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Fifty Sense: Common Sense Ideas for Thriving after 50
Fifty Sense: Common Sense Ideas for Thriving after 50

Review: High Sierra

Fifty Sense Seal of Approval

It is hard to describe such an awesome company. Their product are high quality, guaranteed for life, and they continue to grow, coming up with better, lighter, and a wider variety of products to meet everyone's needs. Whether you are traveling across the city, country, or around the world, you should be able to find the right bag to fit your needs.

High Sierra Sport Company is dedicated to giving back to the community - from donating bags to sponsoring community festivals. High Sierra is the official supplier for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Teams and a proud sponsor of The World's Greatest Travelers. High Sierra also has longstanding memberships that include the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), SnowSports Industries America (SIA) and the Travel Goods Association (TGA).

AT Gear Duffel – AT2502
AT Gear is a new collection from a company that specializes in travel gear for all uses. The AT Gear series is designed to withstand rugged use and is made with the latest high-tech materials and hardware.

The AT2502 is a 36” Drop-bottom wheeled duffel that also has backpack straps. A quick look at this bag tells you that it’s made to carry an enormous amount of gear – from the heavy-duty zipper pulls to the handle straps secured by 4 through-rivets at each end. A nice touch is the reflective piping for added safety.

The large top compartment has an easy access u-shaped opening and there’s a zippered divider panel between the top and bottom compartments that can make one very large compartment. The full sized drop-bottom compartment also has hold-down straps to keep your items from moving around and is great for shoes, boots and so forth. Two zippered top-loading end compartments provide plenty of space for miscellaneous items or items you want separated from the rest.

High Sierra calls this two bags in one – a wheeled duffel or a backpack. The backpack straps are stored behind the zippered padded back panel. Frankly, except in extreme circumstances, most of our fiftysense.com readers will rather use the telescoping/locking handle and oversized skate-style wheels to move this bag around. It can hold up to 9760 cubic inches! It is a great bag with lots of room and intelligent design to make that room easier to utilize.

Adventure Travel AT7 30” Rolling Duffel

This collection is designed to be versatile, lightweight yet rugged enough to last years of travel and adventures. It’s capacity is 5600 cubic inches but the weight is kept down by using 600D Duralite fabric (600x600 denier) with a special water resistant coating to help keep your gear dry. The inline skate wheels are constructed with ball bearings to make the bag easier to maneuver with the retractable, locking handle.

The bag itself is large enough to carry gear to last a long time. The ushaped opening to the main compartment provides excellent access to all your gear. A side-load compartment and front pocket are perfect for stowing items you don’t want lost in the main compartment. At only 6.7 pounds, this bag is light enough to take anywhere. The Boysenberry color is very easy to spot at baggage claim!

Endeavor 22” Carry-on Spinner Upright

This bag was definitely made for walking. The dual spinner wheels glide smoothly in all directions and over any surface. A high-density foam structure helps maintain shape while minimizing weight. The aluminum telescoping handle locks securely in place and is comfortable for a traveler well over 6” tall. A nice safety feature is the reflective piping for nighttime use.

The bag itself is cleverly laid out with two front pockets of different sizes, including a hidden ID holder in the upper pocket. The main compartment contains a large mesh pocket and interior hold-down straps. It also expands up to 2” for additional storage capacity. The carry handle on the top is large and well-padded which makes it a joy to use.

AT659 32” Expandable Wheeled Duffel with Backpack Straps

With strict airline regulations on baggage weight it has become even more important to find a lightweight piece of luggage. But that doesn’t mean that we want to sacrifice any of the bells and whistles! High Sierra’s AT6 line is extremely lightweight- this 32” duffel weighs in at only 11 lbs! And it has so mane features it is almost impossible to list them all! But we are going to give it a whirl anyway!

A large front compartment with front-load access has a zippered front compartment with additional storage capacity. The drop-bottom compartment expands 2.5 and has hold down straps- keeping everything compact. I love the zippered divider panel between the front and drop-bottom compartments, which can be rolled up to create one large compartment! This allows you to be able to open up the duffel or access everything from the top compartment.

