eBags Blog

Memorial Day Accessories

Shari — Sat, 12 May 2012 12:04:06 +0000

Memorial Day weekend is not only a time of reflection, it is also a time when many people head outdoors for barbecues, parties, camping trips, and more. Afterall, many people have the day off, the weather tends to be nice, and it’s sort of the unofficial kickoff to summer.

Even though Memorial Day is at the end of the month, it’s only weeks away which means now is the time to make sure you have all the Memorial Day accessories you need. Whether you’re planning an event, taking the family out camping, or simply want to show your patriotism, you’re sure to find something that’ll come in handy from our picks below.

Can You Tie Dye A JanSport Backpack?

Shari — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:01:59 +0000

The answer is yes with the JanSport To Dye For backpack.

One look at this pack at first and you’d think it was just a plain white school backpack. It has all the features you find in most JanSport packs including padded shoulder straps, large main compartment, front pocket with organizer, and padded back panel. In fact, it is actually the iconic SuperBreak with a special edition tie dye label.

But this pack actually comes with more - a Tulip® Tie-Dye-Kit. The kit includes three dye colors in separate dispensers, plastic protective gloves, a table cover, zip ties, and instructions. Everything you need to customize this backpack with your own tie-dye design. So if you’ve been looking for a backpack that you can tie-dye for school, college, or everyday, look no further than the JanSport To Dye For backpack - available now at eBags.com!

A Look At The Eco Traveler 18” Checkpoint Friendly Solar Backpack

Whimsical Handbags

Shari — Thu, 10 May 2012 21:08:23 +0000

Sometimes a handbag isn’t just about fashion. It can make a statement. It can say something about your personality. It can even make someone smile as is the case with whimsical styles.

Whimsical handbags are bags that have fun and fantastical elements incorporated into their design. From unique shapes to out of the box materials to nostalgic details, when you want to wear something light-hearted that’s sure to turn heads, look no further than bags with a little whimsy like these below.

	Ashley M bags are by far some of the more unique styles you’ll find on eBags. From bags with clocks to bags featuring legends like Marilyn Monroe and Elvis, when you want something different, take a look at the Ashley M collection. One of my favorites right now is the Ashley M Metallic Fish Purse. Just as the name suggests, this mini bag looks just like a fish down to the metallic color, scales, fish tail, and the bag opening which resembles the mouth. Carry by hand or wear across your body at your next special event and you’ve got a truly unique evening bag that’s sure to make people smile.
	Nothing says summer like a swimming pool so it stands to reason that a bag that looks like a pool is the perfect summer bag. This is exactly what you have in the Kate Spade Pool Party Pool Clutch. The print on patent leather looks just like waves in a pool and the clasp resembles a pool ladder. Whether you choose to carry this as a day clutch or use it for evening events, you’ll appreciate the high quality construction and the whimsical detail this bag offers.
	Sometimes whimsy can be about fun details. The Mellow World Pearls Fashion Shoulder Bag features colorful pearl-style buttons on the exterior that are reminiscent of candy buttons - yep that retro candy you eat off the paper. Colorful and fun, you’ll love the nostalgic design combined with a trend-right chain handle and functional large main compartment.
	Speaking of times gone by, if you’re looking for whimsical meets retro, you’ll love the Prezzo Acrylic Photo Double Handle Shoulder Bag. The Romance style features a black and white photo of a happy couple embracing - a scene reminiscent of photos from the 40’s and a scene oft repeated throughout the years. You can’t help but smile when you see this design.
	This bag is so sweet you might want to eat it. Well, not really but it might get you in the mood for some fresh summer fruit. The Global Elements Suede Sequin bag is the closest you can come to wearing a strawberry without dressing like one. The bold red suede and red sequins are accented by whimsical green leaves to complete the look.

Tumi Dror Bags

Shari — Tue, 08 May 2012 21:12:24 +0000

Tumi Dror (or Dror for Tumi as it is something referred to) is one of Tumi’s newest collections and is the result of collaboration between Tumi and international design artist Dror. Together they sought to create bags that move effortlessly with you from office to evening, from home to the streets to the airport, and in between. Each bag combines style and elegance with functionality and was made with single needle tailoring and unyielding attention to detail.

