Gator Compact Carry On Bag - passes Airline restrictions.

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Rating:

(43 reviews)

just a little small

By: John Freiling - Georiga June 10, 2009

I would have liked it to be just a little larger. Just an inch or two so my lap top would fit in it.
"The Red Oxx Metro Briefcase is designed for Laptops the Gator is more of a camera and gear bag."
Team Red Oxx

Holds More than Similar Messenger Bag

By: Michael Webber - San Francisco CA June 3, 2009

While waiting for my replacement Gator, I turned to a bike messenger bag from Timbuk2. I have this in the "small" size which is actually pretty big as a personal bag, measuring as follows:
Bottom panel, left to right, 12"; top flap, left to right 14.5"; 9.75" deep (from bottom panel to "rim" of bag; 5.25" thick (front to back at BOTTOM panel, thicker at the top). //
That compares to 12x6x9 for the simply rectangular Gator. //
In other words, the bike messenger bag, as spec'd on their website and confirmed by me with a ruler, matches, or is larger than, the Gator in all measurements except thickness at the bottom (the "mouth" widens out, so that at the top the messenger bag is thicker). //
So here I am, this morning , contemplating the seemingly impossible task of transferring the stuffed messenger bag contents to the much more modestly spec'd Gator and figuring the stuff won't fit. //
Next thing I know, everything is in the Gator WITH LOTS OF ROOM LEFT OVER in the main compartment, and I haven't even begun to stuff the exterior pockets with small items (which are still at home in my luggage from my trip to Thailand, I couldn't make room for them in the messenger bag). //
I am tempted to pull the ruler out to make sure Red Oxx hasn't "under" spec'd the Gator so it will hold more. But I'd rather live in happy denial, if it even is denial, since others have measured Red Oxx products before and confirmed Red Oxx's accuracy. //
The Gator is simply the most efficient packaging on the market. Square (rectangular) works. //
And since Red Oxx apparently doesn't count the exterior pockets towards the volume, as certain other - cough, Patagonia, cough - bag makers do, what they say you get is what you get. Plus maybe a little more. //
I like underpromising and overdelivering. //
Noticed one change, or variation, on this sample compared to my last Gator. //
The snap pocket pouches aren't as "tight" to the wall of the bag as before, meaning it's easier to slide slim items, like boarding passes, into that slot. Also a LOT easier to retrieve things (think: fingers can be shoved down into the slot now, sort of,). While you won't mistake the tall thin slot for a cell phone pocket, it is more usable now. Albeit not as "secret" as before (before it was easy to overlook the slot). //
I no longer dismiss the comments of other reviewers that the Gator is a "bottomless pit" as mere hyperbole. Hyperbole yes - but also pointing to a truth, that Red Oxx quotes conservative volumes (actual interior, pockets excluded) and efficiently configures its bags for maximum utility. //
And oh yeah, while you can "overpack" a bike messenger bag, the top hand straps on the Gator ALSO allow for some creative overpacking, or convenience packing (arriving at a hot destination?), such as showing a light jacket under the handles on top of the bag top.

My Best Daily/Travel Bag Ever!

