BootsnAll Travel Community

I'm going on a RTW trip for 9 months, and right now I'm split between the REI Grand Tour II, and the Eagle Creek Explorer LT. The Eagle Creek costs more than the Grand Tour at $190 vs $130, but the Grand Tour might be too big to be considered carry on. Eagle creek is 4200 cu inches (and a little more comfortable), while the Grand Tour is 4600. Not a big difference, but the Grand Tour is a whole 5 inches longer and I've heard people complain about carry-on problems with this bag. The Grand Tour has space for a sleeping bag, but I doubt I'll need it since I'll be in hostels.

So, what would you guys go for? Also, do you think 4200 cu inches is enough if I'm out for 9 months?

Most travel bags are too long, even when they claim to be carryon-safe, especially on small commuter planes, so be careful about that.

My only comment is to choose the one that you like best and ignore the price difference. You're going to be traveling for 9 months, and your bag will be a very important part of your trip. In the long run, having a good bag is way more important than the $60.

- Mike