Columbia Sportswear The Great Conversion Backpack Review

Don't choose between a bag and a backpack, cause you can have it all in one bag.  The (UU9201) Columbia Great Conversion Backpack makes traveling in carry on mode a snap.   Want a backpack?  Unzip the shoulder straps from the strap concealing compartment on the back of the pack and clip them to the bottom of the pack.  You're off!  Want a bag?  Unclasp the shoulder straps from the bottom of the pack, and zip them away.  Away you go!  Want to check your bag, just stow the straps and join the "I hope my bag made it", lottery with the airlines. It has an external compartment for your luggage tag by the handle with a retracting strap. 

Add strong zippers and waterproof construction, and you have the ultimate conversion type carry on vehicle for your travels.  It's comfortable enough to haul around on your back, fits easily into the overhead, plus you have a special padded compartment for carrying your laptop of up to 15".  My laptop doesn't fit in it, and I still love this bag.  It's been all through Central America, the streets of DC, the jungles of Texas, and spent three weeks hiking through Europe, and is none the worse for wear.      

The Columbia Great Conversion Backpack: 

Meets FAA carry-on requirements

The bag construction compartmentalizes your stuff 

Bag converts to backpack

Backpack straps stow in zippered compartment

Two compression straps attach with quick release buckles

The two handles are nylon webbing filled with rubber

The main zipper is premium #10

It has an external luggage tag pocket

Materials: 600D Polyester, 840D Ballistic

Dimensions: 22" x 13" x 10"

Weight: 3.88 pounds

In the rain, on the trail, or stuffing it in the overhead, this is my favorite travel garment bag of all of them I own.....and I have quite a few.  The bag comes in black and persimmon. I bought persimmon because I like to actually be able to spot my bag on the luggage carousel at the airport.  Saving the best for last, it can be had most places for under $ 100.00 USD. 

My personal online purchase choice: bagking.com

Five stars out of five!