Top 10 Carry On Bags

Are you going somewhere for a weekend getaway soon? You’re going to need a carry on luggage bag, but there are hundreds of different carry on bags so which one should you get? I’m going to try to make your decision easier by narrowing your choices down to ten.

 

1. Samsonite L.I.F.T. 21″ Expandable Spinner (20.5″ x 15″ x 7″; 7 lbs)

Samsonite is made with high quality materials and is one of the top luggage brands at Irv’s Luggage. This Spinner Boarding Bag received several reviews at Irvsluggage.com and they are all five stars. There is a lot to like about this bag.  It has four multi-directional spinner wheels which allow 360 degree upright rolling so there is no weight on your arm. Integrated into the bag is top and side carry handles.  It includes tie down straps that keep the bag’s contents in place.

 

 

 

 

2. Delsey Helium Aero Carry On Expandable Spinner Trolley (21″ x 14.5″ x 10.5″; 8.4 lbs)

The Helium Aero Spinner Trolley from Delsey has many great features. This hardside upright is made with 100% polycarbonate which is good because it makes the case durable enough to keep your travel items safe and it makes the case lightweight too. The spinner wheels rotate 360 degrees to assure multi-directional rolling. Do you need to buy a TSA lock for your trip? You don’t need to worry about getting one if you have this carry on bag because a 3-dial TSA accepted combination lock is built into the case.

 

 

 

3. David King Vacquetta Leather 20” Large Duffel (12” x 20” x 12”; 3.5 lbs)

Your carry on bag doesn’t need to have spinner wheels and several technology features. A simple duffel bag can work great as a carry on bag. David King has some good duffel bags. This 20” bag is made with durable and long-lasting vacquetta leather and has a roomy main compartment with a u-zip closure. Don’t worry that this duffel won’t have enough pockets for your small items. It has front and back zip pockets and two side zip pockets.

 

 

 

4. Olympia Casual Sports 22” Rolling Carry On Duffel (22″ x 13″ x 9″; 6.7 lbs)

Maybe you don’t take many weekend trips and don’t want to spend a lot of money on a luggage bag you plan to use only a few times. This rolling carry on bag from Olympia is less expensive than the other bags on this list, but it has enough good features to make it a good carry on bag. The main compartment is roomy and with eight pockets, it shouldn’t be difficult to pack all of your essential items.

 

 

 

5. Wenger SwissGear Scan Smart Backpack (18.5″ x 15″ x 8.5″; 3.5 lbs)

Backpacks are great carry on bags for short trip. This Wenger laptop backpack should have all of the features you need. It has Scan Smart technology that allows you to travel through airport security without having to remove your laptop from the backpack. In addition to the organizer and accessory pockets, the backpack has pockets for a water bottle, sunglasses and mobile phone.

 

 

 

6. Briggs & Riley Torq International Carry On Spinner (21.4” x 14.3” x 9.4”; 8.9 lbs)

At 8.9 pounds, this Briggs & Riley spinner is not one of the lightest carry ons on this list, but it has many great features. It has a scratch resisting hardside case that will protect your belongings including a laptop and iPad. The gusseted, zipperless design sits flush with bag when closed, allowing an easy fit into the overhead compartment. The wheels are recessed double spinners for a lower center of gravity and effortless 360 degree navigation. Fodor’s named this carry on as one of the best carry on luggage bags for 2013 on their website.

 

 

 

 

7. Lipault Paris 2 Wheeled Foldable 22” Carry On Packing Case (22” x 14” x 8”; 5.33 lbs)

This Lipault carry on case has a feature that none of the other carry on bags on this list has: it can fold. If your biggest problem is that you have no room in your closet to store a carry on, this case fixes that problem because when it is not being used, it can fold up and go under your bed. It also has some good features that include two inline wheels, several zippered pockets, a combination lock and two interior adjustable straps for your clothes.

 

 

 

 

8. Victorinox Mobilizer NXT 5.0 22” Expandable Wheeled Carry On  (22” x 14” x 9”; 9.9 lbs) $259.99

The NXT 5.0 carry on from Victorinox has the features you would want every carry on bag to have. It has two front pockets for items that you can easily access without having to open the main compartment of the bag. If you need more room, it expands 2.5 inches for 29% extra packing capacity. You can carry your laptop inside the case and secure it with the Travel Sentry Approved luggage lock.

