High Sierra's XP225 wheeled duffel bag makes sure you're prepared for any travel terrain, from smooth airport floors to cobbled European streets to dirt back roads. In addition to the highly durable inline skate-style wheels, the XP225 includes hidden shoulder straps. This duffel-style bag offers loads of overall storage space (4,302 cubic inches) and a variety of storage areas for all your gear. It features two main compartments--a large bottom section with stiff walls and an upper storage section that's more bag-like and is divided into several compartments. The bottom compartment is handy for larger gear, and it includes straps for holding things down. It also offers some unique features, including zippered access to the back of the bag (for making any adjustments to the handle's hardware) as well as a zippered entry divider to the top (with an incorporated mesh pocket) that can be completely unzipped to create one extra-large compartment.
The upper compartment also features two end pockets that are lined with a heavy-duty, water-resistant lining to help keep your most important clothes dry. The pockets can extend into the main section of the upper compartment, or they can be rolled up and stored out of the way with a hook/loop strap when not in use. A smaller accessory storage area is incorporated into the top of the upper compartment--and its zippered opening lies flush with the exterior of the bag. It features an integrated mesh underside and holds an included bath and personal products bag.
"Heavy duty" is an apt description for the XP225, with it's 1680-denier ballistic exterior and hard plastic bottom protecting the wheels. Even with the bag fully loaded, it's easily transported via wheel and backpack options. The backpack mode's shoulder straps are contoured to provide a better fit and to ease the load of the bag's weight. They're completely housed in a zipped compartment in the back/bottom of the bag, helping to keep the fumbling while attaching straps to another connecter at the bag's bottom to a minimum. The straps are nicely padded, and the sternum strap is appreciated, but they did feel slightly constrained at the top on our very wide shoulders.
In addition to the backpack straps, the XP225 includes a recessed, locking, rubberized telescoping handle for use when wheeling the bag, a soft-grip handle on the top, and duffel straps (with velcro fastener). The sporty, corner-mounted inline skate-style wheels have a tough metal hub and strong, rubber treads.
Unfortunately, the XP225 won't pass inspection by your friendly flight attendant--you'll definitely need to check it. But that's a worthy price to pay for such a multi-functional travel bag that will hold a wide assortment of gear and well over a week's worth of garments. --Agen G.N. Schmitz
