Let Luggage Reviews help you pack!
A Luggage Review's Neatnicks Treasure Trove
Do you dread packing? Would you like to take your dresser drawers with you? How about something almost as good? See above.
Are you the kind of person who spreads little piles of to be packed items all over the room? Wouldn't it be great then to keep them so nicely organized, just as in your dresser drawers?
The pictures above show a selection of Eagle Creek and Rick Steves packing items. Made of a combination of solid and meshed materials, these are just what you need. The meshed material makes the contents of each cube visible and allows for air to be squeezed out of them.
When things need to be unpacked to get at other things, repacking is a breeze.
Shirts, skirts or slacks packed into folders stay neat and almost wrinkle free. The 18" Pack It Folder even fits into a medium sized messenger bag for bike commuters.
On longer trips when more than one cube organizer or pack it folder may be required, the fact that they come in a variety of colors will help you further in distinguishing between shirts and slacks.
Will you ever again travel without these packing aids?
A Luggage Reviews Look at Diaper Bags
Today Luggage Reviews will take a look at the very beginning of our adventure with luggage: the diaper bag!
It’s an item you would not expect to spend too much money on, but you definitely can, if that’s your choice. A lot depends on where you look for one in the first place.
At Amazon, for example, they have many categories under which one may search. Just where would you look for diaper bags? You probably would not look under shoes, but that’s where I found several very useful diaper bags. Would you look under Sports and Outdoors? You guessed it – neat bags! How about Beauty? That’s where I found one of the more expensive models.
Logic would suggest you look under Baby, and of course you will find diaper bags there together with a whole lot of other baby items.
Perhaps one of the bags selected by Luggage Reviews for review will appeal to you, or you’ll discover one you like even better along the way.
Naturally the kind of bag you choose will depend not only on the fact that you have a baby and a budget. The kind of bag you choose will be determined by other considerations as well.
Who will be using the bag? – Mom or Dad?
What kind of a mom? – frilly and nice, all sugar and spice? – fashionably stylish? – or boot camp graduate.
What kind of dad? – young executive? – rugged outdoors-man? – stay-at-home dad?
The possibilities are endless. Fortunately, there really is something for every one, but no rolling carry on diaper bags. Not yet, at least.
Of course, you could always choose a rolling executive computer brief. They have many compartments and pockets that can fit all the items one would expect to fit into a diaper bag, especially if you're hoping to raise a young entrepreneurial executive type.
Among others, the Tavelpro’s Executive First Deluxe Expandable Computer Brief, for example, lists the following product features:
Conveniently hidden water bottle holder
Dual access computer sleeve fits most 17” laptops
Now I ask you, “Couldn’t a water bottle holder just as easily hold a baby bottle? – and wouldn’t a fold-up changing pad fit neatly into the laptop pocket?” It’s a no brainer, if you really would prefer a rolling carry on diaper bag. If you really do want to purchase something substantial, the price comparison with the computer brief is also favorable. The brief comes in at $ 100.00 less than the fashionable Matt & Nat Streamline Paltrow Diaper Bag:
Perfect for on-the-go moms (or dads), it features a roomy interior with plenty of pockets and pouches to keep small items handy.
Exterior pockets offer additional storage while still keeping a slim, sleek appearance.
Carry it by hand or comfortably over the shoulder with the detachable, adjustable strap. Comes with a changing pad, bottle warmer, and storage pouch.
This, then, is the top of the line.
The rest come in at around $ 75.00 and lower.
There’s the Basq Signature bag, which offers
4 outer pockets with snaps for easy access and storage of toys and snacks
Easily cleanable, wipable microfiber
An interior with zip pocket for valuables, two gathered pockets for baby bottles and a stylish oversized striped changing pad
The DadGear diaper bag is styled like a bike messenger bag, comfortable, durable, and it looks cool.
It’s designed to be "hands free" so you can change, feed, and entertain your child without ever having to set the bag down. This bag features
Quick access wipes window and refillable wipes case
Two large interior pockets for diapers, food, toys, and other items
Two bottle pockets accessible from outside or inside the bag
Two tall zippered pockets for creams, lotions, and other items
Stroller straps which attach to any style stroller and store neatly when not in use
Light-colored interior which helps you see everything inside
Changing pad included in its own pocket to eliminate cross contamination.
