We decided that we needed some travel bags for our Nepal trip. Although I’m very fond of roller bags (why hand-lug something around or load your back if you can just roll it?), that type of bag probably won’t work very well in places like Nepal. They might work OK for getting our stuff there, but our porters certainly wouldn’t appreciate them during our trek. We thought about just using our backpacking packs, but all the loose straps and buckles coupled with the inability to effectively lock them make them less than optimal.

The best scenario would likely be to bring some sturdy duffel bags as well as a smaller daypack. The duffel bags would hold our gear to and from Nepal and also be carried by the porters during our trek. We’d keep stuff that we needed more frequent access to in our daypacks.

So we decided to get some good duffel bags which of course obliged us to look at the famous North Face duffel bags. These highly-conspicuous bags are waterproof and virtually indestructible, perfect for this type of travel. Unfortunately, they’re also somewhat pricey and don’t seem to go on sale very often.

REI has introduced some bags that are similar, but at a considerable cost savings. Unfortunately, the REI bags don’t quite measure up to the North Face bags. The REI Road Trip duffel looks similar to the North Face bag and only costs $75, but the problem is that the shoulder straps aren’t as padded and at 8,000 cu. in. (it’s only available in one size), it’s a bit too big. The REI Beast Bag is only $70, has more comfortable shoulder straps, and the size is not bad at 5,700 cu. in. It’s primary drawback, however, is that it’s not waterproof.

Feature-wise, the North Face bag is the one to get, but is it worth the extra cost? Fortunately, we found a great sale that made that decision easy. eBags has the medium (4,200 cu. in.) North Face bag on sale for only $80 (reg. $110). The large (5,600 cu. in.) is only $90 (reg. $120). Free shipping and no tax for Californians. Great deal so we scooped up one medium for each of us. I’m not sure when the deal ends, but if you’re looking to get one of these bags, you’d best git while the gittin’s good!

Posted by Roger at 9:40 pm.