Just when you thought you had the ideal bag or packing accessory, a better one comes along. The following new products have been tested by the author and may be available in stores.
SUITABLE FOR SLEEPING: So your flight is delayed and you would really like to lie down and relax. No problem. Just inflate your garment bag for an instant mattress. The JourneyRest is a 42-inch by 22-inch zippered suit bag with a concealed air mattress built into one side, running the length of the bag. Inflate the mattress using the embedded nozzle, and, voila, nap time. The bag has three large Velcro-closure interior mesh pockets, two interior corner zippered pockets, and one zippered external pocket. An adjustable interior strap secures hangers. The bag has an adjustable padded shoulder strap and built-in carry handle. Like most garment bags, the JourneyRest folds in half for travel. Keep away from sharp objects. The company's Web site cautions: "Some airports may not allow sleeping on floors. Please adhere to airport policies at all times."
JourneyRest inflatable garment bag is $195.95. Call toll-free 1-866-556-8763; www.journeyrest.com
ALL TIED UP: The age-old question - how to transport ties - has a new answer: roll 'em up. The Tie Caddy is a transparent plastic cylinder with a spindle built into the removable cap. Slide the tie (at the fold) into the spindle's gripping arm, replace the cap, with the tie hanging out of the slit in the cylinder, and turn the cap, winding the tie into the cylinder. Very simple. Each test produced a tie with no wrinkles. The 41/4-inch long by 21/4-inch-diameter Tie Caddy travels well in luggage (tuck one into each shoe to save space), stashes easily in a glove compartment and becomes a protective display case in a drawer.
Tie Caddy from Pinnacle Ventures is $5.95, $21.95 for a four-pack. Call toll-free 1-888-849-4008; www.TieCaddy.com
HOW DRY/WET I AM: Eagle Creek long has been a leader in innovative lightweight packing accessories. The Pack-It 2-Sided Cube is one of the company's most useful items. Two zippered compartments, separated by a waterproof plastic shield, protect clean/dry clothes from dirty/wet ones, all in one 14-inch by 10-inch by 4-inch-thick nylon bag. The side for dirty/wet items is completely waterproof, the other side has breathable mesh on the outside. A smaller, 10-inch by 7-inch by 31/2-inch, 2-Sided Half Cube also is available. I keep one of these in a gym bag, one in my wheeled luggage and another in the car trunk.
REALLY STRAPPED: The Vertical Deluxe Travel Companion by Victorinox is a waist pack, shoulder tote and cross-body messenger-style bag all in one. Two padded straps attached to the top of the bag rotate and click into position, pointing to the top, side or caddy-corner, allowing the bag to be carried three different ways. The 91/2-inch by 81/2-inch by 4-inch-deep nylon bag has two main zippered compartments, with an interior key clip and internal organizational panels for documents, wallet and pens. Exterior Velcro-closure pockets hold a cell phone, sunglasses and other items.
Victorinox Vertical Travel Companion from TRG Accessories comes in red, black or sapphire for $55; Call toll-free 1-888-658-0717; www.swissarmy.com
ZIP-OUT AND ABOUT: I'm always on the lookout for the latest greatest zip-out nylon bag to take along for just-in-case occasions. My criteria: It has to be featherweight, expand into a big, roomy zippered bag and have nice long shoulder straps. The Zip-Out Shopping Tote is my best find so far. Made of nylon that's like the kind used in backpacking tents, the bag expands to a huge 17 inches by 17 inches by 6 inches deep, and folds into its own 8-inch-square zippered pocket. When the bag is expanded, the pocket becomes an extra external zippered pouch. Both the bag and the pocket have double zippers, so they can be padlocked (lock not included).
Zip-Out Shopping Tote in a variety of bright colors is $19.99 from the Container Store. Call toll-free 1-800-786-7315; www.containerstore.com
- Judi Dash is a freelance writer living in Beachwood, Ohio.
