Thank you so much for this. I totally agree with your observations. I thought the same as you were going through the bag. Especially not having a shoulder strap if the backpack straps aren't sufficient. I will be looking at other bags. Thank you! All the best!
Great review. You hit the pros and cons very effectively. I would really love to add this bag to my collection, because of the material, warranty and build quality. However, this is just another flashy duffel with mediocre carry options. Without a true backpack style carry harness and padded hipbelt, no duffel will ever carry as well as a hiking pack. Unfortunately, there is no backpack that is as easily stowable and packable as a duffel, and which doesn't have dangling, tangling straps. So, it is a constant compromise choosing between a dedicated backpack which is designed to carry a load comfortably vs. duffel or travel packs which are easier to pack and stow, but which will never carry a load as well as a true backpack. So what to choose ? I find myself leaning more and more toward backpacks, though the duffel / travel pack fights for my attention ! Going up a flight of stairs, walking [or running] from long term parking to the terminal, on and off platforms, heading down another mile long terminal --- all made easier with a pack that is designed to ride on your back without flopping around or painfully tugging on your shoulders and neck. Of all the travel duffels -- in my opinion, OSPREY, which essentially created the travel duffel with its Porter series years ago, is the best choice for a duffel with decent backpack straps / carry option. There are other boutique companies out there in the bike messenger market that have some other portage options as well.
As someone who probably won't be using it as a backpack, I'm still considering it. I'm planning to use it primarily as a grocery-getter/gear bag that'll be strapped to the back of my motorcycle. I love how durable and weatherproof the materials seem---as a fellow Georgian, I'm sure you know how rainy it can get. :) My problem is that I'm having trouble choosing between this bag and the slightly-out-my-budget S Base Camp. Hm... Glad I found this channel! Your videos are extremely helpful in my search.
Hi MsRandomness! Lol, the rain has been crazy lately : ) I understand the struggle! The Base Camp S will give you a little more room, but the Transporter may fit better on a motorcycle. Tough decision because I highly recommend both bags. You do mention price, which it may come down to. I really think you can’t go wrong with either. Would love to hear which bag you decide on. Take care!
I haven't even considered the Transporter. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. I'll have to watch your video comparing this bag (the Migrate) and the Transporter. I'll let you know which of the three I end up with. Thanks!
I had to give the Transporter a plug, but 2 features of the Migrate I really like are the material and the price point. Had to try and muddy the waters a little more : )
Thanks for the review. I thought this bag looked promising just looking at it on Eagle Creek's website, but this helped me to decide to wait on it and stick with my XS Base Camp duffel instead.
@@ChrisU Definitely. I enjoy your videos. You definitely have found your niche on here, and your videos actually helped me to decide and get the Base Camp duffel, so thanks!
In my opinion Velcro can be a nightmare. Number one snagging and catching on clothes that you’re packing the bag or even wearing as well as eventually the Velcro becoming less affective because it’s nagging have so much because that makes it also unsightly. I liked all your pros and cons with the cons being a major factor though the build quality for the price point is something for some to consider.
Really great overview of the bag! I've been trying to decide between this and the new Cargo Hauler - would *love* to see you review that one! There's basically nothing on it on YT. They've changed quite a lot, it looks much sturdier and just generally better overall now. I've got a few gripes with the design (no shoulder strap, and no dedicated regular handle - it's got a velcro handle thing to bring the backpack straps together instead and, man, I am skeptical).
Hey FaerieDust! Thank you!!! I didn't realize EC updated the Cargo Hauler. I may just have to take a look and check it out, thanks for the info and idea! I love seeing companies update, hopefully for the better, their products. Thanks again!
I'm really disappointed with this duffel. I had high hopes for it. And was seriously thinking about buying one just because of the material. But, after your thorough review, there's no way. Wearing it in backpack mode won't work for me, especially the right side adjuster. What's up with that?😀 And those side wings look weird if your bag is full. I'll just keep using my 60L black hole duffel. You're one of the first to review this bag on you tube. Thanks👍
I totally agree! I was really excited to take a look at the bag and really liked it as soon as I pulled it out of the box. After taking a closer look, really disappointed overall. So much potential in the bag but in my opinion it really falls short. Yes, black hole duffel all the way : ) !
Thank you for the review. Why do these types of bags not also include an over-the-shoulder strap as well? I know that may seem redundant, but the over the shoulder strap would put it in a different position on your back…… Sometimes I do this when I am also carrying a laptop backpack. Do you know of any of these types of double bags that have the backpack straps but also I have an over the shoulder strap? Thank you.
