You did a great job reviewing this backpack! Love your voice and style! This bag is arriving for me, today. Can't wait! I think it will work out for me, despite the cons you mentioned, tho. Thanks again for your helpful vid! 👍🙂
thanks for such a comprehensive review. i’m trying to stay way from checking luggage and i think i could easily do two weeks in europe with this and a carry on rolling case. 🌺Mary in Florida
I'm looking at this bag for my 11 year old son to take on an upcoming cruise. He is about 5 ft tall. Do you think this bag would be too big for someone that height?
Between this backpack and the Hynes Eagle 38L, do you think the structural differences are worth the extra expense for the eBags? Looking for the best backpack for long weekend trips in Europe.
Great question! The Hynes Eagle bag is quite a bit cheaper, but the materials and craftsmanship reflect this. The eBags Motherlode is more expensive, but it's also really well made. I think you should consider how you are going to be using the bag, and for how long. If you just want the bag for weekend trips around Europe, then the Hynes Eagle is going to be great. For the price, it's well made and has good organization. But if you think you will have this bag for a long time, are hard on your gear, or are planning on using it for longer trips in the future, then the added expense might be worth it. Hope this helps!
You're welcome =) I've traveled with this bag a bunch but I've actually never tried to put it under the seat. It fitting really depends on the airline and the airplane, because the personal item allowance and seat size vary widely. This chart lists the most common airline personal item sizes onebagtravels.com/personal-item-luggage-dimensions-updated-for-2019/ The Motherlode Jr is a bit large for a personal item, but I think you could get it to fit if you underpacked it. For example American Airlines personal item allowance is 18" x 14" x 8" the Motherlode Jr is 19.5" x 14" x 9". It's not going to fit if you have the bag full, but if you underpack it I think you'd be ok.
Thanks Jon! I didn't try it under the seat but I think it would fit if it wasn't over packed. the Jr. dimensions are 19.5″x14”x9”, where most airlines list personal item at around 18"x14"x8" (at least in the US). The bag is soft sided, and squishes down pretty good. I think if you didn't over pack it, it would fit under the seat just fine.
There really are so many, almost any school type backpack will work. North Face has some good ones, Patagonia, Peak Design everyday. I like Cabin Zero too, they have a little pack Classic 28 that's small enough to fit under a seat. They're well made, inexpensive, and hold a lot for the size.
I love this bag. I have the Jr. for myself and the regular size for my husband and sons. Do you know of a company that sells a good, removable hip belt that could work for this bag.
Just the size, the design is the same. Junior is 41.6 liters, dimensions of 19.5" x 14" x 9". While the regular version is larger at 50.4 liters and 22" x 14" x 10". The junior is more carry-on friendly, the regular one is pretty big.
Barely, but not if you overpack. This bag is 19.5″x14”x9” (7.7 x 5.4 x 3.5cm) Spirit Carry on limit is 18" x 14" x 8" (45 x 35 x 20 cm) The pack doesn't have a solid frame so it can squish down and will fit if you don't overpack.
I've been curious about this bag. I'm set as I have quite a few MLC (NorthFace, Patagonia, Timbuk2) but have seen other travelers with this bag. Thanks for your review, you seem to cover the questions I always have!
Thank you! I love the organization on the Motherlode, just wish it had a better backpack system. Nice bag collection, I have yet to test out the Timbukt2 bag, but it looks great!
OneBagTravels I use the Timbukt2 jet for a 30 liter "personal item" on some flights but my Timbukt2 wingman as my favourite 40 liter carry on .. It is more rigid than my old school Patagonia MLC and I gladly avoid pockets in lieu of packing cubes. Both have sternum straps but no hip straps.. If one gets an early retirement I may try the motherload....?
@@OneBagTravels had I known the Patagonia MLC was being discontinued I might have picked up a spare. It's still around but in the heavier 'black hole' material. I have the Patagonia BH 90 duffle and like the water resistance but it adds so much weight. You may like the wingman, I prefer indestructible materials but minimal pockets.. to each his own. PS, my first time commenting so I just want to say your reviews are the right length, cover pros and cons and seem to steer clear of trendy design over function items. (and your production quality has definitely improved in time!) 😉 Thank you!
