Eagle Creek Tarmac, Flatbed, or Load Warrior

Have you considered the Eagle Creek Adventure Weekender?

I did a review of the Flatbed 20 on my website only I'm not allowed to link to my website so someone else will have to.

In a nutshell, I liked it. It will fit most European size requirements as long as you don't pack it too heavy. It is the lightest of the bunch. Handles well and can be converted to a backpack if you purchase the optional Quick Snap Strap.

Don,

THIS is the EC Flatbed review that Frank II was referring to.

If you've been wheeling around your bag for a few days--airport, train stations, city streets--then decide it's time to snap on the straps and carry it--over cobbled lanes, etc.--won't the wheels stain the back of your shirt?

Nope...that's the brilliance of the bag....the strap connects to the compression straps and the wheels are on the outside.

Read the review and it explains all.

And for all those who do use rolling backpacks....if you don't want to get your shirt dirty from the wheels, grab a disposable shower cap found in many hotels and stretch it across the wheels

They also make good shoe protectors if you pack an extra pair of shoes.

Thank you. I did go and read the review on Frank's web site. I had been looking at the Load Warrior on and off for a while thinking it was a really neat bag. Then the other night I came across the Flatbed and that looked like just what I had been looking for, a bag with none of the outside pockets in the top that I never use and make the bag larger. It looked like it could be a great choice and was looking for some input from others who may have used both. Thanks again.

And I did look at the Weekender before posting the question. I didn't know they were that roomy and look like a good alternative to a roller. Due to on and off issues with my SI Joint carrying a bag on one side, either by hand or a shoulder strap, causes my back to hurt. Because of this I was looking at the roller.

You do know the Adventure Weekender, which I also reviewed and use, has hidden backpack straps? You wouldn't have to carry it on one side. (it doesn't, however, have a waist or sternum strap.)

Frank II-

Yes, I did notice that it can be worn as a back pack. I have been using a roller and prefer that to a backpack style bag. I have also gotten into the habit of carrying a small backpack as my personal carry-on item and then we have it for daily use on the trip. Is there a review of the Load Warrior on your site? If so I was not able to find it.

No Load Warrior on my site. That bag has been around awhile and Eagle Creek likes to only send out new bags for review.

Eagle Creek is sending me one of these:

http://www.eaglecreek.com/eclync-system

They only had a 22" version available for review but design wise it's the same as the 20". Right now, it's only available at REI but will be rolled out nationally on May 1.

Frank II, I'm really looking forward to your review of that bag. I wonder is TSA would be troubled by the collapsible frame parts? Also wonder if the frame can be stowed for carryon.

No, the frame can't be stowed while in backpack mode. It's only meant to be taken apart for storage.

Rats. I was hoping we'd finally see a roller/backpack solution for, ya know, no matter what. :-)