Hi 2alphacpa! That’s a great question and one I have too. It only makes sense and would add another welcomed option to carry the bag. The Osprey Transporter duffels include the shoulder strap and some of the convertible travel backpacks like the eBags TLS mother lode weekenders and the similar Amazon bag. I highly recommend the Osprey Transporter if you’re in the market for a travel duffel. Take care!
I am not a fan of those wings at the end. It would have been just as easy to make a zip that went around three sides and opened the bag properly. But then the backpack straps would have to be different, like on the Cargo Hauler. How easy is it to thread the shoulder straps back into those slots? Is that maybe why the material of those shoulder straps is so stiff. I hadn't picked up on the compression strap biting into the top of your back - good point. And the way you have to set up the straps with one pull at the top and the other one at the bottom just makes the bag seem more effort than it is worth. I tried the 45L Cargo Hauler Duffel. I didn't like that while the main section was locatable, the end sections were not - and the divider material between the main section and the end pockets was thin and didn’t offer much protection to someone finding their way into the main section via the end pockets. They could have produced a refresh of the cargo hauler design with a mesh pocket for papers inside the lid, one simple main section and no end pockets - kept the backpack straps exactly as they were with the fitting type. Instead, the Migrate seems to be a step into a design where the design was invented by someone who wanted to try the idea but didn't think it through.
Hi David! Excellent points! I really wanted to like this bag more, especially at the price point. The wings are interesting and I'm also curious why they were included in the design. The backpack straps do stow away relatively easy and, like you mention, I'm guessing that's why they are on the stiff side. I like your idea of refreshing the Cargo Hauler. It would allow it to compete more closely to the Black Hole and Base Camps duffels. The Migrate has a lot of potential, so maybe we'll see some changes in the future. Thanks for sharing your ideas. Nice to know I'm not the only one thinking these things through : ) Take care!
Hi Mustafa! Unlike other duffels I’ve looked at, this one did not come packed inside itself or in a small carry bag/pouch. It will flatten pretty well, but the material is thick, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. So to answer your question, other bags like the EC Cargo Hauler pack down smaller but this one would be better suited to stay flattened/ compressed down. Hope that makes sense 🙂
Thank you so much for this. I totally agree with your observations. I thought the same as you were going through the bag. Especially not having a shoulder strap if the backpack straps aren't sufficient. I will be looking at other bags. Thank you! All the best!
Great review. You hit the pros and cons very effectively. I would really love to add this bag to my collection, because of the material, warranty and build quality. However, this is just another flashy duffel with mediocre carry options. Without a true backpack style carry harness and padded hipbelt, no duffel will ever carry as well as a hiking pack. Unfortunately, there is no backpack that is as easily stowable and packable as a duffel, and which doesn't have dangling, tangling straps. So, it is a constant compromise choosing between a dedicated backpack which is designed to carry a load comfortably vs. duffel or travel packs which are easier to pack and stow, but which will never carry a load as well as a true backpack.
So what to choose ? I find myself leaning more and more toward backpacks, though the duffel / travel pack fights for my attention ! Going up a flight of stairs, walking [or running] from long term parking to the terminal, on and off platforms, heading down another mile long terminal --- all made easier with a pack that is designed to ride on your back without flopping around or painfully tugging on your shoulders and neck.
Of all the travel duffels -- in my opinion, OSPREY, which essentially created the travel duffel with its Porter series years ago, is the best choice for a duffel with decent backpack straps / carry option.
There are other boutique companies out there in the bike messenger market that have some other portage options as well.
As someone who probably won't be using it as a backpack, I'm still considering it. I'm planning to use it primarily as a grocery-getter/gear bag that'll be strapped to the back of my motorcycle. I love how durable and weatherproof the materials seem---as a fellow Georgian, I'm sure you know how rainy it can get. :)
My problem is that I'm having trouble choosing between this bag and the slightly-out-my-budget S Base Camp. Hm...
Glad I found this channel! Your videos are extremely helpful in my search.
Hi MsRandomness! Lol, the rain has been crazy lately : ) I understand the struggle! The Base Camp S will give you a little more room, but the Transporter may fit better on a motorcycle. Tough decision because I highly recommend both bags. You do mention price, which it may come down to. I really think you can’t go wrong with either. Would love to hear which bag you decide on. Take care!
I haven't even considered the Transporter. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. I'll have to watch your video comparing this bag (the Migrate) and the Transporter. I'll let you know which of the three I end up with. Thanks!
I had to give the Transporter a plug, but 2 features of the Migrate I really like are the material and the price point. Had to try and muddy the waters a little more : )
Thanks for the review. I thought this bag looked promising just looking at it on Eagle Creek's website, but this helped me to decide to wait on it and stick with my XS Base Camp duffel instead.
Hi Jacob! A lot of potential in the bag, but I'm with you. I think I'm sticking to what I have, at least for now! Take care!
