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.