Spring Break – Wheeled Duffel Bag-stravaganza

 

Spring Break is a modern tradition where people get together with friends and family to just get away after thawing out from winter. Just pick up and go away for a week or 2 where you enjoy the sun, lounge around on a beach with a cool beverage, and let the waves lap at your feet.

Make sure to not only pack what you need, but that you pack enough! Large wheeled duffels can help. If your travel luggage wasn’t big enough to accommodate enough clothes for a week or 2 and your amenities, you’re going to run out of clean clothes very quickly before you get home!

High Sierra offers a number of different wheeled duffels to suit your needs.  From the AT3,  AT6 and many more you have wheeled duffel with high capacity, a good number of pockets, inline wheels to keep you moving, and all at a great price from Irv’s Luggage.  Also highly durable, a High Sierra duffel bag is going to keep your possessions safe through some of the toughest conditions.

 

 

 

Ogio also has a wide selection of wheeled duffels as well, in particular the Radica which is one of our top rated and best-selling brands.  Expandable, lined with pockets, easy to move and carry, Ogio duffel bags are another fine choice for an extended Spring Break away from it all.  The durable 1200 x 600D Poly material will keep your stuff together, and protected where ever you travel.

 

 

 

Once you arrive at your destination, it’s always handy to keep track of everything as well.  Between packing cubes and hanging organizers keep all your amenities and clothes carefully organized and stowed away.  With Irv’s Luggage you have a variety of choices, from Travelon, Eagle Creek, Baggallini, Athalon, and more.

Spring break should be fun and a fond memory, as all trips should be.  With our help and these products you can take a load off your mind when it comes to how you’re going to fit everything and where all your stuff went.  Instead, worry about when you can catch the sunset off the beach, or when your tour of the islands leaves.
Make a memory!  And please feel free to share on Facebook!

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 Best Luggage for Students Traveling or Studying Abroad

Are you a student heading overseas to travel or study abroad……or an avid traveler taking a much deserved extended vacation? Well I have the perfect combination of luggage for any of these extensive, long term type travel plans; the High Sierra Elevate 34” Drop Bottom Wheeled Duffel and the High Sierra Export 22” Travel Pack.

The High Sierra Elevate 34” Drop Bottom Wheeled Duffel is a large piece of luggage that   will fit just about everything you need for a longer trip (with 6715 cubic inches of packing space) without weighing you down.  The 34″ Elevate weighs-in at a mere 8.8 pounds.

With a large main compartment with a U-shaped opening and a large drop bottom compartment with straps, you will have a great deal of packing options for the larger variety of “necessities” you will need. (The bag also contains a zippered divider panel between the upper and lower compartments that can be rolled up and secured to create one large compartment.)

When taking a larger piece of luggage, maneuverability is key and the Elevate 34” Drop Bottom Duffel will not disappoint.  With inline skate-style wheels inserted into protective corner-mounted housings and a recessed, telescoping lightweight aluminum handle system with locking mechanism, the Elevate Duffel will get you there with ease and with your arms and lower back intact!

Other great features of this duffel include: custom ID holder in a hide-away front pocket; protective feet to keep the bag cleaner and protected from rough surfaces; durable webbing handles with padded wrap and padded grab handle on the end; zippered front accessory pocket and two top-loading end compartments; and finally adjustable exterior compression straps to help secure your precious belongings from the rough hands of baggage handlers scattered throughout the world.

The High Sierra Export 22” Travel Pack is a smaller wheeled carry-on that converts to a  backpack and is the perfect bag to complement the larger 34” High Sierra Elevate Drop Bottom Duffel.

When you are traveling with the larger duffel, this High Sierra 22” Export Travel Pack can be worn as a backpack to free-up your hands. This pack is extremely comfortable with adjustable Vapel Mesh Airflow padded straps.  When you are without your larger piece of luggage, the Elevate 22” Travel Pack can also be wheeled from place to place on planes, trains or automobiles for shorter day or weekend type excursions. Once again, it can also be used as a backpack while traveling on foot, animal or bicycle……really a very versatile piece of luggage, perfect for any journey you encounter.

Some other great features of this High Sierra carry-on luggage include: a front load main compartment with clothing hold-down straps; deluxe telescoping handle and corner mounted inline skate- style wheels (for ease of maneuverability just like the larger Elevate 34” Duffel); a deluxe organizer with cell phone pocket, pen pockets and removable key fob and a zippered pocket with headphone port; reflective accent piping for safely and a Mesh 1000ml water bottle pocket to help keep you hydrated, an immensely important part of any successful travel.

So there you have it, the perfect luggage combination for longer extensive travels……happy trails from Irv’s Luggage!!!

Traveling Soon? Tips for buying good luggage!

After six weeks of frequent airline travel (six airline trips in six weeks) I’ve been in a lot of airports and seen a lot of luggage.  I worked for Irv’s Luggage for over five years and now have a new job and travel quite a bit. Over the last six weeks of traveling I acquired an entirely new perspective on airline travel and more importantly for Irv’s Luggage, a brand new perspective on luggage. I guess that I have now been upgraded to a frequent flyer, as the flight attendants now know my name.  Traveling with good luggage can make a huge difference in your trip and a huge difference in how you feel about traveling.