Another messenger type bag is Diaper Dude. Some moms highly recommend it for dads. The only complaint is that the main compartment is a little on the small side.
Anyone on a budget will appreciate the Baby Einstein bag pictured at the start of this post. It comes in a variety of patterns and is loaded with features:
Holds three 9-oz. bottles or four baby food jars
Made of nylon, durable nylon Lining , EPS foam fill
Includes changing pad
Multiple compartments, zip closure
Exterior features 4 pockets, double shoulder straps, double handle
So, there you are. Do you need a rolling carry on diaper bag? I suppose that is your decision alone, and whatever you decide will be just right for you and your baby.
Eagle Creek or Rick Steves - What's your preference?
This is a look at two very similar luggage systems: The Eagle Creek- and the Rick Steves line of luggage.
Both are well designed and constructed. Both will make any trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
Both systems fulfill the necessary requirements for light weight and easy maneuverability.
Rolling carry on luggage generally is extremely popular, because it is easily transported. Weight is thought not to be quite so important because of this easy maneuverability. Still, the thinking that it is easier to pull a case than to carry it disregards the many situations, which require lifting even wheeled carry on luggage. Remember that besides being able to lift your luggage into the airline overhead bin, you also need to handle transfers between public transport stations such as cabs, trains and buses.
Which size one chooses depends on the length of the trip, the reason for going, and whether one has only one piece of luggage, or other luggage items are being checked through for the same destination.
Both Eagle Creek and Rick Steves have a small carry-on overnight bag, 15” in the case of Rick Steves’ line and 13.5” by Eagle Creek. Both are quite roomy and will fit under your airline seat, thus allowing for access to everything you want within reach. Price wise the Rick Steves Avanti Tote comes in at the lower end - $ 70.00 to $ 100.00 compared to $ 115.00 to $ 165.00 for the Eagle Creek tote..
For short trips, the Eagle Creek Tarmac 20 carry-on bag might well be all you need. Its compact size makes it easy to fit into overhead airline luggage bins. The case is lightweight and rolls easily without twisting or turning.
Netted, zippered compartments keep everything organized, yet visible. There's a special compartment for shoes. Several additional handles, in addition to the retractable one, make for easy pick-up and lifting.
The 21” Convertible Carry-On in the Rick Steves line is possibly even more versatile and useful, as it doubles as a backpack. For this reason it has comfortably curved, padded shoulder straps and a padded waist belt. It converts easily from suitcase to backpack and still fits within airlines’ guidelines for carry-ons. The convertible carry on is not wheeled, however.
Should you require a rolling carry-on, look for the 21” Roll-Aboard model.
Both the Eagle Creek Tarmac 20 carry-on bag and Rick Steves Convertible Carry-On are designed to be used in conjunction with their super useful packing cubes and other pack-it system items.
As regards price, the Eagle Creek Tarmac 20 comes in at $ 200.00 to $ 250.00, while the 21” Roll-About in Rick Steves’ line is priced between $ 100.00 and $ 140.00.
Finally, a quick look at the larger bags: Eagle Creek Hovercraft 25 - Rolling Expandable Upright vs. Rick Steves' 24" Roll-Aboard
The Eagle Creek model delivers dual exterior pockets for travel necessities and is designed to fit Pack-It kits and cubes. It features a protective kick plate and wheel housing, protecting the bag from urban obstacles. It features an ergonomic telescoping handle, soft, easy grab top and side handles and a slip away luggage tag.
Rick Steves’ model comes with honeycomb frame, full lining, non-slip handle, smooth rolling wheels, 3 exterior pockets, 1 large side pocket, clip-in security pouch and the possibility to expand the depth by 2”.
As you have probably noticed, Eagle Creek prices are at the high end of the comparison. Here, too, the Eagle Creek item sells for between $ 180.00 and $ 250.00, while Rick Steves item is priced between $ 135.00 and $170.00.
Are the Eagle Creek bags constructed more durably? The higher price tag makes you wonder.
