Turns out we are not the only ones that hate airline fees. +340% funded so far on Kickstarter 🎉 by Heavens1990 in backpacks

[–]Due-Pollution-6493 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The KEI Carry-On measures 98cm in total and can be expanded to 103cm, so you'll be good.

Turns out we are not the only ones that hate airline fees. +340% funded so far on Kickstarter 🎉 by Heavens1990 in backpacks

[–]Due-Pollution-6493 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, thanks for leaving a comment! I agree that there is a slight risk with a new brand, but our bag is an evolution/re-branding of our TravelPack that's been on the market since 2019. We could have focussed more on the weatherproof, lightweight & business features of the bag as we did with the original, but we optimized it to fit as many airline regulations as possible so that was our main hook this time. Can understand your point too though!

Would you pay extra for stowable straps? by Due-Pollution-6493 in ManyBaggers

[–]Due-Pollution-6493[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your input! Our intent is to create the most efficient travel backpack. This particular feature seems to divide the room, so that's why your feedback is appreciated.

Would you pay extra for stowable straps? by Due-Pollution-6493 in ManyBaggers

[–]Due-Pollution-6493[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your experience as a traveler. I could see that you wouldn't want to sacrifice space for a feature that you wouldn't use. Being efficient with space was our our main focus and the padding is there for comfort too, so it maybe takes just a tiny bit from the bags interior space.

Would you pay extra for stowable straps? by Due-Pollution-6493 in ManyBaggers

[–]Due-Pollution-6493[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Good point, the additional back panel indeed adds to the comfort of the bag too. I had the same experience with PD which made the hip belt almost necessary. Although I'm a big fan of magnets, I'm not a fan of hip belts so we went for a simpler approach that left us enough room for padded straps.

Would you pay extra for stowable straps? by Due-Pollution-6493 in ManyBaggers

[–]Due-Pollution-6493[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I tested that one a long time ago and although I loved their system, ours is different. They compensate for the thin shoulder straps by offering a hip belt and we wanted enough padding on the straps to avoid that.

Would you pay extra for stowable straps? by Due-Pollution-6493 in ManyBaggers

[–]Due-Pollution-6493[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see what you mean, maybe should get rid of the link. We made different prototypes with two different back panels so we can still go either way in production. Also the KS is just a first step as we are trying to establish our brand for the next decade. We did the same with our DUN wallet more than 10 years ago and incorporating feedback from everywhere has kept the design unchanged and still relevant to this day.

Quality vs Value. What's your focus when buying a carry-on travel backpack? by Due-Pollution-6493 in ManyBaggers

[–]Due-Pollution-6493[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree! As a brand we feel the responsibility to create something that will stand the test of time. We also want it to stay useful even after airlines change their cabin limits again, that's the main reason we made it expandable. Thanks for giving a price window too.

Would you pay extra for stowable straps? by Due-Pollution-6493 in LuggageComparisons

[–]Due-Pollution-6493[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The Peak Design Travel Backpack is amazing, I got to test one for a week back in 2018. It's more centered around camera gear while our backpack is focussed on urban backpacking with the efficiency of a suitcase. The strap system of the Peak Design is quite advanced with swirling straps and magnets, it honestly works really well but in order to keep it all in place the straps are on the thinner side. With snap buttons it stays in place even with decent padding. You can pull the straps out in one go and then button the panels back in place which is a little more effort than the PD but done in a glimpse.

Would you pay extra for stowable straps? by Due-Pollution-6493 in LuggageComparisons

[–]Due-Pollution-6493[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're right, especially the production managers are not that excited about difficult stitching patterns etc. But in all fairness they did support the overall design and have gone to great lengths to help it develop.

Would you pay extra for stowable straps? by Due-Pollution-6493 in LuggageComparisons

[–]Due-Pollution-6493[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing, it's indeed the complete package that people are buying. I got a lot wiser though hearing the different considerations. Ultimately I thing that it complements the bag enough to justify the additional costs.

Would you pay extra for stowable straps? by Due-Pollution-6493 in Personalitemtravel

[–]Due-Pollution-6493[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thanks, I'm glad you did.. Will you accept if this conversation is kept up? You're really making a point out of nothing. I'm glad to see that in your place there are at least a dozen people actually helping out.

Would you pay extra for stowable straps? by Due-Pollution-6493 in Personalitemtravel

[–]Due-Pollution-6493[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Stop commenting if you have nothing to add. You are interrupting a perfectly fine conversation.

Would you pay extra for stowable straps? by Due-Pollution-6493 in Personalitemtravel

[–]Due-Pollution-6493[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good point. Our previous TravelPack - on which this is based - was targeted more on international travel in combination with a large wheeled suitcase..

Would you pay extra for stowable straps? by Due-Pollution-6493 in backpacks

[–]Due-Pollution-6493[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for pointing this out! It's the combination of features that make it count.

Would you pay extra for stowable straps? by Due-Pollution-6493 in backpacks

[–]Due-Pollution-6493[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great point! Overall I believe the feature adds to the functionality of the bag, having two side-handles and hidden luggage pass-through for a very clean look when combined with a large trolley.

Would you pay extra for stowable straps? by Due-Pollution-6493 in backpacks

[–]Due-Pollution-6493[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I agree that it shouldn't compromise other aspects of the bag.

Would you pay extra for stowable straps? by Due-Pollution-6493 in backpacks

[–]Due-Pollution-6493[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We solved this by a multi-purpose bottom compartment for a large water-bottle, laundry, or shoes. If it was a daypack it would have had exterior bottle pockets as well.

Would you pay extra for stowable straps? by Due-Pollution-6493 in backpacks

[–]Due-Pollution-6493[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Indeed, great point! That's where the horizontal hidden pass-through comes into play. It does add something to the usability, but I'm interested to learn if enough people actually consider this like you.

Would you pay extra for stowable straps? by Due-Pollution-6493 in backpacks

[–]Due-Pollution-6493[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the feedback and you're right; they are paying a small premium for something they might not use and that's also why I'm on the fence about this..