While it has the same exceptional craftsmanship and design you’ve come to expect from Tumi products, it has something even more - evolutionary functionality. Unlike many other travel bags, Tumi Dror bags are designed to change as your needs change throughout the day. For example, you can start the morning carrrying a top carry tote. As you pack more in the bag, it expands to accommodate. If the bag becomes too heavy to carry by hand, it can easily be reconfigured into a backpack.

The Dror for Tumi collection includes styles perfect for any type of travel from overnight stays to week long excursions. See them all at eBags.com.

Outside Magazine names eBags EXO Hardside 24″ Spinner Among “The Year’s Best Gear”

Will — Wed, 02 May 2012 17:18:27 +0000

Big day here at the eBags.com HQ! Our very own eBags EXO Hardside Spinner 24″ was named among the year’s top gear in the 2012 Outside Magazine Buyer’s Guide! Of the hundreds upon hundreds of bags to choose from, the recognition of our EXO Hardside is truly an honor, and we’re very excited to share the pages of the buyer’s guide with such industry notables.

Stating the EXO is best for defensive travelers, Outside called the bag “the most durable and versatile spinner (a bag with four wheels instead of two) we’ve ever tested,” noting it was also the safest bag by way of the integrated TSA lock. Much attention to detail that went into the EXO’s design, so to have it be put to the test from smooth airport floors to the cobblestone streets of Barcelona and see it return home dent-free is great.

While the recognition from Outside is truly spectacular, we need to thank our loyal customers for rating this bag so highly on eBags.com. The eBags EXO Hardside 24″ Spinner is recommended by 95% of customers who have purchased it and maintains a “Best of the Best” rating. “Best of the Best” products are determined by eBags customers who’ve provided ratings of products they’ve purchased. In order for a product to receive this designation, it must meet the criteria of having: 1) an overall rating 4.0 or above (out of 5.0 maximum), and 2) 90% or more of all customers stating they would buy the product again.

From the Press Release: “A designer designs a product with the utmost thought and attention to detail to ensure its success and longevity, but not really knowing if the market will embrace the unique characteristics that make it special,” said Bernard Majeau, director of product development for eBags.com since 2000. “To achieve this critical acclaim twice from such an industry-leading source as Outside is truly an honor for eBags.”

Considered the most trusted source in the industry, the Outside Buyer’s Guide reviewers put hundreds of products through rigorous testing every year. Only a small fraction of these products deemed “The Year’s Best Gear” make it into the annual Buyer’s Guides. Published twice a year, Outside’s Buyer’s Guides deliver the world’s most comprehensive review of gear, tools, and technology that are essential to enjoying the active lifestyle.

“eBags products are designed from the ground up with travelers in mind. We refuse to cut corners and we build products that we love to carry ourselves. The fact that Outside recognized the EXO Spinner is validation that our focus on exceeding consumer expectations is delivering results,” said Peter Cobb, senior vice president and co-founder of eBags.com.

The eBags EXO Hardside Spinner collection comes in 6 colors (black, green, red , yellow, blue, and grey) and is available in two different sizes, equipped for the rugged travels of the road warrior.

• eBags EXO Hardside 24″ Spinner (MSRP $179.99)
• eBags EXO Hardside Spinner Carry-On (MSRP $149.99)

eBags Travel Photo of the Day: Tracy Friley

Tran — Tue, 01 May 2012 18:54:24 +0000

Thank you Tracey for sharing your amazing travel photo with us!!

Bon Accor Lagoon / Tobago, West Indies / February 2012

Tracey Friley: http://www.OneBrownGirl.com

If you have great Travel photos that you would like to share with us, we will post them here on our blog and Facebook Page with a link and credit to your website or Facebook Page as “Travel Photo of the Day!”.

Please email twills at ebags (dot) com with “Travel Photo of the Day!” in the subject line. We can’t wait to see where all of you have been!!!

