Finding the Perfect Travel Bag

Trying to select only one bag that can fit all my travel needs can be quite tricky. When I’m camping or hiking, transporting a wheeled carry-on is not doable. But when I’m traveling on business trip, showing up with a backpack would look equally ridiculous And every so often, I go to a trade show or other event where a padded duffel bag would be the best option for transporting books, electronics gear or other items.

Enter the Aeronaut Maximum Carry-On Travel Bag by: Tom Bihn . Made from heavy-duty 1050 Ballistic waterproof nylon fabric with splash-proof YKK #10 splash-proof, water-resistant zippers, this bag proves to the be the most versatile travel bag I’ve ever owned. At 22″ x 14″ x 9″, this bag meets most airlines’ requirements for carry-on luggage as long I don’t over stuff this soft bag.

For trekking through transportation hubs or a day of hiking, the Aeronaut’s attached backpack straps allow me to use the bag as backpack. These straps allow me to adjust the bag to fit my body size while the back panel padded with closed-cell foam allows the bag to rest comfortably on my back. When I need to take the bag into a more business like setting, these straps zip-away so I can then transport the bag like an old-fashioned suitcase using the bag’s padded handle. An optional shoulder strap allows me to carry the bag over my shoulder like a Duffel bag.

The interior of the Aeronaut is divided into thirds making it easy to pack items. Zip open the main compartment and I can pack a sizable number of folded clothing. A small mesh pocket can contain small travel items. Removable compression/tie-down straps in main compartment can help keep one’s clothing from sliding around. I found it helpful to stack my clothes using a few of Aeronaut’s specifically designed cubes that maximize the space inside the Aeronaut. Upon arrival in my destination, I can pull out the cubes and easily access whatever clothing I need during my trip.

The two end pockets on each side of the main compartment can hold shoes, dirty clothes, and other items I might want to keep separated from the main compartment. I find it handy to use one compartment to store my clear quart size bag of liquid items, passport, tickets and other items I need to be able to access very quickly. While the Aeronaut does not have a specific compartment for a laptop, I was able to fit my 15″ laptop inside the main compartment which I protected using a neoprene sleeve.

As this luggage only weight 2.71 pounds, I found I could easily carry this bag on my back no matter which combination I chose to utilize. However, I am physically fit and can travel light. Those with back problems or a tendency to over pack for trips may want to look into getting a wheeled roll-aboard luggage though as I noted, this option is not nearly as versatile as an Aeronaut.

Check out the Aeronaut and other travel bags via the Tom Bihn website or stop by their Seattle factory showroom.


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