If you cycle to work, or are a regular traveller you’ll know the pain that comes from trying to stuff everything into a backpack or pull-along bag. That pain jumps ten fold if a suit jacket is involved. Enter the Wingman from Henty.
Nope, I’m not suggesting you drive South of Wagga Wagga to the town of Henty. Instead visit the team at Henty Designs who sell on their website a range of cool stuff, including the Wingman.
When it arrived in the EFTM studio I honestly didn’t know what to make of it.
Trying to work out how to wear it was my first challenge, then I realised I wasn’t a cyclist so the over the shoulder sling style isn’t my go. Honestly, it sat around for a while.
Then I started packing for a trip to China. On short trips (Less than a week) I hate checking-in luggage. It wastes time at the other end, and there’s a risk of lost luggage if you have multiple flights.
It was then that I realised I needed to take my Jacket – I was going to be doing some filming over there, and that’s the only reason I take a Jacket.
That ruled out a backpack. And it also ruled out my basic carry-on luggage.
Enter the Wingman.
Firstly there’s a large bag, very similar to a basic suit jacket back, but much stronger fabric, as well as “ribs” throughout to keep your jacket in the best condition.
Secondly there’s a cylindrical bag which would suit your Gym gear for day trips, but for me it was able to take my toiletries and clothes other than shirts and my jacket.
This is where the Wingman gets nifty. The suit bag rolls around the centre bag, clips together, and then there’s a final pocket on the outside which I was able to fit and iPad in as well as all the stuff I needed on-the-go when travelling.
Actually carrying it wasn’t the best thing, after a while I adjusted the strap so it was comfortable on one shoulder. This problem is solved by buying the Wingman Backpack instead, which has two shoulder straps and would be perfect in this situation.
On the other side of the world, unroll, unzip and your jacket and shirts don’t need an iron if you’ve got 12 hours for them to hang in the closet.
Apart from it being less than ideal to carry through airports (solved by buying the Backpack version), the only other issue was a randomly extreme luggage check at an airport gate which required unrolling the whole thing and when you’re packed tight it’s not an easy thing.
I was blown away by how simple this concept was, and will be travelling “carry-on only” for all my future flights.
This video shows you exactly what I mean:
At $199 it’s a great deal for any commuter. Day-trips, short trips and cyclists should be aware of the Wingman and grab one. It’s fantastic.
Consider the Backpack version at just $239 if you’re not confident with the “cyclist carry”.
[schema type=”review” rev_name=”Henty Wingman” rev_body=”A roll-up suit bag which makes travelling a breeze” author=”Trevor Long” pubdate=”2015-06-28″ user_review=”4.5″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]