I do like the original MLC material over the black hole too. Thanks for your feedback, I'm new to TH-cam and have been working to make each new video better than the last one. Getting a new camera helps too, my earlier videos were on my phone so video and sound wasn't the best 😀
If you had a choice would you choose Ebag Mother Lode, Hynes Eagle 38L or Amazon Basics Weekender? Need to get one for a Spirit flight, the Hynes eagle is less bulky so I think it would be easier to fit in Spirit personal carry on unit (never flew Spirit before) Thanks!
Yeah, I think you'll be ok with this bag, Emirates dimensions are 21.6" x 15" x 7.9" and the Motherlode Jr. Is 19.5" x 14" x 9". It's 1" too wide, but it's squishy, so it should be fine if you don't over pack it. Be careful with the weight on Emirates though, they only allow 7kg (15.4 lbs).
How's the updated water bottle pocket? Is it better, or the same but with mesh instead of fabric? Gotta say I never really use the shoulder strap anyway.
OneBagTravels Instead of pulling the pocket out, the zipper opens the pocket like opening a book, and you slide the water bottle inside. I tested it with a 16.9 oz bottle of Dasani and it fit snugly and seems pretty secure. Also, it doesn’t seem to flop around like it did before. One of the features that I wanted it for was the shoulder strap, because I am a wheelchair user and I needed a compact bag that I could carry in my lap, while putting the strap around my waist so that my hands were free to push the wheels. I started to buy one of the generic shoulder straps that they sell on the site, but then I realized that they took the hooks off too. Luckily, I’ve found that I can accomplish the same thing by putting the backpack strap around my waist instead. It’s slightly cumbersome, but it works! They have the bags on sale for $68.59 right now with the code EXTRA30.
OneBagTravels For sure! I think they improved the sternum strap too. I think you would have to try to get it to come off now and it is elastic on the side facing your chest. I can’t tell what it was like before, but it seems that they really listened to feedback regarding those two things. I don’t see the larger version on the site, now, but they could just be sold out. I’m glad that I came across your review, because it was really helpful. Big suitcases and bags with wheels don’t really work for me, and just throwing everything in a duffel bag was getting old. This may sound silly, but I’m glad that I didn’t know that they did away with the strap, since it still works really well for me. This bag was the best choice, even without it. I also got the flat toiletry bag ($19.59 or $24.49 with the EXTRA30 code, depending on which size you get). Anyway, thanks for the review. Take care.
@@itsAngiAKAlovejunkie I lost the stermun strap years ago😆 glad they fixed it. They must have watched my video! haha. Thanks for sharing about your experience with new update
This bag is currently available on the ebags website for $79.99, with coupon. Free shipping too! I have it on order from them right now, should arrive in the next few days.
You did a great job reviewing this backpack! Love your voice and style! This bag is arriving for me, today. Can't wait! I think it will work out for me, despite the cons you mentioned, tho. Thanks again for your helpful vid! 👍🙂
You're welcome! 😊 Every bag has some cons, it's just good to know what to expect, hopefully it works out for you!
thanks for such a comprehensive review. i’m trying to stay way from checking luggage and i think i could easily do two weeks in europe with this and a carry on rolling case. 🌺Mary in Florida
You definitely can!
I'm looking at this bag for my 11 year old son to take on an upcoming cruise. He is about 5 ft tall. Do you think this bag would be too big for someone that height?
Between this backpack and the Hynes Eagle 38L, do you think the structural differences are worth the extra expense for the eBags? Looking for the best backpack for long weekend trips in Europe.
Great question! The Hynes Eagle bag is quite a bit cheaper, but the materials and craftsmanship reflect this. The eBags Motherlode is more expensive, but it's also really well made. I think you should consider how you are going to be using the bag, and for how long.
If you just want the bag for weekend trips around Europe, then the Hynes Eagle is going to be great. For the price, it's well made and has good organization. But if you think you will have this bag for a long time, are hard on your gear, or are planning on using it for longer trips in the future, then the added expense might be worth it.
