Looking to Buy First TB Bag

[jimlenz]

I currently have a roller board and messenger bag. I am looking to get a TB Aeronaut bag, which I am very excited about. I travel anywhere from 1 to 5 days and figure the aeronaut will cover me for any type of business trip. Most trips are business casual but some require 1 suit.

First comments on whether Aeronaut seems right for me? Second, when I go to the office I need to bring my laptop, cords, etc and am thinking of getting another bag that I can put in the Aeronaut? Someone suggested the Co-pilot but I dont think my laptop will fit in there. Is there another bag that can be placed in the Aeronaut(only want to carry one bag) and that I can take out, place my laptop and others for a day at the office?

Thanks

Jim

[Miking]

I love the aeronaut but it sounds like the Tri-star might be more of what you are looking for, being wider it lends itself well to packing suits, it can fit five days of business cloths but when not stuffed it looks like a nice respectable laptop bag. If you are flying you will definitely appreciate having the compartments like they are, it makes it really easy to slide out your laptop for the TSA, I keep my liquid toiletries in the middle compartment on a keystrap as well, one zip two pulls and everything they need to see is exposed (the new cache on rails system it has looks awesome as well but any old laptop sleeve will work). Also the aeronaut doesn't hold its shape very well with only one or two days worth of clothes and you will probably find yourself over-packing it.

[jimlenz]

I love the aeronaut but it sounds like the Tri-star might be more of what you are looking for, being wider it lends itself well to packing suits, it can fit five days of business cloths but when not stuffed it looks like a nice respectable laptop bag. If you are flying you will definitely appreciate having the compartments like they are, it makes it really easy to slide out your laptop for the TSA, I keep my liquid toiletries in the middle compartment on a keystrap as well, one zip two pulls and everything they need to see is exposed (the new cache on rails system it has looks awesome as well but any old laptop sleeve will work). Also the aeronaut looks doesn't hold its shape very well with only one or two days worth of clothes and you will probably find yourself over-packing it.

I will look into the Tri-Star. I had heard so much about the aeronaut that I really didn't even look elsewhere.

Any thoughts on a laptop bag that I can pack and then use while I am out on business. probably have 15 inch laptop, ipad, cables, etc. Thanks.

[jmoz]

If you go with the Tri-Star (and I love mine/think it's excellent for business travel), you could use a Brain Cell to protect your laptop within the Tri-Star. That same Brain Cell can be removed and used with your shoulder strap (definitely get the Absolute should strap!) and used as a laptop bag. It has a space for chargers, etc. Alternatively, I wonder if one could put a Cadet inside a Tri-Star? (I don't know, but someone will likely weigh in.) You could even use the Tri-Star itself for a laptop bag if you wanted.

[backpack]

The choice between the Aeronaut and the Tristar depends on the size one wears and the packability of one's clothes.

I have 2 Aeronauts, one in Ballistic and one in Dyneema, I love them, they are perfect for my plus size clothes.

A great way to compartmentalize the Aeronaute is to use the Packing Cubes which are available in mesh and Dyneema Steel or solid Dyneema Steel.
Packing Cubes - Travel Packing Cubes organize your travel bag and keep clothes neat - TOM BIHN

There are also Packing Cube Backpacks and the Packing Cube Shoulder Bag available in a lovely array of Dyneema colors.



Depending on your business environment, the classic lines of the Cadet, the versatility of the Brain Cell even the Packing Cube Backpack for the Tristar holding the Cache for your laptop can suit your computer needs.

Cadet - Checkpoint friendly laptop bag in sizes for Apple laptops - TOM BIHN

[Miking]

You could even use the Tri-Star itself for a laptop bag if you wanted.

I do this all the time, you can just drop off your clothing at the hotel and the Tri-star magically shrinks to laptop bag size, well not magic but the bag has enough structure that it doesn't sag or look silly, in fact it actually looks better in my opinion.

[monkeylady]

Dear Backpack,

How many days' clothes or articles of clothing do you maximally fit in your Tristars, sans any laptop?


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[Moose]

[QUOTE=monkeylady;55603]Dear Backpack,

How many days' clothes or articles of clothing do you maximally fit in your Tristars, sans any laptop?


I'm not Backpack but, I can easily get a week to ten days in mine. This is a zero laundry trip. If you are willing to do washing once you can easily be good for two weeks.
Moose

[backpack]

Dear Backpack,

How many days' clothes or articles of clothing do you maximally fit in your Tristars, sans any laptop?


