Hello,
My trip to England in September will be my first attempt at carry-on only. I will be getting the Aeronaut 45. For those of you who have one-do you use the packing cubes designed for the bag? If so, do you have room left over for smaller items like a toiletry bag in the main compartment? I already have some Eagle Creek Specter cubes-do any of you use these cubes instead, and if so do you find that you can pack the Aeronaut efficiently using them instead of the cubes designed for it? Thanks for your advice!
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2685 posts
The Eagle Creek Specter have no structure, right? I have some, and although I have an EagleCreek suitcase, too, I would think it would be no problem at all.
Posted by
1961 posts
You can get the bag first. Then, take a ruler to the inside compartments. Then, order packing cubes. Here are some other hints:
1). You can just get an Ebags classic value set with a few slimline cubes.
2). Women or smaller adults can do well with ebags medium cubes and small cubes.
3). Men - or larger adults (5'10" and taller) can do well with ebags value set that includes large cubes.
4). Packing folders work well also (eagle creek).
I like ebags Classic cubes and eagle creek - not too much depth - just right. But, you can use any brand of cubes.
Posted by
Boise, Idaho
1258 posts
You can visit youtube and search for the bag. You will find dozens of clips on how to pack the A45. You can visit the Tom Bihn forums for lots of advice. Comparing TB cubes: https://youtu.be/E_58OzXK8Vg
The A45 main compartment is exactly 12x12x8 inches. Many generic cubes are 10x13x4.
I have the A30 and it’s amazingly accommodating. I can fit lots of stuff around the corners.
Your specter cubes will work fine. You have plenty of time to acquire additional cubes or sacks before your trip. The Bihn A45-specific cubes are great; you will never need another set of cubes. But it’s easy to grab their individual sizes off the TB site and compare to your EC units or shop around for similarly sized units.
Just my opinion, The Aeronaut is a buy-for-life object. While any cubes are totally unnecessary for the A45, you might as well get the excellent TB cubes to go with it. ONe large and two small TB A45-specific cubes will run you $65. I have not found a reason to justify the TB laundry or end pocket cubes because of my packing habits and existing organizing tools.
Posted by
Freedonia
16408 posts
Why not go to the Tom Bihn forums and ask there as well.
Posted by
Boise, Idaho
1258 posts
Here is another: https://youtu.be/HeR7EC80qyY
Posted by
OP
22 posts
Great video! Thank you.
Posted by
Boise, Idaho
1258 posts
Think you need the A45? Watch this young Canadian, Kelley Tai, pack her A30 for two or three weeks in England
Posted by
OP
22 posts
Wow. Now I am wondering if I could pack light enough to get my Co-Pilot in the 45.. She stuffed that 30 full! I will review my packing list. Was going to bring 2 pairs of lightweight trail pants, 5 shirts, underwear/socks, loungewear, rain jacket, collapsible bag for souvenirs, toiletries, meds, hat, guidebook pages, towel. So a little more than she packed. I have been considering what TB organizer pouches and cubes to use. I don’t want to overthink this...