By: Michael Webber - San Francisco, CA, USA May 28, 2009

I did a longer article/review on the Gator here: http://www.redoxx.com/articles/Gator-trains-for-jiu-jitsu-in-Bangkok-Thailand.html and wanted to add some follow-up comments.
First, the Gator has become my daily carry bag in lieu of a briefcase or small daypack.
Second, the Gator is my "go-to" flight and travel bag despite its possibly one "flaw" (see below!).
Third, I had to order a second Gator because my wife's niece got "big eyes" when she saw my black Gator, and wanted it for herself! (So I guess the "ruggedness" of the Gator is not off-putting to an ultra-fem, "high-so" 18 y.o. Thai woman.)
OK, for the Gator to become my daily carry bag is quite exceptional - not because the Gator isn't a great bag for that purpose, but because my USUAL habit on "pricey-but-nice" luxury items is to stow them in the closet where I can admire them in their pristine newness, and never take them out. Yeah, I'm that kind of shopper, with lots of new, magpie-appealing goodies tucked in my closets. Stuff that's just "too good" to subject to the wear and tear of actual daily use. "Closet queens," to use a shotgunner's term.
How did I get over my OCD with respect to the Gator? Well, I was thinking of submitting a guest review on it over at Practical Hacks and, as a result, had to give it a real work out in daily use, not just for travel. And after I'd used it for a week, I just didn't want to give it up. In a few words, the darn thing just "organizes" too well, much better than a bike messenger bag, daypack, briefcase. Someone at Red Oxx must actually use these bags and has figured out how to add the right blend of pockets and flaps and compartments that actually WORK in real life situations. Even the water bottle pouches on the ends get put into use - not for water bottles, they are a little short for that, but for nail clippers, moleskin, a mouthpiece for boxing/jiu jitsu, a pocket knife, a Fisher Space Pen. (My water bottle fits nicely inside the Gator.)
Now the Gator obviously works well for travel - it is the quintessential "flight bag" and easily passes as a "personal item," even on nasty transpacific flights where the ticket counter agents can be real disciplinarians (like weighing carryons to make sure they are under 15 pounds). But my one gripe about the Gator is its "empty bag weight" of 2.35 pounds. Not a lot, by bag standards, unless you are an ultralight hiker like I am, always on the hunt for sub-16 ounce solutions.
So I trial packed a couple of alternative bags for use as my "peronal item" on a recent flight back to Bangkok to take my family to the beach and spend half a week doing judo and jiu jitsu over there.
The first alternative was the Market Tote from Red Oxx. Just a big grocery sack, but built like a Sherman Tank. I figured a "tote" would easily pass muster as a personal item. Sure enough, the darn thing held even more than the Gator, and carried relatively well on my shoulder (the straps are long enough for shoulder carry), but provided no organization at all, plus my stuff was at risk of spilling out the open top of the tote. So stash that and use it for groceries, the gym, the beach.
Next I tried using a Flash 18, a non-padded, 1,000 cubic inch or so "peak bag" or top loading knapsack from REI. This is only about 12 ounces (incredibly light, most packs with this capacity weigh more than the Gator), and a lot larger than the Gator (1,000 vs. 654 or so c.i.), but despite the better capacity specs, I had trouble fitting all the stuff from the Gator into the knapsack, and it was really frustrating trying to dig down to the bottom of the top-loading, tubular sack to find stuff I needed. I had to use a ton of small ditty bags to suborganize, something not required by the Gator, which already has pouches, and then unload stuff to find what I was looking for. Not so with the Gator.
Despite the negatives, I was on the verge of giving the knapsack alternative a try, until I decided to take along my new, 2.5 pound or so netbook. The netbook fit fine into the Gator, but was much hard to squeeze into the knapsack. More telling was trying to pull the netbook out and reinsert it, as I would have to do through security - the netbook came out, and went back into, the Gator easily, while with the knapsack it was a major struggle, something I wouldn't want to deal with in a real security line. Also, the knapsack had no padding, which meant I had to come up with padding options, while the Gator is amply padded to begin with.
So I decided that, yeah, while the Gator is a little heavier than a plain nylon sack, it rewards the extra investment in weight with a MUCH higher level of functionality than a featureless sack. And with the well-designed shoulder strap that comes with the Gator, the weight isn't too much to carry - even when the Gator is loaded up with water bottles refilled post-security, the netbook, and old-fashioned printed books (hint: take the heavy items out of the carryon, which will be weighed, and put them in the Gator, which looks so innocuous I have never been asked to weight it).
The fact that the Gator appealed to a fashion savy Bangkok teen who wants to look smart going to the gym or on holiday to the beaches or to stay overnight at friends' houses, was just icing on the cake.
And oh yeah, I had to make the return trip without the Gator, since I had given it away, so I was forced to use a tote bag on the way home, and it was so frustrating trying to find stuff on the flight, that I just gave up and shoved it in the overhead bin, and suffered the flight back home without ready access to my travel comfort items. Serves me right!
BTW, in daily use, the Gator handles my mail just fine. It won't take an 8.5x11 sheet of papers without folding in half, but most of the paper I shuttle back and forth is mail, not folders.
And I really love the self-locking zippers. They absolutely, positively won't open unless to tug on the zipper pull. No accidental openings here, unlike one day pack whose maker I won't mention.

Nice Roomy Laptop Bag ... IF

By: Ron Jeffries - Michigan April 25, 2009

Purchased this as bag for carrying laptop plus lots of junk for courses and similar outings.
My laptop, a Toshiba M-400, just /barely/ fits, so it is a perfect little bag for me. The next size up would be needed for a larger laptop ... and that looks to be way too big.
I like this one ... and would really like to see something a bit more focused on the laptop user's needs.
Thanks for the great review, This is not a "laptop bag" The Gator was designed for miscellaneous electronic equipment,DSLR cameras and shooting accessories. Changing dimensions of this product will totally skew its design make it less suitable for "personal item carry on" Red Oxx seeks to build items that fit a broad range of uses. The Metro Briefcase is designed for laptops.
Cheers
Red Oxx

Gator Rocks!

By: Kimberly - Arlington, VA April 15, 2009

I have never posted a review for a product I've purchased, but this bag warrants the kudos. I bought the Gator about two months ago, and use it every day as my primary gear bag for work. This bag has an amazing amount of space inside. I typically carry pens, a flashlight, books, a wallet, and my lunch and there is tons of extra space. I love the dual elastic pouches on either end; I bring a coffee container and water bottle every day. The bag is extremely durable, and the strap is very comfortable. The exterior zipper pouch is excellent for documents that need to be safeguarded. I love the two matching pockets on the exterior; I have two cell phones that fit perfectly. I recently traveled internationally with this bag and it completely fulfilled my expectations. I was able to pack all my essential travel items, with plenty of room, and the bag fit perfectly in both the overhead compartment on the plane and under the seat. This is not my first purchase from Red Oxx, and definitely won't be my last. The Gator is consistent with my other purchases with regard to durability, form and utility. I highly recommend this product.

Versatile and Seemingly Bottomless!

