Convertible Carry-On

I haven’t taken a trip with it yet, but I’m pleased with the quality and construction of the backpack. I’m looking forward to using it on my next trip to Scotland.

Great bag for college students.

Very well made and color is lovely.

Looks like a winner

I used the backpack for a trip to Germany. I was able to fit everything I needed and some. All of it functioned as needed. I used a couple packing cubes, which helped keep my clothing organized. The bottle holder came in handy many times.

I bought my Blue Spruce Convertible Carry-on in 2013. Since that time it's traveled with me to 77 countries over thousands of miles. On my latest trip to the South Pacific I noticed it was starting to rip so it's time for a new one! One of the best travel investments I ever made!

Traveling with this now! Makes travel so much easier and convenient. Great use of space and comfortable

Exactly as described! And fits well on my 5'4" petite frame 77 year old frame.
I can't wait to lightly load it and head overseas.
A big thank you to all the wonderful ladies and gentleman on the Rick Steves pages for the packing videos.

Great bag… it works well at the airport; but much better in other places where roller bags aren’t so good.

The waist belt is in a useless position to actually distribute the weight. it should be over the hips.

Bought it for a trip Italy in the fall...haven't used it yet but I'm impressed with the quality and size of the carry on piece. Happy travelling!

This purchase was for my daughter, because she saw my bag and wanted one of her own. I have taken my bag on several trips and its become essential. So much space, so many well designed compartments. Don't leave home without it!

Really appreciate the quality and thoughtful design. Makes traveling light an easy reality.

This is the best backpack for travelling I’ve ever seen. It’s absolutely huge!

Initial review:

I recently purchased (June 15) Rick Steves Convertible Carry On.
I haven’t used it yet, since I just returned from a 7 day trip within the U.S. for which I used a different brand carry on backpack (38L to 40L) which I had already packed. It was completely filled and did not have room for my hiking shoes.

I plan to use Rick‘s bag for my September trip to Europe for 2 1/2 weeks. Upon my returned I did a dry run and transferred everything I put in my recent bag trip into the Rick‘s Steve’s bag to see how it compares.

Worked out perfectly, everything fit, including my hiking shoes with room to spare. I kept it at 18 pounds. I did not even use the expandable option.

Initial Verdict: I’m confident Rick‘s convertible carry on bag will be perfect for my trip. It even has a waist belt for more support (which the other bag did not).

Caution: It is so roomy that care needed not to over stuff it!
The customer service provided answered all my initial questions prior to purchase.

Thank you
Mark

Writing this review in 2026–I bought this bag in 2017 to backpack around Europe, took trains and planes all over the place for 2 months with just this bag. It was the perfect bag, and I was continuously so happy I had it.
Now, all these years later, I still use this bag for trips of all types. It’s so versatile and comfortable. And, there’s hardly any wear or tear on this bag—it is so sturdy and reliable. Also, bonus points that the padding on the back and straps make it so comfortable.

A perfect bag.

Awesome!

It's been in heavy use since I bought it 4 years ago, and I love it. Learning to ditch the checked baggage and travel with just this bag has been life changing in a way. Having it convert to a backpack was the primary driver for me to get this. It makes navigating airports and train stations so much easier that dragging a bag on wheels around the place. As a bonus, I look at it as a workout, so i won't feel too guilty about missing gym days while i transit.
My next challenge is to get it under 22 lbs for 16 days in Spain and Portugal in August... TAP Portugal is pretty strict on carry-on weight limits.

I like the sturdiness of the zippers and the material seems like it will be tough to damage. I also like the many side pockets and waist strap for long distance carrying. Had the previous version of this backpack for 20 years and I think this one has better straps for tightening at the shoulders and waist. Capacity is great!

I bought the Convertible Carry-On for a trip to Europe this coming fall. Did a "test run" on a weekend road trip recently and I love it! Roomy but lightweight, lots of carrying options, comfy as a backpack too. Paired with the packing cubes, this piece made my trip much easier.

Perfect backpack carryon! Spacious, durable and comfortable to carry.

A wonderful backpack for an upcoming trip to Greece & Istanbul!!!!!! I'm so glad I won't have to check it, along with so much room for everything. Thank you so very much for producing such a great backpack!!!!!

Great quality product.