Customer Reviews

Eagle Creek Travel Gear Tarmac Plus One Carry-On,Palm Green

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've been very pleased with this bag as a frequent (weekly) air traveler. The overall construction of the bag is top notch. As you would expect, this bag is not huge, as it should fit in the overhead when zipped together. The backpack section is comfortable, and the zipper is not noticeable when detached from the main bag. I have some minor gripes with the bag, that knock it down one notch.

Pros:
1. It seems very sturdy, durable.
2. It is very compact, and will hold just enough clothing for a 2 to 3 day business casual trip. I cannot see trying to pack a suit into this bag. But this perfectly suits my needs for frequent one-day-one-night trips.
3. Ergonomic and comfortable handles in all the right places.
4. The telescoping handle gets nice and high for easy pulling.
5. The laptop compartment holds the laptop nice and snug, and seems well padded without being too heavy. Laptops with Huge power bricks may find the main laptop compartment cramped.


Cons:
1. I want the very front to have one more pocket, to hold travel documents -- boarding passes etc, nothing that has to expand too much, but just to hold the essential papers while navigating though the airport.
2. One of the side pockets should have an open top with a pull cord or elastic to hold a water bottle or umbrella.
3. The zipper that holds the two pieces together could be more substantial. If I had to guess, this will be the first thing to go.
4. The main compartment of the suitcase portion should open all the way with the backpack attached. It cannot with the backpack attached, you need to detach the backpack when packing or unpacking the suitcase, which adds unnecessary wear on the zipper. It could be made to do so with a little engineering.

Overall, it's a great bag, works perfectly for my needs, and I give it a strong recommendation.

I've had this bag for the last year, and it has legitimately changed my life. I travel internationally about once a month, and international airlines are really stringent about the 8kg/17lb limit for your carry-on, which is really not that much. The great thing about the Tarmac Plus-One is that you can zip off the backpack and use it as your "personal item." When you pack, keep the main compartment full of lighter-weight stuff (clothes, shoes) because airlines will weigh it before you board, and place your heavier items (liquids/creams/gels, electronics, laptop) in the zip-off part and slide it on the telescoping handle, or wear it as a backpack -- I've never seen an airline weigh someone's personal item. Then place the roller piece in the overhead compartment and slide the backpack under the seat.

I've taken it on-board so many different planes with tiny overhead bins, and it always fits. It usually even fits vertically! (I hate being the person who has to turn my bag sideways into the bin, and look at such people with scorn and derision.)

I also love the water bottle holders on either side and the spacious front pocket. Every detail has been thought-out.

Packing tips: Use Eagle Creek pack-in cubes. Each luggage has a recommended set of "Pack-Its" to buy for internal organization. For all-purpose use, the regular cube for clothes and the tube cube for socks/unmentionables are my favorites, but it depends on what luggage you have. It's great to open your bag and know exactly where everything is in one glance. Also good for when you get pulled aside for special screening -- screeners can easily go through your bag without anything spilling out, and then you can easily repack it and move.

I have searched high and wide for a travel bag that is small enough for one of two night trip, but also has a briefcase that zips off to take my computer and periphials into the office and leave the bag. The zip off is a backpack, which isn't as professional as a briefcase, but it works.

As for the thickness - several other posting mentioned that it is way too thick for the overhead bin or under the seat. I haven't battle tested it on a trip, but it obviously is too wide. But I figure I would have to separate the two once I get on the plane.

Bottom line - best I could find but not perfect.
Bill

I purchased a set for my wife and had to buy a similar set for myself. I have had no problems with the luggage -- it is easy to pack, identify and wheel around. Love it!

I have many Eagle Creek bags and love them all, including this one. Lightweight and well designed for flexibility.