By: Barbara - Milton, Delaware April 8, 2009

The Gator is so versatile. Take it to the beach with your full-size camera, towel, sandals, wallet, keys, hat, cellphone, book, and lunch, etc. inside. Put your water bottle in an end pocket and your suntan lotion in a side pocket along with a hairbrush in the other. Pop your sunglass case in the other end pocket. No more lugging a big hand held beach tote or a heavy backpack or sling pack bulging at the seams.
If you're a photographer, this bag held my full size DSLR camera, filters, telephoto conversion lens, wide angle lens, battery charger, and more. And, it also allows me to travel with my camera gear "at the ready" with my wallet, cosmetics, keys, cellphone, sunglasses, hat and other "must haves" in the same bag at the same time. It's got ample padding, great support and easy access. Allows me to take it to places where people don't view it as a camera bag so they are not inquisitive about anything except where I found such a stunning Amethyst bag!
Wherever I take my Gator, people simply cannot believe their eyes when they see how much gear I pull out of this seemingly bottomless bag! I think they are waiting to see if the last item I remove is a RABBIT! And, come to think of it, I believe it would make a great magician's bag, too!

Working well

By: Barrett Green - Connecticut and Texas March 8, 2009

I am now using it as my primary bag and the current configuration works well for the size laptop I carry and amount of paper I typically need to get while on the plane, etc. I have a couple of thoughts from other bags about some changes that might improve it. Mainly this relates to the design having only the small pockets behind the two front flap pockets to "drop" stuff into on the go and I have those pockets so full I don't have space in the open pockets. It does have the water bottle pockets on the side and the elastic is holding up well, but I find them a little short. I have a bag (the main competitor to the gator) that has large pockets on both sides with a d ring on both the interior and exterior wall of the compartment. If there is nothing in it, it pulls flat when you put the sling over your shoulder. But you can drop all kinds of stuff in it (a stainless steel travel coffee mug, a sigg water bottle, a big diameter water bottle at the airport) and it doesn't fall out.
I'm not complaining, but you asked. And if your really curious, I'll be happy to sketch it if this is unclear.

Gator swallows it up...

By: Anonymous - NJ February 3, 2009

I have just packed my safari Gator bag for a trip to India as my sole carry-on. I thought some might be interested what it could haul: jeans, tee shirt, briefs (2), a large 36 pack of batteries (gift), an over sized paperback and a regular sized one, a sleeping mask, a pack of ear plugs, 3 cliff bars, passport and ticket holder, note book, pens, three inhalers - two of them still in their box (i.e. asthma meds for the diesel and dust), two bottles of prescription meds, tooth brush, moisturizer, toothpaste, deodorant, purell hand lotion, a travel alarm, an inflatable travel pillow, a razors and some other assorted otc meds, 16oz water bottle, small digital camera, cell phone and cell phone charger. And that's about it though I am sure I forgot to mention something. AND I still have at least enough room to fit another paperback and some snacks on top!
A lot of the design features were not apparent to me originally when I used it half empty as a camera bag.
First, when you stuff it, it maintains its nice compact rigid shape. Easy to stow at your feet or in a really small space in the inevitable full overhead compartment.
Second, the outer pockets are really essential to the design. The long flat on one side is perfect for tickets/passport. The two more bulbous matching pockets on the other side are perfect for material you need to access in a hurry like cell phone, glasses, cell phone, headphones etc. And as a bonus both have slip pockets behind them to extend their capacity further for long relative narrow items like pens, razors, toothbrushes. I never thought I would use the slip pockets but they are super useful when you're stuffing the bag to the max.
And finally, the two expanding outer pockets on the ends are good for water bottles, snacks and items that you need in a hurry but aren't so valuable you worry about them being exposed or unzipped or uncovered.
A very, very good design - arguably one of the best for a smaller carry-on which now makes me very interested in buying one of the larger duffel bags!

Simply amazing!

By: E. Clark - Ohio January 19, 2009

I love this bag! I have had it for just under a year and can't picture ever traveling without it. It holds my DSLR camera and all the things I like to take with me on a day in any city or small town I travel to. It has held up to all the abuse I have thrown at it; and believe me that is a lot of abuse. Because of the Gator's high performance I have bought a Safari Beano and was given a C-Ruck for Christmas. I can't wait to try them out on my next trip. Keep up the great work.

