Well, I'm still a bit undecided on the larger issue...but in the meantime I bought one of these:
http://www.rei.com/product/770255/re...venture-duffel
It seems to be somewhat similar to the Red Oxx Sherpa Jr, and with the coupon I got in my email it was just $45 after tax. Probably not as durable, but hopefully a good deal nonetheless. We'll see once it gets here
.