Travel
My Favorite Cooler Brand Made a Suitcase That's Tough Enough for Any Adventure
I'll never look at a rolling bag the same way ever again.
If you’ve followed Yeti, you know that as a brand, their products are like that kid in high school who made a diorama, poster board, and stitched together a video in iMovie, when all the assignment really called for was a 200-word essay. That’s all to say, the brand goes too far on purpose. Their coolers are designed to be bear-proof but are mostly used for barbecuing; their water bottles can keep coffee hot for over 24 hours, which is way more than anyone would ever need. Needless to say, I was thrilled to find out that the brand got into making luggage. How would they over-engineer a suitcase?
The answer, it turns out, is in every way imaginable. While suitcases seem like something brands like Samsonite or American Tourister have had figured out for decades, after trying out Yeti’s Crossroads Luggage line, I can say for certain I will never look at a rollerboard bag the same way ever again.
There are currently two options to choose from: a carry-on compatible 22-inch roller bag, and a larger 29-inch option. I’ve been using the 22-inch option for a few months, and every time I travel with it, some new feature about it surprises me.
First things first: This bag is tough. The base is made from molded polycarbonate, akin to something you’d find on a hard suitcase, while the rest of the bag is made from Nylon, which the brand says is inspired by motorcycle gear. I can see why—the bag is water resistant, and even after getting chucked around the baggage carousel, it doesn’t have a scratch on it. Naturally, I’ve never felt so confident about the safety of my belongings inside the bag.
Most suitcases have pretty flimsy wheels, but the wheels on this bag look as if they were taken right off a wheeled cooler and popped onto a suitcase. I’m pretty sure you could take them off-roading, but I haven’t tried it yet.
Beyond being tough, this bag is just smart. The inside is divided with mesh pockets so I can easily access my laptop or jacket without opening the whole thing up in the airport lounge. They even throw in a small packing cube to help you really stay organized.
I’m not sure whether or not I’ll ever take this bag on an adventure worth its salt, but I think that’s okay. After all, a suitcase should get you where you need to go, and with this bag, I can be sure I’ll never be held back from my next adventure, even if it’s just going to see my parents for a weekend.
Written by: Will O'Brian
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