Three things to consider when purchasing new luggage.

First, how do you travel? Do you check your bag or are you more of a carry-on luggage person? For me, I really like a carry-on, cabin bag. I had to wait this past Sunday, while one of my traveling companions  waited for her large, wheeled checked bag came off the airline carousel.  The wait wasn’t terrible, but how do you find your bag among the sea of black bags?  Impossible. Plus, no matter how pristine the luggage is when  you check it, it comes out smashed, dirty and often something is damaged or scratched.  So whenever I can, I carry my luggage on board. My choice for the best carry on luggage? Easy: Briggs and Riley 21 inch wheeled carry on bag. Durable, easy to wheel and made of ballistic nylon, this rugged carry on is my first choice for a carry on bag.  And, good news, right now the Briggs & Riley Baseline 21″ Carry On Expandable Upright Chocolate – Discontinued  is on sale at 35% off.

Second, warranty. Let’s face it, luggage gets damaged…frequently. Look for luggage that offers a lifetime warranty, or a ‘no questions asked’ type of warranty. Briggs & Riley was one of the original ‘lifetime luggage warranty’ companies, and now many luggage manufacturers offer either lifetime warranty or a ten year warranty.  Hartmann Luggage, Samsonite, Victorinox, High Sierra and even Eagle Creek offer wonderful warranties.  And, should your luggage get damaged… first, if the airline damaged the bag, then stop at the ticket counter immediately and file a claim.  Second, Irv’s Luggage offers luggage repair on virtually every major brand. So, if you need luggage repair for wheels, zippers, handles, or seams, bring it to Irv’s Luggage for all your luggage repairs – no matter what the damage is.

Last, thought… right now spinner luggage is hugely popular (vs. the typical two – wheeled luggage).  My preference of spinner luggage verses the traditional wheeled luggage: spinner luggage.  Spinner luggage is easier to wheel in an airport, down the center aisle of the airplane and virtually everywhere. And, if your luggage gets damaged, and you lose a wheel, you still have three others!  I love my new spinner luggage. If you want something other than Briggs (see paragraph above) I am also a huge fan of the new Samsonite Hyperspace Spinner 21.5″ Expandable Upright (SM 47166). Offered in black, teal and pink, this is rugged, spinner carryon luggage is spacious, durable and lightweight.

Back on the road again on Friday to lovely Memphis. This trip, my Samsonite Hyperspace will be traveling with me!

 

 

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.

Luggage Trends in 2011

Continuing with my series of “Staff Picks”……. this week I interviewed Irv’s Luggage’ top luggage buyer, Phil.  Phil has been in the luggage business for over 30 years, and he too definitely has his opinions on travel luggage. In my interview however, Phil chose not to talk about his “favorite picks”; instead, he focused on the three trends he sees emerging in the luggage industry and the current buying philosophies of the 2011 consumer:  1) the rise of larger lightweight luggage 2) purchasing luggage with a lifetime warranty and 3) the rise of spinner luggage.

As Phil explained, while carry-on bags continue to be big sellers, he has seen a shift from purchasing moderate (24” – 25”) sized bags to larger (28” – 30”) bags.  This is primarily due to the changes in fees being charged by the airlines (many are now charging high fees for a second bag) and the lightweight technology that allows consumers to fit much more into one larger bag while staying under the 50 lb weight limit; making  these “larger bags” a much better choice for today’s travelers.  The larger 28” bags previously weighing 17 lbs. are now weighing-in at 7-9 lbs lighter.  Thus the benefits of carrying a 24” or 25” bag no longer exists. Three top lightweight lines Phil recommends are Antler Luggage – New Size Zero, Samsonite L.I.F.T and High Sierra Elevate collections.

The second trend in luggage buying Phil sees is consumers buying higher quality / higher priced luggage that comes with a lifetime warranty.  Purchasing one of the four brands that will repair or replace your luggage no matter what the cause (Briggs & Riley, Boyt Luggage, Hartmann and Victorinox) is a long term buying philosophy /savings approach many more consumers are now making.  They spend more money up front but will now own the same bag for a lifetime, with a huge savings on the back-end of their purchase!

Finally, while Phil notes the huge marketing campaigns promoting spinner luggage and the rising trend of purchasing spinner luggage, he does not necessarily agree that spinners are the  best option for today’s luggage consumer.  While the spinners offer some benefit with greater ease of travel, he does not feel the maneuverability advantage outweighs the hassles that accompany 4 wheeled spinner’s higher rate of repair (with two additional wheels and the wheels sticking out further on the bag, the bags are damaged more easily).  In Phil’s opinion you are better off with the traditional 2 wheeled pieces.

In conclusion, this is very interesting and useful information for today’s luggage consumer, thanks Phil….. but  I’m still kind of curious to know which are your favorites. I guess there is always next week’s blog…..until then…… happy trails from Irv’s Luggage!!