Wednesday, January 29, 2014

High Sierra AT659 32 -Inch Expandable Wheeled Duffel with Backpack Straps

High Sierra AT659 32 -Inch Expandable Wheeled Duffel with Backpack StrapsI have had several High Sierra bags and have been very happy with them. Tow of my older bags work just as well now as they did when I bought them, years ago. They have seen daily use in our household. We have two children who have a lot of medical problems and they have "luggage" that travels with them carrying their essential medical equipment with the.

I ordered this for my own personal use. My husband and I take the occasional short trip and we thought this would be just the right size for us to take. I liked the partition for clothes. I packed his items and shoes in the bottom compartment and my lighter weight shirts and socks in the top section. Even the light weight stuff was too much weight for the partition. It started to rip at the seam almost immediately. What a disappointment. The case does not hold it's shape well either. There are plastic sheets rivet into the lining to keep it's shape but they bend easily and don't g back into place.

I was pretty disappointed in the case and returned it when we got home from the trip.

This is by far the best piece of luggage I've ever purchased. I'm an avid cyclist and photographer and with this bag I was able to reduce my baggage from 4 to 2 bags for a 2 week cycling vacation. I also brought my bike so I was able to carry this suitcase like a backpack while handling my bike and other traditional suitcase. While on my back, it was very balanced, and easy to put on and take off. When I didn't have my bike with me and needed to move about, the wheels on this Duffel made life very easy (Large and sturdy and roll over minor obstacles easily). The backpack is very sturdy, and it's expandable. This is the best luggage purchase I've ever made. Traveling is great when you have this Duffel with you.

Buy High Sierra AT659 32 -Inch Expandable Wheeled Duffel with Backpack Straps Now

So far, so awesome. I originally bought it because of the color, but we have taken this on three overseas trips and it still feels new. The construction is solid and the back-pack feature came in handy going up steps. Definitely recommend this product.

Read Best Reviews of High Sierra AT659 32 -Inch Expandable Wheeled Duffel with Backpack Straps Here

It has SO many pockets and seems to be ever-expanding. I'm one of those girls who over packs and this withstands a ton! It's been through airports many times and looks just as new. The contoured design is amazing for efficient packing. This duffel beats a regular suitcase by tons!

Edited: After about a dozen times of using this suitcase, the rubber came off of one of the wheels. Not very nice but I still have to give this bag a lot of credit because I stuffed it to the Max many times and thought the zipper would bust open before a wheel but it never did. Also, the rubber wheels can leave skid marks if you drag them across a floor, so be careful with fancy wood floors!

Want High Sierra AT659 32 -Inch Expandable Wheeled Duffel with Backpack Straps Discount?

Preface: I purchased 3 bags. This one, the 22-inch version and the 26-inch version.

This is a very large bag and I don't know of a commercial airline where it'd fit on board even if it were empty. I check it on particularly long trips (7 or more days) and use it along with the 22-inch as a carry-on. I've never had a trip last so long that I needed all 3 pieces together.

Properly folded and packed, I've successfully traveled with a bagged 3-piece suit and hanger, 2 pairs of shoes and a pair of sandals, and 5 days of regular clothes, toiletries, etc when I used this bag (leaving room for another couple of days worth in my carry-on). I think it'd be very easy to go over 50 pounds worth of stuff in this bag, so use a scale to avoid overage fees.

As far as the series AT-6 luggage in general, some reviewers have knocked it because its not a spinner type (4 independent wheels), and I'm not sure why, its pretty obvious its not. If that's what you're looking for, all I can tell you is that this luggage isn't what you're looking for.

All roll aboard luggage with the retractable handle like this takes up space inside and this bag is also no exception. There is a thin piece of material between the compartment and the telescope path which is flexible, so you could probably cram a few extra pairs of socks in if you plan ahead.

I have taken these bags on numerous trips since purchase and they're holding up very well, checked and as carry-on. I've not had any broken contents (knock on wood) in any case, nor have any parts or straps been torn or broken (knock on wood).

The built-in ID card holder is a really nice feature, protected from the elements and is attached by a piece of elastic so it can't simply fall out and be lost (spreading your personal information all over the airport). I don't use the backpack straps much, but on the smaller bag, they're comfortable. I find the this and the larger one too heavy to wear like that comfortably.

