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)
Hi Skip! Spoke with Ahmed today (he called me at work). And he did try to call me last week, but I was camping and kept losing the connection.
I ordered a coffee OE and mailed him a little Canadian flag to sew just above the MEI label.
Rob
I sent an e-mail inquiring about purchasing the EO two days ago and haven't received a response yet. I hope they didn't go bankrupt I really wanted one of those bags. I guess I may have to go with the "Air Boss" or the "Western Flyer", not that either one is a bad choice. I just thought this bag might be a little better. Let us know if you hear anything from him.
On further reflection I have decided to go with the Air Boss. It's a nice bag and the company is more reliable. I hope MEI can get their act together. I believe they have a very promising product.
Hmm, the 888 number results in a fast busy signal, but the 559 number still works and I just left a message. I'll keep you posted on when/if I hear back!
Can anyone with an EO please tell me if the interior side of the material has a urethane coating similar to the MEI Voyager?
Yes, it has the same urethene coating on it for protection. The materials and workmanship are identical to those in the Voyageur. The EO is made entirely of the same 1000 denier Cordura and only YKK zippers.
As of today I still have not heard anything from Ahmed. I have left several messages and e-mails, but have not heard back. I resent the package with the garment folder sample, and yet again it was returned "undeliverable". This is NOT like Ahmed, and I will admit I am a bit concerned.
I hope that others have been more successful. If anyone hears from Ahmed, please tell him I say hello and would like to hear from him....
Thanks!!,
Skip
Has anyone heard from Ahmed?
No, I wish I could say I have. I love my EO and Voyageur, but that really doesn't mean much compared to a good man and a small company trying to remain in business. I've left several new voice messages and sent a couple of e-mails since my post on the 9th. My three attempts at shipping the sample garment folder to him each resulted in a "return to sender" and the box returned to me. I haven't heard anything...no one answers the 559 number, and the toll free line just fast rings...no answer, not even a machine.
I hope that Ahmed is well....and I hope my EO doesn't become some strangely unexpected "collector's item" because it was one of the few ever made. MEI, and especially Ahmed, deserve better......
Skip.
BTW...concerning me even more is that I have Ahmed's personal number...and I can't get a response on that number, either...
;o/
I have heard from Ahmed! I called him last week before the holiday weekend, and he got right back to me. I placed an order for the Executive Overnighter after diligently following this thread for weeks ( I read all 150+ comments and want to thank you all for your great imput). I am ordering this bag specifically for a trip to Peru, where we will be doing hotel and camping both.
Just wanted to say also, as a fellow "travel tips" blogger, and wannabe one bagger, thank you so much for such a great site! It is one my regular reading list.
Dorio - thanks for your interest and good luck! I've stayed out of this thread, preferring to let the experts provide the info. And obviously our resident OBOW experts have filled a great need for information on MEI. I hope for the company's success - there's room for another good American bag maker.
Skip--any luck? I haven't tried recently, but am curious to know if things are ok.
I also had a bit of a delay with an order for an EO, but after a couple of e-mails and a phone call to Ahmed, it arrived on time. In fact, it arrived BEFORE my check in payment for it could have reached Ahmed. I got a coffee-colored bag and love it. The only modification I made (and which I recommend) was to change the single shoulder strap for an Op/Tech strap. I found one on Amazon.com for $16.95. Ahmed had told me he was not satisfied with the strap he supplied, but would be modifying it in the near future and would replace it.
I used the bag for a trip to Panamá and Costa Rica. I stayed in hotels, hostels, and used public buses and airplanes for transportation. Never had to worry about my bag going somewhere I didn't go. It looked great as a suitcase and was comfortable as a backpack, at least for the several 30-minute urban treks I used it for.
My experience indicates that Ahmed is an honorable seller. He sometimes was not a prompt as I would have liked, but he did, in the end, get the bag to me before I had to leave for my trip. The price was very fair; the quality of the bag is unimpeachable.
