Spring Sale! Rick Steves is offering 20 percent off his carry-on travel bags at his Web site, including a terrific $63.95 price tag on his Classic Back Door Bag (regularly $79.95).. Rick Steves’ Classic Back Door Bag. That said, I doubt whether a 100 travel days will be enough sun exposure to matter and as carry-on bags, they are not subjected to the stress of zoo gorillas throwing your bag around. The Classic Back Door Bag ($79.95) is a similar product, though with backpack straps instead of the wheels and pull handle. This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity. Rolling Backpack. The earlier version is simpler, lighter and more durable. Get 5% in rewards with Club O! I will be ordering the RC Classic Back Door Bag today. I recently purchased his classic back door bag. Plus get a free set of Packing Cubes ($17.99 value) Pack light!) The main zipper has double zipper slides so I was able to use the second one to get home. Don't be alarmed if, at first glance, your Rolling Backpack looks "too small!" I agree with what you say regarding compression straps, but I think the way Steves has implemented them is wrong. I don’t know if the casual reader who stumbles across this blog realizes you “do it all yourself” and how hard that is! I recently purchased his classic back door bag. The company was given the trademarked name INVISTA and was then sold to privately owned Koch Industries in April 2004. ; it feels as though it’s closer to 2 lbs. But you should also note that nylon deteriorates faster than polyester when subjected to UV light (e.g. The differences are like night and day. Major props for a blog review/article worthy of a Conde Nast travel magazine! One bag travelers do just what the term implies – travel with just one bag which is always carried on. Garage Workbench Power Strip - Woodworking Info Tech, Tom Bihn Western Flyer | Flyer Products Design, New from Tom Bihn: a Western Flyer for wheelie users, 20 Ideas for is French Bread Healthy - The Best Recipes Compilation Ever. - 4077357 Rick Steves travel backpacks are lightweight, ... From full-size carry-on packs to day bags, you'll find our selection of backpacks ideal for all your travel needs. They've been stuffed far beyond capacity many times and we've never had a problem. In any event, thanks again for your kind comments and your support of Practical Hacks. The case he made for one bag travel was so compelling, I immediately began adopting that approach, first utilizing a backpack. So far I am not impressed with the customer service. When I was going through all the different backpack reviews, Rick Steve’s Convertible Carry-on Backpack caught my attention.This excellently designed, practical and sturdy pack has also got style. Surprised you’ve had this much trouble; let us know if you’re able to resolve it. IMO, the new versions are not as robust as the previous ones, especially in more severe use conditions. We've taken them everywhere - around the world, camping, to the beach. 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. Posted by Anna (Seattle, WA, United States) on 05/05/14 09:54 PM. When I used one, the bag would slide to the side quite a bit and tended to want to slip off my shoulder. Classic Trek: Travel with this revival of the bag that Rick carried through Europe back in the 20th century. I have, meanwhile ‘upgraded’ to a Tom Bihn TriStar, which I hated. Joe wrote a review Mar 2020. “One bag” is admittedly the way to go for extensive in-country training and busing through Europe and Asia, or if, like you, the traveler is a frequent business traveler on a tight schedule trying to squeeze as much “dead time” out of the system as possible (and can’t afford to ever have lost luggage). I’m in love with their stuff. The Steves website doesn’t list a specific weight, simply saying that it’s less than 3 lbs. Rick Steves is a true traveler and his designs show it. And they refuse to give them up. Will this bag really be big enough for a month in Europe? Quick Take: GoLite TraveLite Convertible Carry-on. I’ll check stats perhaps once a day, and might approve a comment, but that’s it. 8. 7. Convertible Carry-On. The Classic Back Door Bag ($79.95) is a similar product, though with backpack straps instead of the wheels and pull handle. bg-xr classic back door bag – b, c, k, o, s..... $79.99 bg-xt convertible carry-on – b, c, o, s ..... $99.99 ac-cubeset packing cubes – set of 3 ... ac-rs-pnbr rick steves … I’ve tried several bags more suited to one bag travel since then, including the subject of this review, the Rick Steves Classic Back Door bag. But those bags hang in there year after year. 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. Really disappointed with RS classic back door bag. The tie down straps on the original bag were just that--tie downs. But then, I don't use all of the volume, so maybe I shouldn't mind. Rick Steves Classic Back Door Bag now vs. the 90's. I think there are some loose seams, broken clips, and sticky zippers but the boys just love the sheer utility of these bags. The advantage of nylon is that all things being equal, nylon is stronger than polyester. Classic Back Door Bag. In that respect, it’s good to see an entrepreneur stay close to his roots (cheap travel, although Steves has plenty of dough now and doesn’t need to pinch pennies any more). I am sending off another email. The case for one bag travel is gaining momentum – with airlines now charging fees for checked bags – sometimes for your first checked bag, in fact – more and more travelers are opting this liberating, exciting approach to packing and travel. $79.99. I think I'm going to give one of them a try anyway. I am planning on using the Steves Alpenzall and Gator as cabin luggage on my next SE Asia trip – I’m just going to bit the bullet and pack my jiu jitsu gi (uniform) in checked luggage, and carry a spare change of clothing, bathroom stuff, mouthpieces and protective gear (all the stuff I wouldn’t want to be separated from) in my carryon bags. Before we take a close look at the Steves Classic, let’s take a moment to visit the reasoning behind traveling with one bag. Since 1973, Rick Steves has spent about four months a year exploring Europe. The material is different. You should realize that Cordura (R) is a brand name originally owned by du Pont and now owned by Koch Industries., Cordura (R) is manufactured from nylon and comes in different weights from "ballistic"to very light weight. (Note: It's possible to over-stuff soft-sided bags beyond carry-on limits, and risk rejection. Civita 100% Hemp Day Pack. ... Classic Back Door Bag. Extra on the Bihns. Outside: The classic, Rick Steves outer-pocket design gives it a clean, efficient look. The store is located in Edmonds, Washington, north of Seattle. My glitch was that one side of the double zipper failed. ©2021 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy. They look completely different, the material is different, the workmanship is different. I have offered to buy them new ones, at least. Now I am trying to get some resolution to to busted bag through RS customer service folks. Ask me again in 20 years. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Rick Steves 21 Inch Wheeled Bag, Red, One Size at Amazon.com. Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door teaches a person how to be a traveler rather than a tourist. In absolute terms it may be, but I think they deliver great value for the money. Convert a standard refrigerator into a wine refrigerator. If you have any questions, please email me via the "Contact" page. Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door teaches a person how to be a traveler rather than a tourist. And frankly – the Air Boss is the kind of bag other travelers notice in the airport… it’s got quality written all over it. Included o-ring document/small items pouch in the main compartment. Rick Steves travel backpacks are lightweight, durable, and designed for maximum comfort and capacity. No standing around in baggage claim waiting for your luggage to show up (ever done this at O’Hare?? Save 20% on all bags through Sunday, 4/3/16 or while Included “dirty laundry” lightweight mesh pouches. Review of Rick Steves' Europe. My pack also holds more than hers, but hers fits more easily in overhead compartments on planes. Review of Rick Steves' Europe. Note: Because of its flexible structure, this bag won't reach its full height and depth until it's packed. Recently with increased traveling I have purchased a few things from his site for my trips. ), They’re heavy – the frame, handle and wheels add weight; many weigh 7 to 9 lbs. As I was planning for a trip through Europe, finding the best traveling backpack has been among my foremost preparatory preoccupations. Visit the Rick Steves website listing for this product by CLICKING HERE. The more recent version has some nice features but at a cost. Make bakery-style Italian bread at home: frugal, healthy & utterly delicious! His mission: to empower Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. If I implied their products are expensive without mentioning value, my bad. Rick Steves' Europe. Read honest and unbiased product reviews ... No other small bag had that. Anyone have a new one and care to comment on the quality? If you have both and could compare that would be even more helpful. Pack light and right with Rick's custom-designed day packs, shoulder bags, and wheeled bags. I'm fairly certain it will best suit my needs. And most have multiple compartments, making it easier to separate your items including your TSA liquids bag. $49.99. The profit margins on this bag must be squeezed to the bone, and Steves must insist they make this one because it adheres most closely to his travel philosophy. Ask E3057WCjoef about Rick Steves' Europe. Why didnt they extend them to just above the main compartments zipper? That said, the Classic is pretty functional darting between airport terminals and to and from hotels etc. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Rick Steves 21 Inch Wheeled Bag, Red, One Size at Amazon.com. $24.99. (Order these separately). Compare Rick’s Bags. I like a few things about them like the drink holder and the extra outside pockets. The RedOxx is designed for…well you can finish that better than me, I’m just getting my toes wet in the RedOxx line. Also, this website may be compensated by companies mentioned through product reviews, affiliate programs, or by other means. 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. I would like to have one a little smaller (2000 cu in) and lighter (<=2#). Rolling Backpack. But for me, honestly, after a 20 hour flight to Thailand, waiting 15 minutes for my bag at the carousel isn’t such a big deal, and since I’m just staying one location in country, lost luggage shouldn’t be a complete disaster. DIY: Hide a key outside your home where no one will find it! I have a new one and very happy with it. 44 linear inches. Civita Day Pack. I have 2 sons. For the price, I definitely think the new ones are worth a try! Finally, I found what I wanted in the ebags weekender. I was wanting to get a couple of the current version of the Classic Back Door Bag for my kids while they're on sale and just from browsing reviews online I get the impression they are not quite as indestructible as they used to be. by Timbuk2. $49.99. The RS Convertible has been $99 for quite a while . – didn’t go on until I gave away my black Classic. I'm with Edger, the rectangular shape maximizes volume for the dimensions. laptop in it, and suddenly you’re pulling 15 lbs. Ravenna Day Pack. It's kind of hard to compare a bag bought 20 years ago with a new one for indestructibility. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. Your comments on the Classic are spot on. 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). 2. This pack also lacks the Lexan frame found on the Roll-Aboard. The result? Appenzell Day Pack. Inside the pouch were 2 cinch-up mesh bags for storing small items, There are 3 zippered compartments on the outside – a shallow one perfect for your TSA liquids bag, a deeper one for excess clothing, magazines, and the like, and a large pocket that’d be capable of holding a padfolio, folders, or even a laptop (if you can tolerate the weight), The zipper on the main compartment is 3 sided, making packing that compartment easy. It's just a matter of principle. My wife and I took the 7 day Heart of Ireland tour last June. 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