eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Carry-On

I have about 3 years on this bag with some heavy travel and thought it deserved a review. My Background: My travel is two different types. At least two overnight trips a month by car and a 5-day trip every other month. Sprinkle in longer Friday morning-Sunday trips here and there. The last two are flight travel. With a little shopping around, I have outfitted this bag with everything you could need. Inside the front part you can hold a good amount of things from business cars to any travel sized thing you can think of. As a person who likes to be prepared, this gives you the option to be that way. On the top you get a compartment that is great for a travel umbrella and for the “pencil holder” included in the bag. I have used the zip out drink holder several times. Not the best part of their design, but it is helpful in a pinch. Inside you get the standard carry on size space. I do use their packing cubes, which are as equally amazing. I generally use three packing cubes and the toiletry bag linked below. The toiletry bag take us roughly the same height of a packing cube. I use the electronics holder linked below, which fits vertical in the packing next to the toiletry bag. There is an expansion zipper which will give you an extra couple of inches to pack. I am always fearful of not being allowed as a carry on that I have never used it, there is plenty of space without it. As a note, it always gets through security as a carry on, BUT the small regional jets usually make you check it, unless there is no one on the flight. Still better then checking, but it has taken a beating. I think it has held up pretty considering how many snowy nights I have seen it tossed back on to the passenger bridge. The computer compartment has access on top and is easy to use even with the bag packed full. The fact I can get to it without messing with any clothes is a huge bonus over a lot of bags. The main reason I like this bag is the straps. I never understood why people do the rollies. Airports are crazy enough without lugging something behind you. They are equally as annoying when using in the real world. Wheels + city streets never mix. This bag looks pretty non-descript and better than the college looking backpack. My only complaint is I wish there was a zipper to close the convertible zipper compartment for the straps or at least make the material inside that part a black color instead of orange, see pics below. Other than that, the design is great and efficient. I have used it in strap mode, but only a couple of times. Having the option is nice, but I have used it far less that I expected. Overall This bag is great for two-plus days out. It is a tad large for an over-night and definitive sticks out if you are trying to do double duty as a day bag while out of town. Though the trade-off is I can pack anything as a carry on (minus suits) for a week trip no problem. This includes a wide set of toiletries, computer, a bunch of charging stuff. I often find myself carrying my laptop and taking my electronics bag when out of town. Definitely have recommended this bag to more than one person! Toiletry: Toiletries Bathroom Travel Bag Organizer for Women Makeup or Men Shaving Kit with Hanging Grey Electronic: imoli Universal Travel Case for Electronics and Accessories, Carrying Bag for Chargers, Adapters, Power Cord, Power Bank and more (Black)