
Imported.
Item 802529
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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Reviewed by 9 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-9
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Orbita Wheeled Pack:
I bought this bag because airport traveling is what I do best, a flight attendant is my lifesyle. Mostly, AGAIN, I say MOSTLY everything about thing bag was desinged w/out complaints. For the frequent traveler that is constantly at the airport, this bag offers a lot of pockets, enough space in each compartment to fit a change of clothing, shoes and even has a padded laptop section. If you are wanting to carry this as a backpack, it gives you the option to do that.
Now, I only had to use this about a week, my dislikes about this bag is that the wheels are not rugged, they are plastic, which will eventually crack and break. I am 5'11 and when I have the handle extended, the bag always runs into my heel, left or right one (also, most bags have dual adjustment settings, this bag only one-REI can improve this). If it weren't for these, I would have kept it. I would recommend the burton wheelie overnight wheeled luggage-21" on rei's website
Pros
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Comments about REI Orbita Wheeled Pack:
I bought this bag because I do a lot of long haul international traveling to developing countries. I am not as young as I used to be and have a bad back, so I am really not able to carry my laptop and carry on items on my back any more. I was looking for an attractive, reasonably priced bag to wheel through the long connections between terminals as well as some of the challenging ground conditions where I work. I have long been a fan of REI's products, but this bag was terrible. It does appear have a generous capacity and lots of pockets, but the zippers feel so flimsy that you don't dare take it to its limits.The worst design flaw is the handle. It does not extend high enough so that a person of slightly above average height (I am a 6' tall man) has difficulty pulling it comfortably, and it tracks so close to your legs that you cannot help but kick it out of your hands while you're walking, which is annoying to you and everyone behind you. I chose the bag because I did not think it was necessary to spend $200-$250 on similar products from Victorinox or Osprey. But my advice is to spend the money. [$] is still way too much to spend on something more poorly designed than your daughter's Hello Kitty wheelie backpack.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Orbita Wheeled Pack:
I purchased the Orbita Wheeled Pack specifically for business travel instead of carrying a large, heavy backpack as carry-on luggage. The pack had more than enough pockets for everything I wanted to carry, but an external water bottle pocket would be fabulous.
The biggest con is that the pack doesn't easily transition from a backpack to a wheeled pack since the staps drag on the ground stopping the wheels from rolling. While the straps are stowable, it isn't easy to stow them while standing in a crowd. Therefore, switching between the 2 modes of transport is not easy. Also missing were some additional d-rings to tie the long (for us smaller people) adjustable straps.
It is also difficult to clip and unclip the backpack straps due to the 'hook' on the strap clip.
I suggest that REI provide a way to clip the straps to the middle of the back of the pack rather than stowing in a pocket at the top of the pack. If done correctly, this could be a very quick operation that would allow the user to transition from rolling to carrying with little effort and frustration.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Orbita Wheeled Pack:
I just received this item, but here's a initial observation:
1. It's advertised on the site as 3,300 cubic inches, but the tag says 2255 cu in.
2. I'm not confident that the zippers are heavy-duty (I compare everything to Eagle Creek, so the standards are high).
3. Lots of pockets and easily big enough for an overnighter.
4. At this point, seems to be a very good value for the $$.
If this changes, I'll let you know.
Service and delivery comments:
Yes, yes, and yes
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Orbita Wheeled Pack:
I like everything about this backpack except the handle. It is not intended for a person taller than about 5' 8'. I am 6' and I have tried everything to fix the problem from a nylon strap to a rigid handle extension. So far, nothing has worked. It would seem that REI could offer an adjustable replacement handle that would solve this problem. If so, the rating would go to 5 stars. Otherwise, it is going back.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Orbita Wheeled Pack:
One reviewer wrote that the telescoping handle isn't long enough because he was of above-average height (6 feet tall). I thought it would work for me because I am 5 inches shorter. However, even for someone of average height, the telescoping handle still isn't long enough I have to be careful when walking as the backpack will hit my heels if I don't remember to roll it in a certain way. Also, it tips/twists easily while rolling if turning (even slightly, doesn't have to be a 90 degree turn in either direction).
It is lightweight and does seem sturdy (other than the zippers), so I'm willing to give it a try but in using it for the last week and a half, I've already noted these problems.
NOTE: When walking and changing direction, it tips enough (doesn't fall over but definitely twists sharply to one side or the other) so that I have to basically grab tight and yank it in a counter-twist to the right direction. It's enough that I'm a bit concerned as I've had issues with tendinitis in the past. I haven't had this tipping/twisting happen with other rolling backpacks or carry-on pieces (nor larger pieces of luggage). The reason I started using wheeled luggage and now backpacks is because of tendinitis or back problems in the past decade. I'm injury-free now and using rolling bags & suitcases keeps it that way. Again, as one reviewer stated, when I was younger I could carry backpacks or even luggage with no problems.
I've made sure that the (fairly lightweight) items are packed so that the weight is balanced, so I know that the method of packing or items themselves are not the issue. I haven't tried it with a laptop inside but with the tendency for the bag to tip/twist (only when walking, it stands fine upright and doesn't tip over) I would think twice about doing so. I suppose the final test would be to try walking with the backpack empty to see if it still twists/tips sharply and suddenly when changing direction. Perhaps it's that the wheels have good grip and there is some way to do a wider or more gradual turn when walking, but the shorter handle (even for a person with average height) makes that difficult.
Having said all this, it seems likely I will have to return the backpack, despite its other good features (lightweight and great materials). If REI is planning any newer version with a longer telescoping handle, I would buy it immediately. An outside pocket for bottle of water or small umbrella would be my other recommendation. In all honesty, I am disappointed as I expected better from REI. I may try another brand that's popular with students (it also comes with a lifetime warranty) but I thought REI would make a better product. I suppose I could spend more money and go with Eagle Creek or similar products.
Perhaps this backpack is designed for youth? That could explain why the telescoping handle comes short.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Orbita Wheeled Pack:
I bought this pack for the option of wheeling it or carrying it on my back. I had been carrying a Patagonia Critical Mass bag as a carryon/laptop bag, but it was killing my back. A backpack seemed like the best option.
Pros: Ability to wheel or carry
Lots of room and pockets
Good laptop protection
Handle is long enough to wheel comfortably for a person of average height
Price is really reasonable for a high quality pack!
Cons: The back is a bit rigid and not contoured, so it's not good to carry for the long haul (which I prefer to wheeling).
No waterbottle pocket
Overall, I'm really pleased with this purchase and hope it lasts long, as I travel over 200 days a year for work and will put it through a lot of abuse. But, so far, so good!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Orbita Wheeled Pack:
Not ready for prime time unless you don't travel w/laptop or are under 5'8" tall then it may work for you. Price point is very attractive for wheelie/backpack hybrid.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Orbita Wheeled Pack:
I am very happy with this bag. It works really well for carrying on a plane and the versatility of either rolling, carrying or wearing as a backpack is great. Lots of good pockets and I use it to carry both my laptop and tablet. It stands up very well when you sit it on the ground - that was a real problem with my last high end laptop rolling briefcase. I looked at this bag vs another high end bag (at 3 to 4x the price) and for [$], with the REI guarantee, you cannot go wrong.
Displaying reviews 1-9
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