The molded foot allows duffel to stand upright- SO nice when you are trying to finagle your way through an airport or train station! It also acts as a handle for easy lifting. One of the best features for adventure travel is the hidden padded backpack straps. When we had a travel on foot for a distance it proved to be so much easier to strap it on rather than try and wheel along the bumpy, uneven cobble stone streets!

We would all love to pack light and squeeze all the necessities into a small luggage piece, but there are some adventures that simply require more. This is a large duffel that travels with the ease of a carry-on!

Wheeled Carry-On Boot Bag

Ever wish your ski or snowboard boots could be packed on your carry on when you travel? This awesome boot bag meets airline carry-on size requirements yet is so good looking and multipurpose, can be used for any travel needs.

It has a large main compartment with book-style opening and interior clothing straps fits ski or snowboard boots up to size 13. The zippered gusset allows the main compartment to expand 2.25" for additional storage capacity. A separate compartment holds hats, gloves and additional gear. The front pocket has organizer with zippered mesh pocket and key fob.

The hidden padded backpack straps are stored behind the zippered padded back panel. This is really appreciated when you have another bag and ski bag. Just put it on your shoulders and you still have two hands! It has a recessed, telescoping lightweight aluminum handle system with locking mechanism and rugged, corner-mounted wheels, with a unique integrated bridge; that keeps the bag rolling What we really love about this bag is the extras.

It has a tuck-away mesh sport flap that is hidden in a zippered pocket and holds a helmet securely on the front of the bag, and even a tuck away mesh bottle holder. Just because we may rough it on the slopes doesn't mean we have to rough it getting there!

Powerglide

Just when we think High Sierra Designs have a bag for everyone, they come up with another one. This bag is perfect for the city or traveling. The large, multi-compartment design with CUSHION ZONE padded computer sleeve– holds most 17" (screen size) notebook computers. It is made from Waffle Weave, 600-denier Duralite; so light! Although it doesn't say so in the description, this can be used as a carry-on.

You don't need a separate bag for your valuables because of its large, zippered front compartment that has a premium organizer with media pocket, zippered pocket, multiple open pockets and removable key fob. There is even a separate zippered accessory compartment has a headphone port. The zippered side pockets hold a water bottle or other gear and the triangle clip can be used to attach a lock or other accessories.

The smooth rolling, corner-mounted wheels, double-tube telescoping handle stows inside a protective zippered compartment with a deluxe flush-mounted, double-tube telescoping handle, contoured, adjustable Vapel™ mesh padded shoulder straps store behind a zippered, padded back panel and the comfortable Vapel™ mesh padded grab handle offers multiple ways to carry the bag. The corner guards and a kick plate protect the bag from abrasion. It even has reflective accents for night safety.

Beatrice

With many pockets to keep you organized, this is a perfect travel companion. There is a large zippered inner compartment with an open computer pocket that makes it easy to slide your notebook in or out with no hassle. Also on the interior is a cell multi pocket organizer to keep all your little odds and ends in place.

On the exterior of the tote there is a back zippered cell phone pocket so that you can keep it in easy access. There is also a water bottle pocket- great for day trips.

Thanks to the padded shoulder straps it stays comfortable all day and with padded back panel and bottom it protects all of your belongings from the bump and grind of everyday life.

Whether using this bag as your everyday tote, carry-on in the airplane or day travel bag it will keep you organized and safe!

24" Pack-N-Go Duffel

We always seem to need a lightweight bag, whether it is for weekend trips, or needing that extra bag on our return trip. This Pack-N-Go Duffel fits our lifestyle perfectly. It meets the airline carry-on size requirements and is two bags in one! You can use it as a regular duffel or wear it like a backpack. We find we don't travel without it!

The large main compartment with zippered opening has handle straps that convert into convenient backpack straps. The easy-access pocket keeps essentials close at hand. This duffel stows away into its own useful toiletry pouch when the duffel is removed. The multi-pocket toiletry pouch hangs from a webbing loop. The duffel has a comfortable padded handle wrap and an adjustable shoulder strap. The duffel size is24" x 13" x 11.5" and all packs into the toiletry Pouch Size which is12" x 9". Because it is made from 600-denier Duralite®, it weighs next to nothing, yet is tough.

