More from Tough Traveler

Tough Traveler, an all-American company based in Schenectady, NY, offers a bewildering array of bags, packs, cases, and carriers. They were kind enough to send me a large carton of cordura several weeks ago and it contained some surprises. First of all, I was not as crazy about the Tri-Zip convertible carryon (full review here) as I expected to be.  Still, it’s an impressive bag, and with a few minor tweaks could be much better. It has been highly reviewed elsewhere, and with good reason I’m sure. Tough Traveler has a great warranty too. All the Tough Traveler stuff seems to be extremely well made.

The box also contained the slightly trimmer (8” deep) Bi-Zip case - similar to the Tri-Zip but with two compartments and no backpack straps. It would make an excellent lightweight shoulder bag, but - inexplicably - it has no hold-downs.

The nicest surprise were two pure backpacks - The Super Padre large and medium. The large SP is borderline for carryon size but should just squeeze in - in most cases. The medium seems  to hold nearly as much and is well under maximum carryon size. The are both extremely comfortable on the back thanks to an internal frame, great waistbelt, and lots of load adjustment straps. They are traditional pack designs so you’ll have to roll or stuff - not for the business traveler, but what a joy to carry. I could see wearing these all day with no discomfort. (See specs for these two packs at the bottom of this post).

The strangest thing in the box was, no doubt, the Cygnet three-way convertible. This engineering marvel is a shoulder bag, backpack, or rolling case - you decide.  This one-of-kind case is pricey ($325) but impressive. It is quite trim without the dolly attached. It has less capacity than the Trip-Zip but does have a built-in garment bag (same as the optional Hang-Up for the Trip-Zip). I can’t say if this three-way bag is for you, but it is interesting. The removable dolly attaches to the bag with an array of velcro panels and straps, The bag weight only 6.5 pounds with the wheels, which makes it one of the lightest rollers out there. If you like something just a little different, the Cygnet might be for you.

SUPER PADRE Ergonomic Backpack specs:

Super Padre - Size Large

SIZE: 23”x12”x9”
Fits: Adults 5’3” - 6’3”
Capacity: 2,800 cu”
Weight: 2.6 lbs

Additional Features:
• Ventilated bottom pocket with mesh front provides more carrying space, and keeps damp items from getting musty.

Price: $156.00
Color: Teal, Black, Slate, Natural, Navy, Raspberry, Olive

—- 

Super Padre - Size Medium
SIZE: 18.5”x11.5”x9.5”
Fits: 8 yrs old - Adults 5’10”
Capacity: 2,200 cu.”

Weight: 2.3 lbs

Additional Features:
• Ventilated bottom pocket with mesh front provides more carrying space, and keeps damp items from getting musty.

Price: $132.00
Color: Royal, Teal, Natural, Raspberry, Slate

Prepare to be smitten bag freaks

They’re not light or cheap but for confidence, cool, and individuality you can wear on your shoulder, check out Saddleback Leather Company’s gear. The briefcases (which convert to backpacks of a sort) are to die for, and at $410-$545 your spouse just might kill you if you order one.  These are anti-modern, made-one-at-time items and they are beautiful. I dare you  to look at one without wanting it. Check out Gadgeteer’s review.

Non-rolling free-for-all

Check out this entertaining and informative forum thread which discusses the utility of non-wheeled carry-on luggage. Features a few of our regular commenters as well.

Tough Traveler Tri-Zip - full user review

TOUGH TRAVELER TRI-ZIP: Review summary – Good looking, traditional, three-compartment convertible shoulder bag with stowable backpack straps. Excellent packability for the business traveler. Nice hold-downs in main compartment. Available (optional) Hang-Up suiter accessory. Shoulder strap & backpack mode carrying comfort leave something to be desired. Has a tendency to bulge in width when fully packed. Handmade in the USA, lifetime warranty.

RATING: 3.5 stars, a One Bag, One World recommended product.

The Tough Traveler Tri-Zip is tailor-made for the business traveler or neat freak. It may not help you look the part of the tech-savvy hipster or bush plane adventurer, but it will carry your clothes in a way that will help you look good – no matter how far away from home you may be. Packability and a neat appearance are its strong suits.

Hold ‘em down, hang ‘em up

The Tri-Zip is divided in traditional suitcase fashion, with three rectangular compartments. The front and middle compartments are 2.5 inches deep and the one on the rear is 4 inches deep. The rear compartment (on the outer side/“back” of the bag) is where most of the business takes place; it’s where the bulk of clothing will be kept. This compartment has a nice set of hold-downs: the outside wall has two adjustable, buckled cinch straps running vertically and another strap that runs long ways across them. Most suitcases have only two hold-down straps and they are usually inadequate. On the other wall of this compartment there is a single hold-down running long ways.

