High Sierra A.T. Gear Access 36-Inch Drop-Bottom Wheeled Duffel

*Est. $95
Reviewed
September 2009
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High Sierra A.T. Gear Access 36-Inch Drop-Bottom Wheeled Duffel

Pros
  • Huge capacity
  • Converts to a backpack
  • Durable in most reviews
  • Unlimited lifetime warranty
Cons
  • Easy to pack beyond airline weight limits
  • Doesn't stand upright
 
 
Where to Buy
 
 
 

The High Sierra A.T. Gear Access 36-inch Drop-Bottom Wheeled Duffel costs less than the top-rated duffel, the REI Wheely Beast 28-Inch (*Est. $150), but the High Sierra bag isn't quite as highly rated. Both bags carry a lifetime guarantee, but we found a few more owner complaints of burst seams and broken zippers with the High Sierra bag. Both bags hold a ton, reviewers say -- so much that it's easy to pack beyond the airlines' weight limits if you're not careful. Both have plenty of pockets, with a big separate compartment that's perfect for dirty gear. Unlike the REI bag, the High Sierra duffel includes hideaway backpack straps. However, it won't stand upright like the REI bag will.

The High Sierra A.T. Gear Access 36-inch Drop-Bottom Wheeled Duffel gets good reviews from plenty of owners at eBags.com, LuggageOnline.com and Amazon.com. Outside magazine also tests a slightly different, smaller High Sierra wheeled duffel.

Our Sources

1. EBags.com

The vast majority of owners say they'd buy this High Sierra duffel again, in more than 220 reviews. A few reviewers say it's not as durable as they'd hoped.

Review: High Sierra A.T. Gear Access 36" Drop-Bottom Wheeled Duffel, Contributors to eBags.com

2. Luggage Online

Nearly 50 owners rate this duffel at LuggageOnline.com, awarding it 4 stars overall (out of 5). It gets especially high marks for functionality, but users warn that it's easy to over-pack this big bag and exceed airline weight limits.

Review: High Sierra A.T. Gear Access 36-inch Drop-Bottom Wheeled Duffel Bag, Contributors to LuggageOnline.com

3. Amazon.com

This is one of the top-rated luggage pieces at Amazon.com, averaging 5 stars (out of 5) in almost 20 customer reviews. Users say this bag is very durable, although not indestructible. High Sierra makes several 36-inch wheeled duffels; this is the A.T. Gear Access model.

Review: High Sierra 36-inch Drop-Bottom Wheeled Duffel, Contributors to Amazon.com

4. Outside Magazine

Ted Stedman praises the High Sierra's rugged performance on a trip in Bhutan. Like the High Sierra A.T. Gear Access 36-inch Drop-Bottom Wheeled Duffel, this smaller model gets high marks for being roomy and durable.

Review: Killer Value 2006: High Sierra AT3 32, Ted Stedman

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