PROS:
- Excellent design with large storage capacity and ample pockets/dividers for organization
- Comfortable shoulder straps and back cushioning
- Comes with shoulder strap, waist strap, sternum strap, backpack straps (can be tucked away), and two handles to allow multiple methods of easy-carrying
- Includes internal padded laptop storage compartment placed nearest the back (ideal design for weight distribution)
- Includes zippered expandable storage (unzip to expand the bag slightly, or keep zipped to keep the bag more compact)
- Carry-on size!
CONS:
- DOES NOT include hide-away water bottle compartment or key ring clip, as described on the listing
- Some loose threading here and there, and minor quality issues
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:
My wife and I travel frequently (we have Southwest Companion Fly Free) on weekend trips across the state (often 3-4 night trips). I have been somewhat addicted to finding the best carry-on size travel bag/backpack. A few months ago, I purchased the eBags eTech 2.0 Weekender Travel backpack for my wife and myself, and I recently purchased the AmazonBasics backpack as well for my most recent two trips to see how they compared. Here are some of my notable comparisons:
**DESIGN & ORGANIZATION**
If I am not mistaken, eBags 2.0 started selling on Amazon towards the end of 2012 and has only had minor revisions since then. The design focuses on maximizing the amount you can carry within a bag that still fits most standard "carry-on" size specifications (which is usually 9x22x14). It utilizes hide-away backpack straps (they tuck away into a zippered compartment), a handle on the horizontal and vertical side of the bag, and a suit-case style main compartment and zipper opening for easy access. This has been a winning combination, and I have found this to be one of the most efficient designs for easy travel and maximum storage (better than clam-style zippered opening backpacks, in my opinion). With the use of packing cubes, my wife and I easily pack for 4 to even 5 night trips with both backpacks. In the attached picture showing the backpack filled, I easily packed two medium-sized packing cubes carrying 2 pants, 3 shorts, 1 belt, 6 t shirts, 2 button shirts, and 2 long sleeve shirts; one small packing cube carrying 6 socks, 6 underwear; one pair of shoes; toiletry bag; lightweight jacket in the mesh compartment on the lid; laptop w/ charger and documents; chargers; sunglasses; Kindle; battery pack; and earbuds. With that said, AmazonBasics released this backpack in September 2016, and clearly copied/mimicked almost the exact design of the eBags 2.0 in nearly every respect (AmazonBasics has all the features described directly above as well).
The notable differences is that the AmazonBasics backpack has a dedicated zippered laptop storage compartment placed right on the back (best design for weight distribution because it keeps the weight closest to your body), zippered expandable storage option (unzip to expand the dimension of the main compartment by 10%, or leaved zipped to keep the backpack more compact; refer to attached picture), and has clips that allow for shoulder strap carry. If you want to carry a laptop in the eBags, you either have to place it in the front zippered organization compartment or in the main storage compartment (both are not the most ideal since weight is either distributed on the furthest point away from your body, making it feel heavier; or if in the main compartment, it's a pain to open it up and remove it for Airport Security). However, the eBags has a slightly better designed front storage area that utilizes: elastic cinches on its pockets (when travelling, it keeps the contents placed in these pockets in place; while with the AmazonBasics bag, I noticed that my items would easily slide out of the pockets during travel), a larger variety of pockets, and a key clip (the listing claims AmazonBasics backpack has a key clip, but it definitely does not). Both backpacks utilized a zippered mesh compartment located on the lid-side of the main compartment, but if you look at the included pictures, eBags has it extend the full length to maximize the size, whereas AmazonBasics for some odd reason has it cut off nearly 5 inches short of the full length. I see no point in why AmazonBasics decided to do that because it's just lost space.
VERDICT:
Draw. AmazonBasics has the well-designed padded laptop compartment, zippered expandable storage option, and shoulder strap capabilities, but eBags has the better designed front zippered organization compartment. Subjectively, I prefer the AmazonBasics backpack because it is important for me to carry my laptop with me and have the option to use a shoulder strap, while my wife prefers the eBags because she prefers the better-designed front zippered organization compartment and is fine always using the backpack straps.
**WEIGHT AND COMFORT**
AmazonBasics backpack weighs slightly over 3 lbs, while the eBags weighs slightly over 2 lbs. Honestly, the difference in weight is quite minimal when the backpack is actually worn, and I did not notice that the AmazonBasics bag was slightly heavier.
