Plans to Make Backpacks in Guatemala

I always wish I could get my hands on a Black Wolf (brand) Cedar Breaks -- no need for that daypack for me, though. Only sold "down under".

http://www.blackwolf.com.au/travel-packs/cedar-breaks/

has written 47 comments

There you go again, Andy. Chasing windmills and dreaming dreams until they happen. Best of luck and I hope you sell a million! : )

wannaby from has written 20 comments

Hi Andy will it be carry on size This is always the problem I like to just have carry on but these days with so many restrictions it is harder. And if it is checked you always take the chance it gets lost.

Gadget from has written 831 comments

Yes, it will be carry on size, however with many options to expand.

Haiti Trip on Spiritair.com:
I encountered an interesting problem, for years I have carried two carry-on sized bags, however a few Low Cost Carriers have been cracking my head with extra prices. Airlines assume you start at home and return to home, this is not the way I travel. As best I understand, a person traveling from the USA to Haiti from the USA on Spiritair.com can only have one checked bag. I normally check two, I have never lost a bag. This is a horrible situation, I could get to the airport, and they would only allow one bag.

Therefore, because of the airlines I have downsized to one bag now, and accept this as the best way to travel But, when I got to Haiti, I purchase a ton of items, and attached to the outside of my bag, (Not secure enough) so I had sort of a marsupial bag or kangaroo bag, and I have used it every since. I have optional gear, versus I want to own and keep gear.

The Spiritair.com checkin guy said, you could have gone bigger. I like to carry two carryon sized bags for balance.If my two bags would have attached, I could have went talller or wider. The Windmill bag will have expansion opions, but stay smooth as Chris also mentioned.

The bags like the one Chris pointed at is nice sometimes, but not always, it will not slide under the seat of bus, or go in overhead with that attached bag. It truly is not a good option as a permanent attachment, but is ok sometimes.

We are going to giver various ways to attach the extra bags, but the videos and manuals will have to demonstrate to buyers how to use.

The bag is only 30 percent, without knowing how to use, a person would not optimize their trip.

Generally, the normal traveler returns with more than they left with, or ships things home, this is normal, not for me, but it is normal, this is the option needed. But if you like to be only carry on, the bag will do that also.

There are many different situations, I may have encountered more than other people, therefore I have work-around situations.

But yes, simple use, it is carry on size.

I'd say that 55-liter pack would get onto a plane w/o too much issue. I'm using a 51-liter pack now, and never been a problem. Hell, even got away 100 of the time taking onboard with the 'ol 65-liter I use to use... though the times, they are a changin'. That attached bag would have to go, without a doubt. I'd never use it (as mentioned in the survey).

Your Backpack looks like a fine idea and product. One feature you might want to offer (even as an accessory or "add on") would be a thin flexible plastic inner shell to prevent the thieves from simply ripping a knife through the fabric to get at your stuff. Also, one of the best websites promoting a similar product is the Nurse-Pack website to purchase various sizes and styles of "fanny pack" for nurses and EMT's. The simplicity to choose size, style color and price was very easy for me to use!! The site offers a "value added" section for accessories to put inside your Nurse-Pack (from Stethoscope to Scissors....sort of a one stop shop for nurse accessories. Hope this may be of help in your marketing of the Windmill....

http://nursepropack.easystorecreator.net/items/nurse-pack~large-/list.htm

Cheers!

JD

Gadget from has written 831 comments

Dreams appear to be easier to share than I realized, I truly appreciate the comments. I was looking over the backpack Chris recommended, then all the nurses bags, I knew that sailboats used some great materials, never thought about nurses. Yes, I want to make money, but in a way, I want to do one thing perfect in my life.

I am good traveler, I travel safe, sensible, and I am not afraid to walk the planet, I am a lucky man. I will stay the course, put on my persistence hat, Thanks

Another person sends me an email with one of the best of the best sewing machines.

Sewing machine
http://www.sailrite.com/

sewing machine, heavy enough for sail making. Maybe suitable for backpack making? Just a help.

thebear from has written 2 comments

Andy, I wonder if you might not be heading towards problems when you switch from being an outside buyer to, essentially, a local manufacturer. Problems with work permits, shakedowns, all sorts of nasty things come to mind. No, it shouldn't be like this, but I rather suspect it may be.
Love your work, by the way, my favorite read of the day. Hope you don't change it just to please others!

Asiabill from has written 253 comments

A detachable completely water proof bag for cell phone, small camera, passport,tickets, valaubles also with its own lock which is inside the main pack. This would appeal to nautical travelers as well as anyone traveling in tropical countries with so much rain. I saw one such bag for sale at "Best Buy" in Honolulu for cameras aimed at taking pictures of surfers so it probably has depth limitations. Making it detachable and small enough to fit into a money belt waste pouch so while walking around each area after checking in the traveler doesn't need to carry the main pack.

When marketing the Hobo Traveler BackPack you might as well offer add-ons which are well coordinated with the space, side pockets and design of the pack. You have posted dozens of travel tips about certain objects which can have multiple uses while "on the road". Everything from a favorite pen, knife/opener tool, water container, heater, coffee filter,electric adaptors etc etc which maybe half your customer base would choose to bring along on their trips, granted some would just buy them separately but others would prefer a "Travel Kit". Along with the kit you could include a printed paragraph about which country when you discovered using each particular item making it more interesting for the buyer.

Also for smaller shops you might consider offering discounted prices by the dozen. If you keep competitive with pricing after a couple of years selling your gear on-line direct you can open some accounts with larger chain stores with orders by the hundreds. But this is LARGELY DEPENDED on your BLOG your BIO and your HoboTraveler becoming a trusted brand name. This is a natural for you because let's face it the bag or pack each of us chooses to travel with is our first concern and blending your past experiences with your BackPack adds to the adventure of buying it.

from has written 48 comments

Finally we have a product designed and produced by someone who uses it every day and not by a madison avenue executive who doesn't even pack his own pen to the board room.
Let me know when you get it in production. I want one. What dimensions do you plan on.
thanks
Phil