The backpack is actually a decent quality. I’ve owned Dakine bags in the past and they’ve held up well, but my problem is that it has no organization at all. A tiny pouch and a semi-useless front “cooler” pouch and basically nothing in the main compartment other than the laptop sleeve.
I order the Sporty’s iPad bag, which will hopefully be better. I hate fumbling through my bag to find my iPad, checklists, kneeboard and headset (which is in it’s own protective bag.
Does anyone else use a similar “flight bag”? I was thinking about some of the pricier options like Flight Outfitters and MyGoFlight, but bought this one to try out this style first.
I think the ATP backpack is best suited for use on your cross country trips as an overnight bag. I always carried an additional flight bag with me while I was in training.
I still use my ATP backpack, it now serves to carry my kid’s toys and snacks when we go on trips.
I use a Flight Gear HP flight bag. They offer the Crosswind bag and Captain’s bag. They’re basically the same thing only difference is that the Captain’s bag is bigger. I used a laptop bag during my PPL training and as you said, a lot of digging around trying to find the needed items for the flight. With this, (or any flight bag that you find for yourself) I can locate everything with ease.
I have my far/aim, acs, and other miscellaneous paper stuff in the backpack, as well as the yoke mount for my iPad and some water/snacks. I usually leave the backpack in the car and only take my headset bag to the plane.
I have my logbook, pen, and checklists tucked into the pocket on the headset bag, and then my foggles on a carabineer on the hold strap.
I have officially passed my ATP backpack onto the next generation. My son Jack wore it on our recent flight from RIC to ORD. I received that backpack with my big box of books in fall of 2003 when I signed up for the program.
That’s awesome. I train in RIC and would offer to buy you a cup of coffee the next time you’re here, but obviously wouldn’t want to bother you if you’re with family. I hope your son enjoyed the trip!
