Yet another convertible backpack thread

SandraL, its not a crime to check a bag. If you're only going to stay on one place (one hotel in London) then the convenience of carryon only is less than if you were making multiple changes of location. Or, as we do, pack an empty duffle and check that on the way back to make room for your purchases in your carryon.
I have a TB Aeronaut, and its a fine bag, but for an international trip, I prefer the RS Classic carryon. Less weight and more space. Almost any bag that is soft-sided and frameless (i.e., no rollers) can be smooshed to fit if not jam-packed.

I don't know what size the Patgonia is you are referring to but I'm just finishing up 5 + weeks in UK and France with the RS 20" roller. I used the 22" convertible last 2 years and wound up with bruises on my arms. The 20 has been great. I had to gate check on the way from my local airport to Seattle (normal on those teeny commuter planes) but had no trouble positioning it overhead on the international flight or in the Eurostar overhead. I also took the Tube in from Heathrow to Victoria with no problem. I will check going home but mainly because i have an almost 9 hr layover in SLC and dont want to fool with it.

You were looking for an inexpensive place in London, right? I would go cheaper than Tom Bihn on the bag and up my lodging budget.

I also use the Eagle Creek sil-nylon cubes. I have the compression ones which keep me organized.

The LBC dimensions are just a bit smaller than Rick's bags: 8.5" x 14" x 19" (2261cu in). It's true--there's no crime in checking your bags in!

My rolling bag is by Ricardo Beverly Hills and I always find it a bit too heavy all on its own. Granted it is sturdily built and better than other bags I've seen on the market (it was a Consumer Reports' "best buy" in its day).

As far as backpacks go, I've heard that buying the Tom Bihn Absolute Shoulder Strap is well worth it if you're using another brand.

Regarding my hotel: I did find a place for $131 a night, a self-catering flat just big enough for one person/studio. I should probably let everyone know on the boards. I understand I was driving a few people bananas with all my questions. :)

"its actual size vs. its advertised size, is NOT the maximum legal carryon size"

What's your concern, that it's not BIG enough? It IS less than "regulation size" in several advertised dimensions. In fact, according to Patagonia's own website, it's only 70% of the US regulation volume. It is also, as you point out, pretty expensive. I also think for its size, it's pretty heavy. That's probably because it's made of heavier material, thus the higher price - preferable for checking, not so good for carryon.

Or are you concerned that it is too big for carryon? It's soft sided, so as long as you don't put too much "stuff" in it, it should compress to fit in regulation sizers.

For years I've use an Essential Carryon. It's a little larger, but always has fit in the sizers (although I don't completely fill it). It's also very light - under 2#, and the cost is very reasonable. I've used it for 5 trips (11 weeks), and it has held up well.

I recently bought a TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible Junior. It's a little larger (90% of regulation volume). I haven't taken it to Europe yet, but it definitely looks smaller than regulation size. I like its sternum and waist straps.

Lee, I was afraid the MLC was too big for carryon.

By Essential Carryon, I am guessing you mean the discontinued REI product?

Sandra, since the bag is softsided, being too big (I don't think it is) is not a problem. As long as you don't take too much contents,it will fit. It's the rigid, rollaboards that are problems. If they're too big, they're too big, even empty.

It's no crime to check a bag, but it's no virtue, either. The benefits of carryon are real. Before I started carrying on, I almost had my luggage lost twice on trips to Europe (once it almost stayed in Boston; the other time it almost went to So. America). The second carryon trip, in 2001, I had a very close connection in an eastern airport, and I seriously doubt that they had time to transfer luggage. They met those of us going to Germany at the gate and took us around by van to the international flight. It was reassuring to have my carryon bag in my lap on the van, knowing it would go with me.

Twice I have arrived at DIA from Germany and been able to go directly to the bus, which left shortly after I got on. Had I waited for my luggage, I would have had to wait, jet lagged, for the next bus, an hour later. I'm so glad I only carry on.

The Essential Carry-On he is referring to is the Campmor Essential Carry On.

https://www.campmor.com/c/campmor-essential-carry-on

Thanks for the link!