All prices quoted come from Amazon.
Both are well designed and constructed. Both will make any trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
Both systems fulfill the necessary requirements for light weight and easy maneuverability.
Rolling carry on luggage generally is extremely popular, because it is easily transported. Weight is thought not to be quite so important because of this easy maneuverability. Still, the thinking that it is easier to pull a case than to carry it disregards the many situations, which require lifting even wheeled carry on luggage. Remember that besides being able to lift your luggage into the airline overhead bin, you also need to handle transfers between public transport stations such as cabs, trains and buses.
Which size one chooses depends on the length of the trip, the reason for going, and whether one has only one piece of luggage, or other luggage items are being checked through for the same destination.
Both Eagle Creek and Rick Steves have a small carry-on overnight bag, 15” in the case of Rick Steves’ line and 13.5” by Eagle Creek. Both are quite roomy and will fit under your airline seat, thus allowing for access to everything you want within reach. Price wise the Rick Steves Avanti Tote comes in at the lower end - $ 70.00 to $ 100.00 compared to $ 115.00 to $ 165.00 for the Eagle Creek tote..
For short trips, the Eagle Creek Tarmac 20 carry-on bag might well be all you need. Its compact size makes it easy to fit into overhead airline luggage bins. The case is lightweight and rolls easily without twisting or turning.
Netted, zippered compartments keep everything organized, yet visible. There's a special compartment for shoes. Several additional handles, in addition to the retractable one, make for easy pick-up and lifting.
The 21” Convertible Carry-On in the Rick Steves line is possibly even more versatile and useful, as it doubles as a backpack. For this reason it has comfortably curved, padded shoulder straps and a padded waist belt. It converts easily from suitcase to backpack and still fits within airlines’ guidelines for carry-ons. The convertible carry on is not wheeled, however.
Should you require a rolling carry-on, look for the 21” Roll-Aboard model.
Both the Eagle Creek Tarmac 20 carry-on bag and Rick Steves Convertible Carry-On are designed to be used in conjunction with their super useful packing cubes and other pack-it system items.
As regards price, the Eagle Creek Tarmac 20 comes in at $ 200.00 to $ 250.00, while the 21” Roll-About in Rick Steves’ line is priced between $ 100.00 and $ 140.00.
Finally, a quick look at the larger bags: Eagle Creek Hovercraft 25 - Rolling Expandable Upright vs. Rick Steves' 24" Roll-Aboard
The Eagle Creek model delivers dual exterior pockets for travel necessities and is designed to fit Pack-It kits and cubes. It features a protective kick plate and wheel housing, protecting the bag from urban obstacles. It features an ergonomic telescoping handle, soft, easy grab top and side handles and a slip away luggage tag.
Rick Steves’ model comes with honeycomb frame, full lining, non-slip handle, smooth rolling wheels, 3 exterior pockets, 1 large side pocket, clip-in security pouch and the possibility to expand the depth by 2”.
As you have probably noticed, Eagle Creek prices are at the high end of the comparison. Here, too, the Eagle Creek item sells for between $ 180.00 and $ 250.00, while Rick Steves item is priced between $ 135.00 and $170.00.
Are the Eagle Creek bags constructed more durably? The higher price tag makes you wonder.
All prices quoted come from Amazon.
A Luggage Reviews Look at Executive Travelers’ Luggage Preferences.
For the person who appreciates quality above all else, here’s a Luggage Reviews look at some upscale luggage items. If price is not your first consideration, if you care more about quality of design and construction, you will appreciate Briggs & Riley, Hartmann, Travelpro and Tumi. Some luggage simply does surpass other luggage, even luggage with a very good reputation.
All of the above four rolling carry-on luggage makes come highly recommended. Owners of this luggage don’t necessarily agree on good, better, best, but in the opinion of Luggage Reviews you can’t go wrong with any of them. We will look at them in alphabetical order.
As regards construction and practicality of design, Briggs & Riley has found some very loyal customers. The fact that Briggs and Riley offer packing cubes is much appreciated by frequent travelers. Packing cubes are a huge help in keeping clothes organized and as wrinkle free as possible.
