(Part 1 of 3)

I have read many blogs and articles about what to pack in for a year away from home… suitcase? backpack? wheels or no wheels? checked luggage? carry-on only?

We’ve decided that we will only take carry-on luggage. We will only take what we can easily carry because we want to be as mobile as possible. So I set about checking into measurements for carry-ons, reading more travel blogs and browsing sporting goods store websites.

In the mean time, my anti-planning husband went to REI and purchased his backpack (first bag he tried). He got an Osprey Porter 46 Travel Pack. This bag can be used as a backpack or the backpack straps can be hidden away behind a zippered panel so it can be carried as a suitcase. Michael really likes this bag because it has compression straps so the bag can be cinched up tight no matter how much or little is packed in it. He also likes that it has comfortable straps and hip belt and that it has a front panel opening for easy packing and access. He’s had a chance to use it several times and plans to take it on our trip.

Since Michael likes it so much, I thought this could be just the bag for me. It’s light (3.5 pounds) and has carry-on dimensions. I had a work trip to Los Angeles scheduled so I decided to take the bag to see how it would work. I thought this would be a good test because my trip involved an Amtrak train ride, a bus ride and a subway ride each way. As I packed, I was pleased to see that all of my things for a five-day trip fit but barely… the bag was stuffed full.

I soon discovered that this bag is too big for me. I could hardly carry it much less lift it into the overhead compartment. Even as a backpack (once I managed to actually get it on my back) I could barely walk with it. By the time I got to my hotel I was exhausted and knew this bag would not work for me.

So, back to the drawing board I went. Check back soon to see which bag I tried next!