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The last time I packed, it needed to be under 12 pound and I packed my husband's medium size clothes in it.

There were a pair of jeans, a pair of chinos, at least 8 tees as well as 6 pairs of socks and foundation garments, 2 sweaters and I think a couple of long sleeve shirts.


For domestic flights, the weight won't matter as much, and it will be used for my plus size clothes.

Practice packing suggest that a week of foundation garments in a Large Travel Stuff Sack, a pyjama set in a Packing Cube Shoulder bag leaves room to spare in the front large compartment for 1 Travel Sacks in each of the smaller sizes as well as the Travel Tray.

I plan to use the middle compartment for an empty Dyneema Synapse 19 which would be used as EDC at the destination.

The outer compartment would be used for pants and tops, I don't know how much and which kind because it depends on the weather at the departure and arrival cities.

A very casual trip would include some white tees, a couple of button down shirts and casual cardigans.
Topped with a fleece vest and velour hoodie if it is very chilly.

I found out that dressy long sleeves tees, Grace Kelly cardigans, a suit jacket and a couple of beautiful scarves can keep one nice looking and not shuddering in the cold.
In many environments, fine gauge and jacket like cardigans can be substituted for the suit jacket, more colorful, lighter and easier to clean than a suit jacket.

I think the ideal number is 4 or 6 tees which are lightweight, 2 Grace Kelly cardigans, and 2 cardigans jackets in cotton.



People who use silk and especially merino wool usually need less garments.

Many Synapse light travel users, especially if they use black or other neutral color clothes can do it easily.

[monkeylady]

Thank you very much for your quick reply and the detail. I have been considering the Tristar for some time, but have been concerned about its ability to house my plus sized clothing. Primarily it would be used for tropical vacation travel and all my clothing is quick drying tech convertible pants, capris, LS shirts, and really light weight cotton blouses. I tried out the Aerostar and found it too big and wieldy for an old lady. We are leaving in about 6 weeks for Ecuador and Panama. I would use my S25 as a personal carry on the airplane and as an EDC while jungling, so non-clothing gear could all go in there. It sounds like this might work for me. But I have to do some hard thinking about whether I will really want to haul this around for hours in the airport while waiting for connections or whether I really can't give up my 20"roll aboard, even though I get that going with wheel-less luggage would make for more flexibility. I suppose I could order a Tristar, practice pack it, and wear it around the house to see how it feels.

[backpack]

Thank you very much for your quick reply and the detail. I have been considering the Tristar for some time, but have been concerned about its ability to house my plus sized clothing. Primarily it would be used for tropical vacation travel and all my clothing is quick drying tech convertible pants, capris, LS shirts, and really light weight cotton blouses. I tried out the Aerostar and found it too big and wieldy for an old lady. We are leaving in about 6 weeks for Ecuador and Panama. I would use my S25 as a personal carry on the airplane and as an EDC while jungling, so non-clothing gear could all go in there. It sounds like this might work for me. But I have to do some hard thinking about whether I will really want to haul this around for hours in the airport while waiting for connections or whether I really can't give up my 20"roll aboard, even though I get that going with wheel-less luggage would make for more flexibility. I suppose I could order a Tristar, practice pack it, and wear it around the house to see how it feels.

My Tristar is in Dyneema, I think it makes a tremendous difference.

I carried it on the vacation when it was holding my husband clothes and I also carried my Aeronaute in Dyneema, I alternated and found the Tristar much easier to deal with.

Since you are going to national parks and preserves, I imagine that you have to use either small aircrafts, trains, buses or all terrains vehicles to get from the international airport to your destination.

As somebody who has travelled with hard luggages, or soft but heavy ones, from every brand name manufacturer, using one mode of transport to another, I can tell you that the lightness of the Dyneema Tristar was a revelation.

I carried my Synapse 19 on my back and a the Tristar as hand luggage, not with Absolute Strap. I fully expected, based on my previous experience that it would be a chore I would not want to repeat.
But, to my surprise, I was able to flip the Tristar with one hand and switch from the center handles to the side handles really easily, even while walking in what seemed to be the longest car rental drop to gate trek, I have ever experienced.

My Synapse 19 is in Travel Dyneema, I believe the Synapse 25, in the same Dyneema fabric is roughly the same weight, empty, 400d Dyneema®/420d nylon ripstop: 1 lb 11 oz / 770 grams, as the Tristar 400d Dyneema®/420d nylon ripstop: 2 lb 12 oz / 1255 grams

Well.. It is a bit heavier than the Synapse 25 in Dyneema, but not that much.

