... Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag. I had to order another one, in Slate, and in that color it looks MUCH classier than in black – a rare time when black isn’t the color of choice. So, be forewarned, if there are any issues on your Rick Steves tour, probably anywhere in the world, be prepared for a truly terrible customer experience. The company was given the trademarked name INVISTA and was then sold to privately owned Koch Industries in April 2004. 6. ... Classic Back Door Bag. Rick Steves Europe Through the Back Door: The Travel Skills Handbook (Rick Steves Travel Guide) Part of: Rick Steves Travel Guide (32 Books) | by Rick Steves | Dec 10, 2019 4.6 out of 5 stars 47 We've taken them everywhere - around the world, camping, to the beach. Although I think it’d suffer if you were traveling week in and week out, 30-40 weeks a year, it represents a excellent compromise between construction quality, features, and price. 2. The material it’s made of also isn’t listed, but on the Kiva Designs website (the apparent manufacturer of the Steves bags) the (similar) Convertible bag is listed as being made of 900 denier polyester. They look completely different, the material is different, the workmanship is different. The original bag I believe was ballistic nylon. The back pocket is perfect for stashing passports and other documents that need to be handy, but kept safe and out of sight. Thank you for letting me chime in. My glitch was that one side of the double zipper failed. Read honest and unbiased product reviews ... No other small bag had that. 5. It is fully featured but yet very lightweight. sunlight). Garage Workbench Power Strip - Woodworking Info Tech, Tom Bihn Western Flyer | Flyer Products Design, New from Tom Bihn: a Western Flyer for wheelie users, 20 Ideas for is French Bread Healthy - The Best Recipes Compilation Ever. The former bag looks more like the Campmor Essential Carry-on than today's RS convertible. Appenzell Day Pack. (Note: It's possible to over-stuff soft-sided bags beyond carry-on limits, and risk rejection. I purchased two of the travel bags last fall. That said, I doubt whether a 100 travel days will be enough sun exposure to matter and as carry-on bags, they are not subjected to the stress of zoo gorillas throwing your bag around. $159.99. Rolling Backpack. First, this is a very lightweight bag. Steves has been traveling in Europe since the 1970s, and over the years, his Europe Through the Back Door business has offered a variety of affordable lightweight suitcases and backpacks for independent travelers--including the new Ravenna Rolling Case, which was sent to us for field-testing and review in late 2016. Both bags are in my possession and both work well. You may currently be using a wheeled bag like I used to do, but they have some serious drawbacks: As a result of these issues, many one bag advocates have opted for soft sided, lightweight bags. Convert a standard refrigerator into a wine refrigerator. I think I'm going to give one of them a try anyway. Outside: The classic, Rick Steves outer-pocket design gives it a clean, efficient look. by Timbuk2. If you go to a travel store and look at the medium to high end luggage pieces there, suddenly RedOxx looks like a relative bargain. Rolling Backpack, Convertible Carry-On or Classic Back Door Bag. Truly maximum legal carryon size as measured by the most liberal published US standards (may need to be compressed, using the built-in compression straps, for other regions). $49.97-$200.00. Carry-On with Confidence: It fits within most airlines' carry-on guidelines. supplies last! This pack also lacks the Lexan frame found on the Roll-Aboard. I have a RedOxx Gator on order. Ethically, I just can’t work on the blog – in any fashion – at work. Major props for a blog review/article worthy of a Conde Nast travel magazine! I have a new one and very happy with it. Outside: The classic Rick Steves outer pocket design combine gives it a clean, efficient look. Any tips on how to pack smart? NOTE: Products and prices listed (as of August 1, 2019) are subject to change! Included o-ring document/small items pouch in the main compartment. After owning a Steves Classic, setting it aside to use the Appenzell, upsizing to a Patagonia MLC and Outdoor Products Carryon Essentials (OPEC), and acquiring the latest GoLite TraveLite – I’ve returned to the Steves Classic. Your comments on the Classic are spot on. I agree with what you say regarding compression straps, but I think the way Steves has implemented them is wrong. The RS Convertible has been $99 for quite a while . His mission: to empower Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. Review of Rick Steves' Europe. Note: Because of its flexible structure, this bag won't reach its full height and depth until it's packed. If this bag had suspension or a sternum strap, I'd have