This compartment is also where the optional Hang-Up suit bag attaches (by way of two buckles). I packed a mid-weight wool sport coat, two shirts, and two pairs of fairly bulky pants on the Hang-Up’s two hangers, which have folding hooks. The Hang-Up can add convenience for the business traveler who needs to pack a suit or extra sport coat. I found I could reduce wrinkling of my dress shirt by putting the shirt on the hanger first, then tucking the shirt sleeves into the sleeves of the sport coat. The Hang-Up adds a little weight and somewhat more in the way of bulk – packing without it is more space-efficient. Its chief virtues are ease of packing, the convenience of having your clothes already on hangers (not having to transfer to hotel hangers), and the wrinkle-fighting quality of the suit bag. Some drawbacks: the Hang-Up is only about 19” wide, which is somewhat narrower than the average garment bag, and its length (which is barely adequate for a medium-sized sportcoat on the hanger) means folding it in half to fit in the compartment leaves a little left over which must be stuffed or tucked in at the top.

The large rear compartment and the 2.5-inch deep front compartment zip on three sides (plus a couple of more inches around the corner on the bottom of the bag) for full access and packing ease; both open fully when laid flat. The center compartment zips only on the top of the bag and a couple of inches down the ends (Compare to the Red Oxx Air Boss in which all three compartments zips on three sides).

The center compartment has no hold-downs. It is meant as a catch-all or as a place to stow a laptop. The bottom of the bag is not padded so a computer would need to be in a sleeve or you’d need to line the bottom with socks or t-shirts to provide some padding. A good sleeve like a Tom Bihn Brain Cell would be best. I carried a 13” MacBook in a sleeve and a large Dell in an unpadded slim-line brief (at different times). Both worked quite well. I also tried stuffing a pair of dress shoes in the center compartment, but that proved to be a bit much. The center compartment is not really suitable for shoes unless they’re pretty small (or flat like sandals) or unless the other compartments are under-packed. I also used the center compartment for stowing with my non-liquid toiletries, socks, tech and laundry accessories, and my 3-1-1 quart baggy.

The front 2.5-inch deep compartment has no hold-downs but does have two flat half pockets which you can tuck thin clothing items into. I didn’t find this arrangement very helpful and I believe this compartment would be better served by hold-down straps on one side as well. Tough Traveler’s website implies these pockets are meant for printed material, but most travelers will carry a few more clothes than the large compartment will hold.

The front of the bag sports a flat pocket which is zippered across the entire width of the bag. This pocket is best used for papers or a magazine. I was able to tuck a large-size road atlas in it (no GPS for me).

One note: there are zippers on the walls of the three compartments. These are not for storage, but allow the removal of the thin closed-cell foam padding sheets which are used in each section of the divider walls.

The Tri-Zip’s carrying capacity means that it will function well for a long trip  - if you pretty much carry clothing only. With a laptop in the center section and some papers in the front compartment it will hold enough clothing for a short trip.

The battle of the bulge

I’ve found that traditional suitcases which have their compartments arranged like file folders (like the Tri-Zip and Red Oxx Air Boss) have a tendency to bulge a couple of inches or more beyond their stated size. The effect is sort of like stuffing an envelope – it bulges in the middle. Without external compression straps or a semi-rigid design, this is probably unavoidable. To be fair, I stuffed the bag pretty full at times, but the packed bag only weighed in at 18-20 pounds, which is probably about normal for the carryon-only traveler. The bulging was worse with the Hang-Up which tended to concentrate the load towards the center. This bulging effect makes for a bag that is almost a foot wide when carried by the shoulder strap. It bulges more at the bottom – that darn gravity! The stated dimensions of the bag are 20x13x9, but in reality – fully loaded – they’re more like 21x13x11, which is still just legal for a carryon with most U.S. airlines. The Tri-Zip weighs about 3.5 pounds. The Hang-Up adds less than a pound.

Shoulder or back - you make the call

The convertible Tri-Zip may be carried two ways, and I have slight issues with both of them. The supplied shoulder strap’s pad is prone to roll up or slide out of position and it’s not particularly well-padded. An upgrade is in order if you intend to use the bag primarily on the shoulder. The strap attaches to two triangular plastic rings. I’m sure the plastic is quite strong, but metal rings would inspire more confidence. Also, the rings are placed nearer the front of the bag than the rear. On the shoulder this makes the bag hand so it juts out at the bottom, making it seem even wider on the hip. Additionally, the internal aluminum stays on the back of the bag line up roughly with the stowed backpack straps. This accounts for some of the bulging that widens the bag. Without the stiff stays the bag would conform more to the shape of the user’s body and wouldn’t seem so wide.