 

 

 

 

 

9. Travelpro Crew 9 21” Expandable Spinner with Suiter Luggage (21” x 14” x 9”; 9.3 lbs)

Do you want a carry on bag that has spinner wheels, expands, will last for a long time and is easy to maneuver? This Travelpro Crew 9 carry on is a luggage bag you should consider. It is made with microballistic nylon fabric with Duraguard fabric protection and has a removable suiter system.

 

 

 

 

 

10. Atlantic Compass Unite Wheeled Tote (13″ x 16″ x 8″; 6.1 lbs)

The last carry on luggage bag on my list is this wheeled tote from Atlantic Luggage. It is one of the smallest carry on bags on this list, but it has plenty of room for your accessories and has a front pocket for quick access to your wallet, iPod, keys and airline tickets. The high-sheen Poly fabric provides exceptional resistance to wear and tear. It might be too small for a trip that lasts more than a couple days, but it looks excellent for a one or two day trip.

 

Any one of these ten carry on bags should be great for a weekend trip. These bags and many more are available at Irv’s Luggage.

Back to School Backpack Sale

Believe it or not, it is already time to start buying supplies for the next school year including High Sierra Backpacks, JWorld Backpacks, and North Face Backpacks.  During the month of July there are some terrific backpack sales going on at Irv’s Luggage and if you shop early you can get the pick of the crop at great savings as opposed to everyone’s leftovers during the mid to late August back to school rush.

High Sierra – has a wonderful selection of colors and patterns for both girls and boys in the traditional backpack; with the Swerve, Fat Boy and Loop being the most popular styles.  However, if your child has a large amount of books he or she carries back and forth each day, you may want to consider the Chaser or Freewheel convertible rolling backpacks to save her/him from some serious back pain by removing the weight off their shoulders with the convenient wheeled design of these increasingly popular book bags. Several High Sierra backpacks are also equipped to hold a laptop, so keep that in mind while making your decision.

Jansport  – WOW, what a fun assortment of brightly colored school backpacks!  Girls in particular love Jansport’s to-die-for floral and plaid prints as well as this year’s popular tie-dye patterns. Trust me, Jansport is your best option if you have a real fashionista on your hands and the best news…you will not break the bank when purchasing these fabulous book bags either!

JWorld is geared more toward elementary and pre-school aged children, JWorld provides a great economical alternative to the higher priced brands used by older students while still providing many of the great features the younger academics prefer including a roomy main compartment, padded shoulder straps and the easy access front pocket feature.

North Face is by far our #1 bestseller! North Face provides a high quality backpack with all the bells and whistle for today’s modern consumer including: a laptop pocket with padding; an electronic’s organizer pocket; water bottle pocket; reflective material; accessory pocket; BackSaver bottom panel with compression and more!!! The North Face is a favorite among high school and college aged students for sure!

Be one step ahead of the back to school rush, buy your favorite backpacks from High Sierra, Jansport, JWorld and North Face now at IrvsLuggage.com

Top Guide to Packing Luggage for College

Ah Graduation season! High School seniors everywhere are throwing their caps and gowns to the floor, clutching their diplomas and will soon be heading off to colleges all across the country. When the time comes to leave the nest, be sure that your student is fully prepared for even the most unexpected situations. You never know what adventures might occur! Here is your new guide to preparing for and packing luggage for college.

Bedroom: More than one set of sheets (they’re going to get dirty and will not be washed for weeks, I thought I should warn you up front) comforter, pillows, pillowcases, under bed storage – they are more useful than you know and will not only hold belongings that aren’t currently in use like sweatshirts but they make the trip home that much more organized – blankets

Clothing: T-shirts, long sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, tank tops, pants, jeans, khakis, shorts, sweats, socks, underwear, hangers, work out clothes/athletic clothes, dressy clothes, pajamas, gym shoes, flip flops, walking shoes, dressy shoes

Snacks: Fridge, microwave, cereal, Mac and cheese, “easy foods” like Ramen noodles; and of course you can’t forget utensils such as knife, fork, spoon, plate, cup, mug, bowl and paper towels

