Last summer, Eagle Creek announced a new type of travel bag that was the first of its kind. A wheeled backpack where the bag could be removed from the frame and then the frame disassembled for storage. It would be called the Lync System and be available towards the end of the year. It would be available in four sizes–20, 22, 26 and 28. We were sent a 22″ version. The Eagle Creek Lync 22  measures 22″ x 14″ x 9″/56 x 36 x 23 cm and weighs a mere 4.9 lbs/2.07 kg. The bag without the frame weighs 1 lb, 14oz/o.85kg. Capacity is 2526 cu in/43L. It’s made of a combination of 200d and 450d nylon and polyester. (The measurements include wheels and handles.) The Lync arrives disassembled in its own stuff sack for storage. The bag has removable and storable backpack straps, #10 locking zippers, a large front pocket, a smaller zipper pocket on top for a 3-1-1 bag or smaller items, both internal and external compression straps, and a mesh pocket on the inside lid.  It has a locking, single pole telescoping handle.

Instructions are included on the stuff sack explaining how to put the bag together. To save yourself frustration, watch the video Eagle Creek made showing how to do it. The last two steps in assembling the bag are attaching the four straps you see in the photo to the left. It looked easy in the video. The top two were difficult. The bottom two downright ridiculous. They were very tight and it took a lot of strength, and tries, to get it done.  govinci backpack pinkWell over five minutes of trying when it should have taken seconds.  ftb backpack bugI searched the web, including this site’s forum, and it seems others have had the same problem. samsonite 2pc backpack and carry on setI’m hoping that over time, the straps loosen up.nirvana upcycled backpack

Once assembled, the bag handled well and rolled easily. The more time I spent with it, the more I liked it. But, there are a few negatives. When wearing it as a rolling backpack, I did slightly feel the telescoping handle in my back as there really isn’t much padding between you and the handle. For a short distance this isn’t bad. But for a long hike, it might get annoying. But then, who is taking this on a long hike with the frame attached? To store the backpack straps, they have to be completely removed. There are three attachment points and this takes time. There is a storage pocket for them in the rear. The frame itself is fine but I would be concerned checking it. It’s  somewhat pliable and does move a little. The bottom foot rest that keeps the bag from toppling over frontwards moves quite a bit. I’m concerned about rough handling if it has to be checked. (Not gate checked on regional airlines, I’m thinking of it having to go through an airport baggage system.)

Over time, we’ll hear if this is a problem. There is also a 20″ version: 2220 cu in/36L, 4 lbs 6 oz/1.98kg and measuring 20 x 14 x 8/51 x 36 x 20. Or that 8″ could be a 9. Eagle Creek told me it was 9″ but their website says 8.”  A big difference when it comes to carry-on regulations in certain parts of the world. (No 20″ bags were available for review, which I would have preferred, so I got a 22″) If anyone has the 20″ version and wants to measure it for us, let me know. Currently, the entire Lync line is only available at REI.  Starting May 1, it will be available at Eagle Creek retailers both online and in person. The big question is who is this bag for? If you like to travel very light but want the convenience of both wheels and backpack straps, or if you live in a tiny place with limited storage, or if you live in either Asia or Australia and have extremely low carry-on weight limits, you want to consider this bag. And don’t forget, once you get to your destination, you can remove the bag from its frame and use it as a day bag or a hiking bag.

You probably want to know if I will use it.  The answer is yes and no. The 22″ is too big for my needs. If the 20″ version turns out to have that 8″ depth, I’m going to go buy one. It’s lightweight, easy to handle, and gives me the option of rolling or carrying. With a bag that light, I’m sure to keep it down to carry-on limits. The Lync 22 retails for $260. The 20″ version is $5 less. It’s available in graphite, orange and blue.What do you need when you’re preparing to hit the skies? Good food and leg room? Think about something you can control. This is one of the broadest categories, as carry-ons need to cover travel, work, play and still fit in an overhead bin. Bags in this space generally fall into a business vibe, adventure vibe, or a relaxed weekender vibe, so it’s important to know what will resonate with you. We generally don’t dig hard cases for carry-on, as they don’t shape and squeeze into tight or slightly irregular spaces. Occassionally, we make exception though for those who don’t need too much versatility.

In this category, we’re seeing more personality and options than ever, which might make it tricky to pick a favorite. But go on, you know you want to… You have two votes to use as you will… Allocate your 1st choice with 2 points And your 2nd choice just with the 1 point. Note: any votes made over the allotted limit will be wiped from the voting tally. Rimowa Topas Stealth Cabin Trolley IATABecause you’ll look like The Boss. Small wheeled cases generally look a bit dorky, but this thing is Keyser Soze, secretly coordinating the world’s entire underground everything. It has more presence than a B-52. It doesn’t have to squeeze into spaces, as spaces will reshape themselves for this. Here’s a bag that asks for very few compromises from you. It looks good in almost any setting, it maximises your carry on space, it can swap between single strap or backpack carry, and it has pocketing for almost anything you’ll carry. While nominated last awards, the bag has been updated for faster conversion and more nailed details.

Timbuk2 Aviator Travel Backpack Half way between a business carry-on and an adventure travel pack, the Aviator uses flexible and sensible zones to help you organise your one bag travel. Straps can all tuck away for checking in, there’s a solid waist belt for helping with the load, a rain cover, and you have zones for shoes, tech, laptop and clothing. Tom Bihn Synapse 25 This is small capacity for a carry-on, which means it works better as an overnighter only, or a supplement to check in luggage. Great organising, excellent build quality, and incorporates the modular system for hanging laptops, tablets and tech. Who’s to argue with taking one of the most respected carry ons available (and last year’s Carry Awards winner), and stripping back the tactical thing for more subtlety. All the ruggedness of the GR2, but with a more minimalist vibe. Raising over $340K on a goal of $30k wasn’t a bad start for this Kickstarter launch, with a convertible carry-on that tries to always have you covered.

The patterning is sophisticated, the organising features are resolved and it sports a seam-sealed rain cover included as standard. This looks like a bag from a much more mature company than it is. Osprey Ozone Convertible 22“ Being able to swap between wheeling or carrying sounds awesome, but hybrid packs have generally suffered from being too heavy or awkward to bother with. The Ozone finally gets this equation right, through hard work and evolution. Weighing 6lbs (2.75kg) with its added zip-on backpack, this bag is light even when compared to pure wheeled cases. Refined pattern work, just enough features, and a convertible system that doesn’t need a rocket scientist, this is Osprey at their best. – VOTING HAS NOW CLOSED – There is loads of great carry-on getting around, as this is a category that people care about. Red Oxx has big fans, and awesome organizing, but for us the generic handles and fussy look just slide them out of the core group. The Arc’teryx Covert is an awesome bag for a specific set of needs.