Tuesday
Sep252007
September 25, 2007 Mouse's travel bag picks
Here’s a nice list of recommended travel bags from Mouse Planet. They like the Tom Bihn Aeronaut as “an alternative to the ubiquitous rolling upright”. They also like the Patagonia One Bag which I also like as a slightly undersized carryon for those who pack really light.
Reader Comments (5)
Hi, new poster here. I was wondering if you would be doing a review on Pantagonia One Bag, or its big brother, the MLC? I've been trying to decide on a bag a months now, and have been going by your recommendations for the most part. Thanks
Hey, welcome! I'm intrigued by the One Bag myself.Maximum size carryons are usually to big for me. It may be that Patagonia is too big a company to loan me a review copy, but I'd like to see one. i have handled an MLC and wasn't terribly impressed. Tom Bihn is coming out with a smaller carryon that might be more in the vein of the One Bag. I am very excited about this new bag. That being said, I may try to get a One Bag for evaluation.
Like the previous poster, I was debating both the MLC and the One Bag. In fact, I bought them both from ebags and they are both sitting on my bed right now. The problem with nearly all these convertable bags is they are just a smidge too big! The One Bag, on the other hand, is just a bit too small! I think it will work for a 2 nighter, but any longer than that will be pushing it. I will be trying out the One Bag for the first time in a couple weeks, so we'll see how it turns out. The MLC is going to be returned, because it is just too big (I should note I am 5'5" low maintenence female and I pack very light!). Why can't someone make a bag right in between!? Or maybe I just haven't found it yet. Any suggestions? I am VERY intrigued by your comment about the Tom Bihn smaller carryon. Any details yet, and do you know when it will be out?
No more details about the Tom Bihn smaller bag. I've known about if for some time but just yesterday he mentioned it in an e-mail newsletter 0 so I felt that I was able to mention it. I believe I'll get one of the first ones to check out. He says they'll be available very soon.
I have a Patagonia OneBag for one-bag travel, and I love it. I'm a very light packer, small female, with a 12" iBook (the bag will fit larger computers). The backpack straps are strangely comfortable, given how flimsy they look. The included "human curve" strap, on the other hand, is awful. I replaced it right away. I usually use packing cubes but I don't need to with the OneBag - I just do the "bundle" method in the bag itself and use the floating compression panel to tighten things up. I can fit two pairs of shoes in the perimeter. Shallow toiletry kit, another bag with camera, charger, etc. Leaves the front pocket for computer and papers. It has worked for me for 10 days of leisure travel and 3-day conferences. I tend to pack many light layers. Keep in mind that I have small size clothes and shoes - my 6'3" fiance w/ size 14 shoes could NOT use this bag.
I also own several Tom Bihn bags and was tempted by the Aeronaut but it was too big (I checked it out at the store). Tom Bihn's new Western Flyer may be a rival to the OneBag - I may take a look when it comes out, Tom Bihn devotee that I am.