Flight Bag Recommendation

[jpoe]

OK so here's my story. I'm a student pilot hopefully soon to receive my private. I don't own my own plane, and since I rent I need to carry pretty much everything I use with me (headset, backup comm, lots of books, FAR/AIM, sectionals, flashlight, pretty much the kitchen sink approach). My current flight bag is just a simple bag with 1 big pocket. The problem is, I need to become MUCH more organized.

Don't get me wrong, pre-flight and in-flight as far as my planning and situational awareness is concerned - I'm very organized. It's just when the flight is over, and I'm just throwing everything into my bag - I end up becoming the guy notorious at the FBO for leaving his headset on the dash ...

Since I have to order it online, I was wondering if you guys could point me towards a bag that might help me to stay a bit more organized. I think I will be flying a lot with my wife, so I kind of prefer the bags that have space for two headsets. I have done a lot of research, and so far I've come up with these three that look pretty promising:

Jeppesen: The Captain Bag
http://www.joepilot.com/itemdesc.asp...621214&eq=&Tp=

Sky High Gear Discovery Flight Bag
http://www.mypilotstore.com/MyPilotStore/sep/2885

Sporty's Flight Gear Collection Deluxe Flight Gear Bag
http://www.sportys.com/acb/showdetl....1456&CATID=170

(Note: I pulled these links from three different stores so as not to appear as though I'm partial/advertising for any one store. All three bags are roughly the same price - so that's of no concern, I'll just buy the bag wherever it's cheapest).

I would greatly appreciate any feedback you all have on any of the above bags, or any I might want to look into that I may have missed. I really am having trouble deciding since I can't test them out in person. Personally, I like the dedicated spot for my backup comm that the Jeppesen has, the addition of rubber feet on the Sporty's model, and the many compartments of the Sky High - so I'm stuck!

Thanks for any advice/recommendations,

James


Ps. I searched the forums for previous discussions about flight bags and didn't turn up anything. If I may have missed one, feel free to link me with that.

[Texasspilot]

I have that jeppeson flight bag and used it when I flew freight. Great bag if you need to carry lots of books, charts, computer, lunch, change of clothes...well you get the point. In other words it has plenty of space in it.

If you decide on that one then shoot me a PM Ill make yah a fair price on it.

[Tiger815]

I have the Sky High attache' bag and I love it. The construction quality is first rate and the features of the bag make it great for cockpit organization when the other front seat is open. It has a fold out orgainizer to keep charts batteries pens etc handy. In my mid sized bag I carry 3-4 books of approach plates, a Howie Keefe IFR Atlas, several sectionals, a VFR Flight guide, a tri-fold knee board, flashlight, spare AAA batteries, a handheld VHF and assorted flight planning tools like a whiz-wheel, plotter, pencils/pens etc. The best part is it keeps every thing organized and easy to reach. I had a giant Sportys bag that I used to carry around a bunch of junk I never used. The Skyhigh Attache' bag has room for the stuff I need and keeps me from carrying extra crap.

The thing is this bag doesn't have headset compartments. That works for me primarily because I own my plane so I don't haul headsets around, they stay in the plane. When I need to carry a headset, I just carry it open or use the padded bag that came with the headset. It works for me and I'd never go back to a giant flight bag like the one from Sporty's.

Oh yeah, one thing I don't like is the metal handles. You have to keep them separated or they rattle (a problem in the car not the plane) and they will get hot hell if you leave the bag in the sun for a while.

[towhook]

I would suggest a regular backpack. Size to your needs.

[surreal1221]

First, towhook. . .nice avatar. . .w00t for GEOGRAPHY!1

For bag recommendations. . .



Or

[Airdale]

James, I would say go with something cheap. There is no need to spend anymore than $20-30 on a bag. I used a cheap $20 Jeppesen bag I bought at an FBO and it lasted all the way until I got my first airline job, then I bought a catalog case. Save the money now, you'll thank yourself later.

If anything, take the extra money you spend on a bag and put it towards a good headset and things to help you stay organized in the cockpit (kneeboards, chart clips etc.) Your bag will spend most of its time in the air on the back seat.