November 30, 2007 MEI Executive Overnighter - Reader Review
(Thanks to OBOW reader Paul for this review of a bag we haven’t yet seen: the MEI Executive Overnighter - photos below)
MEI Executive Overnighter - First impressions
Summary:
Well-designed 3- zip carry-on, similar to the Tough Traveller Tri Zip. Comfortable, well thought out shoulder straps. Hold-downs in main compartment. Outside snug straps to lessen bulge. High quality materials, handmade in the USA. Excellent packability.
Suggested improvements (note: I can personally live without these, but the Red Oxx Air Boss has addressed these items correctly and they would really work wonderfully with this product):
- make the front ‘outer’ pocket fully unzip (similar to the rear )
- The photos on the MEI website show the side handle(s) as two webbing loops, sewn down the side of the bag, meeting and joined by a leather ‘snap’ wrap (a la the Air Boss). However, the version as supplied shows a arrangement identical to the Voyageur, a molded plastic and web handle that is (heavily) sewed to the side of the bag (on top of one end of the outer snug straps). I don’t believe this is a bad design - I’m not seen any complaints in my research - but the other design would seem to bear the packed load better. I would perhaps suggest returning to that design. Time will tell if this is an issue or not.
- Add a discreet handle on either (or both) end(s) of the bag, to facilitate extracting from an overhead storage bin.
Like many readers of OBOW, I am a frequent carry-on business traveler in search of a well-made bag that will carry all of my business kit. My requirements were narrowed down to a carry-on sized, 3 compartment bag, that not only can be carried by a handle or shoulder strap, but has backpack straps, which I use frequently and is a prime requirement of mine, both for business and leisure travel. For biz travel, my Victorinox 2-zip carry on worked adequately, except that I could not include my laptop inside the bag - so I carried a separate laptop bag, which is what I wanted to eliminate.
In short, I researched and reviewed the alternatives as much as I could, and dropped them one by one. The current king, the Red Oxx Air Boss, would have been perfect, save that it did not have the backpack straps (I also eliminated the new Sky Train, both because it’s a 2 compartment zip - like the Victorinox - and I was not pleased with the non-ergo backpack strap design). I next considered the Tough Traveller Tri Zip, but after the excellent review on OBOW, reading Maharashii’s forum on his carry on search, and reviewing the basic backpack strap design, I eliminated it. I also eliminated the Easy Going Carryon, due to lack of backpack straps.
What I settled on is the MEI Executive Overnighter. This seemed to fit my requirements, (although the MEI website is somewhat limited on details, and shows only 2 photos) so based on reviews of the MEI Voyageur I decided to purchase.
Dimensions (approximate per my measurements):
Length 19.5 “
Width 11”
Height 14”
Rear Compartment 6”
Mid Compartment 3.25”
Front Compartment 1.75”
First impressions are very favorable. The bag is very nicely constructed, in 1000 D Cordura with a lighter internal material in black. (A note here about MEI customer service: Ahmed, the owner was excellent, calling me on a number of occasions to keep me abreast of the status, and on one occasion to tell me that the fabric in the khaki color I ordered was actually delivered to him in ‘taupe’ - a sort of medium brown / bronze - and he offered me the choice of this or another color. I elected to go with the taupe, and am very pleased with the appearance. It’s distinctive enough to be very recognizable at a glance but still understated, the way I prefer. I can say that I am very pleased with their service.)
The rear compartment is 6” deep and is the primary place where clothes go. In a ‘test pack’ I conducted, based on my usual 10-14 day complement of ‘business casual’ attire, it swallowed everything with room to spare. Also, there are 2 compression straps that snug everything tight against the inner wall (which is reinforced with a layer of foam). I use both packing cubes and Eagle Creek folding squares, which I definitely recommend.
The mid compartment is 3.25” wide and is perfect for carrying my Dell laptop, in it’s Tom Bihn Brain Cube (another excellent product….) with plenty of room for PC accessories packed in a Eagle Creek ‘half cube’, along with my gym shoes in a shoe bag. (A hint for TSA inspections: I was ‘inspected’ twice on previous trips until I figured out that the blocky Dell power supply was the object of the TSA search. Now, I not only put the laptop in the inspection bin but also the half cube with the power supply. Bingo, no more rifling through my bag.)
