Travel Products - Eagle Creek Alternatives? Made in US Versions?

I've never been impressed with Eagle Creek when I see it at REI or The Container Store. I believe it's imported, and for the prices they command, that means a really high margin.

I should be able to get made in the US/Canada gear for the prices they sell at, considering the low amount of materials used in construction.

Is there any competition here in this field? Ive been traveling weekly for the last 6 months with a AirBoss and literally just fold my clothes in half and stuff them in. Hang them on a hanger at the hotel and they are pretty good the following day. Also it helps that my clothes are highly wrinkle resistant.

Ive been considering using something like the EC storage systems for within my AirBoss and I read in many posts people discussing them and liking them, however I'd really like a higher quality version made in the US/Canada, even if its a little more money.

If anyone can recommend one, and ideally ones that work well within the AirBoss, I would be highly appreciative.

Or if anyone uses a home-made alternative, let me know too. I have some titanium "sheet metal" that is about 1/32" thick and super lightweight/strong. For the same price as an EC system, I can get titanium flat cut to spec and fold my clothes around that.

Im also willing to hear replies of "EC is amazing. Who cares if its made in China and they have a 5000% markup over materials/labor? It works well and I dont care."

I travel professionally now so its about time I do something better than simply randomly folding my shirts in half/quarters. For now it hasnt been an issue because the AirBoss easily holds 3 to 4 days of clothes, even half-assed folded but I might need to start upping my trips to a week out of the same bag so careful packing will be critical for that.

You can get deals on Eagle Creek. I think I picked mine up for $150 when they were $300 new. Considering how much I've used it in the last 5 years, it has held together amazingly well! I'm a fan of their gear generally!

Sierra trading might be a good place to look for deals
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/eagle-creek-continental-voyager-pack-80l~p~3132w/

or Ebags
http://www.ebags.com/category/travel-backpacks/2003986?itemsperpage=100&nso=1&ns=order_count&cat_info=true&order=order_count

I think the OP is more interested in the Eagle Creek packing folders (and perhaps cubes) than luggage. But the suggestion to look at Sierra Trading Post is good. I've bought several 15-inch folders from them for much less than retail price--sometimes more than 50% off, bringing the price down from $24 to about $11.

Eagle Creek almost has a monopoly with packing folders. I know that Magellan's used to sell packing folders branded with their name (I bought a couple several years ago), but I just checked their site and noticed they're only selling Eagle Creek folders now.

There is a company called Travelon that still sells packing folders, but their prices are not better than Eagle Creek's. They do appear to be a US company, but I have no idea where they make the products they sell. Nowadays, however, I'm not surprised that an American-based company does none of its manufacturing here. Their products can be found at stores like Wal-Mart and Target. Given the amount of imported goods those two stores sell, I suspect Travelon's products are made in China, Vietnam, etc. I have seen somewhat discounted prices on packing folders from Travelon at Marshall's/TJ Maxx.

eBags has their own line of packing cubes and other packing accessories. Their website will get you lots of bonus points at most of the shopping portals. Cheaper than EC, but still made in China. http://www.ebags.com/category/packing-cubes-and-folders/20014520

LL Bean also has their own branded packing accessories that are basically the same as well. But I would imagine they are made in Asia too.

You can get Tom Bihn packing cubes. Made in Seattle.

www.tombihn.com

We have Eagle Creek, eBags, Mountainsmith and Columbia packing cubes, as well as Eagle Creek luggage. I prefer my Eagle Creek packing cubes, as I like the wide variety of sizes. Never pay full price - always watch the aforementioned websites as well as REI and their online outlet. REI will usually have items on sale in May (that's when I bought some new items last year). Sometimes Amazon and Campmor will have deals, too.

Love my EC Velocity luggage that I bought half price. Since we live 30 minutes from EC HQ, it is easy to get repaired when the airlines trash it!!! ^