"I believe that instead of buying large quantities of cheap stuff, people are going back to spending more on a quality product that will last them a long time." - Tom Bihn
I read the above line and I have to agree with Tom Bihn. I look at my own example to see this is true. Those following my quest for the correct every day bag are aware I was going back and forth between the Medium Cafe Bag and the Imago. After receiving both I was planning on returning one due to budget constraints. However, after a small unexpected cash injection into my personal economy I am keeping both. Mind you, it seems that after trying both out, and originally thinking the Medium Cafe was just a bit to small, it ultimately turns out I am using the Medium Cafe bag as my daily bag and the Imago is sitting by the wayside. But I will not return the Imago. Why? I am after all in tight budget waters. Wouldn't it be the practical thing? Well, simply put, it comes down to one word:
quality. The Imago is an amazingly well made bag. It is a tad smaller than my preference, but it is so outstanding in its construction, workmanship, quality, and design that I will not return it. Indeed, I will
find a use for it.
I wil be writing up my experience and posting my pictures of the bags (some travel ones too ;) in the thread already containing my TB bag choice evolution. I plan to do it in a month or so as I am making notes and vetting the bags in my daily life. I also already know I will be buying more TB products because they are well made, and have a positive impact on my life. My review will be detailed and go more into that.
The TriStar - sized between the Western Flyer and the Aeronaut, is something I will be taking a look at with an eye towards purchasing. I prefer, when possible, to use a smaller than max carry-on bag. In fact, I would like to downsize all my stuff (not just travel stuff) to fit into a max carry-on bag, so if need be, I can just grab it and go. The fewer things I have, the less things have me. That said, I recently took a trip for several days to Florida.
During that trip I used the medium cafe bag as a personal bag and a Manhattan Portage Europa Deluxe (stuffed to the gills) as my carry-on. It was great to be able to travel with a smaller than max bag and as small a bag as I could easily do. It worked out. But I was also analyzing what would be better. And while the Western Flyer was appealing to me, it was also a tad small as well. I am a big guy. Hence, my clothing is large and takes more room. So I was wondering about that. Would I find the WF adequate for my travel needs? I am hoping to get away 3 times a year for 5-10 days. Would the WF prove versatile enough in my case? I think the TriStar may be just the fit I was looking for. One thing I am sure about
: as my luggage choices evolve, Tom Bihn bags and accessories will be front and center.
Kudos to Tom Bihn and crew for making such fine products. :)