Customer Reviews Eagle Creek Load Hauler Expandable

Bought the bag in order to just carry on luggage for a 5 week trip in Australia and New Zealand which involved 17 airline flights and 15 hotel stays. The internal flights had a max weight of only 15lbs so the empty weight of the bag was essential to being able to pack what I needed without losing extra weight just for the bag. This bag was THE best purchase I could have made. It was easy to carry on my back. It easily fit in the overhead bins on small internal flights as well as overhead on coaches. I used it with packing cubes which kept everything neat in the bag. I could easily access anything I needed in the roomy compartment and it was easy to repack for the many flights and hotels. I loved going lightweight/carry-on only. No baggage lines and going thru customs was a breeze. I didn't use the expandable option but it was a big selling point if I found something to buy and needed extra room in my bag. My only recommendation would be to add another strap across the mid-section of the bag because it tended to bulge in the middle and I had no way to cinch it up.

I use the Load Hauler for domestic and foreign travel. In every case, I have not had to check it as it fits easily into overhead compartments. HINT: Before reaching baggage inspection, tuck the backpack straps into their zippered compartment. IF you don't you may have to use Baggage Check In as most backpacks of same size are rejected simply because they are 'backpacks'. Once the straps are out of view, it LOOKS LIKE a standard soft bag. Use the cmpression straps to really tighten it down and you're good to go. When I have arrived late at the airport (so.etimes only minutes to spare) the backpack straps have proven invalueable for making it to security and then to the gate on time. Again, remember to stow the straps before you get to Security! This bag should always remain among Eagle Creek's core product line (especially in black with red accents).

Love the uncomplicated layout and design. As an avid minimalist in the way I live this bag is a great tool to do that on the road. The zippers on the main compartment snag a little if it's packed full. And it'd be nice if they added a side grab handle instead on the one on the lid...but it's still a great bag without it. The straps all work great especially since the bag is so light not having wheels.

Low net weight and square, flexible shape make good use of the limits for cabin luggage. Some airlines allow wider bags, but with clothes neatly rolled or folded the Load Hauler easily carries more weight than permitted. The external, lockable pocket near the bottom can hold an e-book reader and an 8" tablet (preferrably in a protective case). The backpack straps stash away neatly, converting the Hauler into a clean duffel or shoulder bag. There is no hip strap, hence no good for hiking. I prefer to carry laptop or business papers in a separate, compact briefcase, as it is permitted by many airlines, rather than together with underpants or socks in the main cabin bag. Hence I consider the lack of an integrated laptop sleeve or multiple organiser dividers as an advantage. Otherwise the zipper and compression straps are a bit of a hassle at the security check, but you can't have it all. I still can buy "pack-it" or third-party bags for internal "organisation". I would have preferred a black version without that many red accents.

Was "forced" to use this particular luggage by default for my vacation rather than the intended EC wheeled "Load Warrior" I had previously ordered from a supposedly online "pro" luggage outfit that rucked up my order. My Warrior never came and I used this bag that I had only used once for an extended car camping trip. As it turns out the "Load Hauler" was superior and much easier to maneuver on my back and getting around on the ferry, through customs and walking on narrow sidewalks in Victoria, BC than a wheeled luggage. A friend who accompanied me on the trip was struggling at times with her 22" roll luggage tipping over and I was glad for the over my back and go luggage. I tend to pack way too much yet, the hauler had ample room for all my girlie paraphernalia, clothes and snacks. Way to go EC!!!! Well designed with lightweight yet, durable materials, 3 grab handles on the outside, big zipper pulls, two large zippered outside pockets for small lose items i needed easy access in transit (large enough for a small H2O bottle), 2 outer compression straps, and the ability to unhook the shoulder straps and use as large duffle if needed. Almost perfect bag (no inside compression straps or inner zip pockets). I packed this bag using EC pack-it cubes which I highly recommend due to the unstructuredness of the "Hauler" and for the great organization the cubes system offer. Couldn't believe how much this baby holds. I'm 5'2" and petite w/bad back, neck and shoulders so it got a little heavy and uncomfortable when walking to the B&B but, I can see a "normal" person without aches and pains will have zero problems with this great little backpack type luggage. This luggage will hold a weeks worth of clothing, mid size packed to the max EC toiletry bag, pair of shoes, small electronics and chargers, keys, glasses, water bottle. Amazing!

This bag is great. It has a large compartment that can easily fit a weeks worth of outfits, toiletries, and one pair of shoes. There are two outside pockets that can hold travel paperwork or several chargers. (Only one of the pockets has the ability for a TSA lock). There are several handles on different sides of the bag that make it easy to carry. The only thing I wish this bag had was a removable hard back where the backpack straps are.

