Saturday, March 6, 2010

Traveling with Children: Luggage {High Sierra Sport Company Review & Giveway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to those who entered!}

This product is featured as part of a week of Traveling With Children necessities.

During my recent trip with Big Sister E, I discovered one of the major keys to traveling with kids: multi-tasking. Don't get me wrong, it's not like I didn't know this was important before, it just became much more apparent to me when it was just my daughter and I hitting the skies.

Being a typical 3-year-old, Big Sister E was able to help me with packing and carrying our luggage by... well, holding her jacket. Or wearing it. Other than that, her main job was to stay close to Mommy and, as she is quite the perfectionist, she did that very well.

I, on the other hand, needed to figure out the right balance between bringing enough with us onto the plane while not carrying so much that I wouldn't be able to do it all myself. I had to be able to get it all on and off the airplanes and through multiple airports with only my two hands, right? I was fairly concerned about that.

The solution? Why, it showed up on my doorstep from High Sierra Sport Company a mere 24 hours before our flight took off.


I can truly say that the AT505 Carry-On Wheeled Backpack with Removable Day Pack surpassed any and all expectations I had about what a great piece of luggage could be and was completely perfect for this trip. Whether rolling or carrying the complete bag or using just the day pack, this bag eliminated a large portion of the hassles and stresses of traveling with a child.

One bag, three possibilities. As a wheeled bag, the AT505 has a telescoping aluminum handle and inline skate-style wheels that make rolling through the airport or down the street a breeze. Pulling this was smooth and easy and even over bumps or rougher terrain, it glided effortlessly.

However, had I needed to carry this bag instead of rolling it, simply tucking the handle down and unzipping the padded back panel reveals plush backpack straps stowed safely inside. I even noticed the added Velcro feature so that the panel would stay in place and to help ensure your comfort while carrying it.

To use the AT505 as a carry-on, I loved being able to unzip the front day pack and place it under the seat in front of us so that it was easily accessible. The larger bag then stowed perfectly in the overhead compartment until it was time to leave.

When we did go to get off the plane, I conveniently attached the day pack with the QUICK-CLIP buckle that neatly attached it back to the main bag. No need to spend the time zipping it back on, as the clip held it right in place until we boarded our next flight.

During our trip, having the use of the day pack was priceless. Big Sister E is old enough that when we go somewhere, all I really need to bring for her is a cup of water and a snack or two. Each day, whether we were going for a walk, to the park or to the zoo, I grabbed this pack and was ready to go.

Tucking our necessities into the zippered accessory pocket (almost like a pouch on the top), sliding my laptop into the main compartment (if I needed it) and tucking a water bottle on the side - I loved the versatility of the day pack of the AT505, not to mention the comfort. Even after carrying it for hours, my shoulders didn't ache at all.

If I didn't mention it enough, I love this bag and I can't foresee ever traveling without it again! Whether you are headed out for a nature expedition, a short hike, a snowboarding trip or traveling for business or with children, High Sierra Sport Company has the luggage, pack or duffel just for you. Not only that, this family-owned company gives back to their community, has stellar customer service and cares about its customers. I couldn't ask for more.

What adventure are you going on next? Thanks to the generosity of High Sierra Sport Company, one person will be outfitted with one of these innovative, high quality bags to go with them, because...

One lucky person will win a stylish, high quality bag from High Sierra Sport Company! The particular bag will be determined by High Sierra at the completion of this giveaway, but it could be from any of their great collections!

What bag might it be... Suspenseful, isn't it?

To enter to win a bag from High Sierra Sport Company you must do at least 1 of the following options. You can receive 1 entry per method with up to 3 initial entries total:
  • Become a fan of High Sierra on Facebook (They hold a random drawing for a free bag once a week for their fans - don't miss it!)
  • Follow High Sierra on Twitter
  • Visit High Sierra and tell me which of their great items are your favorite
Extra Entries (available after at least 1 of the mandatory entries above are completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

WIN a High Sierra bag for function, high quality & great travels! @thxmailcarrier & @HighSierraSport! http://bit.ly/bMmLvH #win #giveaway

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect (see sidebar), subscribe to my RSS feed or subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to Thanks, Mail Carrier and High Sierra Sport Company. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on March 25th at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway open to U.S. residents only.

A huge thank you to High Sierra for providing an AT505 bag for me to review as well as one bag for one lucky giveaway winner. 3 bags in 1 = perfection for traveling with kids! The opinions shared are my own and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

1087 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   1 – 200 of 1087   Newer›   Newest»
Sarah Coulsey said...

