Product Review: Eagle Creek Tarmac AWD Carry-On

What is it: Eagle Creek AWD Tarmac 22-Inch Carry-On

Price and Where to Buy: $330 on Amazon; $330 on EagleCreek.com

Pros : This 22-inch carry-on is full of features designed to help packing and traveling. Padded exterior pockets fit even large laptops, and an additional padded tablet sleeve make stashing electronics easy. It has a lockable exterior pocket large enough to fit your 3-1-1 items, and inside, equal packing space on both sides of the bag, with a zippered compartment and a cargo net so you can open and close the suitcase without items spilling out. It also has three clever options for securing additional items to the outside of the bag: a clip for attaching an additional bag, a securable bungee cord for anchoring a jacket to the top of the suitcase, and netting that can be moved from the suitcase’s interior to the outside to attach more gear.

Cons: Weighing in at just over eight pounds, the AWD Tarmac is on the heavier end of the lightweight spectrum, so if you’re looking for a minimalist case, it may not be for you.

How it Rates:

• Usefulness: 10/10. This bag is nothing if not useful. Its myriad features seem to predict what travelers will need every step of the way.
• Value: 8/10. At $330, this bag is an investment, but a smart one. Its sturdy construction, easy movement, and nice design make it a dependable primary suitcase for the carry-on crowd.
• Durability: 10/10. This bag balances extreme durability with nice design. Its polycarbonate back makes it as durable as a hard-sided suitcase, and the abrasion-resistant fabric on the front offers durability and style.

Final Verdict: Stylish and rugged, the AWD Tarmac is a good all-arounder, equally at home being bounced down a city street and a dirt road.

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

(Photo: Amazon)