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The eBags TLS Weekender is one of the most popular carry-on size backpacks for travel. Learn more about the bags features and find out if it’s TFG Approved!

 

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eBags Weekender Convertible Review

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When eBags offered to hook me up with one of their popular TLS Weekender Convertible carry on backpacks, I was eager to test out this highly praised travel backpack. With high ratings, my expectations couldn’t have been any higher and let me tell you – I was not disappointed.

I instantly fell in love with this bag! I’m a hardcore Osprey fan but I actually considered trading in my beloved Farpoint for this one. Unfortunately for me, my increasing back problems forced me to look for a wheeled bag instead.

 

 

The TLS Weekender Convertible Backpack, created with input from loyal customers, is an unstructured suitcase that converts into a backpack and is loaded with tons of innovative and useful interior and exterior features including:

 

Size

 

This bag’s dimensions are exact to the airline’s requirements guaranteeing that you can use it as a carry on but it offers you the flexibility of expanding in case you want to check your bag on the way back home with your new souvenirs.

 

 

Details: It has three padded grab handles for easy movability, storable (if unused) contoured padded shoulder straps, with sternum and waist straps and a removable shoulder strap.

 

 

Organization

 

There are so many great features about this bag but the one that stands out the most is its incredible organizational pockets. It has a place for everything. It has endless compartments with ample space for your belongings. From the exterior to the interior, this backpack was created to meet the needs of every traveler.

 

 

DETAILS: The well-organized interior includes: Zippered mesh compartment, a fold down shelf in packing compartment that allows you to split the space in half to reduce moving of contents and two compression straps.

It has various compartments including: front zip pocket for easy access, hide away water bottle pocket, tuck away ID pocket and U zip ‘forehead’ pocket, double zippered U zip opening on front, gives  access to the upper packing compartment – includes organizer for phone, wallet, pen etc.

 

 

Adjustable laptop sling, discretely located at the top of the bag, holds your laptop between a thick foam panel and the contents of the bag (your clothing provides extra protection), snap fasteners and an extra lining panel mean you can easily remove and reinsert you laptop, to check out the laptop swing in action  – Suitable for laptops with dimensions – width 11.75” x length between 10.0” and 19.0”

 

 

Security

 

The zippers to the main compartments are lockable which give you a bit of extra security when leaving your bag behind at a hostel or guest house.

 

 

DETAILS: The zippers use self-repairing YKK coil – some have pullers that use photo reflective sports cords for night safety, lockable D-rings on zippers to discourage tampering.

 

 

Color

 

They sent me the Turquoise color which is so cute. Considering I prefer muted colors like grey and black, I would totally rock this bag.

DETAILS: It’s available in six colors: Blue Yonder, Eggplant, Orange Zest, Green Envy, Sinful Red, and Solid Black.

 

 

Since I haven’t had a chance to properly test it out on my own travels, I decided to share a review from one of my readers. Monica who works at Hostelling International shares her experience with the eTech 2.0 Weekender Bag, the previous model. She can give you feedback on her experience traveling with this line of carry on backpacks. Read on to learn more about the eBags Weekender series:

 

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eBags eTECH 2.0 Weekender Bag Review

by Monica Pugsly

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I consider myself an avid traveler and I feel like I am always looking for that perfect travel backpack. I’m a carry on only girl so my travel bags have to be big enough to keep my stuff organized while also staying in compliance with airline luggage restrictions.

My mother asked if I would be interested in the eBags eTECH 2.0 Weekender Bag as a birthday gift so I checked out the product description and decided it would be a nice addition to my collection. I will admit I was unfamiliar with the brand but I was in need of a smaller travel backpack for shorter trips and figured with a name like Weekender, this bag would be perfect!

I already own two 50L travel backpacks from two well respected companies so when I saw that the Weekender bag has the capacity of 50.7L I was worried I would be getting more bag than I wanted.

When I got the bag, I was pleasantly surprised. First of all, it is extremely light weighing only 2lbs 12oz, and sealed in the plastic packaging, the bag was only a few inches thick. Official dimensions are 22”x14”x9”. Unlike many travel backpacks, there is no internal frame but that does not mean this bag does not hold a good shape overall.

 

 

The inside is simple yet efficient. There is only one small zippered pocket on the side and one larger mesh enclosure on the top portion. The main space has internal tie-down straps which can be adjusted from a high or lower position depending on how much stuff you pack. There are two external pockets which offer more room than first glance. The smaller pocket is great for holding books, magazines, or even airplane snacks. The bigger main pocket is great for keeping your items organized. I love bags that have organizational pockets so that all my stuff has its own place and fits nicely.

 

 

The zippers are extremely durable and the adjustable shoulder straps are nicely padded for comfort. The entire back of the backpack also has extra padding so you don’t feel your items poking at you.

What’s great about this carry on backpack is that it is convertible. If you have to check in your bag, or want to use it as a duffle, you’re not going to want the straps to be hanging out. You can easily unclip the straps and tuck them into the zippered enclosure in the back. What is great about this bag is the top and side handles are wrapped in neoprene which feels so nice and soft on your hands unlike some bags which leave your hands looking rough and sore. If you decide to use the bag as a backpack there are adjustable and removable waist and sternum straps.

 

 

I have used this bag on two trips and I am absolutely in love with it. Coupled with a set of AmazonBasics 4-Piece Packing Cube Set, this bag can fit a lot of items. I managed to pack a week worth of cold weather stuff on a business trip to Boston in February and was impressed that my bag was not ridiculously bulky and I still had space. I just returned from a 3 day trip to Portland, Oregon and was once again amazed by this bag’s capacity.

 

 

I was able to fit my Suisse Sport travel sleeping bag, Thermarest compressible pillow, toiletry bag, along with too many clothes (3 flannel shirts, 4 regular shirts, jeans, sleeping pants, flip flops, a bra and 5 pairs undies/socks to be exact). I also had a scarf, beanie, and travel towel in the mesh pocket. With all those items nicely in my bag, when closed, the bag wasn’t bulky at all and it fit effortlessly in the overhead bin.

I never thought I could fall in love with a bag until I met the eBags eTECH 2.0 Weekender Bag. I highly suggest this efficient, light, yet durable bag for any trip. With the right packing list and packing cubes I am confident I could use this bag on a long term trip and invite others to give it a try!

 

 

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I received a complimentary TLS Mother Lode Backpack to review from eBags and I decided to share it as a prize to one of our readers!