I have read the previous threads related to the MEI Executive Overnighter, but haven't seen any information within the past year or so. I am intreested in this bag, but would like to know what folks have experienced over the past year regarding the customer service, delivery time, the relatively recent modifications to the bag design, etc.

Also, can anyone provide more detailed information regarding the warranty? Is it the same as Red Oxx (anything at any time for any reason), or does the lifetime warranty cover manufacturing defects alone?

Thanks! I've found this forum very helpful and am grateful for the time and effort of those who particpate.

I purchased the Executive Overnighter last year. I didn't have a lot of contact with the company except for a question I had about colour availability, but they did respond quickly to my email. There was no shipping notification or tracking information provided, but I did receive the pack within the time frame they quoted, I think it was about 3 weeks or so. I haven't looked into the warranty. The bag is well constructed and comfortable in backpack mode, although a little too large for me (I'm 5'5").

I have three MEI bags and for all three orders, they asked my departure date or if I needed it "rushed". I suggest you contact them via phone and e-mail. Yes, they actually answer their phone. I'm a bit partial to them, because I like tweeking things to my specifications and they are one of the few companies that will.

What I have done is send them an e-mail with my general needs and give them a time-frame to call me. That way they will get a hold of me and I won't miss their call, because I'm expecting it.

The "are they still in business" question is one I see at other sites. I think the issue is that MEI's webpage is so Sgt. Joe Friday, aka "just the facts maam" and never changes. They are still in business, somebody just got a customized Voyageur delivered. You can see their bag on this website.

Thanks to you both. Neil, I didn't intend to communicate that I was unsure if they were still around. I just haven't seen reviews on the Executive Overniter since the modifications described toward the end of the 221 post thread on this site (which is probably a year old now). And, I've seen some indicattions they've been able to reduce the turnaround time compared to a few years ago, but thought I would double check that as well. Neil, since you own three MEI bags, can you speak to the warranty specifics I asked about above?

I just got my Voyageur yesterday (actually posted a thread on it today) and i had not issues communicating with them. I spoke to a guy named Salim and he was very helpful. Anyways, I got some ideas for the color of my Voyageur looking at the Colors of the EO on their facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/meilegacy. Thought it might be helpful to you!

Sorry dont have any info on warranty (may be coz i live in Europe and its a pain to claim warranty from here) But looking at the quality I'm guessing that it can handle a beating!!

JJ,

If I have an extended business stay, I tend to use the EO, because I have to pack more clothes than I would normally use at home. If I am slated for multiple presentations over an extended period, I'll have to pack more formal clothes, so the EO is ideal for me. It carries a load well, separates my styles, and the pack itself has clean enough lines to be presentable on "fly-out-Friday". It does not have a dedicated slot for a laptop, but I use a neoprene sleeve and stick it behind some clothes.

I don't like their shoulder strap and alternate between Tom Bihn's absolute shoulder strap or the Porta Brace super shoulder strap. It depends on how much my shoulder is hurting that week.

I've had the EO for over a year and I inherited it from my brother who used it for three years. The undercarriage was a little hard to clean, because of being set down on the ground countless times, but that was the only issue. The workmanship has held up well.

MEI EO picassa album

https://plus.google.com/photos/109106051598743691776/albums?banner=pwa

I don't think you can go wrong with the MEI EO. Doug Dyment is right when he says that it's the thing to get if "you can only have one bag ". I recently used mine for a business trip to the Midwest and it held seven days worth of clothing, a pair of shoes, a laptop, toiletries, and my business papers. It could have held a suit, but I didn't think ahead and mistakenly packed bulky jeans/ran out of time. So a person could easily fill it with a month's worth of clothing, supposing regular washing. (Another thing that would be a big space saver is ditching the laptop in favor of a tablet.)
This discreet bag is built to last. MEI said that they get back bags for petty repair or upkeep that are 15 or 20 years old. Stains came out easily. Even in shipping, MEI excels. They sent me the package on 3 day delivery at no extra charge, in time for my departure. Worth it in every way.