RetraStrap

Rolling luggage solved the weight problem but left one hand permanently occupied. RetraStrap aims at that remaining hand. According to the maker, the strap goes over the shoulder and attaches to a carry-on bag, letting the traveller pull it along while keeping both hands free for a coffee, a phone call or a child's stroller.

How it is meant to work

The strap is elastic, and the maker says this stretch acts as a shock absorber, damping the bag's sway as you walk. The bag is described as following the user's movements smoothly and changing direction easily. Because the pull is transferred through the torso rather than the arm, the maker claims it reduces strain on the shoulders, arms and neck and minimises muscle stress.

• Hands-free towing of a carry-on bag from the shoulder
• Elastic strap that the maker says absorbs shocks and limits bag sway
• Load spread across the torso to ease strain on shoulders, arms and neck
• Easy to attach and detach, and stowable without tangling with other items
• Keeps the bag tethered to the body, which the maker says helps deter theft and prevent leaving it behind
• Rated for carry-on bags up to 15kg (30 lb); not intended for large checked luggage

Beyond the airport

The maker also points to stability on escalators and public transport, since the bag stays fixed to the body. It suggests uses outside travel too: pulling a child's heavy rolling school bag, or combining the strap with a wheelchair or crutches.

RetraStrap is presented as a Kickstarter project. Modern-G has not tested it, and the performance and comfort claims above come from the maker.