Ok - in ascending order of duration
Day trip to Mel - I take my Trent Nathan simple satchel with just the iPad. This is so much better than a laptop bag - no need to remove at security and neatly tucks under the seat in front without taking up foot space.
Overnight trip - Now the game gets started with the Tumi Alpha 20in. I have had this for almost four years now and it is really great. Travels at high speed through airports, is fairly light and more importantly very simple.
Three nights to three weeks on business If the stars align and I can minimise the need for a jacket (and I am travelling alone - meaning no socialising in the evenings) then I fire up the trifold suit bag as well as the rollaboard. It can take 4-5 shirts plus a couple of pairs of trousers. The side pocket can then take shoes (stuffed with socks) and it sits neatlyon top of the rollaboard. The two together fit on top of each other in the overheads and then dont take up too much space in the overhead.
Feeling more adventurous - we did a lot of shopping in the USA, the A$ was strong so I bought the Tumi duffle bag. Just a simple strong bag. I use this now when I need more than just the carryon (like when I kid myself that I might do some exercise or I am travelling with colleagues so need more evening clothes)
Finally if travelling with mrssimongr and toddlergr then we have to bring along the wheeled Samsonite (yep not a Tumi :shock
. Very large but easy to maneuver - I prefer not to use this but when needs must...
What I would like though is this:
Stanhope Trunk - Tumi
No idea how or when I would use it but I love the idea of travelling with a trunk