Eagle Creek News & Sale

Eagle Creek is coming out with two new additions to their Specter line of ultralight packing cubes and folders.

The first is set of two Compression Cubes. You get a cube (14 x 10)  and a half cube (10 x 7). They are the same as the regular Specter cubes except they have a zipper that goes around the cube to compress them. ($38)

The second is a Specter version of the Tube cube. ($16)

Both of these will be available in July.

If you dont’ want to wait, the Container Store  has the Compression Cube set in stock in some of their stores.(It’s out of stock online.) And….it’s on sale for 25% off. In fact, much of the Container Store’s travel products are on sale including their entire line of Eagle Creek products. The sale is on until July 23.

And if that’s not enough, some of their Specter items come with a blue trim which is exclusive to them.

(I was at one of their stores this morning and did a bit of “travel goods” shopping including the above mentioned compression cubes.)

Can Printed Travel Guidebooks Survive?

Last year, there were two major sales that pretty much answered the above question.

The BBC sold the Lonely Planet series, which it bought in 2007, to an American digital media publishing house. A few months earlier, Frommers was sold to Google.

Both buyers placed an emphasis on digital content so it seemed the handwriting was on the wall.

But not so fast. Earlier this week, Google sold Frommers to, well, Arthur Frommer, the man who started it all in 1957. Frommer said that while they would be expanding the Frommer website and ebook line, they would also continue to publish the traditional travel guides.

Frommers has had numerous owners over the years including Simon & Schuster and John Wiley & Sons. And now it’s returned to where it all started.

So perhaps at least one portion of the travel guidebook industry will continue—for awhile. Personally, I think the move to ebooks and apps is the real  future for this genre.

Google stills owns Zagats so it’s possible that line may disappear from store shelves sometime in the near future.

Newly Designed Tom Bihn 3D Organizer Cubes

When Tom Bihn sent the new Aeronaut and Tri-Star in Dyneema for review, they also sent a couple of newly designed 3D Organizer Cubes.

Tom Bihn originally designed his 3D Clear Organizer Cube to act as a toiletries kit and pass muster as a 3-1-1 bag. The sides are made of clear urethane so security, and you, can easily see what is inside.

The two news items are a 3D Mesh Organizer Cube with breathable mesh replacing the urethane of the original cube, and a 3D Dyneema/Nylon Organizer Cube that is not see-though but extremely light weight.

Each Cube has a hide-away hanger and measures 7” x 4.3” x 2” /180mm x 110mm x 50mm.

The 3D clear cube weighs 3.5 oz/100g and costs $22.

The 3D Mesh cube weighs 2.43 oz/69G and costs $22.

The 3D Dyneema/Nylon cube weighs 1.73 oz/49g and costs $26.

I use one clear cube for misc. items and the mesh one for my cables and plugs.

Gear Review: Guragear Chobe

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by Guragear, a company that makes bags specifically designed for photographers but were branching out into travel. Designing camera bags was, according to the company’s website, their initial goal. Keep this is mind, it will become important, and apparent, shortly.

They thought their Chobe model would be the best one to test and they sent one here to OBOW Global Headquarters.

The Chobe is made of 200d nylon exterior with a 50d lining. It measure 15” x 11.5” x 6.5” and is expandable to 8.5”. It weighs 2 lbs, 9 oz. The zippers are “Ideal.”  (For those of you unaware of “Ideal” zippers, they are the second largest maker of zippers after YKK.)

The front of the bag has two exterior pockets. On the left is an organizer pocket with slots and is designed to hold a tablet. (This pocket is not lined so a tablet in it alone, without protection, is not advisable.)

The right side pocket has slots for cards, pens and a key clip.

One one side of the Chobe is a water bottle pocket and the other side has a pocket for a cellphone (My Iphone 5 was too wide to fit in it.)

The rear has an open magazine pocket that can be unzipped tobecome a sleeve that wil fit onto the handles of a rolling bag.

The main compartment has smaller open pockets with velcro closures as well as a hanging mesh multipocket pouch. This compartment is lined.

Behind the main compartment is a lined, separate laptop compartment holding laptops up to 15”

Also available, and probably the main reason to get this bag, is the separate, removable photo insert. It’s fully padded on all sides, including the bottom and has a velcro strip running through the entire inside. It weighs 1 lb.

It comes with 15 dividers, in two different sizes, that also have velcro, allowing you to customize the layout of the insert to perfectly fit your equipment.

The photo insert fits perfectly inside the Chobe when in the expanded mode. It’s really nice.

While I am not a photographer,  I can see how well this bag was thought out with the photographer in mind. (Now you see why I mentioned the reason these bags were originally designed in the opening of this review.)

 If you have expensive photographic or other equipment that needs to be carried safely, and wish to take along a laptop, tablet, other small items, and possibly even a change of clothes, then this is a bag to consider.

Ever since 9/11, and one incident where I was almost snowed in at an airport away from home, I carry a change of clothes even if my trip is same day out and back. Just in case. This bag would fit the bill for that. It can carry what I need for work and also a change of clothes and toiletries.

