Hi- I'm new to this board and I'm looking to replace my carry on. I think I've narrowed it down to the Air Boss and the Executive Overnighter. I love the super sturdy construction of the air boss, but like the option of backpack straps on the overnighter. I do wish there was a bag with the construction of the air boss, 3 compartments, AND backpack straps!

Anyway, I'd love opinions from people who have actually used these bags, especially if you've used/seen both on which one is better. Thanks!

I have an Executive Overniter. I wanted the straps as well, otherwise I would have gone with the Air Boss. As it is, I love the Overniter. You may have to wait a while if you order it though. It sounds like Ahmed (the MEI retailer) is pretty busy.

Yeah, I read on the resourses page on One Bag that between airlines charging for checked baggage and some family illnesses he's dealing with that he's been totally overwhelmed with orders.

Do the zippers, etc on the overnighter seem pretty durable? It seems that the Air boss has better zippers and hardware. Also, do you find you use the straps often, or you really haven't used them much?

Sorry- one more thing. Did your overnighter have the flaps that zipped completely open on 3 sides on all openings, or the zippers shown on the MEI website that don't zip completely open on 3 sides? Also, did yours have the grap strap on the end? I wasn't sure what the current version of the bag was, since the review on this website showed a few versions, and the photo on the MEI page is different.

I bought one of the first production line, so I have one pocket that unzips fully and two that half zip on the sides. All the newer models should have the full unzipping pockets for all 3. The picture on the website is hopelessly outdated for the product you now get.

The zippers are YYK brand, hasp-style and appear very durable. I think they're the same ones the Air Boss uses.

As for the straps, I have used them several times in bigger airports, not every time. I like them, and they are very comfortable even with a heavy bag. One of the main reasons I wanted the Overniter was for the plethora of business trips I've been taking, and my work computer is a 17" behemoth that weighs a ton. The Overniter handles it like a champ with my clothes, etc, and still fits into the overhead bins on CRJs. I haven't had to check it yet, even on regional jets. I also wanted the straps for an upcoming trip to Europe. This way I only bought one bag that will do everything I need, but still handle business well.

One thing I might like more about the Air Boss is the lack of visible external compression straps. I think it still has them, but under the outer wall. If it doesn't have external compression straps, then I count that a plus in favor of the Overniter. They keep the bag nice and tight instead of floppy, which is a huge help when walking around the airport with the bag over-shoulder or as a backpack.

Jeff- thanks for all the info!

What about this bag:

Tough Traveler Tri-Zip

I don't own it but you asked about a three compartment bag with backpack straps.

Is it all possible for persons to post RECENT pics of the various bags? ( Especially MEI EO )

I find it quite strange the lack of ADEQUATE pics for the various bags.

- I would really love to see pics of the bag "loaded"
- Pics of the bag from various angles
- Pics of the sided-by-side other bags
- etc, etc....

( I would love to see a pic of the Air Boss carrying 2 or more suits along with other stuff)

Hi, if you look at the pics of the black EO bag with the reviews of the bag, that is the curent production EO. All 3 compartments zip open completely on 3 sides. The EO is made entirely of 1000D Cordura (widely considered the very top of the line material for luggage) and all YKK zippers, exactly the same as the Air Boss. The Air Boss is an awesome bag, although it does not have any external compression straps so it can bulge a bit more then the EO. Another difference to you might be that the Air Boss has tie-down straps in the two outer compartments only, while the EO has tie-downs in all 3 compartments.

As far as a comparison, I love both bags but I have found that, for me, anytime my bag weighs more then 12 to 15 pounds I am going to be uncomfortable or in pain if I don't have back pack straps. That is the main reason I've ruled out the Air Boss.

Having seen and used both bags, I honestly believe that the EO has achieved a level of quality and durability every bit as high as the Air Boss...which is saying quite a bit!

The official width measurement of the EO is 11". While you might get away with that on U.S. Airlines, most Europeanairlines, as an example, will say it's way too wide. What has been people's experience?

Hey Skip,

I saw the review of the MEI EO, but based on what I read in the review and the subsequent posts, I got the impression that it was not a "standard" MEI EO, or that modifications/updates have since been made to the bag. The pics of the black MEI EO were posted July/07/2008.

Buzz, I see where you are indicating that the official width measurement of the EO is 11" , how do you know this? (All I have at my disposal is whats written on MEI's website which is DIMENSIONS: 14x9x22", 3.75 LBS).

Anyone got more pics I would appreciate seeing them....keep the reviews coming I am learning so much about these bags.

Hi Marc, and Hi Buzz!

