DAKINE Split Convertible Rolling Gear Bag - 6425cu in. - 2007 BCS

We have found this to be the ideal air and ground bag. This bag will basically check as one piece, because if you measure the actual perimeter, not boxed dimensions, it is just under or at the airline maximum or linear inches. Even at boxed linear dimensions you should have no problem. Not too big for air travel, and if the bag is overweight, then it can be split into two pieces--indeed some of the reviewers ran into the same situation with a "convertible" solution.

The wife can have one section and I can have another.

I've even gotten away with just carrying the outer bag as a carryon.

Moreover, there is a great added feature. When people usually buy one big gear bag, they also have a smaller bag for shorter trips etc. What I like about this bag is that if I need less space, rather than have a bag half full, I just detach the top portion and leave it at home. Boom, I have a nice convenient single bag roller. One bag serves two purposes.

Both pieces attach very securely.

Materials are very durable. For the guy above who stated that it was made in China--dude, everything is made in China. C'mon. To the guy who is worried about his wrinkled suits: if you are going to pack your suits, then get a Garment Bag. This is a gear bag or general suitcase.

Outside pockets are great for small or last minute items.

Handle is sufficiently long enough for a tall person.

This bag will easily stand up, and has a base to do so. However, if you don't pack anything in the outer bag, then of course it may be a little challenging. But most bags are not going to stand up unless they have an internal frame, which I don't need in a detachable piece.

Nothing is perfect but this is amazingly close. Our family picked up several of these and has never looked back. No durability issues with air travel.

This "convertible" bag by Dakine has been made for a few years, now.

Dakine stands behind its products. It has a lifetime warranty.

Rejoice and buy.

and goes. I am ordering one more today. Mine has been to Alaska, California, Wyoming, Utah, France, Morocco, Dominican Republic and Grand Canyan/Vegas this year. Then my wife took it for herself. I have smaller Dakine Rollers but this one is our absolute favorite. Dakine merchandise is quality and holds up well. Doug

I have one and my g/f just got one as well. We both love them and have put them through the ringer through climbing, ski, and regular vacations. It's nice to have the option to go with the one bag on a short trip or the whole thing on a longer trip. I disagree with some reviewers that you can't put your ski boots inside and have enough room. I've done this many times. My one small gripe is that there aren't handles on the side of the main rolling bag- many times this one will be holding most of the bulk and the handles on the other bag make it awkward carrying.

I'm very pleased with this luggage. I've only taken it on one trip, but so far so good.

First, I had the thing packed so tight that I was sure a seam or zipper would blow, but no. Then when I went to check in, it weighed in at about 77 pounds (that's a lot of stuff). I was told I would need to leave 7 pounds of belongings behind AND pay a fee, but instead I just popped it in half and checked 2 bags, to the chagrin of the check-in guy. Finally, at the luggage pick up, while everyone was closely inspecting each black bag that went by to see if it was theirs, I just stood at a distance until I spotted my green and brown plaid bag. I highly recommend this bag.

We got this bag and traveled coast to coast with it for 3 weeks straight. We stuffed every inch with anything you could imagine and the zippers and seams held strong. We put it through the airport test and past with flying colors. The flight out it was light with spaces left in it. The flight back it was stuffed over-full and both ways it held strong. I was over weight on the way home and the airport representative asked me to take things out to make it lighter. I just unstrapped the top and shocked her. It took no more than 20 seconds and saved us tons of time and stress. The wheels held up very well. We took them over grass, loose gravel and uneven concrete, no worries at all. Anyone looking for a tough, durable, easy to use and spacious travel bag look no further --- This is the bag !!!

I love this bag, I just got it and it has already been across the US.
The bag has two small pockets on the top of the top bag. There are 3 zippered pockets or compartments on the underside of the top bag. The bottom bag or main part of the luggage is one huge zippered compartment takes up the hole main bag.

This bag is great; Ive had not to many problems with it tipping over even when full (to being realistic- alot of rolly bags do that if you dont pack the weight evenly)
being able to separate it lets me pack the "i need this now" for the hotel room or leave the rest behind.... large pockets and sturdy rolling with style. you really cant beat it for the price

These are great bags. My brother-in-law had one and I copied. The good thing is, when I travel with my wife, we can pack in one bag. She gets one side (OK, one and a half) and I get the other. Then we just have one check and a carryon each.

I paid $129 for the bag last year. I took it to Jamaica and then on several other trips both dometic as well as international.

So far it has held up well. Considering the dimensions, it really doesn't hold a lot of clothes. Also, with the recent implementation of baggage fees, you may get slammed if it goes overweight.

When I was in Jamaica, the split feature came in handy. Somehow on the return trip, my bag weighed 5 lbs more than when I left. I was able to split the bag and not get hit with an overweight charge.

Also, with a bag like this, I would expect it to have some sort of internal organization system like straps or interior compartments. It has a two large openings and that's it! Its OK for persona travel when you are packing casual clothes but I wouldn't pack a suit jacket. I use a different bag when I travel for business because I need to transport suits which would be crumpled in this bag.

2007 Review
I expected more from DK this bag is on average to other non-outdoor brands, but doesn't have anything that makes it stand out. Also the construction isn't as strong as I would have liked, and the wheels are pretty cheap.

April 2012 Update:
Well I have had the bag for about 5 years now and it is holding up well. I have taken it all over the world loaded it way over 70lbs and everything is working great. I haven't broken any zippers or wheels yet. I still keep thinking the wheels are going to break off, but I have rallyed it down plenty of stair cases and they are still working like new. I guess I was wrong on my initial assesment.

I was looking for a ski bag for all the gear and personal stuff which could be shipped without getting charged for overweight. And to the dislike of my friend Jeff, I do ship my boots with my gear. This bag is way too small to fit all gear and extras, given the lack of any large center compartment. My ski boots took up over 50% of the lower half of the bag. The bag went back for $15 shipping. Ordered the 9600 cu.in. to replace it and so far, so good.