The only way I could suggest High Sierra make this series better (again, I'm not letting it detract from my rating because it is clear it doesn't have this feature) is to add a "daisy-chain" strap for easier towing of more than one piece. This problem is easily corrected with a simple, economical product: Travelon Multi-Bag Stacker

Save 64% Off

McKlein USA W Series Winnetka Leather Women's Briefcase

Franklin Covey Green The Winnetka Ladies Leather Briefcase by McKleinI have started traveling for business and needed to replace my existing computer bag. My old one was a soft cloth Jantzen bag in which I could stuff everything laptop, files, extra cable, purse contents, etc. Of course it weighed a ton afterward! :-) It also did not look like a computer bag (which I loved).

The features that sold me on this bag were:

1.) Looks it may be hard to tell in photos, but there is stitching detail around the bag that helps to set off the bag design. My husband likes that more than I do, but I have to admit it is a nice detail. I, too, chose the red a very nice, dark red color.

2.) The extra pocket in front great to grab pens, glasses, keys, airline boarding passes, small (and I mean small) notebook, etc.

3.) I thought I would enjoy having the laptop sleeve I've been looking for a laptop bag that had almost a 'bag within a bag' so that I could carry the larger bag while traveling and when at a customer site, carry a small, sleek bag with just the laptop and charger. However, this is not the bag for that. Due to the width limitations (discussed below), I have not used the sleeve at all.

4.) Length / width: length would accommodate my laptop and width was somewhere 'in the middle' of laptops being offered on the market.

What I do like about the bag is:

1.) Its looks as I said, very professional

2.) Leather quality and color it adds some weight to have a leather bag over a nylon or cloth one, but there is nothing better for longetivity. I expect the leather to age nicely. The red color should complement anything I choose to wear.

3.) There is a pocket on the front (described above) and two additional zippered compartments inside.

4.) The handles are a good length to put over the shoulder without having to have another shoulder strap. (I'm 5'5") I can easily carry the bag over my shoulder or with my hand.

5.) It does allow me to carry the minimal amount of things I need to bring with me on a business trip.

What I don't like about this bag:

1.) The bag looks so nice, I wanted to use it both as a purse and a laptop bag so I could conveniently travel with just 2 items it and my roll-on suitcase. The laptop bag needs to be a bit wider to achieve that. I could not add my wallet (the bag would not zip) until I took out photos and some extraneous frequent purchase cards. Also, all pockets are very deep so it is hard to keep your lipstick, for example, easily accessible without having to dig through everything else at the bottom of a pocket. (I'm thinking of finding (making) some zippered bags to keep similar items together easier to find and store in the pocket.)

2.) As mentioned by another reviewer, the middle zippered pocket, where you would expect to be able to put a notebook portfolio, will not accommodate it. So that means that it must be put in the same compartment where you put your peripherals charger, mouse, cable, wallet, etc. Not a big problem, but you have to ensure you've shoved the peripherals aside so the portfolio can slide to the bottom. If you only travel with a few loose papers or a paper pad without the portfolio cover, this would not be a problem.

3.) A small item, there is a nice key holder hook in the front pocket, but it needs to have a longer length. It is so short, you can't raise it up to hook your keys onto it. You must put your hand with your keys inside the not-very-wide pocket and manage to slide your keys onto the hook. However, handy to find your keys, once done. (I'm getting better at it)

This bag is really nice. lots of room. I dont use the laptop sleeve in this or any of my bags so i can have more room for files with the laptop. My 15" sony fits great along with the periferals. the leather is soft but sturdy. handle is a nice over the shoulder length without being too long. it's a little darker and a tiny bit greyer than i was expecting but the color is beautiful. my only complaint is that the center zippered file compartment is not quite wide enough for a file folder. a little incovenient but the bag is beautiful. Wish i coudl afford one in every color.

