does anyone have this.
If so honest opinion on it. It looks nice from what i see in the picks on from the episode he demonstrated it.
It may not look as cool as a backpack i can get at REI or EMS but if it is functional and can hold up to the rigors of travel i may invest in one.
I look at some of the plactic snaps for the backpack shoulder straps and just worry about its durability.
Thanks
It's a good bag and many people here use it. I'm sure you'll hear from them.
These stores in your area may actually carry the bag. Call them to see if they have them in stock and you can try it out. Sorry, you'll have to look up the phone numbers:
BRETT'S LUGGAGE (6.5 miles)
435 BOSTON POST ROAD
Sudbury, MA 01776
Products: Rick Steves Collection
LEATHER WORLD (NLDA) (18.4 miles)
30A LANGLEY ROAD
Newtown Center, MA 02459
(617) 332-6519
Products: Rick Steves Collection
ATLAS TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL (18.5 miles)
1656 MASSACHUSETTS AVE.
Lexington, MA 02420
Products: Kiva Collections Rick Steves Collection
Conor,
The RS Convertible Backpack is a very popular item, and lots of people are using it. However, it's not for everyone.
The newer versions use polyester rather than Cordura nylon, so the older versions were perhaps a bit more robust.
Could you provide a bit more detail on your normal "travel style"? Were you planning to use this just for short trips from the train to the Hotel, or longer distance use? With any Backpack, one of the most important considerations is the measurement for torso length. With a properly fitted Backpack, most of the weight should rest on the hips, NOT the shoulders. The RS Pack has a limited torso range, so wouldn't fit me (I had a long talk with Rick's product manager on that point). However, if the Pack is lightly loaded and only used for short distances, carrying the weight on the shoulders shouldn't be as much of a concern.
As the RS Pack doesn't have a frame, some thought has to be given on how it's packed so it doesn't take the profile of a "sack of spuds".
It's a very popular product and lots of people are very pleased with it. As a previous post mentioned, you might want to have a look around some of the local stores, and possibly have a look at one first hand.
Good luck!
Conor,
As one of the main features of the Pack is the ability to carry-on, you might consider alternatives also. Are you set on a Backpack format, or would other types of luggage suffice (since you've been using a Duffel so far).
Many of the "travel light" crowd here are migrating towards products such as the Tom Bihn Tri-Star (which also has a Backpack option) or the Red Oxx Air Boss (which is a shoulder bag without Backpack option - Red Oxx provides Backpack capability in another model, the Sky Train, which is very similar to the RS Pack, but considerably more expensive).
Cheers!
For those who have RS bags from way back....please be aware that the material changed recently (a year or two) and went from either Cordura or Ballistic Nylon to Polyester. Not as durable in my opinion.
Last year I bought the Civita shoulder bag and compared it to my Civita bag from years ago...I couldn't believe the difference.
yeah i jut used a duffle because i could get it for carry one and fit what i wanted but i am rather a backpack type
I looked at those other packs, nice but a little out of my price range
thanks though
Thanks for the store locations, I didn't know you could get them anywhere else.
I have debated the whole frame vs no frame bag and whether or not its more shoulder heavy i can handle it, i am pretty sturdy guy.
My main concern is being able to pack just enough of what i need but also in a bag that i can carry on. if i can avoid checked luggage, all the better.
I just wanted a bag that will also hold up well, i use a coaching/duffle bag and i travel alot so i figured its time i invest in something more practicle and durable
Conor, not only can you find the bag in some stores, if you do a google search, you'll find dozens of online stores that sell his stuff. (And sometimes cheaper.....)
My husband and I got RS bags more than 20 years ago. We are still using them. The design has changed slightly since we got ours, but I can attest to the durability. We have been to Europe more than 40 times, done an around the world trip and frequently travel in the US. The bags look as good as they did on the first trip. They hold exactly what you need. Have just enough structure and look classy as well.
Conor....other backpack type bags to look at are:
Ebags Weekender Convertible
Outdoor Products Essential Carry-ON
These two, plus the RS Convertible and RS Classic Bag, are very popular on the board.
I have, over time, owned all four of these bags. I have a bag problem :)
I use the Ebags weekender, it's very similar. Backpacks do a better job carrying your load. convertible bags are just light pieces of luggage that include shoulder straps. For me that's plenty because I rarely carry my bag more than a mile (less than 15 minutes walking).
The big advantage of a convertible bag IMO is they are designed to fit airline carry on size restrictions. Most backpacks are too long and have to be checked. For that reason alone, I chose a convertible bag over a backpack.
One other advantage, the zippers on a convertible bag are like luggage - they are designed to be easy to get into. They are easier to pack, unpack or just reach in to get something. A lot of nice backpacks aren't as convenient to use.
I just ordered the Rick Steves bag through ebags.com for about $80.00. I'm impressed with it and am packing tonight for my trip in the morning. LAX to Paris for a month in Europe..
--Craig
Conor - Like Frank II, I have a bag problem. I have both the Campmor & Ebag Weekender bag. I used my Campmor bag on our recent family trip to Europe.
I would also suggest investing in packing cubes. I am an extremely disorganized person and they helped me this past summer.
thanks everyone with the comments.
I definetly will be taking packing cubes. i plan to take the best of of what i will need but just enough to be able to survive for what i will be doing.
hard to always find a happy medium.