The front compartment is 1.75” in width, and I put one of my 2 folding squares there (with room left over for thin/small odds and ends) which adds a bit of protection for my laptop (as if it needs more than the Brain Cell). However, I could easily place this in the back and save this room for my book, magazine / newspaper, etc. that I generally carry for amusement. In addition, there are some smaller zip-pockets inside this compartment that can hold some smaller odds and ends.
On that score, there also is a fill length zip lengthwise across the front, that creates another space perfect for the aforementioned magazines, airline tickets etc. This pocket sits to the outside when the bag is carried via the shoulder strap.
As to the backpack straps, they are a duplicate of those on the Voyageur, with a nice sternum strap. The only difference is the waistband is a pair of webbing straps, with a large plastic clip to connect them together, different from the Voyageur design of 2 padded ‘wings’ either side of the waist. Not as comfortable, but saves a lot of space that I personally like. The straps are easily the most comfortable of the designs I have experience with, although slightly thicker than most.
The bag came with a nicely designed shoulder strap, with a thick pad and length adjustment from both ends of the strap. I currently have a strap with a gel-based pad that I prefer, but the included one is better than most I’ve seen provided as standard.
The bag comes standard with a MEI-made suiter accessory, but Ahmed indicated that he currently did not have any of them in stock and will send this accessory to me as soon as they become available, so I cannot currently comment on that function. However, the bad requires no modifications to use it and no extra charge.
All in all, I feel that this bag is a high quality, practical alternative in this market, given the limited amount of available products in the 3-zip category. For me, this bag is better overall than the Tri Zip, although the Air Boss has some features (not to mention it’s truly bulletproof construction, which really seems to be in a class above) that would adapt to this bag beautifully.
Frank@OBOW
Click on the photos to see a larger version. These illustrate Paul’s comments below:
Frank@OBOW
Here are pictures of the updated EO from Skip:
“Here are some new shots of the MEI Executive Overnighter I got. I tried to get shots of the changes…showing that all 3 compartments open out flat, the new second pocket on the outside, the new handles on the end (cool pattern on the fabric), the “key clip”, etc.”
Reader Comments (223)
Dear Buzz:
1. Empty Weight W/O Garment Folder: 4.2 Lbs.
Garment Folder : From 0.6 -0.8 lbs.
2. External straps; 2
3. All three Compartments will have the tie downs.
All the compartments open on three sides and about 2" each side on the bottom.
4. Two pockets on the front side.
5. The dimensions are: 21"X 14" X 10". You can pack it to 8 -9" or compress it by the outside compression straps.
Ahmed Hassan
MEI
Dear Buzz:
1. Empty Weight W/O Garment Folder: 4.2 Lbs.
Garment Folder : From 0.6 -0.8 lbs.
2. External straps; 2
3. All three Compartments will have the tie downs.
All the compartments open on three sides and about 2" each side on the bottom.
4. Two pockets on the front side.
5. The dimensions are: 21"X 14" X 10". You can pack it to 8 -9" or compress it by the outside compression straps.
Ahmed Hassan
MEI
As a VERY satisfied user I can tell you that the EO bag is everything you're reading here, and more. In fact, the ONLY thing better then the EO bag, is doing business with Ahmed. He is a throw back of sorts. He is truly concerned about his customers, and making sure they're happy and that his product is even more then they had hoped for.
I haven't seen the new garment folder or new strap yet, but I have no doubt they will be of the same impecable quality as Ahmed's bags.
And again, no I don't work for MEI...but I have become a very outspoken supporter and fan. And that is only because I love seeing an American company, and a great guy, doing well.
I haven't seen my set of pics of the newest version of the EO I have posted to this review, so I'll resend them tonight to Brad.
Skip
SKIP said: In fact in addition to my EO I'm on the waiting list for a Voyageur as well. Hopefully within the next month or so I will have both.
Hi Skip! I'm curious why you also went for the Voyager as well as the Overnighter. As primarily a leisure traveller but who always travels with a small laptop, (not a backpacker), I'm currently himming and hawing over which route to go.
