Eagle Creek Gear Warrior XE Carry-On Luggage Review

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Traveling frequently demands a reliable and versatile piece of luggage, and the Eagle Creek Gear Warrior XE 2-Wheel Convertible Carry-On Luggage meets that need with style and functionality. Priced at $429.00, this luggage comes in four appealing colors: Black, Sand Dune, Blue Jay, and Sequoia. After using this carry-on bag for a month, I am excited to share a review of its features, benefits, and some areas for improvement.

Versatile Carry Modes

One of the standout features of the Gear Warrior XE is its versatility in carry modes. Whether you need to pull it by hand, carry it on your back, or secure it to a cargo basket, this bag adapts to your needs. The backpack conversion is particularly handy for navigating through airports, cobblestone streets, or hiking trails. The zip-away straps with load adjusters, adjustable sternum strap, and hip belt make transitioning from wheeled luggage to a comfortable backpack seamless.

Backpack Conversion Process

Converting the bag into a backpack is straightforward. You unzip the back compartment to reveal the shoulder and waist straps. The shoulder straps clip onto built-in loops, and the waist strap wraps around the bottom, securing with Velcro. This design also keeps the open part of the back compartment out of the way. Each shoulder strap has two adjustment points for a customized fit, and there is a strap that connects the shoulder straps across the chest, which is also adjustable. The padding on the shoulder straps, waist strap, and back provides adequate comfort for a bag of this size.

Storage and Organization

The Gear Warrior XE excels in storage and organization. With a variety of pockets and compartments, it helps keep your belongings organized and easily accessible.

Exterior Access Wet/Dry Pocket

This pocket is perfect for holding a water bottle or wet items separately from the rest of your belongings. It’s especially useful when you need to keep certain items dry, such as electronics or important documents.

Interior Drop-In Laptop Sleeve

Inside the bag, a drop-in laptop sleeve keeps your electronics safe and easily accessible. The sleeve is well-padded, providing ample protection for your laptop or tablet during travel.

Compression Straps

Both the interior and exterior compression straps help shrink bulky contents, making it easier to pack efficiently. These straps are particularly useful when you need to fit more items into the bag without compromising its shape or balance.

Zip-Away Cargo Net

The zip-away cargo net is a versatile addition. It provides extra storage on the go, ideal for transporting bulky gear like a helmet or quickly stashing away a jacket. The net can be neatly tucked away when not in use, maintaining the bag’s sleek profile.

Durability and Materials

Durability is a key feature of the Gear Warrior XE. It is constructed from 100% recycled 600D Polyester Dobby, making it both robust and eco-friendly. The bag features Hypalon-reinforced corners and a kickplate, ensuring it can withstand rough handling and rugged terrain. The impact-resistant handle system adds to its durability, and the heavy-duty wheels roll smoothly over uneven surfaces and stairs.

Weather Resistance

The bag offers good weather resistance, essential for frequent travelers. The material keeps your belongings dry during typical airport travel. However, water can enter through the expandable handle, so be mindful of this in heavy rain.

External Dimensions and Capacity

The Gear Warrior XE has a standard size of 22 x 14 x 10 inches (55 x 35 x 26 cm) and an expanded size of 22 x 14 x 12 inches (55 x 35 x 30 cm). This expansion provides an additional 20 liters of space, increasing the internal capacity from 40 liters to 60 liters. Despite its generous size, the bag weighs a reasonable 8 pounds (3629 grams).

Usability and Comfort

Handles and Straps

The bag features multiple grab handles, making it easy to lift and maneuver. There are five handles in total: two on the front, one on the bottom, one on the left side, and one on the top. This abundance of handles ensures that you can always find a convenient way to pick up the bag.

Backpack Conversion

Converting the Gear Warrior XE into a backpack is straightforward. The shoulder straps clip onto built-in loops, and the waist strap secures with Velcro. The padding on the shoulder straps, waist strap, and back is adequate for a personal bag of this size, providing comfort even during extended wear.

Pockets and Compartments

Left Side Pocket

The left side of the bag features a thin, elongated pocket that is perfect for storing slim items such as documents, boarding passes, passports, and travel itineraries. This pocket is easily accessible, making it convenient to retrieve important papers quickly without having to rummage through the main compartment. It’s designed with the frequent traveler in mind, ensuring that essential documents are always within reach. Additionally, the pocket is deep enough to securely hold multiple items, and its discreet location provides an extra layer of security for your valuable papers. This pocket is also useful for other flat items like magazines, brochures, or even a small notebook, making it a versatile storage option for your travels.

Right Side Pocket

The right side features a waterproof pocket that opens into the main compartment. This pocket is incredibly useful for storing dirty or wet clothes, such as swimsuits, gym clothes, or damp towels, keeping them separate from the rest of your belongings. While it does take away some space from the main compartment, it offers a convenient solution for items that need isolation. However, it’s not large enough to fit bigger items like my size 12 shoes, which were too bulky to fit inside. Interestingly, my wife’s shoes, specifically her size 9W Birkenstocks, did fit into the pocket, albeit snugly. This demonstrates the pocket’s capacity to handle medium-sized items, but it’s best suited for smaller wet items or garments that need to stay separate from dry clothing.

Front Pocket

At the front, there’s a small pocket at the bottom that contains the zip-away cargo net. This pocket cannot be closed when the net is in use, but the net itself is a practical feature for holding a jacket or helmet.

Main Compartment

The main compartment of the Gear Warrior XE offers ample space to pack a substantial amount of items. For my recent three-day trip, I easily fit all my essentials inside. I typically pack light, but I was able to include a pair of jeans, two pairs of shorts, three shirts, three pairs of underwear, and three pairs of socks without any trouble. Additionally, there was enough room to add a lightweight jacket and a toiletry kit. The compartment’s design allows for efficient organization, and the interior compression straps help keep everything securely in place, reducing bulkiness and maximizing space. Given the available room and the option to expand the bag, I believe it would comfortably accommodate enough clothes and gear for a seven-day trip. The compartment’s versatility and spaciousness make it an ideal choice for both short getaways and longer vacations.

Additional Features of the Eagle Creek Gear Warrior XE

ID Pocket and Adjustable Straps

The bag includes an ID pocket with a card on the back, as well as four adjustable straps for cinching down and keeping the bag tidy.

Wheels and Foot Rest

The two wheels, each measuring 3.5 inches in diameter, allow the bag to roll easily over rough ground. The footrests keep the bag upright when packed, preventing it from tipping over.

Retractable Handle

The retractable handle at the top of the bag is easy to use and allows for comfortable pulling. There is also a zipper that lets you expand the bag from 40 liters to 60 liters, offering additional packing space.

Best Applications

The Gear Warrior is best suited for airline travel, thanks to its robust construction and organizational features. The large wheels and multiple pockets make it easy to navigate through airports and keep your belongings organized. While it isn’t the most rugged bag available, it is durable enough to withstand the rigors of frequent travel and will likely outlast many other bags at the airport.

Conclusion

The Eagle Creek Gear Warrior XE 2-Wheel Convertible Carry-On Luggage is a versatile and durable option for travelers. Its thoughtful design includes multiple carry modes, a zip-away cargo net, and numerous pockets for organization. The durable materials and weather resistance make it suitable for various travel conditions.

The bag’s robust design and quality construction ensure longevity. The large wheels and sturdy handles make it easy to maneuver, even on rough terrain. This carry-on is ideal for airline travel and will outlast many other bags you see on the bag carousel at the airport. To learn more about the Eagle Creek Gear Warrior XE 2-Wheel Convertible Carry-On Luggage or explore other options, visit www.rei.com or www.amazon.com.