kept it. Lightweight bags for one bag business travel range from the $200+ uber tough, marvelously overbuilt Red Oxx Air Boss (my personal favorite) to $29 duffel bags. Surprised you’ve had this much trouble; let us know if you’re able to resolve it. Rick produces a best-selling guidebook series, a public television series, and a public radio show, and organizes small-group tours that take over 20,000 travelers to Europe annually. We're not planning on taking much but I'm still worried. His mission: to empower Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. And most have multiple compartments, making it easier to separate your items including your TSA liquids bag. Thanks! Posted by Anna (Seattle, WA, United States) on 05/05/14 09:54 PM. They worked great and we basically used Rick’s packing list. ...was manufactured of Cordura Nylon, which was both thicker and heavier than the polyester fabric used in the current versions. Rick Steves Classic Back Door Bag now vs. the 90's. A full-length side zipper opens to reveal a 14" x 20" compartment (perfect for a jacket). The earlier version is simpler, lighter and more durable. Rick Steves' Europe. - 4077357 But to stay at the $99 price point over the years they had to make some cutbacks. Save 20% on all bags through Sunday, 4/3/16 or while And they refuse to give them up. It's just a matter of principle. They sent me to the manufacturer who sent me back to RS. Quick Take: GoLite TraveLite Convertible Carry-on. But then, I don't use all of the volume, so maybe I shouldn't mind. I have read Ricks guide books and used his audio tours for years. In any event, thanks again for your kind comments and your support of Practical Hacks. $49.99. The back pocket is perfect for stashing passports and other documents that ... Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag. ©2021 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy. dz. I just wrote a review on the Rick Steves Alpenzall traveler’s daypack on the Steves site (this bag is like a shrunken down version of the Classic you just reviewed). There was no hip belt. Ravenna Day Pack. ; it feels as though it’s closer to 2 lbs. Pack light and right with Rick's custom-designed day packs, shoulder bags, and wheeled bags. Convertible Carry-On. And I agree totally about Red Oxx. Thanks for your kind comments – I really appreciate it. Greater security – your bag is with you all the time! I’ll check stats perhaps once a day, and might approve a comment, but that’s it. Appenzell Day Pack. Convertible Carry-On. I liked the robust construction of the bag, and it was generally easy to pull around airports and parking garages. I can't count how many rolling bags we've been through in that time. Get a quality strap like the Tom Bihn. 44 linear inches. 3/4 height shoe panel in main compartment. ... All reviews travel store european travel rick steve s gear tours expert guide merchandise backpack. Really disappointed with RS classic back door bag. I have also had a few others over the years. I will be ordering the RC Classic Back Door Bag today. DIY: Hide a key inside your home where no one will find it! There weren't a lot of pockets. $99.99. Ask me again in 20 years. I recently purchased his classic back door bag. I can’t imagine checking that bag often if ever – I don’t think it’d hold up well at all. Rick produces a best-selling guidebook series, a public television series, and a public radio show, and organizes small-group tours that take over 20,000 travelers to Europe annually. When we travel together, I can walk a lot farther with my pack on because of the reinforcements and the waist belt. Pack light!) Get free shipping On EVERYTHING* at Overstock - Your Online Luggage Outlet Store! Today it is polyester and can be thin in some areas. The RedOxx is designed for…well you can finish that better than me, I’m just getting my toes wet in the RedOxx line. I would like to have one a little smaller (2000 cu in) and lighter (<=2#). FWIW, I emailed Steves about a PR sample and they never responded. (Order these separately). I have offered to buy them new ones, at least. The result? Compare Rick’s Bags. Lacking wheels, frames and collapsible handles, they’re lightweight – usually between 2 and 4 lbs. Classic Back Door Bag. But for me, honestly, after a 20 hour flight to Thailand, waiting 15 minutes for my bag at the carousel isn’t such a big deal, and since I’m just staying one location in country, lost luggage shouldn’t be a complete disaster. No standing around in baggage claim waiting for your luggage to show up (ever done this at O’Hare?? through the back door 2017 book reviews author details and more at amazonin free delivery on qualified orders rick steves has spent 100 days every year since 1973 exploring europe rick produces a ... from a library rick steves europe through the back door rick steves after more than three