I agree with what you say regarding compression straps, but I think the way Steves has implemented them is wrong.

Why didnt they extend them to just above the main compartments zipper?

Packing this bag and then compressing the pack via the straps, as they currently are, just adds to the strain on the zipper whereas if they where above the zip line they could compress without the fear of busting the zip.

The ebags weekender implements the compression straps correctly imho.

do you agree or am I missing something here?

cheers Bob

After owning a Steves Classic, setting it aside to use the Appenzell, upsizing to a Patagonia MLC and Outdoor Products Carryon Essentials (OPEC), and acquiring the latest GoLite TraveLite – I’ve returned to the Steves Classic.

WHY?!!??

1. Lightweight. 2 pounds.

2. Largest volume. 44 linear inches. Truly maximum legal carryon size as measured by the most liberal published US standards (may need to be compressed, using the built-in compression straps, for other regions).

3. Exterior compression straps to manage the large volume. The straps connect BELOW the area that the exterior panels need for their storage, so you can compress your main compartment load without trashing the usability of exterior compartments. DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPORTANCE AND UTILITY OF COMPRESSION STRAPS. They let this bag serve for small, medium, and large packing duties without inviting clothing to shift around, which would otherwise happen in a lightly packed bag.

3. Cheap (but excellent!) matching packing cubes – Rick Steves’ own packing cube set will exactly fill the bottom half of the main compartment. (Order these separately). To get cubes in exact sizes for any other luggage, it’s off to Tom Bihn at MUCH higher prices.

4. Included o-ring document/small items pouch in the main compartment. Extra on the Bihns. Included “dirty laundry” lightweight mesh pouches.

5. Foam pad on back is perfect – not too thick, comfortable on the back, but stiff enough to give this otherwise unpadded bag the structure it needs. (This is something sorely lacking on the OPEC.)

6. The full-height slot on the front panel is perfect for stowing a jacket – even a fat one. It DOES have panels vertically to give it some “natural” depth – it- doesn’t have to “rob” from the interior.

7. One gusseted “why did I buy that paperback” lower compartment; one non-gusseted odds-and-ends pouch.

8. 3/4 height shoe panel in main compartment.

9. Interior tie-down straps.

While the exterior compartments won’t substitute for a personal bag – there is no pen or key holder, no netbook compartment – the fact that the exterior compartments can swallow up a scarf or cap, gloves and other items means the personal bag can be smaller.

Full circle. I’m thinking the Classic and the Gator (ok, maybe a Patagonia Lightwire Brief) for my trip in January.

BTW, this particular lighting bulb – how valuable the compression straps are! – didn’t go on until I gave away my black Classic. I had to order another one, in Slate, and in that color it looks MUCH classier than in black – a rare time when black isn’t the color of choice.

Thanks for sharing. Surprised you’ve had this much trouble; let us know if you’re able to resolve it. FWIW, I emailed Steves about a PR sample and they never responded. Good luck!

Thanks for your kind comments – I really appreciate it. I work on the blog at night, usually spending from 6 until about 10 working on it, at times to my wife’s dismay… but she remains very supportive. Ethically, I just can’t work on the blog – in any fashion – at work. I’ll check stats perhaps once a day, and might approve a comment, but that’s it. So it’s nights and weekends, but it’s fun, and a real challenge – some posts take hours and hours – and rewarding when readers comment and say something encouraging… so, thank you.

Your comments on the Classic are spot on. I can’t imagine checking that bag often if ever – I don’t think it’d hold up well at all. But stowed on board, used by a student or someone who doesn’t travel a lot but wants to go the one bag route – I think it’s absolutely fine and in fact a very solid value.

And I agree totally about Red Oxx. If I implied their products are expensive without mentioning value, my bad. I’m in love with their stuff. And frankly – the Air Boss is the kind of bag other travelers notice in the airport… it’s got quality written all over it. Occasionally someone will ask me about it, wondering who makes it, where I got it, and so forth.

In any event, thanks again for your kind comments and your support of Practical Hacks.

Kevin