Thankfully, eBags has made another backpack called the TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible . Its not so much designed as a carry handle, as it is a PULL At 68, Im still in good enough shape and not too proud to carry one, but I struggle with the thought and how much use it will have beyond this trip (could I carry a suit needed for a relatives wedding or something similar in one?). We often would have to walk into a smallish town after a bus leaves you by the highway or walk a ways to a hostel from the center of town bus/train. TheTLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible Junioris a carry-on backpack big enough and durable enough to meet the needs of any traveler. I like to think of the eBags brand as almost a store brand, the quality is ok, its a bit cheaper than other brands and the packaging isnt always as nice as the others. And its a double-edged sword having a bigger bag like that; if youre anything like me, youll fill it up with stuff (!) I think each person needs to develop some kind of checklist of the features s/he needs in a bag. Like your Taiwanese adventures, I too am looking at spending some extended time in the future (in Peru), and I want to schlep some extra things there to make my time more comfortable. I came back to the city where Ive left my stuff while I work further with the idea of traveling full-time. thanks, Gene, Privacy Policy. 2023 NOTE: Tragically, supply chain issues forced Pacsafe to discontinue their lineup of anti-theft rolling luggage. Happy travels! I love Wild! Shop eBags Mother Lode Jr Travel Backpack (Br - Luggage Factory I LOVE New Zealand! I concluded it must have slipped out of my pocket, earlier in the day, at French truck stop we visited. Thanks for sharing your advice! pouch to the side compression strap. Chris, Hey Nora, For example, if I know Im going from A to B and then staying at my destination for an extended time, I might go with checked luggage so I can carry some discretionary items that will make my stay more comfortable. Hope you think its in the right ballpark. Also, when traveling with larger (and thus, heavier) checked-sized luggage, hauling it around on my back was downright painful at times. David Fun challenge! Pull out your laptop from its padded sleeve and get to it. Now I travel carry on only. I have been using a rolling REI carry-on that I love, plus an old Osprey daypack. HANDLE, to pull the bag out of airline overhead compartments. Since I also tend to fly with my shoulder bag at my feet, containing necessities, my laptop and cameras. For a wheeled backpack with a detachable daypack, I liked using the High Sierra bag (which you can see profiled and linked to in this post: https://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/wheeled-backpacks-why-theyre-the-best-and-tips-for-buying-one/), and apparently Eagle Creek makes a top notch model as well. Price $69.99. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. For every downside of one option, you can find a downside for the other. Regarding the daypack, at least you can put that on your back with relative ease and comfort; for myself, I tend to keep important things like my laptop in my daypack, so I prefer to have it on my body rather than on my luggage. Alternately, can your laptop fit into your Bestek bag? The eBags TLS Mother Lode Mini 21 Wheeled Duffel is where hardside meets softside luggage. belleweather 2 yr. ago This. . In addition to the maincompartment, there is also a smaller compartment in the front of the bag for holding pens, and smaller things. This lightweight cover bag gives me an extra space to pack unneeded stuff into and store in the event I want to go off hiking for a few days or make shorter forays to islands etc. eBags products are made with high quality materials and forward-thinking design. Hi Gene, You travel with carry-on luggage only, so at least the backpack wont be ridiculously heavy. I tried and tested literally dozens of backpacks before I set off on my trip, from horrendously expensive to cheap as chips. At 13kg I can easily carry it on my back for some distance. This isnt a huge backpack, so the thin strap does offer a little bit of support. Im liking the Marmot pack, but I must say you wont catch me wearing that vest any time soon! My wheeled carry-on luggage of choice is the Pacsafe Toursafe 21 (since replaced by the EXP21 Anti-Theft Wheeled Carry-On) wheeled luggage(pictured below) which is lightweight, sturdy, has nifty security features, and some handy organizational features on the inside. We could wear much of what we needed on the flight. Wheeled backpacks work best for long-term travel when: At one point I stashed my wheeled backpack somewhere and did a few trips lasting as