The Luggage Blog

It’s 95 degrees outside, what better time to start thinking about the winter ski and snowboard season?  Before you head off for your first trip of the season, check out our newest category Ski and Snowboard Bags

Having the right bag can make your ski trip all the better.  All of the bags featured offer great protection for your skis or snowboard and make transportation a breeze.  Of course style is a consideration and we have you covered there as well, with a great selection from Marker and Athalon you will be styling on your next trip to the slopes.

If you require a backpack you need to seriously consider your options. You don’t want to make too hasty a decision or solely base your choice on appearances alone. The reason is there is more to backpacks for school than meets the eye. If you are not sure what features you should look for in a book bag, the following are some tips:

* It should have at least one roomy compartment that can easily accommodate all of your materials.

* Sufficient pocket space for all additional accessories you may require (I.E. pens, water bottles, cell phones, MP3 Player, etc.

* Wide, strong, soft straps that will help with weight distribution, making the sack easier to carry.

* Reinforced top handles, which can deal with heavy items or overloading (check for extra stitching in the handle area).

* All zippers should be durable and rust resistant.

* Lined interior and padding to protect the contents of the pack and will also provide more carrying comfort.

Two additional features you may find useful, depending on how long you travel and what you need to take with you, include: wheels with a locking, telescopic handle and a laptop sleeve or compartment. Nevertheless, once you have discovered the backpacks for school that meet (at least) the above criteria, you can then enjoy picking out the color and style you like best.

For a unique new school backpack design, we recommend checking out IVAR.

After the success of their early summer Great Escape Sale, Kipling is offering another round of discounts to their consumers. Now through September 7th, the Back to School Sale takes up to 30% off of their bestselling backpacks and school bags!

Check out the sale items and all that Kipling has to offer on Luggage Online.

Seen in image- Challenger Backpack $59 (regularly $74)

This article, printed in the Lansing State Journal, talks about making the switch from briefcase to backpack for business or day to day travels. Writer Jason Sheeler makes a good point- it’ll leave you hands free for texting, emailing and holding a morning dose of ‘joe. No matter how annoying the tech-ing on the go may seem, the truth is a commute to work or even a ride on the elevator is precious time. Nowadays, you can work from anywhere and having your hands free is key.

So, in keeping with this idea, we present a few backpack options for men (and ladies too!). And with back to school season kicking off this month, even if you’re not heading back into the classroom, you’ll still find plenty of deals on all of our backpacks!

The Big Ben Laptop Back with Fast Pass from Victorinox gives you all the features of a briefcase, as well TSA friendly design. The laptop compartment’s book-style opening allows you to simply unzip and leave your notebook attached to the bag during TSA screening.

The Big Ben Laptop Back with Fast Pass $279

The David King Leather Jumbo Backpack boasts a classic look, soft leather and total function at a great price. Available in three colors, it’s the kind of bag that gets better looking with age….and who doesn’t love that notion?

David King Leather Jumbo Backpack $114.95

The dash of color on the outside and pop-out-at-you lining sets the Briggs & Riley Glide Backpack apart from other basic black business backpacks. With tons of organization, including a compartment that will hold a 15 inch laptop, this pack offers style and the excellent performance Briggs & Riley is known for.

Briggs & Riley Verb Collection ‘Glide’ Backpack $177

The Tumi T-Tech Adventure Covertible Computer Messenger Backpack has two easy carrying options. Wear it on the back or across the body for hands-free traveling with briefcase function. A younger, more stylized offering from Tumi, it will hold a laptop, but will also serve as a day bag for your well-deserved free time.

Tumi T-Tech Adventure Convertible Computer Messenger Backpack $225

Looking great when traveling to school is important to some students, while others couldn’t care less what they looked like.  Despite what category you fit into, all you need to remember when it comes to choosing a backpack school bag is you will want one that is functional.  For those interested in fashion and the latest trends, this doesn’t mean you have to give up your style in favor of practicality because there are many brands that make quality sacks that look fabulous.

It is never a good idea to sacrifice your comfort just to look good, especially when you are traveling with the backpack day in and day out.  Therefore, make sure whatever you select is suitable to the amount of traveling you do as well as the items you need to carry.  For instance, while you may really like messenger bags, this style of bag may not be best suited to your needs if you have a long commute and will require additional items beyond school books and snacks.  On the other hand, it may be the perfect choice for a student that drives or is driven to school.

Nonetheless, just make sure that the trendy backpack school carrier you select has all of the pockets, adjustable strong straps and compartments you require.  Also, there is no harm in selecting more than one knapsack if you would like to change up your look!  Shop for all your back to school backpacks at LuggageOnline.com

Travel related news gathered from around the web and brought to you weekly:

- In response to United Breaks Guitars, MSNBC offers tips to keep your instrument safe during travel.

- Shop for undies at the airport? Victoria Secret store opened at NY’s JFK Airport.

- The New York Times lists Top 10 Travel Gadgets under $50.

- American Airline raises checked baggage charges. Up $5 from previous fee.