Buy McKlein USA W Series Winnetka Leather Women's Briefcase Now

This is my second McKlein USA bag and I am pleased once again. It's a beautiful bag and I get compliments about once a week. The quality is top-notch and not only is it attractive but also very durable. I generally carry it over my shoulder and the handle is plenty long enough to be comfortable for my 5'9 frame. The front pocket has a nice organizer. My only complaint is that it could be a little bit deeper in order to accomodate more easily my medium sized water bottle. This bag is more of a streamline breifcase so if you plan on lugging a bunch of stuff around, this is not the bag for you. It's also a made of a thick leather and is definitely not the lightest bag available. For the price, an excellent bag.

Read Best Reviews of McKlein USA W Series Winnetka Leather Women's Briefcase Here

Love this bag!!

I have gotten complements on how it looks.

Not a lot of room after my laptop is in there

but it holds everything I need. Easy to get the

laptop in and out of bag with the removable

sleeve.

Want McKlein USA W Series Winnetka Leather Women's Briefcase Discount?

I purchased this briefcase in red for my girlfriend 8 months ago, it looks great and she loved it. She travels a great deal for work and it still looks brand new after months of hauling her laptop around through airport security. It is a great deal!

Stansport Cotton G.I Rucksack (Black)

Stansport Cotton G.I RucksackIt's canvas, it's black, it's a backpack. There's not really a whole lot to say about it, in my opinion. It works for what I need, I find it comfortable, and it's very roomy. I used it as my carry-on luggage for a recent weekend trip and it performed quite well.

The only thing I can think to note about this pack is that it is a giant lump of cloth. There is nothing to give it any sort of shape or frame, save for what you put in it. So if the pack isn't full, it can sit rather limply and may pose an issue for whatever you are attempting to haul. A laptop, for example, would be a nightmare in this thing unless you had lots of other stuff to keep it from moving around.

I got this backpack for light hiking, but is not very well made. The protective tips on the straps started falling off even before I use it. Also the seams were the straps are connected to the backpack are defective, at least on mine. Overall I can say that is not well made, don't expect it to last very long, but of course is cheap, so you get what you paid for.

Buy Stansport Cotton G.I Rucksack (Black) Now

This bag is awesome! The canvas is very rugged. The stitching appears to be very strong and durable. If I had to say one critical thing it's that the item description is more accurate to the color than the picture. It looks almost brown in the picture, but it is definitely black (which is what i wanted anyway). Each of the canvas ruck-type bags on amazon have some glaring issue or another but this one definitely was the better choice.

Read Best Reviews of Stansport Cotton G.I Rucksack (Black) Here

Quality. Looks good. Specs are accurate. I bought this specifically to fit under the seat of a plane that charges for carry ons, but allows 1 personal item. It fit everything I needed for a week on a cruise ship, and I am a girl. Talk about storage space!

Want Stansport Cotton G.I Rucksack (Black) Discount?

Great quality! Heavy duty canvas, metal buckles and large pockets. This is an excellent pack! It certainly get the job done!

Save 14% Off

Skip Hop Via Backpack Diaper Bag

Skip Hop Via Backpack Diaper Bag, BlackThe fabric on bag looks a lot better in real life than it does on the screen fabric is a perky spring green (not too bright or day-glo, though definitely not subdued) and has a sheen. Interior is a grey-ish white throughout so you don't have to deal with "black hole" syndrome. One large slip pocket & 2 mesh bottle pockets in main compartment, really nice simple changing pad compartment, mommy compartment big enough for wallet, keys, and accessory bags, and a smaller organizational department for things like iPods, cell phones, cameras etc.. Overall, the organization is just right, you aren't overwhelmed with random pockets everywhere but on the other hand you have a place for everything you might want to put in this bag. My one issue is sewing. When I got the bag there was a loose thread on the side and some of the seam had already snagged, after only 10 minutes of use. After a 2 hour museum outing, the mesh pocket on the side tore and the fabric on the front tore as well (this was a quiet trip to a museum, not a rock climbing trip!). The zippers aren't as smooth as my Eagle Creek backpack. I would say that the organization is nice but SkipHop probably should send someone to the factory in China for additional quality control measures. Fortunately Amazon accepts returns on faulty products, but I'm not sure I'll be getting another one in the near future.