While you are waiting for the Tristar, you could practice pack the Synapse 25 by adding one pound of heavy things then use your usual travel clothes to pack some more. If it is a bit too heavy, don't open the Tristar box because you will fall in love with it.

I love the styles of my Aeronautes, the best designed travel bag ever but I truly fell for my husband's Tristar.




By the way, I saw that you went to South America and Africa, is your next destination South East Asia? What species of primates did you see?

[monkeylady]

Dear Backpack,

Hearing of your bag experience and how manageable the Tristar is as hand luggage is very helpful to me. I think I will order it, try to make friends with it, and see how it works for me.

I have not yet been to South America. Our trip to Ecuador in February will be my first introducton. We have travelled extensively in southern Mexico in the jungles, visiting many Mayan ruins. The more the remote the sites, of course, the more plentful and wondrous the wildlife. And we've been several times to Costa Rica, the most recent trip to the remote areas of the south.

On our pending trip to Ecuador, we will indeed be riding in ATVs from Quito over the Andes and spending some time in several eco lodges specializing in birding. From there we drive to Coca, at the headwaters of the Rio Napo, then travel downriver (no roads) for 2-3 hours to an eco lodge near Yasuni. It will be wet, wet, wet, and so beautiful.
The area is dripping with pygmy marmosets of several varieties. There are 10 primate species in the area. Then there are the birds, insects, snakes, frogs, and if we are very, very lucky giant river otters, manatees, and wild cats of one kind or another.

Thus far, I have seen 2 species of squirrel monkey, 2 species of spider monkey, and the ubiquitous howler monkey, whose call reinforces that you are indeed in the jungle.

From Ecuadorian Amazonia, we'll fly back to Quito on COPA. There are weight restrictions on checked bags, but not onerous (30 lbs.). We don't check our bags unless required to when the plane is small. So I don't know what that situation will be.

On our way home, we will fly to Panama on COPA and spend 4 days at Gamboa Wildlife Preserve. This will be our down time before heading home.

It will be good to get this bag thing sorted out....


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[tCook]

I have an Aeronaut and now a Tri-Star. Even though I had several pounds less in my Tri-Star, it packs out fuller looking than the Aeronaut. Visually, I started to worry if it would fit in the sizer. Of course it fit in the overhead when I got on the plane, but it does look a lot different than a fully packed Aeronaut. Will be curious what you think - I was surprised to feel like it was a bit of a beast (a beautiful, black Dyneema beast!). For 16 pounds, it was pretty wide - I may need to pack both up and compare some day.

[barryblack]

Hi tCook.

I am gathering info on a new bag and it is way more difficult than it seems!!

I am almost sold for the Tristar, but I am deciding the garment and color. I like black ballistic for the bag to fit in business meetings and look like a laptop case when almost empty. I like dyneema for lightness too, but don't like the steel dyneema's look and black dyneema tristars are difficult to find in pics... Do you have any pic of yours??? If should be grateful if you posted some! (half empty, full...)

Also, what do you think of the garment? Does dyneema version stands by itself when not very full? My intended use will be to be my bag-for everything so how it would fit in a meeting is important too.

Thank you!

I have an Aeronaut and now a Tri-Star. Even though I had several pounds less in my Tri-Star, it packs out fuller looking than the Aeronaut. Visually, I started to worry if it would fit in the sizer. Of course it fit in the overhead when I got on the plane, but it does look a lot different than a fully packed Aeronaut. Will be curious what you think - I was surprised to feel like it was a bit of a beast (a beautiful, black Dyneema beast!). For 16 pounds, it was pretty wide - I may need to pack both up and compare some day.

[Badger]

You can see a picture of my (Steel Dyneema) Tri-Star next to my (Black Dyneema) Synapse 25 here:

http://forums.tombihn.com/showpost.php?p=59605

The Black is darker than the Steel but not much.

The Dyneema TS will stand up by itself but not as well if it's not loaded evenly. This is also true for my Ballistic Western Flyer, though, so it's not so much a fabric issue as a design aspect. Ballistic does have more structure than Dyneema, so it tends to keep its shape a bit better.

I'll just also point out that the TS is way bigger than a standard laptop briefcase, and it is, at least to me, obviously luggage. I'm sure people have taken it to meetings and the like, but if your work environment is conservative, Black Ballistic may be your best choice. I don't find my Ballistic bags to be all that much heavier than my Dyneema bags, and Ballistic fabric communicates "business" more than "sporty."


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