Golite Travelite Convertible Carryon : Stay Nimble In Transit

I love to travel, but the "in transit" part can be a real drag. Paying to check my bags makes me cranky, and my lousy packing skills make airport security a hassle. Thanks to Golite's Travelite Convertible Carryon, I now have an effective solution to my luggage woes.

Golite has combined the best features of a soft-sided suitcase, a back pack, and a tote bag to produce a smart-looking, minimalist carryon that's lightweight (only two pounds), durable, and versatile. I can carry it by it's padded side handle, like a suitcase; grab it off the security conveyor belt by it's top handle (also padded); wear it like a back pack (it has adjustable, padded straps that can be stored in a zippered sleeve when not in use); or sling it over my shoulder like a messenger bag (there's a removable pad on the strap). All these options make it easier for me to move through the airport.

The Travelite Convertible Carryon is simple and straightforward, with no extra material or snaps to get in my way. I like how Golite covers all of the zippers under flaps of material; it gives the bag a clean look and protects the zippers. There are handy pull tags on all the zippers, so finding them is easy.

Golite's Travelite Convertible Carryon opens flat like a book, revealing two rectangular packing areas enclosed by zippered covers (i.e. no packing cubes necessary; they're built into the bag). Once the bag is zipped back up, I can stuff items in between the two sides if I want to. (The bag isn't marketed as a laptop bag, but there's room to slide a laptop in a padded sleeve in between the main packing areas.)

Two side-by-side zippered pockets run the length of the top of the pack; they're perfect for stashing items I need to access going through airport security. They easily hold my cosmetics bags (I have three), a pouch containing my vitamins and supplements, my sunglasses case, and a slim, padded container that holds my iPod, cell phone, and a few power cords. There's also a third zippered pocket underneath one of the top pockets (which would easily hold an iPad and a book), as well as a flat zippered pocket under the side handle of the bag where I stash my boarding pass and driver's license.

All of these packing pockets mean that I stay organized. It's a real treat because in the past I just threw everything into a large open carryon bag, then had to wade through it to find anything. With Golite's Travelite Convertible Carryon, I can easily pack a couple changes of clothes (as well as a yoga outfit) into the main compartments, and keep my accessories accessible. I love this bag!!!

Available in red, green, and black. Made out of double rip stop recycled nylon. (Meets U.S. and International airline carryon size standards.)

Bottom Line: Golite's Travelite Convertible Carryon is the perfect weekend bag, no matter how you travel. The backpack straps make it easy to carry during treks through the airport, and the zippered compartments help me stay organized. Also, I like that Golite used recycled materials. This bag is a winner!!!--E.D. Feb '10

BUY ONLINE: $125, click to shop.

Manufacturer: www.golite.com

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