With respect to comfort, the AmazonBasics backpack has slightly more cushioning in the backpack straps, and it adds cushioning along the entire length of the bag that rests on your back. The eBags backpack does not provide any real cushioning for your back, and while the shoulder straps are still comfortable, it has slightly less cushioning. However, the eBags has much more cushioned and well-designed side handles (the handles on the vertical and horizontal sides of the bag). eBags uses elastic under each handles to always pull the side handles closer to the bag (refer to attached pictures), and pads it with a soft neoprene. AmazonBasics uses the same nylon covering the entire bag over its handles, and you can feel the plastic material of the handles beneath. Both backpacks have adjustable sternum straps, and simple nylon straps that can be attached to the bottom to be used as waist straps.
VERDICT:
AmazonBasics slightly edges out eBags here. With the slightly more cushioned/padded backpack straps, and cushioning along the length of the portion of the bag the rests on your back, the AmazonBasics backpack is slightly more comfortable to wear. The eBags has better designed and more cushioned side handles, but ultimately these travel backpacks are made to be worn as backpacks, not primarily carried by the side handles.
**QUALITY**
AmazonBasics describes the material used as "durable polyester", while eBags states that the material used as "420D & 1680D Nylon". Nylon is generally a stronger & more durable material than polyester, and the 420D & 1680D Nylon rated materials used by eBags is highly rated/reviewed for its quality and durability. Based on feel and appearance, the Nylon material on the eBags backpack is of higher quality than AmazonBasics.
Additionally, eBags uses higher quality components and materials on many of the finer details of the backpack, such as: Clips that attach the bottom shoulder straps to the backpack (has a cleverly designed release mechanism outside of the clipped area to allow for quick release); seams on the shoulder straps are sealed & hidden (AmazonBasics uses the simpler method of placing a separate piece of material that is stitched over; refer to picture of the shoulder straps); YKK zippers with a lifetime warranty (YKK are like the gold-standard for zippers; AmazonBasics uses strong & quality zippers, but not quite as nice as YKK); and quality side handles with neoprene padding and elastic pull-back mechanism (AmazonBasics wraps its side handles in the same polyester used for the rest of the bag, and the hard plastic of the handle can be felt). Lastly, I noticed that the AmazonBasics backpack had a few loose threads here and there, and somewhat sloppier stitching/finishing (refer to attached picture).
VERDICT:
eBags wins here when it comes to quality materials and craftsmanship.
**VALUE**
eBags is very reasonably priced at $99.99 (occasionally goes on sale too) for the quality & craftsmanship that you get with the bag. eBags also has an excellent reputation for customer service and warranty. The AmazonBasics backpack currently retails for $49.99, which is a steal.
VERDICT:
AmazonBasics takes the cake when it comes to value. eBags backpack is well-priced and uses some higher quality materials & craftsmanship, but the AmazonBasics backpack is literally 1/2 of the retail price. eBags is a great price at $99.99, but AmazonBasics is a steal at $49.99.
**CONCLUSION**
Both backpacks are incredibly impressive with respect to design, organization, comfort, quality, and value. You honestly cannot go wrong with either backpack, and both are excellent choices for your carry-on travel bag needs. Each backpack has slight pros/cons as compared to the other, and I wish I could combine some aspects of both to create the perfect combination. If you want slightly higher quality materials, durability, craftsmanship, and a better designed front storage compartment–and you do not mind not having a shoulder strap-carry option or a dedicated laptop storage compartment near your back–then eBags is a great overall choice for you. But if you want slightly more comfortable shoulder straps & back-cushioning, shoulder strap-carry option, dedicated laptop storage compartment near your back, zippered expandable storage option, and an unbeatable price; then AmazonBasics will be the travel backpack for you. To prove my point: my wife opted to keep the eBags because she liked the overall quality more, thought it was plenty comfortable, and did not mind that it lacked a dedicated laptop storage compartment near the back. I opted to go with the AmazonBasics backpack because I like having the option to carry the backpack on a shoulder strap, and I love having a dedicated laptop storage option near the back.
**For the attached pictures, the olive backpack is the eBags and the black backpack is the AmazonBasics. I will update this review after my wife and I travel some more!
