Looking for Softside Luggage that Splits into 2 Halves

You might looks at eBags as their https://www.ebags.com/backpacks-bags/travel-backpacks/mother-lode-jr-travel-backpack/117769XXXX.html?dwvar_117769XXXX_color=Garnet&cgidmaster=mother-lode&sourceid=ADWUNDF&gclid=Cj0KCQjwguGYBhDRARIsAHgRm4-_XBUpoSJv8xCwzgw1S2BUOCNuABcpvxUGm0lzEpvn_naT_UZNGzUaAq1MEALw_wcB may fit the bill. Not sure if it is expandable or not.

Go to any department store or "offprice" store like Ross, Marshalls, etc. They are full to the brim with suitcases. Compare and decide.

Splits into two halves? You mean opens like a clamshell? Like a conventional suitcase?

Finding a soft-sided bag that splits equally in two is going to be hard to find. I did a preliminary search of the larger companies and none make such a bag.

It's very difficult to do without a rigid frame.

However, if you are willing to look at a semi-hard sided expandable case, look at the Rick Steves Ravenna bag.

https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/ravenna-hard-case-luggage

I found one....

https://beistravel.com/collections/soft-sided-collapsible-luggage/products/soft-sided-collapsible-carry-on-roller-black?irclickid=zeyzv827%3AxyNU1AXoSTPUU5XUkDR4oS4bVNJwg0&irgwc=1&utm_source=impact&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=10078_Skimbit%20Ltd.

The only downside is its weight--9 lbs.

Deleted because WHEELS.

I echo what Steph said. We purchased the eBag backpacks. Have used for a summer vacation but will take to Scotland next year. The bag opens clam-shell style, not at all like a typical backpack. It seems sturdy and has nice organization. It is 22 inches and is expandable and was just on sale for $89 I think.

Did people not read carefully? The OP wants wheels.

(2 or 4 wheel are fine - no preference there).

Oh, thought that meant NO PREFERENCE ABOUT WHEELS.

Thanks everyone! This has been so helpful! I've also come across a few other ones here, in case anyone is also looking:

There's a very expensive Tumi https://www.tumi.com/p/international-expandable-4-wheeled-carry-on-01171541041/

Timbuk2 Copilot (currently black is OOS) https://www.timbuk2.com/products/544-copilot-luggage-roller

Dakine also has a few, but I tried it in person and didn't feel quite as study as a 'true' suitcase https://www.dakine.com/products/verge-carry-on-spinner-42l?variant=39659761729616

And Land's End https://www.landsend.com/products/travel-carry-on-rolling-luggage-bag/id_343787?attributes=11657,43375

Those bags are very heavy. You need to keep that in mind if you are flying an airline with weight limits.

Splits into 2 halves when opened

Does the OP really mean splits into two equal halves, or just that it opens around the long axis as opposed to opening at the top like a true backpack?

I can see not wanting a bag opening at the top like a backpack (why I don't use the Appenzell bag), but unless one is an awful heavy packer, 9 inches deep on one side vs 4½ on both sides is not that important. There could be a lot of items that take over 4½ inches. I have several bags that open along the top (22"x14"), and I have never found that to be a problem.

https://beistravel.com/collections/soft-sided-collapsible-luggage/products/soft-sided-collapsible-carry-on-roller-black?irclickid=zeyzv827%3AxyNU1AXoSTPUU5XUkDR4oS4bVNJwg0&irgwc=1&utm_source=impact&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=10078_Skimbit%20Ltd.

The only downside is its weight--9 lbs.

Well, that and the fact that the Beistravel people are either completely incompetent at mathematics or just outright liars.

They list the maximum size at 22"x14"x9" and say it's capacity is 50 liters! Well, 22x14x9 is 2772 cu in, or 45.44 liters, NOT 50 liters! That's the absolute maximum volume of a rectangular solid 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches, outside dimensions. And that doesn't take into account the ~200 cu (about 3 liters) in lost between the ground and the bottom of the spinner bag above the wheels, nor the volume of the 9# of material.

The capacity of the bag is probably less than 40 L, maybe a lot less.

If you can't trust them to accurately describe their product, can you trust them at all?