I am a Facebook Fan of High Sierra

Sarah Mansfield Coulsey

sarahcoulsey03 at gmail dot com

Sarah Coulsey said...

I like the water bottle sport duffel!!!

sarahcoulsey03 at gmail dot com

Sarah Coulsey said...

I am a google follower 1

sarahcoulsey03 at gmail dot com

Sarah Coulsey said...

I am a google follower 2

sarahcoulsey03 at gmail dot com

Sarah Coulsey said...

I am an RSS subscriber 1

sarahcoulsey03 at gmail dot com

Sarah Coulsey said...

I am an RSS subscriber 2

sarahcoulsey03 at gmail dot com

Sarah Coulsey said...

I am an email subscriber 2

sarahcoulsey03 at gmail dot com

Sarah Coulsey said...

I have your button 2

sarahsblogoffun.blogspot.com

sarahcoulsey03 at gmail dot com

Sarah Coulsey said...

I entered outdoor ball giveaway

sarahcoulsey03 at gmail dot com

Bethany said...

The carry on wheeled backpack with removable day pack is AWESOME!

logan 4301 @ yahoo.com

Bethany said...

I'm entered in the Hearthsong giveaway.

logan 4301 @ yahoo.com

Bethany said...

I'm entered in the Mrs. Smith giveaway.

logan 4301 @ yahoo.com

Bethany said...

I'm entered in the Randomline giveaway.

logan 4301 @ yahoo.com

Bethany said...

I'm entered in the Travel Buddies giveaway.

logan 4301 @ yahoo.com

Bethany said...

I'm an email subscriber!

logan 4301 @ yahoo.com

Bethany said...

I'm an email subscriber!

logan 4301 @ yahoo.com

Bethany said...

I'm on Google Friend Connect.

logan 4301 @ yahoo.com

Bethany said...

I'm on Google Friend Connect.

logan 4301 @ yahoo.com

Sarah J. said...

i like the chip messanger bag!!!

one frugal lady said...

I also love the doogan day pack!
onecheaplady@yahoo.com

one frugal lady said...

I follow you via google friend connect! #1
onecheaplady@yahoo.com

one frugal lady said...

I subscribe to thanks, mail carrier via e-mail! #1
onecheaplady@yahoo.com

one frugal lady said...

I subscribe to thanks, mail carrier via e-mail! #2
onecheaplady@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I love the Abigail Tote Bag and the Baxer Day Pack...

Take care,
Donna

Anonymous said...

I'm on Google Friend Connect.

Take care,
Donna

Anonymous said...

I'm on Google Friend Connect.

Take care,
Donna

one frugal lady said...

I entered the chic monkey boutique giveaway!
onecheaplady@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I subscribe through e-mail.

Take care,
Donna

Anonymous said...

I subscribe through e-mail.

Take care,
Donna

one frugal lady said...

I entered the my airport busy kit giveaway!
onecheaplady@yahoo.com

one frugal lady said...

I entered the travel buddies giveaway!
onecheaplady@yahoo.com

one frugal lady said...

I entered the random line game giveaway!
onecheaplady@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I've entered your outdoor playball giveaway.

Take care,
Donna

Anonymous said...

I've entered your Chic Monkey giveaway.

Take care,
Donna

Anonymous said...

I've entered your pillow giveaway.

Take care,
Donna

Anonymous said...

I've entered your traveling w/child diaper bag giveaway.

Take care,
Donna

Laura said...

I follow high sierra on twitter!
@lmerritt49903

lmerritt49903@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I've entered your on-the-go game giveaway.


Take care,
Donna

Laura said...

I'm a facebook fan of high sierra!
Laura Merritt

lmerritt49903@gmail.com

Laura said...

I follow and tweeted!
http://twitter.com/Lmerritt49903/status/10082012922

lmerritt49903@gmail.com

Laura said...

I follow with GFC 1

lmerritt49903@gmail.com

Laura said...

I follow with GFC 2

lmerritt49903@gmail.com

Laura said...

Email subscriber 1

lmerritt49903@gmail.com

Laura said...

email subscriber 2

lmerritt49903@gmail.com

Adrienne Zedella said...

I'm liking the Access Daypack. My son could use that for high school. chichijunk at cs dot com

Adrienne Zedella said...

