Finally, a Bag Designed for the Modern “Backpacker”
Yesterday I questioned whether the backpack is even necessary to traveling as a “backpacker”. Obviously there are some advantages to traveling with a backpack, but there are also many disadvantages which I outlined in the post.
To be honest, I have long felt that the “modern backpacker” really needs some type of hybrid bag. Neither the trekker’s backpack (commonly used by “backpackers”) nor standard luggage (duffels, rollers, suitcases) are designed to meet the needs of the “modern backpacker”. What we really need is a bag that is convenient to carry through urban environments without drawing a lot of attention (like a roller, or duffel bag), as well as one that can be strapped onto your back when the terrain turns rough and you still have several kilometers to go.
To my knowledge this type of bag had not yet been invented, until I read Steve Madsen’s response to yesterday’s post, in which he recommended what I would call the perfect solution to the backpacker’s baggage dilemma:
Rick Steves’ Classic Back Door Bag
The name gave me a chuckle, but the bag seems VERY well designed, and provides a wonderful hybrid solution for the modern “backpacking” traveler.
- Carry-on Friendly: A huge plus for travelers that do a lot of flying. Speeds everything up, and the airline can’t lose your bag if it’s on the plane with you.
- Unassuming and cheap: Unlike those North Face monstrosities that are made in every neon color known to man, and say “The North Face” on practically every side, this bag looks cheap and unassuming. As a traveler, it’s already plenty obvious that you’re from out of town, so it’s nice to have a bag that doesn’t scream it for you. In addition to looking cheap, it actually is relatively inexpensive for luggage: $79.95.
- Hybrid: Can be carried like a suitcase through urban environments, or as a backpack across rugged terrain.
- Durable and Strong: Unlike most backpacks, that can easily be cut open by a crafty thief (ruining your expensive pack and stealing your things), the strength and durability of the Classic Back Door Bag seems more comparable to a roller. It’s made of high-density polyester, which still has it’s vulnerabilities, but is a hell of a lot stronger than the average backpack.
Check out some photos of Rick Steves’ Classic Back Door Bag below, or click here for more information from the Rick Steves’ site.
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Wow, I never thought I’d actually say it, but Rick Steves did something halfway towards smart….
Thanks Olivia. Maybe I should have, but I had never even heard of Rick Steves before stumbling across this bag. I agree it is smart bag though.
Another Rick Steves bag to check out if you are looking for something bigger, with a few more features is this one: Rick Steves’ Convertible Carry-On
Uhmm… I hate to be all superficial, but that thing is butt-ugly.
@MRB: Haha, point taken. Check out the black, you may like it a little better (I do).
Oooh, Rob, you have to check out his travel show at some point. It gives bad a whole new meaning. Very stereotypical American tourismo. He also does a series of guidebooks, though I’ve never used one.
When me and my then boyfriend (later husband) spend 6 months hitchhiking across the country in 1998, I had a traditional hiking backpack and he had a “hybrid” backpack - I think it may have been from Eagle Creek - It was really ingenious. However, it really sucked for carrying on the back because there was no frame which made it HEAVY!! Also, because it was soft, it was a little cumbersome to carry as a suitcase too. So even though his was nifty, I still liked mine better
@Christine: Thanks for your experiences with the hybrid bag. I have never used one, as I said before I travel with a duffle bag and daypack, but just thought the hybrid was an interesting idea. However, maybe it’s not as great as it sounds…
Rick Steves may seem like a dorky suburban sellout because of his videos, but if you read anything about his travel philosophies and practices (let alone actually using his excellent books) then you’ll see he’s a hell of a positive force in travel.
Apparently making millions of dollars while staying true to responsible travel ideals isn’t “halfway towards smart” enough for some people.
That thing is just a strangely shaped backpack with a couple of handles on it. How innovative! It certainly isn’t a backpacker’s bag - you couldn’t go for more than 3 days on a stupid bag that size.
@Carig
If you can’t go more than 3 days with a pack that size then you are definitely overpacking! That bag is plenty big enough for the smart traveler.
Uh, that bag would make your back scream after a walk of more than a kilometer. And I agree, it’s butt ugly. Oh, and it looks like it doesn’t allow any air to your back, and sweating up a shirt is a major disadvantage when packing like a backpacker. Also, the zipper on the outside seems like it would support too much weight and could possibly bust– which believe me, sucks. Go traditional backpack w/ a frame if your backpacking, or bring a suitcase if you’re going to Paris.
I have this bag–or, I have the version of this bag they made back in 2001, when I bought it. You learn to pack it so that it keeps its shape. It doesn’t flop around. Also, it does not make your back scream after more than a kilometer unless you’ve totally overpacked it with shit.
“gives bad a whole new meaning. Very stereotypical American tourismo”…”It certainly isn’t a backpacker’s bag - you couldn’t go for more than 3 days on a stupid bag that size.”
Wow. Elitism reinforced by stupidity. Now, I don’t worship Rick Steves, but he has perfected low-budget, low-profile, blend-in travel over 30 years of experience. Pay attention.
I’ve done 5 continuous weeks in Europe with just a 2500 in3 duffel and a day pack, and 8 days in the Colorado wilderness with a Jansport backpack. The luggage needs to fit the endeavor. The more you carry traveling…, well the more you carry. I’m trading up today from my duffel to this bag. Nice review, thanks.