Helping Hands Write-Off - Hartmann Luggage

This review is my entry in the Helping Hands write-off organized by bgoodday. Although the reviews have been written on a variety of topics, the common denominator is that each author has agreed to donate all monies earned from the reviews to those less fortunate than ourselves. My donation, which I will match ten to one, will be given to the Cathedral Heritage Foundation's dining room for the homeless.

If you would like to help someone in need this year, but were not able to participate in this write-off, you can do so by reading as many of these reviews as possible. Please take a minute out of your day to help another. Thank you.

My husband's job requires extensive travel, putting him in an international destination at least 50% of the year. This type of travel takes a tough set of luggage, to make it through the rigors of baggage handlers and luggage carousels. Several years ago we traded in our old luggage for a few pieces of Hartmann, and have added several pieces since. Our goal was to find a tough set of luggage (for him), but something fairly attractive (for me).

What is Hartmann Luggage?

Hartmann is a decades old company, known for its high quality, design and exceptional craftsmanship. Probably the only American company producing "luxury" luggage, they take great pride in crafting a product which is superior in quality and timeless in style.

Intensity Collection

Hartmann offers several different luggage lines. We chose the Intensity Collection. Intensity is a nylon luggage, trimmed with leather and metal accents. It had classic lines, and many features which indicated it was built to last. The color choices were coffee and black, and we chose the latter.

The fabric is ballistic nylon, a heavy duty fabric designed to stand up to the toughest use. It is moisture repellent and stain resistant. All trim is full grain leather, and the metals are either nickel or brass plated hardware.

The 22 Inch Mobile Traveler

The mobile traveler is made with what Hartmann calls their MT2 Mobile Travel System. The idea is to make traveling with luggage as easy as possible. Each piece with the MT2 system is made with an ultra-lighweight frame which they claim is the most durable in the industry. This frame allows for more packing room in each piece. The MT2 also has durable handles made of fiberglass which can be easily engaged or disengaged only using one hand. The handles also provide links to add a business case and carry both at one time. What is distinctive about this is that the system is designed to provide even weight distribution once another bag has been added. The MT2 also includes heavy duty wheels, and strong axles for a smooth ride over any surface.

The piece itself is deceptively small. When I first saw it, I thought it was a nice piece to hold the overflow from one of the larger pieces. I was wrong. It is amazing how much can fit in one of these.

The mobile traveler has two handles. The popup handle for wheeling, as well as a leather handle at top for carrying. The front zips open for access to the inside. On the front there are two pockets, one small, one about 3/4 the size of the luggage. Inside, it is basically an open rectangle, with no obstructions. Since the luggage is soft-sided, there is ample opportunity to fill it to the brim. It includes a strap to put around the items inside and keep them in place.

The Price

Get ready for some heavy duty sticker shock. The Intensity 22 Inch Mobile Traveler is $395.00, though not the $535.00 listed with the Epinions product review.

The Verdict

Our Hartmann purchases prove that you get what you pay for. Our Hartmann Luggage is far and away one of the best products we own. Living up to their claims, Hartmann produces luggage which is stylish, extremely durable, and built with the traveler in mind. The pieces are easy to pack, and make maximum use of their space. They roll well through airports and airplane aisles, and after several years of very high usage, our luggage still looks much like what it did when we first bought it. Make the investment.


Other participants in the Helping Hands write-off are:

alwaysstubborn, amykhar, argonut, bgoodday, bluehawg, bluesky2, bmcnichol, bops_mom, broadwaybaby, bunnyjav, caleo, canne, ceeJay62, cntaur5, conradd, cutie_pi, cyndiA, dani257, dannyzmom, darkmistress, diverpam, dreamcatcher39, dunkjam, emeleel, frani49, gracef, grumpifrog, gypsyrose75, jcellis, jenni1396, jimdaisy, jo.com, joubert, katetpz, kelly60, kimmiekg, kristennc, kyhiera, lildev, maddi, meanbeast, merlot, mimi369, mmounsey, monicaL2me, mskills, mspooh5, pantazis5, pianomam, prepoia, rmartin_cpa, roadiem, shanny21, soxfan, sugarbugg23, suzig, taurusmoon, thinkerlady, tipu, viper1963, wavesandshells, wickedgood, and wildbillm.