The Ebags company is the creator of various nifty travel gear items. In our experience, every Ebags product is well-thought-out and indispensable. We are always impressed by the care that was given to the design of their backpacks. We are particularly impressed with the mother lode Weekender backpacks.
The Mother Lode Weekender convertible backpacks have been touted by customers as being the best they have ever used for carry-on. The included features are so obviously useful that you would not believe other backpack manufacturers had never thought of them before.
The Weekender comes in 2 sizes. The Weekender convertible was initially released by itself. But by popular demand, the Weekender convertible Junior came along and offered a slightly smaller size.
Some people are wondering which of these convertible backpacks they should purchase. We have created our Ebags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible vs Junior comparison in order to clear up some of the confusion.
Ebags Mother Lode Weekender Convertible vs Junior
What Makes The Mother Lode Weekender Convertible Backpacks So Great
Before we get into the details about the difference between the regular lode Weekender and the junior backpack, we would like to cover the most important features that both have in common.
Unstructured suitcase:
What makes these backpacks convertible is the fact that you can stow away the shoulder straps. There is a pocket on the back panel in which you can stuff the shoulder straps. Once you stow away the shoulder straps, you can carry the backpack by the side handle just as you would with a suitcase. You can even check it in at airport.
Fits in the overhead compartment:
Both the normal version and the junior version of the Lode Weekender can be fit in the overhead compartment of an airplane.
Three grab handle locations:
In order to facilitate the transport of these backpacks, stair grab handles at the top, bottom, and sides. This is particularly useful once you have stowed away the shoulder straps.
External organizational pockets:
Where are some slash pockets of the top and front of these backpacks.
Front compartment:
Apart from the main compartment, there is a front compartment that has many organizational pockets. There is a spot for your cell phone, your pens, and your notebook. The front compartment lining can be extended to fit into the top pocket for more room.
External compression straps:
In order to ensure that your gear does not sloth around, you can secure it with the external compression straps when your bag is half empty.
Main compartment:
The main compartment is composed of two different sections. One section is enclosed by a zippered mesh. In the smash, you can store the items that you want to separate out from the rest of the compartment. The main compartment also has a separator that acts like a shelf to separate your gear.
Laptop sleeve:
For the security of your laptop, laptop sleeve is hidden. While laptop resides within the main compartment, it is only accessible through a separate zipper.
Two internal tie tapes:
There are two internal bungee cords inside the main compartment. This helps you keep your gear in place.
Hidden water bottle pocket:
Inside of a zippered pocket on the side of the backpack, there is a water bottle pocket. You can pull the water bottle pocket to expose it on the outside, then place the water bottle within it.
Ebags Mother Lode Weekender Convertible vs Junior Comparison
The only difference between the regular Weekender Convertible and the Junior is their size. As a result of popular demand, Ebags has the Lode Weekender Junior for those who are looking for something a bit smaller. The lode Weekender junior has all of the same features as the regular Weekender convertible. Here is a spec comparison of the two:
Mother Lode Weekender Convertible Specs:
- Main compartment: 21.5 H x 5.5 D x 13 to 14 W inches
- Front compartment: 21.5 H x 3 to 5 D x 13 to 14 W inches
- Maximum laptop size: 11.75 x 19 inches
Mother Lode Weekender Convertible Junior Specs:
- Main compartment: 19 H x 5.5 D x 13 to 14 W inches
- Front compartment: 19 H x 3 to 5 D x 13 to 14 W inches
- Maximum laptop size: 11.75 x 17.5 inches
Price Comparison
If you would like to compare the prices between the mother lode Weekender convertible and the convertible junior, please see below:
Ebags Mother Lode Weekender Convertible vs Junior: The Verdict
Choosing between the regular lode Weekender and the lode weekender Junior is simply a matter of choosing between the two sizes. It is great that the lode Weekender Junior is compatible with laptops up to 17.5 inches. As most laptops are not any larger than 17.5 inches, this makes choosing the smaller backpack less of an issue. Keep in mind that the regular convertible will fit into the overhead compartment, as well as the Lode Weekender Junior.
If you have any questions regarding these two backpacks, please leave a comment below.
What is the liter size for the larger size?
Do either of the bags come with hip belts to spread the weight?
Do both backpacks fit underneath the seats?