Haul it All

Disclaimer: I received an Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Duffel as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

Traveling to more races farther away means carrying more stuff.   I have a tendency to over pack.  I like to be prepared for all contingencies you know? 😛  However that would usually leave me with a few bags.  I would try to fit it all in one but would generally fail.    I had no idea how I was going to handle packing for my trip to Las Vegas.

Then I found the Cargo Hauler Duffel from Eagle Creek and I had a solution to most of my problems.  I don’t think I’ll ever stop over packing.  😛

I admit I was a little confused when it first arrived.  It was so small!  I had somehow missed the part where it zips into itself for convenient storage.  Then I opened it up.   It was like a TARDIS moment- it’s bigger on the inside!!!

Some technical specs from the website-

• ULTRA-LIGHT  (the 60L weighs only 1 lb 12 oz)
• Made with an extra-durable, water-repellent coated Bi-Tech™ Armor Lite fabric: a fusion of technology that merges max abrasion-resistance with ultra-light carry
• Bartack reinforcement on all high stress points for maximum schlepping
• Carry by its removable backpack straps, padded top haul handles, or side grab handle
• U-shaped lid for easy access to main compartment
• Sizeable easy-access zippered end pockets for gear organization
• Six heavy-duty lash points for attaching this bag to a roof rack
• #10 lockable zippers with storm flap shield zipper from rain
• Bottom is foam padded to help protect contents against impact

So how has it held up? I used it for local races where I was finally able to take a change of clothes, toiletry bag, and ALL the water in the same bag.  No, seriously, prior to that I would be lugging around my gym bag, a large lunch bag, and a reusable bag.  I mentioned over packing right?  I love that I can keep my toiletries and shoes separate from the main compartment by using the end compartments.   The back pack straps are actually super comfortable.

Beyond that, I lugged it all over airports and planes and taxis to Las Vegas and back.  And it performed beautifully.  At full capacity it is actually slightly too big to be a carry on which is why I was concerned about leaving extra space when I packed for my flight to Vegas.  Only to find out that my flight back had even tighter carry on restrictions.  Why?  The plane was TINY!  Like they were force checking baggage at the gate for free because it wouldn’t fit in the overhead compartments.  What airline checks baggage for free??  I was scared mine wouldn’t pass, I had bought a few things in Vegas and did not pack things anywhere near as tightly but I passed!!!  Whew.

Even better- for a germophobe like me, I was able to literally hose it off before I packed it up to store it for my next trip.  Now I want to take that trip.  But where to????

The only thing I wish the duffel had was some way to cinch tight the parts you weren’t using.  So if you weren’t using one of the end compartments it wouldn’t even have to be opened.

So now really, where’s my next trip?

How do you travel?

For more thoughts on the Cargo Hauler Duffel, check out other BibRave Pros-

Jenna | Mai | Meridith

Laura   Emily