If this one ever wears out. I'll certainly get another. I suspect, however, that it will be a long time before that happens.
Unfortunately I have not heard from Ahmed. I'm very happy to hear that others have. I've tried sending the "sample" garment folder 3 times and had it returned each time. I last spoke with Ahmed in late July, I have heard nothing since. I do not understand why.
I understand about the strap, John, and I know that Ahmed was working on a new one back in May. I hope that he is able to make some arrangements on that. I just bought 2 straps on my own to use with my EO and Voyageur bags (the Voyageur doesn't come with one at all). I bought a Claw and a Tom Bihn Absolute, they are both great straps although different in effect.
And I also agree that I would try to get an MEI should I ever wear these out....but my experience so far leads me to believe that wearing these out is NOT going to happen anytime soon....if ever!
I wish the best for MEI and Ahmed....and I hope very much to hear from him!!!!!!!
Skip
Hello All: I received word from Ahmed a couple days ago that my EO was on its way. This was a few months after my first contact, but I also said I wouldn't need the bag until October 24. So my order is right on time! During our communications Ahmed admitted to being a little overwelmed with all the orders, so flexibility is key.
I found Ahmed a friendly guy, and an honest in his approach. My bag had been sent by UPS before I even knew how to pay for the purchase.
I'm really looking forward to receiving the bag, as I have three trips (a three day cottage trip, a two day business retreat, and a two week vacation) planned over the next couple months. This will let me test the "one bag method" in three different circumstances. Two friends recently lost their luggage (returned days later) on two (separate) trips, which has really underlined the benefits of travelling with only a carry-on for me.
Thanks!
RobM
(PS: - Skip, I ordered the coffee coloured bag.)
That's great, Rob, you're going to love it! Sadly, I have yet to hear back from Ahmed at all. Maybe he doesn't want or need my folder as his template, I don't know. I'm curious, Rob, is your bag coming with a garment folder and/or the "new and improved" shoulder strap?
Oh, and as regards your PS....I now officially hate YOU too!
Why, oh why, didn't I buy my EO in coffee !?!?!?!?!? ;))))))))))
Skip
Rob,
Just as a side-note...I can't wait to hear what you think of the EO in all those various applciations and uses. I still think it's the single "one bag" available today!
Skip
Hi Skip:
Received the bag a couple days before my deadline (thanks Ahmed!). It really is a great bag. I'm very happy with the construction and looks. I received a couple compliments when I first arrived and more when my friends saw the back pack straps (and we hiked up to the cabins).
Last week was a camping trip, it was mostly a "stuff everything in" trip. This week is a two day business trip, so I will be practicing and attempting the bundle system. Next month I will be in British Columbia for two weeks, so it will be a real test of the system and my skills.
Ahmed had told me productivity was a bit behind, so the garmet folder is still to come. The strap was just a normal strap that I quickly switched with an elastic/gel strap from an old computer bag. I was definitely glad I had the computer strap to swap with, but I can still see the need of having a "claw" type strap.
Over all, I'm very happy with the purchase! :)
Thanks!
RobM
I just got off the phone with Ahmed. He says that all is well and that for some reason the phone company turned off his toll free number without warning and has been too busy to figure it out. He also has no idea why the garment folder got returned back to you Skip. In any case, I told him that people here are concerned about him and he said he'd try to post something.
He said he has a garment folder that will probably be ready to ship sometime next week...
Jon,
I just wanted to check in and ask if you received the garment folder from Ahmed. If you did, can you tell us about it? What do you think of it?
Happy Holidays to all!!
Skip
Skip, I have not received it yet, and have been derelict in following up with Ahmed recently due to being very busy with work. I'll give him a call again this week to remind him.
Happy Holidays!
Well, you've convinced me! I broke down and sent an e-mail to MEI requesting two EO bags. My husband and I recently began traveling with carry-on only baggage and have decided to upgrade our luggage. Now we just have to decide on what colors! Thanks for all the great advice!
