Posts Tagged carry-on bag
Atlantic Compass 2 Spinner Suitcase
If you’ll be doing a lot of rolling on flat, smooth surfaces, this Atlantic Compass 2 suitcase glides along with almost no effort. It also comes in at eight pounds even thanks to a honeycomb framing system and EVA foam construction. That’s about as light as you’re going to get for a sturdy suitcase with good construction, four wheels, and lots of pockets.
If I’m doing real travel that’s going to involve stairs, dirt, and uneven sidewalks, I’ll leave the wheelie suitcases at home and lighten up with a backpack or the Tom Bihn Aeronaut. When it’s going to be nothing but planes, trains, and automobiles though, it makes a lot of sense to take something with wheels. The last trip I went on was almost all flat surfaces and smooth sailing at a decent hotel, so it was a good time to try out this spinner suitcase from Atlantic Luggage—a division of venerable company Travelpro.
These 4-wheel, upright suitcases have taken off in recent years and I’ve dismissed them as something for people too lazy to even hold up a tilted-over bag. I can’t get away from the image of someone walking a big poodle through an airport when I see a person gliding one of these alongside them like a pet. Is a 2-wheel suitcase so difficult that you need two more wheels?
I’m closer to understanding the appeal now though after using this one from the Atlantic Compass collection. Although I still ended up tipping it over and using it as a 2-wheeler when I was in a hurry or when going down the airplane aisle, it was nice meandering with this through the check-in line and in the airport lounge. On this version the back wheels are actually larger though for when you do tip and go—a nice touch. In my tests the wheels swiveled and glided effortlessly 360 degrees and I wasn’t afraid they would melt from the friction.
The physics are kind of off with the telescoping handle of all the 4-wheel bags when they’re upright, but this one seems to be sturdy enough to hold up to its 10-year warranty. It’s got all the features you would expect in a quality piece of luggage. One zipper allows it to expand, there’s a clip on the top for fastening something like a laptop bag, and there are straps inside to keep your clothes in place.
One nice feature on this I haven’t seen elsewhere it the extra-long front outside pocket. It extends the length of the suitcase, then there’s another small pocket over it at the bottom. So I could travel with just one carry-on for a weekend trip and have my laptop in a sleeve in this front pocket. It also has “self-repairing zippers.” I haven’t had occasion to test that claim, but very useful if it works. I’ve got one suitcase in my closet that’s in permanent expanded mode because one zipper is stuck.
Now, are you ready for the best part about this luggage? It’s a bargain. This 21-inch carry-on version I tried out retails for $100 when it’s not on sale. The largest one tops out at $150 list. That’s a great deal for something guaranteed for 10 years.
Get the Atlantic Compass 2 Upright Spinner at eBags.
See more luggage reviews from Practical Travel Gear
Posted by Tim L. in Business Gear, General Gear, Travel Light on September 22nd, 2011
Scottevest Windbreaker Jacket from Magellan’s
Scottevest Windbreaker from Magellan's
The Scottevest line of products has earned its fair share of attention from travelers, and rightfully so. Its dozen or so hidden pockets ease the travel experience especially during a time when airlines are pinching travelers with fees for heavy or large carry-on bags. Overseas travelers know this is a favorite practice of airlines who often restrict carry-on bags to a laughably small size and hard-not-to-surpass weight restriction (since bags often weigh a half-dozen pounds even empty).
The lightweight jacket has stolen the scene, but Magellan’s has a windbreaker version that is perfect for cooler climates or breezy evenings. It has all of the standard hidden pockets that Scottevest loyalists have come to love making it the ideal travel favorite. For those who are not familiar with this great line of outerwear, this jacket comes with 20 pockets perfect for storing small or heavy items. When using this on a hike or skiing, it’s great for goggles, gloves, snacks, or sunglasses.
When traveling, it’s ideal for storing heavy items like cameras, batteries, or even something as large as an iPad. It really lightens the load of your carry-on without making your jacket look like the Michelin man. Thanks to Scottevest’s weight management system, the design of the jacket keeps the weight evenly distributed so you don’t topple over.
This polyester-nylon blend jacket is breathable and water-resistant. It features clear touch fabric allowing you to use touch screen devices like iPhones or iPods without unzipping the pockets. That’s especially convenient for those who like to listen to music on the go since there is a special pouch through which to run a headphone wire or cell phone cord.
Various pockets include one with a clip and space for eyeglasses and another for your identification or business cards. Separate pouches for cameras, magazines, and cell phones are specifically designed with their size in mind. There is even a special pocket for a pen. Special padding is in place to protect expensive electronic devices, which is especially important when not wearing the jacket because it’s easy to throw it down on a chair or in a security checkpoint bin in haste.
Travelers not taking loads of clothing or heading on a quick day trip can actually fit all of their gear into the specially designed pockets of their jacket making this the ultimate carry-on bag.
