Catching Up

As we make plans for our big Europe adventure, I'm looking back at our luggage choices from our last few travels.

Today, I'll review my old mega-sized travel bag, the Eagle Creek Switchback 26. I have the older version. This photo is from the Eagle Creek website of the new version. According to the Eagle Creek website, changes from my version to the new Switchback include making the entire system more lightweight, and the strap system more versatile. Now you can remove or attach the shoulder straps and hip belt to either bag, or remove them entirely. 

The new Eagle Creek Switchback 26, shown here with daypack separated from the main bag.

 I have used my bag as primary luggage on several long trip, by car and air. While the new bag weighs 8.5 lbs altogether, the older bag added at least another pound to that measurement. With a check bag maximum weight of 50 lbs, I could easily go over that weight limit if I filled the main bag to capacity.
However, I traveled to DC for 2 summers during college, and easily lived out of the contents of these bags. It just took a little re-packing at the airport for me to get under the weight limit in the main bag, and then I carried on the day pack.

If I have the space and the need, I will easily choose this bag. It has a huge capacity, and the day-pack is a full-sized backpack. I traveled to New York for a long weekend by bus, and just took the backpack. I was able to walk around the National Mall in DC on our way back from New York, carrying my fully packed daypack in July. The hip belt and sternum strap were comfortable, so I have no doubt that the newer version is even better.

Next up: Packing a Little Lighter