With the addition of baggage fees in nearly every airline, more and more travelers are struggling to compact their belongings into a carry-on to avoid incurring any additional and often outrageous fees. Frequent business travelers are often hopping on board for a mere weekend trip or sometimes catching a red eye for a one-nighter. These situations require nothing more than a carry-on bag and, for those traveling often, a well built and designed bag can make a huge difference.
When looking for the industry standard in a carry-on bag, we just love this Torq International Carry-On Spinner by Briggs and Riley. Made of durable polycarbonate, this carry-on features a lockable front compartment perfect to fit a laptop up to 15.6”. With just the press of a button, the hinged pocket can be opened with one-touch operation making it easily accessible to the traveler on-the-go. Externally, the material is a textured hardside which is resistant to scratching, while the top and side carry handles are soft-touch, making for a comfortable molded grip. The Torq International Carry-On Spinner is created with tilt-resistance and 360 degree wheels for optimum movement and impeccable stability. The luggage features a combination lock which is TSA friendly should you decide to check your bag afterall. Included is a Smartlink strap which allows for the transport of two pieces of luggage as one, in addition to a bag to cover the suitcase when not in use.
The Tom Bihn Aeronaut is the ultimate in one-bag travel. Its clam shell main compartment allows for optimum access to your items. Although this is a soft fabric bag, it is produced with a highly durable material known as 1050 denier ballistic nylon, which is twice as strong as the standard material used in luggage. Standing upright, the Aeronaut offers a briefcase style but can easily be turned on its side where an ultra-strong handle is available for quick grab-and-go. Additionally, the back of the bag features hideaway backpack straps to provide a third way to carry your luggage. Side pockets are included for easy access to necessary paperwork while on-the-go. Splash guards are installed over the zippers to help prevent any type of liquids from seeping through.
The Tom Bihn Cubes are essential to the frequent traveler allowing for compartmentalization efficiently utilizing your space. Each separated cube can be assigned to particular items, for example a pant cube or a sock cube. This provides ease to the traveler when moving from one place to another. Each cube is complete with hooks allowing for hanging. Choose a cube with mesh which is helpful for those occasions where something isn’t quite dry, but must be packed.
For the serious backpack fan, consider the Alpha Bravo by Tumi, a well-known high-end luggage company. External features include front zip pockets, side pockets, waterproof pocket, top zip closure, webbing handle with leather wrap, adjustable backpack straps, 3D mesh padded back, and add-a-bag sleeve. Internal features include a laptop pocket fitting up to 15″ screen, pocket for iPad, zip pockets, media pockets, open pocket, card pockets, pen loops, and key leash. What else could you need?
For an impeccable garment bag that travels as a carry on, Victorinox has created the WT East/West Carry-On Garment Bag. A lightweight garment bag that easily fits into overhead compartments, complete with an extended handle and wheels for rolling. Catered exclusively towards the business professional, this sturdy garment bag features a patented curved monopole handle system giving the bag a lighter feel when carried. A 360° rotating handle locks into a natural palm-facing-the-body position, reducing stress to the wrist. An extension panel is set in place for those longer pieces that never seem to fit, complete with foam bolster compressions straps designed to minimize wrinkles. Also includes a tie pocket, two removable mesh corner storage pockets and a zippered mesh shoe pocket. This bag is perfect for those short overnight trips to meet the new clients.
Now that you have your list, have fun shopping and traveling with your new gear! We would love to see photos of you with your new carry-ons and if you have a favorite of your own, please share!
Images courtesy of Boarding Area, Tom Bihn, Tom Bihn, Alpha Bravo and Zappos