Has anyone had a chance to see this bag in person? It looks like it has lots of great features and it's under 2 lbs. .

http://shop.eaglecreek.com/digi-hauler-backpack/d/1241_c_111

I haven't seen this bag, however I do have the Eagle Creek Conor backpack and like it a lot. Backpack, sternum and waist straps are all very good. This one is actually lighter than mine. Looks like a winner to me!

It looks like it's available on Zappos, who offers free shipping both ways. I'd suggest ordering from them and trying it out. Keep us posted!

I think I'll put it on my Christmas list! Hopefully it will be available in Canada soon; free shipping in the US never applies to us, unfortunately. I currently have an MEI Executive Overnighter, but I've never really liked the multiple compartments.

Wendy,

Did you get the bag from Santa? I've been thinking about getting one to replace my circa 2008 Rick Steve's convertible, mainly for the better compression strap design and the slightly lighter weight.

I'll try to find one locally this weekend if I have time.

No, Santa brought me wonderful things, but unfortunately not the backpack. My husband doesn't seem to understand my bag obsession. I'm hoping it will show up at one of my local stores soon so I can check it out.

I saw it at my local REI and thought it would be a good competitor to the eBags TLS Weekender (which I own) or LL Bean Quickload (based on photos). It also has an expandable zipped drink pocket/sleeve that would be underside of the bag if you chose to use the shoulder strap.

Not sure if the padding on the shoulder straps is enough when the bag is fully loaded or if the non-mesh back would really work in a humid area.

I saw it at REI as well. Typical Eagle Creek, very well made, seemed very sturdy. I compared it next to the new Osprey Porter 46 (I use the 2011 model now) which REI had in stock and it seemed about the same carry capacity. I liked the pockets and well thought out ergonomics but the straps didn't seem as solid or as comfortable as the new Osprey.

I didn't think about the back being non-mesh, which I do love about my Osprey. But, then my second bag is an eBags eTech convertible, which I use on extended trips, and it isn't mesh either.

I guess I came away liking the bag, but not thinking it was significantly better than a number of other bags already on the market.

I have narrowed down my selection to the Osprey Porter 46, their Farpoint 40 and the Eagle Creek Digi Hauler.
The latter seems to have the best zippers available, while I haven't found any info about the zipper quality on the ones from Osprey.
Is the padding on the shoulder straps of the Ospreys better than those of the Digi Hauler?
And how do the back panels compare, and the overall comfort of carrying them longer distances?

Many thanks in advance!

I ordered the Digi Hauler from REI.com since I couldn't find one locally to examine. I liked the design of the pockets and external compression straps a lot. However I had a couple of issues with other design features.

The backpack straps attach to the waist belt not to the pack itself so you can't use the backpack straps unless you have the waist belt out either in use or just dangling. The main problem I had is that when the pack is loaded, it is difficult to put the backpack straps away to use with a shoulder strap. My other convertibles have a zipper that extends across the top of the pack but the Digi Hauler has a narrow slit for each strap.

Overall, the construction of the bag was good as far as stitching, etc. goes. The backpack straps were ok but not great.

I'll be returning the bag to my local REI this weekend. Too bad, as I really wanted to like the bag.

I just got back from REI and I hate admit it, but I was underwhelmed by the EC Digi-Hauler. To me, it seemed like a better made and more stylish OPEC/Campmor bag. Of course, if that is what you are looking for, this bag is it. But, it will still have the same problems as the OPEC bag, e.g. bulging, weight distribution, etc. and like Frank T above, I wasn't ecstatic about the backpack straps. Since I have the OPEC bag, I'm not going to upgrade, because it is not a big enough upgrade for me.

I'm trying to convince the manager to order the EC Adventure Weekender, so I can check it out free of charge.

By the way, Patagonia has a line of loafers that are incredibly light and will suffice for Friday business casual for those types of travelers of which I am one.

I ordered the EC Digi Hauler along with the Osprey Porter 46 on approval from Zappos. I really liked the bag, it has plenty of useful outside pockets but I didn't like the shoulder and waist straps. The real deal breaker was that the carrying handles were not sturdy and cut into my hand.

I also tried the Osprey Porter which had more room than the Digi Hauler. The handles were comfortable and it is very well made. It has gotten many positive reviews. The deal breaker on this one was it had only one very small outside pocket. Let's face it, we all need an outside pocket or two.

I did find a suitable bag but it is on wheels. It's also made by Osprey, the Shuttle 22, and is nearly identical to the Porter 46 with the exception of having a back pocket and 3 small pockets on the front, 2 zippered inner pockets and the wheels. Osprey bags are well made and they have several other models with backpack straps.