Powerful Gator Snaps Into Action

By: Mel - Brooklyn January 3, 2009

First for the unadulterated praise. The Gator is an awesome, very sturdy bag that's at its best when you need to haul a lot of stuff. A change of clothes, boots, various toiletries, notebooks, regular books, winter hats and gloves-- the Gator can handle all these things and more. I managed to fit all of the above PLUS a really heavy rum cake in my Gator for a trip to Grandmother's house, and the wonderful claw strap made the load bearable on my small shoulders. I passed lots of people trying to haul huge wheeled suitcases down flights of stairs in Penn Station, and felt nothing but pity as I scampered down like a mountain goat with my Gator. The large zippers and monkey's fist ties make opening the bag a breeze, even while wearing mittens. The inner mesh pockets fit your cell phones and ipods beautifully, and the red interior makes things easy to find. The outside gusseted pockets are perfect for holding small stuff that would otherwise get lost (e.g., glasses, advil, scrunchies, etc.). And best of all, the Gator is every bit as sturdy as advertised. It's lasted me almost six months so far, and survived Amtrak, Europe, and the New York City subway system with flying colors. The bag looks like new after months of constant daily use-- not something I can say for my old messenger bags, which fell apart after only a month or two of service.
As amazing as this bag is, however, there are a few caveats for using this bag in the urban environment: 1)The Gator's width (so awesome for carrying books, shoes and other non-flat items) is also a small weakness-- when empty, it can bounce off of your hips and into nearby people and furniture. Lots of people have run into my Gator in the subway. (Then again, that might just be rush hour.) 2) The zippers aren't waterproof-- if it rains, put your notebooks on the sides of the bag, not the middle. 3) You're supposed to be able to fit a book in the outside pocket. A Dr. Seuss book, maybe. The pocket is really tight and the zipper teeth have 'bitten' me a few times when I tried to grab a train schedule. 4) Open the Gator slowly in crowded areas; the zipper to the main compartment is loud. I opened my bag on the subway once and all heads turned to me. 5) The 'Safari' color appears to be a mixture of Olive and Khaki in the pictures, but is in fact a combination of Olive and a color I can only describe as 'mustard yellow.' It's more 'That 70's show' than 'Nature.' Had I known, I would probably have chosen another color.
These are minor quibbles, however, and are far overshadowed by the sheer sturdiness and solid design of this deceptively small-looking bag. I've been rough on my Gator, and look forward to using it everyday for years to come. I can think of no better vote of confidence than that.

Now I Understand

By: Roger J - Hereford, UK December 26, 2008

It's December and I'm in the US, so I must be buying Redoxx again, like I
did for the first time in December 2007! Getting my latest Redoxx purchases
in 2008 by having them shipped to my US client last week is better than
paying international shipping plus VAT and customs charges etc in the UK.
Last year I bought my Olive Skytrain which has done me well, except I had a
row with the KLM agent in Dulles Airport last night who insisted on one bag
only, even though KLM has been letting me take two (Skytrain plus computer
bag) all year including my flights from the UK and Holland to DC last week.;
The Skytrain had to be checked in while I boarded with my new CPA bag, one
of several purchases on this trip. It survived. The Skytrain and latest
purchases (see relevant pages for my views on the CPA, Gator, Lil Roy and
accessories) are testament not only to the design and quality of
manufacture, but also to the excellent customer service, thanks to Jim,
Amanda and the rest of the Redoxx crew. What I marvel at it that there
always seems to be room for one more item in a Redoxx bag. I'll report back
during 2009 on using my Redoxx gear in Zambia, the Caribbean, Iran and
??????
Now I understand what all the previous reviewers have been raving
about! My Safari Gator has been purchased for at least two uses: (1) as a general cabin bag and tote for travel when not on business, or even on
business; (2) as a small computer bag when I don't have to take along much
stuff (see my review on the CPA, my main business bag, so I don't need the
Metro). I have also been considering getting a Netbook (eg Acer, Asus
models) as a backup and/or use during travel, so the Gator would be ideal.
So I have been pleasantly surprised to find that my main notebook also fits
into the Gator, despite what some previous reviewers have stated. My
notebook is a Toshiba M700 (12 " screen) WITH the protective folio cover,
yet there is room for power cables, mouse, and other stuff, especially if
you use the elastic drinks bottle sleeves. I've been trying out the Gator
round my home town, plenty of room for "stuff".

Unique Bag

By: A Kittur December 9, 2008

Think of this bag as the modern descendant of those iconic Pan Am carry-on bags from the 60s and 70s.
It is NOT a replacement for a messenger bag, but its perfect complement. A messenger bag, with its roots in transporting files, packages and small parcels on the backs of cyclist, is a bag designed always to be in motion. Flat against your back, not carrying anything particularly fragile, and almost never set down.
The Gator is really for all those other situations where you need to haul something but you are not cycling down an avenue at breakneck speed. Situations where you want to sit your bag down and have it maintain its shape (like at the foot of your airplane seat or next to you in a passenger seat of your car or below the restaurant table) for easy access to the contents. Or those situations where you're carrying something more fragile: it's supremely well designed to carry relatively fragile things like a camera. What struck me most about the back is the very dense foam shaped U formed by the bottom and the large side panels that maintains the rigidity of the bag and, of course, protects your SLR or ipod or your portable electronics. I have seen bags that look superficially similar but none that really form that have that sort of protective rigidity.
The other notable thing is that the bag is bigger than I imagined (but well within the personal carry-on category for air travel). I can put a pair of jeans, several tee shirts, undergarments, my d-slr, my phone, my socks, a paperback, pens, paper, my chargers, etc so that it approaches the capacity of a 'weekend' bag but with much more compact dimensions. And to extend the messenger bag comparison one last time, it keeps clothes much neater due to its rigid box shape than the same materials packed into a messenger bag.
Anyway, I hope you found this review helpful.

Good briefcase, perfect complement to Air Boss

By: Ben Ziff - Caracas, Venezuela November 16, 2008

I've been using the Gator as my briefcase for over a year now, and travel frequently with it and the Air Boss. As a compact briefcase, the Gator works splendidly so long as you don't need to schlep a laptop. For business travel, the Gator is your "additional carryon item" when paired with the Air Boss, holding your book, agenda, ipod, camera, water bottle and the like - and then you put your laptop in the center compartment of the Air Boss and you are all set. The Gator fits great "under the seat in front of you" with room for your feet. I have done a 10-day business trip with the Gator/Air Boss combination, packing my day-to-day work essentials into the Gator, and 2 suits and 10 days worth of clothing into the Boss. Couldn't be happier with the build quality and service from Red Oxx. You only need to buy their products once - they are build to last a lifetime. I'm looking to purchase a few more items from them to complete my luggage needs!

One tough mother.

By: Lee - Liverpool October 15, 2008

The Gator is excellent. Its tough, well made, and beautifully designed. Its dimensions are slightly bigger, and it will swallow up more than you think. Although its not ideal for notebooks, files or folders, its not a briefcase, its a haul bag, well suited as a carry on, gadget bag or day/overnight bag. The open design is perfect when on the move, and the gusset pockets and side pockets, for me, have become indispensable. I like the solid construction and protection, with the added benefit of it being collapsible. Its great for fragile gadgets like cameras,ipods etc, and it wont fall over. You could put eggs in this, and they would be safe. Great product, and great customer service. Thanks Amanda.

True Quality - Tough and Versatile

By: Scott - Texas October 14, 2008

I eyed this bag for months before ordering it. I’m sorry I waited so long. I’ve tried it for several different uses and love it in all cases. I have no doubt I’ll end up with more than one… When I trout fish, it holds my jigs, forceps, reel, line, spools, rain gear, camera, flask (did I say that…?), etc. I love it as a range bag, carrying ammo, handguns, targets, etc. - doesn't slip off my shoulder with the weight of the ammo. I’ve used it as an overnight and carryon bag. I started smiling when I initially inspected my Gator. From the price and reviews I read, I was expecting good quality. This is TOP quality workmanship and materials throughout. Highly exceeds my expectations. If you’re comparing bags, you’re not going to find better quality than Red Oxx. That’s just the plain truth. If you need a carryon-size bag, you won’t go wrong with a Gator.

Not for documents or laptops

By: Chris in Pa. - Pa. September 23, 2008

The dimensions should state the obvious - it's not a briefcase, nor is it a laptop bag. It's a bag for all your other s**t.
For example, I'm an attorney. I've always lugged a "trial box" to court, which up to now has been a cardboard storage box filled with extra paper and writing supplies, a few power bars, reference books, advil and antacid, some personal grooming basics - all the mundane stuff needed to get through all day or longer courtroom appearances. Lugging a box in and out of courthouses ties up two hands that can be used for lugging other stuff. Plus, boxes look ratty after just a few uses. So, I just bought a black Gator Bag and plan to use it as my hands free "trial box" from now on. I have no doubt that it will work splendidly for years to come, and probably outlast me.
The other observation I would make is that it's not the type of bag you sling over your shoulder and walk around with 24 hours a day while on vacation. I personally prefer a traditional messenger bag that lays flatter in the small of your back and can be ripped open quicker. In no way a criticism of the Gator, just an observation from a bag freak.

Big Enough

By: Don Koue - Bay Area August 15, 2008

The Gator bag is bigger than its dimensions. I was already really happy with my RedOxx Safari-Beano PR5, which was great for a long trip to Spain, but I needed to replace a smaller field bag. I worried that the Gator specs, 12"w and 9'h wouldn't hold my 13"w and 10.5"h laptop, but it did. I wouldn't say it is the ideal laptop bag, but I didn't buy it for that reason, but more as an all around carry on bag. Haven't used it for that yet but have traveled enough to know it will be great, tempting me always to cram too much into it. However, it is nice to know that my laptop can find a home in it, if needed, and I think others might like to know this.

take me out to the ballgame

By: Anonymous August 8, 2008

I go to 40+ baseball games a year. I take a camera, a notebook, binoculars, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, sunglasses, and a whole host of other small things to make life more comfortable. i also like to be able to put my camera down for an inning.
I tried other bags that were supposed to be 'sturdy' but they were flimsy and I didn't trust them sitting on the floor next to my feet. camera bags are too limiting for 'other stuff'.
I had resorted to using a tote bag with everything tossed into it... until I discovered the Gator. I was actually here to buy an Air Boss, but the gator kept tempting me... and while I waited for my Air Boss, I finally caved in and added it to my order.
I echo everyone's comments about how it's bigger than it seems. Just when I think it's full, I manage to get a few more things inside and it's still easy to get to everything. I use the water bottle pockets for my binoculars and sunglasses - one small thought is that I wish the elastic around the bottle pockets was adjustable, since the size and shape of bottles varies so much.
It is also impermeable to the occasional splash of beer and peanut shells, it opens easily for inspection, fits under a seat at the park or on a plane. pen slips, slots for my extra memory cards and battery, my Nikon and two lenses - it all just fits.

Not got it yet!

