Patagonia MLC
Continuing my recent string of non-design-related posts, I thought I’d take this opportunity to ask you about luggage.
I’m going to be doing enough traveling this year that I think it warrants purchasing a new piece of carry-on luggage. I already have a nice pack that I could use, but I’m really looking for something that:
- Will deffinately be accepted by airlines as a carry-on (no bigger than 22″x14″x9″)
- Looks a bit more professional than a backpack (basically plain and rectangular)
- BUT, has shoulder straps (that can be hidden) so I can carry it like a back pack
- Doesn’t have wheels
So far, I’m considering the Patagonia MLC. It seems to be the only thing I can find that meets my criteria.
I’m sure I’m missing some good bags though – especially European products (those Europeans really know how to travel). If you’ve got any suggestions, please post a comment!
Rick Steves has some great stuff on his site. It looks like both the convertible bag and the explandable bag would meet your needs. Plus they’re cheaper than the Patagonia model. I haven’t bought anything from him, but I have several friends and family members who rave about his guide books, and his travel specials always make me want to head off to Europe right away.
Someone please recommend a good bag to Brad otherwise he will literally:
1. Continue his internet search each night until 2am.
2. Drag me around the bay area for a couple of days to look at every bag available and then drag me back to the first bag we saw to buy it… even thought I told him to get it in the first place.
UPDATE:
Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.
I bought the Patagonia MLC today. It’s great! I can’t wait to use it.
UPDATE #2:
I’m really happy with the MLC and I definitely recommend it!
The size is great. I’ve traveled a couple times with it – one four day and one five day trip.
I can’t remember what the Patagonia website says, but here are some features that I like:
The two main compartments have those big zippers that don’t easily get jammed. The two main compartment zippers can also be locked.
The thin outside pocket doesn’t lock, but does have lots of handy pockets.
The leather handle is comfortable and strong. The hideable backpack straps have enough padding to be comfortable, but are thin enough to hide away inconspicuously.
I also like the material. It’s durable, but not so rough that it makes your clothes pill up.
If you have any specific questions, feel free to send ‘em my way.
Looks like this is an ancient thread (picked it up via Ask.com of all places) but my wife and I are going to Spain in March and are looking for new bags. Our last trip (30 days in Italy & France) necessitated a backpacking pack but our upcoming trip is only 8 days. That being the case the MLC looks very appealing. Any long-term feedback for the MLC?
I’ve used the Patagonia MLC for several years:
they are what they say they are – just the right (legal) size, tough and easy to use
HOWEVER, I’ve found that I can (and will) pack too much stuff AND the bag is too large for some travel INSIDE Europe (It will NOT fit in the overhead rack of busses and is too large/heavy for certain european airlines)
SO: I’ve switched to a computer bag – if you pack LIGHT it will work AND you look as if you MIGHT be a local on the way home from/to work/school
After 2003 Patagonia MLC was modified. It has not the old nice features, today(sep-2007) is NOT recommended.
http://www.onebag.com/wheeled-bags.html has more information.
Brad, Would you recommend this bag for 10-12 days of travel to europe from the US? It would be going there, and while there, around Europe by plane as well. I noticed the gentlemens comment above that it wont work on European airplanes. Any info is much appreciated!
thanks