That looks like a great bag (save for the logo, as many a reviewer has pointed out). However, I'm sure that can be dealt with!

I have the RS rolling backpack. It is lightweight and tough. RS cubes do not really fit riight in it and I will NEVER use it as a backpack. There is a very roomy pocket that runs the length of the case and some good pockets on the front.

I am thinking about purchasing the RS rolling carryon that is slightly bigger. Anyone have both?? Is there really more space in the rolling carryon?? I always check my luggage. I do not want to haul it through the airport.

If you're OK with a backpack, consider Rick's Convertible Carryon. I was also looking at the Tom Bihn bags, but the price was pretty daunting for occasional use. I picked up one of the Convertible Carryon bags when they were on sale, and I've been quite happy with it. It's not Bihn level quality, but it's decent, and the design seems pretty well thought out. I've had mine for a couple years and made maybe 20 flights with it and it's holding up fine (I've never checked it though).

Reviving this thread:

I ended up buying a Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 on ebay. The price was right and I plan to use the shoulder strap from my Patagonia LBC.

Regarding a packable duffel in case I decide to check the A45 with souvenirs in it: Can anyone recommend a good packable duffel?
(I hope this does not get lost--if it does, I will start a new thread). Thanks!

Sandra

Check out this recent thread: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing/packaway-stowaway-travel-items

There are a couple of links to very light packable duffle bags.

Thanks very much!

SandraL,

Which bag to buy will depend a lot on your personal preferences. For example, do you want a wheelie bag or a Backpack?

I'm assuming your term "convertible backpack" refers to a piece of luggage that has both wheels and backpack straps? I'm not a big fan of that concept as the wheels and handle assembly add weight, reduce payload room and make it more difficult to fit into overhead bins.

I am a big fan of Tom Bihn products and those work well for a lot of people. The group on his forum have an almost evangelical fervor about his products. TB products such as the Aeronaut or Tri-Star may also be a good choice, although these don't provide any means of torso range adjustment so if you're carrying them for any length of time as a backpack, the load will totally be on your shoulders (fortunately they can also be carried by the shoulder strap or handles). Depending on your packing list, the smaller TB Aeronaut 30 could also work for you. I use TB products for shorter domestic trips, but always use a properly fitted Backpack for longer European trips when I'm carrying more gear. However I may try TB for a Europe trip one of these days. While the cost of TB is a factor, I tend to look at it as a "lifetime purchase", and hopefully one that I'll get lots of use out of.

You might also get some good ideas by checking the Osprey or Eagle Creek websites, as they have a good range of luggage, in both wheeled and backpack models.

Good luck!

I recently purchased one of these:

Travelon Packable Travel Bag

It seems a little stronger than the other packables I have. Opened, its dimensions are 17" x 11" x 9" but since it's very soft, it will fit in almost all sizers unless packed to the gills.

And there's the "don't tell Rick" bag to use as a personal item -- goes on sale for $16 every few months. I used it to hold soft clothes that were removed from my checked bag on the way back to make room for heavier items.

Frank, please explain why the specs on the bag your link goes to says 8.75" x 7" x 1.25", not 17" x 11" x 9". If it expands, why don't they give the expanded dimensions?

Because it's Amazon......

That's the "packed" size when folded into its own pocket.

Regarding a packable duffel in case I decide to check the A45 with souvenirs in it: Can anyone recommend a good packable duffel?

Sandra, I like this packable duffel from Eddie Bauer. It folds up into a small pouch. I check my roller bag on my return flight and use this duffel as my carry-on.

Ken--I bought an Aeronaut 45 on ebay (you may have missed my post above regarding same). I have several Tom Bihn products (including the Co-Pilot) and I really love them.

Thanks, everyone, for your suggestions! Frank, I like the Travelon bag's looks. It seems like a good choice.

SandraL,

Yes, I did miss the fact that you had bought an Aeronaut 45 on E-Bay. I normally like to read through all the previous replies, but if I'm in a hurry I sometimes just "skim" through them. The A45 is a great product, and I'm sure you'll get many years of use out of it.