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Eagle Creek Adventure Pop Top Carry-On Review

Eagle Creek Adventure Pop Top Carry-On Review

Price and Where to Buy Eagle Creek Adventure Pop Top Carry-On: $235, available on EagleCreek.com

Two bags in one, the EC Adventure Pop Top Carry-On converts with a few zips from an under-seat wheeled tote to a larger, overhead bin carry-on.

Pros: With two main compartments and a series of smaller mesh and zippered pockets, organization and quick access is built in. It’s easy to convert from an underseat wheeled tote to a larger carry-on, and it has a back-slip panel so it can be stacked onto a wheeled suitcase. The wheel placement makes the bag virtually unflippable while it’s rolling, a quality I tested extensively on the broken sidewalks of Boston. The lower external pocket has an organizer built in, making it a true carry-on alternative to a purse or man bag. And at 5 pounds 11 ounces, it’s fairly lightweight.

Cons: Two separate compartments mean there’s no room for a suit bag to lie flat along the length of the suitcase. And to make the most of the compartments and keep clothes wrinkle-free, Eagle Creek recommends using its Pack-It cube system, which is an additional purchase. (Note: I used the bag without the packing cubes and it was fine, though some basic ironing was necessary.)

How Eagle Creek Adventure Pop Top Carry-On Rates:

  • Usefulness: 9/10 Baggage that does double-duty and can be easily converted over the course of a trip offers travelers a ton of useful flexibility.
  • Value: 8/10. Pricier than base-model luggage, this bag delivers solid value with its sturdy construction and innovative design.
  • Durability: 9/10. All of the moving parts on this bag feel up to the task of heavy use. And Eagle Creek’s No Matter What Warranty covers repair and replacement for damage.
  • Cool Factor: 9/10. This isn’t a button-down bag; it’s got a breezy, slightly outdoorsy look that will appeal to travelers attempting to free themselves from the anonymity of the common suitcase.

Final Verdict: This is a good bag for general use, and it’s a great bag for apartment dwellers looking to maximize luggage versatility with a minimum number of suitcases; business travelers who want a rolling tote for conferences or meetings; and shoppers who always seem to need additional room for new purchases when traveling home.

(Photo: Eagle Creek)

Editor’s Note: Reviews are based on usefulness, portability, durability, value, and “cool factor.” Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product. If you have any questions or comments concerning our reviews, or would like to suggest a product for review, please email us at editor@smartertravel.com.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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