Pack of REI discounts

You know I’m all about high-quality US-made stuff, but the REI outlet has two nice less-than-max-sized packs at great discounts at the moment:

1216 cu. in. TIMBUK 2 PATROL

1220 cu.in. PACSAFE TREKSAFE 100

Update on January 13, 2010 by Frank@OBOW

And, an intriguing ultralight (14 oz.) minimalist pact/tote from Patagonia - on sale at eBags.

Comments

[Michael W.]

I own the Patagonia Lightweight Tote in the first generation silnylon edition. It's great, a little better than their Lightweight Travel Pack simply because the Tote is rectangular and packs a bundle or packing cube easier. It has a front access zipper slash pocket, small interior hanging pocket, and two exterior mesh pockets. As always, use the exterior mesh pockets with caution, things may slip out if the bag is inverted. Although compact, it can swallow up a lot of stuff, and it has three ways to close the top - zipper, two buckles, and a drawstring. Don't quite understand why the closure overkill, but I guess you could put something on top of the closed zipper and maybe hold it in place with the straps or draw string or both - I'm thinking an umbrella or ultralight pullover or windbreaker.

The backpack straps hide behind a panel, but add an additional useful mode of carry. There is NO shoulder strap or attachment points for an accessory. So this is a "convertible" tote....

I have used this as a giant packing cube inside a Briggs & Riley 18 inch wheelie, then at destination as a gym and laundry bag. I packed the essential essentials inside the Tote and left everything else in the B&R remaining open spaces. That way I was prepared to pull the Tote out if I had to gate check the B&R....