I love to travel. I’ve been fortunate enough to have traveled all over the US and also have visited over 20 countries. As a frequent traveler, I’ve never thought twice about my luggage. I bought a few nice quality, big, rolling luggage and that has suited me well over the years…until now. I find as I get older, everything is a bit of a hassle, particularly with the airport experience. Dragging a big rolling bag, navigating it through unpaved terrain, overpacking (as usual), not using half the stuff that I brought, etc.
While doing some research online, I discovered the terrific site, onebag.com. Really great information on traveling light, how to pack, what to take and recommendations on bags and travel accessories. This site has really transformed my view on traveling light and I’ve not looked back since.
From that site I discovered a company called Red Oxx, which is a company based out of Montana. Red Oxx sells travel bags and travel gear, from business luggage to dopp kits to large duffels and backpacks and small accessories. In my opinion, the design is a bit of a throwback from the 70’s but in a good way. Very tough ballistic nylon and really big, tough, plastic ykk zippers. But what sets this luggage apart from most is the organization and thoughtfulness of every section and every pocket. Everything from the grab handle to the color of the inside is very purposeful and well thought out.
Red Oxx has 2 primary carry-on bags, the Sky Train and the Air Boss. Both are sized to be acceptable for domestic and international carry-on requirements. I ended up choosing the Sky Train because it has hideaway backpack straps, for even more convenience in carrying modes. I also like the 2 main compartments of the Sky Train as opposed to the 3 compartment Air Boss (I didn’t like the briefcase style center compartment). The Sky Train is also slightly smaller, which fits my smaller frame better.
So here is the Sky Train. When all packed up for a 2 week trip, it’s at about 17-20lbs. I typically have another small travel bag with my laptop and kindle so I can have it under my seat for easy access.
Red Oxx Sky Train
The Sky Train measures 20″L 9″W 13″H. It is a simple, fully functional, tough as nails, beautiful bag…
Top View – Red Oxx Sky Train
The top view shows the Sky Train full depth of 9″. You’ll be able to fit a lot in this bag but watch out because it can get heavy. Check out the grab handle. It’s plastic tubing. I’ve never seen anything like that in any luggage. At first I thought it was a major eyesore and just too strange. I got over it quickly because it’s so comfortable to hold. It’s the right diameter and my hand can get a really good grip on it. It’s really thick tubing so I have no doubt it will last. In the next picture, you can see how thick the tubing is.
Side View – Red Oxx Sky Train
You can see the hardware is pretty substantial and all the YKK zippers come with what Red Oxx calls a “Monkey Pull.” These are cool knots made from paracord and are completely handmade. I like them but these pulls were attached to each of the zippers and with 2 zippers per compartment, it was way overkill so I took many of them off and attached them to other bags I have. The thing in the picture is just a regular Eagle Creek TSA combination lock.
Front zipper – Red Oxx Sky Train
Just wanted to show a closeup of the zipper (I took the monkey pulls off these zippers). It’s a big zipper…bigger than most. Again, notice the YKK printed on the zipper. YKK zippers are the best you can buy…very durable.
Inside the front pocket – Red Oxx Sky Train
BAM! First thing you notice is the blinding RED lining inside the front pocket. This bright lining allows you to find stuff inside very easily. Note: There is no color options for the lining. No matter what outside color you get, the inside is bright freaking red. Trust me, it’ll grow on you. Front pocket is great for itineraries, tickets, journals, pens, hand sanitizers, magazines and all the random stuff.
Smaller main compartment – Red Oxx Sky Train
Yes, the bag opens on the short side, not the long side like most traditional suitcases. Not totally sure why it was designed like this but it’s different and it works. This is the smaller of the 2 main compartments. I put my toiletries here as well as a jacket and/or sweater and items like hat & gloves. In the small black pouch (which is attached and not removable, I usually put smaller items like batteries and chargers and cables & such.
Main compartment – Red Oxx Sky Train
The main compartment is large. It’s about twice the size of the smaller compartment and has 2 tie down straps to secure clothing. Honestly, I don’t use these straps. I use a few packing cubes and it works out. In between the first and second main compartment, there is a lightweight foam in between the fabric. Although it adds some weight, it gives the bag a bit of structure, which is great.
Back view – Red Oxx Sky Train
This is the back of the bag. Notice there is nothing. At the top there is a flap with a zipper that contains the backpack straps. At the bottom, on either side, there is a little curved pouch where you pull out the rings that the backpack strap attaches to. See the next photo.
Backpack straps come out – Red Oxx Sky Train
The zipper compartment opens and you pull out the 2 straps. The 2 straps attach to the D rings that pull out of the curved side pouches. See next photo.
Rings the backpack straps attach to – Red Oxx Sky Train
Clever how everything tucks away until you need it. Very simple to unzip, pull out the straps, pull out the 2 side rings and attach. Next pic shows the clasp.
Backpack strap clasp – Red Oxx Sky Train
Very heavy duty, substantial (heavy) metal clasps.
Backpack strap adjustment – Red Oxx Sky Train
Backpack adjustments are easy. The mechanism is metal so it won’t break over time. This also shows the nice padding on the strap. Pretty comfortable.
Chest strap – Red Oxx Sky Train
The chest strap is removable if you don’t want to use it. I like chest straps but this one tends to slide into different positions when I want it to stay. It works but just wish it would stay better.
Claw shoulder strap – Red Oxx Sky Train
The Claw shoulder strap comes with the bag. It’s very grippy but doesn’t have any padding. The claps are all very heavy duty metal. (Honestly, I much prefer Tom Bihn’s Absolute Shoulder Strap to the Red Oxx Claw Shoulder Strap.)
So there you have it…the Red Oxx Sky Train. Two suggestions I would make to this bag:
- Add a removable waist strap. It will help distribute the weight to the hips and allow the bag to be carried comfortably for longer periods. For folks that don’t want to use one, unhook and it’s gone.
- Make the fabric less of a lint magnet. This material attracts a lot of lint. A LOT. I have a lot of different luggage and this one far exceeds anything else when it comes to attracting lint. The black color seems like it is a bit worse than the other colors. If you have a pet, this should be a consideration.
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Overall, this is a terrific bag and I look forward to using it for many years to come.
Red Oxx website – www.redoxx.com
One Bag Travel website – www.onebag.com
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