decades of. Bottom line: if you travel occasionally and want to go the “one bag” route, this is an excellent alternative. Rick Steves is offering 20 percent off his carry-on travel bags at his Web site, including a terrific $63.95 price tag on his Classic Back Door Bag (regularly $79.95).. Rick Steves’ Classic Back Door Bag. Also, this website may be compensated by companies mentioned through product reviews, affiliate programs, or by other means. Well, we haven't even left SeaTac airport yet, and my new RS bag developed a large hole where convertible straps are attached to the inner lining of the bag. As I was planning for a trip through Europe, finding the best traveling backpack has been among my foremost preparatory preoccupations. $159.99. He has written several summer tour guides for Europe tourists. Ever since then, I’ve owned numerous bags offered by Rick Steves including my first one, the Original Back Door Bag. Finally, I found what I wanted in the ebags weekender. Exterior compression straps to manage the large volume. The difference between the Steves bag and a technical back pack is the Steves Classic Carry-on has a pretty basic suspension system being pretty much just the shoulder straps. That said, the Classic is pretty functional darting between airport terminals and to and from hotels etc. They've been stuffed far beyond capacity many times and we've never had a problem. I did find a bag that does have those features- stiffer sides, a sternum strap, and suspension on the tops of the shoulders. Will this bag really be big enough for a month in Europe? I was wanting to get a couple of the current version of the Classic Back Door Bag for my kids while they're on sale and just from browsing reviews online I get the impression they are not quite as indestructible as they used to be. Two trips to Europe and a couple of domestic ones without any wear issues. Since 1973, Rick Steves has spent about four months a year exploring Europe. I was wanting to get a couple of the current version of the Classic Back Door Bag for my kids while they're on sale and just from browsing reviews online I get the impression they are not quite as indestructible as they used to be. The Steves bag is priced at $79.95, definitely placing it in the bargain end of the spectrum. I think there are some loose seams, broken clips, and sticky zippers but the boys just love the sheer utility of these bags. But, like you, I bought one long ago (2000) and it's held up so well I have no need to replace it. A Chance to Give Back to a Classic Back Door: Gimmelwald I always say, “If heaven isn’t what it’s cracked up to be, send me back to Gimmelwald.” Thirty-five years ago, as a young tour guide, I brought my groups to a remote and impossibly idyllic village high in the Swiss Alps — and I’ve been going back ever since. Packed, it was just one big ball with limited space, although the workmanship was very good. Use both, The outside wall of the compartment that those straps store in is padded for maximum comfort when you use the bag in the backpack configuration, The main compartment has tie-down straps to keep your clothing from shifting about, Compression straps on the outside of the bag help keep the load compact and close to your back, The mesh bottle holder on one side is rather large, with a toggle cinch to keep your bottle secure, Although not mentioned anywhere on the Steves site, there’s a document pouch which clips to a loop inside the main compartment. Spring Sale! Before we take a close look at the Steves Classic, let’s take a moment to visit the reasoning behind traveling with one bag. The differences are like night and day. Get 5% in rewards with Club O! Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Rick Steves 21 Inch Wheeled Bag, Red, One Size at Amazon.com. The case he made for one bag travel was so compelling, I immediately began adopting that approach, first utilizing a backpack. Visit the Rick Steves website listing for this product by CLICKING HERE. Rolling Backpack. One gusseted “why did I buy that paperback” lower compartment; one non-gusseted odds-and-ends pouch. If I implied their products are expensive without mentioning value, my bad. One is a sea captain living in San Francisco but working in Brazil. $79.99. Your point about the bag looking better in person than on the website hits the mark – I think Kiva, the manufacturer, is really pushing Rick to sell the more expensive Convertible which has a useless “expansion” feature (useless because then it has to travel as checked luggage). Rolling Backpack. Velocé Shoulder Bag. 3. In short, the Steves bag is probably aimed at budget student travelers who aren’t lugging laptops (although that could be changing) or heavy binders. I called RS customer service and they were supposed to get back to me. Full circle. Since 1973, Rick Steves has spent about four months a year exploring Europe. In order to save weight, interior panels are made of much lighter material, and seem adequate. Business Travel Light: 4d/3n, 1 bag, w/ computer, 13½ lbs. One thing that I was immediately impressed by is that in spite of its relatively low price, the bag is certainly fully featured; a few notable features: A few quick photos before some final thoughts; an overall view of the bag: The quite large mesh bottle holder; you can see the toggle-tight cinch: The document pouch and mesh bags which aren’t mentioned on the Steves website: This is a lot of bag for the money. This pack also lacks the Lexan frame found on the Roll-Aboard. I'm with Edger, the rectangular shape maximizes volume for the dimensions. 