April 18, 2010 103 Comments

My New Carry-On- Eagle Creek Tarmac 22

The other day I was complaining about my carry-on luggage. I’d just purchased a new Samsonite bag and it wasn’t working nearly as well as my much larger version of the same bag. My friend Mitch Joel told me that he had just the bag I should buy: the Eagle Creek Tarmac 22 (affiliate link). So, I did. And I have to admit, when it came in, I wasn’t very impressed. Frankly, it looked really tiny, and I was worried things wouldn’t fit into it. Then, I tried it out. Here’s a video I shot of unpacking the bag:

It’s amazing how much stuff I got into that bag. I’m in love. It functions exactly the way I wanted it to work, and better. I’m grateful to Mitch Joel for turning me on to it.

Want your own? It’s not cheap, but it’s super worth it. The Eagle Creek Tarmac 22 is cool.

You might wonder why I’d bother to review a piece of luggage. The answer is that this thing really helps me travel more effectively. I like to share the tools that help me with my job. Most times, those are books. This time? A carry-on bag.

Small update: here’s a neat problem fix by Dom Pruitt for if you have handle issues.

People always ask which camera I used to shoot my video. I use the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 (that’s a review of the camera).

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  • http://stevegarfield.com stevegarfield

    How is the handle when extended? Some of the luggage handles aren't long enough for me.

  • http://thoughtbythought.net/ Tresha Thorsen

    impressive! adored your daughter crawling around. valued the childlike exuberance and glee in your tone. and in the setting of the video. small things liberate dont they?so much room for the stuff that matters. thanks for the rec. great design.

  • http://sarahjoyalbrecht.com Sarah Joy Albrecht

    Sent this to my husband, the world traveler. If he likes it, I'll buy him one.

    Do you have any recommendations for an equally cool laptop bag? :)

    PS: Yes, kids do need to listen to their dads… but glad you have yours around playing nearby!

  • http://twitter.com/RickCartwright Rick Cartwright

    A good carry-on bag is hard to beat. I travel extensively, especially overseas and pack for a full week in a 20″ roller. This one looks really good. Thanks for the tip.

  • http://www.bizgrowthnews.com Krishna De

    Chris I love Eagle Creek – we have 2 bags that I think I purchased back in 1997 and they are still good as new. And that is brave of you opening your case for us all to see :)

  • dianebrogan

    Great video. I like the bag and the demonstration. I am surprised at how much you can pack in that small bag.
    You are pretty cool not to get upset with your daughter taking a part in your video. Your admonishment sounded like part of the script.

  • http://www.avenue3re.com Lois Ardito

    You're always out there sharing! I love that you promote, support and share at the same time. I love this video because it confirms what you do so easily. BTW, what about your laptop? A backpack?

    Lois

  • http://www.avenue3re.com Lois Ardito

    Oh yeah, forgot to mention. I want one.

  • http://www.suzemuse.com/ Susan Murphy

    Great bag, but there's totally not enough room for shoes if you're a girl. ;)

  • http://blog.jeffharbert.com/ Jeff Harbert

    Proper gear makes all the difference when it comes to travel. One piece of gear I've been using for 20 years is a photographer's vest similar to this one: http://amzn.to/cZiZFH. With 20+ pockets it's like a wearable carry-on. Keys, wallet, plane tickets, iPod, digital camera, a tiny supplemental toiletry kit (enough for 2-3 days, should the need arise), and a paperback book or two go in the pockets. The whole thing slips off to go through security.

  • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

    I love this bag! I'm ordering one now.

    (By the way, I didn't quite get the 4Luggage.com site your link sent me to. It looks like I have to bid on it. Amazon carries them, too.)

  • http://www.sortmybooks.com Anne Hannan

    Is there room to put your laptop in one of the front pockets? In Europe on Ryanair you can only have 1 bag. You cannot have a laptop bag, a carry-on luggage and a handbag (that's Irish for pocketbook?). So I am looking for a suitcase where I can put the laptop safely in the front so that it is easily removed at security.
    PS: Your luggage is scarily neat. A bit 'sleeping with enemy'.

  • http://www.lookwhatmomfound.com Rob Babiak

    Thanks for the review. It looks like a pretty sweet carry on bag. I don't travel as much as I used to but if I traveled like you this would be the bag I would buy. I especially love the shoe compartment. That is a really nice feature most suitcases dont offer. Thanks again for the video review. It was cool to see how much you really could stuff into a carry on bag.

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  • http://www.facebook.com/jeff.shuey Jeff Shuey

    good timing and great review. I'm looking for a replacement for my TUMI 22 inch roll-aboard. It's been a great bag, but it's seen more than 1 million miles of travel and is getting tired. I will take a closer look at this Eagle Creek bag. I didn't even know they made bags … until now.

