I finally cut the backpack straps off mine. Didn't use them on the last trip, even though there was a fair amount of walking; I'm mostly using a rental car on the next trip, so thought this would be worth a try. On the kitchen scale they weigh 4 ounces. One possible drawback is that the bag might be even more floppy now without those padded straps, so I'll have to be careful with packing cubes to compensate for the lack of structure.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19282 posts
"I'll have to be careful with packing cubes (which probably weigh 5 oz) to compensate for the lack of structure.
This doesn't make any sense to me. Sounds like "ounce wise, pound foolish". I find the backpack straps to be very useful for carrying the bag. I've abandoned the shoulder strap, but I'd never cut off the backpack straps.
Posted by
OP
Northeast Ohio, USA
707 posts
I use packing cubes anyway, so there is no weight gain; and BTW they are nearly weightless (see link below). But some arrangements of the cubes might be better than others, I'll have to see.
Posted by
Edmonton, Alberta
797 posts
Instead of packing cubes, I often use larger ziplocks, with a wider base, they hold a lot. I also bring a few extra; I roll up a scarf or thin sweater and put them in a ziplock in my daybag which is not waterproof. Keeps them dry. The ziplocks arenGreat for keeping meds together or a small first aid kit.
Posted by
OP
Northeast Ohio, USA
707 posts
June, thanks. I use the small ziplock bags for meds and such, but have not thought of using larger ones for packing cubes. That would have saved some money, with improved visibility of the contents too. I'll have to weigh (on the scale) the regular packing cubes vs. the ziplocks once I figure out how many would be necessary.
Posted by
Genesee, ID
1840 posts
I'll have to say that cutting the backpack straps off a convertible carry-on is the most unwise decision I have heard in an good long time. It defeats the whole purpose of a convertible carry-on.
Posted by
OP
Northeast Ohio, USA
707 posts
Yeah, I'm pretty good at making unwise decisions. But I think this one will work out, as the purpose is to lighten the carryon, rather than to preserve its convertability. I'd really like to get to around 12-13 pounds for a 3-4 week trip.
Posted by
Texan in CA
4415 posts
"Yeah, I'm pretty good at making unwise decisions."
LOL!
Hey, if you'll never use those backpack straps, cut 'em off!
Now Lee, be honest - if you never used those straps you wouldn't be able to cut them off fast enough. Just be glad Joel isn't cutting on your bag. I would never cut mine off...but that's why I have my own bag.
Joel, I'm sure you've already realized that if you ever come to the conclusion that you've made a terrible mistake by mutilating your bag that you'll happily spend the $30 to replace it.
Posted by
Maryland, USA
141 posts
I would probably cut the shoulder strap off of mine, I never touched it. My husband would cut the shoulder strap and one of the backpack straps off...
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19282 posts
I'm already under 12#. I went with that weight last year for 3 weeks. Actually, I only pack about 3 days cloths (2 days underwear, 2 slacks, 3 or 4 shirts), not including what I wear, so I could go indefinitely with that. The high point of my trip is when I know I have enough washed clothes for the rest of the trip and I don't have to wash any more.
Posted by
OP
Northeast Ohio, USA
707 posts
Eileen, you're right; that low price made the decision easy. And Lee, I've seen elsewhere how light you travel, that is what I'm shooting for. I take loads of supplements every day, so that is a complicating factor; but since their weight in the bag decreases every day I think I can get to 12 pounds or less as an average weight.
riverain, do it! We could start a club :-)