By: Roger J - Hereford, UK August 1, 2008

I've been following the various reviews for the Gator bag for some time. Once I know my upcoming assignment to Nicaragua is confirmed, I'll be ordering my Gator bag so that I can collect it in the US en route, like I did with my SkyTrain.
Like the latest reviewer, I intend to use mine in conjunction with my ST, and as a general bag round town et here. If I can't fit my Toshiba notebook (M700 in neoprene bag) in, it will either be clipped (via karabiners) to the Gator or put in the the ST.
I'll submit a post-purchase review as well, but this posting shows the faith I have in Redoxx products.
Roger J

Ms

By: Mary - Virginia July 30, 2008

Like so many others, I initially thought the Gator bag seemed small. My first trip with this bag was a quick overnighter, and I was amazed that I could fit an extra pair of shoes, my binoculars, extra clothes, a hardcover book and all my toiletries and still had room left over. I found myself looking around for more stuff to pack, just to see how much the Gator would hold. This bag is bottomless. I am traveling to Scotland in three weeks, and can't wait to use this bag as my "personal bag" along with my brand-new Sky Train.

Fantastic smaller bag

By: Jon H - Manchester, UK July 4, 2008

Having traveled with an Air Boss all of the last year, my expectations of this bag were high, but the Gator exceeded them.
I ordered from the UK late on Tuesday night and was astonished when it was delivered by UPS on Friday morning. Stung again by UK customs charges, but the bag is more than worth it!
It holds my laptop and all the gear I need for a day, and the number and position of pockets seems spot on. The best bag of its type I have yet seen. Can't wait to try it on a longer trip back across the Pond this summer.

Much beefier than it looks on website

By: Vinson - Grand Junction, Co June 6, 2008

WOW! Much better than I thought and much better than can be presented on this web page. The hardware is all top notch and the quality is superb. Seemed a little small at first, but then I took everything out of my old brief case (Sandstorm Bag bought in Kenya) and it easily fit in the Gator which was half the size of the sandstorm bag. I am EXTREMELY impressed. I will give another review after a few months of travel with it. I am outbound for a tour in Iraq and will really put it through some rigorous use. Thanks Redoxx!!

VP, Counterterrorism, Stratfor

By: Fred Burton - Austin, Texas May 31, 2008

Jim and the folks at Red Oxx produce outstanding bags. I own four, to include the wallet and shave kit. The craftsmanship is "old school" quality. Perfect for business or personal travel.

The perfect bag

By: Chris - Baltimore March 19, 2008

This is my second bag from Redoxx. The quality and craftsmanship is unmatched. When I travel I am using the gator as a multipurpose camera/haul bag. It works really well with the Billingham small Hadley removable camera insert. I can carry a few lenses and the camera body with attached lens. When i get to my hotel or tent I just pull out the insert and place the camera with the lens of choice in the padded section. This frees up space for other essentials needed during the day. At home it works as a good bailout bag and yes the really cool diaper bag!

Ultimate Bag For European Travel

By: Montanaandy - Billings Montana February 8, 2008

I went on a 3 week vacation/tour of Europe with my daughter this past summer and I can say without hesitation that this bag was the best investment that I made in preparation for that trip. This is the only bag that we took with us when we left the hotel for the day. There is a ton of room in the Gator and we carried quite a bit with us in this bag as we traveled (i.e. digital cameras, digital video camera, passports, wallets, snacks, batteries, hand sanitizer, maps, GPS, - you get the idea). The water bottle holders on the ends were really great. The shoulder strap is wonderful but you can also carry it by the handles if your shoulder gets sore. I still use this as one of my primary carry-on bags when I travel.

Ultimate Bag For European Travel

By: Montanaandy - Billings Montana February 8, 2008

I went on a 3 week vacation/tour of Europe with my daughter this past summer and I can say without hesitation that this bag was the best investment that I made in preparation for that trip. This is the only bag that we took with us when we left the hotel for the day. There is a ton of room in the Gator and we carried quite a bit with us in this bag as we traveled (i.e. digital cameras, digital videocamera, passports, wallets, snacks, batteries, hand sanitizer, maps, GPS, - you get the idea). The waterbottle holders on the ends were really great. The shoulder strap is wonderful but you can also carry it by the handles if your shoulder gets sore. I still use this as one of my primary carry-on bags when I travel.

Gator : A camera bag?

