OVERALL RECOMMENDATION: Do your travels a favor and ditch your rolling carry on luggage in favor of backpack-style bags like these and/or the Rick Steve's convertible bags (both of which are great and have their own strengths, see below). We travel for work and internationally for pleasure a lot, often fairly rugged trips under challenging conditions. I cannot imagine doing so without the ability to throw all of my luggage on my back in a bag like this. Plus they have turned into invaluable ice skate bags, ski gear bags, etc. We have 8 or 9 backpacks like this in heavy rotation for our family for various purposes, and three of them are well-loved eBAGs like this (both full carry on, and daypack sized for the "personal item" that is usually allowed)
PROS of this bag:
- Carries far more than a regular carry on
- Efficient use of space with compartments and zippered sections.
- Worried about bedbugs in hotels? We are, and you probably should be too (yes, they live in even in some of the best hotels). We always throw our clothes in the wash & dryer on high, and toss these bags straight in the dryer on high setting for 10 minutes, immediately when we get home from any trip to completely eliminate the potential for infesting our home with those critters. Plus these bags can be collapsed and kept in the bathroom in hotels more easily than rigid backs (bedbugs are less likely to hang out in bathrooms)
- Great back support, and comfortable to wear. I do not have a great back -- I seem to throw it out every year or so. I can handle two weeks of clothes and supplies jammed in this bag easily enough. It has more structure than the Rick Steve's bags (which I also like), so is better for your back, as things do not tend to shift down to the bottom and backwards.
- Incredibly strong; they seem indestructible, and have held up for years for us without any problems
CONS
- None that I know of. This is a great product with innovated design that makes travelling easier. I LOVE it!
CONSIDER:
- If you decide you MUST have a rolling option, at least get a soft-sided backpack rolling carry on bag, which companies (including eBAGS and Rick Steves, are increasingly offering.) Make no mistake -- the rolling backpacks entail big compromises compared to these: they are way more expensive and have parts that can break; you can't fit nearly as much in them; the wheels add considerable weigh; you can't throw them in the washer or dryer to protect against beadbugs. But it is certainly better than a regular rolling bag for many purposes, including use on cobblestone or dirt streets, crowded areas, or when you need your hands free for any reason, it can be very useful to have the option of getting your bag off the ground and onto your back, even if you ultimately use the wheels most of the time. I did give in and purchase one Rick Steve's Rolling Backpack for my young daughter who wasn't ready for a filled backpack on her back, and it has been a good bag for her.
COMPARISON of eBAGS convertible vs. Rick Steve Europe Through the Backdoor backpack bags:
- After years of devotion to the Rick Steve's Convertible Backpack bags (sometimes available on Amazon, and always available on his Europe Through the Backdoor website), we have made the switch to buying these eBAGS when we need more these days. I can fit a bit less in the eBags, and they are a tad heavier, but they also feel somewhat better on our backs because they have more structure to them, thereby keeping the contents from shifting down to the bottom when put in a backpack position. The eBags look a bit smaller and more professional, and the fabric stays looking nicer/newer on them. That said, if you are on the market for two bags, I would recommend getting one of each type. They both are good innovative bags, so a lot of it is a matter of taste. My husband has a strong preference for the eBAG, and I find that I am pretty happy with both, sometimes needing the extra size flexibility on the Rick Steve's bag to the superior weight distribution benefits of the eBag.
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Product Description
Mother Lode Backpacks
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Mother Lode Travel BackpackIt's everything you wish your wheeled carry-on is but isn’t. It has tons of strategically placed pockets inside and out so you can organize your life on the go. We’ve thought of everything so you don’t have to stress about anything-at least, when it comes to packing. Pro Tip: it fits our 6pc Classic Packing Cube Set like a glove. It’s also expandable with external compression straps so even when packed to the max just buckle cinch down to ensure it still fits in the overhead bin. That said, because this backpack is carry-on compliant, you’ll never lose your bag. Ever.
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Mother Lode Jr Travel BackpackTruly the perfect one bag travel solution. No matter the terrain (looking at you cobblestone), you’ll be mobile. Need to post up at a coffee shop and get some work done? Pull out your laptop from its padded sleeve and get to it. Freezing on the plane? Grab your sweater from the strategically placed front quick-grab pocket, you won’t even have to open your whole bag to get it. The main packing compartment is roomy and the bag can fit our Light 7pc Packing Cubes perfectly. It’s also expandable and has external compression straps so even when it’s stuffed to the rim just buckle cinch to create a smaller more compressed bag.
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Mother Lode Rolling Travel BackpackTraveling is now easier than ever with our convertible rolling travel backpack. From a backpack to a wheeled piece of luggage in seconds, wheel it or wear it, we're not here to tell you what to do. Next time your shoulders are tired from carrying a heavy load, give them a break and wheel the bag instead. It's that easy. Besides the insane versatility this bag offers, it's also loaded with pockets inside and out and has a new and improved zip-away water bottle pocket that can fit a 32 oz Nalgene perfectly. |
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| Mother Lode Travel Backpack | Mother Lode Jr Travel Backpack | Mother Lode Rolling Travel Backpack | |
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| Customer Reviews |
1,553
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401
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| Price | — | $90.00 | — |
| Dimensions | 9 x 22 x 14 inches | 9 x 19.5 x 14 inches | 9 x 22 x 14 inches |
| Weight | 1.79 lbs | 1.36 lbs | 4.33 lbs |
| Capacity | 3299 cu. in. | 2538 cu. in. | 2941 cu. in. |
| Fits laptops up to 17" | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Fits laptops up to 19" | ✓ | ||
| Carry-on size? | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
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The backpack that grows with you and is a carry on too!
