Bag filter: Packable, convertible backpack?

September 27, 2016 11:13 AM

Dear Mefites, I'm looking for a new travel-shoulder-backpack-tote bag. I really like the Patagonia Lightweight Travel Tote but the price is a bit high and I'd like to have a couple more inside pockets. I do like the size, weight, foldability, water bottle pockets, and convertible backpack stylings. I have heard that this bag is also quite durable. Do you know of a similar bag that offers more interior pockets and organization, at a similar (or lower!) price point?
posted by stillmoving to Shopping (5 answers total)

I have frequently recommended Tom Bihn bags for questions like this, but they're not necessarily cheaper than the bag you linked. They are awesome, though, and have all the organizational bells & whistles you could ever dream of. Tom Bihn also sells separate clip-in organizing pouches, so perhaps you could fit your Patagonia bag with an additional organizer to make it the bag of your dreams.
posted by ourobouros at 12:15 PM on September 27, 2016

The Patagonia bag's really the only one that hits all the marks you want sans price, as the Travelon and Eagle Creek versions aren't as great. If you can score a discount code, you can get it for 20% off from eBags.
posted by evoque at 2:15 PM on September 27, 2016

Possbibly Osprey's Ultralight Stuff Pack. It actually has less features with its simple design but a similar product to be aware of. Also to consider: excellent quality/ warranties/ repair-if-need-be from both Osprey and Patagonia.
posted by shaqlvaney at 2:55 PM on September 27, 2016

I really really like the eBags Mother Lode bag. It's $99 right now, but you can usually find eBags discount codes.
posted by jdl at 6:28 PM on September 27, 2016

I got this Overland Equipment Cambridge II bag a couple of months ago and I love it. They also make this bag.

Pros: cheaper, so many pockets (I lost my sunglasses for a week because I forgot a pocket existed)
Cons: not foldable, no exterior water bottle pockets
posted by autolykos at 8:22 PM on September 27, 2016