Blackhawk "CIA Garment Bag"

Jedi Knife

Jedi Knife

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I'm just about sure this one has been covered here, but just to get the most recent information, I'm soliciting experiences/opinions about the Blackhawk CIA Garment bag. The description of it sounds really appealing, in a "James Bond" kind of way. I've never owned/used a garment bag, and own only one proper suit. Do they serve any other good purpose, other than for transporting suits (Like carrying other types of clothing, maybe sportcoats, separate pants and such)? I know that sounds like a crazy question but what I mean is: Would it be beneficial to use one of these for clothes instead of the more traditional suitcase even if I don't have a load of business suits?

JK
 
no they don't
they are VERY big and heavy to boot
if you intend to use them to hold other things, the intrinsic weight of the bag will kill your shoulder
that said, you can stuff a lot of clothes into them
 
I've used a garment bad made by Lands End for years. In fact, took it along to Scotland on a 3-week trip a few years ago and also to Ireland for a week. It's just fine! Depends how you pack. I've come to the conclusion, with years of travel, that we mostly overpack. The use of a garment bag that folds over itself and zips shut can be a good way to travel. Mine has serveral outside pockets, too. On the whole they tend to be somewhat bulkly but, again, it depends how you pack. One man's opinion...:)
 
Thanks for the responses DEA, northgull. One more question: Are the clothes in any better condition out of the garment bag than if they would have been in a suitcase?

JK
 
I think the clothes survive a little better -- but my Blackhawk bag had a number of small defects. Yes, they stand behind them and fix them, but what a pain.
 
they survive much better
there aren't as many foldlines (i just hook my clothes up on a clotheshanger and fold the bag into half)
when packing a suitcase i fold many many times to get enough clothes in
however, it's quite a bit bigger than many a suitcase

fracmeister, what defects did you experience? i'm wondering if mine came with those too

:(
 
My hook broke (loose) after a short period of time and I had some misaligned stitching (just a cosmetic flaw). I have had a handle problem with another bag. But overall they have been excellent. I have a bundle in them though!
 
Packed clothing has survived in better condition when I use the Lands End garment bag.. definitely. I've had as many as 3 jackets and several pairs of pants in it at one time and they all came out virtually without wrinkles.

Packing is as much an art as it is a science. If you pack carefully, you are generally able to avoid wrinkle problems. Good luck!
 
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