Would the Tri-Star be overkill for me?

[MelissaL]

I am really interested in investing in the Tri-star but not as luggage. I want to commute to work with it and I tend to carry a lot of things but am afraid the bag would be overkill. I need to carry my gym stuff (front section), my daily office stuff (middle section) and other miscellaneous things I need (back section). Finally, I *really* need to access those front zipper pockets easily. Are they tight? Lastly, does an umbrella fit in the water bottle pocket?

Would this bag work for me?

[jmoz]

It sounds like a slight overkill, and I wonder if the Western Flyer (or even perhaps the new Pilot) would work. Of course, overkill isn't inherently a problem and provides some flexibility, and I love my TS.

A very compact umbrella would fit in the water bottle pocket. If it would fit in a SE (or the front pocket of the Co-Pilot, which I think is about the same size?), it will likely fit in that water bottle pocket. The front-zippers move easily, but there's not a lot of volume behind them, so they're good for things that aren't too thick. If your front section is underloaded (i.e. depending on how much gym stuff you have), they might work better or worse.

[MelissaL]

It sounds like a slight overkill, and I wonder if the Western Flyer (or even perhaps the new Pilot) would work.

Thank you for the input. I own the co-pilot and it is really the perfect commuting bag (if I'm just carrying the basics). I can fit a decent sized umbrella in the front of that pocket. I have thought about the Pilot and I just may go for it. I just happen to love all the sections of the Tri-star and how it is organized (plus the backpack straps). I will think about it some more.

[jmoz]

If you post what you need to fit in an commute bag, the people who have lots of bags might be able to weigh in.

I love my TS, but it's not a small bag, really. It looks like a gigantic briefcase. Honestly, it sounds like you're describing the Western Flyer with the backpack straps, though that's 2 compartments rather than 3. The TS will do what you need, but it'll seem pretty big. If you don't care about that, it's fine.

[MelissaL]

Ok this is what I would carry on a daily basis:
Section 1:
gym clothes - I would put it in a large eagle creek pak-it envelope
sneakers
lock for locker

Middle section:
8.5 X 11" planner notebook and case
TB travel tray
wallet
small makeup case/first aid kid
flat index card holder

Third section:
gloves
Scarf
hat
neck gaiter

The problem I have with the WF is that it is only two sections and those section open like a book. It doesn't have that great middle compartment like the TS. I wish there was a smaller TS. If anyone wants to weigh in please do so! Thanks.

[backpack]

If one is fit and healthy, the Tristar shouldn't be a problem to carry on a daily basis.

it is roughly the size of the Brain Bag which is used by commuters and students, everywhere.

One way to keep the load lighter would be to get the Tristar in Dyneema.


You could make the Western Flyer work for you if you kept the Co-Pilot for gloves, scarf, neck gaiter, which you don't need in summer, anyway.

You might still need a hat in rainy spring and autumn as well as sunny summer.


The Tristar and Western Flyer open butterfly style but the quality of construction, zippers, etc, means that you can open the pockets slightly, just as if they had the side stop fabric of the Co-Pilot.

I have to admit that I own a Tristar as a luggage bag and would only consider the Western Flyer as an oversized briefcase. The Western Flyer lines are beautiful and it is roomy enough to be "the" travel bag for many forum members.


Using the Tristar as luggage and the Western Flyer as briefcase has became a problem because, now, the personal item needs to be significantly smaller than the main luggage.




Ultimately, if the Tristar strikes your fancy and you just have to have one of the color in stock, grab it and be happy with your choice.

[JLE]

I think the TS would be overkill for this load. I second the suggestion of a Western Flyer. You can divide the front compartment which might give you the additional separation and organisation you are looking for. It's true that the sections open like a book, but so do two of the TS's three compartments. Of course, you don't have to unzip them all the way.

[MelissaL]

I have to admit that I own a Tristar as a luggage bag and would only consider the Western Flyer as an oversized briefcase,

Ok that makes a difference. I trust your judgement since I felt the same. It just looks so big to me for a commuter bag. Believe it or not, I just ordered the Pilot and I'm going to try that out. I didn't take into consideration that the Tri star is a little over 3lbs. and that makes a big deal for commuting (I'm not into dyneema bags except for inner lining). Thank you for helping me make a decision!

[Moose]

All TB bags I've seen have this amazing tardis property. I'm guessing you'll be happy with the pilot. The WF would be your second best option. I do think the TS would be a bit more than you're looking for. What color did you order?

[MelissaL]

What color did you order?

All my main TB bags are black and the Pilot is no exception but this time I chose the iberian interior.