Fashion travel backpack (upated)

[lmintzer]

Backpack update: I went ahead and did "best offer" on the NWT MZ Wallace Heidi travel backpack in the beautiful navy with ocean leather that was on Ebay. I was able to get it for $200. It is selling (in black) for $425 on the MZ Wallace website. Feeling a little guilty about spending the $, but what a good deal! I figure if I change my mind, I can always re-sell it for what I paid. This is a big bag--should be great for a carry on, or if there is a day where we all want to put our sturff in one bag. For days when we can get away with carrying less, I picked up two Stowaway backpacks from LLBean. These are $39 each and are fantastic practical bags--they fold up into their own little pockets when not in use, have padded straps, bottle pockets big enough to hold .75 oz Camelbak water bottles. I used an old verion of this while hiking in Hawaii and loved it. Though not particularly fashionable, definitely sporty and well-made.



I am looking for a fashionable backpack to take on an overseas trip this August. I hope to find something that will be both stylish and functional and that will be a piece I keep for many years to come. A friend of mine highly recommended a brand called "Rough and Tumble Bags." They are hand made in Maine. The owner has an Etsy site with a lot of beautiful bags. I do think the site is rather disorganized.

I think what I would like is their Porter Pack (104). My question is what size and what color. I know I need at least the XL which can hold a 13 inch laptop or maybe the XXL which can hold a 15 inch laptop (which is what I own). I do not think I will be taking my laptop on this trip, but I wonder if, at some point, I would want a bag that could fit it.

Most of these backpacks are made of a combo of leather and waxed canvas which I think is quite attractive. I talked to the owner, and she does not recommend ordering the canvas/leather 104 in the XXL because she says it gets too heavy. She does sell a 103--a slightly different design that is mostly canvas with a leather flap--and the XXL is okay weight-wise that way.

The other question is color. She said she could make me up a black leather and canvas XL and it would not be a custom order (and thus could be returned). I like black and tend to wear more black than brown in fall and winter. But is black just too dark for this pack? How about espresso? Or maybe one of the more rustic browns?

I could also do something completely custom, but I am hesitant to do so before actually having one of these on my possession for size.

Sorry--typing on my phone so feeling a bit disjointed. If you are so inclined to wade through a Etsy site, hers can be found at: roughandtumblebags. She also has a regular website but it is less inclusive.

Thanks for reading.

[Momit]

I haven't looked at the Etsy link yet, but wanted to throw out MZ Wallace as another option. Here's a link to one of their backpacks. http://www.mzwallace.com/shop/products/2950994-0000/marlena-fern-bedford

[lmintzer]

I haven't looked at the Etsy link yet, but wanted to throw out MZ Wallace as another option. Here's a link to one of their backpacks. http://www.mzwallace.com/shop/products/2950994-0000/marlena-fern-bedford

Thanks! Those are nice too. The large backpack looks great, but it's even more expensive than the roughandtumble ones. I like the exterior pockets--would be good for a water bottle.

Here is a link to the Etsy site. I linked directly to the Porter backpacks. There are some other really beautiful bags on the site. Take a look. : ) https://www.etsy.com/shop/roughandtumblebags/search?search_query=Porter+&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search

[kwc]

Although I am actually an MZ Wallace devotee (so well made, super lightweight... though I have not tried the backpack), but I have been eyeing the Rough and Tumble bags for awhile now. I really think you should think about the brown leathers, though... the gorgeous cognac and vintage brown leather (with the Sienna waxed canvas... like a classic Barbour raincoat!) are what make the Rough and Tumble bags look different from other bags... the black would not stand out as much. I do worry a bit that it would get pretty heavy during travel.

I say this even as someone who bought a black (!) Barbour coat as a splurge in the midst of a bone-dry California winter. Whoops. Maybe I am the cause of the drought.

[lmintzer]

Although I am actually an MZ Wallace devotee (so well made, super lightweight... though I have not tried the backpack), but I have been eyeing the Rough and Tumble bags for awhile now. I really think you should think about the brown leathers, though... the gorgeous cognac and vintage brown leather (with the Sienna waxed canvas... like a classic Barbour raincoat!) are what make the Rough and Tumble bags look different from other bags... the black would not stand out as much. I do worry a bit that it would get pretty heavy during travel.

