Eagle Creek Tarmac ES Luggage : Wheel Me Away

I have a suitcase I love, but during my past two journeys I came to the sad realization that my bag was too heavy. I needed a wheeled case that could handle rough terrain, but wouldn't be too heavy to lift once filled with my clothes and shoes. Naturally, I turned to Eagle Creek for for help. I've own several Eagle Creek products in the past (well, I still have them all) that have surpassed my expectations for functionality and durability.

Eagle Creek's Tarmac ES luggage is designed for the active traveler, and claims to be 30% lighter than its co mpetitor's similarly sized bags. Better still, the Tarmac line is covered by Eagle Creek's "No Matter What" policy. If your luggage is ever damaged, they'll fix it for free. Sounds like a great deal to me.

Now, on to packing. I may be good at organizing my days (see Filofax Day Organizer), but preparing for a trip is another matter. I tend to save my packing until my ride for the airport is standing in my living room, looking at his watch. And then it's everything in, all at once, sit on the suitcase, wrestle it closed. Well, no more. Now that I have the Tarmac (25"), I have individual compartments for all of my packables. The case is designed to be used with Eagle Creeks Pack-It cubes, folders, and air compressor envelopes, but I'm not going to get carried away yet.

The bottom of the case is like a regular suitcase, so that's where I put my shoes and heavy items. I can easily pack a yoga outfit, several t-shirts, a sweatshirt or fleece top, two pairs of pants, several pairs of underwear, bras, and two pairs of shoes. Two mesh flaps secure with clips to compress and hold the clothes in place. The top side of the case has two large, zippered pockets, one covered in waterproof plastic. So, I pack my jeans and two t-shirts in the large pouch, and my cosmetics bag, swim suit, sandals, and vitamins in the smaller pouch. Once the case is zipped closed, there's also a cinching strap I can use to secure the case.

On the outside of the case are two more zippered pockets. I use the large one for my allergy bedding (never travel without them), and the smaller pocket for socks, gloves, and a hat. The case easily accommodates a week's worth of clothing (more if you take your time and pack well). If necessary, I can unzip the main compartment for an additional 2.5" (or 15% more) of packing space. (I have to say I'm a firm believer in not starting my trip this way...have to same room for shopping at my destination.)

Once full, the case is very easy to maneuver. It has large, sturdy wheels, and its wide-handled, curved retractable handle is designed to keep the weight in the bag, not at the end of the handle. No wobbles here; it's a well-balanced bag. I like that Eagle Creek thought to put tough plastic plates around the corners and along the edges of the bag between the wheels. The bag never touches the ground--just the "bumpers."

Bottom Line:This is a great case for short or long trips. It's well-designed, built-to-last, and easy to use. Available in three sizes, three colors. See Magellan link below for complete specs.--E.D. (Feb 06)

Price: $265

Manufacturer's Site: www.eaglecreek.com

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