long as three months with my rolling-carry-on travel bag only. back padding leaves much to be desired. If you are a woman under 53, you may want to get a smaller bag. Otherwise, its kind of dorky. I strive to review products that I like, or are popular in the I guess you can say thats one good point for checking luggage; no security check hassles! But youre right. Both have their benefits. It all depends on your situation in Melbourne; if you have a place that youre coming back to where leave your large luggage and simply do excursions with a smaller bag, Id recommend it. 2009 - 2023 TheProfessionalHobo.com. Im going to be straightforward here: I dont really like the eBags Mother Lode. I have left this blurb above intact in the hopes that theyll bring it back to life, or I find some comparable anti-theft luggage to love and feature in its place; whatever happens first. We strive to help you find the perfect one bag to travel the world! So heres my my current soup du jour: http://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Ozone-Wheeled-Luggage-18-Inch/dp/B00CJ7XCLQ (theres a full length flat panel space against the back that holds my Birkies!) Hi, this is a great post, My Pacsafe carry-on bag (discussed in the post) is actually soft-sided so could work for your trip and I believe they have larger models that you can check in as well. Never thought I would say that :grinning: Yet here I am, after my first long trip through EU. A lower compartment with movable shelves offers added capacity and even better organization. The requirements for these safari operators (charter) is NO frame. Unfortunately, the closest walk-in store that carries the 21 is over 400 miles away (Pacsafe lists REI, which is local, but REI website doesnt show the 21). https://www.ebags.com/backpacks-bags/travel-backpacks/mother-lode-jr-travel-backpack/1177691693.html. Its a Berghaus, cost me 46 pounds sterling 7 years ago and apart from one small puncture which never got any bigger, is still in great condition, even zippers have never been replaced. Learn more. 2023 update: Im currently testing out (and have the highest of hopes for) the Knack Bags S2 Medium sized Expandable Backpack. Happy travels, strap attached to a 2 strap that attaches with plastic buckles to two clips on And if I get some funny looks over that fact, then the more the better. If thats you, check out their bag finder quiz to figure out which pack is best for you (be it a carry on travel backpack, laptop bag, or daypack). For notebook and other handy things. From the moment you arrive, you will be greeted with warm hospitality, time-honored traditions and an awe-inspiring landscape that will take your breath away. Mother Lode Travel Backpack. Particularly, when the vehicle might explode at any time. Fit easily under the plane seat with room left over for feet (and my partner is 63). 'Mother Lode' is an interesting small accent or of specimen value due to gold foliage color. Id love to purchase sygic app (this one: http://www.sygic.com/en/gps-navigation ), do you know it? is a top and a side carry handle, which are well padded and comfortable. You travel with checked luggage (as opposed to carry-on only), You mainly like to wheel your luggage around (ever-so-handy in airport lineups), You occasionally end up in places where wheeling your luggage isnt practical and you want to strap it on your back, You want easy access to the contents of your luggage, You travel with carry-on luggage only (and can easily carry it when it cant be rolled), Your travel days are concentrated and linear (ie: you travel directly from one place of accommodation to the next, without too many detours), You have back problems and dont like to (or want to) haul a backpack on and off, You want easy access and organization of your luggage contents, Is it top loading (and is that something you want), Does it have premium spinner wheels (and if it does, do they come at the expense of packing space), Separate compartment(s) for ease of organizing things. https://www.ebags.com/backpacks-bags/travel-backpacks/mother-lode-travel-backpack/117754L135.html. 21 liter carry on backpack with zip away backpack straps if I want to carry it like a duffle bag. Well, it went viral on TikTok this time last year for its versatile and functional design, which blew travelers away because it opened like a suitcase for easy packing. Oh, and I havent lost a wallet or ID since I was 16. Because shift happens. But that being said, a backpack would still have been worse because it was so hot there. If youre on the go a lot and quick to move as you are then the lighter you pack the better. Pros and Cons of Packing Cubes. It ended up blowing a seam after only a few uses, so looking into something else. We