Let me be clear: this bag is an absolute tank. The eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack (formerly known as the TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible) has been my go-to carry-on bag for over 10 years. The Mother Lode was with me on my first international flight to London, it was by my side when I first stepped foot in Asia, and it was on my back when I hiked Sentinel Pass in Banff National Park. Available for under $100, the eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack remains one of the best values in carry-on bags on the market today.
Today, I share my experience bag’s features & drawbacks to provide an honest review of my eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack after a decades’ worth of traveling.
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| Pros | Cons |
| + Time-tested construction has held up on 100+ flights | – Water bottle pocket is virtually useless |
| + Ample internal organization | – Hidden backpack harness system is not very comfortable |
| + Compression straps can be cinched down to fit bag underneath airplane seat |
About eBags
In case you have been living under a rock, eBags has become one of the largest online retailers of luggage & bags. eBags produces a huge variety of bags & travel accessories that cater to every type of consumer. There is a good chance that eBags has something that you are looking for, and it is safe to say the carry-on sized Mother Lode backpack has been one of their biggest successes.
The company sells direct-to-consumers via eBags.com or from eBag’s Amazon storefront. Travelers have been trusting eBags to make quality luggage at affordable prices for over 20 years.
eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack Specs
- Dimensions: 22” x 14″ x 10″ (Length x Height x Width)
- Weight: Approximately 4 pounds
- Capacity: 54 L (expandable)
- Material: Polyester
- Hardware: Metal
- Laptop Sleeve?: Yes (19”)
- Cost: $60 (check the latest price on eBags’ website or Amazon)
Form & Appearance of the eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack
The eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack isn’t going to win any style awards, but this no-nonsense bag will impress travelers who want the most bang for their buck.
The sheer number of exterior zippers is immediately evident. All large components of this bag are accessible from the outside, but eBags does a good job of providing accessibility without making the exterior of the bag look too busy. The polyester fabric feels plasticky, but I can confirm that this material holds up very well. After all that I put my Mother Lode through, it doesn’t have a single visible rip or tear.
The back of this bag is coated in a grippy rubber-like material to ensure that the bag remains planted on your back (or when rested on the ground).
My bag originally started off jet black, but its exterior fabric has faded to a dark purple by the sunlight over the past 10 years. Nothing says “I’m a frequent traveler” like well-patinaed luggage!
How does the eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack fit?
The eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack can be carried a number of ways: using the exterior handles, using the hidden backpack straps, or attaching the included shoulder strap.
Side/Top Handle Option
I prefer to carry this bag around as hand luggage 90% of the time. The side handle is simple & lightly padded. Carrying by the handle is the most hassle-free carrying option because there are no extra straps or attachments to deal with.
Backpack Option
The hidden backpack straps can be pulled out & attached via plastic clips to the attachment points at the base of the back. The backpack straps provide a very convenient way to carry this bag if you need to free up your hands. However, it should be noted that backpack straps are thin & lightly padded. Form factor was prioritized over comfort, but the Mother Lode isn’t an uncomfortable bag.
The Mother Lode’s large footprint provides a surprising amount of support, and carrying the Mother Lode Travel Backpack on your back for extended periods is not a difficult task as long as it isn’t too heavy.
Shoulder Strap Option
Lastly, attaching the included shoulder strap provides travelers with the option to sling this bag over their shoulder. In my opinion, this is the least comfortable position to carry the Mother Lode Travel Backpack (especially when the bag is fully loaded). Walking around with the bag bouncing on my hip got annoying, and it became a liability when fully packed.
I took the shoulder strap off of my bag years ago.
I haven’t missed it since.
Features of the eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack
This carry-on bag is the epitome of being “jack of all trades, master of none”. The eBags team has thought of nearly everything & tacked it onto their Mother Lode Travel Backpack.
Zippered pockets with internal organization
The small front pocket has a quick-access single compartment that is great for holding things like your boarding pass or travel documents. Opening up the larger front pocket reveals a compartment that will comfortably fit a set of headphones or a hardcover book. Additionally, you will find internal elastic & zippered organization pockets in here; this is where I like to store my passport & cash because it is not easily accessible by pickpocketers.
The small-zippered pocket on top of the bag isn’t large, but this is a useful pocket. This is a great place to keep smaller items like a glasses case or external batteries. I often throw my snacks & toiletries in here for quick access.
Spacious main compartment
The main compartment opens up clamshell style. Inside, the inner lining will have contrasting colors (my black bag has a bright orange interior) to make things easier to locate. This main compartment has a small divider if that helps you pack, but I have never found the divider to be particularly useful. This space is large and can easily pack enough clothes for a week-long non-rev trip.
The zippered laptop sleeve is located at the very top of the bag. However, the padding is limited. I have never found the laptop sleeve on the Mother Lode Travel Backpack to be convenient, so I rarely use this feature.
The expandable main compartment is an awesome feature that allows you to exceed the stated 54 liter capacity. Doing this will likely push the limits of your airline’s carry-on limits, so the adjustable cinch straps allow you to compress the bag as much as physically possible when necessary. These two features allow the Mother Lode to adapt to your evolving travel needs.
Final Thoughts
I cannot overstate how valuable this bag has been to me over the years. My Mother Lode bag has survived 100+ flights & countless road trips over the years. Through it all, the eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack keeps on trudging onwards. I have no doubt that this bag could last me another 10 years of travel. While the backpack harness & straps leave a bit to be desired, I firmly believe this is the most versatile travel bag that you can purchase for under $100.
Recommended for: The budget-conscious traveler who would rather have a single well-rounded carry-on bag than a quiver of specialized bags.
