Regenold’s work.)
Stephen Regenold is the founder of GearJunkie, which he launched as a nationally syndicated newspaper column in 2002. As a journalist, writer, and gear nerd, Regenold has covered the outdoors industry for over two decades, including as a correspondent for the New York Times. A father of five, Regenold and his wife, Tara, live in Minneapolis.
Follow Us On
Subscribe Now
Get adventure news and gear reviews in your inbox!
Join Our GearJunkie Newsletter
Gear Top Stories Deals
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Travel Backpacks. Rick Steves travel backpacks are lightweight, durable, and designed for maximum comfort and capacity. From full-size carry-on packs to day bags, you'll find our selection of backpacks ideal for all your travel needs.
Description. It fits within most airlines' carry-on guidelines. (Note: It's possible to over-stuff soft-sided bags beyond carry-on limits, and risk rejection. Pack light!) The classic, Rick Steves outer-pocket design gives it a clean, efficient look. A full-length side zipper opens to reveal a 14" x 20" compartment (perfect for a jacket).
Day Packs. Rick Steves day packs are versatile, durable, and roomy enough for all your day-trip items. With our selection personally designed by Rick Steves, you'll find the right day bag for travel, school, or the office.
Learn the pros and cons of different types of backpacks for travel, from soft to internal-frame to rolling. Compare dimensions, weight, comfort, efficiency and cost of various options.
Shop our Travel Store for travel guides, bags, travel accessories and gear. Jump-start your European trip with a carry-on bag, packing cubes, moneybelt, day pack, Rick's travel guides, and his new DVD Box Set! ... ©2024 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | CST# 2086743 ...
I employed some of Steves gear traveling last month, including the 21-inch Roll-Aboard. This $139.95 suitcase—sized at 9×21 x 14 inches—is made to pass most airlines' carry-on size limits ...
Further, it is more affordable given the $200 price for the Cotopaxi versus $119 for the REI backpack, not considering the current sale price of $109 for the brightly colored Solar Red version. The REI backpack compresses very nicely and fits smaller overhead bins on regional jets.
Bring a mix of short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts or blouses. Shirts with long sleeves that roll up easily can double as short-sleeved. Look for a wrinkle-camouflaging pattern or fabric. Synthetic-blend fabrics (such as Coolmax or microfiber) usually dry overnight. Lightweight, light-colored clothes are more comfortable in very hot weather.
The straps are tucked in to a pocket. It's easy to pull them out and clip the straps in place. They stow with the same ease. In short, it's easy to transition from roller to backpack and back again. I also want to say that the internal space of the pack is around 30 liters. There's plenty of room for light packers.
Classic Trek: Travel with this revival of the bag that Rick carried through Europe back in the 20th century. You won't find expansion or a waist belt here — just a tough, ultra-light bag for an unbeatable price. Carry-On with Confidence: It fits within most airlines' carry-on guidelines.(Note: It's possible to over-stuff soft-sided bags beyond carry-on limits, and risk rejection.
On sale now for $64, so maybe out of your budget. In the lower price range, they are probably similar, just may not last as long. I recommend buying a travel backpack with a hip belt. The hip belt is essential for transferring weight from your shoulders to your waist and makes carrying a load much easier.
Amazon.com: rick steves luggage backpack. ... Travel Backpack, 40L Expandable Carry On Backpack for Men, Flight Approved Weekender Backpack, Water Resistant Luggage Backpack for Outdoor,Expandable Extra Large Business Backpack for Men Women,Black. 4.7 out of 5 stars 4,119. $41.99 $ 41. 99.
1-48 of 466 results for "rick steves travel bag" Results. Price and other details may vary based on product size and color. More Like This +3. Travelon. Women's Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag, Black, One Size. ... 35L Travel Backpack,Flight Approved Carry On Backpack for International Travel Bag, Water Resistant Durable 17-inch Laptop ...
Note: Because of its flexible structure, this bag won't reach its full height and depth until it's packed. Don't be alarmed if, at first glance, your Rolling Backpack looks "too small!" Outside: The classic Rick Steves outer pocket design combine gives it a clean, efficient look. The top zipper opens to reveal a 12" x 20" compartment (perfect ...
Travel Bag/Backpack for family. Our family of 6 (kids 16, 15, 13, 12) will be making a 5 week inaugural trip around Europe this summer. We will fly into London and out of Paris and take trains around in bewteen. We are currently envisioning each of us having a lightweight, rolling backpack. Any thoughts on a good make/model of such a bag, or if ...
1-48 of 825 results for "rick steves travel bags" Results. Price and other details may vary based on product size and color. Steve Madden. Luggage Set 4 Piece Softside Expandable Lightweight Suitcase Set With 360 Spinner Wheels Travel Set (Black) 4.4 out of 5 stars 591. $399.99 $ 399. 99.
Travel Bags. Our travel bags have been personally designed by Rick Steves to bring you maximum durability and practicality for the lowest price. We think you'll agree — Rick's bags are the best travelin' value around! Compare Our Bags. Rolling Luggage. Carry-on Luggage. Travel Backpacks.
Learn about Rick Steves' small-group tours with 46 finely crafted itineraries for 2024! Shop Rick's Travel Store. Find everything you need for packing - and planning your dream trip to Europe. Travel Tips. Find tips on everything from itinerary planning and packing to transportation, eating, and sleeping. ...
My main bag is a Convertible Carry-On (RS), and my daypack is a regular Civita. I test packed last night, and I could fit everything, and still be within airline limits for size and weight. I'll be travelling for one month, 3+ weeks in Germany-Austria and 5 days in Moscow, in November, so think cold-ish and extremely rainy.
Packs into Its Own Pocket: This lightweight backpack easily folds into a compact pouch, making it ideal for stashing in your suitcase or day bag. All-Day Comfort: Adjustable, breathable shoulder straps and light-yet-durable, ripstop polyester fabric will keep you comfortable all day long. Spacious: This day pack's roomy interior easily fits guidebooks, sweaters or light jackets, snacks, and ...
The tour description states that large backpacks and bags are not allowed. That seems to be pretty vague and subjective in defining bag size. ... Tour Account › Travel Forum ... ©2024 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | CST# 2086743 | ...
Spend the day there (leave luggage at locker in train station before Taking the overnight Ferry (St Peter Line) to St Petersburg. The St Peter Line goes every other day). Spend a couple of nights there before taking the train to Moscow.