New Ravenna Day pack-did you get it?

I have the original, so many of your questions I can't answer except for the one about stuff poking you as you walk, because it has a padded back AND a padded lap top sleeve in the back (which I've only used for a book) I'd say, unless you are traveling with your collection of wood carving chisels, nothing will poke you from the back. Maybe the bottom. The sides and front are double layer due to the construction, and it's really heavy fabric. Back is ventilated, but I've mostly used it just for airport, etc, so I can't really speak to the sweatiness

One of the things that annoys me about buying Rick’s products is there is no way to make or read reviews. Good luck, I hope you find your answers.

I purchased my Ravenna in the summer. It looks like the one in the link, so I'm guessing it's the newer one. I had used a bigger school ? backpack I got from Costco many years ago. It is still going strong. This was for my personal bag. I usually packed it very full and it was consequently quite heavy, and tight to get under the seats, especially upon return. I got the Ravenna because my daughter said she wouldn't travel with us if we didn't go to lighter bags (my husband didn't, but did not pack his as full this time). We love the Ful packs, although the chest latches have broken on at least one. Downside, they do not have a sleeve for over the suitcase handle

I used Ravenna primarily for flight transit, and use in the car, so I can't address touring with it. It was my personal item and fit nicely under the seat. I did often put it on my suitcase handle.

I like all the pockets to organize many things. I actually didn't use all the items I had packed, but I liked having so many pockets. I didn't like that it doesn't have a bottle holder, but I used one of the zippered side pockets for a disposable water bottle. I just couldn't zip it across the top. I think I also had the bottle inside sometimes.

I'm happy with the size and sturdiness of the pack for how I want to use it. I would definitely use it as a pack on a bus, but would probably leave it on the bus and use a lighter, foldable bag for bottle, packable jacket, and a maps or guidebook for walking around. Or I would use my cross body purse for maps, glasses and packable bag.

I've only used the pack on one trip so far. Perhaps I'll discover next May that it works well for a long day out in London, especially if I might be purchasing picnic food or items at a market (but would expect to check it at museums). I also usually carry packable shopping bags which worked well this fall when I picked up woollens, framed photos and a puzzle in charity shops.

I like having lots of options even on one trip, but I may need to scale back if we will be moving around a lot or on a lot of public transportation. We only do carryon on the trip over but sometimes check on the return.

All in all, I am happy with my purchase of the Ravenna. I need the lighter pack for my aging body!

Yeah, no way to post reviews. That’s a shame.

There used to be videos with descriptions of the bags, and there may still be some.

Hah! Oddly, I leave my wooden chisels at home when I travel…😁
I tried using ultralight, self stuffing back packs for a month long tour, and it seemed like anything other than a jacket would poke me. Also, no ventilation in those, so everything molds to you.

Yes, I am keenly interested in knowing what the new Ravenna design changes are, but I appreciate that you had a good trip with your Ravenna day pack. It’s also good there is back padding. Veloce backpack has that as well.

Can Am Cherie,
You mentioned using it as your personal item on the plane, it’s good info. Thanks.

But did you notice in one of the pictures of the new model Ravenna backpack that it does have a water bottle mesh sleeve? A water bottle is shown in the picture. That is a must for me.

I don't remember if I'd noticed the bottle in the picture before I bought the pack. It is a zippered pocket with a small mesh gusset (both sides have this) When I used it on the trip, I only used it for a disposable bottle (12 oz?) and zipped it up some to hold it a little tighter. I just tried it with my contigo travel mug, and it does hold a little tighter since it's a little bigger around than the water bottle.

I've seen how bad I look with my other backpack, stuffed, on my back. I'm sure I looked much better with this smaller, more structured pack.

Appenzell - I have this bag and use it quite a bit. (I own an older version.). It fits a niche. It fits underseat on most airlines and can be used as a personal item. It’s rather big to use as a daypack at destination, unless it’s used as a family pack. For youth - it’s a very good bag to use as “luggage” with packing cubes.

Sun Baked,
I also have the Appenzell. It’s a wonderful main bag, my husband has often used it as his only carry-on bag. He does put it under his seat, but it’s not usually full.
However, I’m wondering if you also have the new Ravenna day pack? I’m more curious about that, and how it might compare to the Appenzell.

Can Am Cherie, I see what you mean about the zippered pockets for the water bottles. That is helpful. Whereas the mesh pocket on the Veloce bag is somewhat adjustable with a cord and cord lock to help prevent the bottle falling out. That pocket fits an 18 oz Yeti bottle or a 24 oz Smart Water bottle, no problem.

I’m not sure what you mean by not looking good with a particular backpack, but we are often our own worst critics.

I usually had my bigger backpack really filled so it hung very far back. I looked, felt, and was very weighted down and unbalanced at times---unlike my larger framed pack I travelled with as a college student which was higher but more streamlined. The Ravenna is quite a bit shorter and structured, so I think it looks tidy.