So this backpack isn't what I thought it would be at all! It's waaay small and the straps make the backpack ride up high on your back. My husband couldn't even wear it at all and that is the main reason I got it. It has different compartments which is nice but the size & design just don't make up for it. I wouldn't recommend it at all unless you are tiny in size. :)

Buy Skip Hop Via Backpack Diaper Bag Now

I have twin toddlers and a newborn baby... and love that I made this purchase.

pros:

backpack style for hands free walking with kids

stroller latches on the straps

4 mesh pockets (2 outside and 2 inside) to keep bottles and sippy cups.

separate pocket area for diaper changing accessories

front pocket for personal items like Mom's wallet and phone

cons:

inside backpack area is smaller than expected especially if you're trying to fit books or toys in

Read Best Reviews of Skip Hop Via Backpack Diaper Bag Here

I love this diaper bag. it clips to my bugaboo bee stroller and has always held enough stuff you need. It held all the stuff I needed when my kid was newborn all the way up to today and she is 1 1/2.

Not only have I used this as my everyday bag but we have travelled with it too. The material is sturdy. we have not had any problems with the zipper or even the mesh pockets. This bag has been used and abused and is still holding strong. The seperate diaper compartment can hold about 10 diapers, a wipes case, and other changing stuff. The small zipper compartment on the top holds quite a bit of stuff too, I have a full size hand sanitizer there.

As far as size, my husband is 6'0 tall and I am 4'11 and we can both carry this backpack just fine. It is not too big or too small, it is just right.

I would reccommend this backpack to everyone.

Want Skip Hop Via Backpack Diaper Bag Discount?

I purchased this bag in green about one year ago. I absolutely loved it! I have another skip hop messenger type bag, but as our family grew, the convenience of a backpack style bag was a must. I looked at several other bags, but I was sold as soon as I found a skip hop backpack. Their quality is pretty hard to come by, and even harder to find under $100.

The bag itself is great. Tons of room (a mom of 3 kids could always use more room, but this bag is actually pretty roomy), lots of compartments, organization, and I am convinced that stroller clips are the best invention since sliced bread.

My issue is that after a year, the bag is now falling apart. The seams are coming loose, the logo on the front is coming off, and I have only spot cleaned with warm soap and water as needed. Writing to the company is probably a wash, but I thought it may be useful knowledge to others considering which backpack to purchase. Cough, cough, NOT this one! I am now looking at a Tim&Leslie backpack diaper bag, and crossing my fingers for some longevity. I have had a Target Eddie Baur bag stand up great for 4 years, and my other skip hop is still like new. This is just a very poorly constructed diaper bag.

Nickelodeon Icarly Razzle Dazzle Backpack

Nickelodeon Icarly Razzle Dazzle BackpackThis backpack is much prettier in real life than it is in the picture. It appears to be well made and sturdy. The inside is spacious and it has a nice outside pocket for "special" things. I like to put lunch money, field trip money/permission slips in the outside pocket so they are less likely to get lost.

It is comparably priced to other backpacks and overall a good deal.

JanSport High Stakes Daypack

JanSport High Stakes DaypackMy daughter loves it. It was exactly what she asked for. She loves the color and the pattern. ... ...

This product has with stood heavy school use very well. The matte velvet roses have not been worn off at all.I recommend this freely.

Buy JanSport High Stakes Daypack Now

We purchased the vinyl cheetah print backpack. My daughter absolutely loves it, she can't get enough compliments about it. Very unique and well made, holds all her heavy high school books and much more. I'd certainly buy again.

Read Best Reviews of JanSport High Stakes Daypack Here

Kata KT D-3N1-11 3 In 1 Sling /Backpack with Laptop Slot

Kata KT D-3N1-11 3 In 1 Sling /Backpack with Laptop SlotUpdate to the previous post that the Kata 3N1-11 Sling backpack for photographers does not hold a 13" laptop, the description reads:

"The 3N1-11 sling backpack features a unique TST RIB structural protection for a DSLR with mid-range zoom lens attached as well as 1-2 lenses, flash + small netbook + personal gear."

I own this series of bags, so to be clear, in order to carry:

Apple iPad, you will need to buy the Kata 3N1-22 Kata KT D-3N1-22 3 In 1 Sling /Backpack with Laptop Slot

MOST 13" laptops, you will need to buy the Kata 3N1-33 Kata KT D-3N1-33 3 In 1 Sling /Backpack with Laptop Slot

Additionally, the "Internal Laptop Compartment" dimensions read:

Length = 17 cm. / 6.7 in.

