Your guide to international carry-on luggage

When traveling in North America which carry-on you need is simple; a domestic carry-on (22’’-14’’-9’’) is accepted by all the major carriers. However, things get murkier when traveling overseas. While many luggage makers sell international carry-ons there are no set carry-on sizes that each airline takes and very few rules regulating sizes overseas.

If you are flying direct overseas or using connecting flights, things nowadays are fairly simple. IATA Resolution 302 states that whoever the marketing carrier is (the company that you booked your flight from) their baggage rules must apply to all legs of your trip. So if your ticket says United, American, or any other major US carrier then your domestic carry-on will suffice. If you are booked on a major international carrier, refer to their website and follow their guidelines.

Things get murkier if you have multiple legs of your trip booked separately, especially if you will be using overseas regional jets.  Each regional airline overseas has a different standard for what qualifies for a carry-on and most have weight restrictions that really limit what you can pack in your suitcase. Please make note of any weight restrictions before packing and I recommend always having a luggage scale.

So if you are going be using regional overseas carriers you might have to rethink how you pack. My best recommendation is to consider not using a carry-on at all. For example, if you are going for several weeks and using several regional carriers, then a 25’’-26’’ suitcase plus a backpack, tote, or wheeled tote might be a perfect solution for you. You will have to check a bag either way so a smaller personal bag might be all you need to keep emergency items in.

For student’s studying overseas I really like convertible backpacks, especially ones without wheels. They can be carried either like a backpack or a shoulder bag and have cinches that allow the bag to be adjusted to your specific needs and they usually weigh less then wheeled bags. My current favorite is the Lite-Gear Travel Pack. It can hold as much as a conventional carry-on and only weighs two pounds.

Finally, as always, less is more when it comes to packing for your overseas trip. Consider taking less then you usually pack, especially when it comes to shoes and accessories. You will be doing a lot of walking so plan on taking your most comfortable and easy to use clothing and shoes. The good news is planning for your trip in advance will help avoid nasty surprises on your trip, and that is something we all can appreciate.

 

Back to School Backpack Guide

At Irv’s Luggage we love The North Face line of backpacks; especially for students. They have to carry around books, electronics, gym clothing, lunch, school supplies and many other items so a quality backpack is a must-have item. The reason we recommend The North Face is because the quality of materials and the affordability they offer is unparalleled. However, they do offer many different lines of backpacks so selecting the right one can be difficult. Below are a few tips to help you out.

The first step is to pick a size. Generally, The North Face divides their backpacks into two sizing categories, medium and large. In the medium category (30 liters or less) the top sellers are Jester, Pivoter, and Borealis. We recommend the Jester or Pivoter for students who only have to carry a few items with them, because those backpacks use lightweight but less durable polyester materials (see this blog for explanation of materials). The Borealis is a good choice for the student who wants a durable all nylon backpack but doesn’t need the size of the large backpacks.

The most popular large backpacks (over 30L) are the Recon, Surge, and Router. These are perfect for students who have to haul all their books and gear back and forth every day. All three packs feature all nylon construction for extra durability. One thing to consider, if the student is going to be carrying a laptop with them, is that most backpacks are designed for 16’’ or smaller. Only the Surge and Router can fit a 17’’ laptop, so check the dimensions of the laptop before you buy.

Once you have decided on the line, the last decision is color. Black is often very popular because it is very neutral and doesn’t show any dirt. If a student is just using the backpack to get back and forth to school then black might be a good choice. However, if a student has to carry the backpack all day to class then a color will help them to know which bag is theirs, because black is so common.

Because of the quality of The North Face, I recommend that you pick out one that you think will be happy with throughout high school. The backpack, chosen wisely, should be a companion during this journey in life and maybe even the next. School is hard, let’s make going back as easy as possible.

Leather Backpacks and Leather Messenger Bags

Irv’s Luggage carries not just suitcases, but a variety of luxury leather products as well.  Some of our more popular luxury items are our leather backpacks and leather messenger bags. We have a vast array of cowhide, Napa, and  full grain Colombian leather accessories to fit your preference and style, in a variety of capacities and functions.  Regardless of being on safari or going to a board meeting, you’ll find something distinguished, durable, and useful where ever your travels take you.

 

LeDonne Leather is one of our signature brands at Irv’s Luggage, and the Le Donne Distressed Leather Multi Pocket Backpack is a full grain leather backpack, has a multitude of pockets, and outfitted with straps built for comfort.  You would be hard pressed to find anything of similar capacity and utility that looks as unique as this bag.  Well-received by other customers, and you can have it too.

Le Donne Leather Backpack

If a backpack is not your style, we have a vast selection of Leather Messenger Bags – and David King carries one of our best.  The David King Vaquetta Leather Flapover Messenger is a leather messenger bag that will hold a 15″ laptop securely as well as other important documents.  The Vaquetta Leather has a stylish look but also a plush  feel to complement the comfortable adjustable shoulder strap.  A magnetic clasp assures access to your personal items while still keeping them in place.   An additional pocket on the back of the bag also helps for any additional items you may pick up.

David King Leather Messenger Bag

Piel Leather is one of our best selling brands, and with good reason.  A number of their products have great ratings, paired with the wide variety of styles they have available, from laptop messenger bags and laptop backpacks, to stylish handbags.

Piel Leather Handbag

Whatever your choice and style, you have options upon options from some of the best designer brands out there.  Combined with our guaranteed low prices, be confident that when you shop with Irv’s Luggage, you’re getting the best brands at the best prices.

