Review: Goodhope 7260 3 Way Convertible Brief/Backpack

Before I get into the details of this bag, let me mention one thing. It costs $23 including  shipping to the U.S.

The Goodhope Convertible is an economical, smaller than maximum legal carry-on.

It’s measurements are 18” x 12” x 6.5” and it weighs 2.2 lbs with the shoulder strap.

The exterior is 600 denier polyester and the inside lining is vinyl.

On the front of the bag are two smaller pockets one large enough for a 3-1-1 bag but neither large enough for a standard magazine. 

The smaller front compartment contains a sewn in organizer strip consisting of two open pockets, one zippered mesh pocket and 4 penholders. The zippers on this compartment go down about a third of the way on each side. It is large enough to hold a netbook or tablet but there is no protection for those items. 

The main compartment has two unique tie down straps. They don’t unclip. To use the straps, you have to loosen them, stick whatever you want them to hold down underneath and then tighten. The bag opens wardrobe style with the zippers fully opening on three sides.

BTW—did I mention this is a $23 bag with free shipping within the U.S.?

The bag also has two backpack straps that hideaway when not in use. Functional, but I wouldn’t want to walk very far with them.  A shoulder strap is also included with the bag. 

There is only one grab handle located where you’d expect one if you carried this like a suitcase. All connectors are made of plastic and the main zipper on my bag slightly catches on the vinyl lining. There is an extended flap meant to cover the zippers of the main compartment in case of rain. 

If you’re looking for a smaller than average carry-on bag, aren’t looking to  take it into the deepest jungle, nor expect to check it often, this might be an inexpensive bag to consider. 

It would also make a decent laptop briefcase but there is no padding so a sturdy protective sleeve would be necessary. 

It’s available in black or green.

Bottom line: I doubt Tom Bihn, Red Oxx, Briggs & Riley or Tumi are very worried about this bag stealing their customers. However, if you’re on a budget, are looking for a smaller convertible bag, and will mostly do car or light air travel, this bag may work. It’s no Western Flyer, which has the same basic dimensions, but it will do in a pinch. 

Did I mention it was only $23 including free shipping in the U.S.?

(Frank II)

CSN Stores supplied the Goodhope Convertible for review. 

Update on May 15, 2011 by Frank@OBOW

Oops, forgot to mention….this may become my “just in case” bag as mentioned in the posting below. It could also become my overnight bag for one night business/pleasure trips.

Comments

[Till]

Excellent find, Frank! I think the low weight and price of this bag as well as the open layout make it an ideal candidate for people who are on business trips that last only one or two nights. They can put their business stuff in the bag plus a change of clothes, and then only take this bag. One can do the same thing with an expandable Tumi briefcase for example but that will cost $350 and won't have backpack straps.

Since the price and weight are both very low it would be very feasible to add packing cubes, folders and organizers for their practicality while still keeping price and weight in check. One could come out with a very nicely outfitted, very versatile bag for around $100 and at under 4lb if adding a computer sleeve, a packing cube and a packing folder.

It would be interesting to know whether the EC 18 folder fits.

[Frank II]

I tried my EC18 folder in the bag. It fits .....but.....really, really tight and the corners of the folder...fold up.

[Vic]

I've been a lurker here for years, and have learned so much! I purchase this a while back, after reading about it In the Practical Hacks blog. It seemed a nice, less expensive compromise to the Western Flyer.

It rocks! I use the plastic inserts from the 18in folder to give it some structure (the bottom one fits the bottom of the bag perfectly, with some trimming; the top insert I put over what I've packed, underneath the compression straps, to keep it under control. Works like a champ.

Construction is ok, given the price, and you won't be asked to check it, even at the gate.

A solid buy.

[tcl]

Does anyone have an update on how this bag worked out in use? Did it fall apart or pull at the seams? It's in the same size-class as the Tom Bihn Western Flyer I've been eyeing for a while. But to be honest, my current bag is the same size as the Tom Bihn Tri-Star when I pack my mini-hairdryer, mini travel kettle and stuff my seat-kit in.

If I get this bag or the Tom Bihn WF, I'll probably be packing it to the gills.

[cdiddy]

just ordered this bag and used it for 3 day trip. wow it was great!!! if you pack wisely you can get a lot in this bag. at $34 it is definitely worth a try.