Pack for Travel with Eagle Creek Tarmac XE 2-Wheel International Carry On

There used to be a time when I didn’t mind checking a bag when I was flying somewhere. My bag usually showed up on time after the flight landed, locks weren’t cut, things weren’t missing—all features I expected. But in more recent years, I’ve experienced more instances when a checked bag had to be delivered a day (or multiple days) late, TSA-compliant locks were cut, and packed items were missing. So now, unless I’m headed on a gear-intensive adventure, I bring a carry-on bag.

 

I have a couple of them, so the one I bring along depends on what I need from my bag. While the wheelies with four wheels seemed to be sexy for a time, I’m seeing more people revert to a 2-wheeled bag for a variety of reasons: thick carpet in airports often make it a pain, walking uphill on the jetway means you have to drag your bag anyway, and even “suitcase elbow[https://www.afar.com/magazine/two-wheel-vs-four-wheel-luggage-why-roller-bags-are-better].”

 

Because my carry-on roller bags are both 4-wheeled, one of the bags I recently added to my family’s carry-on stable is the Eagle Creek Tarmac XE 2-Wheel International Carry On. Sized at 13.25 inches by 21.5 inches by 8 inches, it’s well-sized for international flights that don’t allow the standard North American carry-on sized bags. The bag is made from 100-percent recycled 900D Poly Bi-Tech material that’s eco-friendly Bluesign certified. It also offers solid abrasion and weather resistance, to keep your packed gear safe. There are also Hypalon-reinforced corners and a kickplate for an extra line of defense.

 

The bag’s heavy-duty, all-terrain wheels and oversized wheel housing are far more solid than what we get in 4-wheeled bags, adding to durability and making it much easier to drag the bag across all sorts of terrain. Multiple grab handles give you a variety of carry options, as well.

 

Even when you’re not checking the bag, the puncture-resistant, self-repairing zippers can be secured shut with a travel lock to a central lock point for pickpocket protection. The zipper pulls are reflective, and added piping provides for some extra visibility at night.

 

The interior of the suitcase includes a 15-inch padded sleeve in the main compartment and a zippered mesh pocket for small items. An exterior top pocket has a PU-coated water-resistant zipper for essential items for which you need quick access, like phones and small electronics. Adjustable compression wings help keep clothing and accessories secure, and heavy-duty lash points let you attach any beloved travel accessories.

 

The Tarmac XE 2-Wheel International Carry On comes in both black and Arctic sea green and lists for $289 on the Eagle Creek site. Supplies are going quickly, but if your favorite color is out, don’t lose hope. The site will be restocking these high-demand items.

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Jill

Jill Robinson is a freelance writer who lives in a small California beach town near the big wave surf spot, Mavericks. She divides her time between writing about travel, running a kayak business and trying to wring awe-inspiring adventure out of every day. Her articles have been featured in the AFAR, National Geographic Traveler, Outside, the San Francisco Chronicle, and more. Catch up with her adventures on www.dangerjillrobinson.com and IG/Twitter at dangerjr.

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