NEW Rick Steves' Convertible Carry-On

Rick's Thoughts on the Convertible Bag It gives me great pleasure to introduce you to my bag. Because I live so happily out of it for so many trips, it's near and dear to me. With lots of expert help, we've designed what's flat out the bag of my dreams. This is important to me, because it contains my entire material world for over 100 days every year. I could travel with any bag I want… and I do. I could make any changes I want to it — but I'm entirely satisfied. If I was to suggest one bag for my best friend to live out of for the trip of his lifetime, it would be this bag. I'm flying to Europe again next month and there's no doubt which bag I'll take…this one. When I first started traveling I had the biggest backpack around and my goal was to fill it. Of course, I learned from experience, and for over 25 years, a cornerstone of my travel philosophy has been the importance of packing light. Having the right bag-designed for smart European travel…just big enough to carry on to the airplane — is the essential first step to traveling light and smart. I never wanted to be a "bag salesman." But, the bag you choose is important, I've probably sold 200,000 bags over the years, and it's fun to run into people in Europe so thankful to have this bag. Their enthusiasm for the bags exceeds even mine. And in the last 20 years our basic bag has evolved and improved. With this bag, we have arrived. I'm just unpacking now after a two month trip and it's almost sad to tuck it empty into that place in my closet where it awaits its next trip. This bag is actually overbuilt. People need to feel confident with the hefty zippers, sturdy fabric, and strong stitching. The bag takes a beating beautifully. My lead guides and I labored long and hard on this design (along with the folks at Kiva who manufacture the bag for us). We came up with some great innovations. When hiking from station to hotel the bag — with its thoughtful straps and belt — rides comfortably. At the airport, I cinch-down the compression straps and it's tight, compact, and no problem with that person at the check-in counter. When filming, I need my shirts looking sharp and that's how they stay carefully folded and tucked into the big long "closet" pocket. Running my business and tours on the road I need a reliable "office." My laptop slides snuggly into the large outer pocket and I tuck loose receipts, tickets, cards, and small things into the handy small outer pocket. For peace of mind, I clip my valuables in their security pouch safely into the bottom corner of the inner compartment. Black on black, you don't see that pouch unless you know it's there. In my personal crusade to enable our customers to travel smart and happy, I have insisted that we keep the prices on these bags low. You cannot find a better bag for anywhere near this price. I hope it gives you lots of happy travels! Rick