Here’s a post to accompany this discussion in the OBOW Reader Forum about compression straps. Here’s Vic technique for adding straps to his carryon:
“Here are the pictures for the “compression straps on the outside” thread -
1- Overall view of the bag with the straps attached, with an unmodified strap next to the bag. It shows the overall configuration and arrangement of the straps;
2- Close-up detail of the buckle of one of the strap pairs;
3- Close-up detail of the strap end of one of the strap pairs;
4- CLose up detail of one of the strap pairs located on the bottom of the bag (when held upright by its handle);
5- Additional shot of the bag, opened, with the large eagle creek packing folder that serves to give the bag some structure, even if the folder itself isn’t being used on a particular trip.
Hope these help answer the Buzz’s question!
And let me say thanks to you, Brad- I’ve learned a lot reading your blog, and appreciate the time you invest in helping the rest of us out. OBOW rocks!”
Click on the thumbnails below to see the larger images.
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July 14, 2008 
Reader Comments (3)
Thanks for the photos. Do you remember what the total cost was to have this done...straps, labor, etc?
Buzz, It was about $7.00 for the straps and about $25.00 for the sewing at a local tailor shop (at my dry cleaners).
If I was working version 2.0, I'd find a local shoe repair shop (discussed in the earlier thread) to do the mod. I wasn't as articulate as I should have been with the seamstress, and although she did a great job, the ends of the straps below the outside front pocket compromise the space of the pocket a bit; a person more experienced in luggage repair might have better understood the purpose of the mods and filled in the blanks I left in my explanation.
All in all, a worthwhile hack!
Vic
I'm thinking of purchasing the OPEC and adding compression straps such as these. How did your straps hold up after multiple uses?