August 7, 2011 Gear Review: Jaktogo
Remember when Jet Blue put out the following ad making fun of Spirit Air’s decision to charge for carry-on luggage:
We all had a good laugh. C’mon a bag that could be worn as a coat. Ridiculous……or is it?
Introducting the Jacktogo—the bag that becomes a coat.
Let’s start with the coat…..made of “durable” polyester and weighing in at about 1 1/2 pounds, the front of the coat has six pockets—four that close using velcro strips which are also used to keep the coat closed and two regular open coat pockets.
The back of the coat has three zippered pockets and the two logos that will be seen on the side of the bag.
Inside is where you find the remaining pockets all with velcro strip holders.
And now for the magic….when you want to carry it as a bag, it turns into:
The bag.
In total it has 15 pockets (Jacktogo claims 14 but I counted 15).
On a coolness factor, this is cool. When I first heard about it, I was intrigued. I had fun showing it a few people.
Now, on a practical level.
If you are flying a discount airline and really want to carry everything on and don’t want to pay for checked luggage, especially if limited to one carry-on, I guess this could work. Although I wouldn’t try to convert it from bag to coat in front of airline personnel like on the Jaktogo video. I’d do it before trying to check in. (Oh, and Jaktogo wanted to remind me that it’s not really meant to be worn as a coat, just for the times at the airport when you need to get it past check in or gate people. They also suggest ordering it one size larger so it can be worn over a regular coat.)
Considering the material, I wouldn’t put anything of value or real weight in the pockets. It should be fine for clothing.
As a coat, the logos are fairly visible on the back and eventually the airlines may catch on. Detailed instructions on how to fold the coat into a bag are included but don’t expect to do this on a plane. You really need to lay the jacket down to do it. There’s no place I can think of on a plane. The best you’d be able to do is a quick fold and then put it in the overhead.
As a bag, it’s virtually impossible to get most things out unless you undo all the straps and turn it back into a coat. There are two small zippers near the logos. But since most people would have a carry-on as well, only put items in this that you wouldn’t need on the flight.
So, as I said earlier, if you really want to get stuff on board rather than pay the checked luggage fee, this item might work. But then, why choose this over a Scottevest. At least the Scottevest can do double duty as a coat/vest, etc. But then some people might not want the extra coat—especially if traveling in hot weather.
The Jaktogo is made in Bulgaria and is available from the manufacturer in that country for 80 Euros ($114US). (It’s on sale for 60 Euros ($85US) through August.) Shipping to the U.S., Canada and Australia is an additional 8 Euros. To the UK it’s 6.50 Euros. (Mine took about a week to get to me in the U.S.)
If you want a better look at this item, with better photos, I suggest going to the jaktogo website.
Jaktogo provided this item for review.
(Frank II)
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