The aluminum stays are ostensibly to help the bag perform better in backpack mode. I didn’t find that they made it more comfortable to carry than the other convertibles I’ve tried. The backpack straps seem to be placed rather close together and they aren’t very cushy. Their design and placement causes the load to pull almost straight back on the shoulders and the bag seems to want to rock back. When cinched up tight to improve carrying comfort the bottom struck the small of my back somewhat above the waist, meaning the supplied waist belt could not be comfortably used. The straps might benefit from a higher and wider placement. There is no sternum strap. This may not be the bag for you if you plan to carry it mostly on your back. To be honest, most convertible bags are not meant for long hauls on the back. They are more suitcase than backpack.

Put together well, looking good

The 1000-denier Cordura nylon Tri-Zip is finished to a high standard – as well-sewn as any I’ve seen. This careful tailoring makes the Tri-Zip look a little more delicate than some other bags, but I believe appearances are deceiving in this case. I’m guessing the construction is plenty rugged. And this American-made bag has a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. I do believe its zippers are a little less beefy than those of some of its competitors. The leather handle with metal snaps is a nice touch.

The Tri-Zip’s conservative, well-tailored appearance makes it ideal for business travelers and snappy dressers, and it’s available in nine colors.

Is it for you?

The Tri-Zip is probably best-suited for business travelers who use traditional packing techniques. Most, I’m guessing, will only use the backpack mode if forced to walk longer-than-expected distances. The price of $225 is in line with other high-end shoulder bags, but you should budget $25 for a better shoulder strap. The Hang-Up adds $45 and if not ordered at the same time as the Tri-Zip, the Tri-Zip must be returned to Tough Traveler for modification.

The Tri-Zip is a delight to pack, but is less enjoyable to carry for the reasons stated above. Slight modifications and a better shoulder strap would remedy most of these shortcomings.

About our rating 

Why did we rate the Tri-Zip lower than the Red Oxx Air Boss and the Tom Bihn Aeronaut - its direct competitors? The main reason for the downgrade is carrying comfort (shoulder and back) as explained above. Having only one compartment with hold-downs hurts its rating as well. The Air Boss is a little less prone to bulge (it seemed to me), has more robust zippers and has two more useful outside pockets. I believe having the largest compartment in the middle - as does the Air Boss - is a better idea as well. The convertible Aeronaut offers much better carrying comfort thanks to a superior strap and better backpack system. The Aeronaut also has the best shoe-carrying capability in this class. All this being said, the Tri-Zip is still an excellent bag and may be preferred by many travelers. Its excellent reputation is not unfounded I’m sure.
 

Shoulder relief

I’m in love with the Tom Bihn Absolute Shoulder Strap for bags, but the folks at GearDiary have found another shoulder saver that appears to offer similar benefits - the Skooba Design Superbungee Shoulder Strap (reviewed here) which takes a slightly different, bungeefied approach to lightening your your load. A good strap is the cheapest, best upgrade for most shoulder bags.

MEI Voyageur travelpack review

MEI VOYAGEUR TRAVELPACK: Review summary – Simple, no nonsense carry-on travelpack. Stowable backpack straps make it convertible to shoulder bag use. Super comfortable in backpack mode thanks to waist belt, lumbar pad, and internal stays. A rugged piece of outdoor gear. More pack than luggage – will appeal mostly to backpackers. Handmade in the USA.

RATING: 3 1/2 stars, a One Bag, One World recommended product.

The Voyageur pack by MEI helped start the travelpack craze. Now carryon-size packs and suitcases that sprout backpack straps are common. But while many of these products were inspired by this simple pack, the Voyageur is still very much in a class by itself. It is not for everyone and doesn’t pretend to be. The Voyageur knows what it is – a basic pack that functions as carry-on luggage and is extremely comfortable to carry when worn on the back.

Simplicity embodied

The Voyageur has a standard rectangular shape with dimensions of 22x14x9. It has one main compartment, one small pouch compartment in the main compartment, and one long, flat zippered pocket on the outside of the zippered flap. The flap zips around the two long sides and one end. This allows wide open access to the large main compartment which ends up being about eight inches deep. Nearly everything you carry must go in this main compartment. It has two adjustable hold-down straps for securing folded clothes. The flat 6x9 interior pouch pocket will hold small items, a few toiletries, valuables, or documents that need to be kept secure and dry. It is sewn in at the top end of the bag. The flat 14x19 zippered pocket on the outside will hold a magazine or newspaper or two, tickets, and a few small items. Obviously, this is a simple layout that you aren’t going to get lost in, but it has some limitations.

