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Travelpack Basics

Page 1: Travelpack Basics (this page)
Page 2: General Prices of Travelpacks
Page 3: My Ultimate Travelpack
Page 4: My Opinion on the Travelpack Market

Now we get to my personal favorite type of carry-on bag; the travelpack. What exactly is a travelpack? It's similar in philosophy to the home gym that allows you to do various exercises, or a cross-training sport shoe that allows you to go running as well as do aerobics. travelpacks are usually soft-sided, made of tough Cordura nylon material like regular backpacks. Most travelpacks look more rectangular than hiking backpacks or bookpacks (you may have heard the latter referred to as a rucksack). They look almost like soft-sided shoulder bags--until you unzip a secret compartment in the back that conceals a pair of backpack shoulder straps. These straps clip onto D-rings on the side (now bottom) of the bag, and you can now carry the bag like a back pack!

Some people don't like travelpacks for the same reason they don't like other all-in-one equipment; that is, all-in-ones are created to do many different things well, but not any one thing excellently. For example, while a travelpack does have shoulder straps, they lack the design that serious hikers and backpackers need (i.e. hefty waist straps, etc.).

Personally, I say "phhhhbbbttt!" to such naysayers. I have used my travelpacks in both shoulder bag and backpack mode--and they work really well for the majority of people. I also have the advantage of having a great-looking, modest piece of luggage that doesn't scream "hitchhiker!" like many backpacks do. I don't have lots of straps and buckles either, so if on the off chance I have to check the bag in, I don't have to wrap it in a plastic garbage bag like a lot of hikers do with their backpacks. While serious hikers and outdoor-types may not like travelpacks, I believe most people will find them plenty useful. Even those who are hardcore backpack enthusiasts, may find some models palatable (including the Eagle Creek Journey series, which look like regular backpacks).

The travelpack I used to use was a Jansport Daytripper; unfortunately they're no longer made. On my last trip, I used a small travelpack called the Sierra by Uphill Down (a review of this product is available in the Reviews section).

At the same time that I have seen an increase in travelpacks, I have also unfortunately had a fairly difficult time finding smaller travelpacks. Apparently, many manufacturers like to make them as big as the airlines will allow (which for me is now too big because I got so good at traveliting). I have spoken to the marketing department at Eagle Creek about this, because I think slightly smaller travelpacks (midibags?) are marketable, and a valid concern for smaller people (i.e. women, and those under 5'6"). There are a few smaller ones out there (the Sierra, and Jansport's new Carry On Pack come to mind) but they are few and far between.

Travelpacks are versatile, allowing you to look modest and civilized when needed, happy-go-lucky when you want. Most dirt smudges can be cleaned fairly easily with a damp cloth. Most of the manufacturers use reinforced seams so the pressure points at the seams don't fray.

Important

If you decide to go with a travelpack, make sure you get one that is small enough to use as a carry-on. Many travelpacks, including the entire JanSport World Traveler line and the Eagle Creek Endless Journey, are too large to carry-on. You will end up having to check them in, defeating the entire purpose of travelite.
Bona fide travelpacks should be able to convert to: a short-handled bag; a shoulder bag; and a backpack. If does not qualify for ALL THREE, it should not be considered as an option. This means a great little bag like the JanSport Four Great Directions Carry-on bag, which is marketed as a travelpack, would not pass muster because it does not have the D-rings to support the latching on of shoulder straps.

Advantages: Looks modest and decent. Versatile; can be carried as a briefcase, shoulder bag or backpack. Easy to clean. Easy to mend with a small sewing kit.

Disadvantages: Most have no wheels so tougher for those with bad backs or trouble carrying heavy things. Extra bells and whistles usually means travelpacks are more expensive than a plain backpack or shoulder bag. And as mentioned above, most models are too large for women.

Important features to look for:

Make sure the seams seem strong.
Make sure the zippers do not seem too flimsy, preferably YKK zippers.
Look for a little loop at one end, through which you can install a little padlock (and lock it onto the end of your zipper).
Look for a separate set of short handles so you do not have to rely on your backpack straps
The backpack straps are adjustable and feel comfortable on you.
The backpack straps should be padded.
Bottom of backpack straps should be detachable and the straps concealable on a back panel accessible through a zipper.
Shoulder strap should be adjustable, and comfort pad should adjust to a good spot on your shoulder at whatever length you set the strap.
Shoulder strap should be detachable.
Look for internal compression straps to tie down your clothing.
Look for a separate outside pocket to hold your tickets, etc.

Travelpack Basics

Important

Important features to look for:

Continued: General Prices of travelpacks.

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