Whether in its original size, or expanded, it should fit under the seat in front of you on most airliners. There are foam panels on the front and back of the bag that allows it to keep its shape.

The bag is made in Vietnam. It comes in black.

On the downside, only the main compartment has dual zippers so none of the other pockets are lockable at all.

Let’s see. Have I forgotten something? Oh, yeah. The price. The reason it took me so long to get to the price is because I had to wait for the all clear from the paramedics who were called to revive me after I took a look at the price.

The bag retails for $299 and the photo insert is an additional $50. Seriously? $299?

So I checked the Tom Bihn, Red Oxx and even Briggs & Riley websites for similar sized bags. What I found were bags made of better material, better zippers, and in some cases, made in the USA—for less than half what Guragear is charging.

My final verdict is this. If you are a photographer or someone who carries expensive equipment and wants to be able to tote it in a nicely padded, customizable bag, then I would say consider the Chobe with photo insert. And should you also travel occasionally without the equipment but want a decent overnight bag, then this one could do double duty.

But if you’re looking strictly for an overnight or day trip bag, I’m sorry to say you can do a lot better, and cheaper, with other bags.

Sidenote: After initially looking at the bag’s website I went back today and noticed that between now and the end of 2012, if you buy a Chobe, you’ll get $100 in Amazon gift certificates as a bonus. That helps a little.

Black Friday Online Deals

I found a few travel related product deals this holiday shopping weekend:

L.L. Bean has 10% off everything, a $10 gift card for purchases over $50, and free shipping. Use promo code “Thanks10” at checkout. Good thru 11/27

Ebags also has a sale going on. 30% off sale prices and free shipping over $75. Use promo code “EMBFP.” Offer good through 11/25

Some Ebags examples are:

TLS Motherlode Weekender Convertible—$59.99

TLS Motherlode Weekender Convertible Junior—$62.99

(BTW—no need to put the parenthesis in when applying promo codes.)

If you find any other travel bag/travel product related sales, add to this thread.

Tom Bihn Introduces Ultralight Bags

As most regulars to this blog are well aware, I am a fan of bags manufactured by Tom Bihn. They are extremely well made, durable, sewn right here in the USA and as a company offers great customer service. They’ve also been great friends to this website.

It was big news today that Tom Bihn announced a new 400d dyneema/420d ripstop nylon fabric for its three main travel bags as well as a few every day carry’s.

While I don’t have all the new weights, we can expect the new fabric to be about 20% lighter. That is a big difference.

OBOW Semi-Annual Clearance Sale

As you can imagine, I get quite a few products to review. Many of which I don’t actually use on a regular basis. I feel it’s best to try to find them new homes and make room for more items. Additionally, any money received from the sale of these goods helps to cover the cost of this website. Some items have already been sold but I still have the following items available:

Jaktogo ($40)
Travelpro Metrosafe 250  (Never used)—Black—$50

All prices include shipping within the continental U.S.

I’m going to do a big clear out and reorganization of the “travel goods” area here at OBOW World Headquarters so more items may be added in the future—especially smaller ones.

If interested in anything, send me an email. You can find the link above.

(This posting was editied on October 29, 2012. Some of the responses were written prior to this update and refer to the non-editied version)

The In Home Luggage Sizer

I’ve ready many postings where people are concerned if their bag will fit into an airline sizer. Wouldn’t it be great if you could have one in your home?

Well, now you can. And at a reasonable price.

It’s called the UPS Luggage Box.

Measuring 22 x 14 x 9 externally, and 20.5 x 14 x 9 internally, I figure if my bag fits in that, it will fit in the overhead.

Wait, what is that you say? Some airlines, especially outside the U.S. of A, only allow only 7” or 8”? No problem. Since you have to put the box together, why not measure and draw lines at 7 and 8 inches inside the box. This way, if the lines disappear, your bag is too thick 

But what about the length. So many bags are 21 or 22 inches in length. How can they fit in the box? Remember, most soft sided bags don’t have a rigid frame so as long as you don’t overpack, a 22” bag can be squished down to 20.5 inches.

If you’re as obsessive about carry-on luggage as I am, this might be an answer for you. I’ve had mine for awhile and have put it to good use. I think it sells for $12.95. (Note, not all UPS stores carry this item. I had to get in touch with six in my area before I found one that carried it.)

Side note: When I went to get the box, the store owner asked me if I was going to ship luggage. I said I wasn’t and told him why I was getting it. I wound up giving him a quick lesson on how to travel light—at his request.)

Gear Review: Daymaker Wallet Jr.

When I travel, especially for leisure trips, I keep most of my important/valuable items in a moneybelt. But I still need some type of wallet to hold enough money for the day.

The Daymaker Wallet Jr. is exactly what I was looking for. At 4.75” x 3.25” x 0.25” it’s the perfect size to fit in my front pocket.

The main zippered compartment is just large enough to hold folded paper money and has a small inner pocket perfect for a key or a small lip balm. A center zippered pocket is meant for coins. The unique part of the front of this wallet is the lower front section made of rubber which will not only help to prevent the wallet from falling out of your pocket but also produce enough friction should someone else’s hand wind up in your pocket with the idea of taking what’s in there.

