Can anyone compare the Aeronaut and the Patagonia MLC

[dclawyer]

I like the looks of both the Aeronaut and the Patagonia MLC. Can anyone compare the two bags? I have the impression that the Aeronaut will hold more than the MLC.

Does it make sense to own both or would that be redudant?

[bbcamp]

I own both bags. I use both, but tend to prefer the Aeronaut more and more--more thought seems to have gone into it, and it carries better (and without bulging) whether full or not.

The big difference is that the MLC is better for flat-packing (it opens like a book, and the main comartment goes all the way across the width of the bag)

The Aeronaut has two end pockets, and one rectangular main compartment which opens with a u-shaped flap. It is better for bundle-wrapping/packing.

The MLC is better as a briefcase replacement, since it organizes little stuff better. But I carry the Aeronaut with an ID or Large Cafe Bag to handle the little stuff.

It takes a little re-thinking of ones packing strategies for the Aeronaut, but it will grow on you. It is now my bag of choice for short trips (like this weekend).

Go look at the MLC at the Georgetown Patagonia store, if you still live in DC.

In the best of all possible worlds, you could, of course, have both bags.....

Note that Tom Binh is coming out with a new design, which may (or may not...) lend itself better to flat packing.

bb

[dclawyer]

Thank you bbcamp. That's helpful. What bag is coming and when? I hadn't heard of it.

I think in end I want both the MLC and the Aeronaut.

Does the ID look ok for business in your opinion?

[bbcamp]

DC, I made a mistake: I use an Imago, not an ID (got confused with my future buying plans...)

At any rate, I am not the one to answer the question....I am not in business.

I did remember another point in favor of the Aeronaut: it will stand up by itself, whereas the MLC usually won't.

The name of the new bag is the Tristar. Apparently, it will be between the Aeronaut and the Western Flyer in size.

good luck!

bb

[BigMikeD.]

In my opinion, it appears that the Patagonia MLC is a slightly larger copy of the Western Flyer. As noted by bbcamp, the two bags pack differently, as the Aeronaut has one large duffle-like compartment and a smaller compartment at each end rather than side-by-side compartments of similar dimensions. In other words, owning both bags wouldn't be redundant but you might find better options than the MLC for a carry-on. The Tristar might fill the role you envision for the MLC, and I could see it looking "business-like" in black or steel, but you also might find it a little large for the job.