FILSON::  From the carry-on convenience of our flight-friendly commuter Passage Rolling Bag to the Extra Large Wheeled Duffle, Filson’s garment bags, field bags, totes, computer carriers and briefcases are distinctive, durable, and designed to last a lifetime. Whether you travel for business or pleasure, in the air or in the field – Filson bags are ready to go with you.

We’re thrilled to report that the BRX Exchange 26 duffle has made National Geographic’s 2010 list of “Gear of the Year.” The Gear of the Year is a round-up feature of “must-have” items for travelers.

CLICK HERE for the full article on…  www.nationalgeographic.com

BRX Briggs and Riley

Just kidding!  A pair of Vancouver entrepreneurs have taken the notion of making a suitcase stand out on the luggage rack to a whole new level.

The abducted flight attendant is one of four designs a pair of Vancouver entrepreneurs have developed to make luggage stand out on airport carousels. (thecheeky.com)Colin Hart and Ryan McCormick have created large stickers that can be placed on luggage to give it the appearance that something strange or nefarious is going on.

The stickers make it appear that the suitcases have been ripped open to expose either stacks of money, cocaine, an abducted flight attendant or a case full of sex toys.

The pair operate a website that sells novelty items called thecheeky.com.

Hart said he got the idea while observing people watching nearly identical bags circling the carousel at Vancouver International Airport.

“You know they’re just standing there like zombies just looking at these things,” he told CBC News.

The suitcase full of cocaine is one of four luggage stickers created by two Vancouver entrepreneurs. (thecheeky.com)“And I was just going like is there any way that we could make this a little bit more interesting.”

When a friend blogged about the stickers last week, the story went viral and orders began pouring in from Russia to Brazil.

The pair are now working on a sticker design that will simulate a suitcase full of illegal elephant tusks.

But they advise caution that the stickers could catch the attention of airport security.

“It’s like go ahead, try it if you want, but you’re probably going to get a rubber glove up your bum,” said Hart.

Transport Canada, which is responsible for airport security, is aware of the stickers and currently working on a response.

Check out this awesome video from The Product Channel featuring the BRX luggage:

Briggs and Riley BRX series

The BRX luggage is now available in our luggage store located at 609 Chapala Street in Santa Barbara, CA.

The Newest Stupid Luggage Idea: Backpacks Armed with Alarms

There’s something charmingly innovative but fundamentally stupid about the iSafe line of laptop backpacks and messenger bags. Though they look normal from the outside, on the inside they have built-in alarms, duly powered by two 9-volt batteries, that get triggered when a strap is pulled. The resulting sound is louder than a car alarm. And goes on for up to two hours. Flashing lights are involved.

We can’t recommend this (to put it mildly) to anyone who flies with their backpacks or laptops. Not to get too pedantic, but when moving through an airport, you can either carry your luggage with you or check it through to your destination. Obviously carrying the iSafe to the gate is a non-starter. We’re not sure what happens when you try to “smuggle” a giant battery-powered alarm at the bottom of a backpack through airport security, but we’re pretty sure it’d make an entertaining YouTube video.

As for checking the backpack through: can you imagine what would happen if the cord got caught on the conveyor belt? That Rutgers student who accidentally shut down Newark is facing an $11,000 TSA fine, and everyone’s like “aww… he was just kissing his girlfriend goodbye.” Extrapolate that to someone who puts the equivalent of a car alarm into a bag that’s destined to be thrown around dozens of times in a few hours.

And if the alarm goes off in the luggage compartment mid-flight and forces an emergency landing, likely accompanied by escort jets…wow.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE…

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TD-U520 -  20″ carry-on  the plane style luggage.

Buy Now $188

TD-U521x -  21″ tall luggage to carry-on the airplane.

Buy Now $239

TD-U325 -  small rolling totes to carry-on the airplane and fit under the set style.

Buy Now $180

TD-UD526 -  large upright wheeled duffel bag.

Buy Now $231

For more information regarding this SALE, come into the Handbag & Luggage Store, or give us a call at 1-866-334-7744.

Con men, hustlers and other scam artists often target obvious tourists as their victims. By being alert and knowing what to watch out for–you can avoid being taken during your journeys abroad. Read on for some safety tips.

Step 1
Never hand your wallet to anyone. One popular European con involves crooks in police uniform who stop you on the street, show phony badges and request to check your wallet for “funny money” or drug cash. It’s all a ruse to clean you out of your hard-earned cash.
Step 2
Beware of photographers that snap your picture at famous landmarks without even being asked. This is typically followed by a request to pay them before waiting for them to return from their nearby studio with your pictures. They never come back, and neither does your money.
Step 3
Lookout for that “free” drink. There’s one scam with a few different takes on it that involves being invited to a bar by a beautiful gal or handsome guy; after a few drinks your new friend has slipped away and a massive bill awaits.
Step 4
Be aware of pickpockets, particularly at large gatherings or on busy streets, and beware of possible diversions-someone spilling their ice cream on your shoes, or a couple arguing loudly nearby-that could be intended to take your mind off of watching your money.
Step 5
Another scam involves a found object-such as an expensive-looking watch, that a stranger appears to suddenly find on the ground or somewhere else around you. It won’t be long before they’re trying to sell you the item, and at a “bargain” price no less.
Step 6
Overcharging cab drivers is a common way tourists get taken. One way to try and avoid this is asking ahead of time how much the fare will be-and not being afraid to negotiate if the price seems steep.