By: Anonymous May 5, 2007

The Gator is a great personal carryon bag. The quality of materials, attention to detail, and craftsmanship are superb. The Humvee of small bags. Bottom line is, the bag is over-built, and will carry pretty much anything you can put in it without a hiccup. If the Guvernator carried a man bag, this would be it.
But I also wanted a bag that will do double duty as a camera bag. And this is really the purpose of this mini-review. See, oftentimes, when I travel with a real camera bag as carryon, there is not much room for other (i.e. non-photography related) stuff I want to bring with me. And if I use a plain old carryon, I don't feel like my equipment is secure or protected enough.
Aside from doing double duty, it must also be small and light enough to comfortably carry around all day (as camera and daypack) when I am there.
The Gator is just about the same size as a Domke F6, for those who are familiar with that bag. In fact, the F6's four-compartment insert fits nicely.
It can hold a good-sized rangefinder kit with room to spare. For digital users, I used it with a Nikon DSLR plus Sigma 35/1.4. The (domke) insert easily held a Tokina 12-24mm f/4, Nikkor 80-200mm F/2.8 AF, flash, 24mm and 50mm Nikkors. Not that I would bring all that.
It is interesting to note that packed with the heavy SLR lenses, the bag felt very comfortable slung over my shoulder. I think that is thanks, in part to the massive rubberized Claw strap that stretches with heavy loads, and in part to the fact that the padding keeps the bag from sagging despite the weighty contents.
That is what I think is one of the neatest features of this bag. The bottom and both large side panels are lined with 1/4 inch thick 4-lb closed cell foam. What is that exactly? Something waaay better than the foam used on the Domkes. Going by feel, it is the same quality of padding in the insert of a Billingham S3. Not the dividers. The insert that you snap into the bag. Excellent built-in protection.
Not to worry - the bag is sturdy but not too bulky. The top and ends are not padded, so the bag is more streamlined, sort of "compressible" side-to-side. It is not stiff and won't bounce off your body like, say, most Lowepro bags. It is not too wide either. Just the right size to go under the airplane seat.
The only con about this bag is that I don't think it is waterproof. The cordura is water repellent, but the zipper and seams are probably not.
That, and it makes about as much of a fashion statement as a pickup truck.
I like trucks.
If you are looking for a tough, protective, versatile bag, this is definitely worth considering. I can see why it is guaranteed to outlive you. Sure, it is not cheap, but you get what you pay for. You will ABSOLUTELY not find a better made bag anywhere. For any price.
The folks at Red Oxx are a nice, helpful bunch too. Before I bought the bag, I asked them some questions about using the bag for cameras, and had a series of helpful emails with Jim Markel. He even added a photo of the bag holding a Nikon DSLR to their website. You can't put a price on little things like that.

THE GREATEST BAG EVER CREATED!!

By: Anonymous December 6, 2006

This carry on bag is amazing! I have never seen such high quality and amazing craftmanship in carry luggage than the Gator. It is truly amazing. I take it on every business trip and it has endured a lot of tough use. I've had it for nearly 3 years and it still looks like it's new! When and IF I ever need a replacement, I won't look anywhere else but Redoxx!!

Gator Bag Eats Diapers

By: Cam Smith November 20, 2006

This may be the coolest diaper bag a Dad will ever carry. Load the main compartment up with diapers, wipes, and a few small swaddling blankets; put all the Little Noses and Mylocon you can fit in the right pocket; Goldfish and Nutri Grain bars in the left pocket; and you're ready for a day anywhere with Jr. or Little Miss. The strap makes it easy for Mom to carry and Dad has plenty of room for big hands around the button down carry handle. The elastic side pockets are great for sippee cups if you've got one a little older.

Greatest bag ever made.

By: Anonymous November 20, 2006

I carried the Gator Carry On Bag for two weeks sightseeing all around Paris and Germany. Served as a very secure camera bag. It also has a perfect pocket for maps and the water bottle pockets on the ends were indispensable. The strap is extremely comfortable regardless of the weight in this carry bag.
Since then the Gator has been serving as my shooting range bag. The two pockets on the front are the perfect size for AR-15 magazines and two pistols with ammo to spare fit comfortably in the main compartment.
I would recommend this product to anyone. You'll wonder how you lived without it.

Third Bag is the Charm

By: John Herndon November 20, 2006

After trying for years and the purchase of at least 3 gadget bags, the Gator Carry-on Bag is what I was searching to find. It was my constant companion this last summer during a 3 week trip to the UK and a week museum-hopping in London. Great carry bag; well built and very useful.

Great little bag which handles it all.

By: Petri Niemi October 24, 2006

I'm from northern Finland. Here we have four seasons which are very unique. In winter we have kaamos, which is the time at midwinter when the sun won't even rise and there is just a short pale moment around midday. Temperature drops sometimes even below -50 celsius degrees (-60F) and the ground is covered a thick snowcover. In summer the sun won't go down for a weeks and it's bright daylight around clock. This time at summer is called nightless night. Autumn is often wet and temperature is very unsteady. Spring is very nice time for winter sports. There is a lot of light reflected from snow and temperature is around mild -10 celsius (15F).
I love my Red Oxx Gator Carry-on Bag because it works around the year. It works at leisure and it works at work. From snowmobiling to biking to hectic work trips. It's very often with me and it wont let me down. The Gator Carry Bag covers my valuables and keep them always at my hands. The bag works good and you don't even have to think about it. The Red Oxx Gator Carry-on Bag is definitely that kind of bag!

The perfect size for every day

By: Chris Juzda August 27, 2006

This is a great small airline carry bag. Perfect for every day and airline travel. I think I'm something of an expert - I've carried a bag for my "gadgets" for years - all kinds of materials, brands and sizes. I use my Gator every day to carry my PDA, Blackberry, video ipod, Shure earphones, Canon SD 400 digital camera, Moleskin large notebook, pen, pencil, reading glasses, sun glasses, bluetooth headset, and a small GPS receiver and lots of room to spare - try getting all that in your pockets!<br /><br />I use one of the water bottle pockets for my reading glasses, gives me quick access whenever I need them. After using so many bags, including some really nice hand crafted leather ones, I think the Gator Carry On is the perfect answer. I can't think of anything I would add. The shoulder strap is extremely comfortable and stays put better than anything else I've tried. While I love this Gator, it would be interesting to see if Red Oxx could develop a pretty much identical carry bag, just flip the format to a vertical bag instead of the horizontal format of the Gator - this would might result in the bag hanging a little closer to the body - less likely to hit people as you go by. It might be the only think that would make me give up my Gator!

