Don’t I look stylish?
Ok, that’s not really me, but I kind of wish that it was. Look at that suit! The car really isn’t even mine either, though this great vintage ad DOES shows what my first set of wheels looked like. The picture shows a 1975 Ford Granada. Mine was a 1977. It had an inline 6 cylinder engine, a bench seat in the front, and a whole lotta lovin’ in the rear. The floor of the trunk rusted so badly that the main body of the car actually collapsed around the frame. The result, one heck of a sag and water bed like gyrations for any passengers riding in the rear. Add a 15 inch subwoofer to the gyrations and, well, you get the picture. I was the designated driver on many summer nights. Anyway, my old car looked just like this one. (Just lower the rear bumper by about 10 inches)
In our society, acquiring a new set of wheels means a rite of passage. It represents a dividing line between confinement and freedom. Wheels give us wind in our hair. They give us mobility and they carry us to new adventures. So imagine my excitement when I had the opportunity to test drive my new set of wheels, the Red Roller Alpine Adventures Duffle from L.L. Bean.
I know that you’re thinking. How did we go from the Granada, a symbol of man’s innovative engineering and sleek design, to roller luggage? Just bear with me please. For years, my standard packing combination for Europe has been one backpack and one duffle bag. I typically pack everything that I need for the trail in the back pack and then carry it on the plane. Everything else that I can’t carry, or could do without if the airline lost my bag, like trekking poles, pocket knife and fancy clothes, go in the duffle as checked baggage. It works like a charm, except that my arm and shoulder pay the price when I have long distances to cover by foot. This was my old combination-one backpack and one duffel without wheels.
But not anymore! I recently had the opportunity to try my new combo. I still have the backpack, but now I just pop open the handle and roll baby roll. I never imagined that roller luggage could feel so good!
Just look at those beefy tires on the bottom of the bag. The bottom is also bombproof.
I have the large version, but L.L. Bean makes a smaller bag, (the medium), that qualifies as a carry-on. I would love to travel with just one bag, but as a guide, I need extra space for guide-like things.
If you’re in the market for a new set of wheels, then check out the Roller Alpine Adventures Duffle from L.L. Bean. Beware though, your friends might make you the designated driver.
Visit llbean.com for more info.
Comments are closed.