Packing the pack

The Voyageur is not as easy to pack as many carryons, and its large interior compartment is capacious but not especially efficient. The bag is essentially unstructured except for the internal back frame (see below). This means when you lay it out to pack, the sides tend to collapse. This makes neat, careful packing tough to do. Packing is further complicated by the fact that the thick lumbar padding, stowed straps, and rigid internal stays make the floor of the compartment anything but flat and even. The lump caused by all this stuff is as much as three inches thick and is more pronounced in the center and lower portion of the pack. This pack is probably not for the business traveler or the snappy dresser. It is best-suited for those who roll and stuff their casual or outdoor clothing. The fastidious bundle packer who plots carefully to avoid wrinkles will be disappointed.

The one-big-compartment design is less efficient than a thoughtfully planned multi-compartment design – in the same way that a tool box is more efficient than a tool sack of the same volume. Packing cubes are probably essential if you want to get the most out of the Voyageur. There are many sizes of cubes to choose from and you’d need at least two or three. I used a Tom Bihn large cube which made the space much more manageable. On the plus side, if you’re a stuffer, the external compression straps will really cinch your load tight.

What’s it’s really good at

The Voyageur is a pack. Any pack carries stuff. A really good one puts the load on your back in such a way that the load seems much lighter than it really is. The Voyageur is a really good one. The very things that make the main compartment a pain for packing make this the most comfortably-carried travelpack available. The backpack straps are well-padded, but what really makes the pack work is the waist belt, the well-padded rigid internal stays, and thick lumbar padding. I tested a fully-packed Voyageur against two other convertible carryons and the Voyageur was much better at carrying the load comfortably. If you’re a backpacker and you don’t want to check a larger external frame pack the Voyageur is the clear choice. I’m guessing you could carry it all day and be quite satisfied. The construction seems first rate and the Cordura fabric is backcoated for water resistance. The zippers are beefy and all the strapping is well-sewn. And speaking of strapping, it has an abundance of loops for attaching extras to the backpack rig.

What’s not so good

This is a five-star pack, but as a suitcase it rates no better than two or three stars – if that. Travelers used to the extra amenities that many carryons provide will be disappointed with the Voyageur. It is also inadequate as a shoulder bag. The supplied shoulder strap has a puny pad, but the biggest problem is that it doesn’t ride comfortably against the body with all the backpack hardware stowed. It’s awkward on the hip and tends bulge. Without the compression straps it looks like the Voyageur could swell beyond carryon size limits.

Its styling is somewhat dated. It looks for all the world like an old-school 80’s pack. (The MEI website says the company pioneered travelpacks in 1973 and I’m guessing the Voyageur design hasn’t changed much since then) This may appeal to you, but a sometimes-business traveler may find it a little too “trail-ready”. Add to this the fact that is holds its shape poorly on the shoulder and you have a less than attractive choice for the spiffy traveler.

Who it’s for

If retro is your thing, you aren’t worried about a few wrinkles, and you’re going to carry it full-time as a backpack then the Voyageur MEI may well be your dream bag. Ditto if you’re a twentysomething who doesn’t mind (or prefers) looking a little scruffy. I believe the Voyageur is a good enough backpack to suffice for the short-term vagabonder. I just don’t think most modern carryon travelers who have widely-varying travel needs will prefer it as their first-choice bag. At $136 it is an excellent value for a USA-made product. It is available online at mei-packs.com.

SPECIFICATIONS:

· 1000 denier Cordura®

· COLORS: Black, Burgundy, Coffee, Hunter Green, Khaki, Navy Blue, Steel Grey

· DIMENSIONS: 14x9x22”; 3.5 LBS

Beware the Virgin

Richard Branson’s Virgin Atlantic airline has what are probably the most restrictive carryon rules of any carrier flying out of the US:

Passengers departing from US airports are permitted to carry one item of cabin baggage each. Cabin baggage must not exceed a maximum length of 56 cm, width of 36 cm and depth of 23 cm including wheels, handles, side pockets etc. Other bags, such as handbags, may be carried within the single item of cabin baggage. All items will be x-ray screened and must not exceed 6 kilos in weight in Economy and Premium Economy, and 8 kilos in Upper Class. — from virgin-atlantic.com

This essentially the BAA rule (everything in one bag) plus the ridiculous 6kg (that’s 13.2 pounds) restriction. It’s certainly possible to travel with under 13 pounds in one bag — I do — but it’s going to be a real pain for most of us. At least the fares are cheap. I’ll bet Richard Branson’s hair weight more than 6kg.