When on a long overseas trip, I often place small items that I know will add weight to my carry-on bag in my pockets when checking in and going through security since I know the extra weight will cause ticket agents to check my bag. Be careful, agents in Sydney, Auckland, and Zurich are especially strict (I have had bad experiences there and wish I had this jacket to help disperse the weight).
I have been wanting to try these jackets for awhile, but could never figure out the right one for my travel patterns. Magellan’s has a full line of Scottevest jackets including this windbreaker jacket. There’s a perfect size, color, and version for all types of travel whether business or adventure.
Posted by Ramsey in Adventure Gear, Business Gear, Travel Light on May 23rd, 2011
High Sierra and Travelpro Rollerboard Reviews
My husband and I have (happily) used the same Travelpro carry-on rollerboards for the past decade — or more, in my husband’s case: he’s had it for at least 15 years. My children have outgrown their small, pink and primary-colored rolling suitcases, and are big enough to start pulling grown-up-sized luggage. So, it’s been fun over the past few months testing some different manufacturers’ rollerboards on our frequent family travels.
In March the four of us spent a week on the Riviera Maya and packed only carry-on luggage. Here’s my report on three of the new-to-us bags we brought:
High Sierra Elevate 22-inch Carry-On Wheeled Upright
This bag is awesome because it’s so stinkin’ light — only 6.8 lbs. I sure appreciate its light weight when hefting it into planes’ overhead bins or onto airport-security counters. Truly, the High Sierra Elevate is a pleasure not only to carry but to pull, as the inline-skate-style wheels are smooth (and inset in protective corner-mounted housings.) The exterior ripstop material has a weave-like texture that is stain- and water-resistant, and I love the red-orange “Lava” color (it also comes in “Amazon” green and black).
The lightweight handle is easy to pull up and push down; I like the top front pocket for holding need-to-access-quickly items like itinerary, boarding passes and passport; the main compartment is plenty roomy, with hold-down straps for clothing and a large zippered mesh pocket on the “lid.” Unzip a gusset and the main compartment expands two inches (though you’ll need to zip it shut to make it carry-on friendly).
Really, I can’t find much to complain about regarding the High Sierra Elevate; it’s a solid piece of travel gear that I’ll likely use for years. Best part? It retails at online sites like Amazon.com, where it’s currently listed for an incredible $82. If you’re in the market for a new rollerboard, I’d jump on that deal.
High Sierra ATGO Carry-on Wheeled Business Upright with Computer Sleeve
While this is marketed for business travelers, because it has a separate compartment specifically for laptops (up to 17-inch screen) with its padded sleeve, I’d deem it appropriate for any traveler who brings a laptop along on vacation (i.e. me and my husband who nearly always need to be plugged into work while we’re on the road). It’s not “checkpoint-friendly,” so you do need to pull your laptop out of the bag when going through airport-security screening, but the front compartment does make the laptop easy to access — whether in the security line or for use on the plane.
This bag also has the top front pocket for small items, as well as a lower front pocket with a bunch of compartments and pockets for keeping “business” items (i.e. smartphone, notebook, pens, etc.) organized. On the side of the bag is a mesh water-bottle pocket; I’ve not seen many rollerboards with this included feature, and I think it’s super handy, since I always travel with a reusable drinking bottle.
Another cool feature: the zippered divider panel between the front and main compartments. When you open the bag, you can have one big compartment, by rolling the divider and securing it, or keep the two sections separate, say, if you have dirty clothes you want to keep away from clean ones. The main compartment also expands 2.5 inches — via a zipper — for additional storage capacity.
The High Sierra Carry-on Wheeled Business Upright comes in black/grey (pictured), royal blue/grey and a nifty black plaid. This piece of luggage sells on Amazon.com for $104.
Travelpro Crew 8 20-inch Expandable Business Rollaboard
As I mentioned, I’ve used Travelpro luggage for years, and I think the company delivers amazing products. Indeed, it’s what many, many pilots and flight attendants use. This Crew 8 20-inch Expandable Business Rollaboard is indeed designed for the frequent business traveler. Like the rollerboard above, it also has a specific zippered area and padded sleeve for a laptop, as well as various pockets and pouches for office supplies and handheld electronic devices.
A couple of cool things here: Expandable mesh pockets on the interior of the main compartment are great for stuffing socks, belts or stashing electronic devices, and a hidden pocket underneath the lining can hold small valuables or cash. Indeed, the entire main compartment expands an additional 2.5 inches in depth, though that would make the bag non-carry-on compliant (zipped up, the dimensions are 20 x 9 x 14 inches).
