Sherpani Meridian Wheeled Bag : Easy to Move, Easy on the Environment

I'm booking through the Denver airport, steering my Sherpani Meridian roller bag around the travelers standing on the people movers, when a common thought crosses my mind: "I love traveling with this carry-on."

To see it is to adore it. My Meridian is a bold rhubarb color that leaps out at me immediately from baggage belts and carts, and the flower-patterned lining inside makes me forget all about the stresses of packing. Those sprightly blooms never fail to cheer me.

The Meridian isn't just stylish, it's also eco-friendly. Made from 67 percent recycled fabrics, non-toxic dyes, and recycled aluminum, this is one piece of luggage I really feel good about.

Those green materials have so far proven to be as tough and durable as their conventional counterparts. After I checked it aboard flights to New Zealand and to the U.K., my Meridian emerged looking no worse for wear.

The size is perfect: At 22 inches high, it meets carry-on size restrictions. It's also expandable via a 360-degree zipper that can give the bag a few more inches of depth. I often carry it on when I'm heading to my destination, but on the way home--after I've inevitably made a few purchases and find myself with more stuff than I started the trip with--I unzip the expansion bellows and check it with the airline.

The Meridian boasts multiple handles that make it easy to grab no matter which way the bag is resting: I can grip it from the top, the side, or even the front, thanks to its two duffel-style straps. An internal mesh divider splits the large space in two for better organization. However, my favorite feature, hands-down, is the urethane wheels that glide like silk over any surface. Seem like a strange thing to rave about? Maybe. Until you take the Meridian for a spin--then you'll understand just how pleasant travel is with this smooth operator.

Bottom Line:  An earth-friendly rollerbag that's easy to maneuver and cuter than the other bags on the claim conveyor belt. -K.B. (Feb. 09)

Price: $199 click on icon to shop/purchase-

Manufacturer's Site: www.sherpani.us