Lowe Alpine TT Carry-On 40 Travel Carry On Pack
From Lowe Alpine
A tuff and dependable Carry-on for most airlines cabin requirements. Lockable zip entry, front stash pockets, removable shoulder strap, internal organizer pockets.
- Amazon Sales Rank: #169908 in Apparel & Accessories
- Brand: Lowe Alpine
- Model: LR1202
- Dimensions: 12.50" h x 8.00" w x 22.00" l, 2.80 pounds
Choosing the right pack for your next trip is a big decision. Fortunately, Lowe Alpine comes to the rescue with the TT Carry-On 40, a versatile travel bag that meets the carry-on requirements of most major airlines. The TT Carry-On 40 offers 2,600 cubic inches of storage space, with a large main compartment and several interior pockets helping you organize your clothing and gear.
The TT Carry-On 40 offers a large front zippered entry for easy access to your gear. |
In addition, the bag is easy to carry, with a pair of padded backpack straps, side and top carrying handles, and even a removable shoulder strap for duffel-style transport. And once you arrive at the airport, you can easily zip up the backpack harness so that the straps don't get n the way. It's the perfect bag for relatively short cross-country trips or quick weekend getaways.
Other details include a large front zippered entry for easy access to your stuff, a front stash pocket, a No. 10 lockable zip entry, and compression straps. The TT Carry-On 40 weighs 2.75 pounds and carries a lifetime warranty.
Backpack Guide
Finding the Right Backpack
For extended trips into the backcountry, there's no getting around the fact that you'll have to carry life-sustaining supplies on your back. Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for a backpack:
Internal vs. External
Up until late 1970's, external frame packs--which consist of an exposed, lightweight metal frame attached to a fabric pack-bag--were the only thing going. In recent years, though, packs that place the support structure of the pack inside the pack, known as internal frame packs, have boomed in popularity.
The good news about internal frame packs is that they hold the weight of your load close to your body, making it easier to maintain your balance on uneven terrain. Meanwhile, internals provide stiffness and support, but they are not completely rigid, which makes them more flexible when you're doing active sports. With the added flexibility comes a high degree of compressibility, meaning you can use the pack's compression straps to cinch down your load and keep items from shifting and throwing you off balance. Internals also sport slimmer shapes that allow for more arm movement in all directions--another big plus for off-trail bushwhackers, skiers and climbers. Last but not least, internal frame packs offer a greater range of adjustability in the shoulder harness and hip-belt than external frame packs.
There are some negatives for internals. First, once packed, it can be difficult to grab needed items out of them quickly. And because internal frame packs consolidate the load into a single, body-hugging unit, proper packing is very important. To distribute the weight properly, you should pack your heaviest items close to your back and in the middle portion of the pack-bag. Plan on getting a sweaty back with an internal, too, given the fact that they are pressed right against you. Finally, internal frame packs are priced higher than external models.
External frame packs are very good at focusing the weight of a load directly to the right place: your load-loving hips. While internals, when properly packed, do this effectively, too, you can always rest assured that an external will distribute the load evenly, no matter how unevenly packed it may be. Externals also offer easy access to your gear via multiple, easily-accessible compartments. Plus, because externals don't situate the load directly against your back, you'll enjoy far more air flow. Finally, if you're on a budget, or you're buying for a growing child, externals are more affordable.
If you plan on hiking on easy to moderate trails and you don't need a lot of body movement, you'll probably be fine with an external. But because externals are so rigid and inflexible, challenging trails or any kind of off-trail pursuit can become painful and frustrating. Also know that your balance is far more compromised with an external frame pack during activities like stream crossings and hops through talus fields.
Packs for Shorter Trips
In addition to backpacks designed for overnight trips, rucksacks are great for day-trips, warm-weather one-nighters, single-day ski trips, or fast alpine assaults. Some rucksacks blur the line between backpack and rucksack with integrated internal supports and sophisticated hip belts and shoulder harnesses. Choose a pack in this category based on your intended use. Short day hikers don't need an internal frame, while climbers and skiers with heavier loads likely do.
Sizes and Capacities
Packs in the 3,000 cubic inches and lower category are good for day hikes or overnighters in warm weather with minimal gear. Packs in the 3,000 to 4,000 cubic inch range are good for one- or two-night trips in colder weather. If you're going to be out for up to three days, look for a pack in the sub-4,000 cubic inch range. Choose a pack with 5,000-6,000 cubic inches for week-long outings. And finally, for trips lasting a week or more, you'll need something in the 6,000-plus cubic inch category. Keep in mind, though, that bigger packs weigh more, and since every ounce counts, you'll want to choose a pack that offers just enough space for your outings and no more.
Great for travel
This pack is perfect for traveling. It conforms to carry on regulations and it's well organized.
Great Carry-On Gear
I bought this for a trip to Peru and Ecuador, since I wanted a carry-on so I wouldn't be separated from my luggage and I could avoid fees. My girlfriend bought the Osprey Porter 46 Travel Pack, so I'll compare the two. First off, I'll say this is a great bag if you pack light, want a carry-on, but don't want of those g*****n wheelie things (which work REALLY poorly when you are traveling independently in the developing world). It is 200 cubic inches smaller than the Osprey. I think you could jam more than that into the Osprey, if you tried (it "expands" more). I think the smallness was good, because I was never worried that I wouldn't be able to carry-on, while my GF was concerned at some points because the Osprey was bulkier (since different airlines, especially foreign ones, have different size restriction). The internal compression straps rock (none of any consequence in the Osprey - only external, which are good) and the outside ones allowed you to stuff it full, but maintain a nice, compact bundle. The outside pocket was nice too - you couldn't really fit too much in it (tickets, some magazines, pens, etc.), but it is accessible without loosening compression straps, which you couldn't do with the Osprey (Osprey ones were much smaller and had no organizing features). This also comes with a shoulder strap, which I used WAY more than the backpack straps - it slings over my shoulder easily. The Osprey has D-rings for a shoulder strap, but doesn't come with one. Styling/colors are quite nice - doesn't look too "sporty," but doesn't have the dork factor/ugliness of the g*****n wheelie things. Overall build quality is pretty good - not a cheesy pack.
As for the drawbacks - the backpack straps are only of mediocre quality. They did the job, but the straps are on the thin side (does have some padding) and has no hip belt or sternum strap. I can use them for a mile or two walk, but beyond that, lack of a hip belt and thinness of straps might start to cause discomfort. They do stow away nicely in their own pocket, though - I left them there mostly and just used the shoulder strap. The Osprey has much beefier straps and a good hip belt (and stow away, too). The build quality of the Osprey is just very slightly better (with the exception of the backpack straps, which are way better). There is only one internal, mesh pocket in the main compartment - they Osprey has several.
The lowdown - a great carry-on bag for the light packer (yeah light packers!) who want something durable, functional, and sporty. If you think you'll be hauling your bag for long periods on your back or want to maximize your packing room, then go with the Osprey. Either way you go, you won't be disappointed.
