Swiss Army Mobilizer 24" Wheeled Case : What a Difference a Bag Makes

My beat-up purple sports duffle bag has been everywhere and back with me for more than 10 years. The problem is, it was never easy to carry, its contents were never organized, and I always felt like a bum when I dragged my ratty bag into hotels.

For my four-month tour of New Zealand, I wanted something sturdy, wheeled, and stylish. The Swiss Army Mobilizer has been the perfect traveling companion.

Swiss Army luggage is beautifully designed to be both rugged and stylish at the same time. With bold, basic colors, discreet logos, and clean, flat seams, pockets, and zips, these cases are a dream to travel with.

Everything about the Swiss Army Mobilizer Wheeled Case is heavy-duty: thick, strong zippers (by YKK); the toughest tear-resistant ballistic nylon fabric; and the same dependable wheels used on in-line skates.

My case came through baggage claim with no tears, all zippers intact, and wheels still firmly in place. Since I have the red case (they also come in black), it was easy to spot at the airport since everyone else has black suitcases. No hassles; I just pressed a button to release the lightweight handle and wheeled my way through customs. Despite the fact that I'd packed my case to the brim, it was easy to maneuver because the wheels are so solid. They don't break, get stuck, wobble, or freeze on surfaces other than pavement. I've pulled mine through countless airport terminals, carpeted hotel hallways, city streets, gravel driveways, grass lawns, and cobbled walkways.

The 24" Mobilizer case comes with a zip-out garment bag, which I Ieft at home since most of my clothes are casual; two zip-out bags inside each end of the suitcase (perfect for my vitamins, chinese herbs, flashlights, toiletries, small hiking knife, converter/adaptor, and rubber fitness bands); and a nylon bag in which I packed my shoes. The top cover has a zippered mesh pocket that I use for my windbreaker (Marmot Precip Jacket, which will be reviewed in an upcoming issue), a cable lock for my lap top, and magazines and papers. I use the two pockets on the outside top cover for a complete set of allergy covers for my bed (queen size mattress cover, comforter cover, and two pillow cases). The suitcase comes with a hook that straps to the top of the bag so you can hang a purse or carry-on on the front of the bag while pulling it.

Using packing cubes and compressor bags, I was able to pack this suitcase to the brim without having to open up the extra zipper for more room. My things: two pairs of shoes, 20 pairs of underwear, 15 pairs of socks, six bras, three pairs of pants, six pairs of shorts, two swimsuits, two skirts, one dress, two bandanas, three medium sized pouches containing toiletries, inflatable water weights and handles, a day pack, a rain jacket, a sweatshirt, three books, a baseball hat,two computer manuals, goggles, two yoga outfits, 16 shirts, a tupperware container with computer cords and a mouse, and more. Two straps hold everything in, and I still have a bit of room for my purchases.

Bottom Line: I've never had such a nice bag. I never worry that the handles will break off or the wheels will jam, or worse, that I've come to baggage claim and find that my bag has burst open and my dirty laundry is strewn all over the conveyor belt (this happened to me once). Swiss Army makes several lines of luggage (for active and business travelers), as well as a variety of accessories, such as packing cubes, computer cases, and carry-on bags.--E.D. (Feb '04)

Price: $345.00

Manufacturer's Site: www.swissarmy.com

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