Some people are purely business travelers who want a high-end piece of luggage for moving through airports. Others are outdoor enthusiasts who want durable packs for taking clothes and food out into the wilderness. The rest of us lie somewhere in the middle, inclined toward road trips, weekend jaunts and brief backpacking adventures. For pure flexibility that covers all of those needs, Eagle Creek is one of the best brands out there, thanks to its mix of durability, functionality and price.
The top pick in this category is the Expanse Convertible International, a bag that can be described as a suitcase or a backpack and is as perfect for international travel as it is for a weekend at a campsite.
What to know before you buy Eagle Creek luggage
Size
The biggest consideration when shopping for any luggage is size. Your selection will be affected by how long you plan to be away, what you’re taking with you and how much of it, and how you plan to travel. When traveling by car, you can go for one of Eagle Creek’s humongous duffels, which offer some of the largest capacities in the industry. If you’re flying, even if you check your bags, it’s a good idea not to go too big because you might have to pay extra based on the bag’s weight. The other option is a small carry-on, which will be limited by your airline’s size and weight restrictions. Note that international carriers have different requirements from domestic ones, so you should check with your airline and get something that’s within the rules. For more information, take a look at the full carry-on luggage buying guide from BestReviews.
Style
Another thing to consider is the style of bag you want since Eagle Creek offers many options. Aside from standard upright rolling suitcases, they also have duffel bags with or without wheels. And if you’re going on a camping trip or plan to hoof it a lot during your journey, you might want to consider a backpack since they’re easier to carry for long periods of time as opposed to shoulder bags, which can put a lot of strain on one side of the body.
Convertible bags
If you’re having trouble selecting one style of bag, Eagle Creek has an option most brands don’t: convertible bags, which incorporate multiple styles at once. There are backpacks that also have wheels and telescoping handles, messenger bags with additional straps that can be carried on either one or both shoulders, and duffels that can be rolled but also have handles for when they need to be lifted. These versatile picks are great for when you don’t plan to take just one type of trip and want flexibility.
Eagle Creek luggage features
External pockets
Though they’re a standard luggage feature, Eagle Creek’s offerings are not known for having a lot of external pockets. Some of their bags don’t have any, concentrating instead on having extremely roomy main compartments. But if you want quick access to important items, seek out a model that has a few external pockets. There are also some Eagle Creek bags that have specific pockets for shoes or phones so you can keep delicate or messy items separate from your clothes and gear.
Packing cubes
One of the most grueling parts of a long trip is repeatedly packing your bags before departing from each stop. One way to help keep yourself organized is packing cubes, which separate items into specific compartments so you don’t have to dig through everything individually when all you want is a pair of socks. Eagle Creek also sells packing cubes, including a line of compression cubes that help you maximize space and are some of the best on the market, so if you’re looking for a way to simplify packing, consider shopping for Eagle Creek’s packing cubes as well.
Wheels
Many of Eagle Creek’s suitcases have wheels as do some of their duffels and backpacks. There are two main types of suitcase wheels: in-line wheels and spinner wheels. “In-line” generally means two wheels paired with two rubber stoppers to keep the bag upright when you let go of it. “Spinner” means four independent wheels, which make it a little easier to move through airports because you can push it as well as pull it. However, if you’re traveling by car, trekking outdoors or expect to encounter a lot of stairs, wheels won’t be of the utmost importance and shouldn’t affect your decision too much.
Eagle Creek luggage cost
Eagle Creek is a midrange brand, meaning it isn’t the cheapest out there but is far from the most expensive. Any of their bags will likely cost you at least $100, with some of the better models costing around $250. Their luggage may not be as visually appealing as high-end brands but it offers durability and roominess that’s tough to match.
Eagle Creek luggage FAQ
Are Eagle Creek bags waterproof?
A. One of the best features of Eagle Creek luggage is that they make their bags with water-resistant material. However, it’s important to note that water-resistant does not mean waterproof. It’s still possible for water to seep in, so you can’t go trudging through a river or walk around in a downpour and expect all your stuff to stay dry. Having a rain cover to put over your bag can offer an extra layer of protection against the elements.
Are Eagle Creek bags good for laptops?
A. The upside of Eagle Creek is that their bags are durable and water-resistant, making them great for dealing with the outdoors, and they offer flexibility in terms of how you transport them, good for those who may be on a plane one week and a hiking trail the next. However, they are not specifically designed for business travelers, so while some have laptop compartments, most don’t. If your main goal is to find a bag to help you transport your computer from airport to hotel and back again, this might not be the brand for you, but if you’re looking for something that’ll help you take clothes and equipment anywhere in the world, Eagle Creek has a leg up on the competition.
Which Eagle Creek luggage should I get?
Best of the best Eagle Creek luggage
Expanse Convertible International: available at Amazon
Our take: Eagle Creek has a lot of wheeled options in both checked and carry-on sizes, but what sets this one apart is the backpack straps that allow you to hoist it onto your shoulders in situations where wheels are impractical, offering a versatility that’s tough to match.
What we like: Small enough to meet carry-on requirements for many international carriers. Interior and exterior compression straps to keep items from shifting. External front and rear pockets and phone pocket for easy access.
What we dislike: It is a bit pricey for the amount of storage.
Best bang for your buck Eagle Creek luggage
Expanse Wheeled Duffel Bag: available at Amazon
Our take: At 135 liters, this bag has one of the largest capacities of any duffel out there, so if you’re looking to transport as much stuff as humanly possible, this is the choice for you.
What we like: Features a telescoping handle as well as top, bottom and side grab handles. Treaded wheels can handle rough terrain. Abrasion-resistant material is designed to prevent scuffing.
What we dislike: It only has one big compartment, making it good for those who want to transport a lot of clothes or equipment but not ideal for travelers who want direct access to specific items.
Honorable mention Eagle Creek luggage
Global Companion Backpack: available at Amazon and Backcountry
Our take: This backpack is small enough to be used as a carry-on for most domestic airlines, yet has features like padded suspension and sternum straps commonly found on larger packs, making this a great pick for those who aren’t packing a lot of stuff but plan to trek long distances and want to be comfortable.
What we like: Shoe compartment at bottom keeps muddy boots away from clean clothes. Full butterfly opening and zippered interior compartments aid in packing and organization. Weighs less than four pounds when empty.
What we dislike: Some users have complained that the stitching isn’t tough enough to support super heavy loads over long periods of time.
Gregg Parker is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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