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Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2017
- Excellent design with large storage capacity and ample pockets/dividers for organization
- Comfortable shoulder straps and back cushioning
- Comes with shoulder strap, waist strap, sternum strap, backpack straps (can be tucked away), and two handles to allow multiple methods of easy-carrying
- Includes internal padded laptop storage compartment placed nearest the back (ideal design for weight distribution)
- Includes zippered expandable storage (unzip to expand the bag slightly, or keep zipped to keep the bag more compact)
- Carry-on size!
CONS:
- DOES NOT include hide-away water bottle compartment or key ring clip, as described on the listing
- Some loose threading here and there, and minor quality issues
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:
My wife and I travel frequently (we have Southwest Companion Fly Free) on weekend trips across the state (often 3-4 night trips). I have been somewhat addicted to finding the best carry-on size travel bag/backpack. A few months ago, I purchased the eBags eTech 2.0 Weekender Travel backpack for my wife and myself, and I recently purchased the AmazonBasics backpack as well for my most recent two trips to see how they compared. Here are some of my notable comparisons:
**DESIGN & ORGANIZATION**
If I am not mistaken, eBags 2.0 started selling on Amazon towards the end of 2012 and has only had minor revisions since then. The design focuses on maximizing the amount you can carry within a bag that still fits most standard "carry-on" size specifications (which is usually 9x22x14). It utilizes hide-away backpack straps (they tuck away into a zippered compartment), a handle on the horizontal and vertical side of the bag, and a suit-case style main compartment and zipper opening for easy access. This has been a winning combination, and I have found this to be one of the most efficient designs for easy travel and maximum storage (better than clam-style zippered opening backpacks, in my opinion). With the use of packing cubes, my wife and I easily pack for 4 to even 5 night trips with both backpacks. In the attached picture showing the backpack filled, I easily packed two medium-sized packing cubes carrying 2 pants, 3 shorts, 1 belt, 6 t shirts, 2 button shirts, and 2 long sleeve shirts; one small packing cube carrying 6 socks, 6 underwear; one pair of shoes; toiletry bag; lightweight jacket in the mesh compartment on the lid; laptop w/ charger and documents; chargers; sunglasses; Kindle; battery pack; and earbuds. With that said, AmazonBasics released this backpack in September 2016, and clearly copied/mimicked almost the exact design of the eBags 2.0 in nearly every respect (AmazonBasics has all the features described directly above as well).
The notable differences is that the AmazonBasics backpack has a dedicated zippered laptop storage compartment placed right on the back (best design for weight distribution because it keeps the weight closest to your body), zippered expandable storage option (unzip to expand the dimension of the main compartment by 10%, or leaved zipped to keep the backpack more compact; refer to attached picture), and has clips that allow for shoulder strap carry. If you want to carry a laptop in the eBags, you either have to place it in the front zippered organization compartment or in the main storage compartment (both are not the most ideal since weight is either distributed on the furthest point away from your body, making it feel heavier; or if in the main compartment, it's a pain to open it up and remove it for Airport Security). However, the eBags has a slightly better designed front storage area that utilizes: elastic cinches on its pockets (when travelling, it keeps the contents placed in these pockets in place; while with the AmazonBasics bag, I noticed that my items would easily slide out of the pockets during travel), a larger variety of pockets, and a key clip (the listing claims AmazonBasics backpack has a key clip, but it definitely does not). Both backpacks utilized a zippered mesh compartment located on the lid-side of the main compartment, but if you look at the included pictures, eBags has it extend the full length to maximize the size, whereas AmazonBasics for some odd reason has it cut off nearly 5 inches short of the full length. I see no point in why AmazonBasics decided to do that because it's just lost space.
VERDICT:
Draw. AmazonBasics has the well-designed padded laptop compartment, zippered expandable storage option, and shoulder strap capabilities, but eBags has the better designed front zippered organization compartment. Subjectively, I prefer the AmazonBasics backpack because it is important for me to carry my laptop with me and have the option to use a shoulder strap, while my wife prefers the eBags because she prefers the better-designed front zippered organization compartment and is fine always using the backpack straps.
**WEIGHT AND COMFORT**
AmazonBasics backpack weighs slightly over 3 lbs, while the eBags weighs slightly over 2 lbs. Honestly, the difference in weight is quite minimal when the backpack is actually worn, and I did not notice that the AmazonBasics bag was slightly heavier.