If you look on the top of the 3rd page of comments with the review, you'll see a couple of posts from Ahmed (owner of MEI) with a pretty thorough description of the current EO bag. He shows the width as 10", all I can say is that it is exactly the same width of my Voyageur, I just now held them side to side and compared. I've taken my EO to Europe 3 times now and haven't had an issue (knock on wood!). That's one of the reasons I love having external compression straps. After I'm packed I just use them to keep the bag "firmed". A lot of times my EO is only 6-7" wide after it's packed.

I was one of the "guinea pigs" as Ahmed developed the EO. As far as I know the mods made to my bag were only to bring it up to what is now the standard EO. For instance, my bag initially had only 2 compartments which opened completely, now it has all 3. (my bag went back and forth several times) I guess I'm just saying that my EO doesn't have ANY mods or changes that aren't in the current EO being produced.

Anyway, your best bet would be to communicate with Ahmed directly, he's a great guy.

Good luck!
Skip

Just to save you a little time, here is Ahmed's post with the current production "stats" for the EO:

Dear Buzz:

1. Empty Weight W/O Garment Folder: 4.2 Lbs.
Garment Folder : From 0.6 -0.8 lbs.
2. External straps; 2
3. All three Compartments will have the tie downs.
All the compartments open on three sides and about 2" each side on the bottom.
4. Two pockets on the front side.
5. The dimensions are: 21"X 14" X 10". You can pack it to 8 -9" or compress it by the outside compression straps.

Ahmed Hassan
MEI

June 25, 2008 | Ahmed Hassan

Sorry, I took the width measurement from a review which are sometimes more accurate than the product's website

it's 4.2 pounds, that's very heavy especially is flying on European airlines with their strict weight limits.

Do you have a URL for an updated website for MEI?

Hey Buzz!!

I noticed the same thing when I first saw the post. When I asked Ahmed he told me that included the .8 of a pound for the garment folder. I just weighed mine and it's 3.3 pounds (no garment folder) That puts it right around the same weight as the Air Boss, despite having backpack straps the Air Boss design doesn't.

You're very much correct, if you're going to be flying a lot or European airlines you need to look for every fraction of a pound you can find. With only a few excpetions the airlines over there hold to a very strict 20 pound limit. I know of 2 travel packs which weigh 2 pounds, although they don't have the construction or quality of either an Air Boss or an EO.

For me, I never go over 18 to 20 pounds anyway. Brad here at OBOW seems to be lower even then that, his sample packing list says around 12. Brad is one of my heroes...I can't get thati light. ;)

Anyway, good luck!
Skip

Basically, Ahmed "typo'd" when he wrote his post. He told me it was supposed weight WITH garment folder.

Anywho, just a clarification...

Is the www.meipacks.com website the correct website? Is the email address on it the correct one? I'm trying ot get more info as to colors available, correct price, how long it will take to get it, etc.

Hi again, Buzz!!

The only e-address I have for Ahmed is "mei-legacy@netscape.com". I hope that helps, and good luck!!

Skip

Wow- lots of great info! I think with how large airports can be, I'm leaning towards the MEI EO because of the backpack straps. Thanks for all the great info!

I wish Ahmed had his site set up to just take orders. I think that as a business owner you can easily get overwhelmed trying to do everything yourself, and sometimes its just best to delegate or automate some things, like responding to what colors are available and taking orders. Hopefully, he'll move in that direction. Maybe Yahoo storefront or something like that would help him out.

Hi Treje!

You make really great points, I hope that Ahmed moves in that direction. As far as what colors are available, the EO can be ordered in any of the colors for the Voyageur. MEI uses the exact same 1000D Denier material for both bags, and they have the material in their shop. All their stuff is hand made righ there, which is kind of neat in today's world where the majority of bags are assembled in Vietnam, Taiwan or China. Just my opinion, but I do find that kind of cool...

Skip

Sorry, that should have been "1000D Cordura" as the material...fat fingers and not enough coffee!

;)
Skip

Here is another review (done on Oct/16/2008) of the Air Boss : Review: Red Oxx Air Boss - bulletproof “one bag” workhorse!

You can now also see a 360 degree view of all RedOxx bags at there website...

I would love to get my hands on the Executive Overnighter. But at the moment is seems like finding a living jackalope is would be easier. I'm sure it's a quality product but I shouldn't have to work this hard trying to give someone my money. I like my Air Boss,if it had decent backpack straps I might love it. At least Red Oxx makes it very easy to buy their bags.

Andy,

I can understand how you feel. Unfortunately I'm afraid that the problems at MEI may not clear up for a while. That's sad because Ahmed and crew make a really high quality bag. In addition, Ahmed is a quality guy. I really do like the Air Boss, and have at times considered seriously selling my EO to purchase one. (I have my Voyageur for heavier loads/casual travel). I would just have to get my head wrapped around the thought that if I sell the EO, I may very well never be able to get another one. But with all of you that love your Air Boss, the thought is still tempting at times....

Happy Holidays everyone!
Skip