As I’m
considering more and more travel, I’m considering an upgrade to my travel bag.
I’m currently using a canvas Everest backpack, which is fairly spacious and
fits well into the carry-on area. But it isn’t spacious enough. While I can
squeeze about a week’s worth of clothing and gear with nothing to spare.
I won’t go
with a rolling carry-on. I don’t like having to drag something behind me, and
the handles are too short. No one ever considered designing a roll-around
carry-on for someone who’s 6’8”. Go figure. I like backpacks vs duffels, so I’m
leaning towards another backpack. I have heard some good things about the Tom
Bihn bags and the Red Oxx bags, so I’m looking at them. One of my big hang-ups
is about access. I want to fully open up my bag instead of having to cram what
I pack in piece by piece because the zippered compartment opens a tiny flap vs
the whole space.
The other
big hang-up is the cost. These are not cheap bags. Not cheap is good. Not cheap
means it will last. But with prices that are similar to an airline ticket, I
have to pause. I’m a poor, struggling college professor, so do I really need to invest in an expensive
bag?
I think the
answer will depend on just how much more traveling I intend to do.