I say this even as someone who bought a black (!) Barbour coat as a splurge in the midst of a bone-dry California winter. Whoops. Maybe I am the cause of the drought.

I think you may be right that the black will look nice but maybe non-descript. I am also going to hot climate, so I wonder about the wisdom of any of these--they are so dark. I have to carry epi-pens for my younger son--are they going to roast? I have a little trouble deciphering her site--I feel like I'm never sure which I'm looking at (sometimes, her descriptions below don't seem to match the bag). These are not supposed to be particularly heavy. I forgot what she said weight-wise.

Also, questioning whether this is big enough? I usually take a large bag on the plane (and check my suitcase). The dimensions of this bag are:

Height: 14"
Width flattened 18"
Depth 7"
Opening 14"

I think this is pretty (I believe it's Espresso waxed canvas with Espresso leather):
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/lmintzer/ScreenShot2014-06-16at70606PM_zps87a67560.png (http://s59.photobucket.com/user/lmintzer/media/ScreenShot2014-06-16at70606PM_zps87a67560.png.html)

And I believe this is Vintage Congac leather (? on the canvas on outside--inside is Burnt Sienna).
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/lmintzer/ScreenShot2014-06-16at70455PM_zps66858c6e.png (http://s59.photobucket.com/user/lmintzer/media/ScreenShot2014-06-16at70455PM_zps66858c6e.png.html)

[nfowife]

I lived in Europe for 2 years and traveled extensively. I used a pacsafe bag exclusively for travel- I used the cross-body metrosafe 200 and it was a wonderful bag. It gave me peace of mind for the anti-theft features so when I was not paying much attention to my things (because I was paying attention to the kids) I never worried. Europe is quite safe but the only real crime, especially in large crowded cities is pickpocketing. With the pacsafe I never had to worry about that. I don't know that I would buy a super nice leather backpack to wear for this type of trip. Especially with the heat, if you will be in Paris, Italy, it is extremely hot in the summer. If you want a very nicely crafted leather bag, I would buy one in Europe- there are so many unique shops (I can recommend a fabulous leather craftsman in Rome!). But for traveling I don't know that I'd get the type of bag you are posting above. Both for the durability and the security. Just my opinion.

[lmintzer]

I lived in Europe for 2 years and traveled extensively. I used a pacsafe bag exclusively for travel- I used the cross-body metrosafe 200 and it was a wonderful bag. It gave me peace of mind for the anti-theft features so when I was not paying much attention to my things (because I was paying attention to the kids) I never worried. Europe is quite safe but the only real crime, especially in large crowded cities is pickpocketing. With the pacsafe I never had to worry about that. I don't know that I would buy a super nice leather backpack to wear for this type of trip. Especially with the heat, if you will be in Paris, Italy, it is extremely hot in the summer. If you want a very nicely crafted leather bag, I would buy one in Europe- there are so many unique shops (I can recommend a fabulous leather craftsman in Rome!). But for traveling I don't know that I'd get the type of bag you are posting above. Both for the durability and the security. Just my opinion.

Hmm. Worth thinking about. I was worried the leather might be too hot. I will be in Israel, so very very hot. I am not as worried about durability--the reviews say these bags are workhorses. Also, there is a pocket for your passport and wallet that is inside and right against your back, so they would not be easy for pickpocketers to get to.

My problem is that I want something capacious for the plane and then maybe something a little smaller for walking around during the day (though still big enough for water bottles, meds, sunscreen, etc).

[nfowife]

how about a lesportsac tote for the plane? They fold down to nothing. I'm not familiar with Israel in terms of safety- though I assume it would be better than the larger cities in Europe regarding pickpocketing. Hope you find something great!

[Momit]

Those bags are so pretty, OP. I would be concerned that the leather would be too hot, and too heavy. The nice thing about bags like MZ Wallace and LE Sportsac is that they weigh next to nothing when they're empty. I can't imagine lugging a leather backpack around in a hot climate.

[mikala]

Hmm. Worth thinking about. I was worried the leather might be too hot. I will be in Israel, so very very hot. I am not as worried about durability--the reviews say these bags are workhorses. Also, there is a pocket for your passport and wallet that is inside and right against your back, so they would not be easy for pickpocketers to get to.

My problem is that I want something capacious for the plane and then maybe something a little smaller for walking around during the day (though still big enough for water bottles, meds, sunscreen, etc).

