Will the Aeronaut work well if it's not fully packed?

[dwright17]

So here's the dilemma. My husband and I are meeting my family for Christmas in Tennessee next week. I offered to do the stockings for the whole family this year, so I've bought 8 stockings worth of stuffers to take there. Fun! I travel with a WF, and have a Synapse, but the stuffers won't all fit in the Synapse.

Only my friends on this forum will appreciate where my mind immediately went to solve this problem! Why not buy an Aeronaut and everything will fit into one bag? Others that aren't TB addicts look at me like I'm crazy, so I decided to post here to pose the question - ha!

So the question is, going to TN the bag will be full. However, coming back, since I know what everyone is getting us for Christmas, the bag won't be full. Will the Aeronaut maintain a decent shape if it's not packed tightly? This may happen a lot, as I usually do just fine with my WF for a week.

Alternately, I could buy a couple of large shop bags and use those.

What do you all think? I have only a few days to decide and purchase!

[Katy]

So here's the dilemma. My husband and I are meeting my family for Christmas in Tennessee next week. I offered to do the stockings for the whole family this year, so I've bought 8 stockings worth of stuffers to take there. Fun! I travel with a WF, and have a Synapse, but the stuffers won't all fit in the Synapse.

Only my friends on this forum will appreciate where my mind immediately went to solve this problem! Why not buy an Aeronaut and everything will fit into one bag? Others that aren't TB addicts look at me like I'm crazy, so I decided to post here to pose the question - ha!

So the question is, going to TN the bag will be full. However, coming back, since I know what everyone is getting us for Christmas, the bag won't be full. Will the Aeronaut maintain a decent shape if it's not packed tightly? This may happen a lot, as I usually do just fine with my WF for a week.

Alternately, I could buy a couple of large shop bags and use those.

What do you all think? I have only a few days to decide and purchase!

What about gifts TO you? Those have to make it home somehow!

[dwright17]

Well, I thought about that! I know my husband is getting two shirts, but my Mom had my stuff sent to me here just so I wouldn't have to bring it back across the country. We'll get stuff from the kids; I just kinda doubt I'll get much bulky stuff. Sounds like you're voting for an Aeronaut, though, Katy. I'm coming down there on Saturday; I just talked a friend into making the road trip from Bellingham! If you're there, you'll have to help me pick out the perfect bag!

[Frank II]

Here's a thought....ask yourself which bag you'll use most AFTER the holiday trip is over.

[Katy]

Well, I thought about that! I know my husband is getting two shirts, but my Mom had my stuff sent to me here just so I wouldn't have to bring it back across the country. We'll get stuff from the kids; I just kinda doubt I'll get much bulky stuff. Sounds like you're voting for an Aeronaut, though, Katy. I'm coming down there on Saturday; I just talked a friend into making the road trip from Bellingham! If you're there, you'll have to help me pick out the perfect bag!

I'll be there! Can't wait to see you! Your visits are always so much fun!

[malamalama]

First of all, your thread title is cleverly worded. For example, if it said "should I get another TB bag?", you can imagine the replies...

As far as the aeronaut being half full, I've never had a problem with it. In fact, I tend to purposely leave it partially full when I'm going somewhere knowing I'll be bringing back a bunch of souvenirs. Using that logic, half of the time I travel my aeronaut is less than full. On another thread, I've also commented about how I find the aeronaut and it's main cavity easier to pack than the wf/air boss style of the entire bag opening like a book.

[dwright17]

@ FrankII - How PRACTICAL of you! Far too reasonable a train of thought for a person known as a bag lady!

@ Katy - Yes, I've already put my wishlist on my iPhone - ha! I'm bringing a new recruit to TB, by the way. I've already turned 3 friends into fellow addicts, so hopefully this will be the fourth!

@ malamalama - This is so helpful; thanks a lot. I love using my WF, but I have found myself on occasion wishing I had more of a duffel layout to bring my souvenirs home (usually from Hawaii, where you are!). I really appreciate your input here. And this allows me to still only have one bag, which is awfully nice.

[jeffmac]

First of all, Christmas in TN...two thumbs up! If you are in Nashville you should drive through the Opryland Hotel campus and gape at the ridiculous quantity of lights.

As I think I have pointed out before, empty space is a challenge. You should get the Aeronaut...fill it with Christmas stuff and assess the empty space.

Than you should fill it up with stuff you can't get in Seattle!

Suggestions:

Nashville:Jams and Jellies from the Loveless Cafe
Knoxville: Powerfully orange clothing!
Memphis: Elvis...MAMA!
Chattanooga: A Ruby Falls bird house
Lynchburg: Ahem!
Gatlinburg:Chapel of Love memorabilia- I actually got married there!

Is that enough enabling for you! I hope you have a Tender TN Christmas!

[Frank II]

First of all, Christmas in TN...two thumbs up! If you are in Nashville you should drive through the Opryland Hotel campus and gape at the ridiculous quantity of lights.

When did they stop using rhinestones?

[jeffmac]

When did they stop using rhinestones?

That is next door at the actual Opry...good reflections that way!

[nukediver]

Ok @dwright17, you need to know you're making all of us who can't drive to Seattle to buy a bag really jealous! :-)

[Scattered]

I use my Aeronaut for short weekend trips at least once a month, and it's only about 2/3 to 3/4 full for those trips, and it's worked fine. I do use an Eagle Creek Pack 'n Fold for my shirts and sweaters, which keeps them from shifting around in the bag and avoids the wrinkling I get when I strap them down with the straps in the bag. If you keep in mind how you'll carry the bag when it's packed, you'll be able to make it work. I usually use the backpack straps, so I put shoes and other heavy stuff in the end pocket at the "bottom" of the bag and the bottom of the inside of the center compartment, if I have a lot of heavy stuff, and light stuff like socks and underwear in the top end pocket. It's worked pretty well, just took a bit of practice to work out a new packing style. Someday, I might try a Western Flyer for these shorter trips, but for now, I can't complain about the Aeronaut's performance. And it is nice when I shop on my weekend away and don't have to worry about finding a second bag to haul my new bounty home! Enjoy you family time in Tennessee.

[dwright17]

Good advice, Scattered. I was thinking about that very thing - i.e., how to pack so that a couple of breakable ornaments would be on top and not smashed down by shoes, etc.

jeffmac, I didn't notice before you were from TN! I grew up in Knoxville. It's so beautiful in the Smokies! If we get by the chapel, I'll take a pic for you!

And nukediver, I understand what you mean - ha! There should be live web shopping event for those of you who can't make it there - ha ha!

[dwright17]

I got the navy/solar Aeronaut and it worked perfectly! It was never underpacked, though, LOL!