October 19, 2007 Multi-tasking with the Air Boss
Here’s a tale from a traveling photographer who has decided that his next camera bag will not be a camera bag:
My solution is not a camera bag at all. I’ve looked at Moose Peterson’s bags and I think he comes close to my needs. But I want a bag I can throw my laptop into and not be forced to strap it to the side. Or at least I want the option to do either. The bag that I think comes closest is a Red Oxx Air Boss. The Air Boss, some GearWraps, and a thin sleeve for my laptop will protect my gear against bumps and save me 5+ pounds. And it’ll fit into bins.
RED OXX seems to make some of the most bomb-proof travel kit out there. On a side note, be careful with the words “bomb-proof” when travelling. An airport security officer recently remarked on my Stormcase as I threw it on the belt. He said it looked tough. I said it was “bomb-proof.” He suggested I not say that again. Momentary lapse in judgement - it had been a long, long day.
He makes a great point that I learned many years ago as a photojournalist: Padding wastes space and creates uneccessary bulk. Use specific padding (like wraps) or improvised padding (like clothes your taking anyway) to maximize efficiency. And a quality laptop sleeve - like those from Tom Bihn - can turn any bag into a computer bag.
See our review of the Air Boss here.
Reader Comments (7)
After trying the Air Boss for the first time I can't help but think the author is barking up the wrong tree. With just clothes I found a fully packed Air Boss too uncomfortable and I'm in good shape and weigh in at 170 pounds. My clothes did arrive in great condition but just waiting in line for the xray was torture. Everyone else was perfectly comfortable while I struggled to not notice the Air Boss on my shoulder. I really wanted to like this bag, I really did, but it just wasn't for me. I feel bad about it too because I love the team at Red Oxx but I can't see how anyone who does run of the mill big plane travel in major US airports can handle this bag compared to a simple backpack or wheeled bag. I hate to say it because of their political label stance, but the Tom Bihn Aeronaut may be a superior solution for non wheeled travelers. Only drawback is that maybe the Air Boss is better about wrinkles.
Matt will be pleased to learn that Red Oxx has addressed this problem and has launched a new bag called the Sky Train. This all new carry on bag features the best aspects of the Air Boss with one addition you will appreciate - Padded Backpack Straps. It's so versatile, you can carry it 3 different ways. You may even be able to trade your Air Boss for the new Sky Train.
Howard ~ Unfortunately, the Sky Train isn't a 'Air Boss with backpack straps'. It's a 2 compartment instead of 3 compartment bag - not as useful for biz travel, although perfectly serviceable for leisure travel - and has, frankly, poorly designed backpack straps. In fact, the straps on my Rick Steves carry on that I use for leisure travel are better than these. It's not a valid trade for the Air Boss. In fact, It's been done just as good (although the material quality is perhaps a improvement):
http://www.ebags.com/victorinox_swiss_army/
werks_traveler_2_0_weekender_2_zip_overnighter/
product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=51058
And it less expensive to boot. And I can vouch to the backpack straps, although like all of this class of carry on bag, they are only for short term use, over 25 lb they start getting uncomfortable. But that defeats the purpose of light carry on travel ... anyway, I have ordered another 3 zip bag from MEI that hopefully will solve my issues with this Vic bag.
If only Red Oxx would do some good straps on the Air Boss... I would be happy.
As a final note, the best designed backpack straps I have seen on this class of bag is found on the cheapest offering out there, Ebags' own Weekender Convertible. The bag itself is cheapo, but the straps are vell padded and designed. Perhaps Ebags ought to do a 3 zip biz carry on w/backpack strap option, price it right and they would clean up.
I'm not so sure about the Sky Train. All the Red Oxx backpack straps have a "look" that screams uncomfortable. They aren't curved and they lack chest or waist straps and they don't lift off the shoulders.
I need to start my own travel bag review site so I can get these bags for testing. :) Seriously, the straps might be fine but based on looks alone and my experience with straps they look bad.
Paul, I hope you'll post a review of your new MEI bag. I think the backpack straps on my Voyageur are very comfortable and well-designed, although I'm less enthusiastic about the compromises that were necessary to include them.
John ~
Will do. I hope to be getting it by the 2nd week of Nov (I have a trip to make then and would love to use it) I communicated with Ahmed @ MEI and he's going to try and get it to me by then. BTW, It's great to talk to the folks who work on your product, I have good feelings that this will do the job great.
I hope to be able to draft up something - wth Brad's ok - perhaps with a few pics, after I get my hands on it and use it.
Brad, your thoughts .... ? Let me know.
Paul - Absolutely! E-mail your copy and photos and I'll format everything. The more the merrier!