About two months ago, I sent an inquiry to my fellow GOLF staffers: Which item are you hoping to add to your gear repertoire this summer?

Responses were varied, and ranged from a backyard chipping game to a GPS/speaker combo. I couldn’t resist chiming in myself with an item I’ve had my eye on for a while: a new travel backpack.

With a long international trip on the horizon, I knew my trusty tote just wasn’t going to cut it. During last year’s excursion, with the bag packed to the gills, I thought the straps were going to etch a permanent groove into my shoulder. It was so uncomfortable! I knew it was time for a change.

A backpack seemed like the most efficient solution, so I decided to try the Jones A2. And after making its debut with an 18-hour travel day, I’m thrilled to say the A2 is definitely a keeper ...