I really think you may be better off with two bags for those needs. It sounds like you want a bigger bag for the plane than you need for touring.

I second pp pacsafe recommendation. I used a crossbody one throughout Europe and saw several likely pickpockets in churches and museums. It was a nice bag and the added security features were helpful.

[Momit]

How about this one from LLBean?

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/84648?feat=305-CL1&page=rangeley-rucksack-canvas&attrValue_0=Olive&productId=1259190

[niccig]

I understand wanting to get one of those bags, it's gorgeous, but I wouldn't use it for traveling. That would be my bag for here at home. I've done a RTW backpacking trip and had a regular backpack with money/passport in a money belt under my clothes. When in Europe, I take a cross body bag and keep one hand on it at all times. At a restaurant, I always loop the bag's strap around the chair leg I'm sitting on.

I'd go for nylon material as easy to clean and lightweight. I'm always carrying more than I think between water bottles, guide book, purchases etc. I'd also go for a bag with very comfortable padded straps for all the walking I do.

[elektra]

I think you would be fine with those bags in Israel. I think for a backpack in Israel in August (hot!) I would prefer the MZWallace one.
I was just in Israel a few weeks ago and I brought two bags that worked well.
This one I used for every day traveling/touring:
http://www.luckybrand.com/shannon-crossbody/639470518960.html?source=CA_DF:639470518960:LCB&KPID=639470518960&pla=pla_639470518960&CAWELAID=820567270000036501&CAGPSPN=pla&gclid=CjkKEQjwzv-cBRD_oY2PouKVvMIBEiQAKuGNC79rN7YOBXu7gqGSt9tJIVBAc FSXKT5HYUxn71F3Qlvw_wcB
It is pretty streamlined but also fit a lot of stuff when needed.
I found it on sale at TJMaxx for I think $79 or $89.

And then I also brought this one as my carryon, and I also used it to haul stuff for us to the pool and beaches:
http://www.zappos.com/lesportsac-travel-tote-aquarius?zlfid=191&ref=pd_sims_sdp_1

I personally prefer totes or crossbody bags to backpacks though. DH also brought his backpack, and besides the plane ride, we usually had him take the backpack and I took my leather crossbody bag.
I did want a crossbody as opposed to a backpack but I think a backpack would have been fine too, if that is what you want.

[lmintzer]

I think you would be fine with those bags in Israel. I think for a backpack in Israel in August (hot!) I would prefer the MZWallace one.
I was just in Israel a few weeks ago and I brought two bags that worked well.
This one I used for every day traveling/touring:
http://www.luckybrand.com/shannon-crossbody/639470518960.html?source=CA_DF:639470518960:LCB&KPID=639470518960&pla=pla_639470518960&CAWELAID=820567270000036501&CAGPSPN=pla&gclid=CjkKEQjwzv-cBRD_oY2PouKVvMIBEiQAKuGNC79rN7YOBXu7gqGSt9tJIVBAc FSXKT5HYUxn71F3Qlvw_wcB
It is pretty streamlined but also fit a lot of stuff when needed.
I found it on sale at TJMaxx for I think $79 or $89.

And then I also brought this one as my carryon, and I also used it to haul stuff for us to the pool and beaches:
http://www.zappos.com/lesportsac-travel-tote-aquarius?zlfid=191&ref=pd_sims_sdp_1

I personally prefer totes or crossbody bags to backpacks though. DH also brought his backpack, and besides the plane ride, we usually had him take the backpack and I took my leather crossbody bag.
I did want a crossbody as opposed to a backpack but I think a backpack would have been fine too, if that is what you want.

__________________________________________________

Thanks, Ladies. I think I will heed your advice and have one bag for the plane and one for touring. However I might have to bring BOTH onto the plane unless the backpack I pick folds down very flat (or it will take up too much space in my luggage). I believe the backpack could count as my purse or "personal item" and the bag as a carry on? That means I will need overhead space for one of the items--hopefully, I will be able to get some. It can be bad these days--I never count on it.

Electra and nfowife, I like the idea of a LeSportsac Travel tote. I have a gigantic Vera Bradley tote from years ago (but Vera is really not my style), and I also have a very nice looking Longchamp tote, but it is not large enough. So maybe a new LeSportsac--they aren't too bad price-wise.

