Can a (small) light jacket fit in Co-Pilot's side pockets?

[dzd]

I've checked out many Co-Pilot posts and videos. One question I still have is whether one of the side pockets (next to the water bottle compartment) could comfortably hold a big kids/small women's jacket that is light, but a bit thicker than nylon windbreaker shell type.

I want to use the bag mostly as a light brief/tote for day trips, going out, etc. (more than for "traveling"). I'd use the big compartment for books, papers, and maybe a netbook. That probably wouldn't leave much room for a jacket. I don't like stuffing compartments so tightly that it's a struggle to load things in and pull them out.

I'd probably only use one of the small side compartments for gadgets, small personal items, etc., leaving the other side compartment free for something else. So, I'd hope to fit my sweater/light jacket in there, but it seems like it'd make the zippers explode.

[Peregrine]

Personally I would say no. I tried for quite a while to fit in my thin rain jacket that was compacted into its storage bag, and no go. Those side pockets are handy foe a lot of things - camera, snacks, keys, etc, but the jacket would most likely have to be in the main pocket.

[Moose]

Hi dzd,
Like Peregrine I too would say no, a jacket would not fit well in the side pocket. Not without, as you said, making a zipper explode. I will say I like the Co-Pilot but I have to be frugal when packing it. Like you, I don't like my bags packed so tightly that I can't find things or pull something out with out everything else coming out with it.
Happy travels,
Moose

[dzd]

Thanks, guys - that's good to know.

For such reasons, I hope there will be a addition to the TB family before long - something like the Co-Pilot but just bit bigger (or with slightly different dimensions) that can more easily accommodate a jacket in a side compartment and also more easily fit file folders, clipboards, etc. in the main compartment.

The Co-Pilot has a 600 cuin. capacity and the Western Flyer has 1600 cuin. That is screaming for an in-between size! (I know models like the Zephyr and Empire Builder are in between, but I don't think I'd like the flaps on them - especially when they are secured with buckles. Also, these styles don't have dedicated water bottle compartments).

[pretzelb]

Synapse would handle what you want but it's a backpack and sounds like you want a shoulder style bag.

[jannilee]

Yes it can!

I just tried a women's size large Banana Republic merino cardigan in my Co-pilot's side pocket. It fit easy-peasy. Then i took my EddieBauer light weight but totally rainproof nisqually trench (also size large) and tried that - no problem! It wouldn't hold a winter weight anorak or a heavy sweater but lightish ones are fine and if you wear a small perhaps a heavier one would fit. I give you brand names only because weights of clothes vary.

[dzd]

Synapse would handle what you want but it's a backpack and sounds like you want a shoulder style bag.

Oh, I want a Synapse too - in addition to a Co-Pilot/Western Flyer style.

Yes it can!

Great! Thanks for the good news!

Giving specifics for the clothing items did help. I looked up the Eddie B. trench to get an idea of its bulkiness.

It does sound like, then, some of my lighter sweaters and shells will fit. It will probably be a close call for anything slightly thicker than those items.

[Darcy]

For such reasons, I hope there will be a addition to the TB family before long - something like the Co-Pilot but just bit bigger (or with slightly different dimensions) that can more easily accommodate a jacket in a side compartment and also more easily fit file folders, clipboards, etc. in the main compartment.

If there's a Co-Pilot, there must be a Pilot. Perhaps in mid-2011.

[dzd]

If there's a Co-Pilot, there must be a Pilot. Perhaps in mid-2011.

Great to hear!!