Briggs and Riley luggage is super light weight and built to last, but its color choices are limited. Commercial luggage identifiers or personally crafted ones may have to be added for easier identification on the luggage carousel.
As regards price, a 20” Carry-on Superlight Upright can be found for about $ 320.00. There is also a 22” Baseline Carry-On in the same price range.
In the opinion of Luggage Reviews, Briggs and Riley’s trump card has to be its lifetime, no questions asked, warranty!
A not so small number of consumers claim that Hartmann luggage is the best there is.
Particularly impressive is the choice in construction materials and the thoughtful interior detailing. Hartmann Luggage is made to last. It’s not only durable but also attractive and easily spotted on the luggage carousel Here’s what you find in their 20” Mobile Traveler Spinner:
organizing toiletries includes an all-purpose drawstring bag, waterproof zip pouch and luggage tag.
Luggage Reviews is particularly impressed with the added feature of the exclusive Global Recovery System™ , which helps reunite owners with their lost luggage.
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The $ 475.00 price tag for the above 20” Mobile Traveler Spinner compares with
$ 695.00 for the Tweed 22” Expandable Mobile Traveler and $ 995.00 for the Belting Leather collection 22” Deluxe Mobile Traveler. There is also a 19” Carry on Wheeled Tweed at $ 550.00. The Luxe Collection is especially classy looking.
Without doubt, this is not inexpensive luggage, but owners claim it’s worth every penny.
Airline personnel use Travelpro. Luggage Reviews sees that as a great endorsement. Given the nature of their job, airline personnel give their luggage a good workout. They praise its light weight and its durable construction.
One reviewer says, “It looks nice, is durable, and best of all, it is manufactured to fit in the overhead bins. I rarely send a tavelpro to checked baggage.”
Generally speaking, when it comes to traditional ‘checked’ luggage with wheels, don’t skimp on quality. This is the luggage you entrust to the airline, after all. You have no idea what adventures it must endure once it disappears from view behind those black rubber slats. Here, too, Travelpro has a great reputation.
A Travelpro Crew 7 Rollaboard can be had for between $ 200.00 and $ 400.00. Shop around.
Finally, theTumi line of fine quality luggage.
Founded in 1975, Tumi has become a leader in luxury travel accessories.
It is, without doubt, one of the brands of choice for the discerning traveler worldwide. Tumi's commitment to design excellence, functional superiority and technical innovation has resulted in great loyalty among its owners.
Tumi uses only the finest materials in its skilled production of premium quality travel accessories. Look for the Luxe Townhouse Collection and the Tumi classics Alpha Collection.
For price comparison the Tumi Alpha Continental 20” carry-on sells for $ 595.00.
In the opinion of Luggage Reviews the possibility that an item may have to be checked through and may not be handled with kid gloves along the way should never be forgotten. You will fare better, if you don’t skimp on quality.
All of the above four rolling carry-on luggage makes come highly recommended. Owners of this luggage don’t necessarily agree on good, better, best, but in the opinion of Luggage Reviews you can’t go wrong with any of them. We will look at them in alphabetical order.
As regards construction and practicality of design, Briggs & Riley has found some very loyal customers. The fact that Briggs and Riley offer packing cubes is much appreciated by frequent travelers. Packing cubes are a huge help in keeping clothes organized and as wrinkle free as possible.
Briggs and Riley luggage is super light weight and built to last, but its color choices are limited. Commercial luggage identifiers or personally crafted ones may have to be added for easier identification on the luggage carousel.
As regards price, a 20” Carry-on Superlight Upright can be found for about $ 320.00. There is also a 22” Baseline Carry-On in the same price range.
In the opinion of Luggage Reviews, Briggs and Riley’s trump card has to be its lifetime, no questions asked, warranty!
A not so small number of consumers claim that Hartmann luggage is the best there is.