I'm a follower on Twitter

ladylisa1 said...

Follow on twitter, and tweeting.@ladylisa1 I like the luggage and bicycle accessories on the site. Fan on facebook also. Thanks for the chance.

Unknown said...

I like the Scranton Daypack! would make a great computer bag.
kessandcrystal(at)aol.com

Unknown said...

Fan of High Sierra on Facebook (Kess N Crystal W on fb)
kessandcrystal(at)aol.com

Unknown said...

follow High Sierra on Twitter (@happyenchilada2)
kessandcrystal(at)aol.com

Jennifer Pellicone said...

I am a fan of High Sierra on facebook.
cspmom at gmail dot com

Jennifer Pellicone said...

I follow High Sierra on Twitter.
cspmom at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

follow and tweeted; http://twitter.com/happyenchilada2/status/10083271305
kessandcrystal(at)aol.com

Jennifer Pellicone said...

My favorite was very easy to pick. I have had my eye on the 22 inch carry-on wheeled backpack with the removable day pack. Oh, how I would LOVE to have one because I travel a lot, with and without kids.
cspmom at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I follow on Google friend connect (Robert and Crystal W on gfc)
kessandcrystal(at)aol.com
entry 1

Unknown said...

I follow on Google friend connect (Robert and Crystal W on gfc)
kessandcrystal(at)aol.com
entry 2

Jennifer Pellicone said...

I follow. TWEET! http://twitter.com/Yvonne5987/status/10083365005
cspmom at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

Email subscriber
kessandcrystal(at)aol.com
entry 2

Jennifer Pellicone said...

I follow on google friend connect.
cspmom at gmail dot com

Jennifer Pellicone said...

I follow on google friend connect. #2
cspmom at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

Subscribe to RSS feed in my google reader at kessler73
kessandcrystal(at)aol.com
entry 1

Jennifer Pellicone said...

I subscribe to your RSS feed.
cspmom at gmail dot com

Jennifer Pellicone said...

I subscribe to your RSS feed. #2
cspmom at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

Subscribe to RSS feed in my google reader at kessler73
kessandcrystal(at)aol.com
entry 2

Jennifer Pellicone said...

I subscribe to your e-mail.
cspmom at gmail dot com

Merrie L. said...

I'm a fan of High Sierra on Facebook.
lockwoodmerrie@yahoo.com

Jennifer Pellicone said...

I subscribe to your e-mail. #2
cspmom at gmail dot com

Merrie L. said...

I follow High Sierra on Twitter.
lockwoodmerrie@yahoo.com

Merrie L. said...

I like the Carron-On Wheeled Backpack with Removable Day Pack.
lockwoodmerrie@yahoo.com

Merrie L. said...

I follow you on twitter and tweeted:
http://twitter.com/mjl6mom2/status/10083648923
lockwoodmerrie@yahoo.com

Merrie L. said...

I entered your HearthSong giveaway.
lockwoodmerrie@yahoo.com

Merrie L. said...

I entered the Chic Monkey Boutique giveaway. lockwoodmerrie@yahoo.com

Merrie L. said...

I entered the Natura giveaway. lockwoodmerrie@yahoo.com

Merrie L. said...

I entered the Mrs. Smith's giveaway. lockwoodmerrie@yahoo.com

Merrie L. said...

I follow you with Google Friend Connect. lockwoodmerrie@yahoo.com
Entry #1

Merrie L. said...

I follow you with Google Friend Connect. lockwoodmerrie@yahoo.com
Entry #2

Merrie L. said...

I subscribe to your RSS Feed. lockwoodmerrie@yahoo.com
Entry #1

Merrie L. said...

I subscribe to your RSS Feed. lockwoodmerrie@yahoo.com
Entry #1

Merrie L. said...

I subscribe to your RSS Feed. lockwoodmerrie@yahoo.com
Entry #2

Merrie L. said...

I subscribe to your email. lockwoodmerrie@yahoo.com
Entry #1

Merrie L. said...

I subscribe to your email. lockwoodmerrie@yahoo.com
Entry #2

Lara said...

I'm following from FF! Nice review! I'm now a fan of Sierra Luggage... hope I win one of their drawings!!

http://blogginmommadrama.blogspot.com

clenna said...

I fan High Sierra on FB

clenna at aol dot com

clenna said...

I would love the 26 in wheeled duffel.

clenna at aol dot com

clenna said...

#1 I follow

clenna at aol dot com

clenna said...

