Job Discussion Forums

MELEE · Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2008 10:27 pm Post subject:

I highly highly highly suggest you get an Eagle Creek backpack or bag (they make those convertable ones too, but those have less space inside) I bought one in 1995. It was really more than I could afford at the time but I splurged and I'm soooooo glad I did. 13 years later the thing is like new. It's been to Ecuador, Costa Rica, Japan, Korea and all over Mexico. It has a zip off day pack which for the entire time I was in Ecuador and Japan and much of the time I've been in Mexico I used on a daily basis. This has faded slightly when you put it next to the main pack. But seriously that's after DAILY use for more than 5 years, much of that in the tropics and the mountains. There was a thread in the newbie forum where others are equally supportive of Eagle Creek products.

http://www.eaglecreek.com/bags_luggage/

ghostdog · Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2008 12:45 am Post subject: duffel

Backpackers seem to think that everyone should have a backpack, and it's simply not true. If you are even considering something with wheels, a backpack is likely not for you.

A duffle or gear bag holds more, is much easier to pack and organize, and generally does less damage to your "teaching" clothes. At this point, I'd even prefer a large soft-sided suitcase with wheels to a backpack. You also avoid being treated like a backpacker in any number of establishments who don't really welcome their custom.

Take a look at the LLBean (www.llbean.com) website, which has all kinds of "rolling duffles" and gear bags and the like. Good quality and very good value for money, even figuring in the shipping charge. My backpack from them lasted over ten years until I ditched it for more practical luggage.

If you want any kind of duffle or gear bag, I would suggest getting it before you leave for MX, as they're thin on the ground there. If you need something smaller just to travel around with, buy it once you're in-country.

Oreen Scott · Joined: 11 Jan 2008 Posts: 179 Location: Oaxaca, Mexico

Last weekend I looked at suitcases and couldn't figure out why there were so many compartments. What are they for? I was confused. Since I want to simplify my life. . .

At this point I'm waffling between a duffle or backpack. Although I do buy things online, I think this is such an important decision I need to see and touch what I'm buying, and consult with a knowedgeable sales person.

Most of what's left of my material possessions will be in this container for quite some time.

Ghostdog your hesitation about backpacks matches mine. I will be bringing my work clothes, and there seems to be a sterotype regarding "backpackers." (I don't have a clue why). I didn't know a duffle holds more, if this is the case that's useful information.

Whatever I get I need to buy it before leaving Winnipeg, or I can't leave because I'll have nothing to put my stuff in.

MELEE · Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2008 2:22 pm Post subject:

Eagle Creek Dealers in Winnipeg

Journeys Travel & Leisure SuperCentre
102-326 Wardlaw - Donald at Wardlaw
WINNIPEG, Manitoba R3L 0L6
Phone : 204-982-9494

U.N. LUGGAGE
175 MC DERMOT AVE. E.
WINNIPEG, Manitoba R3B 0S1
Phone : 204-943-1068

You won't regret it.

jillford64 · Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 397 Location: Sin City

If you are going to be doing a lot of walking over rough streets, then obviously a backpack is a better choice. In Mexico I mostly seem to take cabs from the bus station or airport to wherever I'm going so not a lot of walking involved.

Oreen Scott · Joined: 11 Jan 2008 Posts: 179 Location: Oaxaca, Mexico

Hi Melee:

UN Luggage are the people I've been talking to, as well as Mountain Equipment Co-Op.

The staff of UN Luggage will be thrilled that you've mentioned them.

Oreen Scott · Joined: 11 Jan 2008 Posts: 179 Location: Oaxaca, Mexico

Hi Again Melee:

UN Luggage are of the opinion that Briggs and Riley is the duffle I should get.

I'm going to their store on Thursday and will ask them to give an opinion on Eagle Creek compared the Briggs and Riley.

Thanks again.

guatetaliana · Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 7:15 am Post subject:

I'm going with the minority as well. I am not a backpack fan. My husband and I are extensive urban travelers and really prefer stuff that rolls. We trekked around a dozen cities in Europe and Mexico last fall with my small rolling airplane carry-on and his medium-sized rolling duffel. We lived out of these for about 2 months. We loved it and plan to continue it in future travels. This duffel wasn't even special; it was just a random one we bought for about 20 Euros in Spain. Sorry I can't help with locating one.

I generally associate backpacks with hiking and rural, mountainous outdoorsy adventures. That or the Couch Surfing crowd. If this is what you're doing, then you definitely should get a good, sturdy one. Otherwise, rolling luggage is my vote!