Hi,
Has anyone been able to contact MEI recently?? I have bee trying for some time now without any luck.
Best Regards,
Jacob
Yes, I e-mailed and also received a call from Ahmed last week.
Good for you Miranda!!
I wanted to buy EO. But due to the lack of response from MEI I went in for the Airboss. I will recieve it tomorrow. I was impressed by the way the team at Redoxx handled my enquiry.
Regards,
Jacob
FYI...I just ordered my EO late last week and it shipped yesterday. Ahmed was very responsive to both emails and phone calls.
Is there any reader who ordered a Mei Voyageur Pack with delivery in Italy? If so, was the parcel charged for italian customs duties? (This may happen when buying from Amazon US.)
Thank you in advance
Paolo
Hi,
I ordered from Italy a Voyageur bag to MEI on December 2008. But till now (May 2009) the bag has not arrived.
I wrote several mails to MEI but they do not answer, I called them, but there is an answering machine and they do not recall.
My experience with MEI is totally negative, after 4 and half months I have not the bag and no communication from them.
Is anyone sure that MEI really exist? Take care.
Regards,
Michele
I ordered a MEI EO in early March and I received it about 21 days later. Ahmed was great to work with and the bag is pretty awesome. I'll be using it on a trip tomorrow and am pretty confident it will be great. So MEI and Ahmed definitely exist.
I ordered a MEI EO by e-mail yesterday. Ahmed confirmed the order and called me today. Delivery should be within 2 weeks. After all the comments, I am expecting to receive a great bag....
Bernhard, do let us know what you think of it, how it works for you.
I ordered a Voyageur bag exactly 2 weeks ago (by email). The next day I got a call from Ahmed and we discussed the details.
Today I received the bag !!!!!!
Despite the holidays it took only 2 weeks to receive the bag here in Texas.
First impression: great, it's got all the specifics as described and seems to be a solid bag.
I am looking forward to my first trip.
I can only suggest to call Ahmed in case there is an issue. He has been extremely helpful and produces a great bag.....
Sorry, I ordered and received the Executive Overnighter and not the voyager.
Bernhard,
Did your new EO come with the clothing folder? I can see in the posts that it is something MEI has been "planning" on including with the EO for over a year now. Also, did it come with the new, updated strap which was to be like the Claw?
Hi all. I just received my Executive Overnighter in the mail today. It took less than two weeks to arrive. I got the Steel Grey color; it looks very nice. It kind of reminds me of Patagonia's North Sea color for some of their garments.
I have a question, though: what is the function of the web on the opposing side (side that faces the body) of the bag? Thanks.
I spoke with Ahmed about the web, and he said it is for use with a wheeled luggage rack. You can put this loop around the telescoping handlebars, and let it slide down, and then you don't have to worry about it falling off the back of the rack. A very nice touch, just in case!
Has anyone got an Mei convertible? I'm tossing up between it and an executive. I inquired by email about a voyager and Ahmed replied quickly. My main concern is getting the bag here before I leave for Europe on 23 August (I'm in Australia). I don't mind what colour and would be prepared to take whatever was quickly available. I'm only abut 5 feet tall and slight, in my early 50's and worried about managing carry on only but really want to go with the onebag idea. Any suggestions, comments, reviews, insights welcome.
I ordered a coffee MEI EO on August 22nd, it shipped September 2nd and arrived September 10th. That probably could have been faster had I called, due to delays on both sides in answering emails.
I received the bag and the new Quake (Claw, Terragrip) strap. I was very surprised that the strap was not the same as the RedOxx or Bihn straps. Instead it was narrower with the width tapering from one end to the other. I checked quake website (quakeinc.com) and found that design listed as a rifle sling! I'm not sure how it will work as a bag strap.
