Alpha Sherpa: A traveling golfer's best friend

Anybody who travels these days knows that strong, flexible, versatile luggage is the only way to survive.

To avoid those dreaded fees on checked baggage, I’m trying to jam more and more into my carry-on and backpack that doubles as a computer bag. I love my Ogio carry-on. Can’t beat it. Has more pockets than a pool table.

I’ve found a backpack just as cool: the Alpha Sherpa. This 4-in-1 monster pack is an invention of the folks who created the Baby Sherpa, the tricked-out backpack that has become all the rage with diaper-totting soccer moms. And if you can survive a trip with a baby, traveling on a business or golf trip should be a cinch with the Alpha Sherpa.

Some of the features that make the Baby Sherpa so unique translate to the Alpha Sherpa: the endless supply of pockets, the built-in cooler and a separate pullout cushion (a changing pad in the Baby Sherpa is now marketed as a seat cushion for sporting events or picnics). The laptop sleeve holds most 14-inch computers or a pile of magazines (I tend to use plane rides to catch up on my favorites).

For organization freaks like me, the nine pockets are a pleasure. One insulated pocket holds a water bottle. A secure inside pocket hides wallets and passports. Since I don’t pack Pro-V1s in my checked luggage, a dozen golf balls will find a home safe in an inner chamber. Another floating padded pouch is made to protect a video camera, yet still keep it accessible. The same principle applies to several outer pouches perfect for a cell phone and sunglasses.

My favorite storage idea, of course, has to be the mammoth cooler at the bottom of the bag. Created to help hikers survive in the wilderness, my family used it for survival of another kind, a trip to Walt Disney World Resort. It was the perfect spot to horde snacks for our two children.

I don’t ever plan on climbing Mount Everest with a sherpa, but in everyday life, this Sherpa will get plenty of use. For more information, visit babysherpa.com or call 888-333-3424.