Dakine Split Roller 85L review

Organized travel is beautiful travel

Our rating

4

210.00

Russell Eich / Immediate Media

Published: April 3, 2017 at 9:00 pm

Our review
With generous storage, useful organization and fast, quiet wheels Dakine's Split Roller 85L makes traveling easy Buy if, You're a frequent traveler who needs top-notch luggage and doesn't mind checking bags in

Pros:

Ample gear storage and organization, rolls well, durable, loads of color options

Cons:

Roller handle feels plasticy, no keyring clip

The name Dakine might conjure up images of biking, surfing and snow sports but it also has a deep catalog of luggage and everyday bags. The Split Roller 85L is one of its more popular luggage pieces. I've lugged this one through a handful of airports in and out of the US to see if the legendary Dakine style has the substance to go the distance.

Dakine Split Roller 85L features

  • 600 denier polyester
  • 76 x 36 x 33cm / 30 x 14 x 13 inches
  • 85 liter / 4,000 cubic inches cargo capacity
  • Split level design allows for easy access and organization
  • Split-Wing collapsible brace for stability and folds flat for storage
  • #10 lockable YKK main zippers
  • Interior see-through mesh dividers
  • Interior compartment keeps dirty clothes/shoes separate
  • Tuck away ID pocket for added security
  • Exterior quick access pockets
  • Retractable handle
  • Reinforced, replaceable urethane wheels
  • 4.54kg / 10lbs weight

Packing up the Dakine Split Roller

The Split Roller gets its name from the 50/50 opening design. Two buckles and a burly zipper have to be undone to access the bag. Once open, both sides offer nearly equal storage room.

Three large compartments divide up the interior
Three large compartments divide up the interior - Russell Eich / Immediate Media

Inside the Split Roller there are three main zippered areas. The largest and smallest compartments have mesh to make finding things a bit easier and the medium-size zone, which is ideal for dirty gear you don't want to see again, features non-see-through nylon.

I found the various compartments useful to be able to separate my riding shoes and helmet from my casual clothes. The mesh-topped areas were also good for letting a bit of air through (while keeping my things from looking like a yard sale) as the bag sat in, and next to, my tent.

Dakine Split Roller in transit

While in motion, the benefits of the Split Roller truly became apparent. The urethane wheels rolled smoothly and at 77mm in diameter skimmed across even the most broken pavement and parking lot cracks.

The wheels roll smoothly over rough ground and have remained squeak-free
The wheels roll smoothly over rough ground and have remained squeak-free - Russell Eich / Immediate Media

The handle when used as a roller bag is on par with other luggage handles: retractable when not needed and somewhat plasticy feeling, but sufficient to do the job.

I did find the two grab handles, one at the top, the other on the side, to be very useful when loading and unloading the bag in cars and off of the airport luggage carousel.

Speaking of the luggage carousel, the Split Roller is too big to be a carry-on item, it has to be checked in.

Dakine's Split Roller 85L has made traveling and gear hauling a simple task
Dakine's Split Roller 85L has made traveling and gear hauling a simple task - Russell Eich / Immediate Media
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