Width = 4 cm. / 1.6 in.

Height = 38 cm. / 15 in.

Whether or not your laptop will fit will depend on the bulkiness of the shell of your laptop. Please read the dimension specs for your make and model compared with the Kata dimensions very carefully.

You can read the detail on the Kata website here:

I rated this bag 4 stars, because I would like a bag this size to hold my iPad. Then, it would be a perfect 5 stars for me. It holds the gear I carry (Canon 7D without a battery grip attached, a Canon 50mm f/1.4, and a Canon 24-70mm f/2). Remember. It is meant to be a compact bag, so don't plan on carrying ancilliary items AND all of your lenses. However, If I just want to carry my camera gear, including a Canon 70-200 f/2.8L IS I, I can, but then I can only carry my keys and a small wallet by unzipping the divider that opens the internal area of the bag up to include the otherwise separate top compartment where you might carry a wallet, some nutrition bars, your keys, etc. There are still small side pockets to carry a microfiber cloth, polarizers, etc.

DISCLAIMER: I am not an employee of Kata, but I do host a technology show sponsored by Kata. I personally own and use this bag, and I can definitely confirm the information as provided in this review and on the Kata website.

My boyfriend wanted a spacious pack to hold his slr and many accessories. It took him a few hours to put everything in its place so I'd have to rate this as a great bag. He's an exacting engineer type and its been perfect for taking out for hikes and events.

Buy Kata KT D-3N1-11 3 In 1 Sling /Backpack with Laptop Slot Now

I love this bag! Very Stylish and compact( the way i like it) but enough to fill your accessories. Very well padded throughout. Quality is on par or way better than the competitive brands. Seems durable enough to last a very very very long time.

Read Best Reviews of Kata KT D-3N1-11 3 In 1 Sling /Backpack with Laptop Slot Here

This bag just felt too rigid and uncomfortable on my back. And I wasn't trying to overfill the bag, either. And the idea of being able to change straps (sling to backpack to cross) sounds nice, but it just doesn't seem to work well and I found myself asking, "Is this really necessary." It's difficult to hide the second strap of trying sling mode. Also in sling mode, the strap cuts into my shoulder too much. I have had Lowepro Slingshot bags in the past, but I think I would not have liked this Kata bag even if I had never heard of Lowepro. I ended going with a similar Lowpro bag to the one I had previously, only an AW bag, with Rain Cover.

Want Kata KT D-3N1-11 3 In 1 Sling /Backpack with Laptop Slot Discount?

The Kata 3N1-11 has been a great day bag for my travels. I've had it now for about 2 or 3 months, and have used it on several day treks. For what I have been recently doing, my standard load has been my camera with two lenses and a flash. I just have to make sure I pick versatile lenses depending on what I expect to shoot that day. For example, if I know I won't need a flash, I can throw in another lens or two. There's still enough room for a book, notebook, snacks, water, filters, batteries, memory card, pens, and other small items. Perfect for a day of walking around as a tourist and hobby (beginner) photographer. The bag is easy and comfortable to use in all configurations, and I've tried them all. The D-ring has been handy to hang other items like the rain fly, lens cloth, and my point and shoot. Constructed out of high quality materials and made well. Provides outstanding protection for my camera equipment. I was so confident with the bag that when I was in a light rain a couple of days ago, I didn't bother to use the rain fly, and everything in the bag was well protected. To give you some perspective, I'm a career infantry Marine, so I've spent a lot of time evaluating the gear that I use and purchase.

I also bought this from the "used" section of Amazon, and it has far exceeded my expectations. This was my first time purchasing something used from Amazon, so I had no idea what to expect. It was listed as being in "good" condition as opposed to "new" or "very good," and I could not find any damage on it what so ever. It also came with the tags still on. I hope my future used purchases from Amazon are just as good of an experience as this one. I think I saved something crazy like 50% off the regular retail price.

Job well done to both Kata for making a great product, and to Amazon for giving me a greatly value-added service. Thank you to both.