Still up in the air about what to do for the backpack. MZ Wallace looks nice and light, but I don't think I can justify the price. I am also not sure the smaller of the two packs will be big enough for me for day touring (maybe it would--not sure). I think I would prefer a backpack to a crossbody for every day, as long as I have a place to secure the passports and my wallet. Wish the MZ Wallace were cheaper--or the leather ones I like were less hot!

[SnuggleBuggles]

I always pack my purse in my backpack for travel bc of bag allowance. I actually pack my purse up completely and then put it in my backpack. That way I don't have to rummage through a big backpack to find stuff. I pull out my much smaller purse and get what I need from there.

[lmintzer]

I always pack my purse in my backpack for travel bc of bag allowance. I actually pack my purse up completely and then put it in my backpack. That way I don't have to rummage through a big backpack to find stuff. I pull out my much smaller purse and get what I need from there.

I always put my purse in my carry on too. Question is whether airline will let me carry on a backpack plus a tote.

[lmintzer]

duplicate post--sorry

[elektra]

I always put my purse in my carry on too. Question is whether airline will let me carry on a backpack plus a tote.

I think it depends on the airline and probably on the person who happens to be policing that kind of thing on any given day.
Air Canada had no problem with a backpack (like a regular school-type backpack) plus a wheeled carryon. Lufthansa had a rule that anything that resembled a backpack was considered a carryon and they would not allow a second personal item. Even though the kids had backpacks that were smaller than my large LeSportsac tote, they still allowed me a secondary item, but we had to check the kids' carryon luggage.

[SnuggleBuggles]

[ QUOTE=lmintzer;4001714]I always put my purse in my carry on too. Question is whether airline will let me carry on a backpack plus a tote.[/QUOTE]
Sorry! Read too fast!

[lmintzer]

[ QUOTE=lmintzer;4001714]I always put my purse in my carry on too. Question is whether airline will let me carry on a backpack plus a tote.
Sorry! Read too fast![/QUOTE]

I would like to say I'd do a cross body, but I feel like it, eventually, makes my back hurt from the inequal distribution of weight.

This would be cute if it were a little bigger. Only 13" x 9" X 6". And sure is inexpensive. http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/81527?feat=816-CL1&page=wayside-day-pack&attrValue_0=Black

If anyone sees a great deal on MZ Wallace backpacks, let me know. The only thing I can come up with is a bright red one on sale at Nordstrom. I really wouldn't want red.

And any votes on the cutest LeSportsac travel tote? Not loving the patterns, really.

[kwc]

How about a Herschel bag?

http://www.ebags.com/product/herschel/little-america/258214?productid=10255992
http://www.ebags.com/product/herschel/little-america-mid-volume/261415?productid=10289379
http://www.ebags.com/product/herschel/retreat/261421?productid=10265928

[lmintzer]

How about a Herschel bag?

http://www.ebags.com/product/herschel/little-america/258214?productid=10255992
http://www.ebags.com/product/herschel/little-america-mid-volume/261415?productid=10289379
http://www.ebags.com/product/herschel/retreat/261421?productid=10265928

Thanks for the suggestion. Those are cute, but two problems: they weight 2 lbs. empty (which is more than the leather and canvas ones I was looking at originally), and there is no spot for a water bottle (true of the leather and canvas one, too, but the inside was waxed canvas, so a spill would not be a big deal).

[lmintzer]

Here's a patent leather LeSportsac tote. This is sleek looking (and if I just use for a carry-on, I don't need to worry about black being hot).
http://www.ebags.com/product/lesportsac/travel-tote-patent/133573?productid=1339757&cartItemId=1

I also like this one:
http://www.ebags.com/product/lesportsac/travel-tote/127379?productid=10299518

And this isn't bad for the colorful ones:
http://www.ebags.com/product/lesportsac/travel-tote/127379?productid=10299518

[athompson]

Have you looked at Baggallini? I have an older version of this one for travel and love it:
http://www.amazon.com/Baggallini-Luggage-Everywhere-Exterior-Mushroom/dp/B004XGBU8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1403188167&sr=1-1&keywords=baggallini (http://www.amazon.com/Baggallini-Luggage-Everywhere-Exterior-Mushroom/dp/B004XGBU8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1403188167&sr=1-1&keywords=baggalliniThey)
They have many other choices as well. I think the quality is even better than LeSportsac (which is also great).