Thanks,
Rob
Hi Rob!
Good question! In addition to this website I'm a VERY big fan of both MEI for luggage and onebag.com for packing light instruction. Doug at onebag.com advocates that there are two kinds of travel, business and leisure. I prefer to see them as "dressy" and "casual". At his site he recommends different style bags for each, a multi-compartment bag for busiess and a single cavity bag for leisure. I agree that leisure travel might benefit from a single cavity bag, it's more flexible. When I carry my laptop, a 3 zip bag is the ONLY way to go. Because of all that, and to be honest because I greatly admire the quality of MEI products, I decided to buy both. The two together give me all the flexibility I will ever need. If my opinion is worth much, however, I now truly believe that the EO bag with all of the current mods (especially when the new strap and garment folder are done) is the absolutely perfect bag for BOTH. If I could buy one bag, the EO is the one I would choose....the ONLY one.
I hope that helps!!!
Skip
Thanks Skip! I was going to get the Voyager, and use the external straps to keep the laptop in place within the bag, but from what I've read the EO will do a better job keeping it in place.
Is there a complete list of all the modifications on the current version of the bag? Or do purchasers have to know what modifications to request?
Thanks again,
Rob
You're welcome Rob!!
I agree with you, I think the EO is a much better option when you're packing a laptop.
Well, the short answer is, tell Ahmed to make a bag exactly like Skip's. ;) (oh, but get one in "coffee" color..I HATE that I didn't do that!!)
The long answer:
I will try to answer as well as I can, but I'm not trying to speak for Ahmed, just trying to share what I know from speaking with him. I think Ahmed's note above about covers it. The current production EO is a 3 zip bag, with all 3 compartments having tie down straps and all opening completely for packing. The bag has two 1.5" compression straps on the outside with 4 retention loops to hold them in place. It has a "key clip" to hold your keys, and two external pockets, both zippered. I THINK Ahmed is getting very close to having the new and improved shoulder strap and garment folder completed. Those are both included with the bag. All of this will be true for any EO bag ordered, I do believe.
Ahmed, how'd I do?? ;oP
Skip
WOW... sounds really great. Did you decide on the best packing method? Does bundle wrapping still work with the smaller sections (in comparison to the Voyager's larger primary section)? Do you use packing cubes? If yes, what section do they travel in?
HAHA was going to order a "Coffee" Voyager, but now *especially* if only to send you a photo, I will be sure to order a "Coffee" EO!
Thanks!
Rob
Actually Rob, bundle wrapping works BETTER in the EO. Although I have done it in the Voyageur, it really works best in that one if you have something under your bundle to give support. I use a garment folder or a couple of cubes. The design of the EO gives each section enough support already. As far as a packing method for the EO, I think it depends on the trip. Sometimes I use the large compartment for all my clothes, put my laptop and papers in the middle, and my outer wear (sweater, rain jacket, etc) and packing sacs and cubes in the last compartment. I took a trip a few weeks ago for business and laid over the weekend to see family. I bundled my dress clothes in the large compartment, bundled my casual clothes in the other outside section, and put all my "non wardrobe" things in the middle. That worked really well too! BTW, the middle section takes my laptop, chargers, and a pair of workout shoes VERY easily. I do find a few cubes help organize the Voyageur more then they help out in the EO.
I've reduced the number of cubes I use, and have started using packing sacs from Eagle Creek for a lot of stuff. They're packing "envelopes", they come in different sizes. I've gone to having "kits", one for toiletries, one for a laundry kit, one for a first aid kit, etc. They are easier to fit into either bag and give me a lot of packing flexibility. They also make great cores for my bundle. I bought mine in different colors and it makes it really easy to find what I want, quickly. (ie: the blue one is my laundry kit.)
As far as getting one in "coffee"....I now officially hate you.
;)))))))))))
Skip
Great reply, thanks! In the past I've used a combination of Eagle Creek 1/4 cubes and large-ish pencil cases. I too use different colours for different themes (blue = laundry, red = electrical stuff [LOL - I can hear my niece - "But Uncle Robbie, lightning is orange not red!"]). I found when they were all one colour, it was easy to skip packing something.
I'll try a couple trips with what I have, but what sizes of the packing sacks do you use for your kits? I only have one "real" packing sack (large) which I picked up yesterday to be the core for my bundle. (ala "one.bag")
And as Homer says: "mmmm chocolate" ;-)
Rob
In the words of Homer - "DOH!" Mixed up chocolate and coffee colours in my last message!
Rob
You mixed chocolate and coffee? Wow, a MOCHA bag...man, that would ROCK!!! ;)
On the subject of the packing sacs: I have 2 large (I wanted 2 because at times I pack two bundes, and I need two cores.) These get soft items like underwear, socks, etc. DON'T put electronics and such in there...the TSA may choose to UN-bundle your bundle. Then I have 3 medium sacs, these are for my laundry kit, my toiletries kit, and the last is my "cold weather" kit. That one has a cap, gloves, and lightweight long underwear and goes in my bag when I'm heading somewhere really cold. Then I have two of the small sacs, one of these is my first aid kit, and the other just a spare. Lastly I have a packing tube cube that I use as my junk drawer as Doug at onebag.com says. This is loaded with stuff like my travel alarm, different size zip lock bags, duct tape, door stop for safety,mini flashlight, etc. lastly I have an 18" garment folder, one large cube and two 1/4 cubes.
Now in the Voyageur I normally use a few cubes and a garment folder. These help organize the bag, and also give me a solid base to support a bundle. In the EO I find I don't need the cubes as much.
Hey, you asked! I hope that helps a little?
Skip
Thanks man, it helps a lot! But WOW you can fit all that in your EO? I tried to downgrade to a 1/4 cube for my toiletries, but still can't see how Doug does it! I might have to cheat and move up to a 1/2 cube for that one. Yeah, I really love Doug's concept of a "junk drawer". And thanks for adding what *not* to include in my core bundles. I probably wouldn't have thought about the TSA having to unbundle things on my own (until too late!).
Sent a quick e-mail to Ahmed yesterday. Hope to get my bag ordered by the end of the week.
Thanks again for your indepth replies! They are appreciated!
Rob
Hey Rob, you're welcome man. That's the spirit of this board!
Do I fit it all in the EO? Well, I tend to follow onebag's list pretty closely. Actually it all fits in either bag. That is why I'm coming to LOVE the packing sacs...very flexible for packing!
I can fit all my outer clothing in the bundle(s) with large packing sacs as the core. The other packing sacs can all fit in one compartment, either the center or the smaller outside one. I like to put the tube cube in the center section of the EO, it helps protect my laptop. I carry the packing folder in the Voyageur for nicer clothing, I rarely need it in the EO. The same is true of the cubes, rarely needed in the EO, great in the Voyageur.
Yes, what what you put in the core of your bundle. The only time I've ever had one un-bundled was when I had something electronic in it. As long as it's only filled with clothing, they've never touched it.
As far as the toiletries kit, remember that any liquids I carry are in a seperate clear 3-1-1 bag. I keep that in an outside pocket for security, along with another clear bag. I use the second bag going through security...I dump my pens, change, cell phone, etc in the second bag and put it all in the outer pocket at the TSA inspection. It's easier then using their little baskets.
I use onebag's packing list, and if anyone's interested Doug's actually right. If you take a trip that really requires EVERYTHING on his list, it really does all fit in one carry-on bag!!
I think you'll love the EO. Good luck!
Skip
A couple of updates on the bag and the one I ordered:
Ahmed told me that the improved strap will be the same strap used by Red Oxx, but he does not have them in stock yet. He is also waiting to receive a sample garment folder from Skip so that he can begin manufacturing the garment folder.
