Duffel-Travel Bag Has A Handle On Your Gear
Product: Global Gear Bag
Description: The Global Bag is a 7,000 cubic-inch duffel-cum-travel-pack that’s 14-by-14-by-34.5 inches. Made of 22-ounce Coverlight (a material originally made for truck tarps) with 2-inch tubular nylon webbing handles, No. 10 YKK zippers, nickel plated sliders, and closed-cell foam padding in the shoulder straps and back panel. Bag is black with blue straps.
Pro: The unique strapping system allows you to carry the duffel five different ways: with one handle extended, drape the bag over one shoulder (a bit awkward and challenging to walk if you carrying the duffel’s capacity of gear); tossed on the back and carried like a backpack complete with waist strap (a most comfortable option); holding both handles together and carrying like a standard duffel (why on earth anyone would opt for this method is beyond comprehension); with two people, each holding a handle (works well if you are of equal height and strength); dragged by one handle (when standing in line), this is a most wonderful method.
The bag’s durability is incredible. Dragged, punted, dropped, tossed, rolled, punched, sat on and generally abused, the bag shows barely any wear. Internal compression straps really do work to compress a bulky load and hold it firmly in place. The dual-zipper panel that operates with one connecting strap is brilliant!
I also love the compartment at one end designed to appear like a boot pocket. Looks can be deceiving and since it has a dividing panel that floats between the main compartment and the pocket like a giant nylon sock, the pocket can be expanded in size into the main compartment. This is superb if you are carrying very dirty or damp gear at trip’s end and want to keep it separate from the main compartment until home is reached.
Con: The see-through ID holder needs a bit more a fabric overflap in the back. As it is currently designed, my standard-sized business cards kept sliding out and disappearing (and I know it wasn’t because some overzealous baggage handler wanted souvenirs).
Comments: What a duffel! More than one incredulous airport traveler wondered aloud if I was carrying gear or a body in the bag and then marveled that I could even lift the thing. Believe me, my duffel was packed to the gills with everything I would need for one week of winter mountaineering, but once on my shoulders it carried famously, allowing me to walk hands-free and happy to my rental car (about one mile) and then from the car to the trailhead, a half mile distant.
Suggested Retail: $100
Company: Flatland Mountain Works, 2064 West Alexander St., Salt Lake City, UT 84119; (801) 977-8779.