eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible

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 ACCOMPLISHED
I 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.

I've never purchased a backpack on Amazon before. This is a first time. I actually looked up a lot of backpacks for traveling and all of the reviews led me to this bag. Why this bag? This bag has everything you need in a backpack and a suitcase. This bag has an accordion style packing system that allows you to pack enough stuff in it and still look like you have very little in the bag.

Looks: This looks like your regular every day style backpack but, its a bit bigger than it. This bag is perfect for the weekend trip or if you're traveling to another continent.

Size: This bag is perfect for people that don't want to check a bag at the airport. It does have the ability to fit in the overhead compartment for both domestic and international flights. This is great for people that are looking to save money on baggage fees(I am one of them). This bag does accommodate enough room to use packing cubes(I highly recommend using those as well!!!!). You still have enough room to pack a bit more with the packing cubes in place.

Overall: I don't know what I would do without this bag. I use to use a large roller suitcase now, I let my girlfriend use that and I use this and I couldn't be any more satisfied or happy. Seriously this is the perfect bag/backpack for the traveler, especially the traveler going to Europe trying to save a dime.

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Wasn't sure about this bag but I wanted to try it. I survived a 2 1/2 week trip around Europe in the middle of winter with this bag! Definitely invest in packing bags/cubes as well, because they really can keep you organized with a backpack and lots of items. There were so many compartments, and I was able to use TSA locks to securely store my items in my bag. Highly recommend if you don't need a true backpacking bag. It also fits in the overhead and under seat compartments in airplanes, even when stuffed full!

Side note: my entire family was jealous and is planning to buy these.

We tested these on a two week trip to Maui. Stayed in a condo and did some wash. Two weeks was pushing the limits a bit. However, in Maui, we wore shorts most of the time. These were very easy to wear (fully packed) through the airport. I think these are perfect for light travel or longer travel in tropical areas where light clothing is the norm.

This bag was perfect for a 4 day trip as a carry on. I was able to pack everything I needed (including ski clothes & sweaters) and then some without it being fully expanded. If it had been a summer trip I could have easily packed for 1-2 weeks. Also the bag was comfortable to walk with through the airport etc... Definitely well made and worth the money.

I purchased this bag for a carry-on only, two-week European vacation. This bag worked as designed, and the only reason I didn't give it a five star rating is the key attachment. After I locked my front door, I put my house key on the hook, and then didn't think about again until I was in the airport back in the United States. The key attachment was hanging on by three threads, so that part isn't very durable.

It does not take long to fall in love with this convertible backpack. I have not as yet used it on a trip but I have made some practice packings and it is a wonderful bag. I have a Costco near to where I live and I have walked to it and carried heavy items back from the store in order to get an idea of how it feels loaded.

To prevent the load from dropping to the bottom, I would make use of the divider in the main compartment to keep some of the load in the upper part of the bag. The bag is rugged and it can hold lots.

It does not take long to figure out how it works and where everything goes. I already love this bag and it will be my travel partner in many upcoming trips. I love it, I love it, I love it... :)