'03 or '04 Eagle Creek Continental Journey

[debcsus]

I found a 2003 Eagle Creek Continental Journey online and was wondering what the difference was between the 2004 model?

I looked at the two descriptions for each model, but didn't really understand all of the differences. It looked like the 2003 has a detatchable daypack that goes inside the main compartment, or can attatch to the outside?

What is the difference between panel loading and book style?

Here are the two descriptions I found.. the biggest difference I saw was that the 2003 was a little bigger.

2003:
www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=47803300&storeId=8001&catalogId=40000008001

2004:
www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47680211

Also, Kim, I saw on earlier posts that you were trying to work on discounts, have you had any luck with it?

Thanks!

[Kim]

The older models daypack does attach on to the outside.

They haven't really made any major changes besides the design.

Right now, this is all I have for Ebags coupons:

Buy 1 thing, get 10% off, buy 2 things get 20% off:
www.qksrv.net/click-711188-10362685

$25 off any order of $150
www.qksrv.net/click-711188-10362682

$15 off any order of $100 or more
www.qksrv.net/click-711188-10362684

To use any of them, you just click on the one you want and it will show up when you check out. If it doesn't show up, go through and do it again.

It would be worth it to get it using one of those if you go with the new packs as they are $170 there too. I don't see any of the old style.

Kim

[Libby]

I've never seen one like the 2003 before. I like it! I like it alot more than the 2004.

I'm really, really torn on the Continental Journey. There just aren't enough pockets!

[Kim]

More pockets just means more zippers to lock.

[Libby]

Kim,
For the kind of things I want to store in the pockets, zippers wouldn't be needed.

When I went backpacking a few years ago I assigned the little compartments of my pack with duties. One was my first aid kit. Easy to get at and I didn't need to open up the pack and start to hunt for it. Others were for nick-nacks, snacks, etc.

It just made travel alot easier.

[Kim]

Yeah, that's true.

I always just put those in the daypack on the front of the pack, quick and easy to get at.

Kim

[debcsus]

Is there any difference between panel loading vs book style loading? Sorry for the repitition, I'm leaning towards the 2003 but I'm nervous because I haven't been able to actually hold it and look it over like I've done with the 2004.

Will the Continental be big enough for a 2 month trip? I'm planning on packing enough so I only need to do laundry about once a week.

[debcsus]

I just went to REI to look at backpacks, again. The sales person also pointed out the Explorer Pack to me, which is between the Continental and Transcontinental in terms of size. I don't think I like the attatched duffel because it takes up so much space on the inside of the bag, but I do like the little more space over the Continental. Has anyone used the Explorer? Any pros or cons for one over the other?

[Eagle]

A few comments......

I use an EC Continental Journey, and have been really pleased with it so far. My pack appears to be the 2003 model, as it has the "Marsupial Pouch" on the front to hold the Daypack. I've found this to be a really useful design feature, as it's great to hold the "overflow" that won't fit into the Pack. On my last trip I stored my Goretex jacket in the pocket (well strapped in, of course), as I couldn't fit it inside the pack.

The one minor criticism that I have of this design, is that if both the main Pack and the Day pack are fully loaded, it's sometimes difficult to get the zipper connected that holds the two of them together. I wish EC had left the small loops on the side of the Daypack that were previously used on the CJ. That would provide another option to connect the Packs if the zipper can't be connected. However, if one packs carefully this minor problem can usually be overcome.

I doubt there are going to be many 2003 models left for sale, so if you've decided this is the one you want, might be an idea to buy sooner rather than later.

With regards to the difference between "panel loading and book style", panel loading is a general term that refers to a Pack which is accessed by a zippered panel. "Book style" is a slight variation on this, whereby the pack is designed to open sideways with a "hinge" on the right hand side), similar to the way you open a book (instead of at the top and sides, as in the older CJ packs, where the "hinge" is on the bottom). For a good view of this, check the Eagle Creek website and the CJ Pack. I'm not sure which of these methods I prefer -- I suppose both have advantages and disadvantages. However, in either case the zippers are lockable so there's no difference in this regard.