#2 I follow

clenna at aol dot com

clenna said...

#1 I subscribe via RSS

clenna at aol dot com

abfantom said...

I would like to get the High Sierra Crunk Trunk duffel bag.

abfantom at yahoo dot com

clenna said...

#2 I subscribe via RSS

clenna at aol dot com

clenna said...

#1 I subscribe via email

clenna at aol dot com

clenna said...

#1 I subscribe via email

clenna at aol dot com

clenna said...

#2 I subscribe via email

clenna at aol dot com

Shooting Stars Mag said...

i really like this:

26 Inch Wheeled Duffel

lauren51990 AT aol DOT com

Shooting Stars Mag said...

i follow high sierra on twitter: @shootingstarmag

lauren51990 AT aol DOT com

Shooting Stars Mag said...

follow via google 1

lauren51990 at aol dot com

Shooting Stars Mag said...

follow via google 2

lauren51990 at aol dot com

mverno said...

i like the moonsoon backpack mverno@roadrunner.com

susan said...

I'm a fan of High Sierra on Facebook.

susan said...

I follow High Sierra on Twitter.

plhill2000 said...

I'm a Fan.

susan said...

The Monsoon is my favorite bag!

Rachel C said...

My favorite is the pink plaid Doogan backpack.
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

entered potty seat giveaway.
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

entered RandomLine game giveaway.
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

entered travel buddies giveaway.
rach62803@yahoo.com

susan said...

I entered your HearthSong giveaway.

susan said...

I entered your CARES giveaway.

susan said...

I entered your My Airport Busy Kit giveaway.

susan said...

I entered your Travel Buddies giveaway.

susan said...

I follow and tweeted. http://twitter.com/susanlanai/status/10087589196

Rachel C said...

entered Busy Kit giveaway.
rach62803@yahoo.com

susan said...

I'm an email subscriber 1.

susan said...

I'm an email subscriber 2.

Rachel C said...

entered Mrs. Smith's giveaway.
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

entered pillow giveaway.
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

entered ABC tie giveaway.
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

entered chic monkey giveaway.
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

entered HearthSong giveaway.
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

follower 1
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

follower 2
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

email subscriber 1
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

email subscriber 2
rach62803@yahoo.com

susan said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
lmurley2000 said...

fan of high sierra on facebook-lmurley2000
lmurley2000@yahoo.com

lmurley2000 said...

follow high sierra on twitter-lmurley2000
lmurley2000@yahoo.com

lmurley2000 said...

my favorite item is the carry on drop bottom wheeled duffel bag
lmurley2000@yahoo.com

lmurley2000 said...

entered the natura pillow giveaway
lmurley2000@yahoo.com

lmurley2000 said...

follow and tweeted
http://twitter.com/lmurley2000/status/10088215983
lmurley2000@yahoo.com

lmurley2000 said...

email subscriber
1
lmurley2000@yahoo.com

lmurley2000 said...

email subscriber
2
lmurley2000@yahoo.com

Jennifer Pellicone said...

I entered the GIVEAWAY: Come Climb Inside the Great Big Outdoor Playball from HearthSong (ARV $90 with Pump!)
cspmom at gmail dot com

Jennifer Pellicone said...

I entered the GIVEAWAY: Petit Couture for Fashionable Kids ($25 Gift Certificate)
cspmom at gmail dot com

Jennifer Pellicone said...

I entered the GIVEAWAY: EvoraKids Probiotic Mints
cspmom at gmail dot com

Jennifer Pellicone said...

I entered the GIVEAWAY: Chic Monkey Boutique (Choice of $25 Gift Certificate OR $35 Minky Blanket)
cspmom at gmail dot com

Jennifer Pellicone said...

I entered the GIVEAWAY: ABC Neckties' Stylish, Quality and Affordable Ties (2 winners!)
cspmom at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

i follow High Sierra Sport on Twitter
@LynnAnnMatthews
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com

Jennifer Pellicone said...

I entered the GIVEAWAY: What do you love? Show it with an "I ♥ _____" shirt from Fibers.com ($25 gift certificate)
cspmom at gmail dot com

Jennifer Pellicone said...

