Gear Review: Eagle Creek Tour Travel Pack 40L
Throughout the spring I’ve been traveling with the Eagle Creek Tour Travel Pack 40L, a distinctive and cavernous backpack that I hoped would be the solution to my carry-on struggles. Overall, I found it to be a versatile and smartly designed backpack — but like anything, there were a few things I loved and a few quirks that didn’t totally work for me.
What I Liked
Spacious Main Compartment — The 40L size gives you room to play with, especially if you're trying to travel with just one bag. The main compartment is completely open, which I really liked because it gives you flexibility. I highly recommend using packing cubes to make the most of it — they kept me organized and made it easy to grab what I needed without turning the whole bag inside out.
Front Duffel-Style Compartment — This is a nice touch for storing things like shoes, jackets, or any bulkier items you need quick access to. The buckle and water-resistant zipper add some security, and I liked how easy it was to open. Just a heads-up: if your items shift too much, it can be tough to zip back up and re-buckle — that got a little frustrating.
Laptop/Tablet Storage — There’s a dedicated laptop sleeve that fits up to a 15-inch laptop, plus a couple of useful interior pockets — one for a tablet or notebook, one for a glasses case, and even a mesh pocket with a key clip (which saved me from digging for my keys later). This part felt really well thought out.
Comfortable Carry — The padded shoulder straps and breathable back panel made it super comfortable to carry. I also appreciated the adjustable harness system — the Velcro adjustment based on your height is a nice touch, though it took a second to figure out. Once I got the straps dialed in and cinched the waistbelt properly, the bag rode comfortably on my hips even when loaded down.
Multiple Carry Options — I loved that I could carry it like a suitcase using the side handle — perfect when I didn’t feel like slinging it over my back. The top grab handle even doubles as a trolley sleeve, which was great when I paired it with a rolling suitcase.
Durability & Materials — The bag feels tough. It’s made with recycled ripstop nylon and 1000D twill polyester, and all the handles feel super solid. I never worried about anything ripping or breaking, even when yanking it in and out of cars.
Not Everything is Perfect
Lack of Internal Organization in Some Areas — While I liked the open layout for flexibility, it also meant things could get jumbled quickly. The front compartment especially — no dividers or structure in there, so again, packing cubes or pouches are a must. Without them, it feels a bit like a black hole.
Confusing Strap Storage System — It took me a whole trip to realize how the zippered flap works to stow away the backpack straps and waistbelt. It’s a cool idea once you know it’s there, but not exactly intuitive. A quick-glance diagram in the tag would’ve saved me some hassle.
Awkward When Overstuffed — The front buckle closure can be tough to re-clip if the bag’s too full or if your items have shifted. That made repacking kind of annoying on the go — definitely something to keep in mind if you like to pack every square inch.
Final Thoughts
The Eagle Creek Tour Travel Pack 40L really shines when it’s packed intentionally. It’s adaptable, sturdy, and comfortable, with a thoughtful design — especially if you’re a fan of one-bag travel. Just be ready to use some accessories like packing cubes and organizers to get the most out of it. With a few tweaks to internal organization and some clearer guidance on features like strap storage, this bag would be just about perfect for me.
Would I use it again? Absolutely. But now I know how to pack it smarter — and what to expect.