Carrying on for the fairer sex

Stephanie Dickison, editor of the knack shares advice on carryons, purses, and briefcases for female travelers:

The excitement about the impending trip, the packing and preparing and then the actual getting on the plane to leave your life behind and go on an adventure that will no doubt change your outlook and mood is overwhelming, but so worth it.

The only problem is travel gear.

If you can’t find suitable luggage that is comfortable and stylish, then it will forever be a problem and detract from your trip.

See her recommendations here. Click on the photo at right to learn more about the Helen Rae luggage she touts.

Luggage advice from Lornitropia

“Then I went to Portland and took my Red Oxx Air Boss & Tom Bihn Brain Cell combination which worked as well as last time. Both did what I expected, and everything went fine. I’m finding that the more I use the Air Boss, the more I like it. Things fit well and the more I use the bag the more I realize the thought that went into not only the design but the precision of the dimensions.” - read it all at Lornitropia

Rollin' & tumblin'

I’m not a fan of rolling bags for reasons mentioned elsewhere. But, if you must roll this old article from Slate is good for establishing criteria with which to evaluate the accursed conveyances. Some of the models in the article are out of date, but the author’s points are excellent:

“A good bag rolls smoothly on a wide wheelbase, with a sturdy, comfortably situated handle to guide it. A bad bag rocks drunkenly on its wheels, with a hard-to-grip, poorly angled handle. It’s always finding ways to bump into your legs.”

“With a careful eye, you can suss out which bags are well-crafted and which will soon be plagued with sticking zippers and mangled handles.”

His winner is the Tumi Vestry which is no longer produced. If style is important to you and money is no object, check out the $495 (now on sale $369 as of 8-12-07) for  20” Tumi Ducati (right). It’s 20” x 13.75”x 9”, comfortably under maximum legal carry-on dimensisons. I like bags that are a little undersized if they are rigid like this one - less stuffing required to get in the overheard. And you certainly wouldn’t want to scuff up this beauty. This is the bag for beautiful people: If the bag fits, roll it.

Note: Alert OBOW reader Stephen R. points out that while it looks like the tow handle is for right-handers only, the handle actually pivots for comfortable use with either hand. 

We’ll have a review in coming weeks of a less-expensive Tough Traveler rolling carryon with removable wheels. 

Why does American-made matter?

If you wanted to wear nothing but made-in-the-USA clothing you’d have a hard time filling up a closet. And you’d go broke paying for it. How about USA-made electronics? Forget it. But luggage is a different matter. The serious traveler can buy high-quality, high-value, handmade luggage that is made right here. Why does it matter? There are several reasons and they have nothing to do with xenophobia or parochialism. If you care about your neighbors and fellow citizens having good jobs, made-in-the USA means something. Ditto if you don’t want to support sweatshops staffed by children, inmates, or overworked/underpaid women. Maybe you want a bag that won’t fall apart. Or maybe you have a complaint and would like to speak to the owner/designer. 

OBOW will always support the quality USA luggage companies. We’ll be putting together a page devoted just to them. Please suggest any companies that should be on the list. Here are four good ones to start with: MEI, Red Oxx, Tom Bihn, and Tough Traveler. Another worth checking out might be Bailey Works, though they are more about messenger bags than luggage per se. Tumi and Boyt are US luggage companies on the higher end of the price scale.

Going boldly with the Aeronaut - full user review

TOM BIHN AERONAUT CARRYON: Review summary – Innovative, highly adaptable shoulder bag with stowable backpack straps. Handmade in the USA. System approach with extensive array of packing cubes available. High points: Good looking, sleek, ergonomic design, excellent carrying comfort and capacity.

RATING: 5 stars, a One Bag, One World top pick.

A suitcase is a simple thing. It’s a hard- or soft-sided container to hold clothing and necessities for a traveler. Oh, and the travel part means this container must be portable; it must be easily moved by a human from one place to the next. Those are the basic requirements. True innovation in so simple a thing is rare, and might indeed seem impossible. Tom Bihn has done the impossible, designing a truly different piece of luggage that adapts to the varied needs of demanding modern travelers. Meet the Aeronaut.

