eBags TLS Mother Lode Mini 21 Inch Wheeled Duffel Bag Luggage - Carry-On - (Blue Yonder)

We are serious travelers and I was devastated when my tried and true, 10 year old bag developed a zipper problem in Ethiopia. It was a sign that I needed to lay out for a new bag, or run the risk of having to come home in a duct taped plastic bag.- This ebag is slightly smaller than my previous bag and will meet Air Canada's carry on sizing.- The zippered organizer pockets are perfect, not too many. I've been able to eliminate 2 packing cubes. I LOVE the shallow pockets on the front where I can get to my jacket, notebook, or documents- The handles are in the right place and the pull out handle seems like it will be strong- I love having the cinch straps on the side. When I stuff my bag on the way home they will protect my zippers.- I've decided the bag's ability to expand is a better option than my previous bag's attached back pack I used for the same purpose. This bag keeps it's shape, versus a huge lump on the outside, and I'm usually carrying either a more appropriate hiking backpack or a purse if its a city visit.- At some point I may miss hidden back pack straps but I've only used those every couple years in past travels for serious stairs or cobblestones. and if I have a trip where I think I might need to lug my bag distances maybe I'll bring a strap and rope it to my back! I just tried out the bag on a 10 day trip to El Salvador and it was great. I ditched the divider in the large section, preferring to use one large Amazon Basics packing cube to provide a 2nd layer. I easily fit 4-5 outfits, work out clothes, swim wear, rain gear, a down vest, and 2 extra pair of shoes as well my gallon bag of Mom what-if medications. No problems with carry-on on American. Great bag, I'm not sure there is anything I would change.

I wanted to offer a comparison of the TLS Mother Lode series and the eTech 2.0 Mother Lode bags which seems to be sorely lacking on eBags site. When I tried to get some kind of qualitative comparison from a phone rep, he clearly had no familiarity with the bags other than the same information I had access to.I ended up ordering a few bag in different sizes so I could make my own comparison. Here's what I learned:Handle on short end: TLS stronger, retractable -- eTech 2.0 much more comfortable.Handle on front surface: etech centered, TLS close to top - TLS better for lifting into a trunk, but etech better for general carrying, especially in a carryon size. (In the larger size, people have reported strap latch failures on the etech series).Retractable metal pull handle -- TLS seems a bit more solid, but I don't think it's a big difference.Overall construction - TLS definitely more rugged - heavier material and semi-solid botton and back. If you're checking your bags, this is a distinct advantage. For carryon size, maybe lighter is better.Access while rolling: TLS has an extra slit pocket on side, and the top opening opens flap down - better if you need to grab something at the airport without everything coming out. On the other hand, the etech has a bigger top opening - the TLS one felt too small for serious access - you'd really need to unzip from inside. (In the 25" TLS, the opening is much better in size, while retaining the better orientation).Inside mesh compartment: TLS has it split in two, etech has one larger one. In carryon size (21"), the two TLS ones feel too small - but in the 25" size, they work better.Distribution of storage:The etech splits space between top and bottom fairly evenly. The TLS has much more in the bottom and the expander is also on the bottom - so you're going to see this as a conventional suitcase with an extra smallish-compartment up top - rather than two distinct areas. However - in the 25" TLS the compartments work much better.The TLS has the expansion ability - but in the carryon size - I'm not sure this is so valuable. In the larger size, this feels more important, as you're going to check this bag if you fly. Similarly - the compression straps (TLS only) don't seem as useful in the small TLS as they would in the 25" model.Strap for carrying another bag in front - TLS only.Wheels: TLS has larger ones, but the etech 2.0 has much quieter and smoother ones. On pavement, the etech was considerably quieter.Internal structure: I like the wings on the etch 2.0 better than the fiberglass rods on the TLS. In addition, the position of these rods on the 21" TLS doesn't seem quite right - but much better on the 25".Carrying handle: NEITHER of these bags has a handle on the long side - which you really need if you have to carry your bag up/down a flight of stairs. This seems like a really big omission, particularly in a 25" or larger bag. You can't always count on an elevator or working escalator.Overall: in the carryon 21" size, I like the etech 2.0 much better . The TLS seems to work better in a 25" size, and its construction is more important in a bag that will get checked, or dragged up and down stairs since it lacks the side handle.

I bought this bag for a trip to Europe. Carry-on specs are an inch or two shorter than most US domestic flights. I was able to fit 3 weeks worth of clothes and shoes into this bag easily, and did not have any issues with the airlines. We flew KLM, EasyJet, Transavia, and Air France, no problem. The bag's wheels are smooth, lots of pockets, no issues with standing, etc. I'd say go for it!

We received two of these bags as wedding gifts, which we promptly used for our honeymoon to St. Lucia. I'm a guy who likes bags: the more pockets, the more gizmos, and the more organizational features, the better. Based on that criteria, this bag does not disappoint. There's plenty of room for everything for a long weekend or even a week-long trip if you know how to pack smart. The expandability of sections is key to keeping the bag compact and tightly contained regardless of the amount that is packed within.It's easy enough to pack the main section full and tie down any excess bulk, but this really shines in the easy accessibility to items packed within the top section and front pockets without having to dig through layers and layers of packed items. Certain travel documents and commonly used items were easily and quickly accessed, while still remaining secure and stable when packed away. Try getting some packing cubes to compliment this (I got them at Ikea for a really great price) and you'll be packing like a true Boy Scout.In regard to the poles that need to be inserted upon receipt: They are not difficult at all, if you have any muscle greater than a 5 year old's. Just don't be afraid to push and bend the rods – they're not going to break. The tension might seem a little odd at first, but they settle right into place in no time.

Bag just arrived. It is 22" x 15" x 7.5", outside dimensions. It will probably pass all airlines' requirements as a carry-on, although it is technically too wide for some. Why can't they just tell you this in the description? Otherwise, looks like a great bag. Very sturdily made, plenty of room for a week's worth of clothes, including 2 pairs of shoes. I intend to beat the crap out of this bag, so I hope it holds up for a long time.

I like this bag a lot. Have used it several times and a pleasure to travel with. It has smooth, silent wheels and great organisation. I also have the ebags backpack and they are both high quality, would recommend them. although it is called a duffel is it quite sturdy and keeps its shape well. I love that it has lots of pockets and can be configured in many ways. For a video demonstration have a look at [...]The best thing about this bag is the adjustable shelf in the main compartment, which i have not seen anywhere else, though all suitcases should have it.