New Patagonia MLC
Feb 8, 2016, 9:06 am
#61
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Cleveland, OH
Programs: UA-GS 1MM), Hertz Pres Circle, Starriott Titanium)
Posts: 1,966
Just about 2 years after I started this thread, I noticed that Patagonia once again introduced a new version of the MLC, the Patagonia Headway MLC 45L.
This time it looks like the same design as the previous Transport MLC 45L; however, they have switched the material to cordura-branded ballistic nylon.
Many people in this thread commented about the polyester material used on the Transport (less abrasion resistant, caught dust, etc.) so wanted to make sure people were aware of the change.
Now if only they would go back to metal hardware they had on the ELC I bought around 1996 ...
I haven't seen the Headway in person but may get one. I love the organization of the bag, and think the design is great. I also like the fact that it has shoulder straps, hand straps, backpack straps AND a luggage pass through (while I don't usually take wheeled luggage, I often find myself wheeling my wife's bag while she tends to the kids). Some designers have have All of the same options on their bags (e.g., Eagle Creek) while some (e.g., Tom Bihn) force you to choose between backpack or pass through (and in fact now have given up on pass through support entirely).
This time it looks like the same design as the previous Transport MLC 45L; however, they have switched the material to cordura-branded ballistic nylon.
Many people in this thread commented about the polyester material used on the Transport (less abrasion resistant, caught dust, etc.) so wanted to make sure people were aware of the change.
Now if only they would go back to metal hardware they had on the ELC I bought around 1996 ...
I haven't seen the Headway in person but may get one. I love the organization of the bag, and think the design is great. I also like the fact that it has shoulder straps, hand straps, backpack straps AND a luggage pass through (while I don't usually take wheeled luggage, I often find myself wheeling my wife's bag while she tends to the kids). Some designers have have All of the same options on their bags (e.g., Eagle Creek) while some (e.g., Tom Bihn) force you to choose between backpack or pass through (and in fact now have given up on pass through support entirely).
I've got the Bihn Aeronaut, the RedOxx Airboss, the GoRuck Gr2... somehow the Patagonia Transport MLC always seems to be my most carried bag, with the GoRuck now coming in a close second. The new materials tempt me to upgrade the bag... the current materials really are a fuzz magnet.
Feb 10, 2016, 5:20 pm
#63
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Cleveland, OH
Programs: UA-GS 1MM), Hertz Pres Circle, Starriott Titanium)
Posts: 1,966
Feb 11, 2016, 5:08 am
#64
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 267
I've realized I'll never be a one bag person -- perfect main bag for me is something simple and well made with just one or two main compartments. Accessories, electronics, etc. will go into a personal item, usually a messenger bag or tote.
Jun 2, 2016, 9:16 am
#65
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: CONUS
Programs: HHonors, United, Delta
Posts: 828
I recently took a three day trip with the newest incarnation of the Patagonia MLC. Got it mid-May, came just in time to pack for my flight the next morning. Didn't even have time to play around with it before my trip, just pulled it out of the UPS box and loaded it.
I'm used to flying with an Arc'teryx Blade 21 bag, which is small compared to this, but I love that backpack and it swallows an amazing amount of gear and is a compartmentalized sideloader. I'm obviously pushing the onebagger concept, but I did six days in Germany/Prague with just that little Arc... But I knew that was beyond pushing it, and so ponied up for a "big bag".
I downselected the MLC instead of the Arc'teryx Covert (no real organization, just one big compartment) and an Osprey Ozone 46 (tons of organization, bordering on gimmicky -- but I did like this a lot, but I wanted a full-zip open / book style packing method). The Osprey has a really good support system with true "backpack" straps and belts. Lots of room, but if I ever wanted to bring a suitcoat or boots, it would have been wrinkle-city and crowded quickly.
So I went with the MLC because it looks like it had a good mix of "giant main compartment" and "some organization without getting too silly and overspecialized".
My impressions: The MLC is a little "shapeless" - I might have preferred a little rigidity to have it hold its form (maybe a lightweight partial thin hard foam or plastic framesheet that holds up the sides), but it's a good mix of organization / separation / and capacity.
I haven't yet gotten the hang of how to pack it - there's a side panel with laptop padding, perfect for the laptop I don't ever seem to bring with me.
Seriously, it's actually nice to have a plain, only slightly padded pocket - even if I don't laptop, I can put dirty clothes in there separate from the clean stuff, or use it for another packing compartment for toiletry bag, etc.
There's some zippered and mesh-viewable pockets inside (socks, rolled underwear, etc.), and a huge main compartment. I wound up putting my boots in the main, one each top and bottom and it actually gave the bag some form and shape so it didn't hang so sloppy. If I only had a small amount of gear in the bag, it would probably be kinda... baggy and slouch. But, I bought this for times I *am* overpacking, I can use the Arc' for trips when I don't need as much gear. I sometimes bring a helmet and boots and the Arc' was a no-go for those kind of non-compressible items. This one easily packed four changes of casual clothing (tees, base layers, jeans and pants, sportcoat, couple shirts) and I didn't even touch two of the extra pockets.