Bathroom: Towels, shampoo, soap, body lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, shower caddy, washcloths, hamper, contacts, contact solution, glasses, special soaps or creams

Computer & Electronics: Computer/laptop, cables, printer, printer paper, mouse, mouse pad, ink, surge protector, Flash drive, extension cord, phone cases, phone charger, laptop cases/bags, laptop charger, iPad cases/bags

Cleaning supplies: Dish soap, laundry soap, vacuum, air fresheners, sponge and all purpose cleaner

School supplies: Backpack, Calendar, lamp, envelopes, stamps, pens, pencils, highlighters, dry erase board/markers, wall hooks, erasers, white out, glue, paper clips, stapler, 3 hole punch, sharpener, post its, rubber bands, ruler, scissors, staple remover, tape, calculator, index cards, notebooks, notebook paper

Miscellaneous: Quarters, change, ATM card, credit card, driver’s license, first aid kit, TV, DVD player, DVDs, video game systems, video games, paper towels, pictures from home, flashlight, sports equipment, alarm clock, umbrellas, men’s wallets, women’s wallets, handbags, camera case, dopp toiletry kits and cosmetic kits/cases

Now all of these items are super important for when your student is at school, but what about when you have to send the belongings (oh, and your kids too) to school and then pick them back up again? You’ll need some heavy duty travel bags to carry all of that “stuff” and you won’t find a better selection of luggage, travel accessories or duffel bags to travel back and forth with from school than from Irv’s Luggage.

If you’re in need of luggage to send with your college student, take a look at any of our TravelPro Luggage pieces, especially the Crew 8 series. They were designed with pilots and flight attendants in mind, meaning they’re super sturdy) and they have a great price tag that won’t make you cringe (like tuition bills might!) But if you’re looking for something less traditional, a duffel bag is the way to go. It will not only make weekend trips home much more organized (just throw everything in the bag, zip it up and get home!) but depending on the size of the duffel you can either roll it behind you and carry it over your shoulder for extra security. Our David King duffels make a great gift and are the perfect addition to any traveler’s wardrobe.

No matter where your student is going to college or how much they’re planning on taking with them, you will know they will be prepared for any situation with these planning tips. Now if we could only guarantee they will use them…Happy Learning!

Business Cases, Briefcases, Messenger Bags and More for Airline Travel

As you plan for your next business trip, take a few minutes to visualize how the trip will go – What will the weather be like? Will you stay in a comfortable hotel? Will you have enough time to prepare for your meetings? As prepared as you might be, the unthinkable happens. Darn your luck! You never imagined your trusty leather briefcase would break just as you were getting in the cab to go to your hotel. Just perfect! Luckily for you, Irv’s Luggage has dozens of great business case options to choose from.

Business cases come in many sizes and shapes: rolling and non-rolling; simple two-handle bags, backpacks and messenger bags, among others. Even with so many options, there is a business case for you! If you are someone on the go who wants a secure, reliable business case that will also hold your laptop, you won’t go wrong with a laptop backpack by JanSport. Most people will recognize Jansport from their youth, carrying around books in their trusty backpack; but the brand has grown and improved with time. JanSport Backpacks are available in many different styles and the colors they come in will fit any personality or occasion necessary. With additional padding to hold laptops in place, you will not have to worry about your valuables with these backpacks.

For something a bit more modern, some men and women today are switching to messenger bags as business cases. Messenger bags are extremely convenient – just throw it over your shoulder and go – and come in a variety of styles: buckle, Velcro, zipper, front-flap, half-flap and full-flap; and materials: leather, canvas and polyester. Some of the most popular leather messenger bags we offer are from David King. Made of the highest quality leathers, with adjustable shoulder straps and large spacious pockets, David King messenger bags are worthwhile lifelong investments.

Now if you’re a “no-frills, I like my bags simple and clean” kind of person and are looking for a classic business briefcase, look no further than a briefbag by Samsonite Luggage. With briefcases available in both soft side and hard side exteriors, Samsonite leads the pack in quality and style. Their business and laptop cases range from classic gusseted ballistic nylon briefcases to leather business cases with expansions and multiple add-ons to fit an ever-changing crowd.

