AROUND HOME : Traveling Closet

GARMENT BAGS MAY not be the sexiest of design objects, nor Iowa Falls, Iowa, the trendiest of towns. Yet since November, 1987, savvy travelers haven’t been leaving home without their Walk-in Closet, a garment bag made in that Midwestern city by Boyt Division Welsh Sporting Goods Corp. Boyt originated in 1901 as a saddle and harness manufacturer and sewed canvas duffel bags for the military during both world wars. A few years ago, company president Mark Markovic decided to act on sales agents’ reports that customers weren’t satisfied with existing garment bags. Though garment bags were a boon to travelers who preferred to live out of their luggage rather than load and unload their clothing into the dresser drawers at every hotel stop, people were tired of having always to flip their open garment bag around to get at the accessory pockets in the back.

Markovich devised pockets with zipper access from both sides. As well, the front of the Boyt bag zips open to reveal two side panels--in the manner of the doors on a side-by-side refrigerator-freezer. The side panels support additional accessory pockets, made out of a tough, transparent plastic that’s easier to see through than the industry-standard mesh. The zippered openings form air-tight seals--to keep the fragrance of soiled clothing from wafting onto clean clothes and to allow the traveler to take that one last dip in the hotel swimming pool before dashing off to the airport, without worrying whether his wet bathing suit will dampen his other clothes. Similarly, the snap-out toilet kit can be lifted whole onto the sink vanity--lessening the likelihood of leaving the toothpaste behind.

Other features include a hanger system that accommodates your own hangers, unlike other systems that necessitate the annoying, time-consuming transfer of shirts and suits onto special small hangers than won’t fit onto regular home or hotel closet bars. Then too, the padded leather handle probably rates as the most comfortable in the business: “We design for comfort and function first and style second,” says Markovich.

The Walk-in Closet comes in three lines: no-nonsense Cordura nylon, a more stylish version in packcloth nylon dressed up with leather trim, and a ballistic-nylon version that sells especially well in California. Says Markovich: “Its heavy weave and texture give the luggage a macho, high-tech look.”

Available at luggage stores throughout Southern California; telephone (800) 247-5191. Prices range from about $290 to $395.