slide
Full Travel Member
Posts: 16
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mec?
Jan 4, 2006 18:06:08 GMT -5
Post by slide on Jan 4, 2006 18:06:08 GMT -5
Hello, I have recently been searching for a suitable backpack for an upcoming 2 month trip. Earlier this year... Well late last year, I purchased an eagle creek continental journey. After testing it out myself, I found the straps really didn't fit comfortably, despite all adjustments, so I had to take it back. So far, I haven't been able to locate a women's fit bag in person, so I am starting to look at other brands. The other day I was looking at this pack at mountain equipment co-op: www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442096519&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302700073&bmUID=1136414425600I was wondering if anyone has had any experience, or could vouch for travel packs put out by mec... Even this particular one, as the eagle creek pack strikes me as looking much more reinforced than this one... I don't want to end up with a ripped and torn pack half way through my trip! I know it really comes down to what fits, and I haven't tried this pack out, I was just hoping to get some feedback as to quality before committing to a trip out there. Thanks in advance!
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mec?
Jan 4, 2006 18:24:52 GMT -5
Post by Jules80 on Jan 4, 2006 18:24:52 GMT -5
i have the MEC Brio 60 and it is excellent quality tho not specifically designed for travelling it was great for my europe trip (although i've had it for about 4 years now so it wasn't bought with that in mind). the bag has been on at least 20 planes in that time and i haven't had any problems with it. it was very comfortable for travelling. MEC brand products i've always found to be of very high quality and last a long time. i have one bag that is 8 years old that i still use and doesn't look its age.
Jules
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mec?
Jan 4, 2006 22:10:25 GMT -5
Post by Eagle on Jan 4, 2006 22:10:25 GMT -5
slide, it sounds like the Eagle Creek CJ might have been outside your torso range? From what I remember it has a fixed harness designed to fit a range of 15"-21" (you'd have to check with EC to confirm this). Some women have reported that the men's version fit them better, so it might be worth looking at all the models to see if you can find one that fits properly.
With regard to the MEC Pack, I've always found MEC products to be very good quality, and their staff is usually excellent at explaining the features of the products. Like most Packs these days (including EC) these are usually manufactured in Vietnam or other "offshore locations".
According to the link you provided, there appears to be two different models of that particular pack, designed to fit different torso sizes. The MEC staff should be able to make sure it is "fit" properly. See if they'll allow you to try it out for a few hours fully loaded, as this will probably be the biggest indicator of whether the pack is going to work for your particular needs.
I can't comment on the quality of construction, as I've never seen this particular model "first hand". You might also have a look at some of the other EC models, as you might find something that works for you. I'm not sure where you're located, but hopefully there are some local shops in your area where you can try these out.
Good luck and happy travels!!!
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mec?
Jan 5, 2006 16:22:33 GMT -5
Post by gougeAway on Jan 5, 2006 16:22:33 GMT -5
i haven't used a MEC backpack, but I've had their small carry-all (okay, I'll admit it - it's a purse, but still manly) for 10 years or so, and it's still in great shape. I also have a Mec duffle bag that's still in great shape. I've also got a fleece and some other clothes from them that are still in great condition.
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slide
Full Travel Member
Posts: 16
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mec?
Jan 7, 2006 12:57:24 GMT -5
Post by slide on Jan 7, 2006 12:57:24 GMT -5
I know that all of the items I have purchased from mec in the past have been of excellent quality, but I do feel much more comfortable knowing that other people have had the same experience, so I definately think that I will give this pack (and or other's in store) a try.
I will also continue to keep an eye out for any other eagle creek packs, to see if any of those will work for me.
Thanks for the input!
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mec?
Jan 12, 2006 4:53:50 GMT -5
Post by Geer on Jan 12, 2006 4:53:50 GMT -5
You may want to try out the Eagle Creek Explorer Women's Fit. I've tried out about a dozen travel backpacks, including MEC ones, and the EC Explorer was by far my favorite. It was also the only one that fit me well - all the straps were perfect, the height of the bag was just right (I'm short, about 5'4), and the bag felt extremely comfortable. As for places to try out the bag, try Coast Mountain Sports. They carry a number of Eagle Creek bags in stock. I won't buy the bag there unless there's a sale though. I tried mine there but ended up buying elsewhere online. Good luck finding the perfect bag!
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ashleyg
Full Travel Member
Posts: 37
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mec?
Feb 5, 2006 11:15:11 GMT -5
Post by ashleyg on Feb 5, 2006 11:15:11 GMT -5
Took my first trip out today to look at packs. Options I"m considering...
MEC - I like the Pangea 60. Problem is, they're out of stock until April. Not a huge deal, as my trip isn't till the summer, but I did want to take it on a two week trip to California in March. Price of the one I like is about $210
Eagle Creek. I liked the Explorers Womens style - seems to fit my smaller frame better than the Continental ones. Drawback - $299, plus the daypack clips on, not zips, which doesn't seem as solid. I also tried the Asolo pack. I liked it, and it was pretty cheap - $175. Only things I didn't like are the number of straps and buckles that hang off it. Plus I haven't heard anything about this pack.
So... any suggestions? Anyone tried any of these packs?
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mec?
Feb 5, 2006 14:49:36 GMT -5
Post by me on Feb 5, 2006 14:49:36 GMT -5
the zip of day pack on mine gave a problem in Bilbao. Stuffing it into a locker there, the zipper teeth came apart. it still was connected at the end, the part where the tab is, but not the rest. i was able to carefully work the tab part back around to the starting point and re-zip the day pack to the main pack. but, it was still disconcerting.
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mec?
Feb 5, 2006 17:15:44 GMT -5
Post by stanncie on Feb 5, 2006 17:15:44 GMT -5
Ashley , I would strongly recommend the eagle creek. don't worry about the daypack not zipping, I at least hardly ever attached the daypack to the backpack. When I was carrying both pieces I just carried the daypack in front. Carrying both on your back when they are fully loaded is a bit bulky! and you feel like you are going to fall backwards lol!
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mec?
Feb 20, 2006 9:03:07 GMT -5
Post by Shmemily on Feb 20, 2006 9:03:07 GMT -5
I seem to be the only person around who doesn't like those Eagle Creek Packs . They just don't seem to fit me in the least. Slide - I own a pack from MEC (not a travel pack mind you) that I bought years and years ago and it's treated me quite well. Plus I find they're really helpful there and will spend tons of time helping you try on packs to make sure they're just right. Ashleyg - If the Asolo pack you're talking about is the one with the detachable toiletry type kit on the bottom it's one my boyfriend. He really likes it so far. However the buckle thing is not a problem for him as he's backpacking in NZ and there are less flights, trains, etc. where that would be a problem.
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