Anyone use a Western Flyer as multi-purpose luggage?

[MtnMan]

I was browsing through the Western Flyer's Flickr page it inspired some questions:

Does anyone use a Western Flyer as a briefcase? If so, how well does it work?

Does anyone use a Western Flyer as multi-purpose luggage, in other words, as an overnight suitcase while traveling and then as a briefcase or basic EDC while on-the-ground in the place you are visiting? If so, how well does this work?

I ask this because of ScottE22's remarkable demo-video of his Synapse 25-as-a-mobile-office and occasional travel "suitcase". He seems to repurpose his Synapse for his business overnighters quite well, according to his account. I was wondering about doing this with a Western Flyer, which supposedly offers (slightly) greater capacity.

Any comments on this?

[ceb]

The Western Flyer works great as a multi-purpose case. By using a packing cube for your clothing in one compartment and the computer (in a brain cell or not ) and a freudian slip in the other. That allows you to go from hotel to a meeting to the airport without looking like you are dragging your stuff around.

This works well for a one day trip to one location or a multi-day trip to several locations. I have a TriStar that I use (with one compartment often empty) so it is almost like a WF. I'd prefer a WF (with the rolling bag sleeve) over the TriStar as I would use it more often.

[MtnMan]

What do you think would be the difference between using the Synapse 25 as multi-purpose luggage (travel, destination-EDC, mobile office) and using the Western Flyer? Does the shape of the Western Flyer help for packing, or is the Synapse just more flexible for different uses?

[ceb]

What do you think would be the difference between using the Synapse 25 as multi-purpose luggage (travel, destination-EDC, mobile office) and using the Western Flyer? Does the shape of the Western Flyer help for packing, or is the Synapse just more flexible for different uses?

It depends on the environment. When I travel, I often go from hotel to a high level meeting and straight to the airport - or straight from the airport to a meeting. Accordingly, the Western Flyer/TriStar looks more businesslike than a backpack - although that line is blurring.

With a Western Flyer, people think you are just carrying a briefcase. With a Synapse you're carrying a backpack.

I also find the WF easier to pack than a backpack (I have a brain bag) because it is more "suitcase like) and seems easier to find things in - but that may just be me.

[Fat Crip]

The WF is often a Goldilocks bag...not to big, not too small; not to formal, not to casual. These days I rarely carry a laptop, preferring some combination of one or two iPad Airs (1&2), an iPhone 6 and a 6+. So, using a combination of packing cubes for clothes, including a packing cube shoulder bag for flexibility, and large storage pouches for paperwork, it makes an excellent business or pleasure short stay (2-3 night) travel bag.

That mine is in Cardinal Red is, for me, it's killer feature, but others may prefer a more subtle shade for business - subtly is my bag, as it were!

The only downside for me is that I have the version without rucksack straps. This means that I can't sling it on the back of my usual Pride Go-Go scooter, but it fits easily under the seat of my Luggie.

[ceb]

The WF is often a Goldilocks bag...not to big, not too small; not to formal, not to casual. These days I rarely carry a laptop, preferring some combination of one or two iPad Airs (1&2), an iPhone 6 and a 6+. So, using a combination of packing cubes for clothes, including a packing cube shoulder bag for flexibility, and large storage pouches for paperwork, it makes an excellent business or pleasure short stay (2-3 night) travel bag.

That mine is in Cardinal Red is, for me, it's killer feature, but others may prefer a more subtle shade for business - subtly is my bag, as it were!

The only downside for me is that I have the version without rucksack straps. This means that I can't sling it on the back of my usual Pride Go-Go scooter, but it fits easily under the seat of my Luggie.

Funny. The only downside for me is that I HAVE the straps.

Perhaps you could fashion a hanger for the bag using the handle from an old piece of rolling luggage attached to your scooter.

[bbcamp]

I really wish I could have both the straps and the pocket/ passthrough.

I use the WF a lot as my carry on bag (or as my only suitcase) and then as a briefcase when I arrive. It is a great bag!

[ceb]

I really wish I could have both the straps and the pocket/ passthrough.

I use the WF a lot as my carry on bag (or as my only suitcase) and then as a briefcase when I arrive. It is a great bag!

I've been tempted to add a couple of straps to the back to slip over a handle or figure out a way to open the bottom of the backpack strap holder, but I haven't done either yet.

This would make an easy fix for upcoming bags. hint, hint...

[tpnl]

I took a few pictures a while back on a few options to attach the WF to roller luggage. YMMV depending on whether you roller luggage is one pole or two and how wide the two poles are.

Western Flyer on Roller Luggage

Also, read the rest of the post for ideas as well.

Hope this help

Cheers

[ceb]

Another alternative is to use bungee cords or something like this. Not a clean TB solution but it works. Because of how it attaches to the handle, I worry about how it will possible damage the handle of the rolling luggage - but - you can turn it around and attach it only to the telescoping handle. Slide the larger side on first, add your TB bag and fasten the (now top) strap to the rolling telescoping handle.

This means that the handle isn't as comfortable but it won't damage your bag.

[imperator]

I have used the Western Flyer as a one-bag for the last 18 months.

Daily as a briefcase for Laptop and tablet, the gray ballistic is professional and unique, and the interior color splash adds some designer cred.

Also, about 20 work trips of 3 to 5 days by air, train and car (full-size laptop, files, measuring tools). Usually I also bring casual and exercise gear when traveling for work.

1 vacation-only trip in the wintertime for 10 days.

All of these trips included 1-2 pairs of extra shoes, computer or tablet, umbrella...

The bag holds what it holds; the key is strategy in selecting the right items to put in it. Maximize flexibility, minimize redundancy and the footprint of the items you bring - Fast-drying undergarments, universal chargers, custom travel-size toiletries, driving loafers, etc. - the more you can live without the lighter it will be!