Budget Travel Packs

Thanks Brad for mentioning the thread on lightest carry ons, I hadn't seen it before but I was able to find it. There are a lot of suggestions there so thanks.

I can't believe I didn't notice that the straps don't stow away. That's one feature that I really wanted. Thanks for pointing that out, I'm not sure how I missed it.

If you google "(the name of the bag) reviews" you can find some really good information about the different bags. The site I like is Practicalhacks (or something like that).

That looks pretty good.

I carry the ebags weekender which is much less than $100.

I'm considering an LL Bean Quickload that is about $100 (but weighs only two pounds empty).

I just had a thread about lightest weight carry-ons and Frank II was kind enough to list quite a few that are under $100 (and some that are a lot more). Check his list out, it will give you a good idea of what's available.

That one looks ok. But I see a problem with it as a primary travel pack. The straps don't seem to be able to stow away should you ever have to or want to check it.

Straps can get caught in the baggage handling machines and get wrecked.

Jordan,
I've used the High Sierra Passport a lot. The straps are covered by a "flap" which is great for the plane but you have a waist belt as well as the shoulder straps when you uncover them. It's carry-on size but really is designed for a very short torso. I wouldn't want to walk very far with it on my back. That said, it's tough and well designed. I think it'll last a long time. Mine is blue and gray and I took it to Hawaii in November. It did a great job.

The Osprey Porter, it works like a good hikers back pack with waist belt and adjustable shoulder straps, but it opens like a suitcase. I myself hated the top loading feature of the hiker backpack, especially when I needed something in the middle or the bottom. I believe I have the small Porter model, that is with in the carry on restrictions. They do have larger packs, if you know you wouldn't mind checking the bag. It may not be as ergonomic as my Osprey Ariel hikers backpack, but it is almost as good, with better convenient features. I bought mine for $89. backcountrygear.com has one for $79. They typically go for $99

http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/PorterSeries/Porter46/

Does the Porter 46 have a real, padded waistbelt or just a strap? I have a TLS Motherlode from Ebags and it just has a strap for your waist. Otherwise, it's great.

I love the High Sierra Passport - it's done 2 x 5 week trips to Europe plus a few domestic work trips so far. Seems to be well built and pretty comfortable to carry.

The High Sierra Passport bag is fantastic. I'm also an owner and user of this bag. Lightweight, straps stow away if you have to check it (that's why it's called a convertible bag)

They offer a life time warranty, so you know they will back their product.

you won't go wrong with your first choice. at $80 that's a DEAL!

SPECIAL NOTE: THE STRAPs DO PACK AWAY BEHIND A PANEL, SO THEY ARE NOT EXPOSED IF YOU HAVE TO CHECK THIS BAG! THE POSTERS ABOVE ARE INCORRECT. Look at the ebags.com website and you will see photos of the bag with the straps hidden away for travel. there is also an detachable shoulder strap so you can carry this bag 2 different ways. http://www.ebags.com/product/high-sierra/passport-limited-time-offer/62991

Thanks so much for your opinions and help. I think I am going to get the High Sierra Passport. I have a domestic trip coming up in a couple weeks and I am looking foreword to trying it out.

I realized that the bag's straps did stow away when Larry mentioned that he owned one and the the straps were concealable behind a flap. Thanks for the note about the straps going away I really appreciate it. I was looking for some more pictures with the straps hidden.

I did end up getting it, and I love it. I've never had a backpack like this with well padded shoulder straps and waistbelt, it's so comfortable. I really appreciate your advice. Thanks!