I thought it would be interesting to do a convertible backpack round-up listing carry-on bags that can be shoulder, hand and backpack carried, having stow-away backpack straps.
Please report if you have experience with any of the following or know of any other noteworthy models.
- Patagonia MLC (old or new model)
- Redoxx Skytrain
- Mei Executive Overnighter
- Mei Voyageur
- Tom Bihn Tri-Star
- Tom Bihn Western Flyer
- Ebags Weekender
- Eagle Creek Global Commuter
- Rick Steves diverse models
- Victorinox NXT4.0 Mobilizer
- Briggs Riley Convertible Travel Tote http://www.briggs-riley.com/category...ravel-Tote_224
The latter looks quite nice as is typical for BR. Does anyone use that model? I don't like the fact that the compartment doesn't open fully. It is like a satchel that can be converted to a backpack. Probably makes for some strange packing. Not sure if that is such a great design but at least it looks less "camper" than the other stuff.
Till
Last edited by tfar; Sep 15, 09 at 5:49 am.
Reason: added a bag to the list
I have both the old and new versions of the Patagonia MLC and like them both. I think the newer ones are a bit smaller (MLC stands for "Maximum Legal Carry-on) since standards have changed but have a lot more organizing/compressing doodads. Neither one carry like a true backpack, mostly due to the lack of a proper waistbelt (which would look very silly on the MLC). The stuff (like all Patagonia products) is bombproof and guaranteed forever. I also have the MLC wheelie, which carries surprisingly well as a backpack (still no proper waistbelt), but is kind of nerdy looking. I would also encourage you to check out the MLC burrito, which is a garment bag that folds in thirds (no backpack straps) if you are packing suits and such.
Everything pretty much goes on sale (40-50% off) during their February and August sales.
Chococat, when did you buy those MLC's? I am trying to find out which version you have. It seems to me the latest version does not have the oval front pocket but has a computer sleeve. I also thought the newest version was bigger than the one with the oval front pocket.
The Burrito is nice but after looking at it, I doubt any fine garments will arrive in good shape after being transported in it. It is too floppy.
Programs: You mean the cards at the bottom of my desk drawer? BAEC, FB, BA PP Amex, LHW...never any status...
Posts: 12
I'd love to hear about the B&R 224 as well - so here's another plea for anyone who's got one to write about it!
This is particularly as, here in London, the stores carrying Briggs & Riley stock the wheeled bags and hyuuuge things for those folks who like to take the kitchen sink when they travel, but not much for us one-baggers. I *think* a 235X would be perfect for my needs but I can't get my hands on one to check it out, short of looking when I'm visiting the States - at which point there'll be no time to order one from an online discounter! (Yeah, yeah, I know I should be supporting the bricks-and-mortar stores too.) Sorry, I'll stop ranting...
It strikes me that the convertibles could really be the way forward for a lot of people. I've been a dedicated one-bagger for a decade; since my girlfriend jumped on the bandwagon, we can easily travel for as long as necessary with just my non-wheeled bag atop her roll-a-board. But last week I saw some American friends who had flown in to London on their way up North. How do two adults manage with three roll-a-boards, a stroller, a medium-sized backpack, a toddler, and an 11-month-old baby? The answer: Badly! Then it hit me: If instead they'd taken two convertible bags, the stroller, and one large checked wheeled bag, their journey would have been a LOT easier.
It strikes me that the convertibles could really be the way forward for a lot of people...
I agree that it could be the ideal solution for many people, but no feature comes with only the consequences we want, we have to deal with the whole package. For example, backpacks leave both hands free, but are also harder to manage in crowded spaces and more vulnerable to pickpockets etc.
Personally I think the solution your gf and you have found is pretty close to ideal for two persons: one wheeled and one non-wheeled. That's what my wife and I do as well.
I have the victorinix 2.0 Weekender (old model). Its great for my purposes - somewhat small, lousy backpack straps, but very business looking with good tie-down straps and very sturdy
Hi Till-
My old MLC is around 10 years old, it only has two rather ineffective compression straps to prevent things from shifting around and a large front pocket. The only thing I really like about it is that it's huge and solidly constructed. The newer one is around 2 years old (it's red, if that helps nail down the age) and has a "floating mesh pocket" that acts as a compression panel inside the bag. There are also lots of organizing slots in the front section. My MLC wheelie has an oval front pocket (I think they called it an "elephant ear" pocket) which is very cute but pretty much useless. This season, it has been replaced by a more conventional design that is hopefully more functional. The issue with the "elephant ear" is that when I pack stuff into the organizing slots (pens, passport, lip balm), it's hard to zip the pocket shut and always looks unappealingly lumpy.
The burrito bag (mine is an archaic burrito suiter from 10 years ago) is quite floppy, but packing and rolling it properly gives it structure. Because of the design, nothing gets badly creased and the most I've had to do is shake the rumples out of my suits/dresses.
I sound like a Patagonia salesman. Yvon Chouinard should be paying me commission.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tfar
Chococat, when did you buy those MLC's? I am trying to find out which version you have. It seems to me the latest version does not have the oval front pocket but has a computer sleeve. I also thought the newest version was bigger than the one with the oval front pocket.
The Burrito is nice but after looking at it, I doubt any fine garments will arrive in good shape after being transported in it. It is too floppy.
