Monday
Oct082007
October 8, 2007 Trolling for luggage
Some may consider ebags.com the Wal-Mart of luggage. They are the big box superstore to be sure, but they have a surprising variety and you can’t argue with the price. I would rather direct you to small American luggage manufacturers, but that’s not where everyone is going to turn. So here are some interesting options for the light, carry-on traveler gleaned from the thousands upon thousands of eBags offerings:
- eBags Weekender Convertible - at $60 you shouldn’t expect this carry-on backpack to last a lifetime, but it is a stunning value. I began light travel with this bag and it always impresses me when I pick it up.
- The Great Conversion by Columbia - a $100 maximum carryon-sized pack available in shocking safety orange. Like the Weekender above it has very helpful compression straps.
- Victorinox Standard Traveler 3.0 Standard Overnighter - a trim convertible pack that expands to near maximum carryon size - $120
- Victorinox Mobilizer NXT 3.0 Standard Issue 2-Zip Expandable Overnighter - gee, Victorinox must pay their marketing people by the word! This is a classy, heavy, heavy-duty, traditional shoulder bag/suitcase (hah - lots of words). Now on sale for $199. A poor man’s Tumi.
- Filson Large Carry-On Bag - nothing says “I’ve got a lot of money and I’m not afraid to spend it on fishing and hunting trips” like a Filson. Seriously, Filson makes good stuff. I own a good bit of their clothing. Made in the USA, $375.
- Patagonia One Bag - love the size, loads of versatility. $128 (Nan - thanks for the reminder)
Reader Comments (9)
What about Patagonia's One Bag?
I have one. It's a bit late in the day for me to go into why it should be considered.. but I promise to post more tomorrow.
Until then, goodnight!
Nan,
Thanks for the post; we look forward to more. I'd love to get my hands on a One Bag but have been unable to do so. I really like its size and shiny interior.
Regarding ebags being the "Wal-Mart" for bags, there's an interesting topic in that remark. I can see the merit in buying the cheapest bag possible and replacing it only if you need to. I can also see getting a high quality bag and spending 2x, 3x, or even 10x as much. I have a wheeled bag that I think I paid $20 for a few years ago that is still functioning. But I'm also tempted by some of the high quality bags that easily cost $200+ (which is 10x).
Unlike Wal-Mart, eBags has quite a selection and their service is pretty good in my experience.
Here's a couple more ideas from the Ebags site worthy of consideration:
Kelty Vancouver
http://www.ebags.com/kelty/vancouver/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=55388
-- never seen one but if it's built like other Kelty products, than it's well made
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Trager Jet Pack
http://www.ebags.com/trager/jet_pack/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=46655
--I have one of these, it's a local Seattle company. Nicely made, but I didn't care much for it, no inside or outside compression straps, and the backpack straps look like they are off a cheap school backpack, was not comfortable when I packed it. Pity, I like the way it looks. With a few improvements, would really be nice. Also has cheap shoulder strap, but I have a high quality aftermarket one so thats not a huge concern to me.
I really like the Victorinox products, I've looked at the Standard Overnighter - it was sold for a time at REI in the Seattle area - and it's basically like my Rick Steves carry on that I use for pleasure travel, similar size etc. I like the Steves product, it seems a bit more discreet but thats a personal choice. I also own the 2 Zip Overnighter, and use it for my biz travel and it's great (except for what i posted previously on another OBOW thread). Very well made products and classy looking.
Oh, here's one more I've looked at -
Jansport EuroSak
http://www.ebags.com/jansport/euro_sak/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=81964
I've looked over one of these and they are nicely made too. Opens 'book style' and has zip covers on each side, not quite as nice as compression straps, but not a bad compromise. Seemed comfortable on back, but did not have a chance to give it the 'packed' test so I can't totally vouch for comfort. Has a gel filled shoulder strap, nicer than most I've seen.
Another bag for your consideration is the L L Bean Quickload Travel Pack. This appeals to me as it has zippers that have protective flaps like a real backpack. Although I love my Tom Bihn Aeronaut the "Splash Proof Zippers" are a hoot.
Here is yet another carry-on and it's a bargain. Campmor is selling the Outdoor Products Essential Carry-on for $29.95! For that price I may just order one to see what it's like.
I've had an outdoor products essential carry on for about a year and a half now. During that time, I've taken 5 trips to Europe with it, each 14 to 18 days, and 4 shorter trips in the US. The bag weighs only 1.75 lbs, which is a big help right away. It doesn't look particularly strong, but it shows absolutely no signs of wear or strain after a lot of hard use. My wife has taken fewer trips with hers, but it too shows no signs of wear. The bag has a single main compartment, which is perfect for bundle packing, since it allows you to make a bigger bundle, which results in fewer wrinkles. That same compartment will also swallow a purse or briefcase when you have to consolidate your hand luggage (going to UK, for example). The hideaway backpack straps are comfortable and hold the bag close to the back, unlike some other bags that I've tried. I've ordered (but returned) several other bags, thinking that this one is too cheap to be any good, but I always decide that the essential carry on is the one to take. It has an organizer pocket on the outside that is good for 1 liter plastic bag of toothpaste and other liquids. My advice is to try it. It's so cheap you can give it away if you don't like it.