had a hard time finding packing cubes from eBags that would fit this bag well. There I saw a young man with a wheeled backpack on his back. It has some amazing pros (and a few cons); check out my video review here to see if itll work for you. The Mother Lode is made of a sturdy polyester. Formerly known as TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible. Zip expansion for an extra 1.5". I'm looking specifically at the 25" duffel (I think they call it the Junior) in both the old eTech and the new TLS series. I can afford better luggage and I certainly dont enjoy the aggravation. Im looking into an unlocked 6 android phablet with sim card slots and sd card slot as only only electronics-cost $150. The only amendment is the zip pulls which I replaced myself with a small cord when they finally frayed after about 6 years! She looked so much like you, too, sporting a great looking hat and only two travel bags. I guess I just dont run for that many buses and trains however, because I havent found the rolling luggage to be that bad. in. Details: Hit the road with your clothing and other essentials packed inside this tough, lightweight, and smart duffel from eBags. Mother Lode Travel Backpack Mother Lode Jr Travel Backpack Mother Lode Rolling Travel Backpack ; 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. Still, I wouldnt mind using checked, but generally Im carrying my cameras and notebook, which is what theyve suddenly gotten concerned about. I can wear a years wardrobe thru check-in in my vest. The left side has a thin pocket with a mesh zippered cover Mother Lode Travel Backpack | eBags 4 ways to carryadapts to the way(s) you travel. The main compartment opens up fully (just like a suitcase) so you can see everything in the pack with minimal rummaging. Even if Im traveling for months at a time, the nature of the trip will entirely dictate what kind of luggage I use. Im still learning it. My review of the Ebags Motherlode TLS Weekender Junior Travel Backpack, which fits 19" laptops. 'Mother Lode' features brilliant gold foliage changing to a golden bronze in winter. I love my wheeled luggage and I cant imagine a trip without it. Not 100% sure. So, if you didnt end up getting the gift you wanted or were reluctant to shop during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, now you can treat yourself and save big. I know for the future there will be trips Ill have to carry an extra bag so I look forward to your enlightenment. I plan on just bringing one piece of luggage. As For more information visit our Warranty page. eBags Mother Lode Weekender Junior Review - YouTube Former shaman's apprentice. but it probably doesnt need to be this large. For more information visit our Warranty page. eBags Mother Lode - FlyerTalk Forums There is plenty of room to add extra things if I go somewhere cold and need extra clothes or do some shopping. doesnt work and falls off. I guess it depends on how big your rolling suitcase is. I want to find a foldable super light luggage cart to add to this system though! Are Packing Cubes Worth It? The eBags TLS Mother Lode Junior 25 Wheeled Duffel bag is made from twisted poly fabric and features a large shape with multiple pockets for storage, a locking telescoping pull handle, and easy-rolling wheels that make it a cinch to maneuver. Wheels and backpack straps seem to be the way to go. EBags Mother Lode TLS Weekender Junior Travel Backpack Review It just distributes the weight better and has a hip belt. It is possible that my Bestek bag will fit into my laptop bag, so they could combine into one as carry on. Plus theres always the necessity of folding it up for TSA inspection and stowage. My family owns 3 eBags Mother Lode backpacks, two in purple and one in black. The bags overall features are very travel-friendly. Detroit! After these four months we will fly to Costa Rica and stay in one place for one month, just leaving for daytrips. Thanks for your input and great testimony for backpacks! In myyears of use, Ive never torn or broken any parts of the bag although my sister has. Finally, a 30 liter backpack that doesn't actually look like a 30 liter . Two-in-one versatility: easily converts from backpack to rolling luggage Easy access front zip compartment with several interior pockets I am at an age where I have discovered back pain, and yet the husband is too busy trying to discover himself rather than worrying about the practicalities of it all. So I wouldnt count on this feature working for you. Someone once said, A real man does not get the planet to carry his luggage for him. Please turn it on so that you can experience the full capabilities of this site. Ahh, that 8-hour time difference. More or less, heres my carry-on packing list: