I just bought and used the eBags Motherlode on a 7 day trip to Italy. I normally check a bag when traveling, but on this trip I wanted to just do carry on. I also have the Kirkland 22" Spinner and 2 Away Medium bags, along with 2 Tumi Vapor Medium Bags that are about 10 years old and I no longer use because the wheels have given up.

I was amazed how much I was able to get into the Motherlode. I used a couple of the Eagle Creek compression bags and had no problem getting everything I needed in the bag + a Tumi messenger bag for electronic. This included a spare pair of size 12 loafers.

I didn't have any dress clothes on this trip. I agree that packing a suit in this may be problematic.

The bag felt well constructed, the packing area was well sized and I like how you can unzip the divider and make it one large compartment. The fiberglass rods were odd, but once they were installed I had no worries. And they seem to work as the bag never tipped.

For the price I was pleased with the purchase.

Just for fun a pic is attached of how I packed compared to my 3 friends for this trip.




My eBags Motherlode on the left.