Airline Travel – What bag do I choose?

Jason,

Look at the site onebag.com and you'll be amazed.

Buy a Eagle Creek pack and you can't go wrong for those kinds of travels.

Eins

If you can manage to go with only a carry on, that's obviously the best way, but if you need to carry a bit more, I recommend the Osprey Waypoint series. I settled on the Waypoint 80 (vs the 60) after a long time hunting and I've been very pleased. Key features include lockable zippers (hard to find on backpacks, but a very logical addition when it comes to travel) and a detachable daypack.

Definitely go with a backpack if you'll be in any less developed country. Rolling luggage is only good on smooth flat surfaces, and even then I prefer a pack.

http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/WaypointSeries/Waypoint80Mens/

I recommend convertible soft-sided suitcases like the ones favored on OneBag. I have a Patagonia LBC that is well under carry-on requirements, has stowable backpack straps, and looks like a normal shoulder bag otherwise. Unless you're truly going backpacking, that is probably a better choice than any backpack. The LBC is no longer made, but RedOxx, Tough Traveler and a few others make similar bags (see OneBag for more recommendations).

I too recommend Eagle Creek highly. They are just about the best pack makers within the travel world. Take a look also at their various packing accessories — i.e. packing folders and packing cubes that come in various sizes. Great for organization and ease of use.

Osprey is very well respected within the hiking world — but Osprey's forays into travel backpacks are a real "hit or miss". The thankfully-discontinued "Departure" series is a complete joke and fiasco. The current "Porter" series is OK — but not nearly as well made as Eagle Creek packs. Finally, Osprey's "Waypoint" series uses the old ether suspension system — formerly used on their hiking packs — which should be pretty comfy and worth looking at — but they are also HEAVY!

Wow, you guys are quick. One Bag is a great site and should help me make the right decision. I found out I can ship, with our equipment, a heavy duty tote. So I will be getting one of the smaller carry on bags for the airline travel and out fitting myself with Ex Officio pants, light weight shirts and layers to make this a light and efficient carry on vs. checking. I will deal with the winter trips differently as alot of the gear can be stored on the cargo plane for quick access… I might even be able to afford some of the other ultra light gear.

Jason:

Curious — when traveling, will you be constantly "on the go" — maybe staying at any one place for just a day or two or three — or will you be staying put at each place for many days at a time?

This might sound unusual: a bigwall haul bag (not the lightest bag in the world, but perhaps one of the toughest)

I've known a few folks who have used haul bags as their travel packs, and have been pleased with the durability, simplicity, and almost waterproofness.

Here are some links to check out:

http://www.metoliusclimbing.com/haulbags.htm

http://www.metoliusclimbing.com/haulpacks.htm (smaller version packs, same durability)

http://www.mtntools.com/cat/bigwall/haulbags/mt_desperado.htm

http://www.fishproducts.com/catalog/haulbags.html

Metolius haul bags are considered tops, known a few folks to use them as their main pack for just about everything!

Hope this helps

Cheers

In most cases once we get where we are going, we will stay put. There may be oportunity for day off jungle hikes and other adventures depending on the country… Or as I understand it this is the norm. Down side is I am required a buddy in at least two of the countries.

I will check out the other bag listed too.

Thank you!!!

When my wife and I traveled for 6 months we took our light weight packs and put them in sea to summit pack converter duffel. They did double duty as a pack cover as well. All the seams are taped and the duffel can be stuffed down into the pocket in the bottom and stowed in your pack. We could also lock the zippers to the strap so they don't wander. The duffel also kept our lightweight packs from getting really beat up. Also if you already have a pack you don't have to worry about spending a whole lot more money. Some may think that it is a little on the heavy side but I think that it was worth it. I also think that if you are worried about things going missing this is a nice option because there are no big logos on it that stand showing that you are "wealthy" like some other packs/duffels. Having two layers to go through makes it harder for thieves to get at things than a just a pack, if there are easier targets a thief will go after those people. There are my 2 cents.
aziz

Much have been said about the need to protect your pack from the hard knocks of world travels… but if you can make do with one carry-on piece of luggage (pack) or smaller, you will be able to travel much more easily, and minimize the chance of lost luggage. Just the fact that you don't have to check in a bag means you can skip the X-Ray line at one end and the baggage carousel and customs wait at the other. Figure saving an hour (or more) every time you fly!

If you are not carrying bulky equipment (sports, etc.) — a carry-on size is very easily do-able. In fact, when I go on my annual month-long solo backpacking trips to Africa, Asia and Europe, all I carry is a day pack — or less than half the allowable carry on size. And my pack isn't even half full!

The advantage of carrying just a day pack (or bookbag) rather than the maximum allowable carry-on size backpack is that you can always have the smaller pack with you. With a larger pack, it often ends up in the cargo hold or roof rack of your bus — where it's subject to rougher treatment — and potential theft. Anyway, food for thought.

This is great food for thought. Keep it coming. I am really enjoying the insight. It is helping ground my decisions and relax me a bit.

I did decide to limit my gear and clothing choices. I am going to try using light gear and clothing (layers also – as much of the work is outdoors initially). I will carry three days changes and gear to keep me warm. I heard the Kazakh winters are no picnic.

I hope you get to visit Uzbekistan as well — and visit the amazing and historic "silk road" cities of Khiva, Bokhara and esp. Samarkand!

Look no further. There is no better bag for your use than this bag, which has developed a cult following. My wife and I just picked it up on recommendation from Doug at Onebag (yes, I actually traded emails with him because he works in the tech industry with me). It is amazingly well made, super practical and an incredible value at $139. It is carryon size and has zip away padded shoulder and waist straps and a FULL SUSPENSION (2 aluminum stays), and only weighs 3.5lbs. We sold our Patagonia MLC bags after feeling how much better the MEI Travel Pack is. The Patagonia MLC is not bad – it's just that the MEI is sooo much better for all around use and world travel.

