Rick Steves Classic Back Door Bag now vs. the 90's

Rectangular shape makes for efficient (max volume) packing.

Note RS website is advertising:

Spring Sale! Save 20% on all bags through Sunday, 4/3/16 or while
supplies last! Plus get a free set of Packing Cubes ($17.99 value)
with the purchase of any Ravenna Rolling Case, Rolling Carry-On,
Rolling Backpack, Convertible Carry-On or Classic Back Door Bag.

I'm with Edger, the rectangular shape maximizes volume for the dimensions. I hate it when a smaller pocket sticks out, using up inches without adding much to the volume. But then, I don't use all of the volume, so maybe I shouldn't mind. It's just a matter of principle.

But, like you, I bought one long ago (2000) and it's held up so well I have no need to replace it. I would like to have one a little smaller (2000 cu in) and lighter (<=2#).

It's kind of hard to compare a bag bought 20 years ago with a new one for indestructibility. Ask me again in 20 years.

I have a new one and very happy with it. I like its low weight vs volume <3 lbs empty. Two trips to Europe and a couple of domestic ones without any wear issues.

I have an original back door bag (the tag says 1988 but I got it in 1992).

I also have a newer model bought last year. I have also had a few others over the years.

The differences are like night and day. They look completely different, the material is different, the workmanship is different.

The RS Convertible has been $99 for quite a while . But to stay at the $99 price point over the years they had to make some cutbacks.

The material is different. The original bag I believe was ballistic nylon. Today it is polyester and can be thin in some areas. (I have held the bag up to the light and have seen rays of light come through the material.)

The former bag looks more like the Campmor Essential Carry-on than today's RS convertible. The tie down straps on the original bag were just that--tie downs. No clips. There was no hip belt. There weren't a lot of pockets.

Today's RS bag is completely different than it was 20+ years ago, probably not made as well, but I wouldn't hesitate to use it. For the price, you're getting a lot of bag.

Thank you all for your replies. For the price, I definitely think the new ones are worth a try!

mary,

As I recall, the previous version of the RS Back Door Bag was manufactured of Cordura Nylon, which was both thicker and heavier than the polyester fabric used in the current versions. IMO, the new versions are not as robust as the previous ones, especially in more severe use conditions.

If you want products that will stand a lot of abuse and you don't mind spending more, you might also have a look at similar products from Tom Bihn or Red Oxx which still do use the tough Cordura Nylon.

...was manufactured of Cordura Nylon, which was both thicker and heavier than the polyester fabric used in the current versions.

You should realize that Cordura (R) is a brand name originally owned by du Pont and now owned by Koch Industries., Cordura (R) is manufactured from nylon and comes in different weights from "ballistic"to very light weight.

The advantage of nylon is that all things being equal, nylon is stronger than polyester. But you should also note that nylon deteriorates faster than polyester when subjected to UV light (e.g. sunlight). During my days dabbling in climbing, nylon climbing use to have a 100 climbing day life. That said, I doubt whether a 100 travel days will be enough sun exposure to matter and as carry-on bags, they are not subjected to the stress of zoo gorillas throwing your bag around.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invista

INVISTA's products include brands such as...CORDURA® durable
fabrics.... DuPont originally formed the company as a subsidiary in
2003.... The company was given the trademarked name INVISTA and was then sold to privately owned Koch Industries in April 2004.

Both bags are in my possession and both work well. The earlier version is simpler, lighter and more durable. The more recent version has some nice features but at a cost. Had I been asked (same concept with the kids....), the original fabric would still be used.

Thank you for the additional information and comparisons. I think I'm going to give one of them a try anyway.