Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsEverything you've ever hoped for in a travel bag.
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2016
I love this backpack. I spent HOURS searching for a versatile bag that could possibly be used as a carry on, or be durable enough to be used as a checked bag.
PROS:
- This entire bag is actually two backpacks. The main bag has hidden shoulder straps that are tucked and zipped away when needed, and the smaller backpack attaches to the front via another zipper. When they are attached you would never know these are two backpacks in one.
- When detached, the main bag is small enough to be considered a carryon. I recently traveled and used the smaller backpack as my personal item, and the main bag as my carryon. Everything went smoothly and it fit perfectly in the overhead compartment (this was flying Southwest).
- I've had duffels partially open and rip when I've sent them through as a checked bag. This one had no issues! The main bags optional backpack straps tuck away and get zipped up perfectly, and the extra security buckles across the front held everything else in just fine. No rips or tears, and no socks and underwear spilling down the baggage claim (true story).
- Perfect for traveling in the city or a longer trip. When both sections of this bag are packed to the absolute brim, of course it's going to be a bit bulky. But, they still fit together and still were able to be carried on my back without any pain or awkwardness. There is a waist strap that wraps around you as well as a smaller buckle across your chest to really secure it all in there. At the top (by your shoulders) you also are given the option to tighten or loosen the overall fit of the back on your back (more or less how tight it is to your body).
- I was traveling from Colorado to New York via plane, then from there to Philly via bus, back to New York (bus), and finally home to Colorado. The versatility of this backpack made my travels SO much easier. I felt bad for my friend's and their bulky luggage who struggled to run around the city, climb stairs, or jump in taxi's as nimbly as I could.
- It has two handles that can be used when it's not in backpack-mode. One on the side, and one on the top. Both are cushioned and in great locations for lugging it in and out of overhead bins and trunks.
- Seriously. Buy this bag. Like, stop what you are doing, click "add to cart" and buy it. Yeah, it's a bit expensive (to me, at least), but I wont be needing a new one for a lonnnnnnnnnnng time. And when I do, I'm sure Osprey will have another fantastic option for me to choose from.
- The main compartment unzips like a suitcase (around the side) rather than straight down the middle (like a duffel) or from the top (like a backpack). This is perfect for travel because I don't need to dig around to reach things I need.
- I'd feel perfectly confident using this as a backpacking bag as well.
- Oh, and it's a Colorado brand :) I was basically a walking billboard for Colorado between this and my Chacos.
CONS:
- When the smaller backpack is completely stuffed, my Polar brand water bottle did not fit in the water bottle holders. I was disappointed, but my water bottles are all pretty massive. I have yet to try, but I think a normal sized plastic water bottle should be fine. I plan to get a carabiner and clip my water bottle onto the many strapys and doodads that are available on the bag.
- I'm not sure why, but I thought there was a zipper pocket on the waist strap of the main backpack. I was disappointed to find out I was wrong, but the little backpack has a nice front zipper and an internal pocket friend that is easily accessible. This was convenient for things like IDs and boarding passes as the zipper is pretty hidden (so I don't have to worry about people getting into my bag when Im not looking).
OVERALL:
I'm in love with this bag. Please buy it. Seriously, if you're disappointed I'll take full responsibility (but I promise you wont be).