We just took this bag for the first time on a trip out of town and it was so much more comfortable to carry a heavier load than the Patagonia MLC. We do carry a very light Patagonia lt travel pack (about 1400 cu. in. and only 10oz) or shoulder bag (about 3 ounces) inside the MEI Travel Pack for when we need a day bag.

This is the bag that Doug recommends for casual travel (and it works fine as a business travel bag as well).

I've never seen anything like it before. If you pick one up, please say hi from mountainwalker to Ahmed the manufacturer. Very nice guy. BTW, don't forget to order a padded shoulder strap with the bag.

MEI Travel Packs – These packs look like they may be a winner do to cost. I am excited about these. They look a little more my speed. Though I do like the feedback on the other packs. I have a few weeks until I have to make a decision.

Looks like I might even be able to throw a GoLite Breeze in the bottom.

Thank you

A point to note if you’re checking in luggage is that many of the travel accessories that are sold as luggage security items (locks, cable ties, security seals, etc) do not actually work to protect your luggage. You’d think for the money spent on these things it would take time to break into a bag, but it’s as simple as several seconds with a paperclip or even a pen. And people wonder why there is a problem with luggage theft. This site shows how the criminals do it: http://www.securoseal.com/main.php?id=318. The same site has also got news stories from around the world on airport and luggage related crime here: http://www.securoseal.com/main.php?id=325 – so it's worth a read if you’re planning on taking a trip soon.

Many US carriers are quite generous in regard to Carry On. I am posting qantas allowances here just because I happen to fly them quite a bit. But I've found this to be pretty typical http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/carry-on-baggage/global/en One 7kg/15lb piece in economy. Just something to keep in mind. Sounds like an amazing JOB! Make sure to have a look at Patagonia's luggage (I'm a bit tainted).

Another vote for Osprey. I have a transporter 60, but they do a 95 liter version too. Simple and bombproof, and you can carry it into a meeting with the harness stowed as a smart holdall.

http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/TransporterSeries/

Edit to add, they seem to have got lighter since mine was made. Mine has big padded side wings to protect the load.

Here is what I have found:

The Osprey Porter series pack (the smaller size) has been my go to pack now for about a year and a half. I can fit about a weeks worth of clothing in it. This is without washing either.

Clothing:
7 synthetic shirts- they pack small and look good:
–3 each Nike polos
–3 each Majestic Athletic t-shirt
–1 each Black Synthetic Polo shirt.
3 ExOfficio Amphib pants – not zip offs,
7 synthetic tight athletic boxers
5 Thorlo light hiker sox
2 Thorlo heavy hiker sox (for the plane)
1 New Balance track shoes
1 SUL wind/rain jacket
1 set of patagonia medium weight long underwhere.
1 light wool sweater
1 Boonie Hat
1 Wool Beanie or Synthetic thick Beanie
1 Pair of work gloves
1 pair of wool gloves
1 Keen sandals
2 Nike light running shorts (soccer/football) for bed, workouts, and off hours hikes.
***I carry a boarding bag (man purse) with all the little stuff. Though I can't find a bag I truely love. The Osprey was cooler looking but the REI version, though ugly works better. I think I am going to dye the dang thing black and keep it.

The struggle has been with the fact I keep ending up in Iceland and Northern Canada (freezing) on crew rests and fueling stops with 12-24 hours off or sitting on a cold tarmac freezing my tail off in the cargo hold monitoring equipment.

Also, we have ended up working in extreme environments, especially the cold. That is the next kit to get overhauled. As it looks like a fun December and January. I still thing the MEI Travel Packs may be the way to go and I may kick down soon for one of those. the Osprey was purchased instead because of a glorious error by an REI staff member and I got the pack for less than $60. It has been good. And I do love that 3 sides are semi rigid. It has made it easier to protect the French wine purchased in Paris, the Rum in French Guyanna, and the Vodka in Moscow I bring home to share with my wife. All of the other items I have purchaed for the kids have survived to. The rocket models, carvings, and russian dolls have all survived.

I can't say the same for a few other packs and bags I have tried. All of the North Face, High Sierra, and REI packs and bags heve been either returned to REI or sold on e-bay/craigslist.

Thanks to all of you. I have researched your suggestions and still have at least 2 strong years of travel ahead. I have spent nearly 4 months on the road this year. The same last year. I will keep checking back.

THANK YOU ALL!!!

Here's a solution from a well-traveled friend.

For checked luggage, use a US Army duffel bag with a padlock around the top. No one will go to the effort of trying to cut it or break the lock en route to your destination, and you can leave your belongings locked to hotel bed frames for your day trips.

Here’s a great site worth checking out: photojournalist Karl Grobl. He travels the world for his profession, including areas that are less than stable or safe. On his site he has lots of great tips on things like travel gear, clothing, money issues, transportation and ways to keep your person and your valuables safe. All the info is gleaned from years of personal experience. A great resource for a world traveller.

G

Outdoor Products Essential Carry-On (stated weight probably wrong)

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___60793

* Airline regulation size carry-on.
* Interior compression straps.
* Stowaway Comfort Straps™ convert carry-on to backpack.
* Front pocket for magazines.
* Accessory pocket for travel documents.
* Deluxe non-slip shoulder strap included.
* Loops under pocket for umbrella.
* 500 denier Cordura® Plus nylon fabric.
* Size: 13 in. x 21 in. x 9 in. 2825 cu. in.