Hope this helps!
Thank you for your review! Do you think this backpach could fit in the underseat area of an airplane?
You're welcome =) I've traveled with this bag a bunch but I've actually never tried to put it under the seat. It fitting really depends on the airline and the airplane, because the personal item allowance and seat size vary widely. This chart lists the most common airline personal item sizes onebagtravels.com/personal-item-luggage-dimensions-updated-for-2019/
The Motherlode Jr is a bit large for a personal item, but I think you could get it to fit if you underpacked it. For example American Airlines personal item allowance is 18" x 14" x 8" the Motherlode Jr is 19.5" x 14" x 9". It's not going to fit if you have the bag full, but if you underpack it I think you'd be ok.
Nice review! Would the packed bag fit under the airline seat in front of you? Looks like it would.
Thanks Jon! I didn't try it under the seat but I think it would fit if it wasn't over packed.
the Jr. dimensions are 19.5″x14”x9”, where most airlines list personal item at around 18"x14"x8" (at least in the US). The bag is soft sided, and squishes down pretty good. I think if you didn't over pack it, it would fit under the seat just fine.
I fly Southwest often and even though my bag is stuffed, I can always squeeze it underneath the seat in front for easy exit :)
M. N. Thanks!
@@martypants Nice, thanks for letting us know! =)
Np! Ah, I did forget to mention...I'm a smallish person so don't need much leg room ^_^
Do you have recommendations for bags that can fit 18 inches size for Sprit or Frontier?
There really are so many, almost any school type backpack will work. North Face has some good ones, Patagonia, Peak Design everyday. I like Cabin Zero too, they have a little pack Classic 28 that's small enough to fit under a seat. They're well made, inexpensive, and hold a lot for the size.
I love this bag. I have the Jr. for myself and the regular size for my husband and sons. Do you know of a company that sells a good, removable hip belt that could work for this bag.
Hi K Man, unfortunately I don't know of a good hip belt for the Weekender. I do wish there was one though, the included strap is too thin.
What is the difference between the junior one and the non junior one?
Just the size, the design is the same. Junior is 41.6 liters, dimensions of 19.5" x 14" x 9". While the regular version is larger at 50.4 liters and 22" x 14" x 10". The junior is more carry-on friendly, the regular one is pretty big.
Does this fit as a carry on personal item on Spirit airlines
Barely, but not if you overpack. This bag is 19.5″x14”x9” (7.7 x 5.4 x 3.5cm)
Spirit Carry on limit is 18" x 14" x 8" (45 x 35 x 20 cm)
The pack doesn't have a solid frame so it can squish down and will fit if you don't overpack.
I've been curious about this bag. I'm set as I have quite a few MLC (NorthFace, Patagonia, Timbuk2) but have seen other travelers with this bag. Thanks for your review, you seem to cover the questions I always have!
Thank you! I love the organization on the Motherlode, just wish it had a better backpack system. Nice bag collection, I have yet to test out the Timbukt2 bag, but it looks great!
OneBagTravels I use the Timbukt2 jet for a 30 liter "personal item" on some flights but my Timbukt2 wingman as my favourite 40 liter carry on .. It is more rigid than my old school Patagonia MLC and I gladly avoid pockets in lieu of packing cubes. Both have sternum straps but no hip straps.. If one gets an early retirement I may try the motherload....?
It looks like the Timbuktu wingman is being discontinued! I might have to pick up one while it's still available 😀
@@OneBagTravels had I known the Patagonia MLC was being discontinued I might have picked up a spare. It's still around but in the heavier 'black hole' material. I have the Patagonia BH 90 duffle and like the water resistance but it adds so much weight. You may like the wingman, I prefer indestructible materials but minimal pockets.. to each his own.
PS, my first time commenting so I just want to say your reviews are the right length, cover pros and cons and seem to steer clear of trendy design over function items. (and your production quality has definitely improved in time!) 😉 Thank you!
