PixelatedImage Blog

I’ve got a few posts lined up in the coming days related to my packing for this upcoming trip. I’ll be gone nearly 8 weeks, and need to take light trekking gear, photographic gear, and all the usual stuff you take to be prepared. So when today I did a dry-run on my packing process I wasn’t too surprised it didn’t all fit. It barely does on regular 2-3 week assignments, so throwing it all in plus a thermarest, technical day pack, sleeping bag and boots, well, it just don’t fit.

So as I walked by Coast Mountain Sports this afternoon, I couldn’t help going in and picking up a new duffle. I’m a big fan of the North Face Base Camp duffles. My large red one has been everywhere with me and it finally looks beaten and battered enough to be respectable. But they didn’t have one large enough for me so I went with the Mountain Hardwear Expedition Duffle. It’s barely legal as checked luggage – but if I don’t pack it to the gills, it’ll be fine. Weight isn’t my problem, it’s just the volume. I’m ashamed to say this is only one of two pieces, the other is a large Stormcase, and I have two carry-ons.

So, if you care about this stuff and need a big-ass duffle bag that seems built really well, give THESE a look. If not, I’ll go back to my regularily scheduled rants soon enough. **Update. Feb.2009. I’ve now gone back to the North Face Base Camp Duffles. I bought a larger one (the XL version) and it works brilliantly. Travelled around the world with it and love it. The Mountain Hardwear duffle just didn’t cut it. Very awkward, no backpack straps, in general just a bag I hated hauling about. Just so you know.