Divided differently

The Aeronaut is a maximum carryon-sized (22” x 14” x 9”) three-compartment bag, but it’s divided in a different way, with a large central compartment (about 13.5” x 13.5” x 8.5) and two end pockets (each about 13.5” x 8” x 3.5”). This design has several benefits and a couple of minor drawbacks when compared with more traditional bags. The central compartment is where your folded clothing will go. It lacks hold-down straps so the Aeronaut user is strongly advised to pick up at least one Tom Bihn Large Packing Cube so that clothing will stay tightly folded and in place. The cubes are custom designed just for the Aeronaut. Two of the 13.5” x 13.5” x 4.25” mesh and ripstop nylon zippered cubes will fill the main compartment, but you can still fit some thin or small items between, under, or next to the cubes. Any traveler will carry enough clothing to fill one cube, most will prefer two. The 13.5” x 13.5 main compartment necessitates a slightly different, squarer folding style. Traditional bags often have compartments up to 21 inches wide which more naturally accommodate folded pants and shirts or jackets. Be advised: If your clothes are quite large (46 mens/XXL and up) you may have a little trouble with this narrower compartment.

I’m quite sure there’s a “square” way to fold clothing (to fit the cubes) that will minimize wrinkles nearly as well as the more rectangular bundle approach - I just haven’t mastered it yet. If you’re a leisure traveler with less exacting needs for crisp-looking clothes, the cubes are a dream. And if you’re a roller, there are smaller cubes which fit side by side – four fill the compartment. The main compartment is accessed with an 11” x 11” hatch which zips on three sides (more on its curved corners below). It is plenty big enough to accommodate the large cubes and has a zippered compartment for small items on the inside of the flap.

The end pockets are where everything else goes. Importantly, an end pocket can hold a pair of shoes – something many bags have difficulty coping with. Tom Bihn says an end pocket will hold up to size 12 running shoes. My fairly stiff size 10 casual/dress shoes were a little bit of a tight fit, but most athletic shoes would probably fit fine. Just don’t try size 14 high tops. The end pockets may also be used for toiletries, a hair dryer or steamer, smaller clothing items like socks or underwear, dirty clothes, or personal electronics. The end pockets zip only across the top and down one side. This makes them a little tight but helps the bag hold its shape. One end pocket has a zippered slash pocket for holding boarding passes, travel documents or small guidebooks. There probably should be one of these on each end, instead of just one. The end pocket packing cubes fill the entire pocket. They’re nice since they allow you to neatly and quickly unload the entire pocket at once and get at the contents out in the open.

The Aeronaut is not designed specifcally to carry a notebook computer, but many models will fit in the main compartment, though they’d need an appropriate sleeve. Obviously, most users will use a separate case for a computer. 

Here’s one suggested interior improvement: the material lining the bag should be lighter or more brightly colored to make it easer to see what’s dwelling in the deep recesses of the bag.

Two ways to convey

The Aeronaut, with the addition of the $25 Absolute Strap is wonderful shoulder bag. It rides comfortably and holds its shape very well with no tendency to bulge. It rides comfortable on the hip and the semi-stiff back of the bag keeps it from hugging your body too much, which can make for awkward carrying in too soft a bag. The compartment layout essentially constitutes a series of vertical ribs and the use of curves in the design adds additional stiffening - think Roman arch. The Aeronaut holds its shape well - full or half full - and looks smaller than it actually is. You can carry the bag by and by means of a handle that snaps around the short double straps, of course, but the two most important built-in straps are the clever low-profile pull straps on each end. They make grabbing the bag when it’s stowed a breeze – a very nice touch. If you don’t want a bag on your shoulder, never fear: the Aeronaut has nice set of padded, hideaway backpack straps which are accessed by unzipping the flat compartment on the back of the bag. It’s hard to guess they’re there when stowed; even the rings the straps clip to hide away in little slits in the side seams. Another evidence of Tom Bihn’s thoughtful design is that the Aeronaut also comes in a version (known as the Breve) for users under 5”8”. The Breve has a different backpack strap placement which makes for better fit for the small-framed. I found the Aeronaut to be moderately comfortable in backpack mode. The Tom Bihn site notes that the Aeronaut is not designed for all day backpacking comfort, and I wouldn’t recommend it for extended use on the back. But it is reasonably comfortable for short airport-to-train treks or as a change of pace from shoulder carrying.

A real construct

The Aeronaut is handmade at Tom Bihn’s Seattle factory. What difference does that make? I’m guessing a lot. When the owner/designer pays his workers a living wage, can walk through the factory and call his employees by name, can inspect the materials as they come in and the products as they go out - that has to make a huge difference in quality. And quality of construction and material is evident when you handle the Aeronaut. The primary material is ballistic nylon which is reputedly stronger than Cordura of the same weight. It is definitely a little stiffer than Cordura – not as supple but it inspires confidence. The ballistic material may be one of the reasons that the bag holds its shape and “hangs” so well. The seaming and integration of different materials and segments of the bag are also impressive. The zippers are # 10 YKK Uretek “splash-proof” type. I had reservations about them at first:  the gasketing that the zipper runs in struck me as a liable to bind but I was wrong. They show no such tendency. I’ve heard of some testers subjecting the Aeronaut to several minutes in a bathroom shower with pleasantly dry results. I didn’t try it, but I buy the fact that it is highly water resistant.

