What must a bag have?

When I was putting together the “How To” on choosing a bag, I was thinking about the different accessories each bag offers and which ones I could do without. And that got me thinking, are there any items which, if left off a bag, would cause you to immediately cross it off your list as a potential purchase?

Look at the list below and let me know if there is one or more:

Hidden backpack straps

Waist Belt

Sternum Strap

Shoulder strap attachment

Lockable/Locking zippers

Internal compression straps

External Compression Straps

Inside pockets

Side handles

Or is there anything else I left off?

Comments

[AndyW]

solid construction
quality materials
a handle or two

The rest is extra.

[Alan B]

Most bags have a TOP HANDLE, which I find more useful on a semi-soft bag, than a side handle, particularly when maneuvering a bag down a narrow aisle, or as the attachment spot for a digital scale like the Mini-Balanzza.

[Robert]

Considering strict international carry on weight limits and considering that I will have to carry it, my bag should weigh as little as possible - definitely less than 2 lbs empty weight.
Any non essential features that add extra weight to my bag are grounds for rejection. A bag must have low weight.

[Ralph]

its not an accessory, but warranty sometimes comes into play. one reason why people recommend bihn and redoxx.

[stevenshytle]

Backpack straps

Waist Belt

Sternum Strap

Shoulder strap attachment

External Compression Straps

Good warranty.

[LizL]

Price/feature ratio is crucial to me.

[Luke]

I wouldn't say that a bag NEEDS to have backpack straps of any kind, but if the bag does have them, then yes, a sternum strap and a waist belt are necessary add ons.

[KF]

Being short, I usually have to check the overall bag dimensions if I am planning on buying a convertible. If it's too big, it's not going to be comfortable to carry as a backpack.

[Shreddie]

Side AND top handles, padded.

[Bob W]

Hidden backpack straps

Shoulder strap attachment

Lockable/Locking zippers

Internal compression straps

Side handles

Quality materials, clean design and NO large logo!

[Sara A. Mueller]

Being from a rainy climate, I'd add a water-resistant finish, and water resistant zippers, draw me to a bag.

There's nothing quite like unpacking on a business trip to find the silk shirt on top has a zipper-patterned watermark on it.

[K-eM]

Less than 2 pounds empty and top handles to go with a shoulder strap.

[Dave J]

For most trips, I don't use the backpack straps in my convertible bags. Unless I really overpack, I find a good bag with a good shoulder strap is sufficiently comfortable and much more convenient for typical modern air-travel situations. I suspect most people agree with me -- if you watch people in an airport terminal, you'll notice that very few convertible pack owners are using their backpack straps.

Which brings me to the first items on your list: If you don't actually use them, the hidden backpack straps (and sternum strap and waist strap) are annoying -- they stiffen one side of the bag (making it less comfortable to carry with a shoulder strap) and they take up space. Unfortunately, because too many people who probably rarely use the backpack straps are adding them to "must have" lists, manufacturers seems to be adding backpack straps to every new carryon bag that comes out, and it is getting hard to find good carryon bags without backpack straps.

Thankfully, the Red Oxx Air Boss continues to be free of unnecessary backpack straps. It would be nice, however, to have something slightly smaller (say, for example, the size of a Tom Bihn Tri-Star), without backpack straps.

[Dave J]

I would like to see more designers of high-quality bags take into account the possibility that their bags might get soaking wet. I don't like to carry an umbrella when traveling, which means my luggage can get fairly wet.

Although the Cordura and ballistic nylon fabrics used in better bags are water-resistant, they tend to come up short in a downpour (although, ballistic does much better than Cordura in my experience). Having a full lining would help in that respect. Most better bags only come with a partial lining (cf., for example, the Tom Bihn Tri-Star and the Red Oxx Air Boss, both of which are only partially lined and both of which lack linings in the very areas where they are most needed. In fact, if you hold an Air Boss up to a light, you'll note that it is actually see-through along the top of the bag where it most needs a lining!). Adding a full Dyneema lining would only add a small amount of weight to the bag, but add considerably to water resistance.

Having flaps over the sipper slides (like most better backpacks have) would also, once again, add only a small amount of weight, but aid in water resistance. I agree it would make the bags less fashionable looking, but the added function would be well worth it.

[Esther]

Considering that I use my backpack straps, on my convertible bags when going through the airport, this is a must have for me.
Other features I want:
-2 lbs or less
-internal or external compression straps; it doesn't need both
-side and top handles
-lockable zippers
-inside pockets
Because I'm usually not packing more than 15lbs, I don't feel the need for waist or sternum straps. Convertible bags aren't backpacks.
While a shoulder strap is nice, I don't really use it much. I've left it off when I've gone travelling.

[Julawils]

Made in the US...mandatory. Every purchase we make dictates how our world will be in the future.

[David]

If you are packing correctly (which means light ) waste straps are completely unnecessary and add unwanted weight, cost, bulk and complication to your bag.