Luggage Travel Blog

Personally, I really liked the ‘old’ Centerline Hovercraft from Eagle Creek. It was the most lightweight and spacious luggage, and just seemed to have all the little smart travel features that made my life on the road so much easier. I was less than thrilled to hear that Eagle Creek was discontinuing the ‘old’ Hovercraft in favor of a new design. I liked the fact that I could open the main part like a book. That made it really easy to pack. The compression straps held all my items in place, so no matter how my Hovercraft was tossed around at the airport, my belongings stayed intact. But it was the little features that really made the ‘old’ Hovercraft so special. But, good bye, ‘old’ Hovercraft; the new Hovercraft HC2 has landed. Given my prejudice though, it might be hard to actually accept the new Hovercraft. 

Eagle Creek is a company that really seems to have travel and luggage at heart. The days of the old, heavy, black, staid looking suitcases are now in the rear view mirror. Eagle Creek has long been all about creating the perfect luggage for casual travel – and along the way- they’ve created a huge following of the typical business traveler. Why? All the Eagle Creek products are designed to create the ultimate travel experience in luggage. All Eagle Creek products are lightweight, durable, includes all the little ‘extras’ and durable along ‘life’s roads’.  For example, the Eagle Creek Pack-It System includes folders, cubes and tubes – all designed to make packing easier. And, it works!

The new Hovercraft – HC2 Hovercraft – is once again designed with the ease of traveling in mind. This is lightweight luggage – according to Eagle Creek it is their lightest weight luggage collection!  The entire line is wheeled luggage and includes the 22” carry on upright weighing in at just 7lbs, 6 oz.; the 24” wheeled upright weighs 8lbs 8 oz. and the 28” wheeled upright weighs in a 9lbs 6oz. Or, if you prefer the duffel style of luggage, Eagle Creek offers a 22” carry on, and two large duffels: 25” and 30”. Wow, those wheeled duffels will pack a lot!

The entire line features oversized HC2 off-road wheels to make traveling over rugged terrain easier. There is a zippered pocket for your travel documents and of course, the entire line is designed for the Eagle Creek Pack-It packing system. The colors are designed to help you spot your bag at the airport: Crush (subtle orange color), Pacific Blue and black. And, like all of the Eagle Creek collection, the new HC2 Hovercraft collection comes with the lifetime No Matter What Warranty.

I may not be ready to give up my old Eagle Creek Hovercraft quite yet. But, when I’m ready to replace my old Hovercraft, I know what I’ll be buying… just not sure which color!

Today, as folks around the country are taking a breather from a troubled economy to gather around the turkey, watch a little football, and be thankful for the good things they do have, I thought I'd do the same (well, sans the football--sorry fans!).

So in honor of this holiday of food and appreciation, here's a list of the top 5 innovations in luggage that I'm most thankful for, and that I think a few other long-time travelers might back me up on.

5) TRAVEL ACCESSORIES

It used to be, you folded your clothes, stuck them in your suitcase, and crossed your fingers that you arrived without a wrinkled mess soiled from spilled shampoo. That's why the rise of Pack-it Cubes, Pack-it Envelopes, and other packing accessories that take some of the guess-work out of packing neatly is such a welcome addition to Pack Town. The Eagle Creek Pack It System is a whole series of packing accessories that take organization to a brand new level.

4) LAPTOP BACKPACKS

This is a personal one, but huge in my world. As a coffee shop mobile professional, I carry my office on my back, and set up shop anywhere there's wi-fi and caffeine. And because I usually commute by bike, if it weren't for my laptop backpack, I'd be lost. My backpack keeps my computer protected, features ergonomically designed straps to keep my back happy, and has plenty of room for peripherals, files, and anything else I might need. All this function in a "backpack" form, and yet it still looks stylishly professional with sleek lines! You don't have to look like a teenager on her way to class, the new generation of laptop backpacks are designed to be a s classy as any briefcase. Check out these Samsonite and Victorinox beauties, and tell me you can't meet a client with one of them!

3) LUGGAGE THAT'S EASIER TO HANDLE

Luggage is by nature bulky and heavy, so anything that makes dragging it around the airport (especially when you have to walk two miles just to get to your gate!) is welcome. Luggage makers have been taking every design detail into account in trying to ease the burden here. From better made inset wheels to ergonomically designed pull handles. The Victorinox Werks Traveler 3.0 is my model for this particular innovation. With a curved monopole that has a patented 360°swivel handle, she's a true beauty. The Geluxe™ Comfort Grip has an ergonomic thumb print that rotates and locks into a natural 'palm-facing-the-body' position that reduces arm and wrist stress, as well as bag tipping. The Victorinox Werks Traveler bags also have full inline skate wheels, with stainless steel axles and ball bearings and everything, which means a smooth ride through the terminal.

2) LIGHTER LUGGAGE

My very first suitcase, I swear, weighed 20 pounds, unpacked. Now that airlines are getting stricter and charging more than ever for oversized bags, who wants half of that allowable weight to be bag?!

Lots of luggage companies are taking this to heart, and making reduced weight a top priority. Briggs & Riley is the perfect example. They responded to the plea for lighter luggage with the Sheer Strength™ hybrid frame available in their Superlight collection. It's lightweight but durable, and provides flexibility and shape retention. Hooray! Less bag, more shoes!

1) BRIGHTER, HAPPIER, COLORS AND PATTERNS

Okay, so this one doesn't really make travel easier (except when finding your bag on the luggage carousel--not a small thing!) but it does make it more fun. I'm just not a basic black, brown, or gray kind of gal. Give me zebra stripes, polka dots, or even bright colorful solids! I'm completely digging the variety of colors and patterns luggage makers are busting out with these days. International Traveller and Heys USA are pushing the envelope in this arena. I mean, why settle for basic black when you can carry tiger stripes! I certainly can't think of a reason. Especially not when the tiger stripes come with a built-in TSA lock system, ergonomic telescoping handles (see number 3), are made of super strong ABS/Polycarbonate, and weigh in at a measly 5 pounds (see number 2!). That's one tight, tiger-striped package. Grrrrr!!!

So there it is! Just five more little things to be thankful for on this day already full of gratitude. And with that I leave you to stuff yourself with turkey and all the trimmings, veg on the couch with football, and be grateful for this beautiful Thanksgiving Day. That's certainly next on my itinerary!