Regarding Travel bags

It looks smaller than I thought. Is that a day pack or is it the carry on bag?

It is a day bag. It is not the standard carryon bag. The Steves' bag is not a backpack designed to carry heavy loads long distances. The early models which we used don't even have a waist belt. The current models do but even with the belt 20 lb, maybe 25 is your limit. And you cannot compare to a external frame or even internal frame back. My wife is 5-6 and it fits her well but she always has less than 20 lb. I will see if I can find you a better picture or even one of ours.

Mandy,

Depending on your size and your ability to carry a Backpack for short periods of time, the RS Classic Backdoor Bag may or may not be the best solution for you. These don't have any frame, so the method of packing is important to prevent items from shifting to the bottom. There is also no adjustment for torso length, which is an important point in buying a Backpack.

You may find it helpful to check www.ospreypacks.com or www.eaglecreek.com for information on internal frame Backpacks. Many of these models DO allow torso range adjustment. You could also check REI or other stores, as Packs are sometimes sold for below "suggested retail". Some packs from both of the manufacturers listed above have models specially tailored for women's fit.

Before looking at Packs too closely, give some thought on what features are important to you. I like a detachable Daypack (works great for carry-on), a stowable harness system (prevents the straps from being torn off by airport conveyor systems) and a panel load design (compartments easily accessible rather than having to access everything from the top - also provides a slight security benefit in that zippers can be locked, although any Backpack has inherently weak security).

Cheers!

The question of what kind of pack/luggage is right for you depends on how much you are going to pack and how long you will be wearing the pack for. Personally, I am 5 foot tall and nearing 60, so I won't pack more than 20 pounds maximum on my back in a frameless pack. And I'm happier when the load is closer to 15 pounds, honestly. I also think that packing cubes are a must when using a frameless pack to keep the load balanced and in place rather than having the heavy stuff slump to the bottom.

If I am going to be carrying my bag any significant distance, I find that using a good strap and carrying it across my body is easier for me than carrying it in backpack mode. You may find it otherwise.

Keep in mind that framed packs are intrinsically heavier than frameless and that many of them are too big to qualify as carry-on bags, if that matters to you.

I have the TLS Motherlode from Ebags. It has a "shelf" to keep things from sliding to the bottom. I use internal frame backpacks but not to go to Europe. The frameless ones are much lighter and I don't walk great distances with one. I know a lady who went to Italy this month with a 33 liter hiking backpack so it can be done but not by me.

I bought a RS convertible bag for my upcoming trip to Italy & Germany. I decided to "road test" it on a trip to NYC. I just returned last night. I agree with JER that using packing cubes is key. Rick's bags are sized to exactly fit the bag. I use them anyway, but it is especially important to use them for the bag to keep its shape. I packed a little more than I needed in order to replicate what I would likely take on a 4 week trip. It is easy to pack a lot...maybe too easy. The bag holds more than you would think by looking at it. Lesson learned - pack even lighter. I am a middle aged woman who is 5'3". I loved the mobility the bag allowed on stairs. I will probably stick to my roller bag on trips where stairs, cobblestones and on/off trains is not involved.

You can probably find a travel store that carries Rick's bags and try one on before you buy it.

I use the ebags weekender, which is almost identical to Rick's classic bag. I use it for business and vacations. I've had it quite awhile and it still looks pretty new (except a little rubbing on one corner).

As a backpack, I would describe it as a sack of potatoes. Because it lacks a frame, the load tends to sag. This is somewhat offset by tightly cinching the load down with the side straps and using the waist belt. I also roll my items and place them vertically to give the bag more rigidity.

It works fine for what I use it for, a very lightweight, carry-on size bag. I usually carry it only 15-20 minutes from a train station to lodging or through airports. More often than not I use one-shoulder strap only and carry it more like a sling bag.

If I found a lightweight framed backpack that could be carried on, I would consider buying it. Most real backpacks are too long to use as a carry-on.

For those looking for a carry-on size internal frame backpack/convertible, you might want to check out the MEI Voyageur. (You'll have to scroll down to see it. While the photos don't show up on my computer, if you click the link, they should open in another window.)

I don't own this bag but it has gotten great reviews.