The other side pocket has organization for pens, electronics, etc. Seemed a bit hard to get to, but I'm chalking that up to the fact I haven't gotten into a regular routine with the bag yet, where I prefer to stash X or Y and know where to go for it. But there's a divider that has maybe five or six compartments that I'd slide in chargers, tablet, sunglasses, wallet, passport, etc.
The durability I suspect will be no problem - this is good grade material. The backpack straps, while the "hideaway" style, actually felt quite supportive and comfortable. I didn't bother with the included shoulder strap and took it off: If I'm walking far, I'll backpack it. If it's a short walk, I'll sling one backpack strap over my shoulder or carry it by the briefcase handle. Don't need a sling flapping around. It's nice to have the option though for those that like this.
I wound up putting a carabiner on one of the exterior loops, using that for water bottles or hats that I might want fast access to.
Zippers were a little sticky, but look to be of durable quality.
I'm going to take this on a few trips this summer, see how it grows on me. I like it so far and know it's going to prove handy on longer trips. I pack really light and do not like rolly bags in Europe or places where I know I'll be doing a lot of walking. If I'm on a trip where I may need six or more changes of clothing, possibly a suitcoat or extra shoes, or specialized, larger gear like a helmet or tripod and camera/spotting scope - this bag is the answer for that preference.
TDM
I'm used to flying with an Arc'teryx Blade 21 bag, which is small compared to this, but I love that backpack and it swallows an amazing amount of gear and is a compartmentalized sideloader. I'm obviously pushing the onebagger concept, but I did six days in Germany/Prague with just that little Arc... But I knew that was beyond pushing it, and so ponied up for a "big bag".
I downselected the MLC instead of the Arc'teryx Covert (no real organization, just one big compartment) and an Osprey Ozone 46 (tons of organization, bordering on gimmicky -- but I did like this a lot, but I wanted a full-zip open / book style packing method). The Osprey has a really good support system with true "backpack" straps and belts. Lots of room, but if I ever wanted to bring a suitcoat or boots, it would have been wrinkle-city and crowded quickly.
So I went with the MLC because it looks like it had a good mix of "giant main compartment" and "some organization without getting too silly and overspecialized".
My impressions: The MLC is a little "shapeless" - I might have preferred a little rigidity to have it hold its form (maybe a lightweight partial thin hard foam or plastic framesheet that holds up the sides), but it's a good mix of organization / separation / and capacity.
I haven't yet gotten the hang of how to pack it - there's a side panel with laptop padding, perfect for the laptop I don't ever seem to bring with me.
Seriously, it's actually nice to have a plain, only slightly padded pocket - even if I don't laptop, I can put dirty clothes in there separate from the clean stuff, or use it for another packing compartment for toiletry bag, etc.There's some zippered and mesh-viewable pockets inside (socks, rolled underwear, etc.), and a huge main compartment. I wound up putting my boots in the main, one each top and bottom and it actually gave the bag some form and shape so it didn't hang so sloppy. If I only had a small amount of gear in the bag, it would probably be kinda... baggy and slouch. But, I bought this for times I *am* overpacking, I can use the Arc' for trips when I don't need as much gear. I sometimes bring a helmet and boots and the Arc' was a no-go for those kind of non-compressible items. This one easily packed four changes of casual clothing (tees, base layers, jeans and pants, sportcoat, couple shirts) and I didn't even touch two of the extra pockets.
The other side pocket has organization for pens, electronics, etc. Seemed a bit hard to get to, but I'm chalking that up to the fact I haven't gotten into a regular routine with the bag yet, where I prefer to stash X or Y and know where to go for it. But there's a divider that has maybe five or six compartments that I'd slide in chargers, tablet, sunglasses, wallet, passport, etc.
The durability I suspect will be no problem - this is good grade material. The backpack straps, while the "hideaway" style, actually felt quite supportive and comfortable. I didn't bother with the included shoulder strap and took it off: If I'm walking far, I'll backpack it. If it's a short walk, I'll sling one backpack strap over my shoulder or carry it by the briefcase handle. Don't need a sling flapping around. It's nice to have the option though for those that like this.
I wound up putting a carabiner on one of the exterior loops, using that for water bottles or hats that I might want fast access to.
Zippers were a little sticky, but look to be of durable quality.
I'm going to take this on a few trips this summer, see how it grows on me. I like it so far and know it's going to prove handy on longer trips. I pack really light and do not like rolly bags in Europe or places where I know I'll be doing a lot of walking. If I'm on a trip where I may need six or more changes of clothing, possibly a suitcoat or extra shoes, or specialized, larger gear like a helmet or tripod and camera/spotting scope - this bag is the answer for that preference.
TDM
Last edited by Friendly Traveling Deathmerchant; Jun 2, 2016 at 9:36 am