Western Flyer- backpack straps or rollerboard option?

[roadrunner]

So I have been eyeing the western flyer for a while now as an alternative to my aeronaut when I have short trips that are work related.
here's my delimma- I would most likely carry this in tandem with my zephr which is my daily briefcase. So for those of you who use a WF with another bag... do you prefer the backpack straps or the rollerbag configuration?

I initially thought the rollerbag option was the way to go, but then I saw Maverick's post about his day trip to NYC wearing his WF, and it has me rethinking....


WF users, what's your setup?

[dorayme]

I chose backpack straps. I'm pretty wimpy so it's the only way I can manage to carry a heavy load. My WF would be the heaviest bag I carry, anything else I have along should be lighter. The lighter bags can be managed with shoulder Straps and hand grips, etc. Though it's not optimal, if I decide to use my WF with a rollerbag or rolling cart I can bungee or strap it on. If I had not choosen the Backpack option, I can't put something together it to later use it as a backpack.

[gmoskal]

Please don't get the one with wheels. I don't even know why Tom Bihn makes anything with wheels. If you must have wheels you can add a lightweight folding luggage cart such as the Kart-A-Bag Concorde II and the Wesco Mini Mover. (Note: I'm not sure if these exact ones are still available I got the names from the excellent "One bag" website.
Edited to add: I am shortly buying (amongst other TB goodies) the WF with backpack straps for myself and my goal is to have this as my MAIN and only luggage. PS I am a girl so for some ladies that is impossible. I don't want to be light I want to be uber light.
I just noticed that this is an old post so please let us know which one you ended up getting.

[roadrunner]

thanks Dorayme for the reflections.
I am beginning to lean to the backpack straps, but wondering how much loss of useable space it makes.... The aeronaut is so big I don't worry about it, but with a smaller bag, I wonder if I would be better to maximize the space?

gmosskal, the rollerboard option has a zippered sleeve instead of backpack straps that could be draped over a rollerboard; it isn't a rollerboard itself.

[dorayme]

Please don't get the one with wheels. I don't even know why Tom Bihn makes anything with wheels. If you must have wheels you can add a lightweight folding luggage cart such as the Kart-A-Bag Concorde II and the Wesco Mini Mover. (Note: I'm not sure if these exact ones are still available I got the names from the excellent "One bag" website.

There are no current bags with wheels that are offered from Tom Bihn. TB hasn't found hardware that lasts as long as their bags do. However TB makes several bags that are able to slip over the handles of a rolling bag or cart. The Western Flyer and Tri-Star can be ordered with this configuration. The Co-Pilot and Cadet also have this as a feature, but they are not offered with backpack straps. The back of the bag has a pocket. There is a zipper towards the bottom of it. If you want to carry the bag and have a back pocket, leave the zipper closed. If you want to have the option to slip the bag over handles, unzip it and no need to carry an extra strap.

[dorayme]

The Straps and padding at the back do take up some nominal space, they also probably make the bag more rigid and less bulgy. I haven't noticed any problems from it though. It may impact the capacity the thickness of a pair of jeans? And the strap pocket is a convenient place to slip things into like papers or even a laptop in a pinch, especially if your travel isn't going to be rough.

Darcy, Katy, could you weigh in on the comparison between with and without backpack straps.

[gmoskal]

DUH! Yes I just realized that the WF with the rollaboard option is just how the back is done with a slip thru area to put over the handle of ANOTHER bag that DOES have wheels. Sorry. Sorry TB.

[Lani]

Without a doubt, the backpack straps. Because at least for me, the whole idea is to have the Western Flyer *BE* your primary travel bag. Needing the rolling upright retainer panel means I'd be using the Western Flyer as my in-flight back, but I'm also traveling with a (likely checked in) rolling upright. I don't typically do that.

Unless you almost always travel with a rolling upright, go with the backpack straps. That's my opinion, anyway.

[gmoskal]

Yes I agree with Lani. Make your goal to be the western flyer as your ONLY bag.