Eagle Creek 2011 Switchback Max 22 Travel Pack

The Eagle Creek Switchback is a good design that could be refined to make it even better. The interior space is compromised by how much the handle frame system takes up. The quick release buckles are not as easy to engage as other quick release buckles, a compromise made using lighter, flimsier buckles. The main bag's security is compromised by zippers that line up in the outside pocket that can directly access the interior and bypass the lockable main zipper. The small attachable backpack's outside pocket could be improved if the little pocket that includes the eyeglass pocket was not so flimsy. Overall, this travel pack is a good design, a little on the small size, though with some improvement could make it even better and easier to use. The jury is still out on the durability of the zippers that do not have any fabric to protect them as was designed in the previous model.

I returned this backpack because the handle bar placement seriously reduces the amount of interior space available. I had an REI 22 inch stratocruiser rolling backpack that did not compromise this much space, so I consider it a design flaw, not an inherent feature of a rolling backpack. It's a sturdy and comfortable backpack to wear if you are not concerned about interior space.

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I have used Eagle Creek luggage for years and love it's durability and design. It was easy for me to consider Eagle Creek again when I needed a versatile bag for my travels abroad to under developed countries. I also wanted a legal size carry-on (22") that could be taken on the plane, rolled through airports and hotels, yet could also be worn as a backpack for roads less traveled. In comparison to other luggage backpacks, Eagle Creek by far has the most comfortable shoulder straps and waist belt system, not cheap thin straps that I've seen on other back pack type luggage. When the straps are not is use, they can easily be stowed away in their own zipped compartment. You can clip and/or zip on or off the outer day pack, which also has it's own generous straps, for a lighter day pack option. The buckles and zip pulls are durable as well as the zippers. The internal eye glass pocket on the inside is felt lined with a velcro closure, not flimsy IMO. You may want to consider an extra lock for the inside zipper when the day pack feature is not attached, which it usually covers the main compartment zipper. Overall, I give this bag a strong rating for it's solid design and versatility. Even though the price is not cheap, neither is the luggage. A worthy investment.

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I am a fan of the switchback series. Usually they make changes every few years so there are a lot of slightly different models out. The product description of this listing is for the previous model 20217 with 4515 ci capacity. The model number listed, 20296,(Picture on top of listing) only has 3960 ci.

I agree with another poster, the guarantee system is flawed. A mouse nibbled on one of my zippers and the representative I talked to indicated it would not be covered under the current policy. "If your bag is damaged even by the airlines Eagle Creek will fix it. No questions asked."

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Would give 0 stars if I could. Bought 2 switchbacks about 11 years ago with a lifetime warranty (this was a selling point for buying high end luggage that costs much more). Now that the plastic coating inside the both bags are failing (sticky, nasty), they will not fix them and are telling us their 'lifetime' warranty is for the 'lifetime' of the bag, which they consider to be about 5 years. I hope their 'no matter what' warranty on their current bags is better than their 'lifetime' warranty on their other products. BUYER BEWARE. A few years ago one of the small back packs had the same problem and they repaired it no questions asked. Now they did offer us new bags at 50% retail cost, but other than the liner, there's nothing wrong with these bags and we don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on new bags that they may not repair down the road when they start to have problems. Maybe call their warranty department before you buy, give them our scenario and see what they say. THEY DO NOT STAND BY THEIR PRODUCTS ANYMORE!