  • http://www.facebook.com/jeff.shuey Jeff Shuey

    I have the same problem. My solution … a Travel Tow. It attaches to the handle in seconds to both extend it and create a pivot point that eases the strain on your wrist. Check 'em out here – Travel Tow Luggage Handle http://amzn.to/aTrgDU – or go to your local luggage store. Oddly, I have never seen one in airports. Maybe I haven't looked hard enough? Travel safely.

  • http://www.webconsuls.com Judy Helfand

    This is an easy way to start a Sunday. You know what was great about this video? (Aside from the fact that most people have had to pack a bag in their life even if it was just to go to a slumber party, which makes the topic understandable.) We all were able to see you in your home enviornment. Not the Kitchen Table Talk (KTT), but you in your loft with your little girl showing how anxious she is to be part of whatever you are doing. And isn't this part of packing? But, back to the topic. Looks like a great bag. I have a question: will it fit under the seat in front of you? I am thinking of this new airline strategy http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100406/ap_on_bi_ge… that wants to now charge for anything placed in the overhead bin. Can you offer some idea of, when fully loaded, where will this bag fit?
    P.S. A couple of days ago, based on your suggestion, I did read Benjamin Strong's http://www.benjaminmstrong.com/2009/09/how-to-t… Good info.

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    It won't fit under the seat in front of me, sadly. It's just a bit too big for that.

    And yes, Violette is often invited into my video shoots. In this case, she'd just received explicit instructions to NOT make an appearance. : )

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    I thought Eagle Creek wasn't a really good brand, but Mitch SWORE by them. Now I can see why. Though, I haven't had it on the road more than twice, so I can't talk about the wear and tear yet.

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    You could put the laptop in that inside pocket where I said I could put my jeans (where the nuts and snacks were). On the outside, I'd be worried about impact damage. It's padded, but not a lot.

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    Oh. That's a bid link? Hmm. I'll get a better link. Thanks for pointing that out. Trying out the new Google Affiliate Network.

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    Those vests are awesome. Good point out, Jeff.

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    Don't laugh, but I had the same issue. I usually travel with three pairs: dress, casual, and running. I'm at a loss for pair 2.

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    For my laptop, I'm using the Johnston & Murphy Slimline Flap Briefcase (affiliate link). It's not comfy, but it's pretty, and I was told to buy a grow-un bag. : )

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    Believe me, it was unscripted, but I try to be good at rolling with it.

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    It's pretty good. I'm 6'2″ and fully extended, it worked just fine. When I shrink it a bit to lay my bag on top, not so much.

  • http://www.avenue3re.com Lois Ardito
  • http://www.cc-chapman.com/ C.C. Chapman

    Talk one of those funny, weird, moments in time.

    As I was getting ready to go to the 140 Conference tomorrow I got thinking that I needed a new carry on bag for travel and then watching Up In The Air last night it got me thinking about it even more.

    Sit down here on Sunday morning and suddenly there is this video.

    But, you know what the key part is? Not you reviewing it. It is the fact that you said Mitch Joel recommended it. I KNOW how much he travels and how he goes light so that little endorsement alone and then you showing it off really sold me on it.

    It really is too bad that social media doesn't work right? Damn! *laugh*

  • remarkablogger

    Back in the day I used to sell Eagle Creek stuff at an outfitter's and people were rabid die-hard fans because of the thoughtful attention to functionality like this. If you have the travel a lot, the price is totally justifiable.

  • mlkeone

    Susan mentioned shoes, I'm thinking hairdryer, make-up, more shoes, not to mention hair products… :) Women just need more stuff! But it looks like a great bag for an overnight trip!!

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    Remember, you get one carry on and one personal bag. Maybe your other stuff would go in there.

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    Yeah, social media is stupid. : )

    Safe travels to 140 .

  • http://www.goldenpractices.com/ Michelle Golden

    Chris! You're right on. I have this bag and LOVE it. Plus the 20″ Tarmac which is the perfect size for up to about 3 days (we girls tend to bring more than one pair of shoes!). Might I add that the Eagle Creek packing cubes help me fit even MORE in there and I use one “folder” for dress shirts slacks and even a suit or two. It keeps them even more wrinkle free than the one-bag method. Thanks for the great video. Your daughter cracks me up.

  • http://www.goldenpractices.com/ Michelle Golden

    I get 3-4 pair (or more!) in my bag. I don't usually use the shoe compartment cuz it takes more space then just lining the sides with shoes in those little knit draw string bags.