So far, my wife and I have used our Load Haulers on a few relatively short-duration trips. She usually packs more than I do, and was concerned at first about the amount of space available in the bag. When combined with packing cubes as suggested by the company, however, it turned out we each had plenty of room (without unzipping the expansion). The flexibility of backpack, shoulder, or hand-held carry made traveling much easier as we moved in and out of the car, the hotel, and the other places we stayed. The only thing I'm not sure of is how well it can function as a backpack with a sleeping bag attached at the bottom--I think straps can be looped in to the existing hardware, but haven't tried it yet.

Bought for a trip to Italy. I could carry as a suitcase or backpack. Fit easily in overhead. Wanted something that packed like a suitcase but worked as a backpack, this certainly fit the bill. My wife has the EC Lync System and used as a backpack. We are over 60 and they worked great for us. Would definitely buy these again.

I bought this product to use on a 4 month backpacking trip around the world. For its size, it has a lot of space and the Pack-It Cubes make it super easy to fit in everything I need. The luggage style opening, rather than a typical hiking backpack, is ideal for a traveler like me. I am looking forward to getting to know this bag better as it will be my companion on my adventure!

Super bag for the Pack Rat. With the soft light, but strong material this is a "stuff-o-rama" Using the pack it system you can really go nuts. Went on a 2 week trip and had no trouble packing and bringing clothes not worn back. Easy to carry and the back pack straps are super. Shoulder strap available if back has a mind of its own! Colors easy to see on conveyor and you will love the space you can make to pack. Only drawback...no inside pockets a small zippered one wouldn't hurt guys?

Love the large U-shaped opening, appreciate how well made it is. Roomy enough to accommodate a week's worth of "stuff" yet sized small enough to fit in the smallest overhead compartments. There are no inside pockets but I prefer to organize with Eagle Creek packing cubes, bags, etc., along with the occasional zip loc bag.

A bag for any pack Rat!! This bag is light,easy to pack and pack and pack! Good hardware, looks good, lots of space, back pack straps if you like carrying turtle style, shoulder strap if you like the urban commuter style. This one can get a bit clumsy on the shoulder when packed full. Doable though. Hence the need for internal comp. straps!!(come on boys in development!) Packs like a beast even better if you use the pack it system. Went on a the day romp took more than I needed,had nice room for souvenirs. No wheels but easy to tote. Bright colors,and just a cool lightweight bag! Thanks EC!! Your fan for life! Carmen*

Holy Moley!! This is the best bag so far for the get up and go traveler. Functional,able to over stuff easily, nice balance once packed, Cool to look at, good hardware, sturdy and packing capacity is rather awesome(if you know how to pack or use the pac it system. This is the lightest bag I own from EC,and I know I will use the heck out of it. I don't even miss the wheels too much. The only thing I would tell the boys in development is...Because of the light non frame of this bag I would ADD TWO INSIDE COMPRESSION STRAPS TO HOLD THINGS DOWN MAKING IT EASIER TO CARRY ONCE PACKED. AN INSIDE ZIPPER POCKET WOULD BE GREAT ALSO. JUST ONE It has back pack straps if you want to carry turtle style and a shoulder strap if going the business commuter type. This way can get a bit awkward when packed because contents can shift.(hence the internal comp. straps. Other wise "FAB BAG" take it from a pack rat! Thanks Eagle Creek another Keeper! Carmen*

This is exactly what I wanted. A backpack that packs like a suit case. This has been a great bag for all the stuff I have to haul around, especially during winter. An extra pair of shoes, all my gym stuff (a bunch of boxing stuff) it all fits in this thing, and I'm not in any back pain because of how low this thing rests on my back. The material doesn't seem the greatest, but I've had bags of much lower quality that have lasted me for years. This one is hands down the most comfortable and roomy I've used. It's the bag I use for the gym and for all my long distance trips.

Well made and roomy. Adding one or two additional outside pockets would be beneficial. A bit high priced for essentially a simple back pack.

Our first load hauler was ideal for travel to Ireland. We were a group of 4 and had a car.. loved it. we've also used it for weekend trips, car camping and really anytime we're leaving for a few days to over a week. We were just in Italy and France. This was my primary travel bag, we were using the train systems solely so walking from train stations to our apartment, hotel, or camp was tough with the straps.. my shoulders were killing me.. Thene went on a bike and barge trip. our barge sank so we lost everything! we're re-buying these because they work so well for many of the trips we do is; light weight , sturdy, love the pockets on top, expand, can be backpacked short distances, and nice without wheels for certain things.. however if we do a train trip and have to cart heavy bags longer distances we'd definitely get bags that roll. or a backpack style with a sturdy hip strap. we are backpackers. When in Europe for immediate replacement we got two backpack/rolling bags which were light weight and worked better. We really didn't have much since we lost everything, but a few bit of replacement clothes, toiletry and our bike helmets.. .

