I saw pictured here (http://boards.bootsnall.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/3883000737/m/38500289316) the MEI Voyageur, a combo bag, backpack, that is also pretty small- it is the weapon of choice on the onebag site, and it looked quite perfect for what I wanted, and the advantage that while other companies have similar (Eagle Creek with an ORV Bag), this one has the dual advantage that it looks quite simple, seems well built, and has legitimate backpack straps... check the photos in the thread to see them, whereas most combos have pathetic backpack straps, that would not be worth anything in a long hike...

However, as I cruise around online nowhere seems to offer these bags... even if it was mailorder, is there ANYWHERE to buy these? does the company still exist ? (hopefully :P)

If anyone knows where to get one, even used, let me know... also, as a side note, approximately how many litres is 22inches x 13 inches x 9 inches?

Thanks,
Daniel

I could delete this (found the answer) but incase someone else is looking for it, MEI products are now made by a company called genuine gear.... they have no online presence but you can order over the phone from them.

Here:
MEI at Genuine Gear

All this info got off of a page at onebag:
One Bag Resources

Daniel I use the Vayageur all the time and you can't go wrong with it. These babies are tough and look good for a long time. I also have never had to check it as it fits almost every airlines carry on requirements as long as you don't overstuff it.

quote:

Originally posted by Bush Trekker:
Daniel I use the Vayageur all the time and you can't go wrong with it.

Do you have any pictures of it posted anywhere? I'd love to see it from various angles and from the inside. The only picture I've ever seen is a closed picture of the back.

Herea are some pics of mine, well the last two pics are mine. The specs are as follows:

Meets FAA carry-on requirements
VOLUME: 3000 cubic inches
Parallel stay internal frame
Hide Away shoulder harness and hip belt
Rubber side handle, web opposing side and top handles, D-rings for optional shoulder sling
Interior compression straps
Mesh laundry pocket, two optional side pockets
1000 denier Cordura®
DIMENSIONS: 14X9X22 3.5 LBS

Here are some more photos.

Front view

Side view

Side view

Inside

Harness zipped away

Well thanks fallingleaf. I was getting ready to borrow a digital camera to take pictures of mine. It's a great bag and cleans up really well. I do recommend using Scotch Guard on it though as that seems to keep a lot of the road grime from setting in.

Bush trekker, Good Idea about the scothchguard. I will have to pick some up.

wow thanks for the photos Fallenleafs- this thread is now officially the best source for photos of the MEI Voyageur on the web, pretty impressive. I think I'm going to go ahead and order it.

The next challenge is getting everything for 10 months in all climates of South America inside it....

Hey. This is no problem. You have to go light weight and use alernative products and I gleamed these from many sources before I used them and even suggested one of them to Doug Dyment on his web site.

Shaving oil- works better than shaving cream and is very light weight.
Jr Liggett's Bar Shampoo(My suggestion to Doug)Non liquid and I use it as soap as well.
The clothes you bring should be light weight and endurable. I like Travel Smiths khakis with the zip off legs so you have shorts and trousers. light weight shirts and t-shirts of good quality. I jsut picked up a pair of Keen sandals today and plan on using them as both day wear at times and shower shoes. Pay the money for top quality clothes and shoes and remember that you can pick up clothes and stuff on the road.

I have said this to many people taking off for their first long trip many times and few listen. I have yet to be anywhere in the world where you couldn't buy most of the basics you need.(I have actually bought Head and Shoulders Shampoo from a lady in village in the middle of the bush in Africa and a Hershey Bar from a guy in the jungle in Belize)

The one thing you want to bring lots of with you and to have someone already in the States ready to send you more quickly is anti-malarial medicine.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BRING TOILTRIES FOR TEN MONTHS WITH YOU. They are readily availble wherever you go.

Travel light and take the basics only.

Wow, thanks Fallenleafs! Great pics! This is the definitive source for information on the MEI Voyageur.

hmm.. a question about bar shampoo or shaving oil, or any of those specialized consumables:

what do you do when it runs out? can you find products like this everywhere? (my instinct is to say no)

I don't use them all up real quick if I stop in a place for an extended period of time I buy some standard products and keep the lightweight stuff for when I am on the move. Buying local is usually quite affordable and lets me keep the lightweight stuff for travelling. I get over a hundred shaves from one 12ml bottle of shaving oil and the bar shampoo lasts a long time as well. You can buy King Shave brand shave oil at Wal-Mart and carry three which should last a year because each on is less than one ounce. The bar shampoo I order on line and always start off with two bars.

I just put everything in my pack including a full set of travel clothes and it all fit in my Voyageur quite easily.

Has anyone used the contact info at http://www.meigear.us/ either phone or e-mail?

That link is mentioned above.