“Attitude of Gratitude” Mother’s Day Video Contest

Tran — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:28:39 +0000

“Attitude of Gratitude” Mother’s Day Video Contest gives entrants the opportunity to submit a short video answering the simple question: I’m grateful to my mom because ______________.” While the bulk of submissions will come from adult children honoring their mothers, the contest is also open to husbands and other family members wanting to recognize the moms in their lives. One lucky mom will take off for breathtaking Tucson, Arizona, where she and a guest will spend a relaxing three-day, all-inclusive stay at Canyon Ranch. The Grand Prize also includes complimentary treatments at the resort’s award-winning spa and two sets of eBags Mother Lode luggage. “Here at eBags, we live and breathe travel—and we know the important part that luggage plays in every great trip,” says eBags VP of Merchandizing, Nancy Behrendt. “We’re thrilled to get this chance to combine our expertise with a heartfelt message to moms everywhere: We love you, and you deserve an amazing escape!”

“Mom’s the Word” Mother’s Day Gift Guide: For Moms, By Moms.

Will — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:24:10 +0000

One day a year to celebrate mom is not enough. Alas, Mother’s Day only comes that often. So this year, we thought to do something a little different. We asked a group of real mom bloggers what they think would make the best gift for your mom this year. Who better than actual moms putting together a gift guide to help us choose the perfect gift, right?

We pointed these mom bloggers towards our Bags by eBags department page and let them choose from the plethora of items.

So we could have honest recommendations by each mom on this list, we sent them the travel item of their choice and asked them to tell us why they chose it.

Read on to see what these women had to say!

eBags Savvy Laptop Tote

“I chose this bag because it has a pocket for everything. This bag has everything from a front slash pocket for storage of airline ticket or items that require easy access to a pocket for umbrella or newspaper storage. Inside is a well thought out business organizer panel. There is a place for pens, cell phone, PDA or any business essential. Mom will have no trouble stashing all of her belongings. The matching removable laptop sleeve fits laptops up to 13×11x1-1/2. The accessory pouch conveniently snaps to an inside ring for security and easy access. This would be perfect for storing cords or other computer accessories.

The main compartment has zippered closure to keep mom’s belongings safe. There is a pocket on one end unzips to hold a full size water bottle or larger items. I love this next feature, there is a pass thru strap that allows mom to slip bag over the handle of a wheeled suitcase. There is nothing worse than trying to carry more than one bag through a busy airport! Finally, speaking of carrying bags, this one is lightweight! Mom can carry it whatever she needs to go without having the burden of a heavy laptop tote.” - Leslie. Read more at ALittleUmbrella.com

eBags Mother Lode TLS 29″ Wheeled Duffel

“The eBags Mother Load TLS 29″ Wheeled Duffel is the perfect Mother’s Day gift! It rolls, is cute and is the perfect size to carry all of mom’s things as she travels in the upcoming year! I received one in blue and pulled it all over the house and it is so easy to navigate! I just knew airports were going to be a breeze with this bad boy in tow! And they so were! My beautiful eBags bag made its first cross country trip this past weekend and I will never travel with another bag! Most moms have all the jewelry they need. They have flowers galore. But what most moms do not have is an escape from everyday life! So pick up this bag from eBags, pop a ticket to a tropical paradise on the inside and give Mom the thrill of her life this year!” - Jeannette. Read more at JManandMillgerbug.com

eBags Kalya Town Square

“I chose the Kayla Town Square bag because as a mom, I’m always on the move. From lugging three kids to softball practice, chorus or a simple day to the park, necessities are always needed. I have a daughter with type 1 Diabetes so I always carry her supplies along with snacks, juice and anything else a Mother has to keep on hand.

What I love most about the bag I chose was how organized it is. There is tons of room for everything I have to carry with me. It’s all spaced and separated in several different compartments for easy access. It allows me to separate my daughters emergency Diabetes supplies away from my sons toy cars.