I recently returned from a week's holiday in Tokyo and travelled just with a Lowe Carry-On 40. I had been looking for some time for such a convertible carry-on sized backpack and a week before departing on holiday saw this on sale in my local hiking/sports shop. The quality of this backback seems fine, I have used many Lowe products previously without problem for hiking, and it seems very versatile and easy to carry either over the shoulders or handheld. Although I am very impressed by what I have read about Redoxx or Tom Bihn products, this Lowe bag was far less expensive and seems to do the job very well.
Hi Till-
My old MLC is around 10 years old, it only has two rather ineffective compression straps to prevent things from shifting around and a large front pocket. The only thing I really like about it is that it's huge and solidly constructed. The newer one is around 2 years old (it's red, if that helps nail down the age) and has a "floating mesh pocket" that acts as a compression panel inside the bag. There are also lots of organizing slots in the front section. My MLC wheelie has an oval front pocket (I think they called it an "elephant ear" pocket) which is very cute but pretty much useless. This season, it has been replaced by a more conventional design that is hopefully more functional. The issue with the "elephant ear" is that when I pack stuff into the organizing slots (pens, passport, lip balm), it's hard to zip the pocket shut and always looks unappealingly lumpy.
The burrito bag (mine is an archaic burrito suiter from 10 years ago) is quite floppy, but packing and rolling it properly gives it structure. Because of the design, nothing gets badly creased and the most I've had to do is shake the rumples out of my suits/dresses.
I sound like a Patagonia salesman. Yvon Chouinard should be paying me commission.
OK, sounds like you got a really early version and the old version. This summer they came out with what would be the third version. It has a computer sleeve and no elephant pocket. Just checked it out right now in the shop. The organizer panel is a joke whereas the one behind the elephant pocket was great. NB: I am talking about the shoulder carried MLC with Elephant pocket here. It was discontinued this August.
Otherwise it looks like we don't have to many convertible backpackers around here for a round-up of bags. Too bad.
I have the BR model Till mentioned in his original post. I love it.
I pack with packing cubes and an Eagle Creek packing folder and it all fits quite nicely inside the bag.
I have a rolling computer case that I often travel with, so the other thing I really like about the bag is that it also has a sleeve you can slide over the handle of my wheeled bag if I don't want to carry it on my shoulder or back. Most other convertible backpacks don't have the over the handle sleeve.
I have plenty of room for stuff for a 3-night trip. While I think I pack much more reasonably than I used to, I know I'm still a far cry from the OBOW folks - so the bag is a nice size, but I've never felt like it was too big.
The one thing I think is a bit useless on the bag is the separate shoe compartment. I like to put my shoes in a cloth or plastic bag and just put them in the main compartment where I want them - not in a predetermined place in the bag. However, by not utilizing that compartment, I'm not losing any space because the sleeve for the shoes just collapses down and doesn't waste valuable real estate in the bag.
The bag fits quite nicely in overhead compartments - even in the small ones such as on a CRJ.
As with all BR products, it's made with quality materials and looks great.
Thanks for putting it on the list. I thought the Aeronaut had a messenger style sling instead of real backpack straps but I guess they changed the design. I like the Aeronaut much less than the WF and the Tri-Star because of its layout. I own a Mandarina Duck bag with a similar layout and don't think it is super practical. But it does hold a ton of stuff.
Lexi, thanks for your comments on the BR tote. I totally agree on the stupid shoe pocket. Well, if you actually have wet or stinky shoes, it might be a good idea. Tumi's sport duffel has a similar shoe insert.
So when you say you use it with an EC folder, which size do you use. I suppose the 18 incher should fit. Where is the water bottle holder they speak of? I can't see it on the pictures? And the BR style luggage tag?
The fact that it does have a slip-through double use rear pocket is a major selling point. I am a sucker for magazine pockets.
Forgot an important question: How are the backpack straps? Is there a sternum strap? Can you take them off completely? How comfortable?
Till
Last edited by tfar; Sep 17, 09 at 12:33 am.
Reason: Strap question
I've used this back for about two years, for trips to London, across Turkey and throughout the U.S. and it has worked very well. I was originally concerned that it wouldn't hold up to wear and tear of travel, but I've had no problems.
The backpack straps work well, but I've not yet used the waistbelt that it includes. It also came with a shoulder-strap that I've never used. The hand grips are fine but, given the packs lack of rigidity, aren't great for long-distance carrying.
The only downside that I've noticed is that, if the bag isn't full, things tend to shift (as is typical for packs). The compression straps inside the main compartment are acceptable but not great; the outside compression straps work well. The bag has a zipper that allows it to expand in depth by 2-3 inches, but I've never used it.
The bag has a variety of pockets: four external plus a mesh bottle holder (on the "bottom" when in suitcase mode) and a compartment the backpack straps hide in; internally, a large internal pocket and a clip in zipper-bag.
I have the victorinix 2.0 Weekender (old model). Its great for my purposes - somewhat small, lousy backpack straps, but very business looking with good tie-down straps and very sturdy
I am glad to find your site - now I know what a good one looks like.
Very good topic to share with us. Great info.
Another set of convertible backpacks are the Osprey Porter series. There are 3 sizes, basically a 22", a 26" and one larger than that. The are a decent price point and Osprey makes good stuff. I've had an Osprey Talon daypack for several years now, and no complaints on it. I have an REI 22" convertible that I'm happy with, but wanted something a little larger for an upcoming trip (Ok to check the bag). I didn't want to take one of my huge bags, so I searched for something in between. The Osprey fit the bill. You can carry with one of the 2 handles, using the backpack straps (hidden away when not used), or with an optional shoulder strap.
(Yeah, yeah, I know I should be supporting the bricks-and-mortar stores too.) Sorry, I'll stop ranting...
