Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I wanted the perfect carry on travel backpack for my two week Europe trip this summer, and I spent a lot of time researching the options. After a lot of time, I narrowed it down to the Tortuga, the TLS Motherlode Weekender, and the Osprey Porter 46. Why I chose the Osprey: even though it wasn’t the largest of the three, it was still large, had good back support, good construction (see specifics below), it wasn’t horribly expensive, and it looked sharp. There is also the added bonus that you can attach a daypack to the front so you don’t have to carry two bags. I practiced packing in it with packing cubes for a 2 week trip and it was amazing. I fit so much in it. What mattered to me, in order of importance: -the most space possible in a carry on TLS Motherlode 3299 cu. in. Osprey Porter 2772 cu. in. Tortuga 2,685 cu. in. - hip straps to distribute weight to hips – The Osprey has real hiking bag straps, but the Tortuga’s straps have pockets, so this one was a little harder. The TLS just had a thin strap that won’t really do much, so it really lost there. -not hard on my back: The Osprey won this one hands down. They have a great reputation of making bags that are good for your back. And since I was in two car accidents last year, this one is kind of a big deal. All three options had all of the following things that mattered: -front opening zip like a suitcase -lockable zippers -compression straps/expansion zipper -at least one or two external pockets - durable: Or at least they better be, I don’t want to spend money on crappy luggage. Nice to haves - convertible to shoulder bag – Tortuga lose here. They all have stashable straps, but there is no over shoulder strap. The Osprey you have to buy it separately but it’s still an option. - Ripstop Nylon – TLS Motherlode loses this one. - organization inside – TLS Motherlode really wins this one. A lot. There are pockets and dividers all over inside that bag. It’s crazy! - not ugly – The Tortuga is ugly. It just is. The Motherlode is basic, it looks like a backpack, but it comes in five colors. I didn’t love the Osprey at first, but it grew on me. And I liked the red a lot. - not horribly expensive – Tortuga lost. It’s two hundred dollars. The other two are about the same, between 100 and 130. **Travel Cubes pictures are included in link, that review includes a full list of what I packed in the bag. 6 Sets Packing Cubes Travel Luggage Packing Organizers Compression Pouches(Blue) http://smile.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R14JQW8NJZW1RI/ref=cm_cr_getr_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B01D4UVDXU Post-trip update: The Osprey served me well. I fit SO much in it. Everything on my packing list, plus some extras, and more souvenirs than I thought. I checked it on the way home, and because I could stow the straps, the airline could check it normally instead of doing something special with it like they usually do with backpacks. Also, the little straps to help lift the shoulder straps (forgive my lack of technical backpacking lingo) helped a ton in addition to the hip belt. Also, I saw someone with a Motherlode in the airport, and it was much prettier online than in person. (But I could be biased)