With respect to comfort, the AmazonBasics backpack has slightly more cushioning in the backpack straps, and it adds cushioning along the entire length of the bag that rests on your back. The eBags backpack does not provide any real cushioning for your back, and while the shoulder straps are still comfortable, it has slightly less cushioning. However, the eBags has much more cushioned and well-designed side handles (the handles on the vertical and horizontal sides of the bag). eBags uses elastic under each handles to always pull the side handles closer to the bag (refer to attached pictures), and pads it with a soft neoprene. AmazonBasics uses the same nylon covering the entire bag over its handles, and you can feel the plastic material of the handles beneath. Both backpacks have adjustable sternum straps, and simple nylon straps that can be attached to the bottom to be used as waist straps.
VERDICT:
AmazonBasics slightly edges out eBags here. With the slightly more cushioned/padded backpack straps, and cushioning along the length of the portion of the bag the rests on your back, the AmazonBasics backpack is slightly more comfortable to wear. The eBags has better designed and more cushioned side handles, but ultimately these travel backpacks are made to be worn as backpacks, not primarily carried by the side handles.
**QUALITY**
AmazonBasics describes the material used as "durable polyester", while eBags states that the material used as "420D & 1680D Nylon". Nylon is generally a stronger & more durable material than polyester, and the 420D & 1680D Nylon rated materials used by eBags is highly rated/reviewed for its quality and durability. Based on feel and appearance, the Nylon material on the eBags backpack is of higher quality than AmazonBasics.
Additionally, eBags uses higher quality components and materials on many of the finer details of the backpack, such as: Clips that attach the bottom shoulder straps to the backpack (has a cleverly designed release mechanism outside of the clipped area to allow for quick release); seams on the shoulder straps are sealed & hidden (AmazonBasics uses the simpler method of placing a separate piece of material that is stitched over; refer to picture of the shoulder straps); YKK zippers with a lifetime warranty (YKK are like the gold-standard for zippers; AmazonBasics uses strong & quality zippers, but not quite as nice as YKK); and quality side handles with neoprene padding and elastic pull-back mechanism (AmazonBasics wraps its side handles in the same polyester used for the rest of the bag, and the hard plastic of the handle can be felt). Lastly, I noticed that the AmazonBasics backpack had a few loose threads here and there, and somewhat sloppier stitching/finishing (refer to attached picture).
VERDICT:
eBags wins here when it comes to quality materials and craftsmanship.
**VALUE**
eBags is very reasonably priced at $99.99 (occasionally goes on sale too) for the quality & craftsmanship that you get with the bag. eBags also has an excellent reputation for customer service and warranty. The AmazonBasics backpack currently retails for $49.99, which is a steal.
VERDICT:
AmazonBasics takes the cake when it comes to value. eBags backpack is well-priced and uses some higher quality materials & craftsmanship, but the AmazonBasics backpack is literally 1/2 of the retail price. eBags is a great price at $99.99, but AmazonBasics is a steal at $49.99.
**CONCLUSION**
Both backpacks are incredibly impressive with respect to design, organization, comfort, quality, and value. You honestly cannot go wrong with either backpack, and both are excellent choices for your carry-on travel bag needs. Each backpack has slight pros/cons as compared to the other, and I wish I could combine some aspects of both to create the perfect combination. If you want slightly higher quality materials, durability, craftsmanship, and a better designed front storage compartment–and you do not mind not having a shoulder strap-carry option or a dedicated laptop storage compartment near your back–then eBags is a great overall choice for you. But if you want slightly more comfortable shoulder straps & back-cushioning, shoulder strap-carry option, dedicated laptop storage compartment near your back, zippered expandable storage option, and an unbeatable price; then AmazonBasics will be the travel backpack for you. To prove my point: my wife opted to keep the eBags because she liked the overall quality more, thought it was plenty comfortable, and did not mind that it lacked a dedicated laptop storage compartment near the back. I opted to go with the AmazonBasics backpack because I like having the option to carry the backpack on a shoulder strap, and I love having a dedicated laptop storage option near the back.
**For the attached pictures, the olive backpack is the eBags and the black backpack is the AmazonBasics. I will update this review after my wife and I travel some more!
