Re: Eberlestock Pack
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ceylonc</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Driftwood</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I wonder if I could squish the operator down with compression straps. I could always just check it on. I just want it to be functional. I think the G3 may be more what I am looking for. My home is in Boise where they are made, I may just wait until I am home next and run by the factory and see which one I like better. Thanks for the input.
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The Operator does have compression straps that will help with getting it to comform to the airline's sizing standard. It is all going to depend on how much you like to pack while travelling. You can stuff a LOT of clothing into a Gunslinger II and still have it fit in an overhead compartment and the sizing bin by the boarding gate. The Operator is much larger, both from a dimensions and internal capacity standpoint. You could pack it lightly, compress it where need be, and still have a flight attendent Nazi force you to check it because it's longer than the sizing test bin. Then again, if the crew is having a good day you could probably get by with it and have it fit in an overhead compartment just fine.
You're rolling the dice but it may not be a big deal to you either way. Bottom line is to get the pack that best suits the MAJORITY of your applications & not worry so much about the few times a year you might need it to do something else...
If you go to the Boise factory store, be ready to be amazed with all the ways you can accessorize your pack! Glen, Gail & Karen are very knowledgeable & will patiently show you all the options out there.
Best of luck to you.</div></div>
Out of curiosity, has anyone ever been forced to put their packs into those sizing bin by the gates? Every time I've flown with oversized backpacks (the regular kind), they just ignore me at the gate. I've yet to once have to test out a bag in the sizing bin...and wondered if by this point they're just a scare tactic.