BootsnAll Travel Community

I'm going on trip on the Trans-Mongolian railway for longer than a month and am trying to decide on a pack.

From some research, the Tom Bihn Aeronaut sounds like a good choice -- it'll meet airplane carry-on restrictions, and act as a good general bag. Most of the time, the pack will be with me on the train, or in a locker at train stations while I take my day pack around with me (one of the small daypacks that I can stuff inside the Aeronaut).

But I'm sure every now and then I will be stuck carrying the Aeronaut on my back for a couple of hours, if not longer (e.g. if the available lockers seem too unsafe or are not functioning). Will the bag be comfortable for this long? Should I consider something else?

The only other one I've considered is the MEI Voyageur, which also seems like a good pack.

Thanks for your help.

That pack looks pretty cool. Very adaptable. I'm sure it would be suited to your purpose. Are you buying it online or have you tried it?

I don't think there is much between the MEI Voyageur and the Aeronaut. They share a lot of the same features. You should pick the one that is most comfortable for you and your wallet.

I'm heading out on the Trans-Siberian at the beginning of April. I'm taking a regular 35ltr backpack, and a small messenger bag as a daysack. When are you going, what is your itinerary?

From what I've read, the Aeronaut doesn't have a hip belt (someone correct me if I'm wrong). The Voyageur has a really nice hip belt. The comfort will depend on how heavy it is. How much stuff are planning to take?

Thanks for the responses,

goter,
I haven't tried the Tom Bihn Aeronaut or the MEI Voyageur -- there's no real way for me to as neither are in stores around me. Either one I would have to order online and return if I didn't like it.

Voyageur's a little cheaper, but not tons -- and if I consider the length of the trip, future trips, etc. the small cost difference is not really a big issue for me.

It's hard to judge the comfort without having one -- from what I can tell some people think the Voyageur is a little more comfortable, but I hear other reasons to choose the Tom Bihn.

The eagle creek meridian is apparently a third option, but I haven't heard as much about it. I could also do a more regular backpack (not a top loading, I personally can't stand them), but haven't been able to find anything I particularly like.

I'll be starting in June, and spending about 45 days. Apart from the main Russian cities along the way, I want to stop in some of the smaller towns and spend a little time. I'll just spend a few days in Ulan Bator and Beijing and get a little extra travel around China if possible. My final itinerary (except for start and end dates) isn't completely decided because I'm trying to figure out train schedules and options. I've decided to ride platzkart also (some call me crazy, others say its the best thing -- I think I'll prefer it, especially since I speak some Russian and it'll give me a little extra money for the trip).

mikeym , you're correct that it doesn't have a hip belt. It's clearly not suited for hiking -- but I'm not sure at the level of activity I plan to do with the pack whether or not this is a problem. I'm planning to carry as little as possible in terms of clothing. Quick drying, wrinkle resistant clothing (and only one or two pairs) will be all I bring. However, I'm bringing a DSLR and one extra lens. From laying the gear out, any pack is unlikely to be full even if I put my day bag (messenger bag) with camera into it as well.

I'll probably use the extra space for general food and beverage supplies for on the train and any irresistibly neat souvenirs.