As Skip (I'm sure) remembers, I ordered an EO in Coffee on 5/14. At the time, I told Ahmed that I wanted before 6/20 because I was leaving for a trip then; Ahmed assured me that it would be no problem. About a week and a half or two before 6/20, I contacted Ahmed to make sure everything was going ok. I sent him two e-mails which went unanswered and left a message, which was promptly returned. He said that he would do his best to get it to me in time, but he was having some issues with his supplies (I believe he was out of foam). 6/20 came and went, and I went on my trip without the EO. My trip ended this past Sunday and I promptly called Ahmed to check in because I am leaving for another trip this Sunday (I had also expected to see the EO waiting for me at home or at least have received a call/e-mail from Ahmed updating me). Ahmed returned my call on Monday and apologized for not keeping me in the loop, and said that the bag was ready and he would send it to me via priority mail either Monday or the next day. The next day (Tuesday), Ahmed called me to confirm my shipping address, informed me how to pay him for the bag, said that he would be shipping it that day, and told me the above information about the strap and garment folder (he will send both to me when they are ready).
All in all, I am disappointed that I wasn't able to receive the bag when initially promised to me, but I do concur with Skip that Ahmed does care about his customers and wants to make things right.
Just got my coffee EO and it appears to be well worth the wait. There are a few differences from Paul's review unit which I think have not been mentioned.
1) There is no longer a sternum strap, which is disappointing.
2) The material on the sides of the bag holding the shoulder strap loops (which are D-shaped and silver now) is made of patterned fabric and is only attached to the bags at the ends of the fabric. I like this because it allows you to use the material as grab handles when taking the bag out of overhead compartments.
3) The MEI logo is centered (horizontally) now, as opposed to sitting beyond the right compression strap.
Skip: does your bag have the sternum strap?
Jon and Skip: How important do you think a sternum strap is?
Is it possible for someone to upload a couple photos of "the new and improved" bag?
Thanks!
Rob
Hi Jon and Rob,
Yes, MEI is switching to the Quake shoulder strap, it will be exactly as used with the Air Boss and the Aeronaut. I'm glad they decided on that one, I was one of the people who suggested it.
And yes when Ahmed mentioned the EC folder a while ago I offered to send him one of mine as a pattern. I shipped one but apparently it was "misplaced" by FedEx. I shipped another one to Ahmed this morning, so he should have it the first of next week.
My EO does indeed have the sternum strap. I had no idea MEI was going to drop that, I'm very surprised. Jon, have you contacted Ahmed to inquire about it? It seems an odd change, unless it was left off your bag by accident. The bags are handmade so I guess it's possible it was just overlooked?
I like the way Ahmed used the material on each end to make the handles. He told me about it in advance, it was on purpose because some of us had asked for handles. I also found I like the material's pattern. It makes the bag easy to I.D. from a distance, or if I ever have to check it.
You're right about the logo, Jon, I hadn't even noticed until just now.
I don't know how I feel about the sternum strap Rob. I know I've used it and it does it's job, for sure. I have also worn the bag without connecting it and the bag stayed where it was and never moved. I do think that having the same suspension system as the Voyageur is one of the best points about the EO, at least it was to me. So I guess I'm saying I'd want it. I am pretty sure I'd ask Ahmed if it was removed on purpose, and if so why.
I've sent pics of my EO to Brad, but I haven't seen them up here. If he hasn't received them for some reason I can always resend them.
Skip
Skip - I haven't gotten them - can you send again?
Of course I can Brad! I'll get them off to you as soon as I get home.
And thank you, sincerely, for everything you do with this site!
Brad,
I've resend the new pics tonight, I tried to get shots of the changes...showing that all 3 compartments open out flat, the new second pocket
on the outside, the new handles on the end (cool pattern on the fabric), the "key clip", etc. If you would, please let me know that you got them?
Thanks!!
Skip
Skip--I left a message for Ahmed yesterday (7/3) about the sternum strap and will post about it once I hear from Ahmed.
Rob--I find sternum straps (on other bags) to be very handy when carrying heavy loads, especially when I'm too lazy to use the waist straps. Even when I do use waist straps, sternum straps help distribute the weight more evenly across my body
Ahmed called me back (on July 4th--talk about dedicated!) and indicated that the sternum strap was inadvertently left off. He offered to send me a strap when I return from my trip so that I can have someone sew it on locally.
Jon, I'm glad you got it cleared up. I would have been surprised if it had been intentional, MEI is proud of that suspension system. And it does work very well.
And yes, as I've said, Ahmed takes his customers concerns very seriously and is very dedicated to them! That is one of the big reasons I am such a loyal customer, that dedication is a rather rare thing to find these days.
