Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Traveling between the US and Europe several times a year, I bring all sorts of stuff with me from the US. In the past several years I've been carrying back even more stuff and have found myself buying more suitcases which were taking up too much space. I have an old (10 years+) X-Large Eddie Bauer duffle bag that has withstood countless trips across the Atlantic. In all these travels the only significant damage occurred a year or two ago...a small tear which I promptly repaired with some duct tape. Unfortunately Eddie Bauer no longer makes these larege duffle bags. They have larger bags but with wheels and inner supports which make them heavier and bulky.
I took a chance on this XX-Large Mountain Smith Travel Trunk, not knowing the brand. I was impressed with the material. I also like the fact that Mountainsmith has used recycled-materials. I don't remember Eddie Bauer's original specs but the Mountainsmith's material seems similar in strength, perhaps a little lighter. An important feature to me in duffles and soft suitcases is the zipper. I've had weaker bags whose zippers have failed. Thankfully this never happened en route. I'd hate to be one of these people who has his/her stuff falling out on the baggage claim conveyor belt! It's also a problem when the Zipper tag breaks off. At least most bags have two tags so you can usually open/close from the other side. The Mountain Smith's zippers seem durable.
One feature that I really like about the Travel Trunk is its compression straps. It was nice to tighten the bag after I had packed it.
My new Travel Trunk passed it first test, surviving its first trip from the US to Europe. It was almost filled to capacity with an assortment of boxes and padded inside with clothes. Only time will tell whether or not it will be as long-lasting as my Eddie Bauer.
I'll update this review after a few more trips. I also bought and reviewed an Eagle Creek Duffle which I will also update.
UPDATE FEB 6, 2010
The Mountainsmith just returned from its second trip across the Atlantic. It has one small tear on the bottom edge. Fortunately the tear is on a reinforced area. Maybe Mountainsmith knows that this is one area that may be susceptible to damage. There was also some wearing on the other side. I think I actually saw the baggage handler dragging my bag. This wearing was also on a reinforced area. I'm going to patch the tear and the worn part with duct tape and continue to use. I should note that the bag was fairly heavy (warranting a heavy bag tag from Delta) and quite packed.
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Mountainsmith Travel Trunk Recycled-FabricProduct Description: A burly bag made for carrying anything and everything, the Mountainsmith Travel Trunk is a great choice whether you're traveling across the country or driving some gear across town. The Travel Trunk is tough as nails, with a body made of 450-denier recycled PET fabric and reinforced with 1,000-denier Kodroa. More significantly, it offers a ton of storage space--from 2,900 cubic inches (medium) to 11,000 cubic inches (extra-extra-large), depending on the size you choose. As a bonus, the Travel Trunk offers no shortage of accessory pockets, including an internal zippered pocket, elastic rigging for a quick stash, and a zippered front panel pocket. Other features include two compression straps with quick-release hardware, two end haul handles, a wrapped haul handle, and a removable anti-slip shoulder strap. Compatible with the Mountainsmith Strapette harness, the Travel Trunk carries a lifetime warranty.
Medium duffel:
Dimensions: 20 by 11 by 10 inches (W x H x D)
Weight: 1 pound 14 ounces
Volume: 2,900 cubic inches
Large duffel:
Dimensions: 25 by 15 by 12 inches (W x H x D)
Weight: 2 pounds 11 ounces
Volume: 5,900 cubic inches
Extra-large duffel:
Dimensions: 30 by 16 by 15 inches (W x H x D)
Weight: 3 pounds 10 ounces
Volume: 8,500 cubic inches
Extra-extra-large duffel:
Dimensions: 33 by 17 by 16 inches (W x H x D)
Weight: 5 pounds 4 ounces
Volume: 11,000 cubic inches
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