Timbuk2 Copilot Luggage Roller 2014 Review

PRICE: $225

timbuk2.com

The Timbuk2 Copilot Luggage Roller is a sleek, lightweight, and robust clamshell-style suitcase. The Medium size tested has a 52L volume (3173 cubic inches) and the outer dimensions adhere to domestic carry-on limits at just under 22” (56 cm) tall. This product is backed by Timbuk2’s lifetime warranty.

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The rollers on the Copilot are actually skateboard wheels, providing a wide base to move over most terrain with minimal fuss. The wheels are also removable for more compact storage. Organization is great with two mesh-separated large inside storage spaces, multiple pockets for loose items, and a handy toiletries/ shoe pocket on the top. The outer ‘laptop’ pocket works with an unadorned 13” MacBook, but I found it perfect for my collection of magazines.

WISH LIST

I love the packing space you get within the Medium size. While the bag is under 22” tall for domestic airline carry-on, the bag was too large for carry-on with the international Lufthansa and KLM flights that I took it on. If you are primarily taking overseas flights and want a carry-on only bag, check dimensions with your preferred carrier and consider the size Small (42L/ 2563 cubic inches and 20”/51 cm tall).

SUMMARY

I brought this bag with me on overseas work assignments and it performed very well in all cases – on planes, trains, and in automobiles. The rollers took care of business on cobbled streets and the many handles made it easy to load into overhead bins or in the trunk of a taxi. The all-black styling on this particular model wasn’t the easiest to pick out at the baggage carousel, but it didn’t call attention to itself either. I appreciated the many pockets and ways to keep organized inside, and I stuffed it to the brim with no zipper trouble or fabric stress on my return flights. My appreciation of Timbuk2’s bicycle bags and panniers now extends to their travel luggage department as well.

David Niddrie is Momentum Mag’s photo editor @davidniddrie