I like to have a place where I can store my most important and irreplaceable items when traveling. For instance, my wallet, passport and other important documents, meds, and personal electronics like my cellphone. I also like to have easy access to things I use on a flight like snacks, Amazon Kindle, lozenges, and headphones.
I always like to keep ANYTHING that might be picked up by the security scanner in my easy to access personal item. These are things like liquids, any metals, camera, electronic cables, and laptop computer. Actually, I keep all these items in a large baggie and remove them before going through the scanner. The reason? If any of these items are flagged by security, I would rather just have them inspect my easy-access personal item rather than go through my larger roll-away. For anyone who has ever been flagged in London Heathrow, you know what I mean. At LHR, if they detect one small thing, like they detected a nail clipper in my roll-away once, they make you empty out the WHOLE bag, causing significant delays. However, if they detect it in a smaller personal item bag, the search process is much quicker.
So, let’s get to the point. I have been using the
Eddie Bauer Adventurer Backpack. Here are the reasons:
- Lightweight and Compact: At only 2 pounds, it is not a burden to carry. If necessary, I can compress it and fit it into my roll-away.
- Easy Access: The bag is organized into larger and smaller zipped compartments. I also like the sleeves some of which are mesh sleeves to let me easily store, see, and grab what I need.
- Comfortable: Contoured shoulder straps and even a tuck away waist belt make it easy to carry.
- Handles: A top handle makes it easy to grab and move with. There are also lashing straps on the bottom to attach a jacket.
- Price: Reasonably priced at about $90, but there are always all sorts of sales and discounts. I recently saw the bag at my local Eddie Bauer outlet store at 40% off.
- Return Policy: It’s guaranteed for life. Any problem, just bring it in and they replace it. It’s easy.
- Stylish: Comes in several great colors.
I have the precursor to the Adventurer Backpack, called the Trailhead. I purchased it about 8 years ago and it still holds up well. I have to admit the quality of this model is not as good, but with EB’s warranty policy, just bring it back if the mesh rips or there is any other problem with the bag.