Bottom line: for $15 I'll keep the strap and see how it works. At worst I can stick it on my camera bag. It is very non-slip! The bag itself is great. I did a test pack using the large back compartment for bundle wrapped shirts and pants with a packing cube containing underwear and socks as the core. Toilet kit, small electronics, spare glasses, etc went in the middle compartment and a sport coat in the front compartment. If needed, I can stick my REI boarding bag in the middle compartment.
Question: has anyone received a suit folder and how did you like it?
Did I mention that the color is coffee?
Which website are you ordering those from? The situation is a bit confusing. There is the meipacks website and the meivoyageur website. The EO is only at the meipacks not the meivoyageur website. Or is this the same company with two different websites? The email is the same for both and logo on the bags also. What a mess! they should get that straightened out. Product descriptions are lacking, too.
Makes one wonder if it's worth giving them a chance.
Till, meipacks.com is the manufacturer's website. The meivoyageur.com site was created by a fan of the voyageur bag since at the time Genuine Gear had no web presence. I ordered via email since there is no online storefront for meipacks.com. I believe meivoyageur.com simply takes the orders and forwards to Genuine Gear for the voyageur bag only.
Great products, nice people but a less than up to date online business model.
An update to my previous post about the MEI strap looking like a rifle sling. After taking a closer look at the Quake Industries website I found that the tapered strap is also sold as a bag strap. If you look at http://quakeinc.com/bagstrap.html and mouse over the two thumbnails directly below the illustration, the one on the left has a label of "Claw Bag Straps" and the one on the right has a label of "TerraGrip Bag Straps".
If anyone wants a pink TerraGrip strap to go on your Air Boss or TriStar they are available for $19.95 USD.
Many thanks, Frank. That's good to know. Could you mention the current features of the bag? It seems like they changed things around quite a bit over the past year or two. I like it when they listen to customers and critical reviews. Also, what are the color options? The chocolate color from the website does look nice but what else is available?
Thanks a bunch!
Till, I didn't find any changes between my bag and what Skip described near the start of the thread. I think all the modifications were made as a result of Paul and Skip's suggestions. The pattern on the grab handles on the sides is a little different in both design and color than Skip's picture. (Mine is more monochromatic black and grey.) The attachment point for the strap might have been adjusted but if so, it is a very slight repositioning. Also, I got the new deluxe "Claw" strap which wasn't available earlier.
The colors in stock when I ordered were black, coffee, navy blue and steel grey. I think that you can get any color listed for the voyageur but would have to wait until they can make the bag.
I definitely agree about the fact that they listen to their customers.
So far I love the bag!
Did your bag come with the garment folder?
The only disappointment was that based on the previous posts, I was expecting a better shoulder strap. The one that came with my bag has a cheapo solid/hard plastic pad that slides along the strap. I think the strap is junk and almost useless. It can't even be compared to the strap on my BR BB107. Not sure if you had to special order the "Deluxe" strap, but I wasn't asked when I called to place the order. I might have had the wrong expectations about the strap, but when you order a $200 bag, I'd expect something better than what you'd get from a $20 bag at Wal-mart. But other than this, the bag looks fine and will likely last for a long time.
i'm so happy that i saw this blog. that topic was so insightful. thanks again i bookmarked this article.
are you going to post similar news?
I spoke with Ahmed last week. I reminded him of this thread and asked why he hadn't replied to your emails or voicemails. He said he had seen your posts about liking the coffee color, called, and left you voicemail. He said he didn't hear back. In fact he wondered if you were mad at him (!). I suggested he call you again. Just in case, call him. He's very concerned about your non-coffee buyer's remorse! :-)
The service has been great. I had questions and in two days they were answered. Thanks again for the quick reply and the ordering instructions.
I used Paypal and MEI confirmed the same day. Again great service.
I gave two color choices - steel gray (my first choice) or black. and date I would like to have the bag. MEI has indicated they can have the bag to me when requested - great. I have asked MEI to confirm the color and to advise me when the bag ships.
This is my first experience with MEI and it has been positive - MEI has been most professional and very customer focused.
I would also like to say that this thread is great and helped with my decision.