The weather man says it’s going to be sunny and warm so I’ll pack lighter clothing. Only what if Mr. Weatherman doesn’t know what he is talking about and it’s in fact cold. I’d better throw in a few sweaters (to match various outfits of course) just in case. And then what if it rains? I’d better throw in an umbrella to go along with my sun hat and suntan lotion. Now for shoes. I need walking shoes and flip flops and dressy shoes and running shoes for when I want to work out. Oh which reminds me I need to pack work out clothes. I’ll need a couple of bathing suits and a few cover ups. Plus I need a few comfy loose clothes just in case I get bloated from all the great food I’ll be eating. I’d better pack some snacks and tea bags because maybe it’ll be hard to find a grocery store and I’ll be dying of hunger and that just won’t do. Oh and just in case I get stung by a bee, my back goes out, I have a headache, I get diaherria, a stomache or motion sickness I must pack the entire contents of my medicine cabinet. Just in case, just in case, just in case.
Seriously people it’s RIDICULOUS! I have what I like to call justincaseitis. Is there a medication for that? I should pack it. Just in case.
Someone help me!!!!!!!!!!!!
The suitcase I typically travel with is the biggest you can get. And it’s the fullest most organized bag you’ve ever seen. In fact, I’m always teetering on the edge of the 50 pound weight restriction limit. Actually last year when I traveled I was over and had to pay up. RIDICULOUS. I get it. I really do but I am so consumed by the fear that I might not have what I need when I need it. That I might not be prepared for anything thrown my way. That I might be inconvenienced by my lack of supplies and the hassle it creates having to make do. Just being honest here folks.
But the truth is, I never even use half the things I bring along. I schlep all over with my heavy bag, paying fees I shouldn’t be paying only to schlep it all home again.
Oh how I admire you light packers with your one tiny little bag. I am fascinated by it really. Is it really possible to travel this way? I believe it is because so many people do it now and I want to be one of those people.
So when Eagle Creek asked me to join their blogger team I thought to myself okay this is it. If I’m going to become a light one bag carry-on kind of person then having a most fabulous bag with maximum packing potential to help me do it isn’t going to hurt.
- Four over-sized ultra-durable Dynamic Spin Wheels offer effortless 360o directional mobility
- Polycarbonate back offers ultra-light durability and helps protects handle system and bag contents
- Lockable quick stash 3-1-1 pocket contains: Coat Keeper™ securely holds outerwear to luggage and a Key fob with Porter Key™ bottle opener
- Detachable Cargo Net provides versatility for internal compression or attaches to outside of bag as a Utility Net
- Built in durability: Hybrid construction with a 3-ply polycarbonate back shell that provides superior impact-resistance, Bi-Tech™ front fabrics provide extreme abrasion resistance
- Ultra rugged wheels with sturdy wheel housing, skid plate and bumper protection
- Travel-tested handle system
- Padded exterior pocket (22” size with additional padded table sleeve) – LOVE this as it provides a safe place to keep my netbook when I travel
- Expandable main compartment adds 15% more packing space
- #10 lockable, self-repairing zippers with finger friendly zipper pulls
- Multiple padded grab handles on top, side, and bottom
- Safety reflective accents for dusk and nighttime visibility
- No Matter What™ Warranty
This is an excellent Eagle Creek video showing you all the awesome features. If you can’t see the video you can find it here.
I’ve never been more excited to travel now that I have this baby to test out. And while I don’t have any immediate plans to take off, the idea of traveling with only one bag isn’t as scary to me as it once was. I totally think I can do this. Maybe. Of course I can. Maybe. You see how nerve wrecking this is for me??
Eagle Creek Carry-On Giveaway:
And now for the really exciting part. One of you will win this exact same Tarmac AWD 22 carry-on bag PLUS a Specter Packing Cube set. Wowsers!
To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. You’ll see that I’ve added a quick poll as a mandatory option but after that you can do any of the other options as well if you like for bonus entries. Sweet! If you don’t see the form right away, please give it a minute as it is sometimes slow to load. Giveaway open to US and Canadian residents and will end Thursday, February 13th at 4:00 pm PST. Winner will be selected at random using Rafflecopter. Good luck!