At 8.7 lbs, this smaller bag does weigh about two pounds more than the High Sierra Elevate. However, if you’re looking for rollerboard that will last you a long, long time, consider this one from Travelpro, known among business travelers as a quality luggage manufacturer. Also see the 20-inch Wide Body Expandable Rollaboard and the 22-inch Expandable Rollaboard Suiter.
Find the 20-inch Expandable Business Rollaboard, in black or a deep-green “Spruce” on Amazon.com for $169.99.
Find High Sierra and Travelpro Luggage at eBags.com
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Posted by Kara in Adventure Gear, Business Gear, Travel Light on May 19th, 2011
Kolobags BJX Laptop Messenger Bag
Stylish and smooth, this Kolobags laptop messenger bag is large yet thin allowing it to glide with ease through the travel process. It fits easily into the overhead bin of an aircraft or underneath the seat in front of you. Plus, it easily fits behind my lags when on an airplane so that I can stretch out my feet once in flight. Other bags are too bulky to stay upright behind my feet.
An over-the-shoulder strap makes it great to sling over one side and still carry another bag with both free hands. It is also really great to wrap around the top of my rollaboard bag handle to carry it effortlessly on top of my wheeled luggage.
The front flap of the bag features various pockets for easy access to certain items like keys, pens, cell phones, or passports. Outside pockets make life so much easier because it saves you from having to unbuckle the strap and rifle through your belongings.
There’s even a large outside pocket that fits an iPad, Kindle, paperwork, or thin book. Again, all of this is super convenient when in a cramped airplane seat where there is little space to go rummaging through the interior of your bag. A separate zippered pocket on the back of the bag is perfect for a newspaper or other paperwork.
The interior pockets feature their own zipper closures and are padded to protect a laptop, but also offer plenty of space for magazines, books, and other travel accoutrements.
This style of bag is available in black, but there are other similar versions in brighter colors. Always a smart move when trying to prevent someone else from getting confused and walking off with your bag.
I appreciate the larger size of this bag that easily fits both Macs and notebooks of longer sizes. The nylon exterior fabric brushes off rain or moisture without absorbing it, which is especially important when expensive gear is inside. Kolobags makes a variety of laptop messenger bags and designer laptop cases that are both attractive and durable.
The company is well known for bringing style back to business gear, but the company also has stylish items for all types of on-the-road travelers such as diaper bags, camera cases, and gaming cases. The BJX laptop messenger bag is one of the company’s tamer looking items, but their web site shows the full splash of color that their products are bringing to an airport terminal near you. Between now and 8/30/2011, you can enter code PRACTICALTRAVEL when purchasing at www.Kolobags.com to receive a 10% discount.
Posted by Ramsey in Business Gear, Travel Light on May 9th, 2011
Brookstone’s Dash Rolling Hardside Travel Case
Brookstone Rolling Dash
Four wheels are always better than two, right? Well, with Brookstone’s Dash rolling carryon bag, this slick, polished hard-shell case turns heads as it glides through airports and train stations. I know because I have traveled with one for years. It is one of my favorite bags despite having one major flaw. But, we’ll get to that later.
First, the good points. This durable case has held the most fragile of my travel gear with panache protecting my bag’s contents with its hard shell. The sturdy pull up grip handle has been the recipient of many an unwelcome yank by bellmen who carry the entire bag, fully loaded from the extended handle rather than the bag’s own handle. Don’t you just hate that?
Inside, a zippered pocket keeps my dress shirts or loose items apart from the rest of my stuff. The strap closures do the same for suits or blazers. One of my favorite features is the exterior zipper that helps the bag to expand by another three inches, which is always a lifesaver on long trips.
Now to the juicy flaw you wanted to know about earlier. The one caveat with this bag is its wheel casing system. I love the four wheels allowing the bag to swivel 360 degrees and roll with ease on most any surface. The problem arises when you stuff the bag to capacity and attempt to roll it quickly and frequently. When the wheels begin to heat up with friction after frequent use, the back wheels too often fuse to the side of the casing system eventually rendering the wheel useless as they no longer roll.
Thanks to Brookstone’s one-year warranty that comes with the bag (and the extended two-year warranty I purchased), I have exchanged this bag a whopping seven times because the same problem with the wheels occur. I swear by the durability of the bag itself and the extension handle, but encourage very frequent travelers who spend more than a few days away from home and travel with plenty of gear to try another bag. Even the Brookstone employees seem surprised when I show them the back wheels that have fused to the side of the casing.
The Dash bags come in three sizes and various colors including pink, charcoal, and black. The more-than-fair price makes it an extremely popular purchase when compared with its more expensive luggage competition. This excellent product is meant for light travelers with a stylish demeanor in their step who wouldn’t be caught dead with American Tourister tags. Just remember to wheel slowly and tread lightly to protect those plastic tires. It can be purchased on Brookstone’s web site or via Amazon.
Posted by Ramsey in Business Gear on April 11th, 2011
