Anyone use the Rick Steves Convertible Carry on? - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

@dam · 12-03-2005, 11:18 AM

Has anybody used the Rick Steves convertible carry-on / "Back door bag"? I'm looking for a new backpack for a Thailand trip, and I was thinking of this one. It is only $99, and it matches the maximum allowable dimensions for most airlines carry-on allowance. It doesn't look particularly functional as a back pack though, so I was wondering if anybody here has tried it.

http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/catalog/...rentId=8&id=139

I'm also looking at the dana design Far Flung bag.

Any other suggestions for a back that is nice, relatively light, and able to be taken carry-on?

**agriadam** · 12-03-2005, 11:39 AM

Not Cool....there can only be one Adam

hahaah

**space virgin** · 12-03-2005, 11:48 AM

Get the Far Flung. My mom has the Rick Steves bag and it's okay but really not very comfortable as a backpack. It's not terrible, but it's not designed for miles of walking-- it's geared more towards the "rental car" type of traveler.

The Dana Design bag will be much more comfortable... I'm not sure if it's carry-on size though.

@dam · 12-03-2005, 09:49 PM

Adam- sorry. but this is my handle on a bunch of forums. I hope one day all Adams can live in peace.

Space Virgin- Thanks for the advice. Seems my suspicions were well founded. The thing just didn't look comfortable as a backpack, and I'm definitely not getting a rental car! Guess I'll get a "regular" backpack and resign myself to checking it in. I have to say though- in my limited research, I'm a bit disappointed at how heavy "travel" backpacks are compared to regular backpacking backpacks. I guess it has to be tough if you expect it to survive as checked lugage though.

I'm not settled on any particular pack yet, but I'm going on Jan 14 so I'd better decide soon!

BTW- this is a great site! I wish I would've found it sooner.

Quote:

Originally posted by space virgin@Dec 3 2005, 12:48 PM
Get the Far Flung.* My mom has the Rick Steves bag and it's okay but really not very comfortable as a backpack.* It's not terrible, but it's not designed for miles of walking-- it's geared more towards the "rental car" type of traveler.* * The Dana Design bag will be much more comfortable... I'm not sure if it's carry-on size though.

[snapback]90912[/snapback]

**bellelass** · 12-04-2005, 02:18 PM

Just get a smaller capacity travel backpack. There are some very nice ones, and you can take them on the plane. Checking baggage blows hard. I usually do everything in my power (even buying stuff I need when I get there rather than bringing it) to pack light and not not not not not ever check. That way I can hit the ground running. The faster I get out of the airport the quicker I can have a smoke.

**space virgin** · 12-04-2005, 04:11 PM

My travel backpack is a Marmot mountaineering pack, so it's not like you MUST have specifically a "travel" one if you don't like it. Just get the pack you want and whatever's going to be the most comfortable for you, titles and/or descriptions be damned!

triangleman42 · 12-05-2005, 11:21 PM

I just bought the Rick Steves' bag but haven't used it yet other than in my living room.

So far I'm impressed with the bag, it is very cleverly designed. The only thing it is missing is a chest strap but I'll just add one myself. The shoulder and waist straps are nicely padded and can easily be tucked away if not in use. The zippers are surprisingly big and sturdy. It feels very solid but not heavy at all.

I'll be traveling from the US to Prague, Amsterdam, and then London over 15 days this winter. Leaving on December 25th. I'll try to post a report on here when I return since I haven't really seen any reviews of the bag anywhere. I won't be renting any cars on my trip but I also don't plan on walking around with it on for more than maybe 3 or 4 miles at the very most. I'd probably agree that it isn't the bag to carry for lots of miles.

-Josh