This is the absolute best carry-on bag ever, especially if you take smaller planes for short flights. It fits in the small overhead and easily under the seat. Using the eBags packing cubes, I was able to pack 3 days worth of clothes, including a very bulky sweater, toiletries and all my gadgets (iPad, noise canceling headphones, chargers, etc). I love the option to carry it messenger style, although if you pack it with a ton of stuff, backpack style is the most comfortable method. The handles are all perfectly placed and the top loafing pocket is perfect for your liquids bag that you need easy access to going through security. I haven't been able to find a negative to this bag. So well thought out, that I'm sure I'll order the larger rolling version for my longer trips.
It is a little heavier than some others with the same volume (extra zippers, pockets, straps, compartments all add up), but the "square" size (fits strict airline dimensions better than round packs) and extremely versatile storage configurations are great. My wife wanted a lighter, better fitting bag so she bought the Osprey Kestral 48 which weighs a pound less, but her pack is a top loader (geared more for backpacking) and doesn't have near the travel features of the Mother Lode (better organization, lockable zippers, etc.). My wife's Kestral is comfortable for her and the hip belt is very good (a weakness with the Mother Lode), but it is slightly taller and tubular and has difficulty fitting the foreign airline carry-on size restrictions, as well as her having to empty the pack to get at something in the bottom (she does use packing cubes however). It also cost her 3 times as much as I paid.
I solved the Mother Lode hip belt problem (it comes with a thin retaining hip belt w/clip but this cannot transfer any weight to your hips, something you do want to do when carrying it on longer "hikes") by wearing a larger fanny pack tightly stuffed with my fleece jacket and some clothes underneath the Mother Lode to create a "shelf" for the Mother Lode to rest on taking weight off the shoulders. I even customized the fanny pack slightly by sewing a strip of neoprene (rubber side out) to the inside of the fanny pack (against your back) to prevent the fanny pack from slipping (if you have hips you might not need to do this but my torso is fairly straight). You can use the lightweight hip strap (included) to hold the MLode close to your back or somehow clip or tie it to the fanny pack if you need this. Works fantastic. An added bonus is that the fanny pack can also be used separately on shorter day hikes If E-Bags ever adds a decent hip belt this bag would be PERFECT.
Amazon currently has free return shipping for this bag (if ordered under Clothing & Accessories), so I encourage you to order it, try it out (for fit and weight handling) and if you don't agree with all the other reviewers, send it back for a full refund I doubt you will. I think it is a fantastic travel bag!
Buy eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Junior Now
I just received this and here are my initial impressions:Construction: Solid. This appears well made and stitching is strong.
Color: The eggplant is true to the picture. The interior contrasting color is rust.
Main compartment: Surprise there is an expansion zipper. If the product description included this, I missed it. This allows the main compartment to expand an additional 2" to a total depth of 6.5". The center divider clips at the top of each side and can be unclipped to lie flat. There is a 10" x 5.5" pouch that snaps in. The "lid" has a full sized zippered mesh compartment. The clothing straps are solidly built and attached at the bottom with clips at the top to thread the straps through.
Closing the main compartment: The zippers are well constructed although it did require a bit of "back and forth". This may have been because the bag was empty. There are 4 plastic side release luggage strap/clips for further compression and security.
External compartments: The top zipper in the back opens to the laptop compartment with a sling to secure the laptop in place. (Nice touch) The top zipper in the front opens to a pouch that is 5.5" deep (as measured from the lowest point in the front.)
The large front compartment is the size of medium sized backpack with 3 interior zippered compartments and a two small pouches (one is convenient for storing a pen the other may hold a calculator or similar sized item.)
The zipper on the exterior of the backpack "flap" accesses a compartment the size of the whole flap.
A side zipper on the backpack area opens to reveal a sewn-in bag with a drawstring top. (Another surprise) I am not sure of the intent of this but I think it would be perfect for holding sunglasses or reading glasses. In this same compartment is access to a slot for your ID visible to the exterior of the pack. (Again, nice touch)
Straps: It took me a minute to locate the backpack straps. They are stored in the zippered area on the back of the pack. They are securely sewn in at the top and once removed from the pouch will attach via a plastic clip to the bottom of the pack. There is also a waistband strap included for weight distribution. The straps seem to be well padded. Also included is a carrying strap if you prefer to hang this on your shoulder. I don't see myself using this feature.
Purpose: This will be my carry-on for overseas flights. It will store under the seat in front of me and easily slide out for me to use as a footrest while sleeping. (That's my intent anyway)
My only disappointment was when I saw the label "Made in China". I do try not to purchase items manufactured there due to their labor standards.
Read Best Reviews of eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Junior Here
I wanted a bag that would hold everything I needed for my work week, would be easy to carry through the airport, and wouldn't have to be checked. I chose the junior bag because I'm only 5'3", but worried it would be too small for my needs. I am amazed at how much I can fit into this bag. It holds all my clothes, my laptop, my 10" tablet and so much more. And it's not a bulky wheeled bag so I never get stopped and told I will have to check it.Want eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Junior Discount?
My wife bought me this as a birthday present after she got one and I made positive comments. I think it is a well built and designed bag especially for the business traveler in mind with the various pocket placements and heavy duty zippers. It is expandable with a zipper pull and has four corner compression straps to help secure. Over a standard backpack, this one hinges open so you have quick and easy access to your items. The main compartment has a divider in it so all your stuff does not settle to the bottom which work well with cube packs I use for packing. Well placed pockets for travel paperwork to stay handy and padded place for the laptop. I use just a single strap crossed at an angle for carrying but also has a seperate padded strap you can use to carry over your shoulder to the side and has three handles to pick it up by built in.The clips and connection points however are made of plastic so am personally a little skeptical how they hold up over time but by reviews I have read, this does not seem to have been a issue for others. All said, I am very happy with this purchase so far and would recommend it to my friends. Happy and safe journeys!
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