Originally Posted by TravlnD

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).