Unpacking: Review of TravelPro Maxlite 5 Suitcase and Unpacking of Goodies from Italy

Tour guide Sarah Murdoch traveled Italy for three weeks with the TravelPro Maxlite 5. In her first video, she shared a strategy of using a hanging closet to organize her suitcase. In this follow up, she shares her evaluation of that system, and unpacks goods brought back from Emilia Romagna.
If you are interested in purchasing this product, use her affiliate link and help support Sarah's work: Travelpro Maxlite 5: amzn.to/3LQaGyP Hanging Closet: amzn.to/46mfGUg

[@dkwillrn]

Swimming “wings” for kids work great for cylindrical breakables, like wine. They are cheap, weigh little and you can pack a dozen without a lot of space. Inflate them around the bottles and they work like a charm

[@lw1405]

First, you look great! I am going to try that hanging wardrobe! We were in Europe for 3 weeks and the rooms were so small there was no place to keep your clothes but there were closets! This would solve the problem. I have 3 TravelPro Premium Elite suitcases- the 29", the 25" and the 21" carry on plus 2 weekender bags (yes I have a bag issue) and they are all fabulous and I've never had an issue with the zippers. They also have an outstanding warranty.

[@Quiltify]

I have a Rick Steves wheeled 21" bag from 2015. It weighs 5 lbs in spite of their claim it weighs more. It works and looks like it is brand new still in spite of all my travels (and use as a checked bag). No problems with any part of it. I've never expanded it. I do enjoy your videos.

[@ebayshopgirl]

I have the Travel Pro Lite and haven’t had a problem with the zippers. It’s been durable without any issues. I also use the Muji hard shell spinner and I like that. We did have a problem with one suitcase and the zipper. I like the brand TUCANO Tugo 2OL for my carry on. I use the smaller size backpack. Very durable and high quality.

[@patagirl100]

Wow! You got so many wonderful goodies packed up in that bag. Looking forward to your next bag review. Need a new roller for next year!

[@amritawhitman8112]

I have the same suitcase and it served me well while traveling for 5 weeks during my visit to England, Edinburgh and Dublin over May to mid-June of this year. I didn't use the expansion feature and I agree that it's not much of an expansion. I found the large outside pocket is a good place for a jacket. I had no idea we're allowed to bring aged, hard cheeses back in our luggage!

[@debrasams2362]

Loved this video. It was so much fun to see what you bought. If I am allowed to bring cheese home, I sure will. Can it go in a carry-on bag? I may have yo do some shopping at a local grocery store in 2 weeks I'll be in Italy. Thanks much for sharing.😊

[@diannewi]

Your Travelpro zippers are failing due to overpacking the bags. In this video, before you unzip your Maxlite, it's obvious the bag is too full. We can see your packed items poking out all over the bag. I've owned the brand and traveled with Platinum, Versapack, and Maxlite styles. I've been to many countries, many flights and train rides. I don't overfill my bags, but I do fill them full. I've never ever had a zipper problem.

[@DiddlyD-xx2ih]

I thought the same. Zippers are fabric! You can't stretch them like that.

[@bellaluce7088]

She usually travels with brands that make extra durable luggage and compression bags that are designed to work when stuffed. Many people overstuff their bags, and luckily there are high quality zippers and construction methods that can accommodate that. YKK zips are considered premium.

[@marbenais]

Grana Padano is my favorite hard cheese, it is so good! Based on the number of broken bags I saw on baggage claim lines this summer for the World Cup, I would strongly recommend NOT checking an expandable bag - even if it's at its smallest size. The expansion makes the bag less stable when tossed around and subject to the heavy weights of other bags. Every bag we saw busted open was an expandable bag.

[@JimNortonsAlcoholism]

Frankly. you're over packing. No wonder the zippers are breaking.

[@secretariatgirl4249]

It seems to me that the Travel Pros really are pushing the limits with size esp. with international requirements. And that side handle is sort of a deal breaker for me. I hesitate to buy one even though some say they can get them on planes. The zippers are often talked about, too. I'm actually now leaning to one of the rolling bags on Rick's site!

