Best Luggage for Trains

Not sure if this is a suitable forum topic, but here goes...

Once a month I go away for a weekend, usually by train, to run one or two marathons. Consequently, I take one or two pairs of running shoes, and a couple of sets of running kit for each day depending on conditions. With this I also take a change of "Street" clothes, a GPS watch and charger, a tablet PC and a camera, along with some nutrition.

I normally get this into a large sports holdall or a rucksack. The rucksack I can get onto the overhead rack, the holdall has to go into the racks by the doors.

I prefer to use the holdall, because I can then use a small rucksack for stuff I need on the journey. However, it can be heavy and awkward to get round some stations in, especially London Terminals. Sometimes I need to walk to a hotel as well and a full holdall is awkward

I'd like to get something, a dedicated bag just for marathon weekends. Possibly with wheels, without spending the earth, that I can get round stations quickly with, hop on and off trains and possibly sit on! But one that will fit on the overhead racks on a HST if possible!

Any suggestions?

A small carry-on roller for flying is what you need.

GodAtum said:

A small carry-on roller for flying is what you need.

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http://www.sportsdirect.com/accessories/luggage-and-suitcases

Dunlop, 20-28 inches should be big enough (I have 20 inches). Usually available in store at the same price.
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Sorry, made that sound like it should have been posted in the Carry On Films thread!

They look good to me. That'd be good for my trip to Frankfurt in the Autumn as well.

I'll go to the store and have a look...

When I was travelling by trains with just enough stuff for a weekend I got this which has wheels and straps. It meant that if I wasn't in a rush or in a crowded place I could wheel it along but for dashing about and getting on and off the train I could put it on my back.

It fitted on most overhead racks, the only time it didn't was on a Pendolino when the bag was full. However it also fitted in the gap under the seats if need be.

Airlines seem to be standardising on 56x45x25cm as the maximum size for cabin luggage. It's a consideration if in the market for a new bag.

Holly said:

Airlines seem to be standardising on 56x45x25cm as the maximum size for cabin luggage. It's a consideration if in the market for a new bag.

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Good point as this can save you ages at the airport - can I also suggest a hard shell case as they will better protect your gadgets.

After years using excellent Samsonite cases I now use one of these:

http://www.marksandspencer.com/Longhaul-Scorpius-Hard-Rollercase-Small/dp/B008Y8S7EG?

They are super light as well.

Holly said:

Airlines seem to be standardising on 56x45x25cm as the maximum size for cabin luggage. It's a consideration if in the market for a new bag.

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I would add that, although the official sizes (above) tend to be more generous than before they are also more rigidly enforced by the airlines.
If you need more exact rules this is a good site:
http://www.luggagelimits.com/bag_size_calculations

DeeGee said:

They look good to me. That'd be good for my trip to Frankfurt in the Autumn as well.
.

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This site may be useful, as it not only gives you the specific airline limits for cabin luggage, but also lists airport specific sizes too. For example Stansted is listed as 56x40x20 - less than the 56x45x25 which is generally the standard.
There are lots of "weasel words" and "catch clauses", as we all know, within the airlines' rules.
It's been put together for photographers and is very comprehensive.
http://www.dpsoftware.co.uk/airlines/
Happy travelling !