I tried an external stiffener, made of corrugated plastic, a couple of times in a Jansport Eurosak. I was less than thrilled with the results because my bundled clothing slid around and still ended up a a ball at the bottom edge of the bag. The EC folders work well because the enclosed clothes are held to the stiffeners. So, unless you completely fill the bag, the bundle can move against the stiffner. My next hack on that bag was to add velcro strips to the compartment (the loop (soft) side) and small squares of the hard (hook) side to my folders and packing cubes. The Eurosak was more floppy than with the stiffener but my clothes were in better shape. Adding the stiffener back gave the best result but it was the heaviest possible solution. Because of that, I used a three zip Hartman (heavier than the Eurosak and not convertible but structured and easier on my clothes). I've moved on to an Ebags Mother Lode TLS Convertible which has solved all of the floppy bag issues for me, as well as allowing me to abandon the secondary laptop case. It may be the best bag I've ever used.
This is one of many on a Google search but they're all more than Campmor used to sell them for. Either the demand was too great or a slight design change and a big price increase is coming.
Just got a Summer 2010 print catalog from Campmor this week that had the OPEC included. It doesn't show up on their website however. The catalog price is $32.99.
I bought one of these bags last year and it has been sitting in my closet. When I travel, I usually take my Eagle Creek Explorer LT backpack. However, I pulled out my OPEC the other day because I have to attend a wedding in Texas (the EC Explorer is too "adventurous" for a destination wedding).
I was wondering if anyone has successfully used the OPEC to pack a suit. I was thinking about buying an Eagle Creek Garment Sleeve for my suit, and then packing the Garment Sleeve in the OPEC. I noticed that the deminsions on the Garment Sleeve is identical to the OPEC (21" x 13"). Has anyone tried using this suit packing method with the OPEC?
If the Garment Sleeve doesn't work, will packing using the bundle method work with a suit?
BTW, I recently saw the Air Boss and it is beautiful, but I just can't justify paying for it when I have the OPEC.
The only problem with the OPEC is that it has no form whatsoever. I might suggest spending a few bucks and getting an Eagle Creek 18" packing folder. This will help give some form to your bag and you can pack pants, shirts, and sweaters in it to help minimize wrinkles. The jacket could them be placed on top of the folder or wrapped around it.
A word about OPEC. I have just returned home to South Africa from a six week trip to France, Canada and the UK. The bag carried more than I needed for a variety of activities overseas.I find that, even when I think it's full, it has space for more. True, it may not be glamorous but, after all, it's a bag for carrying things in. Furthermore, it gets no attention from the carry-on police. I'm delighted with it.
Hello all, I just bought the OPEC off of Ebay. Apparently, the co. discontinued for general sale and now sells only to Campmor with Campmor Logo on it. I bought b/c I am traveling lighter & lighter as time goes on but- for the life of me I cannot figure out how to clip the right backpack strap- there is nothing to clip onto. I see the shoulder clips doubles as the right b/p clip but what the heck do I do? Need help. I like this bag and don't think I can return it. Also for stiffners, I have a piece from Boyt luggage that is a sort of garment bag(HAS HARD CARDBOARD INSIDE NYLON COVER IN PART) deal with pockets and just fits in this bag perfectly.
Hmm. I don't have my bag in front of me or I'd take a look, PJS, but check out Kevin's review of the OPEC. There's a picture of the back of the bag that will hopefully help you.
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I was wondering if anyone has successfully used the OPEC to pack a suit. I was thinking about buying an Eagle Creek Garment Sleeve for my suit, and then packing the Garment Sleeve in the OPEC. I noticed that the deminsions on the Garment Sleeve is identical to the OPEC (21" x 13"). Has anyone tried using this suit packing method with the OPEC?
If the Garment Sleeve doesn't work, will packing using the bundle method work with a suit?
BTW, I recently saw the Air Boss and it is beautiful, but I just can't justify paying for it when I have the OPEC.
Thank you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWz6aJPae7s&feature=related
The only problem with the OPEC is that it has no form whatsoever. I might suggest spending a few bucks and getting an Eagle Creek 18" packing folder. This will help give some form to your bag and you can pack pants, shirts, and sweaters in it to help minimize wrinkles. The jacket could them be placed on top of the folder or wrapped around it.
I have just returned home to South Africa from a six week trip to France, Canada and the UK.
The bag carried more than I needed for a variety of activities overseas.I find that, even when I think it's full, it has space for more. True, it may not be glamorous but, after all, it's a bag for carrying things in. Furthermore, it gets no attention from the carry-on police. I'm delighted with it.
I just bought the OPEC off of Ebay. Apparently, the co. discontinued for general sale and now sells only to Campmor with Campmor Logo on it. I bought b/c I am traveling lighter & lighter as time goes on but- for the life of me I cannot figure out how to clip the right backpack strap- there is nothing to clip onto. I see the shoulder clips doubles as the right b/p clip but what the heck do I do? Need help. I like this bag and don't think I can return it.
Also for stiffners, I have a piece from Boyt luggage that is a sort of garment bag(HAS HARD CARDBOARD INSIDE NYLON COVER IN PART) deal with pockets and just fits in this bag perfectly.
thanks for the input.
PJS
http://www.practicalhacks.com/2009/11/03/quick-review-outdoor-products-essential-carry-on/