Maxpedition Doppelduffel

[ryan1835]

thats not nearly as amusing as i hoped it would be

glad you like it dave  

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

That really does look like a decent rig mate

[DaveK]

An update and initial thoughts on having used the Doppelduffel as promised.....

I've just used for a three day / two night trip - just the sort of trip I bought it for and I'm happy with how it worked out.

- I checked it in as baggage for the flight and the return, and unsurprisingly, it held up just fine. The grab handles on the top and the sides are pretty useful for manipulating it through the queues at check-in, the main handle on the top being exceptionally comfortable, which matters when there's a bit of weight in there.

- For this sort of trip, I need to pack jackets, trousers, collared shorts and general office attire, as well as t-shirts and jeans for the evenings. The internal zip-divided compartments perform better than I expected for keeping things organised and on arrival at my hotel at the end of day one, my shirts were all still neatly pressed. The internal strap, but more-so the external compression straps take much of the credit for this I think. I've had a number of similar sized rigid suitcases that perform nowhere near as well in that respect.

- Although I thought I wouldn't, I did use the shoulder straps at the end of day one as my walk to the hotel from the office was a bit further than I'd remembered, and then again this morning after checking out and walking to the office. They were a god-send, and I didn't give a damn whether it looked daft or not! A much more civilised way to lug a large bag or case to the office than one of those wheelie things. Certainly much quieter!

- The standard Maxpedition plentiful pockets make segregating wash / shaving gear, from clothing, from phone charger(s), from paperwork really easy to accomplish.

So overall, it was a big success, but it isn't suitable for shorter trips I don't think. When I've got the cash, I may well invest in the smaller Fliegerduffel, but that might be a little while yet

I'd definitely recommend this bag to anyone needing a 3-5 night travel bag, but of course, it is a simple duffel bag too if you need it to be. I predict it will be brilliant for camping trips etc, as it allows easier access to contents than a traditional rucksack, and when you've unpacked, it can be flattened and folded, unlike a suitcase.

[Gadget Guy]

So you would say it's worth the $$$?  I'm really thinking about one of these now.   

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Glad it's working out for you mate

[DaveK]

So you would say it's worth the $$$?  I'm really thinking about one of these now.   

Well, it is pricey - no doubt, but when you consider that the cost is similar (or even slightly less) than an equivalent sized Samsonite suitcase, then I'd say it is worth it - yeah

[nuphoria]

Good news then.

It is nice to have a bag you know isn't going to fall apart with the manhandling they get at airports 

[DaveK]

There's no doubt they'll give it a good "testing" for me!

[DaveK]

So, 4 flights completed and the Doppelduffel has been abused plenty by baggage handlers in Belfast and the Midlands!

It's holding up brilliantly, and I'm still impressed that a non-rigid bag can keep nicely folded shirts pristine despite being thrown around at the airport, carried flat, on end and as a back-pack. Very versatile and very well thought out.

The bottom is looking a bit grubby, which could be a pain, as that's the bit that's against your back when using the shoulder straps. I'll unpack it properly later and see how easily it wipes clean - I'm hoping that the teflon in the nylon will make this simple.

Barring any nasty surprises to come, I think we can safely proclaim this as a typically well designed, high performance Maxpedition bag.

I'd recommend it to people



Oh, and the top external pocket is a great place to store your EDC organiser and quickly reunite yourself with your Leatherman after retrieving your bag at the airport

[Gadget Guy]

You sold me, I have one on the way.   

[DaveK]

I don't think you'll regret it John

[Gadget Guy]

It took me awhile to get my bag. My first deal fell through so I had to buy this one. I'm really glad that I did because this bag is fantastic!    It really is worth the high price tag as there was allot of work that went into the bag.

Thanks Dave for the nice review.   

[zatoichi]

I ordered one but it is currently on backorder . They stated that it will take a couple weeks for it to be shipped .

[DaveK]

It'll be worth the wait zatoichi!

I've used mine so much already that I can't remember how I managed without it!

[zatoichi]

Cool! 

I will use it mostly as a bug out bag and will put a lot of stuff  in there.

When the delivery person comes, this will be my attitude