trishussey
on - last edited on by
Laura
Thanks to Ogio, I was sent the Radica 22“ - Travel and Layover - Travel carry-on bags (some folks call them ”roll aboards") to check out. Most of you know that I really dig good bags. I’m rather picky about what makes a good laptop bag and I’m even pickier when it comes to bags I travel with. I’ve always loved Ogio bags. I had a laptop bag with the best feature ever—a special pocket on the back of the bag just for a boarding pass or ticket. Just genius. I was, as you can imagine, expecting the same kind of attention to detail as I remember from a laptop bag (over 5 years ago now)—and I wasn’t disappointed.
Really this is a tale of two carry on bags. It was the best of bags and the better of bags. According to the Ogio site, the Layover is the higher-end of the two bags. Which I find interesting because really both are pretty awesome and in some ways I like the touches in the Radica a bit better. So let’s first have an overview of both bags.
Both are clam-shell style opening bags. Pretty much like you’d expect. The handles extend and retract with two different settings (but I noticed the Radica’s handle came up just a little higher than the Layover).
Both bags have sturdy wheels (two, not four) and very sturdy resting handles. On the Layover the wheels are the in-line skate type, the Radica has plastic wheels. Speaking of handles, both bags have handles to grab from almost any side or direction. You might not think this is a big deal, but when you have to lug, haul, wrench, stow, and retrieve a bag you’ll appreciate having lots of solid options to grab onto.
For ID slots, both have clever closable slots that seal with Velcro. This keeps prying eyes from just seeing your ID as you’re waiting and such. On the Radica the slot is on the side, the Layover the back. I like having the slot on the back myself…it’s just a little more hidden that way.
The zippers on all the pockets and such feel both heavy duty and easy to open and close. Very smooth action. In addition to the clamshell opening, both bags have the expando zipper that gives you a little more space when you need it.
Inside both bags are straps to keep your clothes snugly in place (or you can use them to squish them down more (my usual procedure) in the main compartment. At this point, beyond obvious the color differences, is where the bags diverge.
On the front of the Layover you have two smaller pockets. The top smaller pocket has an inner mesh pocket (good for little things that get lost in bags) and the lower larger pocket has a smaller pocket on the front of it. The Radica has a smaller bottom pocket (with inner mesh) and then a larger pocket that makes the whole front a usable pocket (great for shoes I think).
Inside the Layover on the lid side, the lid is divided into two smaller pockets and in the main compartment there are small zippered pockets in the lining the could be used for small items (the are as long as the bag, but not very deep). In contrast the lid of the Radica is one big zippered pocket and lacks the sub pockets in the main area.
You can see what the bags look like in the gallery of pictures below:
Okay final verdict.
I think both bags are great and I’d be happy to tote either of them through the airport or a weekend trip. The Layover is made of a little tougher material and has more durable wheels, so if you’re tough on bags those are things to think about. The Radica has all the things you need in a bag, and not much else (which I think is just fine). How do you choose the right bag? I think it’s going to come down to what you’re going to be planning to pack. I look at the number and size of the pockets in the Layover and think you can organize things pretty well, but you might wind up having your shoes in the main compartment, whereas the Radica has lots of potential places to put bigger items like shoes. If you’re a “toss it all in there” kind of packer, then I think the Radica will suit you better. If you’re a “everything needs a special place” packer then check out the Layover (and if you don’t have big feet the larger pockets on the outside or inside lid might work for you).
It’s important to note that neither of these bags have compartments that I’d say are “perfect for electronics” Yes, the outside pockets have some padding, but I don’t think I’d trust my iPad to them (unless there were other things in there to pad it).
Again, both are great bags. The deciding factor for you will probable come down to price and do the arrangement of pockets fit your packing style.
Last thing, inside the Layover were these cords:
And I can’t figure out what the heck they are for! Ideas folks?
The LAYOVER features a wide mouth main compartment LID opening, dual internal mesh zippered compartments, internal side accessory pockets and compression straps, 3" expansion zipper capability, telescoping pull handle, heavy duty chassis, and smooth ride urethane wheels.
The RADICA expands for greater capacity. The roomy, fully lined interior features garment straps to secure clothing, and the lid features a full length zipper mesh pocket for added storage. The front exterior has two easy grip handles, one large gusseted pocket and one smaller zipper pocket for quick access. Custom inline skate wheels and locking retractable handles provide optimum mobility.
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