I do like the original MLC material over the black hole too. Thanks for your feedback, I'm new to TH-cam and have been working to make each new video better than the last one. Getting a new camera helps too, my earlier videos were on my phone so video and sound wasn't the best 😀
If you had a choice would you choose Ebag Mother Lode, Hynes Eagle 38L or Amazon Basics Weekender? Need to get one for a Spirit flight, the Hynes eagle is less bulky so I think it would be easier to fit in Spirit personal carry on unit (never flew Spirit before) Thanks!
Agree the Hynes Eagle is probably easier to pass as a personal item, but I like the Mother Lode Jr. better.
Do you know if this bag is okay for Emirates?
Yeah, I think you'll be ok with this bag, Emirates dimensions are 21.6" x 15" x 7.9" and the Motherlode Jr. Is 19.5" x 14" x 9". It's 1" too wide, but it's squishy, so it should be fine if you don't over pack it. Be careful with the weight on Emirates though, they only allow 7kg (15.4 lbs).
It doesn’t come with a shoulder strap or hooks anymore. They also changed the water bottle holder to a mesh pocket inside of the zipper compartment.
How's the updated water bottle pocket? Is it better, or the same but with mesh instead of fabric? Gotta say I never really use the shoulder strap anyway.
OneBagTravels Instead of pulling the pocket out, the zipper opens the pocket like opening a book, and you slide the water bottle inside. I tested it with a 16.9 oz bottle of Dasani and it fit snugly and seems pretty secure. Also, it doesn’t seem to flop around like it did before. One of the features that I wanted it for was the shoulder strap, because I am a wheelchair user and I needed a compact bag that I could carry in my lap, while putting the strap around my waist so that my hands were free to push the wheels. I started to buy one of the generic shoulder straps that they sell on the site, but then I realized that they took the hooks off too. Luckily, I’ve found that I can accomplish the same thing by putting the backpack strap around my waist instead. It’s slightly cumbersome, but it works! They have the bags on sale for $68.59 right now with the code EXTRA30.
@@itsAngiAKAlovejunkie That sounds like a much better design, I'm glad they fixed that. Glad you were able to make the strap work =)
OneBagTravels For sure! I think they improved the sternum strap too. I think you would have to try to get it to come off now and it is elastic on the side facing your chest. I can’t tell what it was like before, but it seems that they really listened to feedback regarding those two things. I don’t see the larger version on the site, now, but they could just be sold out. I’m glad that I came across your review, because it was really helpful. Big suitcases and bags with wheels don’t really work for me, and just throwing everything in a duffel bag was getting old. This may sound silly, but I’m glad that I didn’t know that they did away with the strap, since it still works really well for me. This bag was the best choice, even without it. I also got the flat toiletry bag ($19.59 or $24.49 with the EXTRA30 code, depending on which size you get). Anyway, thanks for the review. Take care.
@@itsAngiAKAlovejunkie I lost the stermun strap years ago😆 glad they fixed it. They must have watched my video! haha. Thanks for sharing about your experience with new update
I just received mine yesterday and it seems they don’t use ykk zippers anymore and the zippers don’t have the pulling cord anymore either
That's lame. They had YKK zips on the main compartments and eBags brand on the other zippers. It's a shame they don't use them anymore.
@Sam_Isela O_o did you buy yours directly from ebags?
@Lilian M yes. I bought it from their website.
I wish it came in another smaller size to strap to a rolling luggage and small enough to go under seat!
Yeah, it would be awesome if they had a mini version of that bag!
It fits under airline seats. I do wish it had back padding/ventilation, and a luggage handle strap.
Great review, thanks so much!
Thanks Beth!
I was lucky and got mine for $85.59 off of their site with their coupon.
Nicceeeeee! 👍
Question, what's a fair price for this bag? Seeing it for $89.99 USD currently after coupon.
I'd say that's a good price for the bag, you're probably not going to find it for less than that.
This bag is currently available on the ebags website for $79.99, with coupon. Free shipping too! I have it on order from them right now, should arrive in the next few days.
@@napathon1 That's a great deal, thanks!
It’s $68.59 right now with the coupon code EXTRA30.