I have had this bag just shy of one year. I bought it for a trip to Alaska where roller bags just weren't practical. Since then its been on more than 15 week long trips on planes, trains, road trips not to mention layovers. Ugh the layovers! Anyway, needless to say my bag has some miles on it. The capacity is great and more than most carry on bags. I stuff it, throw it, smash it and drag it both carried on and checked in and other than some well earned dirt scuffs on the fabric I haven't had one issue with it. No torn fabric, or ripped seams, no broken zippers or missing zipper pulls. The backpack straps are a great addition although they are a little long and if they could cinch a little more (I am only 4' 10") that would be nice but its not a real hindrance. The 3-1-1 pocket is smart and the extra top pocket is wonderful place to stash gloves, a scarf, power packs and other stuff you want easy access to. So now for the but...WAIST STRAP! I ended up fashioning my own out of an old messenger strap I had laying around. But this bag, especially for the price, could benefit from a simple removable waist strap. Nothing fancy but it would really help take the weight off your shoulders. Other than that its a fantastic bag but I think the waist strap will be a deal breaker for a lot of people.

Bag is lightweight but hard to carry when packed full! Wish I had bought a wheeled one!

Great concept for a carry on bag. Many smaller-capacity EC backpacks have waistbelts. If EC is going to offer shoulder straps (thank you!) on something this large they should also add a waistbelt as this bag gets heavy/awkward with just shoulder straps. Also add a luggage sleeve to slip over my checked EC roller bag and it would be ideal.

Took this as my one & only piece of luggage on a 3-week trip to South Africa and Europe. Was able to pack everything I needed for the temperature ranges we were facing... early summer in SA and early winter in Europe. Turns out that Germany had a major cold snap while we were there, and we really would have been better off with puffier puffy coats (which would have easily fit in my bag, too, if I had thought to pack it). I used a couple of compression packing cubes from Eagle Creek to organize the cavernous internal compartment. I never needed to open up the expansion zipper, and had plenty of room for small souvenirs & gifts, and could even fit my "personal item" (a small day pack) when I didn't want to carry both separately. Some of the airlines we flew allow only the smallest of carry-ons for free, and we never surpassed the threshold to pay for luggage on any of our flights. The two things that are missing from this bag are internal compression straps to secure your load (though I never had too much trouble with this), and a lightly padded, packable hip belt to help distribute some weight from your shoulders to your hips.

grab and go travel, light weight bag more stuff. not happy with the zippered extension, would prefer full size with the straps drawing down. zippers are always the first to fail.

The outside design of this duffel is great, it is lightweight and has a lot of room. However, I returned it because when I packed it completely it was a bit heavy and awkward without a waist belt. Also, internal compression straps are needed to stabilize the load internally. Even going short distances could be hard on the shoulders without being able to use waist straps to use the hips to bear some of the weight. The waist straps should be able to be stowed away like the shoulder straps. I realize this is not meant to be a real backpack but it should be designed a bit better even to get it to the airport or train, from the train to the hostel or hotel, etc. Also, the plastic parts could be a little sturdier. This could be a fantastic bag with a few modifications.

Great bag. Took it on a 9 day trip to Italy. Used it as a carry on with it maxed out and was never asked to check it. Very light and spacious, worked great with the packing cubes. Understand this is not a real, "Backpack". Don't buy it thinking you will be comfortable lugging it around and or hiking. It's intent is too get from the terminal to the bus,train etc. At the end of the trip I noticed that the stitching on one of the grab handles was starting to fail. FYI This bag does not have the interior compression straps as stated in the description. Eagle Creek please add interior straps. My girlfriend used a Patagonia Black Hole 60 and the interior compression straps proved to very valuable in gaining that extra interior space. I returned the bag, but will buy a new one as soon as they come out with the interior straps

I have been looking for a duffel bag that can also be carried as a backpack for weeks and I finally discovered this one. I love it but it does have some cons. One of the main selling points was the lifetime guarantee and the possibility to buy spare parts (yay sustainability!). However, I live in Sweden and bought the bag from a German e-shop and the terms&conditions for a potential repair were not 100% clear even after exchanging three emails with the customer service. Additionally, the spare parts are not shipped outside the US. Since it can become quite heavy, I would welcome a waist strap (perhaps the duffel strap could covnvert into a waist strap on your next model). When it's not fully loaded, it bends in the middle as the walls are not supported like with other duffel bags. For this reason, it can also be difficult to load but I can forgive this as it is a lightweight bag.

Recently used this on a flight on a smaller plane where people with roll-aboards had to check them at the gate. My bag passed, fitting easily in the overhead compartment even though it's similar in capacity to a wheeled carry-on. Nice! Not so nice is that it doesn't have a backpack style belt. When fully loaded, it is not comfortable to carry due to strain on the shoulders. I fashioned one out of an old nylon belt and carabiner clips that is passable. How about designing a convertible shoulder strap that could double as a belt?