The rear has an open pocket for credit cards. There is a slight overhang at the top of one side of this pocket that helps to prevent the cards from falling out.

The Daymaker Wallet Jr comes in either microfiber ($7.50) or leather ($9.50).  They come in a choice of colors as long as the color you want is black. 

This is now my wallet of choice for light leisure travel.

Gear Review: Daymaker Packies

Packies are just what they sound like: packing/storage cubes that have clear plastic on both sides. They come in sets of three with a choice of large or small. Each set has three different sizes.

The larger set may be too heavy for travel but I use them to store my travel “stuff” at home.

The smaller size is great for travel with the smallest of the three the proper size to be used as a 3-1-1 bag. I use one to my electronic accessories and another for all the miscellaneous stuff I take.

Besides the two sets in the photos, I have an additional small set in black. They come in various colors.(As usual, I’ve included my Ipod Touch in the photos to give you a size perspective.)

The large set sells for $32.95-39.95 depending on color. The small set goes for $19.50.

They’re well made of heavy duty microfiber. The see through plastic on both sides makes it easy to find things, keeps you organized and makes airport security a breeze.

I give them a big thumbs up. I owned the black set for awhile and when they went on sale a little while ago, I bought the additional two sets. That’s right, I was so impressed, I actually paid for them.

Moleskine Bags?

I’m a big fan of Moleskine notebooks. Whenever I travel I usually have a pocket size one with me. (I go back and forth between ruled and plain.)

Moleksine is now vernturing out beyond notebooks and into bags.

Numerous types including backpacks, messenger, totes. They even have that elastic band, similar to the notebooks, to help keep them closed.

And if that isn’t enough. Moleskine has also designed a system of removable pouches that velcro to the inside of the bags. You can mix and match depending on your needs.

I don’t own one, but I think I hear a Reporter’s Bag calling my name. 

Moleskine Bags

While you’re at their website, check out some of new Moleskine notebook designs.

Bag News

Tom Bihn released a new mini-briefcase today called The Cadet.

I’ve known about it for awhile but was sworn to secrecy. This looks like it’s going to be a an excellent double duty bag—mini-brief for work, and day bag for leisure.

Designed mostly for Apple users, the bag comes in two sizes—one for larger Macs, and one for Ipad sized tablets. It also has some design changes over previous Tom Bihn bags that I believe are big pluses. (One hint; dual zippers capable of taking a lock and no flap.)

I  won’t go on much here because I’ve been told I should have one in my hands for full review by the end of the month. 

There are other Tom Bihn products soon to be released but, again, I’m sworn to secrecy.

Other bag news….a Patagonia MLC arrived today and I’ll put it through its paces for review in the next few weeks.

A question was asked how I choose items to review. The answer is simple yet difficult. For every product I see or is offered I ask myself if it will be beneficial to one bag travelers. If yes, I try to get the manufacturer to send one.(I usually request colors/sizes that I would personally use which for bags tends to be the darker colors. (Can you say black?)  Otherwise it gets very expensive and this site loses money on its own. In some cases, I actually buy a product I think will make my travel better. These are usually less expensive items. In some cases, items are offered and I turn them down because they just don’t fit our guidelines for one bag travel.

So, if you see some manufacturers’ products more often than others, it’s because they were kind enough to send items for review.

No matter how I get the product or what it is, I always promise an unbiased, honest and fair review pointing out both the positives and negatives of every item.

Gear Review: Rufus Roo

Flying on an airline that has strict carry-on rules but you don’t want to check luggage or pay fees? A new product to hit the market is the Rufus Roo.

This jacket/poncho has six pockets, comes in six colors all with red zippers except black where you have a choice of red or black zippers, red logos on front and back, and is made of 100% “see-thru” polyester. Yes, that’s right, see-thru. I ordered one in black with black zippers and when held up to the light you can see right through it.  All of the other colors have red trim zippers

It’s suggested no more than 10kg (22 lbs) be loaded onto the jacket. They also show someone carrying an Ipad. Sorry, I wouldn’t trust any heavy electronics to these pockets. Clothing, yes, but nothing of real value. It also looks bulky when packed. You won’t be fooling anyone. 

The Rufus Roo comes in three sizes: Adult Large ( covering everything from Large to XX-Large), Medium and Child sizes. The large weighs 350 grams (just over 12 ounces.)

$49 for adult sizes/32.50 for kids size. Shipping is a flat $10 for one or more items. The item is shipped from the UK. 

The idea is good. Unfortunately, the execution needs work. That being said, if you travel on one of the restrictive airlines and don’t mind looking a little silly to save money, then the Rufus Roo might be the way to go. 

For more information, go to the Rufus Roo website. . 

Rufus Roo supplied the product for review. 

Addendum: Let me clarify my “see-thru” comment. You can’t see into the pockets but if you hold up the jacket in areas where there are no pockets, like the back, you can see thru it with a light in the background. You can’t see through when it’s being worn. (My apologies to Paula S. for not clarifying this before her comment was made.)