LIBBY, a comment on your preference for pockets. One way around the lack of pockets in the CJ Daypack might be to use the small EC Packing Cubes to make a "modular" packing system inside the Daypack. Choose various sized Cubes according to what you will be using each one for. You could keep your First Aid kit in one, nick-nacks in another, etc. Since these would most likely be in the larger compartment of the Daypack, they could be locked if desired, but would also be easily accessible without "fishing around". You could "colour code" the Cubes if desired. Something to think about?

Hope these few comments will be of some help. Happy travels!!!

[debcsus]

Eagle said:

The one minor criticism that I have of this design, is that if both the main Pack and the Day pack are fully loaded, it's sometimes difficult to get the zipper connected that holds the two of them together. I wish EC had left the small loops on the side of the Daypack that were previously used on the CJ.

Where does it zipper to the main pack? The picture makes it look like it just has the pocket and two snaps to hold the day pack on. I think I'm going to order it tonight or tommorow morning so I can get it with time to pack everything, test it out, and return it if need be.

I looked at the packing cubes and sacks. Are these really useful? They look neat, but are kind of expensive. I found some on ricksteves.com that are 3 for about $16.00 instead of the $12-$22 each of eagle creek at REI.

[Eagle]

On the model of CJ Pack that I have, the horseshoe-shaped zipper is at the top of the back surface of the Daypack, and the top front surface of the main Pack. This is not readily apparent in the photo of the 2003 model in your link. It almost looks like the Pack in the photo is an older design than mine, as I believe I can partially see the loops on the side of the Daypack? I could take a photo to show the configuration of my Pack in more detail, but I'm not sure if there's any way to display it in this particular part of the web site? That would be a useful feature to have!

If you decide to order the CJ, I assume you've measured your torso size? This Pack uses a fixed rather than adjustable harness system, and from what I recall it's designed for a torso range of 15" - 21" (you could check with Eagle Creek to confirm this).

YES, IMHO the Packing Cubes and Pack-It-Sacks are fantastic! I am working to perfect a "Modular Packing System" and these are the most important aspect of this. They are a bit pricey but I figure they will last a lifetime of travel, so I don't mind paying the EC prices. I'm sure the Rick Steves models would work equally well, although they use a lighter "mesh" style of fabric. In one instance I wanted a padded cube, so had to use the EC model.

I find the Pack-It-Sacks extremely useful also. I use them to store rolls of film, to store misc. photo gear such as lens cleaner, and have configured a slightly larger one as a "backup" toiletries kit to keep in my Daypack / carry-on. If the airline "misplaces" my main Pack (which has my primary toiletries kit), I can function quite well for weeks with my backup kit (contains just the necessities, such as Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Razor, etc.).

One final point -- when I originally bought the Continental Journey, I intended to take both packs as "carry-on", in order to avoid baggage carousels, etc. EC state in their web site that the CJ is carry-on size without the Daypack attached. This may work with some airlines, but don't count on it. In my recent experience, the Charter airlines are getting really strict with carry-on, so be prepared to check the main pack.

BTW, if you're going to order the Cubes from Rick Steves, you might find it useful to order some of his disposable plastic baggage locks. I found them great to lock the zippers on my pack while in transit. You're probably aware that the airlines WILL cut Padlocks off if they decide to inspect your bag after you've checked it.

Hope these comments have answered your questions. Let us know which Pack you buy. Cheers!!!

[debcsus]

I just ordered the 2003 Continental Journey backpack, overnight shipping! Thank goodness for gift certificates.

I think I will also probably get the packing cubes. I hadn't really considered the packing sacks. I found a Jansport toiletries bag that I really like. The holder for the shampoo/conditioner/soap velcroes off and can also be hung up seperate from the main compartment. I'll try and find a good picture of it.

[Marie]

I also travel with the 2003 continental journey and really find it worth the money, but I have to say I would like some extra pockets for nicknacks, like in the day pack. The marsupial pôuch is actually pretty convinient and you can carry your daypack in front with your guidebook in it.

The daypack is really great because it's a perfect size and has an extension for when you're nearing the end of the trip.

I highly recommend the eagle creek, a great traveller backpack.