http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S26PPvR880c

This reviewer missed so many important points (other than the possible exception of weight) that I had to post it.

he misses the point on red oxx zippera, Jim explicitly chosen them not to open the themselves.

Good point on MEI not having a bright colored interior - would help find things in the dark and easier to pack/find things..

I'm sorry. I tried but I just couldn't get through it because it was so bad. Just makes me appreciate all the good reviews on this site!! :-)

Art, you can request MEI to line their bags with a bright interior at no extra charge (mine are all lined with a bright yellow).

I have several MEI bags, as well as the usual assortment of others mentioned here, e.g. Red Oxx, Tom Bihn, Lands End, Golite, etc. One of these days I'll make a video with the exact same packing cubes for each bag for an exact comparison.

I think part of the reason I like MEI is because they have made two bags to my specifications. I had them tailor a bag for MLC-underseat dimensions for me that can double as a work messenger bag, when I'm on the road. They also customized their Convertible to smaller dimensions (it's now a EC Adventure Weekender).

I'm probably going to have them customize their Eurail or China Clipper for my wants. They are wonderfully amenable to your needs and tell you what exactly can and cannot be done.

Looks like someone agrees with your opinion based on a recent comment for the video. I must concur as well.Oh well, that's YouTube - anyone can post a video and be a self-proclaimed "expert".

Hey Neil G - I'm looking to buy a MEI Voyageur and love the idea of customizing mine with a different color lining (sounds very useful) did you have difficulty making these customization or were they pretty open to the idea? Do you think that it added to your wait time for the bag to customize it? Thanks so much!

Tess,
MEI makes each bag to order, so I don't think it adds much time to their manufacturing process. I gave them several months lead time for my MEI-Convertible customization, so I can't really say. And, my MLC-underseat had no timeline associated with it. They just shipped it when they finished it.

By the way, others have had their Voyageur and Executive Overnighter customized. Here is a link for the EO customization.

http://onebagger.squarespace.com/obow-light-travel-forum/post/1929773#post1932313

Maybe contacting "Dasher" can give you an actual timeline.

Thanks Neil~ I contacted MEI and they were open to customizing my bag and were able to add extra pockets on the front for an extra $15. Time frame of 4 weeks, doesn't seem like they required extra time. I can hardly wait :)

I'm sorry, but when I start counting how many times a person says 'um" I know I've lost interest in the topic.