Particularly impressive is the choice in construction materials and the thoughtful interior detailing. Hartmann Luggage is made to last. It’s not only durable but also attractive and easily spotted on the luggage carousel Here’s what you find in their 20” Mobile Traveler Spinner:
- Exceptional 360 degree four-wheel rotational movement for simple and effortless movement
- Telescoping two-stage handle that locks at 37 inches and 41 inches and provides comfortable gliding
- Main compartment packing area with two zippered side pockets and padded tie-down straps to hold garments securely
- Front hidden magnetic slash pocket for easy access to travel documents newspaper, etc.
organizing toiletries includes an all-purpose drawstring bag, waterproof zip pouch and luggage tag.
Luggage Reviews is particularly impressed with the added feature of the exclusive Global Recovery System™ , which helps reunite owners with their lost luggage.
.
The $ 475.00 price tag for the above 20” Mobile Traveler Spinner compares with
$ 695.00 for the Tweed 22” Expandable Mobile Traveler and $ 995.00 for the Belting Leather collection 22” Deluxe Mobile Traveler. There is also a 19” Carry on Wheeled Tweed at $ 550.00. The Luxe Collection is especially classy looking.
Without doubt, this is not inexpensive luggage, but owners claim it’s worth every penny.
Airline personnel use Travelpro. Luggage Reviews sees that as a great endorsement. Given the nature of their job, airline personnel give their luggage a good workout. They praise its light weight and its durable construction.
One reviewer says, “It looks nice, is durable, and best of all, it is manufactured to fit in the overhead bins. I rarely send a tavelpro to checked baggage.”
Generally speaking, when it comes to traditional ‘checked’ luggage with wheels, don’t skimp on quality. This is the luggage you entrust to the airline, after all. You have no idea what adventures it must endure once it disappears from view behind those black rubber slats. Here, too, Travelpro has a great reputation.
A Travelpro Crew 7 Rollaboard can be had for between $ 200.00 and $ 400.00. Shop around.
Finally, theTumi line of fine quality luggage.
Founded in 1975, Tumi has become a leader in luxury travel accessories.
It is, without doubt, one of the brands of choice for the discerning traveler worldwide. Tumi's commitment to design excellence, functional superiority and technical innovation has resulted in great loyalty among its owners.
Tumi uses only the finest materials in its skilled production of premium quality travel accessories. Look for the Luxe Townhouse Collection and the Tumi classics Alpha Collection.
For price comparison the Tumi Alpha Continental 20” carry-on sells for $ 595.00.
In the opinion of Luggage Reviews the possibility that an item may have to be checked through and may not be handled with kid gloves along the way should never be forgotten. You will fare better, if you don’t skimp on quality.
Colorful Lightweight American Tourister Softside Luggage
Here’s another attempt by Luggage Reviews to convince you that luggage color helps enormously in easily and quickly identifying your luggage.
Titan luggage colors certainly stand out, but if hard side luggage is not your thing, or you are looking for something a little more reasonably priced, take a look at the colorful, lightweight soft side American Tourister luggage, which can be found in olive, crimson, blue, sangria and, of course, black.
The American Tourister 21” upright features:
* Extremely lightweight wrap-frame, polyester construction
* 2400 denier wear-points to endure the harshest travel conditions
* Ultra-soft padded carry handles
* Large exterior front panel pockets for last minute items
Construction and technology focus on the normal wear points.
American Tourister's iLite XL is the last evolution in the colorful, stylish iLite line.
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Luggage Reviews finds the colorful, lightweight American Tourister carry-on bags compact enough to fit in the overhead bins or under the seats. Each piece has a spacious main compartment and several pockets for all your gear plus a front zippered pocket for quick access to your travel documents.
The American Tourister 15" Spacemaster Rolling Tote Bag is sized to fit in overhead bins. Its unique shape also allows for dual access to contents while stored under airline seats. The extended button-locking handle for easy push or pull hides in its own zippered compartment, and in-line skate wheels make for effortless mobility. Two front pockets allow for quick and easy storage and access.
The American Tourister iLite XL Boarding Bag features a large main compartment and a smart sleeve on the back. Dimensions are 16" x 12" x 8"
For comfortable carrying options the American Tourister iLite XL Boarding Bag has a removable padded shoulder strap with just the right amount of padding to cushion the shoulder appropriately. The sleeve on the back of the shoulder tote can be hooked over the rolling luggage handle for hands free transport.