The most unique business case option we have would be the lawyer’s briefcase. This briefcase is distinctive in shape and style, with interior file pockets with one specifically designed to hold a laptop along with a security feature on the outside, either a key and lock or a combination lock to keep your important documents, files and folders protected from prying eyes. The Johnston & Murphy Lawyer’s Briefcase is no exception. With three interior pockets, an organization panel with pen loops, USB pouch, business card pockets and Quick Retrieve™ compartment for easy access to electronics, an easy-grip padded fixed handle and lifetime warranty this briefcase will last a lifetime.

Traveling on business may not be as easy as 1,2,3 but here at Irv’s Luggage we strive to make it a little easier for you to navigate these complex waters. From leather briefcases to laptop backpacks and everything in between, Irv’s Luggage has the perfect business case for you!

The Best Carry On Bags from High Sierra Luggage

Spring Break trips are right around the corner for college, high school and elementary school-aged children and High Sierra has the perfect carry-on luggage for these young travelers to use; the High Sierra Export 22” Wheeled Travel Pack and the High Sierra A.T. Go Carry On Wheeled Backpack with removable daypack.

The High Sierra Export 22” Wheeled Travel Pack is a very sturdy, well constructed, wheeled piece of luggage that conveniently converts to a backpack.  Made of exceedingly durable Duralite Weave 1680-Denier Ballistic material with a deluxe telescoping handle and corner-mounted in-line skate style wheels that all ensure longevity.  The quality construction of this bag will not disappoint!! In addition, the 22” Export also has great features including a deluxe organizer with a cell phone pocket, pen pockets and a removable key fob; a zippered pocket with headphone port (holds an MP3 player or sunglasses); a contoured daisy chain for attaching gear;  Vapel mesh airflow padded grab handles and waist belt that wick moisture and helps secure the pack; and finally and most importantly for safety, reflective accent piping to help your young traveler stick out at night on dark streets and walkways as they move from place to place.   High Sierra also made wonderful selections in regard to color as well; available in darker colors to cover dirt and wear well including Black / Charcoal Grey, Charcoal Grey/ Chipotle Orange and Navy Blue / Charcoal Grey.

The High Sierra A.T. Go Carry-on Wheeled Backpack with Removable Daypack is another great choice for the younger Spring Break traveler due to its’ lightweight, condensed and easily transportable design that includes many similar features listed above with the 22” Export. Made from a similar Duraweave Metallic Mini-Weave 900 Denier Duralite material and a special built-in high density foam structure to help maintain the bag’s shape while minimizing weight.  The removable front day pack with padded backpack straps, that includes a deluxe organizer, zippered accessory pocket and water bottle pocket, provides the perfect bag within a bag for daytrips and excursions; giving your young traveler the option of leaving the bigger bulkier travel items stored safely behind at the hotel.  This is truly an all-in-one luggage piece.

For 30 years High Sierra Luggage has specialized in quality travel products that are tough, versatile and won’t break the bank and this High Sierra 22” Export Wheeled Travel Pack and the High Sierra A.T. Go Carry on Wheeled Backpack with Removable Daypack are no exception. These are the perfect carry- on bags for young travelers heading out on their next adventure now and for many years to come…… now available and on sale at IrvsLuggage.com.

Brand Name Luggage at Great Sale Prices

The end of a year can have many different meanings, including a fresh start and making new resolutions (but hopefully not breaking them!) In the luggage industry, the year’s end can mean the end of a collection or even the end of a brand. But more often that not, it means there will be a Luggage Sale on most, if not all, of the best brands. Here at Irv’s Luggage, our buyers are constantly looking to order the highest quality items at the very best prices that we can pass along to the consumer. This year, we were able to offer some of our best prices ever on the biggest (and best-selling) brands!

High Sierra Sport Company specializes in adventure travel products, with backpacks, duffel bags, and sport packs that are as rugged as you are, and just as versatile. If you are planning a ski/snowboard vacation this winter and taking all of the equipment along with you, you will not regret purchasing a High Sierra bag for your travels. A sturdy piece of luggage on sale now, the High Sierra AT6 32″ Expandable Wheeled Duffel with Backpack Straps has a drop bottom to hold your wet snow boots, gloves and mittens, etc in a separate compartment all while keeping your clothes safe and dry. High Sierra also offers smaller duffels, carry on bags and backpacks at great prices for those of us who are not so adventurous. Keep an eye out for a High Sierra Luggage Sale soon!

