Eaglecreek Centerline Meridian 55L - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!



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Budget Travel Gear Yo Nellie, which backpack should I git? Questions and answers on gear related topics (i.e. backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, hiking boots, stoves, etc.).

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Old 11-07-2008, 12:01 AM   #1
nickolt
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Default Eaglecreek Centerline Meridian 55L

* Cant post a link to the bag cause it wont let me !!!

Anyways, so this is the backpack (eaglecreek centerline meridian 55L) that I think will be the best for me. It's not too big, doesnt have a daypack attached, (Im planning to use an across the shoulder bag cause i think carrying a little backpack on my back all day would be annoying, sweaty, and i wouldnt be able to keep an eye on it when its on my back obviously !) is front loading, and isnt TOO expensive.

Here's my problem. I cant figure out if it has something that you can store the shoulder and hip straps in while your bag is in the underbelly of a plane. I dont want the straps getting accidentally ripped off as its being processed through all the luggage stuff at the airport. And, I havent been able to find a retailer for it where I live. (in Vancouver, BC, Canada)

So .. do you guys think that I should buy it online from a site that has a good return policy, and then return it if it doesnt fit properly etc. Or should I just keep on trying to find a bag that I could go see in person.

Ive read nothing but good reviews on this bag and EagleCreek seems to be a pretty trusted brand for travel backpacks. One wierd thing is though is that it isnt featured on their website. Im thinking that maybe it got discontinued/replaced by another model?

Anyways, let me know if you have this bag, and love it, or if you have any opinions on what I should do.

Thank you, thank you thank you !
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Old 11-07-2008, 03:59 AM   #2
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Quote:
* Cant post a link to the bag cause it wont let me !!!
Yeah we don't let new members post links until they have a good number of posts - helps eliminate spammers. But I'll post a pic of it for you so others have an idea of what you're talking about.




Quote:
I dont want the straps getting accidentally ripped off as its being processed through all the luggage stuff at the airport.
In my experience if you dont have somewhere to stuff the straps the gate agents usually throw it over to the oversized luggage bins so its not a big deal. I'm sure there are a few stories of this happening but overall I bet you're fine. Another idea is to get bag to slip over it. Sometimes the Eagle Creek's come with these. My brother's EC Meridien did. At the very least one pic on Amazon shows that you can tuck the hip straps under and around each other. That should help.

Quote:
So .. do you guys think that I should buy it online from a site that has a good return policy, and then return it if it doesnt fit properly etc. Or should I just keep on trying to find a bag that I could go see in person.
This is your call but the Ebags (through Amazon.come) return policy is as follows, "We unconditionally guarantee all unused or defective merchandise for 60 days from the receipt of shipment. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase you may return or exchange any unused or defective merchandise for a prompt refund or exchange." So if you don't like it, just send it right back. You'll end up paying $4.99 (US) for the return S&H.

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Ive read nothing but good reviews on this bag and EagleCreek seems to be a pretty trusted brand for travel backpacks.
Like I said, my brother has one and loves it.

I hope that all helps. So time for our question...Where are you taking this new bag?
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Old 11-07-2008, 05:40 AM   #3
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I know you mentioned that this one might be discontinued, but maybe go to a store and try on similar eagle creek bags and see how they feel. You can always return it if it doesn't fit well, but it can be a hassle.
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Old 11-08-2008, 03:58 PM   #4
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Where are you taking this new bag?
oops! i guess that would of been a good thing to mention. I plan on taking it for my backpacking trip around Western Europe. So bascially I just need it for getting from train station to hostel, and back again. And of course a couple air flights.

Thanks for your advice so far guys !
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Old 11-08-2008, 04:18 PM   #5
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Well on the train you handle your luggage yourself. I wouldn't worry too much about it if you're not going to be taking a lot of flights.

Actually Jake told me last weekend they were always careful with backpacks when he was a luggage handler, but not careful at all with regular luggage.

Another option is a pack pouch, I got one at REI that is basically a nylon bag sized for a backpack and it zips itself into a pocket. Weighs maybe 2 pounds? I've taken it with me on my last 2 trips, but its kind of a pain to carry so I decided to just put my pack through as is and hope for the best from now on.
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Old 11-08-2008, 06:41 PM   #6
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It's also not ideal for everyone, but if you can pack light enough, you can carry your backpack on. I used a 35 L pack for my month long trip and didn't have any problems at all. Smaller airplanes like the one I took from baltimore to philly made me check at the gate, but I was able to actually carry it on to the bigger plane to barcelona. It makes packing pretty tight, but you'll actually be happier that you have less with you.
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Old 11-13-2008, 10:49 AM   #7
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has anybody actually used this particular bag, or know someone who has?

and do you guys think 55 liters will be enough for 2 1/2 months in europe?
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Old 11-13-2008, 10:56 AM   #8
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No, I don't know anyone that's used this particular bag. The most important thing when looking for a bag is how it fits you. It can be the best bag in the world, but if it doesn't fit you well, you're not going to enjoy carrying it all over. If they have a good return policy, buy it, try it on, load it up and carry it around for a while and see if it's something you wouldn't mind carrying around for 2 1/2 months.

As far as whether it's big enough, it all depends on how much you think you'll need when you're traveling. Some people can get by with much less than other people. I personally think 55 L is plenty of space and way too much for me, but I focused on packing as light as possible this past trip and my shoulders thanked me when I got lost looking for hostels and had a 35 L backpack to lug around. On the other hand, some people need more space, so a 55 L may not be big enough. Unfortunately it's not a simple answer as to whether it is big enough or not. It completely depends on how much you typically pack and how much you will plan on bringing. I didn't have a sleeping bag and I bought most of my toiletries overseas, so I didn't have to pack much besides clothes and a book or two.

Good luck and hope you find a pack that works best for you!
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Old 11-13-2008, 10:59 AM   #9
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Mbo108 says his brother has one and loves it.

Personally, from experience, 55l is big enough, maybe a little to big. I took a 55l with me and after a few days was ready to chuck it. I think if you are able to, go smaller. You dont need as much as you think you do.
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Old 11-13-2008, 11:22 AM   #10
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thanks guys !

i think what i will do is order the bag, try it on at home, see how i like it, and if i dont like it, just return it. ill let you all know how it is once ive bought it !

i have a feeling 55 L will be enough .. im usually an overpacker, however because im not taking a suitcase and having to carry everything on my back, im gunna be a little more picky about what im bringing with me.

thanks again.
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Old 11-14-2008, 06:04 AM   #11
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Yeah, my bro has an EagleCreek, looks to be around the same size. its definitely big enough.

In my experience people bring as much as they can fit into their bag, whether its 35L or 65L. Also, you're not going into the Gobi desert. If you forget something or realize later you need something, I'm sure you'll be able to get it in Western Europe.
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Old 11-23-2008, 09:28 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mbo108 View Post
Yeah, my bro has an EagleCreek, looks to be around the same size. its definitely big enough.

In my experience people bring as much as they can fit into their bag, whether its 35L or 65L. Also, you're not going into the Gobi desert. If you forget something or realize later you need something, I'm sure you'll be able to get it in Western Europe.
very true, at least for me, I've used my 65L eagle creek on two trips and its great but am thinking about trading it in for something smaller so that i'm forced to pack less.
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