review – An example of realizing that you are an adult now is when you finally find yourself shopping for luggage. What used to be just passed on to you, or whatever you could find in your closet, suddenly became a systematic (probably involving spreadsheet) search for the lightest, largest-capacity rolling suitcase (because when Your back also starts hurting when you’re an adult), you can easily spot it on a conveyor belt at a reasonable price. Let’s see if Roam’s The Expedition Expandable wheel checks all the blocks.
What is it?
The Roam Expedition Expandable is their largest rolling suitcase with a total capacity of 121 liters, weighs only 10.6 lbs, and you can fully customize the color. Roam luggage is handcrafted in Vidalia, Georgia to your specifications when you order. They are available in two carry-on and two larger boarding sizes, all four sizes are available in non-expandable or expandable form.
What’s in the box?
The Roam Expedition Expandable Luggage comes in a well-fitting box with a nice protective storage lid.
Specification
Unfolded: 30”hx 19.5”wx 11”d
Unexpanded capacity: 89 liters
Extension: 30″hx 19.5″wx 13″d
Extended capacity: 121 liters
Weight: 10.6 lbs
- 100% virgin polycarbonate shell made in the USA
- Telescoping handle with 4 height settings
- Ergonomic handle (top and side)
- Waterproof zipper
- TSA approved combination lock
- 4 smooth ball bearing wheels
- Internal compression system on both sides
- Waterproof, washable fabric lining
Design and Features
The Roam Expedition is a rectangular hard-shell checked roller box that allows you to customize the color of the front shell, rear shell, zipper, binding, wheels, handles and monogram patch. At the time my front and rear shells were available in 7 colors. The Venetian green is a little softer than I’d like it to be, but the Como blue really pops. For trim, wheels and handles, I have 10 colors to choose from. One of the best colors I think is Arabian purple, but it was only available for bookbinding at the time.
I packed the Roam Expedition expandable suitcase with clothes and a 20lb dumbbell, and even at 60lbs, the ball bearing wheels are still very smooth. The handle snaps securely into 4 different height settings, making it easy to grab and push and pull on all 4 wheels or tip over on 2 wheels.
It’s not the biggest suitcase on the market, but at 30″hx 19.5″wx 11″d I think this would be the perfect size for most travel, and I find the size easier to maneuver than the taller and thinner suitcases I own. Even when expanded to add two inches of space, it doesn’t feel unwieldy and is very easy to navigate.
The Roam Expedition Expandable has a TSA-approved lock on the side near the flat side handle and another flat handle on top. There are no exterior pockets, giving it a nice streamlined look, but there is a long zippered pocket on the interior hinge for groceries, with two compression panels, and a mesh pocket for socks or smaller items .
To me, the best feature of the Roam Expedition expandable luggage is that they come with a lifetime limited warranty that covers any non-cosmetic damage your luggage may suffer, even if it comes from aggressive airline baggage handlers.
The limited warranty covers the following:
- Cracks in the front or rear shell
- Wheels, handles or telescoping handles that are no longer available
- Zipper that can no longer be opened or closed
- Fabric tear that renders liner and compression panels ineffective
If you find yourself looking for luggage, I’m sorry to say you’re an adult now, but thanks to Roam, you’re no longer stuck with boring traditional monochrome suitcases.
what do I like
- Premium construction and wheels
- custom color options
- lifetime warranty
- Handmade in the USA
what would i change
- More color options
- bottom handle
Final thoughts:
I love the Roam Expedition expandable luggage. $695.00 isn’t cheap, but I’ve seen similar cases from other brands that cost well over $1,000; heavier, not made in the US, and don’t have as good a warranty, let alone let you choose your own color. I do wish there were more colors to choose from and it came with a bottom handle that would help when lifting, but those are minor issues as Roam has checked all the other items on my list to see What I need in a rolling suitcase, then some.
price: $695.00
where to buy: Roaming the online store
source: Samples for this review provided by Roam.
