Hello all,

I'm contemplating buying the Montblanc Extreme Leather Rucksack for myself for christmas. With such a roomy backpack, I imagine I could pack for 2-5 days with packing cubes and what not.

I have 2 questions:
1. Any recommendations on a packing strategy or packing cubes to buy if going on a trip of say 2-5 days? I would love a streamlined packing solution that would allow me to fit my laptop, toiletries, and clothes for that period of time in the backpack
2. Any recommendation on a folding solution/cube that would allow me to fit a suit cleanly in the backpack?

I want to get this pack, but it's so expensive so I want to make sure i'll get good use (value) out of it if I get it.

Thanks!

Have you seen this bag in person? The product page is woefully silent on compartment dimensions, and it looks like it would be a tight squeeze if you were packing for three or more days, especially if you're also fitting in a packing folder for a suit.

As far as packing accessories, the good doctor likes his Index dopp kit from Arcteryx, along with Eagle Creek's Specter compression cubes.

consider an osprey porter 46. should fit your needs....

Saw it in person, gonna go pick it up today. Pockets are about 17x12

I'm kind of baffled why you would pay that much for a backpack. If you think you can carry that into a high-level meeting and people will bow down because it cost $830 compared to their $400 B&R rollaboard, you are kidding yourself. If it has features that make it worth $830 to you, go for it.

I travel exclusively with Backpacks now...and I've tried them all. I've found the layout, durability and weight of the bag are all top requirements.

For 5 days of 1 bag travel, I would not recommend this bag.
1. It gives up way too much size and it quite a bit smaller than the allowable size for carry on.
2. I don't know the weight, but it doesn't look light with leather.
3. Make sure the zippers are YKK. The only zippers I trust.

As far as a packing solution, I'd look into bundle packing... you can thank me later.

As mentioned above, the Eagle Creek Pack-it Specter cubes are great. I don't wear suits, but have used the Eagle Creek Garment Folder for blazers and it worked OK, though I think bundle packing does a better job of preventing wrinkles.

Of course, it is difficult to do it when you're staying in multiple locations on one trip, which is when I go for packing cubes.

17x12 is sort of small if you're going to bring both a laptop and a second pair of shoes (unless yours double for work/leisure?).

For toiletries it depends a lot on what you actually bring. I can fit make-up and all my other toiletries into the Lewis N Clark Hanging Toiletry Kit, even though it feels a bit cheap, it packs flat which is very convenient. I'll often just travel with a smaller bag and a loose hairbrush if I'm only going for a day or two.