EL103- Elevate 34 inch Drop-Bottom Wheeled Duffel

The airlines make it harder and harder to travel with enough clothing and accessories to make the trip enjoyable. High Sierra Sport, a leader in travel luggage, seems to always be looking for ways to improve their luggage. They have come up with a 34" wheeled duffel that only weighs 8.8pounds! We weighed one of our older bags from another company and it weighed 20.6 pounds! The difference alone makes this a piece to look at. But they haven't given up any of the quality they are known for.

This piece has special built-in high density foam structure that helps maintain the bag's shape while minimizing weight. It's large drop bottom compartment is perfect for shoes, and the zippered divider panel between the upper and lower compartments can be rolled up and secured to create one large compartment.

The recessed, telescoping lightweight aluminum handle system, along with the inline skate-style wheels inset in protective corner-mounted housing allows the user to comfortably wheel this bag for long distances over a variety of surfaces. This bag went to Denmark and with the soft sides, made it easy to pack into their small cars. Function, style, and versatility describe this company.

Kahuna 70

This is not just a hydration pack- this is a put everything in it and go for the day pack. There is a main compartment with a thermo-silver insulation and a 2-liter water reservoir and bicycle pump sleeve. The reservoir opening is easy to fill and accepts most brands of water filters. It has a convenient hands-free reservoir pressure valve. For colder adventures it prevents the water from freezing in the tube thanks to the insulated water tube.

For the bicycle or climbing enthusiasts it has a tuck away mesh sport flap perfect for a helmet. There is an MP3 player pocket, a reflective loop that holds a bike LED blinker, and a bicycle tool organizer.

Very comfortable with an airflow padded back that wicks moisture and adjustable shoulder straps.

Whether hitting the trail for a quick hike or an all day excursion, this is hydration pack is ideal.

Compass 3-in-1 Bag

This combination bag provides maximum storage space combined with amazing versatility perfect for extended travel. This is two packs that can zip together or be used separately with a total weight of 6.8 pounds. Our tester used this on a week long trip where she was going multiple locations and doing various activities. She first went to a gathering where she was staying on the second floor of an old hostel.

The main pack holds 3295 cubic inches. This has backpacking system that made it comfortable to walk up the stairs including padded shoulder straps, removable, adjustable aluminum frame bars that can be bent to fit the contour of your back, load-lifters, and a padded waist belt that stores out of the way when not in use. With the removable padded should strap, you can carry this bag on its side.

The removable day pack was perfect for separating those items needed for day hikes, ready anytime, or to be used as a carry on in plane travel. This can be worn in front for security, or zipped on the larger bag to be considered only one piece of luggage. Both pieces fold up flat to fit under beds or stored in tight spaces.

Wheeled Double Adjustable Snowboard/ski Combo Bag

As we age, travel becomes more difficult. We are constantly looking for the best way to carry our oversized, items like skis and snowboards. Especially with the cost of renting equipment, and the fees with the airlines, we want a bag that protects our equipment, but is large enough to carry what we need. This bag is awesome!

It has a fully padded main compartment to hold two snowboards or a snowboard and two pairs of skis, plus it features a zippered front accessory pocket, a tow handle with extra large padded handle and an adjustment system to size the bag according to the size of our gear. This means the length can go from 150cm to 205cm.

As far as comfort, the padded handles, long webbing handles that can be used as a shoulder strap, the rigid structure around the wheels and plastic-molded rub rails protect the bottom of bag from abrasion, and the inline skate-style wheels with corner protector make traveling easier than ever before. It is obvious that High Sierra Sport Company is dedicated to making travel comfortable, and with the multiuse, long lasting.

Sherman Bag

This bag seems to fit all the requirements for a person on the go who needs more than the minimum stuff. The large capacity zippered main compartment can be organized in multiple ways, even including the necessaries for an overnight stay.

The adjustable protective lid, with slash pocket gives you ready access for small items. It is nice to have Velcro closures along with the more sturdy buckles. Deluxe shoulder pad with media pocket attachment loop and the comfortable grab handle lead to quick access.

The easy-access padded computer compartment holds most 17" (screen size) notebook computers. The neoprene organizer panel with removable key fob. and multiple storage pockets, including a zippered side pocket big enough to hold a 1000ml water bottle when not being used for accessories such as a power supply adds to the versitility. We all need to work on staying hydrated with our busy lives and the mesh water bottle pocket holds another 1000ml bottle. Removable deluxe media pocket holds various sizes of cell phones, PDAs and MP3 players.

