Upgrade Your Luggage With These 3 Wheeled Duffel Bags/Backpacks

I’m a carry-on traveler through and through. I travel enough to never want a surprise (e.g. missing my underwear or travel foosball table) when I arrive in Wherever-stan. But there are times when I need a bit more room — when I just can’t squeeze a 3-piece suit into my carry-on — and checking a bag is a necessary evil.

Fortunately, today’s almost absurd array of luggage options means we spoiled travelers can get all the conveniences of a traditional suitcase plus the added bonus of being able to carry it like a backpack.

Here are three killer options for upgrading your checked bag to a proper wheeled duffel bag/backpack:

For the True Backpacker: Osprey Meridian 28″ Rolling Duffel and Backpack

Osprey’s Meridian Series of convertible wheeled packs is the closest thing to a traditional backpack design, featuring 28″, 22″, and day pack varieties. The series aims to be all things to all travelers by converting to nearly every hybrid variation of backpack-meets-suitcase. It features a retractable handle, rugged wheels, a removable backpack harness, and a removable daypack that clips on and off for quick adventures.

Noteworthy features include:

• Deluxe harness and hipbelt with vented backpanel that stows behind a zippered cover
• Internal mesh and fabric organization pockets
• Internal compression keeps clothes from migrating
• Side and top carry handles
• Padded laptop sleeve in detachable daypack
• Large capacity
• Lockable main compartment zips

Bonus: Osprey is among the world’s best backpack manufacturers. The Meridian is backed by a lifetime guarantee against defects in materials and workmanship.

Pricing + Availability

Available now in Metal Grey, Patina Green, or Rusted Red for $359.99 from eBags.com.

For the Traditional Traveler: ECBC Pegasus Wheeled Backpack

Travelers seeking a wheeled backpack with a more “traditional” look will find it in ECBC’s Pegasus Wheeled Backpack. On the surface, it appears to be a typical piece of luggage, but unzipping the rear panel reveals a hidden pair of backpack straps. The bag also features a FastPass system allowing you to unzip the electronics compartment, lay the bag flat on the security conveyer, and zip through TSA without unpacking your laptop, tablet, and cables.

Noteworthy features include:

• Self-repairing YKK zippers
• Fits up to 15″ laptop with removable insert to fit smaller devices
• iPad/tablet pocket with removable insert to fit smaller devices
• High density protective foam in laptop and tablet pockets
• Quick access / ticket pocket
• Zippered water bottle pocket
• Multiple organizational compartments
• Constructed with nearly indestructible, water-resistant kodra nylon

Bonus: The bag comes equipped with ECBC’s Portable Power Pack, a quick charge portable battery that’s powerful enough to charge your phone, tablet and other gadgets right in the bag.

Pricing + Availability

Available now in Black, Blue, Green, Linen, or Berry for $399.99 from eBags.com.

For the “In-between” Traveler: Eagle Creek Morphus 22

Somewhere between Osprey’s rugged Meredian pack and ECBC’s sophisticated wheeled Pegasus lies the Eagle Creek Morphus 22. The hybrid design features a retractable top handle, smooth rolling wheels, and multiple pockets and compartments for organization. It’s perhaps the most clever of the three featured here as the two bags combine into one another for easy storage and increased packing flexibility.

Noteworthy features (for the zip-off gear bag) include:

• Multiple carry options include Zip-away backpack straps, removable padded shoulder strap, and multiple grab handles
• Zip-away backpack straps with moisture-wicking 3D Air Mesh back panel, load lifter straps with sternum strap and safety whistle
• Exterior quick stash 3-1-1 pocket and front pocket provide organization
• Front pocket contains padded sleeve sized to fit most 15″ laptops and additional padded sleeve fits most tablets (22″ only)
• Self-repairing zippers with finger friendly zipper pulls
• Bottom “bathtub” construction resists water if the bag ends up in a puddle
• Built in durability: Bi-Tech™ fabrics for extreme abrasion and weather-resistance

Bonus: Eagle Creek’s “No-matter-what-policy” means if your luggage is ever damaged, they’ll repair or replace it free.

Pricing + Availability

Available now in Black or Stone Grey for $394.99 from eBags.com.