Hi Brad,
I just wanted to check, did you get the pics I re-sent? I sent them to the "gmail" account that I think is the right one.
As I said, I wanted to double check to make sure they got through.
Thanks!
Skip
Skip's photos are now appended as a follow-up to the original post above. Just click on the thumbnail for a larger pictures. Thanks Skip! The bag looks great.
Ahhhh, so this all explains why my (coffee) Voyageur was so long coming (received it last week for a big trip next week) :-)
I know this is a repeat - I mistakenly posted in the other location - Sorry...
I sent an email request for pricing, availability, time frames to MEI for the EO a couple of days ago. No response yet. How long should I expect to wait to hear back? Or is it better to try and call?
Thanks.
Brad, you're welcome, and thanks for posting the new pics!
flerdle, you got a bag in "coffee"?? I now officially hate you also. ;)
Richard, I would expect to hear from Ahmed within a day or so. If you need information sooner I'd call. I happened to get a call from Ahmed Sunday afternoon, and we talked for a good while. He was checking to make sure I'd shipped the second sample of a garment folder he's going to use as a final template. While we were talking he told me that he was going to be tied up Monday and most of Tuesday, not back in the office until later today. So I would think you should hear soon.
Like I've said before, for me I look at an MEI bag as being like a handmade musical instrument. They're crafted by hand, and IMHO to a much higher standard of quality then some other bags....but they take time to get. For me, it was worth it.
Hope that helps!
Skip
Ok, just so there's no misunderstanding...I LOVE the "coffee" color MEI offers, and I kick myself every day for not getting one when I ordered. So I've decided to take it out on all of you who are smart enough to get one.
There, I said it.
;))))))))
Skip--it looks like your front compartment has tie downs, is that true? My bag only has tie downs in the rear (main) and middle compartments...
Hi Jon! Yes, it does. When I got it back with all the "upgrades" I told Ahmed that I really thought the bag would be much more useful with tie-downs in all 3 compartments. He agreed, and you'll see in his post above (dated 6/25) that tie-downs in all 3 compartments are now standard for all new EO's.
As I'd mentioned before Ahmed happily sent me a complete set of tie-down straps with the clips. I just found a local shop to sew them into the bag, it cost me $4. You might call or write to Ahmed, I would think he might very well do the same thing for you. The shop took less then 15 minutes to install them, and it's a great addition to the bag.
Skip - Thanks for the information. I have no problem waiting. I am very much interested in the EO but do not have an immediate need. Just wanted to know if MEI is likely to respond to email - some shops I have dealt with require phone contact.
I look forward to hearing from Ahmed.
Richard
Skip--what type of shop did you go to? a tailor?
[Skip] Nyar nyar ;-D
Trouble is, you're now tempting me to get the EO as well. Curses!
Jon- I searched under "shoe repair" online and found severl shops near me that also did luggage repair. They told me what I was doing (adding tie down straps) was actually a pretty common modification.
Flerdle- Sorry, but maybe you should! At the risk of repeating myself, I have come to believe that the "new and improved" EO bag is the best single bag available. And I honestly think it's the best for both business and leisure travel.
[Skip] It's the $50 to $60 postage to australia that is the killer for me. Still tempted though.
I've really enjoyed reading the evolution of this bag. I guess I have a couple of questions still. I noticed that the vast majority (if not all) of the reviewers are men. I'm a relatively average-height, average strength girl. Is this still going to be a good bag for me? I travel for business twice a month (two weeks a month), and I hate hate HATE
Oops. Accidently posted that last one without finishing it. As I was saying, I really hate my rolling bag, because it's heavy and unwieldy, but I'm not wholly certain I can carry a bag around airports with ease either. My question was, would this still be a good bag for a girl?
My other question is, after all these modifications to the bag, what is the price of it now? The MEI website says the price is a suggestion, so I wondered what the actual price comes out to be.
Thanks.
Hi Kristina! I can only offer two points for you.