I believe this bag would make for a great Mother’s Day gift no matter what age. The Kayla Town Square is so versatile for many different needs. It can easily be used for a diaper bag with all the access. It also makes for a great gym/yoga bag. The yoga mat strap at the bottom of the bag along with the water bottle side compartment makes for excellent use of space and easily fits in your gym locker.” - Laura. Read more at Extreme Southern Couponing

eBags Crew Cooler II

“Summer is my favorite time of the year. When the sun is out and we can spend time outside and on the lake. However, with two kids in tow, it’s hard to be away from the house too long without food and water. Fortunately, my friends at eBags are awesome and make a huge lunchbox type cooler with a ton of storage. They sent me this … Crew Cooler II so that we will never be without sustenance (as long as I remember to pack the food and bring it with us). eBags sent me this bag as part of their Mom’s The Word Gift Guide. They reached out to a select number of mom’s with blog and had them pick an item from Bags by eBags that would make a perfect Mother’s Day gift. Clearly I chose the Cooler because it’s going to make my life easier.” Jessica. Read more at MyTimeasMom.com

eBags SOHO Leather Mobile Office

“See, my mom, even though she’s in her 50’s, has gone back to school to become a lawyer. She will be starting law school very soon and I thought one present that would be perfect for her this year is a really nice briefcase. Not only will she be able to use it when she is a lawyer, but she’ll be able to use it during her schooling as well. She can store her laptop easily in this bag, along with her school books now and files/paperwork in the future! Not only is this bag practical, it’s also very stylish and sophisticated. I want my mom to know I support her as she works hard at her schooling, so I thought this would be a great way to do so. It’s PERFECT and I can’t wait to give it to her this year! I know she’ll love it! I love it so much, I was REALLY tempted to keep it for myself!!” - Janessa. Read more at ThirfityNiftyMommy

eBags Router Wheeled Laptop Convertible

“This is a great pick for a trip for my needs because it can be used as a carry-on and can hold my laptop for my blogging needs while big enough to hold the kids art supplies to keep them busy on trips. Plus the wheels mean I can load it up as much as I want. I love the stylish mono-pole handle system and the wide base that means it doesn’t tip easily. The luggage is convertible though so if you need you can use it as a backpack too. I love luggage that has compartments and this bag offers secret compartments that I can stash the kids candy. Whether you are a Mom who needs luggage for a getaway or a family vacation there’s choices galore at eBags.” - Angela. Read more at TheFreebieJunkie.com

eBags TLS Mobile Office

“We all know Moms are B-U-S-Y! I wanted to find a great bag that can help busy moms pack easier, faster, and more efficiently…and be able to find everything when they get to their destination! Sometimes, I am so busy, all I have time for is to throw everything in one bag without any organization, rhyme or reason! I am so glad I never have to do that again because with my new TLS Mobile Office bag from eBags, there is only room for organization! It forces me to slow down, put things in the right place, and get everything I need in the bag safe and sound!” - Marissa. Read more at TheReviewStew.com

eBags Padded Pouches

“I decided that a really wonderful Mother’s Day gift from Bags by eBags would be their 3 piece Padded Pouches Set. I chose this item for a number of reasons including the fact that it is very reasonably priced. I also love that the pouches come in such useable sizes. They are perfect for holding an Ipod, Digital Camera, Kindle, Nook or other tablet, and similar type items. They would also be perfect, and possibly what I’ll be using mine for, to hold various knitting supplies such as knitting needles, stitch markers, scissors, and so on.” Lisa. Read more at ALifeFullofLaughter.com

eBags Terrace Mini Bag

“I have a fantastic suggestion that she is going to LOVE! It’s called a Terrace Mini Bag from eBags! I am absolutely in love with this product. Mom will be ready to toss out the unflattering fanny pack when she sees this little bag. It’s perfect for a day at a theme park, the zoo, or the mall. Even every day! This bag is filled with pockets so there’s a place for everything ~ your credit cards and cash, cell phone, personal items, small camera, MP3 player, park map, and more!” - Susan. Read more at SusanHeim.Blogspot.com