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Reviews with images
How I packed for 2 weeks for myself and 2 small children in a carry-on bag.
PURPOSE:I ordered two of these bags for a family trip last summer. We went on a two week trip to France to visit friends. I love efficiency packing, and the challenge of packing for a 2 week trip in only carry on bags is actually my idea of a good time. Using packing cubes, I was able to do that without an issue. Had the weather been remotely normal for August in France, I would have been golden...but unseasonably cool temps and lots of rain necessitated purchasing a few more items of warmer clothing for myself and the kids than what you see pictured in the original pack (see photos). I was able to fit the clothing I purchased there in the bag, so the bag would have accommodated the full requirement of clothing, it was only my initial packing that was inadequate, not the bag itself.MISSION: EFFICIENCY ACCOMPLISHEDI packed a single bag for myself and our two children (ages 3 and 1). The second bag was my husband's. Mens clothing always takes up more space, so he needed an entire bag for himself. I've attached photos of the contents of the bags, as well as how it fits on me. I'm 5'7" with a small frame. I didn't take a photo of my son's clothing before I put it in the cube, but it was comparable to my daughter's kit and also fit in one small packing cube. I was able to pack 4 small cubes (2 for me and 1 for each child), 3 mesh pencil cases packed with underwear and swimsuits, toiletries and makeup, laundry supplies, a hair towel, 3 pairs of shoes, an extra scarf, belt, travel hair dryer, journal, and travel documents. I also folded a tote bag into the backpack, and I used this as a go-to bag on the long flight. Diapering supplies, snacks, and blankets were kept in the storage compartment of a Kelty child-carrier pack. Since that pack had to be stored overhead, I pulled out my tote bag, took a few supplies from the Kelty pack, and moved them into them into the tote, which fit nicely under the airline seat with easy access to these immediate supplies. When on the move, we were able to remain hands free.DETAILS:The versatility of carry options allowed us flexibility as to how we carried the bags and our children. I cannot tell you the peace of mind that came with truly having everything I might have needed in the cabin with us. Comfort-wise, this bag is not as comfortable as a true backpacking backpack, but I don't think its reasonable to expect that and to have the flexibility this bag provides as a piece of true luggage. It's a trade off, and well worth it. Having hands free on a long trip was a godsend, and the lack of retractable handle-associated hardware really frees up a lot of space inside the bag, in comparison to a roll-aboard style carry-on. Imagine navigating international airports with two little ones and the associated toileting/diapering/eating...handsfree is a must.I've also used this bag and filled it up for just myself for 4 day trips to weddings. In those instances, the focus is less on efficiency and more on having everything I need for different events/activities/+more beauty supplies than I use in my everyday wear. From reading other reviews, it seems that the company backs its prodcut to the hilt. I am confident these will get a lot of use in our household, and be durable enough to see our kids through their first "grown up" trip across the pond, years down the road.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2019
Color: EggplantVerified Purchase
Overall: love this backpack! Highly recommend for international travel
Pros:
-Spacious, but not too big. I’m 5’8” and 155lbs. I packed for a 10 day work/personal international trip to Europe. I fit everything I needed in this bag perfectly (note: not much space for purchases on the trip!). See photo. Essentially, I packed in this bag: 10 outfits, a few small jewelry sets, 3 sets of pajamas, one pair flats, flip flops, toiletries (I’m pretty low maintenance there though), map, umbrella, vitamins/medications, copies of all important documents, 6 kind bars (happy I had those), 2 sweaters, hoodie zip up casual sweater, and 5 pairs athletic socks. I packed my clothes in two packing compression cubes (lifesavers!).
-Quality, Durability, & Comfort. It functioned properly on my trip, I loved the purple color. And it was comfortable to carry...but super tough to lug around on your back for miles upon miles (as any backpack would be)....trust me. Take. The. Train. (In Europe).
-Cost effective. I paid $15 more to get this bag on Prime since I was up against a deadline. Even so, this bag is well worth the (reasonable) price.
Cons:
-No wheels/rolling capability. Ok for Europe (cobblestones $ stairs), but sure wish I could have magically made a handle & wheels appear.
I absolutely recommend this bag for a 1-2 week trip.
Pros:
-Spacious, but not too big. I’m 5’8” and 155lbs. I packed for a 10 day work/personal international trip to Europe. I fit everything I needed in this bag perfectly (note: not much space for purchases on the trip!). See photo. Essentially, I packed in this bag: 10 outfits, a few small jewelry sets, 3 sets of pajamas, one pair flats, flip flops, toiletries (I’m pretty low maintenance there though), map, umbrella, vitamins/medications, copies of all important documents, 6 kind bars (happy I had those), 2 sweaters, hoodie zip up casual sweater, and 5 pairs athletic socks. I packed my clothes in two packing compression cubes (lifesavers!).
-Quality, Durability, & Comfort. It functioned properly on my trip, I loved the purple color. And it was comfortable to carry...but super tough to lug around on your back for miles upon miles (as any backpack would be)....trust me. Take. The. Train. (In Europe).
-Cost effective. I paid $15 more to get this bag on Prime since I was up against a deadline. Even so, this bag is well worth the (reasonable) price.
Cons:
-No wheels/rolling capability. Ok for Europe (cobblestones $ stairs), but sure wish I could have magically made a handle & wheels appear.
I absolutely recommend this bag for a 1-2 week trip.
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Laura Horne
I love this bag.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 4, 2019Color: EggplantVerified Purchase