[lmintzer]

Have you looked at Baggallini? I have an older version of this one for travel and love it:
http://www.amazon.com/Baggallini-Luggage-Everywhere-Exterior-Mushroom/dp/B004XGBU8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1403188167&sr=1-1&keywords=baggallini (http://www.amazon.com/Baggallini-Luggage-Everywhere-Exterior-Mushroom/dp/B004XGBU8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1403188167&sr=1-1&keywords=baggalliniThey)
They have many other choices as well. I think the quality is even better than LeSportsac (which is also great).

Thanks again for your suggestion. The Bagallini cross bodies like yours seem to get good reviews--the backpacks, not so much (the worst complaint was that the magnetic snap didn't stay closed too well.)

What do you ladies think about this? Lightweight (at least I think--would have to find an exact weight on it). Light color (for hot climate) but looks like this particular one could be wiped off. Somewhat fashionable (?) -- style-wise, I love that MZ Wallace--shape is similar.

http://www.ebags.com/product/lesportsac/voyager-backpack-patent/203517?productid=10270288&rlid=DETAIL_AI

I could get a LeSportsac large tote and backpack together and still not be spending too too much. I guess I'm boring--I like the solids in both (maybe black patent for the travel tote and this light color for the backpack?)

[lmintzer]

Thanks again for your suggestion. The Bagallini cross bodies like yours seem to get good reviews--the backpacks, not so much (the worst complaint was that the magnetic snap didn't stay closed too well.)

What do you ladies think about this? Lightweight (at least I think--would have to find an exact weight on it). Light color (for hot climate) but looks like this particular one could be wiped off. Somewhat fashionable (?) -- style-wise, I love that MZ Wallace--shape is similar.

http://www.ebags.com/product/lesportsac/voyager-backpack-patent/203517?productid=10270288&rlid=DETAIL_AI

I could get a LeSportsac large tote and backpack together and still not be spending too too much. I guess I'm boring--I like the solids in both (maybe black patent for the travel tote and this light color for the backpack?)


***Updated to add--the LeSportsac backpack in the light color looked not great IRL. I had high hopes, but alas, no. And it seemed very very big. Still waiting on the totes (on order from Zappos). Back to the drawing board for the backpack. I'm definitely willing to consider a little smaller since I will have a separate bag for a carry on for the long plane flight. Oh why are the MZ Wallace backpacks so pricey?!?

[Nooknookmom]

***Updated to add--the LeSportsac backpack in the light color looked not great IRL. I had high hopes, but alas, no. And it seemed very very big. Still waiting on the totes (on order from Zappos). Back to the drawing board for the backpack. I'm definitely willing to consider a little smaller since I will have a separate bag for a carry on for the long plane flight. Oh why are the MZ Wallace backpacks so pricey?!?

What about Kipling? They are my ALL time favorite bags! I also like me SportSac but Kipling is phenomenal! They last forever.
They dry well and they are lightweight.

http://m.macys.com/shop/handbags-accessories/kipling?id=54520

I'm sure they also have a crossbody bag that could pair with the backpack.

[lmintzer]

What about Kipling? They are my ALL time favorite bags! I also like me SportSac but Kipling is phenomenal! They last forever.
They dry well and they are lightweight.

http://m.macys.com/shop/handbags-accessories/kipling?id=54520

I'm sure they also have a crossbody bag that could pair with the backpack.

Thanks. Checked them out at Macy's last night. Colors were pretty bright, but they were lightweight, relatively inexpensive, and offered lots of styles. Definitely a possibility.

Also saw some really nice Fossil leather (but lightweight) cross body bags. Just not sure a crossbody wouldn't bother me every day all day.

[marinkitty]

Lisa, this is going in a totally different direction from where you started, but I have a light ripstop nylon pack from REI that I have taken on trips to Europe that weighs nothing, holds a surprising amount and stays light and dry on my back in hot weather. So far it has been to Portugal a couple of times, Montana, the BVIs, & Costa Rica. It has held up really well for sightseeing and much more active endeavors. Not waterproof but dries fast. I kept a water bottle inside. It has a small pocket against your back and a larger pocket inside too. And it was cheap! But it is casual and sporty - not at all what you started out with. I honestly can't imagine walking around Israel in August with a dark leather pack on my back though! Called the REI Flash Pack. Comes in a bunch of fun colors.

