Design Go Weigh To Go

I may travel a lot but I also encounter some packing blunders such as overweight and underweight luggage when I’m not backpacking. I remember when I got really stressed out in Singapore Airport as I was relying on sharing my excess baggage weight with my companions, to find out it can’t be done since I have a separate ticket. I had to make adjustments on my luggage by removing items and weighing several times just to get it right. I certainly don’t want to pay the SG$15/kg excess baggage fee.

weigh to go expanded handles and hook

Compact and Travel Ready

Then there’s another boo-boo of bringing less luggage on my way back to Manila from Guam since I misread the scale, reading lbs instead of kg. I didn’t bring as much presents as I could have because of that.

After seeing Kaoko‘s handy luggage scale at the Macau Airport on our way back to Manila, I thought that was a very useful travel gear. So when I got back to Manila, I remembered that I should find one for myself. I got the same one as Kaoko’s but returned it after I found it defective. Then I got this digital luggage scale from Design Go called Weight To Go. It’s a digital luggage scale which is more expensive than the analog ones but there’s a lot to like with this one.

What I like:

• Compact and sleek design
• 40kg weight limit
• Digitally Accurate
• Weight is recorded and stored after weighing (just press “reset” to clear)
• Initial 2 Triple A batteries included

What I didn’t care for

• Loose handle lifts (it would be nice to have a locking mechanism to avoid unintentional sliding)
• Slightly steep price tag

The Design Go Weigh To GO Digital Luggage Scale SRP is P1890. Available at ROX, BratPack and Travel Club branches.

Pau Soriano of Adamson ready to serve (Olympus E-3 DSRL, Zuiko 70-300mm f4-5.6)

My Olympus E-3 DSLR has taken the back seat for a while since I had my Olympus PEN E-PL1. I thought I bring out for some much needed exercise. For speed, I would still prefer a DSLR for its faster frame rate. I must admit, it’s nice to hold this solid camera block again even for a while. While I still prefer the PEN for it’s weight and compactness, the E-3 is still a powerhouse for some serious work.

FEU's Shaira Gonzales Serves

I’ve have recently reacquainted myself with my enjoyment with volleyball. With the V-league and upcoming UAAP, why not put my photography to good use and engage into Sports Photography. Here are my first few attempts to capture some action on this morning’s Beach Volleyball game using the Olympus E-3 and the 70-300mm Zuiko Lens. Features teams from DLSU, FEU, ADU and UST.

DLSU Lady Green Archers Anticipating

There are still things to work on like anticipation and finding the right settings for the shots. But I think I’m getting there.

Lady Tamaraws going for the ball

DLSU Digs

Shaira Spikes

Angela Benting serves for the Lady Falcons

UST Lady Tigers Scampers for the Ball

Home Vintage Chair (Olympus PEN E-PL1, Pinhole)

Old Spanish Town is the least I could expect to see here in the south, Saranggani area.  In Glan there are a few heritage houses worth visiting. We admired the designs and never thought there’s a heritage sight found here. Another pleasant surprise in the area of Saranggani.

Dusk at Gumasa (Olympus PEN E-PL1, Zuiko 9-18mm)

Backpack Photography Lake Sebu is over and I along with participants head off to Saranggani for some rest and relaxation. Gumasa beach is lovely, the sand is really powder white from where we are billeted. Not too many resorts and is still years behind development. It’s a perfect place to do nothing.

National Treasure Lang Dulay (Olympus E-PL1, 17mm Pancake, f2.8mm)

We’re just closing the 2nd day our Backpack Photography Lake Sebu Photo Tour. Lake Sebu continues to mesmerize even on the 2nd time around. There are some big changes so far most of them are good. We also delved deeper into the T’Boli Culture this time around which made me appreciate them more. Here’s a snap portrait shot of the living Philippine National Treasure, Lang Dulay, a famous Dreamweaver. A few more days here in the south.

Take the plunge in Bohol Adventure

Ready… set… Action! Whether it’s that adrenaline pumping activity or that really exotic delicacy, adventure is the name of the game in this August-September Issue of Seair Inflight. Get on the adventure side of Bohol beyond the Chocolate Hills, surf through the slew of activities in La Union with insider guide Luke Landrigan, and try out exotic delights with Stephanie Zuibiri. So if you find yourself riding any Seair Flight check out the latest issue. In the meantime, here are spreads from the Bohol Adventure cover story.

Bohol EAT Danao Zip Line and Rapelling

Buggy Ride at the rough trails of Baclayon

Bohol Pamilacan Island Dolphin Watching and Relaxation

Using the Eagle Creek Twist Pack 22 as Backpack and Trolley Bag

A good reliable bag is an investment, that’s why I try not to scrimp out on the quality as I know most of my valuables would be packed inside. I don’t want my bag having torn shoulder straps from weight and tears from its sheets. On my recent travel to Palawan, I was able to try out Eagle Creeks’ Twist Pack 22 bag. It’s a very versatile travel bag with wheels.

The Eagle Creek Twist Pack 22

Bag Space

Comfortable Backpack Straps

A Trolley Bag. The Eagle Creek Twist Pack 22 has a 49L capacity and weighs about 7lbs. It has large space much like a suitcase so I’d be careful putting things in and a nice adjustable strap to hold the stuffs inside. It’s not exactly a carry-on bag in Philippine Standards but not exactly too large either. On top you can pull out the retractable handle if you like to just wheel it out.

A Backpack. I very much liked the rugged design of the bag (I had the black and grey) and thought it is much fitting as a backpack. And good thing the back has shoulder and hip straps with metal connectors to convert it to a backpack. I tried it out and it’s a comfortable fit even for a large bag.

Organized front dompartment

Wheels, hip strap and metal connectors

Organized and Secured. There’s an organized compartment on the front of the bag for putting small items. And I can attach locks on each compartment’s zippers for security. The front pocket can hold quick-grab items like a book or jacket. I was able to use the side straps to hold my tripod.

What I liked

• The rugged design and style
• Convertible trolley bag with wheels
• Comfortable fit as a backpack
• Organized front compartment
• Secure Zipper lock options

What I didn’t like

• A bit large and bulky for carry-on in the Philippines
• 7lbs heavy empty

Bottom Line

I liked the Eagle Creek Twister Pack 22 for its design, sturdy quality and versatility. I think this is ideal for long trips where I can pack in cloths for a week long getaway. But for a 2-3 days trip I might leave this one if I want to travel light.

Eagle Creek Twist Pack 22 SRP is P12,000
Available at ROX and Travel Club branches