@@ChrisU Definitely. I enjoy your videos. You definitely have found your niche on here, and your videos actually helped me to decide and get the Base Camp duffel, so thanks!
Thanks Jacob! I really appreciate it. That's awesome, love the Base Camp duffels!
In my opinion Velcro can be a nightmare. Number one snagging and catching on clothes that you’re packing the bag or even wearing as well as eventually the Velcro becoming less affective because it’s nagging have so much because that makes it also unsightly. I liked all your pros and cons with the cons being a major factor though the build quality for the price point is something for some to consider.
Really great overview of the bag! I've been trying to decide between this and the new Cargo Hauler - would *love* to see you review that one! There's basically nothing on it on YT. They've changed quite a lot, it looks much sturdier and just generally better overall now. I've got a few gripes with the design (no shoulder strap, and no dedicated regular handle - it's got a velcro handle thing to bring the backpack straps together instead and, man, I am skeptical).
Hey FaerieDust! Thank you!!! I didn't realize EC updated the Cargo Hauler. I may just have to take a look and check it out, thanks for the info and idea! I love seeing companies update, hopefully for the better, their products. Thanks again!
@@ChrisU The update is pretty new - I haven't seen much talk about it at all yet! It looks so, so much better than the old one imo!
I'm really disappointed with this duffel. I had high hopes for it. And was seriously thinking about buying one just because of the material.
But, after your thorough review, there's no way. Wearing it in backpack mode won't work for me, especially the right side adjuster. What's up with that?😀
And those side wings look weird if your bag is full.
I'll just keep using my 60L black hole duffel.
You're one of the first to review this bag on you tube. Thanks👍
I totally agree! I was really excited to take a look at the bag and really liked it as soon as I pulled it out of the box. After taking a closer look, really disappointed overall. So much potential in the bag but in my opinion it really falls short. Yes, black hole duffel all the way : ) !
Thank you for the review. Why do these types of bags not also include an over-the-shoulder strap as well? I know that may seem redundant, but the over the shoulder strap would put it in a different position on your back…… Sometimes I do this when I am also carrying a laptop backpack. Do you know of any of these types of double bags that have the backpack straps but also I have an over the shoulder strap? Thank you.
Hi 2alphacpa! That’s a great question and one I have too. It only makes sense and would add another welcomed option to carry the bag. The Osprey Transporter duffels include the shoulder strap and some of the convertible travel backpacks like the eBags TLS mother lode weekenders and the similar Amazon bag. I highly recommend the Osprey Transporter if you’re in the market for a travel duffel. Take care!
I am not a fan of those wings at the end. It would have been just as easy to make a zip that went around three sides and opened the bag properly. But then the backpack straps would have to be different, like on the Cargo Hauler.
How easy is it to thread the shoulder straps back into those slots? Is that maybe why the material of those shoulder straps is so stiff. I hadn't picked up on the compression strap biting into the top of your back - good point. And the way you have to set up the straps with one pull at the top and the other one at the bottom just makes the bag seem more effort than it is worth.
I tried the 45L Cargo Hauler Duffel. I didn't like that while the main section was locatable, the end sections were not - and the divider material between the main section and the end pockets was thin and didn’t offer much protection to someone finding their way into the main section via the end pockets.
They could have produced a refresh of the cargo hauler design with a mesh pocket for papers inside the lid, one simple main section and no end pockets - kept the backpack straps exactly as they were with the fitting type. Instead, the Migrate seems to be a step into a design where the design was invented by someone who wanted to try the idea but didn't think it through.
Hi David! Excellent points! I really wanted to like this bag more, especially at the price point. The wings are interesting and I'm also curious why they were included in the design. The backpack straps do stow away relatively easy and, like you mention, I'm guessing that's why they are on the stiff side. I like your idea of refreshing the Cargo Hauler. It would allow it to compete more closely to the Black Hole and Base Camps duffels. The Migrate has a lot of potential, so maybe we'll see some changes in the future. Thanks for sharing your ideas. Nice to know I'm not the only one thinking these things through : ) Take care!
Would this make a good gym bag?
Hey Laser Sharp! I think this would work great for a gym bag. Should be nice space for clothes, shoes, etc. Take care!
how small does it pack down to?
Hi Mustafa! Unlike other duffels I’ve looked at, this one did not come packed inside itself or in a small carry bag/pouch. It will flatten pretty well, but the material is thick, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. So to answer your question, other bags like the EC Cargo Hauler pack down smaller but this one would be better suited to stay flattened/ compressed down. Hope that makes sense 🙂
@@ChrisU thanks for review and reply. yep I guess this won't work for me.
As a duffel it looks good; as a backpack not so much.
Exactly! 🙂