Remember the Russian nesting dolls, where a set of dolls of decreasing sizes were placed one inside the other? These days, thanks to rising airline baggage fees, the nesting doll model forms the essence of my packing strategy:
In the pocket of my travel vest, I carry reusable shopping bags.
In my camera backpack, is a laptop sleeve.
In my carryon, travels an Eddie Bauer small duffel.
Lightweight and durable, I find the multi-purpose duffle to be the perfect stowaway.
Favorite feature: The water-repellent duffel stuff sack works great as an extra interior section for wet towels or dirty hiking shoes.
Not-so-favorite feature: I’m stumped. Short of solar powered iPod ports, Eddie Bauer seems to have thought of everything from the perfectly positioned grab-and-go side handles, to the side pocket deep enough for gym shoes, and interior mesh top, great for see-thru access to toiletries.
Bottom line: Whether I’m returning home with a few too many souvenirs, hitting the gym, or needing to slim-down my carryon weight for small plane island hopping, the small duffel saves the day.
Available at www.EddieBauer.com as well as the Travel Essentials section of the Travel Store at EllenBarone.com powered by Amazon. Suggested retail price: $49.50
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
The first thing you’ll notice about this winter featherweight is that’s no scratchy wool cardigan like your granny would wear. Not this sweater.
Eddie Bauer’s new First Ascent Downlight® Sweater is cozy to the core, indoors or out. As autumn turns to winter in the mountains of southern New Mexico, I wear it on the trails, enjoying an early morning cuppa on the deck, or seated at my computer. Made from water-repellent, ripstop fabric and 800 fill northern European goose down, it’s ultra light, ultra warm, ultra cozy and better still, designed to fit my curves.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".