Yesterday I questioned whether the backpack is even necessary to traveling as a “backpacker”. Obviously there are some advantages to traveling with a backpack, but there are also many disadvantages which I outlined in the post.

To be honest, I have long felt that the “modern backpacker” really needs some type of hybrid bag. Neither the trekker’s backpack (commonly used by “backpackers”) nor standard luggage (duffels, rollers, suitcases) are designed to meet the needs of the “modern backpacker”. What we really need is a bag that is convenient to carry through urban environments without drawing a lot of attention (like a roller, or duffel bag), as well as one that can be strapped onto your back when the terrain turns rough and you still have several kilometers to go.

To my knowledge this type of bag had not yet been invented, until I read Steve Madsen’s response to yesterday’s post, in which he recommended what I would call the perfect solution to the backpacker’s baggage dilemma:

Rick Steves’ Classic Back Door Bag

The name gave me a chuckle, but the bag seems VERY well designed, and provides a wonderful hybrid solution for the modern “backpacking” traveler.

• Carry-on Friendly: A huge plus for travelers that do a lot of flying. Speeds everything up, and the airline can’t lose your bag if it’s on the plane with you.
• Unassuming and cheap: Unlike those North Face monstrosities that are made in every neon color known to man, and say “The North Face” on practically every side, this bag looks cheap and unassuming. As a traveler, it’s already plenty obvious that you’re from out of town, so it’s nice to have a bag that doesn’t scream it for you. In addition to looking cheap, it actually is relatively inexpensive for luggage: $79.95.
• Hybrid: Can be carried like a suitcase through urban environments, or as a backpack across rugged terrain.
• Durable and Strong: Unlike most backpacks, that can easily be cut open by a crafty thief (ruining your expensive pack and stealing your things), the strength and durability of the Classic Back Door Bag seems more comparable to a roller. It’s made of high-density polyester, which still has it’s vulnerabilities, but is a hell of a lot stronger than the average backpack.

Check out some photos of Rick Steves’ Classic Back Door Bag below, or click here for more information from the Rick Steves’ site.

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