Testing, testing

My trial run with the Aeronaut consisted of packing it to the gills with a little more than my normal list of clothing and accessories. I ended up with an 18-20 pound load which included a pair of dress/casual shoes, a variety of pants, shirts, and underclothes, rain jacket, guide book, toiletries (3-1-1 baggie), hair dryer, hangers and laundry accessories, camera and charger. My normal packed weight with this type of bag is 12-15 pounds. The Aeronaut, with the aid of four packing cubes handled the load very well. My only complaints regarding accommodation are that it will not handle a large-size road atlas (flat material – up to about standard magazine size – must share space with the backpack straps in the back compartment) and the central compartment is a little narrow for traditionally folded clothing (as mentioned above). Design is an exercise in compromise, and the three-compartment layout and stowable backpack straps mean that a large, flat pocket for papers, easily accessed when the bag is carried on the shoulder, is impossible. But the end pockets are very useful, especially for shoes which fit so awkwardly in to many bags. I try not to carry extra shoes, but I love the idea of using the end pockets for dirty clothes or, say, nothing but underclothing. The use of cubes is highly advisable. They make packing and unpacking a breeze and make the bag much more functional.

Family affair

Tom Bihn has been designing and building bags for over 20 years. One of the things he has apparently learned is that his customers can be an important part of the design process. The design of the Aeronaut was an interactive affair, with customers and user providing ideas and feedback on the bag’s design through Tom Bihn web forum. This process may help explain its innovative design. The Aeronaut is part of a family of cool, well-designed products, and many Tom Bihn customers pair the Aeronaut with one of the company’s briefcases, messenger bags, or backpacks for a complete travel kit with uniform feel and look.

What does it cost?

The Aeronaut’s $175 price tag seems to put it on the low end of the premium carry-on bag market, but it’s going to cost you more than $175. Why? Because it would be a shame to buy this bag without an Absolute Strap (already reviewed here) and at least two or three cubes. That will make your total price about $230-$250, which is more in line with the other USA-made bags. Is it worth it? I should say so. This is a great bag, which almost cries out “Let’s go!” Travel is a hassle these days. A bag like the Aeronaut which makes the road (and the sky) a happier place is almost priceless.

Who it’s for? 

If you need to travel with a neatly folded extra suit, then the Aeronaut is not for you. But for many business travelers and most leisure travelers, the Aeronaut is a stylish, simple, and functional option. The various cubes and compartments mean the Aeronaut can adapt to different types of trips and different seasons. Obviously, it has no wheels so you’re going to carry it - on your shoulder or your back. If high mobility light travel is your style, the Aeronaut may be the bag for you.

 Tidbits - The Aeronaut weighs under three pounds but the necessary addition of the Absolute Strap and a couple of packing cubes puts it closer to four pounds. The packing cubes exhibit the same quality construction as the Aeronaut. The bag is available in a fairly limited array of colors: red, green, gray, and black - the grape (purple/blue) material being unavailable for the time being. One of the end slash pocket has a nifty clip for keys.

About the photos: Top group - end pocket, Aeronaut maintains trim shape on the shoulder, large packing cube/main compartment, end pockets accomdate shoes. Bottom group: backpack straps, maintains shape in backpack mode, nifty weatherproof gasketed zippers,  helpful pull handles on each end.

 

Click here to see a size comparison of the Aeronaut and Tom Bihn’s smaller Western Flyer carryon. 

 

LOOK FOR ADDITIONAL POSTS UPCOMING CONCERNING TOM BIHN CUBES AND POUCHES. 

Pricey rollers

The LA Times reviews three hard-sided, four-wheeled rolling suitcases. At up to $450  and 7-11 pounds empty, they make those three-pound, soft-sided carryons in the $200 randge from quality US makers like Red Oxx, Tom Bihn, and Tough Traveler look like absolute steals. And these nifty shoulder/backpack bags will never lose a caster or crush a toe.

Clash of the carryon titans

 

Okay, so I’m going to get asked: Which is the best carryon – the Red Oxx Air Boss (left) or the Tom Bihn Aeronaut (right)? The answer: Both. The explanation: Almost any light traveler will find that one of these finely crafted, heavy-duty, American-made bags is ideal for them. They are different, but each is excellent in its own way. That’s not a cop-out; that’s a fact. Designing carry-on luggage is an exercise in compromise. From Red Oxx and Tom Bihn we have two designs that make the most of the size, shape and weight constraints of the carryon. I’ve done hands-on evaluations of both in the last two months and I’ll have a lot to say about the Aeronaut, plus the MEI Voyageur in the next week. A full review of the Air Boss has already been posted, but look for another post that carefully compares the Red Oxx with the Aeronaut. Hopefully our observations will help the serious traveler choose the bag that’s best for their travel needs and style.