eBags TLS Weekender Convertible

“Whether we’re a stay at home mom, a work at home mom, or a mom working outside of the home, we’re exhausted by the end of the day and we deserve a vacation once in a while, even if it’s just a weekend away, and I think the eBags Mother Lode TLS Weekender Convertible is perfect for just that. I’m a busy mom who works two jobs so I know just how important it is to get away sometimes. This is a fairly light weight bag and the padded straps are comfortable and the separate laptop storage compartment is nice as well. In exploring this bag further and on up-zipping all of the zippers to check out the compartments, I came across a small compartment that contained a small pullout pouch for holding a water bottle or maybe even a flashlight to allow easy access and when not using it just conveniently goes back inside and zips back up. This Mother Lode TLS Weekender Convertible is perfect for a weekend away from home and there is plenty of space for enough clothes to last you while you’re away.” - Angie. Read more at PreciselyMine.Blogspot.com

eBags Mother Lode TLS Mini 21″ Wheeled Duffel

“I’m thrilled to carry this along later when I travel to Atlanta as I foresee practical convenience and ease in travel with all I need packed in a bag that will hold fort all the way to my destination and back. Plus I won’t have to go crazy hunting for what I need in one big mixed up pile, everything will have its own place of residence in one of the many pockets/compartments. With the crazy prices you need to pay for check-in bags, it definitely makes more sense to invest in a carry-on you can trust… yup, like my traveling choice, the eBags Mother Lode TLS Mini !” - Marina. Read more at EnergizerBunniesMommyReports.com

ebags Kalya Town Square

“The look is beautiful, and so is the material. The nylon interior will mean that it is easy to clean so you wont have to worry about your bag stinking like sweaty clothes all the time. The outside looks like a soft, lush fabric, but it is actually”soft-hand nylon”! It has a fabulous feel, and do not look like nylon. There are so many pockets and compartments in this bag that there is a spot for everything. There are front and inside zipper pockets, a front flap with a zippered mesh pocket perfect for keys and your cell phone, and even a mesh water bottle pocket. One of my favorite features is the hide-away compartment that turns into a Yoga Mat Sling! I know that my mom is going to LOVE this bag! It is perfect a trip to the gym, or even to take with her when she is out kayaking.” - Jessie. Read more at MomVantage.com

“I am super excited about this product. We recently went on a trip to Disney World. I decided to put all of my kids things in this suitcase to see if I could get it all to fit. It most definately did. I was able to place it all in their just perfect. There are 2 compartments on the inside of the suitcase. One side has a large mess cover with a zipper that goes around 3 sides. I placed my baby girls things on that side and fit it all just perfect. I then zipped it up and it held everything in place just perfect. I was super excited to share this product with you and think it would make a fabulous gift for Mother’s Day! I think this gift would be perfect for mom. It would make things so much easier for traveling. Especially when you have your hands full and juggling several things at once. This suitcase would definately make things easier in more way then one!!!” - Amber. Read more at WahmConnectReviews.com

eBags Mother Lode TLS Junior 25″ Wheeled Duffel

“As a former business road warrior and a mom who’s traveled to nearly every state and many countries, I’ve spent weeks and months living out of suitcases and traveled tens of thousands of miles and mores lugging suitcases through airports, hotels, rental cars and more. I’ve lugged around dozens of different suitcases and hated nearly all of them, that was until this weekend. As many of you have been reading, I just traveled from Iowa to NYC in a whirlwind trip for a special movie screening of Marvel’s The Avengers. During my trip, I had the great opportunity to try out the eBags Mother Lode TLS Junior 25″ Wheeled Duffel. This heavy duty and highly rated bag is everything that the glowing reviews on the eBags website claims it to be and more. It’s got a convenient design, is durable and rolls like a dream, even when you have it stacked with a purse and laptop case.” - Kim. Read more at TwoKidsandaCoupon.com

So there, you have it. We asked some real moms what they thought would make nice gifts this year for Mother’s Day. This is a great round up of items that are sure to make mom smile.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there!