Color: BlackStyle: BackpackVerified Purchase
AmazonBasics Travel Backpack VS eBags eTech 2.0 Weekender Travel Backpack
By MightyDwighty on July 11, 2017
PROS:By MightyDwighty on July 11, 2017
- Excellent design with large storage capacity and ample pockets/dividers for organization
- Comfortable shoulder straps and back cushioning
- Comes with shoulder strap, waist strap, sternum strap, backpack straps (can be tucked away), and two handles to allow multiple methods of easy-carrying
- Includes internal padded laptop storage compartment placed nearest the back (ideal design for weight distribution)
- Includes zippered expandable storage (unzip to expand the bag slightly, or keep zipped to keep the bag more compact)
- Carry-on size!
CONS:
- DOES NOT include hide-away water bottle compartment or key ring clip, as described on the listing
- Some loose threading here and there, and minor quality issues
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:
My wife and I travel frequently (we have Southwest Companion Fly Free) on weekend trips across the state (often 3-4 night trips). I have been somewhat addicted to finding the best carry-on size travel bag/backpack. A few months ago, I purchased the eBags eTech 2.0 Weekender Travel backpack for my wife and myself, and I recently purchased the AmazonBasics backpack as well for my most recent two trips to see how they compared. Here are some of my notable comparisons:
**DESIGN & ORGANIZATION**
If I am not mistaken, eBags 2.0 started selling on Amazon towards the end of 2012 and has only had minor revisions since then. The design focuses on maximizing the amount you can carry within a bag that still fits most standard "carry-on" size specifications (which is usually 9x22x14). It utilizes hide-away backpack straps (they tuck away into a zippered compartment), a handle on the horizontal and vertical side of the bag, and a suit-case style main compartment and zipper opening for easy access. This has been a winning combination, and I have found this to be one of the most efficient designs for easy travel and maximum storage (better than clam-style zippered opening backpacks, in my opinion). With the use of packing cubes, my wife and I easily pack for 4 to even 5 night trips with both backpacks. In the attached picture showing the backpack filled, I easily packed two medium-sized packing cubes carrying 2 pants, 3 shorts, 1 belt, 6 t shirts, 2 button shirts, and 2 long sleeve shirts; one small packing cube carrying 6 socks, 6 underwear; one pair of shoes; toiletry bag; lightweight jacket in the mesh compartment on the lid; laptop w/ charger and documents; chargers; sunglasses; Kindle; battery pack; and earbuds. With that said, AmazonBasics released this backpack in September 2016, and clearly copied/mimicked almost the exact design of the eBags 2.0 in nearly every respect (AmazonBasics has all the features described directly above as well).
The notable differences is that the AmazonBasics backpack has a dedicated zippered laptop storage compartment placed right on the back (best design for weight distribution because it keeps the weight closest to your body), zippered expandable storage option (unzip to expand the dimension of the main compartment by 10%, or leaved zipped to keep the backpack more compact; refer to attached picture), and has clips that allow for shoulder strap carry. If you want to carry a laptop in the eBags, you either have to place it in the front zippered organization compartment or in the main storage compartment (both are not the most ideal since weight is either distributed on the furthest point away from your body, making it feel heavier; or if in the main compartment, it's a pain to open it up and remove it for Airport Security). However, the eBags has a slightly better designed front storage area that utilizes: elastic cinches on its pockets (when travelling, it keeps the contents placed in these pockets in place; while with the AmazonBasics bag, I noticed that my items would easily slide out of the pockets during travel), a larger variety of pockets, and a key clip (the listing claims AmazonBasics backpack has a key clip, but it definitely does not). Both backpacks utilized a zippered mesh compartment located on the lid-side of the main compartment, but if you look at the included pictures, eBags has it extend the full length to maximize the size, whereas AmazonBasics for some odd reason has it cut off nearly 5 inches short of the full length. I see no point in why AmazonBasics decided to do that because it's just lost space.
VERDICT:
Draw. AmazonBasics has the well-designed padded laptop compartment, zippered expandable storage option, and shoulder strap capabilities, but eBags has the better designed front zippered organization compartment. Subjectively, I prefer the AmazonBasics backpack because it is important for me to carry my laptop with me and have the option to use a shoulder strap, while my wife prefers the eBags because she prefers the better-designed front zippered organization compartment and is fine always using the backpack straps.
**WEIGHT AND COMFORT**
AmazonBasics backpack weighs slightly over 3 lbs, while the eBags weighs slightly over 2 lbs. Honestly, the difference in weight is quite minimal when the backpack is actually worn, and I did not notice that the AmazonBasics bag was slightly heavier.
