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Thread: AirBoss for Me?
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Old Dec 3, 2008 | 9:16 am
  #4  
Zarf4
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: SNA Rwy 20L
Programs: QF Silver
Posts: 703
I've had my Airboss for about 3 years and have lugged it over 5 continents.

Pros: Amazing amount of space, works very well with packing folders. Doesn't scream "steal me, expensive stuff inside". Great zippers. Never been challenged for size or weight even though I've "bruised" the 7 Kg carry-on weight limits on some airlines.

Cons: Would love to have at least one internal zippered pouch to store little things...jewelry, cash, etc. No "locking hubs" on main zipper for adding a TSA lock; you have to either lock the zipper pulls or the supplied "monkey paw" pulls. Not much bottom padding to protect electronics (laptop & DSLR go in their own sleeves).

That said it's a great investment for 7 day+ trips.

Recommendations: For $30 pick up a Tom Binh Absolute Shoulder Strap to replace the supplied claw strap. The claw is very nice & I'm sure you'll find something else like a laptop bag to attach it to, but I sometimes carry 2 laptops, 2 cameras, 300mm zoom lens, clothes, gifts, toiletries, water, etc in the AirBoss. I'm a small guy and the Binh strap makes it feel about 25% lighter than the claw due to the weight distribution of the shoulder pad.

Also pick up a 15" Eagle Creek packing folder for clothes you don't want to wrinkle. It fits wonderfully under the AirBoss straps. An added bonus of the packing folder is that it has 2 plastic templates - if you're carrying any paperwork that you don't want wrinkled (souvenir programs, birth certificate, photos, etc.) just place them between the rigid internal template and the canvas of the folder.

Happy travels!
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