4.4 out of 5 stars 1,120. Cheap (but excellent!) Recently with increased traveling I have purchased a few things from his site for my trips. An interesting point: for what it’s worth, the Steves website somehow makes the bag look cheaper than it is in person; perhaps it’s the color bag they chose to feature. As I recall, the previous version of the RS Back Door Bag was manufactured of Cordura Nylon, which was both thicker and heavier than the polyester fabric used in the current versions. I like the bag and understand that sometimes stuff fails but supporting the product is key to a good product. $79.99. $159.99. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Rick Steves Civita Shoulder Bag at Amazon.com. My husband and I bought a couple of whatever the standard Rick Steves carryon bag was back in 1996 and they have been amazing. You should realize that Cordura (R) is a brand name originally owned by du Pont and now owned by Koch Industries., Cordura (R) is manufactured from nylon and comes in different weights from "ballistic"to very light weight. For the price, you're getting a lot of bag. Today's RS bag is completely different than it was 20+ years ago, probably not made as well, but I wouldn't hesitate to use it. It's kind of hard to compare a bag bought 20 years ago with a new one for indestructibility. The store is located in Edmonds, Washington, north of Seattle. Make bakery-style Italian bread at home: frugal, healthy & utterly delicious! I love it and its sturdiness and lightweight. bg-xr classic back door bag – b, c, k, o, s..... $79.99 bg-xt convertible carry-on – b, c, o, s ..... $99.99 ac-cubeset packing cubes – set of 3 ... ac-rs-pnbr rick steves … It was heavy – 8 lbs. During my days dabbling in climbing, nylon climbing use to have a 100 climbing day life. (This is something sorely lacking on the OPEC.). $49.99. For the price, I definitely think the new ones are worth a try! I hate it when a smaller pocket sticks out, using up inches without adding much to the volume. I recently purchased his classic back door bag. Then one day I stumbled across Doug Dyment’s One Bag website. Why didnt they extend them to just above the main compartments zipper? Be careful when you have this thing on your back. I recently purchased his classic back door bag. When I used one, the bag would slide to the side quite a bit and tended to want to slip off my shoulder. I have, meanwhile ‘upgraded’ to a Tom Bihn TriStar, which I hated. In person, no one’s going to mistake this for a $200+ bag, but it won’t be an embarrassment, either. ... From full-size carry-on packs to day bags, you'll find our selection of backpacks ideal for all your travel needs. $99.99. The full-height slot on the front panel is perfect for stowing a jacket – even a fat one. Jump to bottom. Plus get a free set of Packing Cubes ($17.99 value) Extra on the Bihns. Civita Day Pack. The material is different. (I have held the bag up to the light and have seen rays of light come through the material.). I’ve tried several bags more suited to one bag travel since then, including the subject of this review, the Rick Steves Classic Back Door bag. 900 denier is reasonably tough and should stand up to regular use quite well. $69.99. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Rick Steves Europe Through the Back Door (Thirty-Eighth Edition): The Travel Skills Handbook (Rick Steves Travel Guide) at Amazon.com. I like its low weight vs volume <3 lbs empty. I think the bag is perfectly suited to the occasional traveler or student. I just saw this review while googling for Rick Steves classic bag. You won't find expansion or a waist belt here — just a tough, ultra-light bag for an unbeatable price. Use this chart to compare the price, weight, dimensions, and other features. The profit margins on this bag must be squeezed to the bone, and Steves must insist they make this one because it adheres most closely to his travel philosophy. So it’s nights and weekends, but it’s fun, and a real challenge – some posts take hours and hours – and rewarding when readers comment and say something encouraging… so, thank you. BTW, this particular lighting bulb – how valuable the compression straps are! Rectangular shape makes for efficient (max volume) packing. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Rick Steves 21 Inch Wheeled Bag, Red, One Size at Amazon.com. Read honest and unbiased product reviews ... No other small bag had that. 7. If you want products that will stand a lot of abuse and you don't mind spending more, you might also have a look at similar products from Tom Bihn or Red Oxx which still do use the tough Cordura Nylon. I’m in love with their stuff. Review of Rick Steves' Europe. It DOES have panels vertically to give it some “natural” depth – it- doesn’t have to “rob” from the interior. He wrote the first edition of his travel guide in 1979, it was titled Europe Through the Back Door and he further opened a storefront business called Rick Steves’ Europe Through the Back Door. Posted on November 18, 2020 November 18, 2020 by Rick Steves The Edmonds Theater — An Extra-Large Bag of Small-Town Memories Since I was a kid, The Edmonds Theater has been part of what made Main Street the main street in my hometown. No clips. My wife and I used them exclusively for a three week trip to the UK, Scotland and Ireland. Required fields are marked *Your email address will never be published or shared. While the exterior compartments won’t substitute for a personal bag – there is no pen or key holder, no netbook compartment – the fact that the exterior compartments can swallow up a scarf or cap, gloves and other items means the personal bag can be smaller. Civita 100% Hemp Day Pack. do you agree or am I missing something here? They let this bag serve for small, medium, and large packing duties without inviting clothing to shift around, which would otherwise happen in a lightly packed bag. Good luck! Gadgets, gear, and greatness for people on the go. The other is an engineer working in Germany but traveling and playing everywhere. Review: Rick Steves Classic Back Door bag – full featured, lightweight “one bag” option, Review: 2 Rick Steves carry-ons – $79 Backdoor Classic vs. $39 Appenzell day pack, Another HOT Friday deal: 20% OFF @ the Rick Steves store, Quick Take: Tom Bihn Packing Cube/Backpack, Quick Review: Outdoor Products Essential Carry-on. The difference between the Steves bag and a technical back pack is the Steves Classic Carry-on has a pretty basic suspension system being pretty much just the shoulder straps. My pack also holds more than hers, but hers fits more easily in overhead compartments on planes. But where there’s a will, there’s a way. He just packed his for a 3 day weekend trip and it is pretty full. Rick Steves travel backpacks are lightweight, ... From full-size carry-on packs to day bags, you'll find our selection of backpacks ideal for all your travel needs. $49.99. So I don’t see how you can possibly crank out the superbly written articles on this website day after day AND have a day job! I am planning on using the Steves Alpenzall and Gator as cabin luggage on my next SE Asia trip – I’m just going to bit the bullet and pack my jiu jitsu gi (uniform) in checked luggage, and carry a spare change of clothing, bathroom stuff, mouthpieces and protective gear (all the stuff I wouldn’t want to be separated from) in my carryon bags. There are a myriad of choices available to the traveler who wishes to go the one bag route. Had I been asked (same concept with the kids....), the original fabric would still be used. (Note: It's possible to over-stuff soft-sided bags beyond carry-on limits, and risk rejection. Packing this bag and then compressing the pack via the straps, as they currently are, just adds to the strain on the zipper whereas if they where above the zip line they could compress without the fear of busting the zip. I'm fairly certain it will best suit my needs. Not crazy about the rectangular shape but not a deal breaker. I don’t know if the casual reader who stumbles across this blog realizes you “do it all yourself” and how hard that is! They STILL have them! All information provided at Practical Hacks is for informational purposes only. Nothing has happened and it is now six weeks later. completely empty – but put a 7 lb. This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity. The main zipper has double zipper slides so I was able to use the second one to get home. Reviewed October 27, 2019 via mobile . My boyfriend and I each purchased Rick's Classic Back Door Bag for our upcoming month long trip to Europe in September. My wife and I took the 7 day Heart of Ireland tour last June. Appenzell Day Pack. IMO, the new versions are not as robust as the previous ones, especially in more severe use conditions. DIY: Hide a key outside your home where no one will find it! Included “dirty laundry” lightweight mesh pouches. That luggage has proven itself to be a real value. Don't be alarmed if, at first glance, your