Wheeled carry-on cases are great until you try to pull them over a rough surface. The tiny wheels make them awkward to pull, and can break. The G-RO bag, however, has large wheels to handle different types of terrain and a host of other features aimed at improving the time you spend travelling.
G-RO describes its case as a "companion bag." This is because, like the recently-announced Jurni ride-on case, it is designed not only for lugging about, but for using and spending time with while you travel.
To begin, the G-RO has a variety of compartments for different uses. There's an interior compartment for accommodating personal items, a compartment for work items, an easy-access pocket for carry-on liquids, and a personal pocket for essentials. All this makes it easier for users to know what items are where, and to access them easily when in transit.
Other features for when you're hanging around airports include a built-in tablet stand and a charging station with two USB ports, the latter of which will only be of use if the user purchases the optional electronic module. This incorporates a 23,000-mAh battery for device charging, a universal power outlet, a location tracker and a wireless proximity detector.
The bag measures 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm), which G-RO says is compliant with current TSA, FAA, airline and international carry-on size regulations – although the company claims that it is slightly lighter than the industry average carry-on bag. It also boasts a built-in TSA-approved lock.
The GR-O weighs in at just 3.6 kg (7.9 lb), although the large size of the wheels means that they support the load of the bag closer to its center of gravity, making it feel lighter still. The wheels are also reportedly more durable than conventional carry-on-type wheels, and have an axle-less design that helps to maximize internal storage space.
Among the other features of the G-RO is an aircraft-grade aluminum handle, which the company says extends 6 inches (152 mm) farther than the industry standard and has stops at different levels to accommodate people of different heights. This, ultimately, makes the bag easier to pull along.
Materials used for the construction of the G-RO include ballistic nylon, plus aerospace and firearm-grade polymers. Nylon zippers with a "roller coaster" design are used to distribute stress, while a waterproof base and arched belly help the bag to stay dry and minimize scrapes.
A Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign for the G-RO is ongoing. At the time of writing, individuals who pledge from US$279 can receive a G-RO case, assuming all goes to plan with the campaign and roll-out. Delivery is expected from August next year.
The video below provides an introduction to the G-RO.
Sources: Kickstarter, G-RO
