A while back I posted my review of the Nike Departure Backpack, and since then I’ve added a few more pieces from the Departure line to my luggage collection. One of these is the Nike Departure Roller, a carry-on size case that is now part of my standard traveling ensemble. I’m a huge fan of this piece of luggage, I don’t travel without it and below are the features that are the reasons why:
FEATURES
The Departure Roller features three main interior compartments, two on one side of the bag and one on the other. A heavy duty zipper bisects the bag so it opens flat for easy access to all compartments. The main compartment is the full height of the bag, the second compartment is about 2/3 the height and the smallest takes up the remaining third. All compartments have zippered mesh covers to keep contents securely in place. The smallest compartment is accessible from the outside, which is very handy. The outside of the case also has a roomy pocket that’s the perfect place for a sweater or light jacket. The case has inline skate wheels and a telescoping handle (long enough for this 6’3″ traveler to not have it hit my heels) that makes rolling through the airport a breeze.
PERFORMANCE
This bag is the perfect size to fit 2-3 days worth of clothes and accessories for a short trip (maybe even 4 days if you pack efficiently). This is now the case I use for all trips — I use it in combination with my Departure Backpack, and between the two I can fit all I need for my trip. On a plane the roller fits perfectly in the overhead compartment, and the backpack fits easily under the seat in front of me, so I have everything I need at arms reach. The case rolls easily, and I can also put the backpack on top of the case resting on the handle and roll both together, a great feature.
DURABILITY
I’ve used the Departure Roller on at least 6 trips in the last 8 months, and it still looks like new, with only a few scuffs here and there. The heavy-duty nylon has no rips, tears or signs of wear. All zippers are working fine and the mesh pocket covers are like new. The telescoping handle and skate wheels are all still working perfectly. From what I can tell, this is a very sturdy piece of luggage.
CONVENIENCE
The Departure Roller has several convenient features that make it a winner on short trips. Two pockets that are accessible from the outside make it easy to put away items while going through security at the airport. Top and side heavy duty reinforced nylon handles, and a molded plastic handle at the bottom make handling the case and putting it in the overhead bin on the airplane a cinch (it’s also the perfect size to fit in the overhead bin straight in, not sideways). The telescoping handle and being able to put my Departure Backpack on top of the case so I can roll both together is very handy also.
SUMMARY
I’m a huge fan of the Nike Departure line of luggage, and of the Departure Roller in particular. It’s a must-have for short trips, and this is the bag I now always travel with. If you are looking for a new carry-on bag to take on your next adventure, I highly recommend checking out the Departure Roller.
Note: I’ll be reviewing the Departure Shoe Tote, and hopefully the new Departure Messenger bag here on the blog in the near future.
Editor’s note: The product reviewed above was supplied by the manufacturer to the reviewer/author free of charge for reviewing purposes only. The reviewer/author was not paid for this review, and the opinions expressed in the review are strictly those of the reviewer/author.
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awesome bag, where can i buy this? This is perfect for my 2-3 day business trips.
Alan, I think most of the online golf retailers have it, I know tgw.com does. You should be able to find it with a quick search online.
Check EBay too
I agree. My setup is just as yours – Nike Departure roller and backpack.
I just came back from a 4-day trip and the bag was big enough to accommodate all my clothes easily. I really like that one of the pockets opens up from both inside and outside, which makes going through security so much quicker and easier then even before.
Most importantly, it’s a maximum allowable size for carry-on bags. It fits perfectly in American, United, and Southwest bins. I was flying Delta last time and the bag almost did not fit their bin (I could have not got it out of the bin). However, as expected it fit the overhead compartment.
I recommend this bag to anyone traveling frequently on short trips.
Daniel, I usually fly US Airways and it fits perfectly in the overhead bin. I love the roller/backpack combo!