The colorful, lightweight wheeled American Tourister carry on bags are especially easy to maneuver around airports, and the bright colors do stand out among all the black, which makes identifying your luggage a breeze, especially if you add other identifiers.
Titan luggage colors certainly stand out, but if hard side luggage is not your thing, or you are looking for something a little more reasonably priced, take a look at the colorful, lightweight soft side American Tourister luggage, which can be found in olive, crimson, blue, sangria and, of course, black.
The American Tourister 21” upright features:
* Extremely lightweight wrap-frame, polyester construction
* 2400 denier wear-points to endure the harshest travel conditions
* Ultra-soft padded carry handles
* Large exterior front panel pockets for last minute items
Construction and technology focus on the normal wear points.
American Tourister's iLite XL is the last evolution in the colorful, stylish iLite line.
_______
Luggage Reviews finds the colorful, lightweight American Tourister carry-on bags compact enough to fit in the overhead bins or under the seats. Each piece has a spacious main compartment and several pockets for all your gear plus a front zippered pocket for quick access to your travel documents.
The American Tourister 15" Spacemaster Rolling Tote Bag is sized to fit in overhead bins. Its unique shape also allows for dual access to contents while stored under airline seats. The extended button-locking handle for easy push or pull hides in its own zippered compartment, and in-line skate wheels make for effortless mobility. Two front pockets allow for quick and easy storage and access.
The American Tourister iLite XL Boarding Bag features a large main compartment and a smart sleeve on the back. Dimensions are 16" x 12" x 8"
For comfortable carrying options the American Tourister iLite XL Boarding Bag has a removable padded shoulder strap with just the right amount of padding to cushion the shoulder appropriately. The sleeve on the back of the shoulder tote can be hooked over the rolling luggage handle for hands free transport.
The colorful, lightweight wheeled American Tourister carry on bags are especially easy to maneuver around airports, and the bright colors do stand out among all the black, which makes identifying your luggage a breeze, especially if you add other identifiers.
Titan Hardside Luggage For Life
Today Luggage Reviews is wondering how often you have heard the phrase ‘lifetime warranty’? Do you agree that it is an ambiguous term? Whose lifetime? Ours? - Or the life of the product? If it is the life of the product, then could not the manufacturer claim that ‘the product had died’ and therefore the warranty had no more value?
The above intro is the result of my reading the phrase ‘for life – no matter what’ while researching the durable hard side Titan luggage line created by Thomas Wagner in Germany. Founded in 1983, Thomas Wagner’s company has come a long way. His hard side, polycarbonate spinner suitcases are wonderful to look at. They come in a variety of colors to satisfy the most discriminating tastes, from pink to charcoal. Their glossy appearance makes them a stand out.
The hard-shell cases, made of 100% pure, virgin Polycarbonate, are highly shock and scratch resistant. They offer the best protection for your valuable content. Luggage Reviews finds just one slight drawback. Since there is only a little give to this material, this also means that it is more difficult to stuff in that one extra item. For some prospective customers the lack of outside pockets has also been an issue. However, the frameless, zippered hardsides are extremely sturdy and lightweight and guaranteed ‘for life – no matter what.’
The sturdy ergonomic telescoping handles and the hidden multi-directional ball bearing wheels seem to make the cases move almost by themselves. The overall excellent engineering, innovative design and durable materials have resulted in luggage, which resists the stress of being tossed around by airline personnel. Each bag has TSA locks, and the interior offers deluxe zippered compartments and removable garment and toiletry bags.
In supporting the case for their lightweight construction, Luggage Reviews offers the comparison with other so-called lightweight luggage. The 20” rolling carry on luggage items by Eagle Creek or Rick Steves come in at 7.5 lbs. The 19” Titan Luggage Manhattan International Carry On weighs 6.2 lbs.
Are you in the market for new luggage? Do you appreciate innovative design, top of the line engineering and sleek and elegant looks? Does durable construction and a lifetime guarantee appeal to you? Then, in the opinion of Luggage Reviews, Titan’s hard shell cases made of 100 % pure, virgin Polycarbonate, are for you.
