Aeronaut - but smaller....maybe??

[ElenTikvah]

Very excited about this smaller Aeronaut idea. I purchased a used Aeronaut recently, and absolutely love it, but I was overpacked for a week-long trip with it! So, a smaller form would be great. I like the look of the TriStar, and my hunny likes it too, so I'll sure that one of those is in our future, but I'd love a slightly smaller (Europe-compliant) Aeronaut!

[Maria]

ShineAgain - very interesting! That the Aeronaut can hold more than the Air Boss. I'm not surprised, but this is the first I've read / heard about such a test. Thank you.

I too wouldn't mind seeing a slightly smaller Aeronaut. Aeronautlette of sorts. Same things, just slightly smaller.

[ShineAgain]

I agree with you on the form-factor of the Aeronaut, which I personally prefer to other bag designs. I purchased a Red Oxx Air Boss before I picked up the Aeronaut. The bag is very nice, but I did an experiment just to see how much I could pack in each bag. I took 8 pairs of underwear (briefs, socks, and moisture-wicking Tees, plus two pairs of jeans, six dress shirts, extra shoes and a ridiculous amount of toiletries, wires and cables. They didn't all fit in the Air Boss even though I used all the tricks, cubes, and folders at my disposal. I was blown away to find that it all easily and comfortably fit in the Aeronaut and it still held it's form with a decent amount of room to spare. The bag is simply cavernous. By the way, I never travel with that much gear/clothing, but this was just a use-experiment.

So, IMHO, it really is the form factor (yes, more cubic inches help as well), but it is the form factor that makes this level of packing, possible. I personally do not want a different form-factor from the Aeronaut. Because of the design, it would be easy to cut that bag down just a tiny-bit smaller, and still carry an extreme amount of stuff. Bottom line, I'm not as thrilled with a three-compartment design, even though I often need and use a suit! The option of the current size of Aeronaut plus a slightly smaller Aeronaut would be my go-to choice for life!

[malamalama]

I really like the modified duffle bag form factor that is the Aeronaut, but, I would like that form factor on a smaller scale

The form factor is the main reason I like the Aeronaut so much. It took me awhile, but I realized that because of the way it opens, it's similar to my old wheeled carry-on. In other words, lay it down flat and run the zipper around three sides and flip open to storage space. I prefer that to the briefcase styled packing with compression straps and no sides to speak of.

I guess what I'm saying is that the form factor does make a difference.

[Jenne]

It has a name!! Hooray! It shall be real! I'm saving my pennies now!

Make my dreams come true and tell me it will be available in purple!! (I'll happily accept steel with ultraviolet interior, though.)

I'm so excited!

[ShineAgain]

I just really hope for a Euronaut or Asianaut...not those names, but the minimum size reduction necessary to fly through the finicky parts of Europe and Asia. Just a trim, please...not too much off the top and sides!

[Carolina]

Sold!! I will be one of the first to buy that smaller version of the Aeronaut!!

[rabergnc]

Exactly! As I noted in my first post, I would like to see a bag about the size of either the Tristar or WF but with the form factor of the Aeronaut. I would not be averse to a larger size as you suggested, however!

[scotlib]

Ideally for me the size would be 6-7 x 13 x 18-19 with one end pocket. I think 2 end pockets in a bag that size takes too much away from the main compartment. I look forward to hearing more about the bag as time progresses.

but that size sounds practically like the Western Flyer's 18" x 12" x 7" .. barely more

it will be exciting the day we get to read the description for a new bag .. whatever Tom decides (still rooting for my new fav size

[misterN]

The smaller Aeronaut has a name, but we won't reveal it just yet. You didn't get a FOT pouch, jeffmac? That shouldn't be so! Email me: [email protected]

Ooooo! I like this smaller Aeronaut idea.

[ShineAgain]

The ideal 'smaller' Aeronaut would be to only remove the inches that are absolutely necessary to make it more European compliant. The Aeronaut is imply a perfect bag...just make it a hair smaller, but no more! I think the goal should be a bit of shrinkage, nothing more. Of course, if Tom is inspired to add a tweak or two, that would be cool too!

[rabergnc]

Ideally for me the size would be 6-7 x 13 x 18-19 with one end pocket. I think 2 end pockets in a bag that size takes too much away from the main compartment. I look forward to hearing more about the bag as time progresses.

[scotlib]

Darcy .. Tom surely has his own ideas, but after looking and buying bags galore (some here, but a .. ah .. few more, besides) I do hope Tom studies the 7 x 14 x 20.5. It really has been making me happy as a size. .. also the weight .. 2 1/2 lbs (strap not included).

[jeffmac]

Thanks for the info Darcy. I will stop trying to hijack this thread now!

[Darcy]

The smaller Aeronaut has a name, but we won't reveal it just yet. You didn't get a FOT pouch, jeffmac? That shouldn't be so! Email me: [email protected]