Rolling Backpack looks "too small!" $69.99. In absolute terms it may be, but I think they deliver great value for the money. I read an earlier version of this guide in 2008 and was glad I took the time to read a more recent version before my upcoming trip to Europe. However, the boys still won’t part with their 15 year old RS bags. I've got 2 other reviews to go along with this--the Rick Steves Travel Gear Packing Cube Set and the Rick Steves … - This bag is more than likely larger than any other backpack you have ever used. I first gave them RS classic bags when they were 15 and 17 for a European trip over 15 years ago. One bag travelers do just what the term implies – travel with just one bag which is always carried on. Date of experience: June 2019. Anyone have a new one and care to comment on the quality? Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Rick Steves Civita Shoulder Bag at Amazon.com. Ravenna Day Pack. Then, the other side failed. The Classic Back Door Bag ($79.95) is a similar product, though with backpack straps instead of the wheels and pull handle. Classic Trek: Travel with this revival of the bag that Rick carried through Europe back in the 20th century. Ask E3057WCjoef about Rick Steves' Europe. Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door teaches a person how to be a traveler rather than a tourist. Occasionally someone will ask me about it, wondering who makes it, where I got it, and so forth. with the purchase of any Ravenna Rolling Case, Rolling Carry-On, The more recent version has some nice features but at a cost. But stowed on board, used by a student or someone who doesn’t travel a lot but wants to go the one bag route – I think it’s absolutely fine and in fact a very solid value. Our travel bags and luggage have been personally designed by Rick Steves to bring you maximum durability and practicality for the lowest price. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. In the back of my mind, though, I had some nagging misgivings about it. For years I traveled with a wheeled duffel bag made by Club Glove – the golf travel bag folks. Inside the pouch were 2 cinch-up mesh bags for storing small items, There are 3 zippered compartments on the outside – a shallow one perfect for your TSA liquids bag, a deeper one for excess clothing, magazines, and the like, and a large pocket that’d be capable of holding a padfolio, folders, or even a laptop (if you can tolerate the weight), The zipper on the main compartment is 3 sided, making packing that compartment easy. Shop for Rick Steves Convertible Carry-on Bag. Review: 2 Rick Steves carry-ons – $79 Backdoor Classic vs. $39 Appenzell day pack; Review: Rick Steves Classic Back Door bag – full featured, lightweight “one bag” option; Save 20% on luggage – and clothing – at Amazon; 7 great sites for travel gear bargains; Review: Lands’ End FlightWise Carry-On softsided bag DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPORTANCE AND UTILITY OF COMPRESSION STRAPS. matching packing cubes – Rick Steves’ own packing cube set will exactly fill the bottom half of the main compartment. Largest volume. I like a few things about them like the drink holder and the extra outside pockets. You can knock people or objects over when turning around. laptop in it, and suddenly you’re pulling 15 lbs. – didn’t go on until I gave away my black Classic. I think the bag is perfectly suited to the occasional traveler or student. The Steves website doesn’t list a specific weight, simply saying that it’s less than 3 lbs. Recently with increased traveling I have purchased a few things from his site for my trips. Thanks for sharing. I have an original back door bag (the tag says 1988 but I got it in 1992). I suspect the main difference between the RedOxx carryon and the Steves is that you can probably carry both forever if you are packing clothing and carrying it on, the RedOxx has the edge if you have to carry sharp-edged three ring binders, and the Steves simply isn’t designed for more than occasional, emergency “check-through.” As an owner of one, I don’t think the Classic is robust enough to use regularly as checked luggage (although it is plenty robust for “back dooring” it through Europe, it’s intended purpose). If you have any questions, please email me via the "Contact" page. I know just how much time it took for me to edit and re-edit my tiny review over there (a lot of time!). I read an earlier version of this guide in 2008 and was glad I took the time to read a more recent version before my upcoming trip to Europe. The case for one bag travel is gaining momentum – with airlines now charging fees for checked bags – sometimes for your first checked bag, in fact – more and more travelers are opting this liberating, exciting approach to packing and travel. ), They’re heavy – the frame, handle and wheels add weight; many weigh 7 to 9 lbs.