Hacks on the MLC

Practical Hacks on the latest Patagoinia MLC, a bag that is in at least its third version:

This remains a handsome, useful bag, and it surely represents a good value. It’s not a brute like the Air Boss, nor does it offer the sort of  feature rich design typical of Bihn, but it occupies a different position in the market.  If you travel a couple of times a month and are looking for a dependable, good looking bag for 3-5 day trips, this could easily fit the bill.  At 2½ pounds, it’s a genuine lightweight yet is tough enough to withstand regular use. - full post here

Comments

[Robert B]

The Patagonia MLC - is on sale for $ 86 here: http://www.protravelgear.com/brands/Ex-Officio.html?page=2&sort=featured

That site is also a good source for well priced Exofficio clothing.

[Paula S]

It reminds me of my Rick Steves bag.

[Michael W.]

MLC gone alas. Site looks good for travel pants though.

I bought the new edition MLC on the basis of Kevin's review at Practical Hacks. It meets my expectations.

I previously owned a Rick Steves Classic Backdoor, which is THE value priced piece in the current market. BUT, the Steves Classic Backdooris MUCH larger than the MLC, too large in fact for my uses (I carry on only enough clothing, toiletries, etc., for a couple of days in an emergency, since I am forced to check a bag anyway for my sport gear). And yes the MLC looks like a Steves Classic- but so do practically every other suitcase sized/shaped soft-sided carry-on out there. LOL.

The new edition MLC is in the middle size range of bags beginning, say, with the almost briefcase-sized Bihn Western Flyer and ending with truly "maximum legal carryon" AirBoss, and its this middle-size that works so well for me - I can carry stuff that would fit a 3/4 size bag to the brim, while still having room left over for my take-off clothing (jacket, fleece) yet not being so large its a PITA to haul around. I especially like the VERY comfortable straps on the MLC and the fact that there is now a sternum strap to keep them from shifting off my shoulders if I have to sprint through the airport.

The zippers on the MLC are also much nicer than the Steves; but the Steves with its large size and low price and low weight simply can't be beat if you have to truly "one bag" it, and especially if you can't deal with the nose-bleed pricing of the RedOxx line (which never goes on sale, so far as I know).

The MLC often goes on sale on the Patagonia website, or you can order from ebags.com or bagsbuy.com or a Google shopping vendor; even though this edition was brand new, I got mine for only $126, shipping included (both ways, had I not liked it!), on one of the periodic specials offered by bagsbuy.com (owned by shoebuy now owned, IIRC, by Amazon).

BTW I still think RedOxx makes the best "check through" soft sided pieces. I checked through one of their Small Aviator Duffels - shaped and sized like an AirBoss but no frills at all, just a big empty compartment - and only $35! - and I can't say how much I appreciate the fact that the zippers that won't continue to open accidentally, and spill the contents, if not completely closed, or if opened by TSA as part of their often sloppy searches.

The one thing that bugs me is the "laptop slot" that is sized to practically swallow an old Osborne - it is overkill for my netbook. I use the space for other stuff, though, and the double sided padding does lend some appreciated shape and stability to the pack (for that is what it is) that was sadly lacking in the Steves Classic.

A tip: if you plan to check through, zip tie all zippers on any bag like this, and consider removing zipper accessory zipper pulls if you worry, like me, that they might get caught on another bag etc. and the zippers get accidentally pulled open as a result. The zippers on the MLC are somewhat small, which is this context is a big plus especially if you remove the accessory zipper pulls.

Finally, Kevin has an interesting group photo of some of his recent carry-on bags that tells a good story in just a picture:

http://www.practicalhacks.com/2009/09/27/5-popular-carry-on-bags-side-by-side/