Travel Goods, Gadgets & Gear: Sometimes "bigger" is better
September 03, 2010
Big structure. Big style. Big Sur. Ricardo Beverly Hills’ new Big Sur Collection is big on looks, style and functionality, yet light on its feet, er, wheels. Constructed of ballistic nylon with lightweight honeycomb Flex-Frame™, it is equipped with Nano-Tex™ fabric enhancement for superior protection against stains. In-line skate wheels with whisper-quiet Hub Guard™ ensure smooth maneuverability and a molded-in kick plate with diamond PVC helps protect the luggage when going up and down curbs or steps. After toting a piece up two and a half flights of steps to my bed and breakfast tower room recently, I can assure you that the Big Sur Collection lives up to the enduring quality its name implies.
Striking just the right tone in either eye-catching purple or dramatic black, this is a collection with a thoughtfully considered combination of mix-and-match pieces and amenities, depending on where your travels take you, not the least of which is the versatile 18” Universal WheelAboard™ with removable Quickpass™ laptop sleeve. Perfect for both business and pleasure trips, this airline-friendly bag works hard for you with multiple internal pockets, front organizer compartment and a handy 3-1-1- bag. Pack it for a weekend adventure or a business trip – it’s up for either or both with style to spare.
The 21” two-compartment WheelAboard™ and 25” and 29” two-compartment Pullmans are expandable and feature a deluxe toiletry multi-compartment organizer (25” and 29” only), vertical winged tie tapes to keep garments secure and an Add-A-Bag strap. The patented two-compartment packing system has a floating divider that adjusts automatically – a nice touch in terms of flexibility and convenience.
Probably the most versatile piece in the collection is the 16” Rolling Tote. Showing off a three-compartment design, it is outfitted with front organizer pocket and removable Quickpass™ laptop sleeve and has room left over for a change of clothes. For overnights that are strictly business, this case steps up to keep you organized and on the move. For those that are of the all-play-and-no-work variety, the 16" Rolling Tote holds everything you need – and is discreet about it.
Rounding out the Big Sur Collection is the Deluxe Rolling Garment Bag with removable corner pockets and an extender that folds down for longer garments. It is singularly focused on keeping your clothing neat and crisp in transit and that is a promise it keeps admirably. A genuine WallyLock® holds hangers and garments secure and two reinforced hanging hooks let your bag hang fully extended in the closet, eliminating the need to unpack.
The prices for the bags in the Big Sur Collection range from $240 to $400 each, but you can sometimes scoop up pieces on sale with price tags in the more amenable $120 to $200 range.