Will

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CHECK VS. CARRY: Defusing the Ultimate Travel Dilemma

Tran — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 18:12:04 +0000

We’ve all been there: just hours before departure time, and you’re still trying to land on a luggage strategy. Load up the behemoth and throw caution to the wind, or cram the 22-inch carry-on and hope for perfect weather? Here are a few simple facts to help you decide - and some tips to make either strategy work for you.

THE ARGUMENT FOR CHECKED

• Breeze through security lines
• Avoid the three-ounce scramble
• Hand off unwieldy duty-free items
• No hustling for overhead bin space
• Make tight connections, unencumbered
• No need to pack light—be prepared for everything

THE ARGUMENT FOR CARRY-ON

• Avoid lines with quick kiosk check-in
• Save the checked bag fee for your trip
• Have everything you need within reach
• Reduce chances of lost or stolen items
• Skip the waits and crowds at baggage claim
• No extra stuff—bring only what you need

4 TIPS FOR A SAFER CHECKED BAG

1) Destination Confirmation. At check-in, make sure the gate agent attaches the correct destination tags to your bag - and make extra-sure they match your baggage claim tickets. And of course, always make sure your bag has a luggage tag with all your current contact information.

2) Fly with Flair. Remember how your grandma had a big rainbow ribbon on her suitcase? Turns out, the old girl was pretty smart. Consider doing the same or using one of our colorful luggage handle wraps to set your luggage apart.

3) Handle with Care. It’s wise to keep fragile items in your carry-on bags. Even well-packed delicates may be at risk in your checked luggage if the item must be unwrapped for inspection.

4) Murphy’s Law. Be prepared for a lost, stolen, damaged or delayed bag by packing your carry-on bags with 48 hours worth of essentials. If you’re checking more than one piece of luggage, distribute your belongings so that the loss of one bag won’t ruin your trip. Delayed bags typically arrive within a day or so, but be prepared to itemize your bag’s contents should you need to submit a claim later.

4 TIPS FOR A PERFECT CARRY-ON

1) Stow Your Liquids. Remember, the liquids and gel ban is still in full effect. Your travel-size toiletries must be three ounces or less, and fit comfortably in a ONE quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag. Using a 3-1-1 kit is a great way to make sure you comply with this rule.

2) Know Your Limits. Some airlines still allow you to bring two pieces of carry-on baggage without charge: a rolling suitcase and a laptop bag, for example, PLUS personal items like a handbag or duty-free goods.
Folding strollers and booster seats may be gate-checked, but will be waiting for you when you arrive.

3) Size Matters. Major U.S. airlines require that carry-on bags must not exceed 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (45 linear inches). Your best bet is a roll-aboard that fits into the overhead with the wheels or handle first.
Even though your bag may technically fit lengthwise, flight attendants may still ask you to check it.

4) Open + Shut Case. After you’ve stowed your bag, keep an eye on your overhead bin to make sure the attendant shuts it. A protruding bag will be the first one moved farther away from where you’re sitting.

Meet Rothco Bags - Vintage Military Style

Shari — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:14:03 +0000

If you love vintage military style, you’ll love our newest brand Rothco.

Rothco was founded in 1953 and for over 50 years has been a supplier of military and outdoor products for uniform dealers and Army/Navy surplus stores. Their bags include messenger bags and shoulder bags in classic vintage military styles. The Rothco Vintage Woodland Messenger Bag, for example, is made from heavyweight canvas with the unmistakable camouflage pattern while the Rothco Vintage Classic Messenger Bag - Army Eagle Print features the Army eagle logo on khaki canvas.

You’ll appreciate that these bags are not only great looking, they’re also functional enough for everyday use. With multiple interior pockets and high quality materials and construction, Rothco bags have a truly lasting quality. They’re also very affordable. All Rothco bags on eBags currently are priced below $50.

Rothco Vintage Classic Messenger Bag - Army Eagle Print

Rothco Vintage Woodland Messenger Bag

Rothco Vintage Explorer Messenger Bag

Rothco Paratrooper Bag with Star