North Face Backpacks Take You From School To College And Beyond

The North Face Recon Backpack

When summer ends, it means school begins and time for a new backpack. What is wrong with my children’s backpack from last year?  Nothing.  But they tell me it is just not as exciting as the new North Face Recon backpack I can buy at Irv’s Luggage.  I think they may be right.  The colors are awesome.  With the Fiery Red Plaid and the Leopard Yellow, I will always be able to spot them from the carpool line or at recess. My kids love the comfy FlexVent shoulder straps.  The large compartment is perfect for all their books.  No excuses for leaving anything at school. (Well, I’m sure there will still be some.)  There is even room for their laptop.  It’s great to see student backpacks with style and functionality.  This year I don’t mind buying a new backpack. Leave it to those boys from North Face to know how to design a backpack.  After all, the company has been designing backpacks since 1968, when gas was only .33 cents a gallon.

Did you know you can use your North Face backpack to learn about geography?  The  company’s logo is the 1/2 Dome Rock at Yosemite National Park. Today the North Face logo — the 1/2 dome — is probably as recognizable as Mt. Rushmore. Let your kids show you where Yosemite is on the map.  Can you find it?  Just be careful.  Next summer’s trip maybe to Yosemite.

 

The North Face Jester Backpack

Don’t worry.  North Face has a backpack for everyone.  Snacks, gear, and travel items can all be easily stowed in the the large and roomy North Face Jester laptop backpack.  If viewing beautiful nature isn’t enough and you need your laptop,  this backpack can safely accommodate a laptop.  There is a handy front side electronics organizer too. Take your iPod and your phone and you’re ready to go.

 

College students are also flocking to buy the North Face Jester.  With 2015 cubic inches of space, students can pack all their books for class and eliminate extra trips back to the dorm. Students may not be skipping to class, but the lightweight design won’t slow them down either.

 

The North Face Surge II Backpack

My next trip I am taking the North Face Surge II backpack. As a travel bag, I can fit several days of clothes and toiletries.  When I arrive, I can unpack and easily use the Surge as my daybag. This backpack meets airline regulations for a carry-on even with its roomy size.  Travelers give this bag a thumbs up for the comfortable padding. It’s easy on the back.  The great inside pockets let you organize and find pens, maps and other small items.

TSA regulations require you to pass everything through airline security.  This can slow you down if you have to dig for your laptop.  With this laptop backpack, you can easily grab your laptop from the padded sleeve and breeze through airport security.  Every minute saved, lets you start your trip sooner.

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

The Perfect Graduation Gift The Gift of Leather

Leather, the perfect graduation gift in 2012; whether high school, college, graduate school or even professional school, leather is a gift loved by all! Why?  First, leather backpacks, leather messenger bags and leather duffels all have longevity; they are the type of gift that can be used over and over again and last a lifetime!  Leather is also a wonderful graduation gift because it is versatile; leather can be used for academic, professional and even personal use. Finally, leather can be personalized with engraving, a terrific way to make leather gifts even more special!  So if you are looking for the perfect graduation gift in 2012 you have to go with leather!

Leather Backpacks come in all shapes, sizes and even colors; David King and Le Donne offer a beautiful selection, something for everyone!  A great feature of many of today’s David King and Le Donne leather backpacks is they are designed to carry a laptop, a staple for many graduates!

Leather Messenger Bags are another great graduation gift idea. David King and Kenneth Cole Leather Messenger Bags are some of our best sellers.  With Kenneth Cole’s sleek designs and affordable pricing we have a hard time keeping them in stock this time of year. David King’s Distressed Leather Messenger Bag in British Tan is another very popular piece, a great year-round color for both men and women with wonderful organizational features as well!

Leather Duffels are another hot graduation gift idea.  As carry-on luggage, a great weekend bag or a super bag to bring to the gym, leather duffel bags are now being spotted all over town! Claire Chase and once again David King all make marvelous leather duffel bags that most any graduate would love!

Give the gift of leather this graduation season, the perfect gift for so many reasons!  All now available at great prices at IrvsLuggage.com.

Hot backpacks for back to school

The start of school comes like clockwork. With it, comes the inevitable list of school supplies, the need for new clothes (when did those kids grow) and the search for a new school backpack.

So, what are the favorite brands? The North Face, Jansport and High Sierra are the top selling backpack brands of the back-to-school crowd. The major factors in the yearly backpack purchase are quite simply brand, color and style. The words ‘Oh Mom, that’s so last year’ still rings in my head. By far, the overall favorites this year are the Jansport Backpacks – Plaids; popular for the guys seems to be the High Sierra Swerve (with a padded computer sleeve); and for the little tikes, the JanSport Half Pint Backpacks, a huge hit, perfect for their lunch and their little take-home papers and projects!

My middle school son, soon to be an 8th grader, is actually leaning away from the traditional school backpack … Right now, his choice seems to be the Timbuk2 messenger bag, largely because it is a laptop messenger bag. He no longer carries books, as his laptop actually has all the text books loaded, so he really just needs enough space for the computer and what he calls ‘his school supplies’ aka: junk.

My other middle school daughter, has clearly become very fashion/brand conscious. This year’s choice appears to be a North Face backpack…the North Face Jester; fortunately, a more reasonably priced North Face and available in some great colors.

Last, for my grade school son, our youngest, the High Sierra Swerve Daypack in blue. The kid is not into color, style or brand… he’s about as plain as unlined paper, so I’m guessing he’ll stay with this High Sierra next year as well, it will certainly hold up.

Last but not least is the niece who lives with us. She’s in her final year of college and finishing nursing school. Her choice is a leather backpack from Clava Leather Bags. It is the perfect size, has lots of pockets and is a beautiful leather bag. Most importantly it holds her laptop and, of course, her myriad of nursing tools. This leather backpack will be carried long after her graduation.

Lots of backpacks, great values and plenty of great brands to choose from…