http://www.rei.com/product/861436/rei-flash-18-pack

[lmintzer]

Lisa, this is going in a totally different direction from where you started, but I have a light ripstop nylon pack from REI that I have taken on trips to Europe that weighs nothing, holds a surprising amount and stays light and dry on my back in hot weather. So far it has been to Portugal a couple of times, Montana, the BVIs, & Costa Rica. It has held up really well for sightseeing and much more active endeavors. Not waterproof but dries fast. I kept a water bottle inside. It has a small pocket against your back and a larger pocket inside too. And it was cheap! But it is casual and sporty - not at all what you started out with. I honestly can't imagine walking around Israel in August with a dark leather pack on my back though! Called the REI Flash Pack. Comes in a bunch of fun colors.

http://www.rei.com/product/861436/rei-flash-18-pack

_________________________
Yep, you ladies have me convinced. No leather (though I might just HAVE to get one of her bags at another time--beautiful!).

Light weight nylon looks like the way to go. It's heating up here in Philly--I can only imagine Israel!

I realize I have a bag that I like for light trekking--but it's black. It's an older version of the LL Bean Stowaway Pack--similar, I think, to the REI pack linked by marinkitty. Could just order a couple of these in some of the lighter colors and call it a day. We could throw one in each suitcase and could pull out as many as we need on any particular day. They are really inexpensive, and if these are anything like my original black one, they work well. Can even hold a DSLR camera in a small padded case at the bottom. Not very structured, but that's the tradeoff for light weight.

I STILL can't get that MZ Wallace backpack out of my head, though. Checked it out at Nordstrom yesterday while on my less-than-productive mall excursion, and it was beautiful in that light mossy green color. Very unusual yet neutral at the same time.

[alirebco]

I have a Rough and Tumble bag and it's gorgeous but heavy! Mine is the one that converts from a handbag to a backpack. You can get swatches of leather before deciding what color. The browns are gorgeous! I actually went with eggplant because I wanted something that could go with black or brown.

[lmintzer]

I have a Rough and Tumble bag and it's gorgeous but heavy! Mine is the one that converts from a handbag to a backpack. You can get swatches of leather before deciding what color. The browns are gorgeous! I actually went with eggplant because I wanted something that could go with black or brown.

Hi alirebco--thanks for your feedback. Going to wait on the Rough and Tumble bag for now--they seem so wonderful--but too heavy for this trip. May order one of their cross body wallets to hold money, credit cards, epi pens, and phone and place that in whatever backpack I finally decide upon.

[kwc]

_________________________

I STILL can't get that MZ Wallace backpack out of my head, though. Checked it out at Nordstrom yesterday while on my less-than-productive mall excursion, and it was beautiful in that light mossy green color. Very unusual yet neutral at the same time.

Not nearly as cute as the MZW but these two are lightweight, inexpensive and have side pockets without looking _too_ sporty:

http://www.zappos.com/sherpani-quest-convertible-backpack-heathered-light-brown
http://www.amazon.com/Volcom-Juniors-Daydreamin-Backpack-Charcoal/dp/B00AQL4S1A

[curiousgeorge]

Sorry! Read too fast!

If anyone sees a great deal on MZ Wallace backpacks, let me know. The only thing I can come up with is a bright red one on sale at Nordstrom. I really wouldn't want red.

[/QUOTE]

The MZ Wallace site added sale items today, one of which is the emerald Marlena. It's down to $270 now. Not cheap, but less expensive :-). And I know you didn't really want red, but it is down to $193 on their site if that changes your mind any.

Their other (I think larger) backpack, the Heidi, is listed on eBay in navy (not my auction) for $225 or best offer. I really like the navy, I have a Kate in that color.

[mmommy]

Also, MZ Wallace is doing sales on Fridays all summer. I think you can sign up for emails on their website. No promises that the backpack in a color you like will go on sale, but it may be worth signing up.

[lmintzer]

Also, MZ Wallace is doing sales on Fridays all summer. I think you can sign up for emails on their website. No promises that the backpack in a color you like will go on sale, but it may be worth signing up.

Thanks. I am signed up. I see the reduced Marlena in Emerald. I am not sure how I feel about that color. I've been following the Heidi in blue on Ebay. I do like that color, but that is a big pack--probably too big for every day. Could be a good airplane bag, though. : )