With the multiple reflectors and the comfortable padded shoulder strap, our reviewers realized this could also be used as a messenger bag although we don't exactly see ourselves being messengers in NYC whizzing through traffic.

28" Expandable Wheeled Upright

Our reviewer has been using this bag daily for the past 4 months to transport clothing and accessories from one location to another. It has held up amazingly well under the circumstances which include dragging it up and down stairs on a regular basis. This is where the lightweight but sturdy construction comes into play.

The interior of the main compartment is very large, considering that it's a 28" bag, and it's expandable to another 2.5 inches of space. Because it's so large, the internal tie-down straps are a good feature to keep items from moving around when it's less-than-full.

Since the bag is moved so often, we've had ample opportunity to use the in-line skate wheels and have been most impressed with their performance and durability. There are two padded handles to carry the bag either vertically or horizontally and both are extremely comfortable to use.

The zippered compartment in the top of the bag also has a mesh pocket to hold smaller items in place while on the go. Given the size of the bag and it's sturdy construction, it's very light and doesn't add much to the overall weight. Like many of High Sierra's designs, it's lightweight, stylish, practical, very easy to use an holds up well to constant use.

30-inch wheeled duffel

If you are like I am, then you will pack your travel bag until it is full; one more pair of shoes, another jacket, another book! And then you arrive at the airport, and low and behold it is over 50 lbs - and you have been slapped with a $25 overweight fee! Well, I found the perfect bag that is large enough, but you can pack it full and not exceed 50 lbs!

The 30- inch wheeled duffel from High Sierra is a travel duffel that can also be quickly changed into a backpack with hidden straps that convert in seconds! Its large U-shaped compartment allows for easy access to just about the entire space. It also has 2 top loading side pockets that allow you to keep a large space organized and easily accessible, as well as a zippered front accessory pocket.

The inline, skate style wheels with corner protectors make this bag one of the easiest to roll I have ever tried. It stayed balanced even on cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks!

This bag is perfect for all of your adventures, and the styling is impeccable as well!

Carry-On Wheeled Backpack

With tons of storage space for your gear, a multi-pocket organizer for accessories, and a MP3 player pocket to keep your tunes nearby, this bag is sure to tackle whatever terrain the airport-or the back of the SUV-brings.

It's three bags in one! Use it as a wheeled bag, a backpack or as a day pack, and meets airline carry-on size requirements with front day pack removed.

Large main compartment with side-hinged door and interior clothing hold-down straps, There are hidden padded backpack straps stored behind the zippered padded back panel. It features inline, skate-style wheels with corner protectors, and a locking, telescoping handle.

ATGO-Carry on backpack with removable daypack

Just when we think, High Sierra can't get any better, they do! Our tester has used the older version of the carry on backpack with the removable daypack for a couple years and it was all she needed for a four day trip. Now, the ATGO series is lighter, with great styles. How great is it to not have to carry the daypack in the airport, but then have one when you get to your destination and want to go hiking or all day shopping? When not full, the daypack can fit inside the suitcase.

ATGO-26" Expandable Wheeled Duffel

This is the perfect mid sized suitcase. It has the lighter weight which makes it easier for women to lift. Because it has a zippered liner panel between the upper and lower parts of the suitcase and each side is about the same width, we found the perfect way to use this suitcase is to open it all the way flat and pack each side. Then, when reaching your destination, if you don't feel like unpacking, you open it flat again and can readily see almost everything in the suitcase.

ATGO-32" Expandable Wheeled Duffel

We are all so aware of the 50 pound limit for a suitcase, now even with international travel. We found that we can pack it full and is right at that fifty pounds. Although this suitcase if quite light, the durability is astounding. The recessed, telescoping aircraft aluminum handle system with locking mechanism and the inline skate-style wheels in protective corner-mounted housing keep the bag rolling true. If you find you have more stuff than you thought, for a car trip, you can expand the suitcase to make it even bigger. If you ever get stranded, or need to walk on an uneven surface, all the ATGO series have hidden backpack straps so you can carry them. Our tester could have used this when she got stranded in Nepal's airport!

www.highsierrasport.com

...Fiftysense Product Review Panel

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