  • http://www.ChristopherSPenn.com Christopher S. Penn

    I just got the Osprey Slipstream, and it kicks ass. Going STL/BWI/BOS with it, will see how it does on harder travel than daily stuff, but I find it's so useful that I use it for regular daily stuff too.

  • Lisa S

    Chris, did you actually say “underwears”? I thought that was a form of slang only found in the U.S. Virgin Islands where locals usually pluralize everything, underwears being foremost in their list along with K-Marts, mines, childrens, and a few others. Aside from making me laugh with that, I am seriously looking in to buying the bag (and the camera too).

  • http://www.gillianpritchett.com Gillian

    Holy crap Chris- this is awesome and given that you're a guy us gals cold probably fit in even more in stuff as we're a littler than you. BTW is your affiliate link direct with Eagle Creek ? I want to get an affiliate link too for my nomadic entrepreneurs website (not putting the URL here as it is a bit embryonic to say the least).Thanks for sharing !

  • http://www.gillianpritchett.com Gillian

    I have an Eagle Creek from the mid nineties – it works as a bcck pack and a smart suitcasey type bag – seriously robust and light downside – it was in the days when things didn't have wheels. I'm a big Eagle Creek fan.

  • http://www.gillianpritchett.com Gillian

    But we use smaller sized clothes and hotels invariably have haridryers and hey – do we really need all the stuff we cart around with us ??

  • http://www.adamboettiger.com/ Adam Boettiger

    At $285 a pop for the Eagle Creek one, I think this one is a superior product at more than half the price: OGIO Overnighter Carry-On.

  • mlkeone

    I packed for 10 days once in a bag that size! “Women need more stuff” doesn't include me! Really- the trick to traveling light are hotel cleaners and remembering that most people don't even notice if you wear the same thing twice.

  • mlkeone

    No Gillian, I can guarantee you we don't need all the stuff we cart around, either in life or when we travel. I blogged about not shopping or buying for 9 months and it was a very instructive period!

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    Might be great. I haven't tried it. Have you?

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    My affiliate link is via Amazon.

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    I say it to be funny. I say underpants or underwears. : )

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    Cool! Shoot a video. : )

  • http://www.joemanna.com/blog/ Joseph Manna

    This eases my fear, rather, anxiety of traveling. Amazing that it can hold that many clothes, books and stuff. And we're not petite dudes, either. ;-)

    Putting this on my “Things I gotta buy” list. Loved the review!

    ~joe

  • http://www.twistimage.com/blog Mitch Joel – Twist Image

    OK, here are some Black Belt tips for this awesome carry-on… buckle up!

    Get yourself the Pack-It Folder (18”) also from Eagle Creek. This thing allows you to perfectly fold and pack about 12-15 dress shirts (and dress jackets) and you can compress it down to next to nothing (way better than your One Bag technique). After that you wrap two pairs of dress pants around it and just place it in the main compartment. Use the other side (interior big zipper compartment) to roll all socks, undershirts and underwear. I use the top pocket (interior) for my toiletries (sans liquid) and cables.

    Like you, I use the exterior pocket (big one) for my liquids and I use the small exterior pocket for all of the stuff I keep in my pockets during security and check-in.

    To answer some of the comments: Yes, the extendable arm is more than tall enough (I’m 6-2). It is super-durable with what Eagle Creek calls their “No Matter What Damage Repair Policy”. As you can tell, I’m a bit of a travel nerd and nothing tops this carry-on (and yes, I’ve tried them all).

    Additional coolness, I purchased the Eagle Creek toiletry bag too because it’s light and soft, so it doesn’t pack “boxy”.

    One last comment – and this is the most important. The bag empty only weighs 8 lbs. To put that into perspective, my previous bag (a super-nice Tumi carry-on) weighed 14 lbs empty. While this may not sound like a big deal, airlines do (sometimes) weigh carry-on (Europe has a max of 22 lbs per carry-on and they weigh it), so having the lightness also allows you to pack much more.

    I use this carry-on for trips up to 10 days (no exaggeration).

    Glad you loved it, Chris… I wonder if Eagle Creek is listening :)

  • http://www.goldenpractices.com/ Michelle Golden

    Anne, you might also like this which works for European restrictions-has a very discreet laptop pocket. http://www.eaglecreek.com/bags_luggage/wheeled_…

  • http://www.adamboettiger.com/ Adam Boettiger

    @skydiver swears by it and I saw his last month. I will be ordering one and let you know. Also OGIO makes a superb backpack that has a compartment where you can slide a MacBook Pro into. The Metro. See: http://ogio.com/category/view/3/Back-Packs

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