Or…how to make a big case very manageable.
The challenge was simple: plenty of space; protection for the contents; must withstand the elements; simple for one person to manage.
In preparation for a road trip across America from Charleston, South Carolina, to Prescott, Arizona, in a Unimog, I opted to transport all my gear in an aluminium case. The idea was to pack everything I needed for the 14 day journey, except my camera, lenses and electronics, into the case for the flights to and from the US. Once on the ground and in the truck, I would rearrange everything and safekeep my photographic equipment in the case en route. The case needed to be easy to manhandle on my own and should have adjustable partitioning inside. Upon my return to Germany, it was already earmarked to store my bike gear, except for my helmet, when I’m travelling by car or truck between rides.
The candidate: Zarges K 424 XC full equipment package 41817. Measuring 800 x 400 x 455 mm and capable of consuming 99 litres, this case is able to cope with everything I wanted on my trip as well as my boots, jacket, trousers, protectors and other small biking items in future. Two integrated wheels and a telescopic handle turn heaving it across an airport into a simple stroll. Inside there is a removable inner case with dividers which can be positioned at will and held in place with velcro. Attached to the inside of the lid is a document bag large enough to hold my iPad and other desktop utensils I need when I’m out of the office.
It’s been nearly twelve months since the beginning of this relationship and we have been on several long and short haul flights as well as trips where the case has been in the back of a 4×4, on the bed of a pick-up or in the storage bay of a truck. Since the outset, there is little to show other than a small dent and the disappearance of one of the locks, both of which can be traced back to baggage handlers and airport security—the latter problem can be avoided if you use TSA-padlocks.
The inner case has proven exceptionally useful in organising contents and preventing sensitive equipment from being thrown around if the case is not filled completely. The integral wheels and trolley handle are a blessing on smooth floors and can be improved with a longer axle and two large rubber wheels for more demanding terrain.
Despite the telescopic handle and integral wheels, the case can still be stacked and does not forfeit any of the other typical Zarges properties.
Challenge accepted and fulfilled!
This post was originally published in the Autumn 2017 issue of Overland Journal Europe