One, my 15 year old daughter has used my MEI on two weekend trips, and loved it. It fit her very, very well. The length was right for her 5'6" frame, and the she loved the excellent shoulder straps and especially having a waist belt. The waist belt is important because it transfers the weight to your hips/pelvis where you want it, rather then hanging on your shoulders. Personally I'd avoid any bag without the waist strap if I were female. I have the same criteria for any bag, regardless of someone's gender. Guys get bad backs too!!! ;)
Two, if you get a chance go to the Rick Steves website and search the forum for MEI and/or Voyageur. You'll see quite a few comments from ladies talking about how it is their favorite bag they've ever used.
As far as the price, you'll have to call Ahmed to be sure. However, to the best of my knowledge the bag is still selling for $200, even with all the current modifications. That is, IMHO, a great deal for a great piece of luggage.
I hope that helps!!!!
BTW, the EO bag and the Voyageur have identical outside dimensions, materials and zippers, and suspension straps. The only difference is one compartment vs. three. The Voyaguer has been around since the 70's, so it's better known. That's the reason I mentioned it.
Skip, as you know I've used the Voyageur but not the EO. I'll ask some questions that might be helpful to those comparing the two (and you may well have answered them before). Are the straps and waist belt identical? If so I guess you could assume that the Voyageur's excellent carrying comfort wouldtranslate to the EO. Also, I noted that the Voyageur was a little lumpy as the result of the beefy strap hardware. Is this also true of the EO?
Brad, qreat questions! The EO has the exact same shoulder and sternum straps, and the waist belt is the same except that it doesn't have the two padded "wings" on the sides. This is pretty much as comfortable on walks under a mile or so, and saves a ton of bulk when you hide the straps away. The other difference is that the EO doesn't have the "internal frame" which the Voyageur has, so there is no lump from that. As long as I put the straps in their "hideaway compartment" flat (no letting them twist), I don't find it much bulkier then the straps on a Rick Steves convertable bag.
Re-posting this from bshuff - originally left on the entry on the front page that announced the latest set of EO photos:
"
I received my black EO the day before I left for a mission trip to Croatia with a stopover in London. Going for 10 days I had this bag and the small Rick Steve's Cavite (sp?) backpack. Everything fit, but I decided to separate the Cavite to fit in some last minute snacks before the long flight.
The EO was great to carry by shoulder or pack straps. We had to change apartments and carried our gear several blocks, with hands free to tote the water and food we had purchased locally. Not to mention the maze of Heathrow or the long line at immigration in Zagreb and IAD.
Nothing but praises - more trips to come."
Hi Kristina, I'm a 5' girl, and the Voyageur is very comfortable, and not too big or unwieldy - in fact it is probably the best size for smaller people, compared to the usual huge backpacks I see around. From other comments, this would translate to a similar situation with the EO.
The (or any) waist strap makes a huge difference to carrying comfort, including reducing the "topple over" feeling (which is less anyway because the bag is not very long) and allowing much straighter walking and better use of the arms.
I'm prepared to work with the greater bulk of the Voyageur's setup, partly because our weight limits are much more strict anyway so I will not be packing as full.
Wow .......... I've been away for a while, and look where this has gone ! The new mods look great (thanks be to Skip !) I feel almost like a new father at having done a small part to get this great product going. I'm still using my prototype and it's great but I REALLY like 'version II'. Totally great work Ahmed. Check your e-mail ....
Hey Skip!
Used to think people were not being patient, but starting to understand some of the frustrations.
It's been three weeks since my initial e-mail to Ahmed (sent two) and a week since I left a voice mail.
Ahmed if you're montitoring this blog I'd appreciate a reply.
Thanks!
Rob (Canada)
Rob, please believe me I can understand your frustration. I haven't heard from Ahmed since the first week of July, and I've left several messages myself. And after shipping Ahmed a garment folder to use as a final pattern for his, as strange as it is, this past week I got my packing back from MEI. It was returned as 'undeliverable'. I hope that everything is ok at MEI, but right now I don't know.
Sorry, that's all I know...
Skip
Thanks Skip!
Here's crossing fingers!
Rob
Hey folks, has anyone heard from MEI/Ahmed? I've sent 3 e-mails and left several voice messages, and I'm not hearing back. That has not been my experience with Ahmed, and after getting my package back marked RETURN TO SENDER, I'm maybe just a little concerned....
Thanks!