Hartmann Luggage is one of the best-known luggage brands not only for their story but for the quality of their products. As one of the oldest luggage manufacturers in America, Hartmann set the standard for top quality and distinctive luggage. Each collection shows a different persona of the Hartmann brand, but they always remain true to their name. Whenever Hartmann Luggage is on sale, you know you will be getting a great deal! From their carry-ons and totes to their spinner luggage and garment bags, there is a piece of Hartmann luggage available for everyone.

Kenneth Cole Luggage has quickly gained a following thanks to its simple, clean lines and the name recognition of their briefcases. Each new collection offers the consumer more options to choose from. Some of the most popular pieces of Kenneth Cole Checked Luggage on Sale are from the Reaction Taking Flight Collection. Available as an upright and a spinner, these bags are lightweight and stylish. The carry on has all of the amenities of a larger bag – expansion, garment restraints and a large front gusseted pocket to carry notes, magazines or plane tickets you might need on a trip – without the bulk or weight that comes with carrying a larger bag. You won’t want to miss out on the next Kenneth Cole Luggage Sale we have!

Whether you will be going on business travel for a few days, on a whirlwind adventure for a whole week or on vacation with your family, you will find the perfect luggage, briefcases and backpacks on sale at Irv’s Luggage.

Airline Baggage Regulations – Is Carry On Luggage the Way to Go?

The Thanksgiving holiday just passed and thousands of people will be heading to airports, to fly around the country after spending quality time with their families or friends. With all of the hustle and bustle of airports during this very busy season, many of you may wonder how you will manage to keep your sanity. With longer waits and more airlines putting restrictions on the items that passengers can travel with, you have to ask yourself – is it really worth it to fly?

The answer is YES! As you plan to visit your family or friends this holiday season, the last thing you want to worry about is whether all of your belongings will fit in spinner suitcases or carry on luggage or backpacks and are within the airline size requirement allowed. This is where Irv’s Luggage (and brand new legislation comes in!)

The recent announcement of a new bill, The Airline Passenger BASICS – or Basic Airline Standards to Improve Customer Satisfaction – Act will start to change the flying experience for many travelers. This act will protect consumers from excessive baggage fees at airports and charge airlines that do not comply with these proposed standards. This act will not only benefit consumers in the short term (more money in your pocket) but in the long term (more pleasant travel experiences) as well.

According to new legislation proposed by Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, “Many airlines consider checking a bag not to be a right, but a privilege – and one with a hefty fee attached. The Airline Passenger BASICS Act will guarantee passengers one checked bag without the financial burden of paying a fee, or the headache of trying to fit everything into a carry-on.”

Until this legislation is passed, as travelers you have to be aware of what luggage is available to you and how it will fare on your trip. Antler Luggage is a great European-based company that gives frequent travelers the ability to pack a lot in a compact space (and not have to worry about size restrictions); Delsey Luggage is not only lightweight luggage but comes in both hard sided and soft sided styles in a variety of colors; and Heys Luggage has something for the whole family from their Disney by Heys line for kids to their Crown Edition by Heys line for the frequent business traveler. Whether you are looking for luggage for long term travel or just a weekend getaway let Irv’s Luggage help you with all of your travel needs!

Win a North Face Backpack

The care free days of summer are coming to an end!  All the kids are heading back to school. Where does the time go?

Often, favorite memories are made during the summer months: sitting on the porch enjoying the warm gentle breezes while sharing a drink with your favorite neighbor or an old friend; going to the ballpark to cheer on your favorite baseball team; heading to the beach for a sun filled day of water and sand; and of course the family vacations, when you and your family spend more quality time together, then the whole rest of the year combined.

Ahhhh the wonderful “dog days of summer”!  Well, Irv’s Luggage wants to hear about them; Irv’s Luggage wants to celebrate all those summer vacation stories as the 2010 season is wrapping up!

In the comments section of this blog, please share your favorite summer vacation story by September 13th. The person who enters the best story will receive a North Face Backpack, the Jester, for free!  Come on, we would love to hear from you!