Baseline Essential 22-Inch Expandable 2-Wheel Carry-On Bag

I don't typically write reviews, but I felt this bag deserves one and hopefully the gripes will institute change for a bag of this caliber. For reference, I am an airline pilot and commuter. This bag has seen every type of plane both overhead/underneath baggage compartment and been the equivalent of around the world 13x this past year. Overall, I would buy this bag again. It is lighter than the average pilot luggage, better looking, and sturdy. The Good: 1. Sturdy: the zippers, the fabric, the handle feel like they are built to last. 2. Compression system: the built in compression system is a handy feature 3. Warranty: reason I bought this bag 4. J Hook Attachment: At first it was annoying, but I have gotten used to it. I have never had it fall off. I do remove it after every use though. 5. Front Pocket: I love the larger zippered pocket in the front. I am able to neatly fold two (lightweight & medium) coats without it bulging. The Bad: 1. Wheels: garbage, I don't understand why B&R chose this type of wheel. Outside of the noise it makes, it would routinely lock up and skid. I had to replace it with a more standard wheel and haven't had any problems since. Makes me hesitant to purchase the spinner version despite wanting it. The Annoying: 1. Compression System: If you have a bag on the J Hook attachment it will often pull the compression system out. At this point, I often don't even use it because I don't want to hear the system slowly pulling itself out as a go over a bump in the concrete. 2. The net: Anyone who travels for a living has their own organization system and doesn't use them. I wish there was a way to remove them. 3. Smaller Front Pocket: Not sure what this pocked can be used for. I keep the j hook attachment in there, but I haven't really found another good use for it.

A very capable bag but the attachment for the j-hook strap is so flimsy. The wheels are surprisingly low quality and there’s so much extra stuff inside the bag that I presume some people want to hold down and/or separate items in the bag but I personally find them useless and wish there was a way to remove them. Overall, the purchase is worth it for the warranty only.

The skeptics may wonder: why pay so much for a suitcase? Fundamentally, there are many, many cheaper options out there which do the exact same job. What the skeptics miss is that it’s ok to splurge on things that make the experience better. This suitcase does that in spades. Looks are subjective but I think this thing is truly beautiful in person. I get excited every time I get it out of my closet. And then there’s the function of it. I really like having the telescoping handle completely on the outside rather than disrupting the floor of the suitcase and taking up space. It makes it much easier to stack clothes the way I want. And the compression system works very well both for when you need to fit a bunch of stuff into a small space or when you need to bring back more than you brought. Everything is built very well and I have confidence that if anything DOES break, the lifetime warranty will cover it no questions asked. For me, this suitcase makes me want to travel. It brings some joy to packing (a task I normally hate). It’s a splurge, sure. But one that’s worth it.

I’ve had an excellent experience with the Briggs & Riley Essential 22" 2-Wheel Expandable Carry-On, and it has quickly become my go-to travel bag. The build quality is outstanding—everything from the durable ballistic nylon to the solid zippers feels thoughtfully designed and made to last. The two-wheel setup rolls smoothly and tracks straight, even when fully packed, which makes navigating airports and tight spaces effortless. I especially appreciate the expandable feature; it gives me extra room when I need it without making the bag feel bulky or unstable. The interior layout is practical and well organized, making packing and unpacking simple and efficient. What really sets this carry-on apart is the attention to detail and reliability. The handle is sturdy, the bag holds its shape, and it fits easily in overhead bins. Add in Briggs & Riley’s lifetime guarantee, and it’s clear this is a premium product built for frequent travelers who value durability and smart design. If you’re looking for a dependable, well-engineered carry-on that performs trip after trip, this one is absolutely worth it.