Rick Steves Convertible Carry On, Black
From Rick Steves
Rick Steves' Convertible Carry On is the most versatile carry-on bag you will find. As Rick's favorite, he has no problem living out it for three months This large 2,500 cubic inch bag features three outside pockets - perfect for often-used items and one large side pocket for your jacket, umbrellas or even a laptop. The internal and external compression straps help to stabilize your load and the included mesh organizer bags add even more packing options.
- Size: One Size
- Color: Black
- Brand: Rick Steves
- Model: RSK-4301-Black
- Fabric type: nylon
- Dimensions: 21.00" h x 9.00" w x 14.00" l, 3.50 pounds
Rick Steves' Convertible Carry On is the most versatile carry-on bag you will find. As Rick's favorite, he has no problem living out it for three months! This large 2,500 cubic inch bag features three outside pockets - perfect for often-used items and one large side pocket for your jacket, umbrellas or even a laptop. The internal and external compression straps help to stabilize your load and the included mesh organizer bags add even more packing options. The signature clip-in security pouch is the smartest way to keep your valuables safe - ideal for copies of your travel itinerary, photos of your travel companions as well as copies of your prescriptions previously translated.. The security pouch can be clipped into your Rick Steves day bags as well with the handy O-Ring located at the bottom of each day bag. For extra capacity just zip open the expansion panel and its capacity jumps to 3000 cubic inches. This bag can convert from a smart-looking suitcase to a handy backpack, with comfortably-curved , padded shoulder straps and a padded waistbelt. To use as a suitcase, the straps and waistbelt tuck away in the back panel so you can check it. KIVA's exclusive Rick Steves line of travel luggage and accessories is designed to be practical, durable and light weight - ideal for the frequent traveler, whether for Europe or cross-country. Each items' "Rick tested" features work to make every trip smoother and more enjoyable.
Everything it promises to be and more
I had the pleasure of using this bag on a recent trip and am very impressed. It was the first time I had really done the carry-on thing and I was a little concerned because I have never in my life not checked in at least SOME luggage.
I used this in conjunction with Rick Steves packing cubes and his small toiletry hang bag. I highly recommend purchasing these two accessories to really make the bag work. Without a method of dividing/organizing the space in the bag, some might just see it as a single compartment and fail to appreciate the utility and brilliance of the overall design. I also used a space bag to shrink a Patagonia R4 Polar fleece into a flat neat little package that fit in with all the rest of the stuff too.
After not having to wait in line to check my bags, or wait to get them, I now realize I have probably spent a couple of days worth of my life waiting in line and around the bag carousel.
The bag is really tough. I wouldn't recommend it for hardcore backpacking in the woods, but for home to airport, airport to rental car/public transport then to hotel this is the bomb. Unexpanded it fits into the airline template for carry ons and perfectly into the overhead compartment on the plane. For maximum comfort i would suggest keeping your over all pack weight to under 20lbs (which I believe is also carry on maximum weight).
I love the little extras like the hidden passport pocket, the overbuilt zippers and the two white laundry mesh bags that were a bonus with my purchase. It is really light empty which means you can pack more into it then the same size rolling luggage version with a retractable handle. I get the feeling that this is a finished product that has gone through a lot of evolution, and that this is the final refinement. I should also mention that the two handles, one on the top and the other on the side are strong, comfortably padded, and really a joy to grip. They make handling the bag when you are not using the backpack straps really easy. The compression straps to tighten everything down before you close the bag work great and there are lots of easily accessible outside pockets and places to put my water bottle.
I feel really strange about gushing over a backpack, but what I'm really the most happy about is this sense of new found freedom when I travel with it. I wouldn't hesitate to get one if you are looking to try traveling faster and lighter (with the accessories aforementioned).
I'm so impressed with the quality and design, I look forward to taking it on a bonafide Rick Steves tour one day!
The perfect bag. Great details, and a great value.
We own last year's version of this bag, made by the same manufacturer for Rick as this new one. If the new and improved version is "the same but better", then you can not go wrong by getting this bag. The bag was so good that we bought a second one. Lived out of them for 2-1/2 weeks in Europe last summer. We also bought a set each of the Rick Steves' packing cubes, which exactly fit inside the convertible carry-on bag. Lots of compartments, thoughtfully placed, and some bonus internal cinch-sacks and a "secret" document pouch that clips into the bottom of the bag. More pluses are stow-away backpack and waist straps, side cinch straps, and it is expandable via a wrap-around zipper. The material is strong enough for its use and you will simply not believe how much can be packed into this bag. If you are familiar with Rick's travel philosophy (travel light and carry-on) this is the perfect bag. You will not find a bag with as many thoughtful details as this bag for twice the price - I know because I looked at most of them prior to deciding on Rick's bag. For more on Rick's travel philosophy and travel suggestions get his book Europe Through the Back Door. Invaluable.
The Perfect Bag. Great Details and a Great Value.
We own last year's version of this bag, made by the same manufacturer for Rick as this new one. If the new and improved version is "the same but better", then you can not go wrong by getting this bag. The bag was so good that we bought a second one. Lived out of them for 2-1/2 weeks in Europe during the last two summers. We also bought two sets each of the Rick Steves' Packing Cubes, which exactly fit inside the convertible carry-on bag. Lots of compartments, thoughtfully placed, and some bonus internal cinch-sacks and a "secret" document pouch that clips into the bottom of the bag. More pluses are stow-away backpack and waist straps, side cinch straps, and it is expandable via a wrap-around zipper. The material is strong enough for its use and you will simply not believe how much can be packed into this bag. If you are familiar with Rick's travel philosophy (travel light and carry-on) this is the perfect bag. You will not find a bag with as many thoughtful details as this bag for twice the price - I know because I looked at most of them prior to deciding on Rick's bag. For more on Rick's travel philosophy and travel suggestions get his book Europe Through the Back Door. Invaluable.