[@axisgirlvaughn7446]

Sarah, check on the warranty on that zipper. I think it is covered.

[@kmowinski3680]

Is this color Ensign Blue or Saphire blue? I am trying to get a better idea then stock pics on line. Thank you!

[@lesliefarrar2264]

IT luggage is my favorite-not flimsy, at all. My large IT bag has served us well for travel the past 10 years or more. Unfortunately, it’s a light gray color and had accumulated many travel stains. The stains all came out with pre-treat spray and some elbow grease.

[@JessicaDavis-fn7qx]

Love your tips & videos. I have the exact same cheese serving bowl and I love it.

[@eclairtreo]

I 100% agree about the 2 wheels. NO, I repeat, NO 4 wheeled bags shall ever travel with me again. Even on a 400 dollar bag, the wheels stink. On Travel Pro wheels, if one breaks ( only happened once with a 20 year old bag with heavy use) you can order an inline skate wheel set, and replace them yourself even in foreign countries. On a 4 wheeled bag, if one of them breaks, especially in the back, you are toast. PS, on Travel Pro, any luggage shop can fix the zipper.

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

Thanks, Sarah! You've reminded me why, after a month in France I gained a mere 5 lbs, but after only a week in Italy I put on 10!

[@pweiner7597]

I have the same bag but the 4 Wheel and no problem with zippers

[@aprilnavarra9134]

Good to hear I just bought the 4 wheel model for a trip to Italy

[@tammybolin]

I love seeing all the treasures you got from your adventure! I went to Italy last year on a wine tour. We bought a case at every winery and had them shipped home. Lots of gift giving and enjoyment out of that :) Much of the wine is three times as much to purchase in the states. The next time I go, I will concentrate more on cheeses and cooking items. Thanks for sharing!

[@catmom9755]

Which model of the G4Free backpacks do you have there?

[@lynneeie5226]

Nice video! And mmm all the yummies! I do like that packable backpack. Really nice.

[@custodiaewald2689]

Thanks for all your tips. Love your travel videos.

[@JilSpangenberg-ys7fz]

I LOVEEEEE Italian dark roast coffee.

[@paulinepotts9976]

Absolutely love Lambrusco ❤❤❤

[@KathyLop1956]

Was the goody bag overweight?

[@bellaluce7088]

I'm trying to decide between a roller backpack hybrid and a backpack plus collapsible luggage carrier like Samsonite makes since my body can't take using a backpack anymore. If anyone has experience with either I'd love a recommendation! : - ) I need something comfortably under the smaller international carryon limits and Rick Steves' roller backpack is the only promising one I've seen so far.

[@beckydmc]

I'm 62 and reasonably fit. If you don't want to carry a backpack in lieu of a roller bag, why would you go with a hybrid? So that if you needed to absolutely have it is a backpack, you could? I just took a woman's osprey backpack to Spain for 2 weeks and I am switching back to a roller bag. I had access to elevators, so I didn't have to worry about having to deal with wheels for six flights. Even though I packed very light and my bag was not too heavy, I found that the combination of that backpack any day pack was a royal hassle. I would rather go with a wheelie bag and a day pack

[@bellaluce7088]

​@@beckydmc Correct. I want a roller hybrid with a backpack option so I can still carry my own bags the way that works for *my* body when I travel places with dirt trails and stairs (which I do).

[@msjones8873]

Love this!

[@raesonge]

Please don't blame the zipper. The amount of overpacking here is ridiculous. No wonder it busted.

[@lbunnygordon1133]

Definitely a gap in market for carry on bag just millions of suitcases. Why cant they design a really lightweight 2 wheel carry on or personal item that really works, owise already 3rd of weight used. Cabinmax are ok but they just have blavknor blue in a really small carry on and I m never taking those colours again as more easily lost

[@bellaluce7088]

Could the trick of tying a distinctive ribbon to the handle possibly help with finding your luggage?

[@eclairtreo]

I use red duct tape all over my bags. Looks awful, but works great.

[@KathyLop1956]

Was the cost of bringing back all those items really worth it? It seems like you could buy most of that stuff at home.