I am currently looking for a carry-on with a detachable daypack where I could put in my (pretty big) laptop.

From everything I have read on the web, the Eagle Creek Switchback seems to be a very good choice. They have just changed models and I cannot get the new one yet, but I could get the Switchback Plus immediately.

Has anyone tried out either one of the two or does anyone know if I should rather wait for the new model (i.e., significant improvements, etc.)?

Thanks!

My wife and I have an Eagle Creek Switchback something or other; several years old at this point. It's a nice, high quality unit (by my standards, at least). I'm comparing it to my TravelPro suiter that is approaching 10 years of loyal service.

The Eagle Creek unit holds a similar amount of stuff, and provides straps to cinch everything down and in. Its sides are not quite as rigid, however, so it is hard to tell when it is full. The daypack is a nice feature, but is made of relatively thin material (e.g., no padding for a laptop), so that would concern me as a laptop carrying vehicle. And the daypack does make the bag "illegal" as a carryon, because the main pack plus daypack is much higher than 9" when completely stuffed. We have also never used the main pack's backpack straps, so that is just extra weight and padding we haul around, albeit not much.

Thanks for your reply...I went ahead and bought the Switchback Plus yesterday (22 inch). It seems like a nice bag, but it seems so small! I am thinking I should have bought the 26 inch version instead...realistically, I think one could get that on most planes as a carry-on as well, without being "forced" to check it in...

Does anybody have any experience with using 26 inch luggage as carry-ons? Problems?

Thanks!

I've used this bag for about 2 years. I do like the zip off day pack. I always think of this bag as too nice to check! How old will it have to get before I change my mind?