Even if your holiday travel doesn’t include golf, having functional gear and bags along for the ride might help reduce the stress.
“Travelers prefer light weight, balance and durability when deciding on new luggage,” said Jeff Herold, president of Club Glove. “Surviving a major trip means having durable and quality luggage that is maneuverable and rolls well on nearly any surface your journey may throw at you.”
For some, it will always be what’s on the inside that counts, which often means extra space and versatility. Joe Granata, product marketing director for Samsonite, calls it his company’s quest to “have a maximum amount of packing capacity,” while Dave Munson, chief designer and president of Saddleback Leather, says his company’s philosophy is predicated on adaptability.
“I like to get the most out of things I own,” Munson said. “I don’t often buy something that only has one function. I’m drawn to multifunctional, well thought out things. I want to be able to use it as much and as often as I can, and that’s why I designed most of the bags to convert into backpacks.”
Since wheeled bags of all sizes are standard these days, some companies are highlighting products for people on the go.
“Ease of mobility between airline terminals, long-term parking and hotel shuttles is key,” said Cheryl Cotterman, director at Hartmann, a luggage company in business since 1877. “Weekend travel often calls for bags that easily move from car to resort, such as duffels and weekenders.”
Even though there’ll always be people who prefer dark colors for travel bags, trends toward colorful luggage – either to display personalities or to be distinguishable from the black bag crowd – are also taking place.
“Over the past several years Samsonite has become much more adventurous with bright colors, especially the colors that are trending in the apparel, footwear and automotive industries,” Granata said. “We still find some customers that just want a bright color that is easy to locate in the baggage claim areas.”
When it comes to golfers who prefer to bring clubs on trips, “protection should be the most important aspect of convenience,” said Steve Kerpan, vice president of the Sports Division at SKB Corporation, an Orange-based manufacturer of transport cases.
“If your clubs arrive damaged at your destination,” he said, “the whole concept of transporting your clubs is flushed down the drain.”
Many golf club travel bags are reinforced for protection, but there are other ways to help keep your sticks safe.
“Packing towels and/or rain gear securely around your clubheads will help drastically reduce movement of clubs,” Club Glove’s Herold said. “The Stiff Arm club protector is an absolute must when traveling to protect your driver. This adjustable ‘crutch’ fits all travel bags and is designed to absorb the full force of vertical impacts that could snap a driver head at the hozzle.”
No matter the bag, investing wisely now can pay off in the long run.
“It’s really easy to get used to quality. And once you go there, it’s hard to go back,” Munson said. “So, you generally get what you pay for. Rarely is it all just marketing when you have a high-priced item in front of you. But I’d suggest you go through the reviews and see what people say about it. If the company has been around a long time and doesn’t sell other junk on their site, then I think you’ll be good to go. If they sell low-quality junk on their site too, watch out. Buy nice or buy twice.”
