The Perfect Travel Pack

[Gamgee]

Hey guys,


This is the first time i'm posting in the outdoor thread. But i thought I should share this with you guys.. I was (for sometime) in search of "the perfect" travel pack for my travels in and around Europe. I had a few requirements:
1. should be light
2. should maximize space utilization
3. should definitely have padded shoulder (backpack style) straps + waist belt
4. should be carryon size (around 40litres)
5. should be built with a tough fabric
6. not too many gimmicks - utility over features!
7. should have an internal frame
8. front loading - easy access to the entire pack


So as you can see I had a lot of specs in order for a pack to be called the perfect pack for my needs. I believe I found it! Its called MEI Voyageur made by Genuine Gear Inc in CA, USA. Here is their website - http://www.meipacks.com/


These guys are a small shop once almost in the brink of extinction, but then the whole One Bag travel phenomenon saved them. Today the demand for their packs is higher than their supply capacity and hence would take a few week for you to get you pack.


Anyways, I came across this pack from this review. I recently approached the company for this Voyageur pack. I found the customer service to be excellent. They even agreed to customize the pack to my requirements (wanted a specific color and a couple of zipper pockets in the front for docs). There is no way to order online, so one needs to email or call them to place an order. I just paid using paypal and now waiting for further updates from them on the order. I will keep you all updated on the progress and once I receive the pack will do a full review with pictures ofcourse


I would love to hear about your favorite (or ideal) backpacks or travel packs (with pictures ofcourse!)

 

[temjeito]

I travel a lot for work and don't like to check baggage. I use the Red Oxx Sky Train, and I love it. I can fit everything I need for a week-long trip in a bag that I can carry on my back and fits in the overhead bin!

http://www.redoxx.com/Trip-to-China-merits-praise-for-Red-Oxx-Gear/Sky-Train/91019/10144/Product

 

[Gamgee]

I did consider the Red Oxx Skytrain along with the Air Boss and the Tom Bihn range of bags (Aeronaut and Tristar). But these were significantly more expensive (more than twice) and i could not shell that kind of money. But I have heard amazing reviews about the Red Oxx and Tombihn bags.

 

[MrMurphy]

From the reviews, it doesn't look that great. And I have traveled Europe extensively, both one bag and full suitcase load.

I'd go with one of the Osprey travel packs if in a hurry, or if necessary, a North Face hiking pack in the 50-60L range.

 

[Gamgee]

From the reviews, it doesn't look that great. And I have traveled Europe extensively, both one bag and full suitcase load.

I'd go with one of the Osprey travel packs if in a hurry, or if necessary, a North Face hiking pack in the 50-60L range.

Trust me, thousands of travelers swear by the MEI Voyageur. Google it. I considered the Osprey Porter 46 which was the only decent travel pack which is carry-on size, but its shape and limits the carrying capacity and convenience that I found it the Voyageur. TNF hiking pack 50-60 is too big a size for carryon in Europe.

 

[RichieRich3902]

It's not really cool, but I use my assault pack for most of my biking and as a carry on when I'm not traveling for work, if I'm driving it goes though. It's ugly three color desert and stamped US on the outer pocket. It has a sort of internal frame plate and the shoulders are padded. You can still get them in three color and acu on eBay for cheap. Though it may be a poor choose for Europe when you're trying not to look like an American.

 

[Brandon P K]

From the reviews, it doesn't look that great. And I have traveled Europe extensively, both one bag and full suitcase load.

I'd go with one of the Osprey travel packs if in a hurry, or if necessary, a North Face hiking pack in the 50-60L range.

+1 on any Osprey pack. They make sturdy gear, yes, but what really sells me is their awesome "All Mighty Guarantee."

My wife and I each used an Opsrey pack to Kazakhstan and back (30 hours of travel, each way), and I was very pleased.

 

[ohthatguy]

I love this pack. I use it for traveling, climbing, hiking, mtn biking, and even just for an overnight at the girlfriends. Pinnacle 35

 

[Helzerr]

I love this pack. I use it for traveling, climbing, hiking, mtn biking, and even just for an overnight at the girlfriends. Pinnacle 35

+1
I love this pack, it's great for quick trips or long hauls when you pack right. I took this to a 5 day stay in NYC and it was perfect.

Gamgee I'm super intrigued to see the rest of your pics / review of your new custom bag! I'm more of a day pack type guy and I usually have a large Timbuk2 messenger back for my job as a tech coordinator in a public school district. I can fit 5 macbooks in it as well as chargers for all of them and some assorted junk when I'm hopping from building to building. My weekend bag is a Marmot Walkabout that unfortunately they don't make anymore. It goes literally everywhere when I'm not at school.

 

[Relentless]

I use an Osprey transporter. One big compartment and a couple of pockets. I typically have more gear than clothing though. My camera stuff takes priority and the bag is perfect for stuffing a couple smaller bags (with lenses and misc) inside. Never had a problem fitting in the overhead. I've even had one airline try to force me to check it at the gate because "there was no more room in the overhead". It fit.

 

[eightysixCJ]

I love the Maxpedition products, very well made and will stand up to abuse. I haven't traveled very much with my Maxpedition Fliegerduffel but it is carry on size, lots of handles and straps and has customization options.


Tom

 

[ctr]

I use either the REI Overnighter which is close to the MEI, or an LL Bean daypack. Both work great for traveling light.

 

[Jayk]

+1 on any Osprey pack. They make sturdy gear, yes, but what really sells me is their awesome "All Mighty Guarantee."

My wife and I each used an Opsrey pack to Kazakhstan and back (30 hours of travel, each way), and I was very pleased.

Osprey's are amazing packs. When I worked in an out door store we had a customer who had brunt a rather large hole in their pack and demanded that we send it back to Osprey. It was clearly neglect and the customers fault, but osprey sent them a brand new pack no questions asked.