With respect to comfort, the AmazonBasics backpack has slightly more cushioning in the backpack straps, and it adds cushioning along the entire length of the bag that rests on your back. The eBags backpack does not provide any real cushioning for your back, and while the shoulder straps are still comfortable, it has slightly less cushioning. However, the eBags has much more cushioned and well-designed side handles (the handles on the vertical and horizontal sides of the bag). eBags uses elastic under each handles to always pull the side handles closer to the bag (refer to attached pictures), and pads it with a soft neoprene. AmazonBasics uses the same nylon covering the entire bag over its handles, and you can feel the plastic material of the handles beneath. Both backpacks have adjustable sternum straps, and simple nylon straps that can be attached to the bottom to be used as waist straps.
VERDICT:
AmazonBasics slightly edges out eBags here. With the slightly more cushioned/padded backpack straps, and cushioning along the length of the portion of the bag the rests on your back, the AmazonBasics backpack is slightly more comfortable to wear. The eBags has better designed and more cushioned side handles, but ultimately these travel backpacks are made to be worn as backpacks, not primarily carried by the side handles.
**QUALITY**
AmazonBasics describes the material used as "durable polyester", while eBags states that the material used as "420D & 1680D Nylon". Nylon is generally a stronger & more durable material than polyester, and the 420D & 1680D Nylon rated materials used by eBags is highly rated/reviewed for its quality and durability. Based on feel and appearance, the Nylon material on the eBags backpack is of higher quality than AmazonBasics.
Additionally, eBags uses higher quality components and materials on many of the finer details of the backpack, such as: Clips that attach the bottom shoulder straps to the backpack (has a cleverly designed release mechanism outside of the clipped area to allow for quick release); seams on the shoulder straps are sealed & hidden (AmazonBasics uses the simpler method of placing a separate piece of material that is stitched over; refer to picture of the shoulder straps); YKK zippers with a lifetime warranty (YKK are like the gold-standard for zippers; AmazonBasics uses strong & quality zippers, but not quite as nice as YKK); and quality side handles with neoprene padding and elastic pull-back mechanism (AmazonBasics wraps its side handles in the same polyester used for the rest of the bag, and the hard plastic of the handle can be felt). Lastly, I noticed that the AmazonBasics backpack had a few loose threads here and there, and somewhat sloppier stitching/finishing (refer to attached picture).
VERDICT:
eBags wins here when it comes to quality materials and craftsmanship.
**VALUE**
eBags is very reasonably priced at $99.99 (occasionally goes on sale too) for the quality & craftsmanship that you get with the bag. eBags also has an excellent reputation for customer service and warranty. The AmazonBasics backpack currently retails for $49.99, which is a steal.
VERDICT:
AmazonBasics takes the cake when it comes to value. eBags backpack is well-priced and uses some higher quality materials & craftsmanship, but the AmazonBasics backpack is literally 1/2 of the retail price. eBags is a great price at $99.99, but AmazonBasics is a steal at $49.99.
**CONCLUSION**
Both backpacks are incredibly impressive with respect to design, organization, comfort, quality, and value. You honestly cannot go wrong with either backpack, and both are excellent choices for your carry-on travel bag needs. Each backpack has slight pros/cons as compared to the other, and I wish I could combine some aspects of both to create the perfect combination. If you want slightly higher quality materials, durability, craftsmanship, and a better designed front storage compartment–and you do not mind not having a shoulder strap-carry option or a dedicated laptop storage compartment near your back–then eBags is a great overall choice for you. But if you want slightly more comfortable shoulder straps & back-cushioning, shoulder strap-carry option, dedicated laptop storage compartment near your back, zippered expandable storage option, and an unbeatable price; then AmazonBasics will be the travel backpack for you. To prove my point: my wife opted to keep the eBags because she liked the overall quality more, thought it was plenty comfortable, and did not mind that it lacked a dedicated laptop storage compartment near the back. I opted to go with the AmazonBasics backpack because I like having the option to carry the backpack on a shoulder strap, and I love having a dedicated laptop storage option near the back.
**For the attached pictures, the olive backpack is the eBags and the black backpack is the AmazonBasics. I will update this review after my wife and I travel some more!
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2017
I am 5'8" and 180lb, athletically built. Depending on how you are built, the hooks at the bottom strap may rub against your butt uncomfortably, or it may touch the bottom of the back of your neck (see my pic). When the bag is full, it does get heavy.