Strap up & go

Whatever carryon, briefcase, or computer bag you carry, there’s a simple upgrade you can make: a new shoulder strap. The Claw by Red Oxx (upper photo) and the Absolute Shoulder Strap by Tom Bihn  (lower photo) are probably much better than what your bag came with. Each is American-made and built to last.  And each has a particular virtue which will recommend it to the serious traveler.

The  Claw is not overly wide and has a super-tacky polymer-based rubber pad which just will not slip off your shoulder. Also, the pad is two-sided so no matter how you grab the strap it’s right-side-up. I learned long ago as a news photographer that narrower straps bite and hold better than wide, super-cushy ones.  So if grip is your concern, check out the Claw.

If your shoulder is a little softer and you’re willing to trade a little grip for a little more comfort, Bihn’s Abolute Shoulder Strap is the ticket. The wider neoprene pad has an internal control-stretch system which makes a bag give or bounce a little, which can make it seem lighter. One side of the strap pad is quite tacky and provides a secure (if not claw-like) grip on most fabrics.

Both straps need a D-ring type connection to clip on to. Each has metal hardware: The Claw’s is chromed and the Absolute’s is double-plated black finish. My guess is the Claw is just slightly more durable than the softer Absolute, but either should last for many years. and — at $25 or less — you can always afford to replace a strap. 

Worldly, weighty info

Ever wondered what the carry-on allowance was for Air Malta, Aeropelican, or Flybaboo? Find out at flylite.uk.com with their seemingly exhaustive list of links to luggage info for airlines from around the world.

Advice for the fairer sex

One-bag travel is not just for men. There’s no law that says women must have three heavy suitcases. But, I don’t feel fully (or even partially) qualified to pontificate on packing — to the fairer sex. Hence, this link to blogher.org for carryon packing advice for women, by women. In a way, I think females may have it easier than men in this carryon business. Their clothes are usually lighter, more interchangeable, and probably more often synthetic than mens’. And most women are just plain resourceful - which helps a great deal.

Adam likes his Boss

Adam at travelgearreview.com has reviewed the Red Oxx Air Boss carryon and says he liked it so well he ordered one. The Air Boss is a tough, versatile bag and my review contained many of the same conclusions. I’ll have reviews coming soon of two great convertible carryons - the Tom Bihn Aeronaut and MEI Voyageur - but a couple of little things have slowed me down: little things like a son getting married and renovation of an old house!

UK baggage nightmare, status quo

The Telegraph says thousands of checked bags are languishing at Heathrow, most the result of missed connections.

BA (British Airways) says it is currently handling 23,000 transfer bags at Heathrow each day, using a system designed for 18,000 bags. Overall, the number of bags being checked in as hold luggage has increased by 25 per cent since the introduction of the “one cabin bag” ruling by the Department for Transport (DfT) last August.

Passengers flying into Heathrow from other European countries and the US, where they are allowed two pieces of hand baggage, are being made to check in one item before continuing their journey. It is these transit passengers who have been hit hardest by the ruling.

And, unfortunately, rumors of the demise of the one-bag rule are premature:

The Association of European Airlines is lobbying the EU for a pan-European policy on airline hand baggage. But the DfT is adamant that the one-bag ruling must stay for now.

“We are responsible for making sure that every flight is safe and secure,” said a DfT (UK Dept for Transport) spokesman. “The best way to help those doing the screening is to restrict passengers to one bag, as staff have to check carefully for liquids and other items that may pose a security threat.”

 It’s gotten bad enough in Britain that travelers — especially business travelers — are beginning to avoid flying to, or through, the UK unless absolutely necessary.

Two new sites

Adam at travelgearreview.com tipped me off that MEI, maker of the legendary Voyageur travel pack, has finally launched a web page. It’s not the greatest site but it’s a lot better than nothing. I’ve been in contact with MEI about testing some of their new bags and packs, and I have a Voyageur in my possession (thanks to Adam) which I hope to write about soon.  Some of the listed models are just barely out of prototype stage and some are non-stock/build-on-demand.

Air travel guru Joe Brancatelli has launched a great blog (The Summer of Our Discontent) on the free side of his joesentme.com site. The blog’s basic premise is that the summer of 2007 has been the worst period ever in the history of commercial aviation!