Tough bag and deceptively spacious

By: Anonymous July 24, 2006

Just got back from two weeks in Indonesia, a research and lecture trip. Airlines lost my checked bag with some of my dress clothes and all gifts for friends. I had just my carry on bags: a Beano and a Gator. The Gator Carry On was my everywhere bag -- trial by fire in Sumatra. Camera, field medicine, phone, notebooks, plenty of stray books that I seem to collect... the bag worked as a great gadget bag and held everything. The foam gives it nice structure and protects my electronics. I only realized towards the end of the trip that there are two more slip pockets behind the front gusseted pockets. The Gator Carry On is a really great bag with none of the unnecessary length of a computer briefcase.

The perfect (rare) combination

By: Anonymous July 3, 2006

Innovative, practical/functional design, superb quality/workmanship, and handsome - the Gator Carryon Bag is ideally suited for travel of any kind e.g. an additional carry-on and as a day bag. I couldn't be more pleased with the Gator. And the Red Oxx customer service is every bit as good as their bags.

Great little bag

By: Anonymous April 27, 2006

I was really pleased with the overall quality of the Gator Carry On Bag and how much gear I could stuff into it. The only thing I did not initially care for was the heavy (my wife called it clunky) attaching hardware for the shoulder strap. After I had it loaded down I was glad that it was so sturdy. The bag held up great on my Alaskan Bear hunting trip last year and has since been doing duty as my Range bag. It easily carries a couple of pistols, ammo and eye and ear protection with space left over.
It really is a verstile little bag.

My daily companion

By: Rick Sullivan April 12, 2006

This is my 3rd Red Oxx Bag...I carry the Gator Carryon back and forth everyday with my powerbook and everything I need. Love it. Better and lighter than my Hartmann. Thanks Red Oxx.....

Gator Bag is best design yet

By: Anonymous April 10, 2006

I've tried to find the ideal travel bag in terms of size, features, design and quality of construction- and its all in the Gator Carry On Bag. Has best designed outside snap pockets I've ever used. Perfect size for traveling- maps, camera, books, even roll up a light jacket. Highly recommended!

They Don't Make 'Em That Way Anymore

By: Richard Hahn April 8, 2006

We are a service family. My late father was Air Force, I'm retired Army and my son is Active Duty Coast Guard. One of my most prized possessions is my dad's WWII Mussette Bag. These bags were all purpose, highly sought after and used to carry everything. At Fort Bragg I tried to get the Riggers to make me something similar but we were always deploying, getting ready to go somewhere or they were "too busy." <br /><br /> The Gator Carry On Bag, although a bit smaller, is the ONLY one I've every found that replaces that old beloved bag. There is absolutely no deficiency in the construction and it holds a huge amount of gear for its size. A "disabled" person tried to pick it up in London after I had put it on the curb. Fortunately a policeman intervened before I did something that was politically incorrect. NO ONE steals my Gator Bag.

Just the right size

By: Fred Moseley April 8, 2006

I've taken the Gator Carry On Bag on trips to Egypt, Peru, and Alaska. It's the perfect size for maps, camera, film, and binoculars, with side pockets for water bottles and airline tickets. It's also the perfect size for carry-on without the bulk of most baggage. I'd highly recommend it for travel and for the field.

PERFECT LITTLE CAMERA BAG +++

By: WILLIAM SWEENEY April 8, 2006

We live 300 miles from NYC, where we like to visit as often as possible to see our son, daughter-in-law and our 2-year-old granddaughter. The Gator Carry On Bag is a beautifully made, sturdy, well-padded small bag. It is the perfect size for carrying our Nikon D-70 digital camera, an extra lens and a speedlight -- of course we like to make MANY digital images of our granddaughter, whom we don't see ofter enough -- with inside room to spare, along with extra pockets for a bottle of water, sunglasses, a cell phone, etc. We carry it on the plane (it doesn't even count as an additional carry-on bag), and we easily schlep it around the city -- walking, on the subway, etc. -- with its comfortable shoulder strap. I'd call the Gator by far the best little camera bag +++ that I've ever owned.

Little Giant

By: Gary Ustik December 13, 2005

The Gator Carry Bag is just the right size for those every day needs; daily planner, address book, palm pilot, stationary/pens, maps, catalogs. The list goes on and on but I always have what I need when I need it. That's why I call it my ballistic Gator.

Best Bag Built

By: Quincy Clark November 23, 2005

The Gator Carry Bag can do anything. From use as a shooting bag, to camera bag, to holding fishing tackle, even diaper bag, and of course my airline carry on for those needed personal items. I have personally used this bag for all of these things and more. I only own one for now but I plan on purchasing another soon.

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