On the hunt for the perfect travel backback
I travel a lot. When I travel there is mostly a flight and one or more overnight stays involved. So far I was using a Tumi backpack, which served me well. After 10 years of service it is showing its age and I'm looking to retire it. Turns out the hunt for a replacement is far more difficult than I expected. I'm looking for the ultimate backpack for the frequent traveller. I thought my criteria are not uncommon:
Update (14 July 2009): A new contestant entered the race which looks like a good compromize:
Travelpro executive first backpack. It features 9 externally accessibe compartments, 2 of them lockable, plenty of storage space and TravelPro's sturdy ballistic nylon. I already have one of their products and was quite happy, so I'll go with that for now.
- Robust and torture resistant: I carry heavy loads and long distances (mostly running to gates to catch that flight) and don't need a strap coming off. It also shouldn't look -after a month of use- worn out like 19th century gold digger equipment.
- Fit under an airline seat (which is kind of a contradiction to the amount of stuff I need to carry
- Carry the corporate Lenovo T61 (no Macbook anytime soon) and its little brother
- Well organized space for: 2 power supplies, 2 international adapters, various cables, business cards, phone, passport, wallet for second currency, tickets, external disks, iPod etc.
- Carry a folder with reference materials (and the bill collection) and a book
- Have space for shirt, underwear and toothbrush (many trips are overnight)
- Umbrella -- best outside so it doesn't soak the stuff inside after use
- Ability to be locked
- Needs to offer service/warranty in Singapore (I can buy it anywhere)
- I like black, but that's optional
- Needs to be sold in a place I can have a look (means: any airport/city in AP). Singapore would be an advantage
- The incumbent brand sends its model Alpha T-pass Business Class Briefpack:
Having a track record and an excellent customer service is clearly and advantage. Tumi is in the upper price quadrant. - Samsonite offers the Pro-DXL2 Laptop backpack
The Samsonite offers a dedicated garment compartment that even features a hanger for a jacket. - Booq sends in 2 models which I quite liked and examined yesterday: the BOA3M and the Phython XM:
Problem with both of them: Since Booq has no luggage heritage they don't feature zips that can be locked. A big disadvantage for international travel. - Timbuk2 Patrol
The website states it is sold in Singapore, but I haven't found a shop yet. - Others (seen online, but haven't touched them yet): Spire Meta, Megalopolis Aero, Brain Bag and Wenger's Swiss Gear
Update (14 July 2009): A new contestant entered the race which looks like a good compromize:
Travelpro executive first backpack. It features 9 externally accessibe compartments, 2 of them lockable, plenty of storage space and TravelPro's sturdy ballistic nylon. I already have one of their products and was quite happy, so I'll go with that for now.
Posted by Stephan H Wissel on 24 May 2009 | Comments (9) | categories: Travel