Over the next few years, I expect to do some serious international travel -- trips of one to two months at a time, mostly in the "developing" world, in places ranging from Peru's sacred valley to Indonesia and Cambodia to Morocco and Egypt, among others.
The first of these trips will be in May, and I've begun researching bags. I'd like to be well-organized and avoid checking a bag when possible, so I'm looking at carry-on travel bags rather than hiking backpacks. After much thought and googling, I've tentatively narrowed things down to three options: a Minaal Carry-on 2.0; a Tortuga Outbreaker; or something from Tom Bihn. The new Mission Workshop Radian is also intriguing, but it comes with serious sticker shock -- $585!
For those who don't know them, the other two bags are here ..
Minaal Carry-on 2.0
https://www.minaal.com/collections/b...l-carry-on-bag
Tortuga Outbreaker
https://www.tortugabackpacks.com/pro...ravel-backpack
One of the biggest points in favor of TB is the legendary quality and durability, plus the fact that TB is a well-established company that will still be around a decade or two from now. Both Minaal and Tortuga are recent start-ups, and who knows whether they'll survive long enough to honor their warranties?
Points in favor of the others? With the padded hip belt, the Tortuga in particular may be more comfortable to carry loaded, especially for longer periods. And both the Minaal and the Tortuga may offer better weather resistance -- the Minaal has a raincover; the Tortuga is made from waterproof sailcloth.
I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the merits of a TB bag for my intended uses, even if you've no experience with the other bags. Idle speculation is welcome.
And just to be clear: it's my hope that you can talk me into going with TB.
Thank you!
The first of these trips will be in May, and I've begun researching bags. I'd like to be well-organized and avoid checking a bag when possible, so I'm looking at carry-on travel bags rather than hiking backpacks. After much thought and googling, I've tentatively narrowed things down to three options: a Minaal Carry-on 2.0; a Tortuga Outbreaker; or something from Tom Bihn. The new Mission Workshop Radian is also intriguing, but it comes with serious sticker shock -- $585!
For those who don't know them, the other two bags are here ..
Minaal Carry-on 2.0
https://www.minaal.com/collections/b...l-carry-on-bag
Tortuga Outbreaker
https://www.tortugabackpacks.com/pro...ravel-backpack
One of the biggest points in favor of TB is the legendary quality and durability, plus the fact that TB is a well-established company that will still be around a decade or two from now. Both Minaal and Tortuga are recent start-ups, and who knows whether they'll survive long enough to honor their warranties?
Points in favor of the others? With the padded hip belt, the Tortuga in particular may be more comfortable to carry loaded, especially for longer periods. And both the Minaal and the Tortuga may offer better weather resistance -- the Minaal has a raincover; the Tortuga is made from waterproof sailcloth.
I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the merits of a TB bag for my intended uses, even if you've no experience with the other bags. Idle speculation is welcome.
And just to be clear: it's my hope that you can talk me into going with TB.
Thank you!
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