I entered the GIVEAWAY: Sleep Well for Life with the Ultimate Pillow from Natura (ARV $120)
cspmom at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

i love the carry on wheeled pack with the removeablr backpack
lynnnjoe@hootmail.com

Unknown said...

i entered the outdoor playball giveaway
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

i entered the petit couture giveaway
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

i entered the evora giveaway
lynnnjooe@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

i entered the chick monkey giveaway
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

i entered the ABC necktie giveaway
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

i entered the fibers giveaway
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

i entered the Ultimate pillow giveaway
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

i entered the mrs smith dipar bag giveaway
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

i entered ther CARES giveaway
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

i entered the airport busy kit giveaway
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

i entered the travel buddy giveawway
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

i entered the randomline giveaway
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

i entered the potty seat giveaway
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

tweet!
http://twitter.com/LynnAnnMatthews/status/10089716424
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com

janeh said...

the 25" Expandable Wheeled Upright

Unknown said...

i subscribe via rss feed
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com
entery #1

Unknown said...

i subscribe via rss feed
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com
entery #2

Unknown said...

i follow via friend connect
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com
entery #1

Unknown said...

i follow via friend connect
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com
entery #2

Unknown said...

i get your emails
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com
entery #2

annies home said...

facebook fan
shopannies@yahoo.com

annies home said...

twitter follower of high seirra
shopannies@yahoo.com

annies home said...

tweet http://twitter.com/shopannies/status/10090985446

shopannies@yahoo.com

sharonjo said...

I'm a facebook fan of High Sierra Sport Company.
Sharon Olivier

sharonjo said...

I follow High Sierra Sport on twitter @sharonjo2

sharonjo said...

It's hard to pick just one favorite at High Sierra--their bags are all so well thought-out in their design! One piece I especially love is the Next Level Carry-On Expandable Wheeled Upright. My nephew is graduating high school in a couple months; this would be a great gift for him!

sharonjo said...

I entered your Natura Ultimate Pillow giveaway.

sharonjo said...

I follow you on twitter @sharonjo2

I tweeted!
http://twitter.com/sharonjo2/status/10092174745

sharonjo said...

I follow on google friend connect. sharonjo
#1

sharonjo said...

I follow on google friend connect. sharonjo
#2

sharonjo said...

I subscribe to your feed on Google Reader.
#1

sharonjo said...

I subscribe to your feed on Google Reader.
#2

sharonjo said...

I'm an email subscriber.
sharonjo at gwtc dot net
#1

sharonjo said...

I'm an email subscriber.
sharonjo at gwtc dot net
#2

Aisling said...

I became a fan of High Sierra on Facebook.

Aisling said...

The 28" Expandable Wheeled Upright in red is certainly one of my favorite items at High Sierra.

Aisling said...

I'm an email subscriber. (1)

Aisling said...

I'm an email subscriber. (2)

victoria99 said...

I love the 26 inch wheeled duffle!

victoria99 said...

I'm a fan of High Sierra on Facebook. I'm victoria lester.

victoria99 said...

I follow High Sierra on Twitter. I'm victoria99999

Anonymous said...

I like the Frank bag best!
Charlotte
charlottewinters@cox.net

victoria99 said...

I'm a follower of yours on twitter and here is my tweet:
http://twitter.com/victoria99999/status/10095793098

victoria99 said...

I follow you on google friend. I'm victoria lester

victoria99 said...

I subscribed to by email.

victoria99 said...

Your button is located:
http://waltdisneyworldtravel.blogspot.com/

monky said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Crown the Queen said...

i am a fanbook fan of high sierra - danielle crown

fluggy said...

I'm a High Sierra FB fan! :)
name (Kelly N.)

Crown the Queen said...

im following them on twitter - crownthequeen

Crown the Queen said...

i really like their ridgeline - im a property manager and i can totally use one when i walk the property!

fluggy said...

I like the Access Day pack and the Carron-On Wheeled Backpack with Removable Day Pack.

Crown the Queen said...

tweet

http://twitter.com/crownthequeen/status/10097010289

Crown the Queen said...

i now get your email feed

Stephanie said...

fan on facebook
tvollowitz at aol dot com

Stephanie said...

PIX is prety cool for business use
tvollowitz at aol dot com

simplymerry said...

follow High Sierra on twitter (simplymerrier)
simplymerry at gmail dot com

simplymerry said...

I like the Connect computer bag

simplymerry at gmail dot com

simplymerry said...

entered the hearthsong giveaway

simplymerry at gmail dot com

simplymerry said...

entered the chic monkey giveaway

simplymerry at gmail dot com

simplymerry said...

entered the fibers.com giveaway

simplymerry at gmail dot com

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