open transport

Overall Rating: ( 5 reviews )

1. Posted: Mar 29 2008

   This backpack claims to have an "internal frame" which is actually a flimsy plastic sheet. I barely used the backpack, but after about six months the plastic frame started crumbling. All the plastic shards ended up in a pile at the bottom of the pack. I was forced to cut open a hole in the pack in order to remove all the pieces. The plastic was so soft that it continued to crumble as I handled it. I'd say this is pretty inexcusable. The overall design is decent and it looks good. However, I needed the frame for support, so I don't recommend it for hiking or heavy loads.

2. ( 1 of 1 found this review helpful ) Posted: Jan 1 2008

   It worked well enough that I used it for a 10 and 1/2 month trip. Depending on the airline, the main bag is small enough that, when separated from the day pack, it can be used as a carry-on. However, again it depends on the airline and aircraft. (Some airlines only allow 1 carry-on bag, and some airlines have smaller size allowances for carry-on luggage.) I bought a small bag so I could carry it on, but I quickly found myself checking it anyway because of the liquid restrictions on carry-on luggage. Also, even though it is small it's cumbersome to have to keep it with you in the airport. It's just easier to give it to the airlines and let them deal with it. If you intend on putting locks on the zippers note that you can do so but the zipper handles are made of fabric and not metal, so anyone with a pair of scissors could cut it and get in your bag. (However, I never had anything stolen.) Also, there is no way to lock the sunglasses holder on the day pack. The bag is pretty comfortable IMHO. I fit a small laptop (VAIO TX series with 11.1 inch screen) in the day pack. If you want a bag that will force you to pack lightly, get this bag. It held up fairly well--i.e. nothing broke. However, after over 20 flights and using this bag every day for the better part of a year, it's showing a good amount of wear and tear. Next time I travel I will get a bag that's just a tiny bit bigger, has metal zipper handles, has mesh pockets on the outside of the daypack. Lastly, I think it would be good to have a bag that has a pull-out waterproof cover; this one doesn't. All in all, for the money it's a great bag.

3. ( 1 of 1 found this review helpful ) Posted: Nov 5 2007

   Bought this travel pack a few months ago... but was only able to use it to its potential last weekend... fits a lot of stuff in there.. and the side opening makes it easier to pack and unpack stuff.. the cushioning on the back is good... Its good to put in a couple of days stuff... the only negative abt it.. after completely stuffing it.. the balance on the bag was not absolutely vertical causing me to bend forwards a little bit to negate the effect..

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