The straps are wide and well padded, and the bag seems well made. I like the expandable zipper on the main compartment. It has several useful pockets, including a laptop pocket that puts the laptop flat against your back. That may or may not be comfortable for you; I didn't use this feature. There is an additional pocket where the backpack straps can be hidden when not in use; that can be used for additional storage.
There is a small hook that you can use to attach keys or anything that has a really tiny hook/clip. The main interior compartment will hold 1 medium sized and 1 small packing cube with a little extra room; I was able to use 2 cubes and still have room for a pair of flats, a jacket, and a couple of additional small items.
The zippers on the main compartment opens 3/4 of the way around, like a regular suitcase. For added security, there are adjustable closures that help ensure your bag doesn't accidentally unzip and flop open, spilling the contents.
Overall it's a great bag! But just know that it's not a typical "backpack". It's great for road trips but you may want a different bag if you have to tote your luggage on your back for an extended period of time (say if you land at 11 but can't check in until 2 and you have to wander around the city and pass the time -- which frequently happens to me).
Color: RedStyle: BackpackVerified Purchase
Great bag! But "backpack"is an overstatement.
By Person_on_the_internet on July 4, 2017
This bag is more than a backpack; it is almost the size of a wheeled carry-on. Actually, this is essentially a carry-on that you strap to your back instead of rolling it on wheels. See pic for comparison. My friend's bag is on the left, this bag is on the right, and it's about 2" shorter than my friend's bag. I like the bag, but I was looking for something to replace the North Face backpack that I had been traveling with so it's bigger than I thought it would be.By Person_on_the_internet on July 4, 2017
I am 5'8" and 180lb, athletically built. Depending on how you are built, the hooks at the bottom strap may rub against your butt uncomfortably, or it may touch the bottom of the back of your neck (see my pic). When the bag is full, it does get heavy.
The straps are wide and well padded, and the bag seems well made. I like the expandable zipper on the main compartment. It has several useful pockets, including a laptop pocket that puts the laptop flat against your back. That may or may not be comfortable for you; I didn't use this feature. There is an additional pocket where the backpack straps can be hidden when not in use; that can be used for additional storage.
There is a small hook that you can use to attach keys or anything that has a really tiny hook/clip. The main interior compartment will hold 1 medium sized and 1 small packing cube with a little extra room; I was able to use 2 cubes and still have room for a pair of flats, a jacket, and a couple of additional small items.
The zippers on the main compartment opens 3/4 of the way around, like a regular suitcase. For added security, there are adjustable closures that help ensure your bag doesn't accidentally unzip and flop open, spilling the contents.
Overall it's a great bag! But just know that it's not a typical "backpack". It's great for road trips but you may want a different bag if you have to tote your luggage on your back for an extended period of time (say if you land at 11 but can't check in until 2 and you have to wander around the city and pass the time -- which frequently happens to me).
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2017
In the two pictures you can see (I hope) that one of the plastic latches pulled right off the bag, and in the process the stitching that remained completely unraveled. The bag now has the leftover of a loop which has completely frayed, leaving no possibility of reattaching the shoulder strap. Not the kind of surprise you'd expect from a bag that is so highly rated.
Incidentally, the bag only had about 20 pounds of clothing in it... It was loaded evenly, and had no unusually-shaped objects which could have damaged the material. It was just poor construction, plain and simple... Now, my only hope is that the backpack straps will hold out for the remainder of my trip, as the shoulder strap is a complete waste :(
Color: BlackStyle: BackpackVerified Purchase
Very poor construction on shoulder strap latches
By Ed M on July 19, 2017
The shoulder strap of this backpack literally broke within 5 minutes of me using it (at the airport terminal, no less).By Ed M on July 19, 2017
In the two pictures you can see (I hope) that one of the plastic latches pulled right off the bag, and in the process the stitching that remained completely unraveled. The bag now has the leftover of a loop which has completely frayed, leaving no possibility of reattaching the shoulder strap. Not the kind of surprise you'd expect from a bag that is so highly rated.
Incidentally, the bag only had about 20 pounds of clothing in it... It was loaded evenly, and had no unusually-shaped objects which could have damaged the material. It was just poor construction, plain and simple... Now, my only hope is that the backpack straps will hold out for the remainder of my trip, as the shoulder strap is a complete waste :(
Images in this review
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