The Confident Traveller

Packing light

INCREASINGLY TOUGH RESTRICTIONS on hand luggage are forcing travellers to pay attention to aspects of their carry-on that they might have previously neglected. Don’t assume that, because your suitcase passed the test two years ago, it still does in 2017. And watch that weight. Although most airlines are only now really starting to enforce size restrictions on carry-on luggage, weight restrictions are sure to follow suit and with it being set at around 7 kg (SAA quotes 8 kg), the weight of your actual bag becomes pretty important.

Speaking of which, Osprey’s Ozone range (pictured) is named for its lightweight design. Besides two size options for standard wheeled bags, there’s a 50-litre convertible that’s described as a travelling chameleon. First, it’s a piece of wheeled luggage perfectly sized to meet maximum carry-on size specifications. But it has a hidden backpack suspension system so you can carry on when the sidewalk ends. There’s also detachable daypack. Price: from R2 899, at Luggage Warehouse, Due South and Drifters Adventure Centre.