Travel Luggage for Cold Snowy Weather

Hey guys,

I'm looking for suggestions on a luggage bag for my impending trip to Scandinavia in 2 weeks.

I'll be there for 5 weeks travelling solo across Helsinki, Lapland, Stockholm, Oslo, Reykjavik, and Longyearbyen (in Svalbard).

Ideally, I'd like something that:
- Can carry my 20kg of luggage and essentials.
- Is rain/snow proof or resistant.
- Has wheels as well as a way to carry it over my shoulder long distances over snow.

I previously had a duffel-suitcase hybrid that was pretty good when I went to Nunavut in Northern Canada, but a zipper is broken and I've spent weeks trying to get it to work properly- something I really can't afford on my trip- and it's on the way out anyway

If you have any suggestions please let me know!

Alternatively I'm also open to suggestions on things I should add to my sightseeing list.

Comments

  • +1

    I have an Osprey Ozone and Kathmandu Hybrid Trolley. I researched options from Black Wolf, High Sierra and Carribbee too but their backpack component leaves a bit to be desired.

    Have been able to try out the Deuter Helion but it's another weight class up (not on paper but it feels that way because of how the weight is distributed). I'd say if you want the lightest most feature packed option get an Osprey Sojourn or Meridian, they are check-in-able (the Ozone gets crushed structurally). The Kathmandu is also great weight for the price but less durable… I wouldn't put the fabric up against my Osprey.

    The Deuter is built really well. Might be what you need to take around 20kg (!) (But honestly what are you bringing? I'm sure you could get by on less weight). The harness systems on the deuter and osprey are very adjustable and well thought out. Can't say any of them are waterproof but that's what pack covers are for :)

    • Thanks for the suggestions! I'll have a look through the specs and reviews.

      And you're right, I won't be taking 20kg- that's just the airline limit. Probably around 14-15kg including my laptop for work.

  • +1

    Have you looked at the Tatonka Barrel Roller bags?

    If you still want to try and repair your current bag try taking it to a yacht sailmaker. I had a zip break on my favourite camera bag and a sailmaker friend repaired it, its even better than the shop bought version now.

  • +1

    From my EU trip (contiki, backpacking, and general travel) I'd choose a hiking style backpack. They're reasonably rain proof and you can use them on any surface.

    • Ordinarily I'd be with you, but I've recently had back surgery. While I can carry it for a km or two in the rough/snowed-in areas, I'd like the wheels to take the strain off whenever possible.

      Thanks for the suggestion though.

  • -1

    I went with a triple stitched tauntaun pelt tote for maximal self-effacing humility whilst effortlessly reenacting Hannibal's Punic (2nd, of course) Alp crossing. It was very lucky for Rome I woke up with a good hair day.

    • That reminds me of the time I caught the ferry to Shelbyville. I needed a new heel for m'shoe. So I decided to go to Morganville, which is what they called Shelbyville in those days. So I tied an onion to my belt, which was the style at the time. Now, to take the ferry cost a nickel, and in those days, nickels had pictures of bumblebees on 'em. "Gimme five bees for a quarter," you'd say. The important thing was that I had an onion on my belt, which was the style at the time. I didn't have any white onions, because of the war. The only thing you could get was those big yellow ones…

      • "Has wheels as well as a way to carry it over my shoulder long distances over snow."

        You sound like quite the sophisticated traveller and veritable MacGyver rolled into one. Wouldn't skis, dog sled or a snow plough be more appropriate? Maybe a salt dispensing attachment.

        • I've had back surgery and I'll be travelling in areas with heavy snow. Seems sensible to want both wheels and the ability to carry it when necessary.

  • Do you know if they have Yaks in Scandanavia? I put my bag on a Yak when i was travelling thru Mongolia - best thing when travelling thru snow (or mud). You can ride the Yak too if you which is onbivously much easier than wading thru knee deep snow.

    • Not where I'm traveling, at least. Interesting, though.

  • Hi Pharos5, I am also planning for overseas trip and had been looking for good luggage bags like samsonite and at bargain price for sometimes. I would recommend you to visit Macy's as they have started shipping to Australia and they currently have great deal on site i.e. 50% off deals +10% off for luggage. You can find it here. https://couponsdiscount.com.au/ Look for Macy's store on this page and browse through deals.
    Hope this help. Have a nice and safe holidays.

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