08 / Outdoors & travel
For the trip and the backyard
Work through the size, storage and care decisions behind luggage, grills and coolers.
Choose your starting point.
Choose carry-on luggage by the trip, not the label
A suitcase sold as a carry-on can exceed your airline's allowance. Start with external dimensions, then compare packed weight, access and repair support.
Gas or charcoal: choose the grill you will use on a weeknight
Fuel choice changes setup, heat control and cleanup. Compare your normal dinner with a weekend cookout before paying for a bigger grill.
Hard or soft cooler: start with what you can carry loaded
Capacity labels leave out an important question: how much room remains after the ice goes in? Compare your actual load, carrying distance and cleaning routine.