BudgetTravel

Test 2: Cornering

City streets are mean enough. The last thing anyone needs is a bag that can't handle the turns.

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This was where the bags really began differentiating. The three with the widest wheelbases--REI, Eagle Creek, and Tumi--remained on two wheels without a hiccup while zipping around corners. The Eagle Creek and the REI were somewhat more likely than the Tumi to go up on one wheel or flip when cornering during a near sprint. The Ogio and the Osprey, on the other hand--which have wheelbases of 13.5 and 13 inches, respectively--often leaned over on one wheel when entering a corner at any pace faster than a walk. At jogging speed, they flipped over regularly.

Cornering

Eagle Creek ****½
Ogio *
Osprey *
REI ****½
Tumi *****

Test 3: Bumpy terrain

Because any wheelie bag can glide right over smooth floors.

The Tumi rode like a Cadillac over cobblestones, uneven concrete, and stone walkways; the Eagle Creek absorbed the bumps and handled the terrain even better. Neither came close to tipping, even on some hairy sections of banked cobblestone. Either of the bags sure would come in handy for touring medieval towns in Europe. The REI performed adequately, though it bounced more and rode a little rougher over the bumpiest areas. The Osprey and the Ogio sailed over the cobblestones and sidewalk cracks if pulled in a straight line, but both were likely to tip up on one wheel and flop over when riding over lopsided sections of stone.

Bumpy terrain

Eagle Creek *****
Ogio **
Osprey ***
REI ****½
Tumi ****½

Test 4: Curbhopping

There will always be times when your bag has to make a leap.