Advice on Eagle Creek Bags

[pointofnoreturn]

I'm trying to decide between two bags manufactured by Eagle Creek.

1. Explorer LT Women's Fit

OR

2. Maiden Voyage 70 L

I was thinking about ordering them off ebags.com since I have a couple of coupon codes that can add on further discounts. I'd also have the bag shipped to my grandparents who are currently in Florida and I'm going down there anyways in February - saves me shipping costs to Canada!

I honestly cannot decide between the two. There's a MEC store in Ottawa but way out and too far for me to get to and besides, I don't know of any places that sell Eagle Creek in Ottawa (Have found a store so I'll go check that one out!). Plus I'm not sure if any of the MEC bags would work for me. Prices are really high for woman's fit.

But concerning the MEC bags, the only one that appealed to me was the:

Ibex 65 - But I think that's kind of built for a guy.

Is any of the non-Women's fit MEC bags suitable for a woman?

if it doesn't fit me, I can always get a refund or exchange.

I'm 5'4, pretty athletic but have mild scolioscis and weight about 125-130 pounds depending on the time of the year (holidays, it's the latter weight LOL).

Help me pick one!

[dumbdiety]

The Maiden Voyage 70L looks like a good pack. The most important thing is to make sure it fits your torso, so get thee to the store and try it on!

[pointofnoreturn]

Hehehehe! I definitely will! Thank you for your input!

[Jules80]

i have several mec bags. most of them come in various sizes so you can get the right one for the length of your torso... but as doug says you gotta try them on. the MEC in Ottawa is accessible by bus. its just a bit of a trek.

Jules

[Eagle]

My vote (as usual) would be for one of the Eagle Creek models. However, as mentioned previously, make sure this is properly fitted for your torso length (your overall height is less important than your torso length). Any competent shop should be able to measure this for you. The EC models in your links both fit a torso range of 15"-19". Most of the weight should rest on your hips.

Good luck with your purchase!

[pointofnoreturn]

Hey Eagle,

I should probably have added something to this post sooner. I went to a MEC Store and tried on various packs with the help of the salespeople, including women's packs. None of them would work on me. It was far too heavy even if they only loaded the pack half-way or even a third - and that was one of the smaller packs they offered.

It was just too much strain on my back. I will be going with a 20-22" rolling suitcase with durable wheels and a small light backpack (for hiking expeditions, etc) that will serve as my carryon (with my purse stuff inside it) and the luggage will be checked.

To be honest, I wasn't really surprised I couldn't manage a teeny backpack - I think all the years of doing gymnastics has done quite a bit on my back. I'm kind of sad but it will be easier on my back to roll a suitcase despite the cobblestones (which shouldn't be too bad. I'm quite used to hauling it around Ottawa and its public transport system).

Thank you for your lovely suggestions though!

[dmic2]

my wife has that eagle bag and loves it