By Jim Markel, co-owner

As airlines cut the weight limit on checked bags, your carry on bag has become even more important.

The new weight limit of 50 lbs on a checked bag means space must be used in the most efficient, convenient, roomy manner possible. What makes the perfect carry on?

I will explain some of the ideas behind the design of our most popular series of carry on bags: the PR4 Safari Beano and the PR5 Safari Beano.

Our "Safari" carry ons: why they're different

When it came time to design and build this series we looked at every bag on the market. It was then that we decided to break away from the pack. With that in mind we set out to make the strongest bag out there -- not just marginally stronger. We took it to the standard of Parachute Rigging! (As you may know, Red Oxx has three military trained Riggers on staff.)

The rigger motto is "I will be sure always." What it boils down to is a standard of quality that exceeds every travel bag on the market.

The PR4 Safari and the PR5 Safari share the same features excluding size. With a large main compartment and two end pockets work well for clothes and other items you would rather not check. In addition to these pockets, you have four more along the outside. One pocket opens at the bottom so you can slide the whole bag over the handle system of a rolling suitcase.

I have a lot of people ask: "How much will it hold?" The PR5 Safari is made to meet the maximum allowable carry on. Here is what I have stuffed into it on many occasions. Three pairs of pants, three shirts, three pairs of socks,three pair of briefs, a toiletry kit and a pair shorts and sandals.

I have found that for a quick overnight trip or if you need a good hobby bag the PR4 Safari fits the bill nicely. This bag will easily accommodate a change of clothes and a toiletry kit. If you have this bag made with the optional foam padding it makes an outstanding optics camera bag.

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