Osprey Rolling Transporter 90 Review

At the start of 2019, I was lucky enough to jet off to Lanzarote for a few days living and training like a pro triathlete. I managed to squeeze all my stuff into a carry on (the Osprey Rolling Transporter 40) but when it came to attending a few days at a surf and yoga retreat in Bude, Cornwall (UK) I needed more space! I think it was ‘cos I was driving…. everything and the kitchen sink could fit in the car with me alone. So I sized up to the Osprey Rolling Transporter 90…

The Osprey Transporter Series

My love affair with this series of bags started with the Transporter Duffel back in 2018, which I still use to date. The duffel on wheels was the next innovative if not natural, step for the range to take, available in 40L, 90L and 120L.

The latest updates to the range are the Transporter Carry-On, Transporter Rolling Carry-On (both with internal organisation pockets) and the Transporter Packs (basically backpacks) …and just know I cannot wait to try them out!

Whilst the current 40L version can be questionable to take on-board a flight as a carry-on the new range is specifically made to meet the restrictions of various airlines.

Now you’re familiar with the whole Transporter family, let’s get back to the Rolling Transporter 90…

A Truly AdventureProof Travel Bag

The Rolling Transporter 90 (currently available in grey, black and green*, previously in red and blue, pictured) is a durable… and stylish duffel bag which is conveniently on wheels. You can chuck it around using one of the four grab handles like a regular duffel and rest assured that it will withstand use.

According to Osprey the HighRoad™ chassis (frame) on this bag can cope with rough terrain whilst remaining a smooth ride on account of the extra-large polyurethane wheels.

WHAT & HOW I PACKED

As mentioned, I took this bag along to the surf and yoga retreat in Bude I went on. I packed it full and still had space. Here is just some of what I took along:

• A ton of snacks
• 4x yoga outfits
  • bra top and leggings, 3x sweaters
• Travel yoga mat
• Swimming kit
  • 2x swimming costumes, goggles, 2x swimming hats, flip flops, rash vest, leggings, large towel
• Wetsuit
• Nightwear
• 2x evening outfits
  • jeans, camisole, dress, heels
• Make up and toiletries
• Suncream
• Laptop, chargers (laptop and phone)

I found it easier to put all of my clothes into outfit bundles and then pack them together so I could easily find what I needed in one place; again, I forgot to use the packing cubes* that I have. I used the zipped mesh section on the inside of the flap to hold smaller items such as underwear and socks.

RELATED: Everyday Organised With The Osprey Questa 27

THE ROLLING TRANSPORTER 90 IN DETAIL

Empty, the case weighs just 3.53kg but you can pack so much into it that it can become quite heavy… lucky it has wheels, eh?! The maximum dimensions are: 80cm (l) x 44cm (w) x 35cm (d).

It seems that when it comes to checked luggage size, airlines differ there too. Personally, I’ve only flown long haul to the Caribbean or the USA and baggage allowances seem to be more generous.

The Osprey Rolling Transporter 90 is the same set up as the 40. One large inner compartment with compressions straps, mesh zippered pockets on the inner front panel, retractable handle and zippered external pocket where you can keep your travel documents.

What Do The Reviews Say?

We all love reading reviews right, so I’ll save you reading some of the others online after reading mine and share what they said here. Here is what people are saying:

• Questioning if it is compatible with airline allowances
• The capability to lock it
  • the zippers are said to be lockable and that they are. The hole that would take a padlock isn’t the biggest but to be honest, locking your case is surely for low level security and to avoid all your bits falling out when it’s chucked around on a plane, right?!
• Great materials
• Perfect bag for a ski trip
• Lack of “organisation”
  • akin to a suitcase
• Works well with packing cubes
• Perfect for scuba kit
• Very well made

There’s nothing more to know about this travel pack – if there is, ask away please! But once you’re filled in, if you think this is the bag for you, then you won’t be disappointed when you get your hands on it!

You are gonna love this if… you’re an adventurer who’s not a light packer and can / will be checking your bag into the hold.

Think twice if… you’re more the short haul, carry-on type of adventurer

Elle