I can’t wait for one of you to win this amazing prize. Maybe we can then travel together and you can hold my hand when I start to break out in a cold sweat because I didn’t pack my umbrella and now my hair will be frizzy. Oh the tragedy of it all. How will I survive? Stay tune for the continuing travel saga of Org Junkie and the carry-on.
Wendy, A Day in the Life on the Farm says
I had to laugh because we just went to Virginia for 3 days to see our son. Our daughter went with us and was very tense because I told her we were just taking carry ons. She was a wreck and I was like, Stay Calm it is only 3 Days LOL>
Laura says
It’s so nice to know I’m not the only one though. It’s so silly really because everywhere I go there are stores if I absolutely need anything. I’m a weirdo what can I say 🙂
Anna@stuffedveggies says
When I was young, my Mom went on a big European vacation with a big bag & a carry on. On the way there, the airline lost her big bag! She spent 1/2 the vacation living out of her carry on. She discovered that the big bag was completely superfluous. From then on, she insisted the whole family traveled carry -on only. And it worked : )
Last time I traveled for several weeks, I carried only a carry-on of clothes (we did have more luggage for gifts & things that would be used up as we traveled, like snacks).
Once they lose your big bag once, it gets easier ; )
Laura says
Wow that’s what you call learning the hard way. I agree though, once I do it once and nothing crazy happens then I’ll be golden I’m sure. It’s taking that first leap that’s tough!
Jennifer B says
A couple of years ago I (reluctantly) agreed to go carry-on only for my family’s 2 week vacation in Greece and Amsterdam. It’s a good thing we did – we missed our connecting flight in Paris, and the strikes in Greece made flexibility a high priority – some days the buses and subways were on strike, some days taxis were on strike, and one day both were !
The key to going carry-on only is to be ruthless in what you will really need and use. Find clothes that are interchangeable (i.e. the sweater that goes over everything). Even as a plus sized person who can’t just walk into any store and find clothing I can get it done in a carry-on only.
Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Becky L says
This would be a great bag to have. I saw this last year when I was traveling to Nicaragua. I love the fact that the wheels turn. That would be so nice to have!
Nicola O. says
Oh, you’re hilarious! the first big trip I went on, I overpacked sooooooooo much and I had to shlep like 200lbs of stuff all over a big metropolitan city all by myself and it totally cured me of overpacking.
I can pack for a week in a rollerboard. The key: wear a lot of black, pack layers, and plan on wearing things more than once. One pair black slacks, one black dress or skirt, one pair jeans. 3-4 tops that go with black bottoms. 1 cardigan. 1 dressy blazer. 1 pair dressy black shoes, one pair comfy shoes. You can wash things out in the hotel sink or have them cleaned if absolutely necessary.
Remember: if you forget something, you can probably buy it at your destination for less than you’re paying to check that bag.
Chelsea says
My first flight was a school trip and we had to pack light. Since then, I’ve perfected the art of the carry-on plus “personal bag” (stuffed to the gills). My current carry-on suitcase is missing a foot and has seen better days. Thanks for the great review. Definitely have to consider this one when I upgrade!
AlysonRR says
Here’s another plus-size woman who regularly travels with only a carry-on (plus large purse/backpack/laptop bag). Longest trip – 7 weeks.
My favorite story about traveling this way, though, is from my kids’ bags. My daughter was 9 and her clothes were tiny so 3/4 of her bag was full of books and stuffed animals. My son was 12 and he brought his Razor scooter and helmet in his bag.
Yes, TSA decided to search our bags, LOL. I think it was the Razor scooter.
That said – the TSA officer was very impressed with our packing abilities 🙂
Laura says
Very impressive!!
Crystal says
This post is hilarious! I too suffer from an extreme case of justincaseitis! Maybe if I will win we can learn to be “carry-on-ers” together. 🙂
Laura says
Awesome, I’d love that!
April says
Thanks Laura for the giveaway! It has been a goal of mine to be one of those people who can travel with a carryon only. I still pack too much stuff 🙂