Velcro name tape with 5.11 logo
Just prior to SHOT Show, I grabbed 5.11 Tactical’s new carry on the Load Up 22”. This has been a great carry on for the last several flights and even a couple road trips. I have fit 3-6 days worth of clothes in it and I am on my way. It’s been a good travel bag with built in “packing cubes” and a laptop sleeve. The family has several small roller carry on and similar checked bags that we use for both travel in the states and overseas. Sometimes we will swap out the carry on for backpacks depending on the trip. The backpacks are for times when we think we will be moving around a lot before we get to the hotel or AirBnB. If we know we are going straight to the lodging we like to run the roller bags for convenience. This bag meets that convenience and looks good too.
The Load Up meets the US size for carry-on at 22”x14”x9” including the wheels and handle; it does have a 2” expansion capability when you buy a couple of souvenirs on your trip. It comes in just under 46L of capacity (55L when expanded) and weighs only 6.6 lbs and a expanding handle that is tall enough to drag through the airport or streets of your next destination. There are built-in carrying handles and three of the edges when you are moving it without the wheels. They are a little tight if you have bigger hands. The back of the bag and around the wheels is reinforced with impact resistant polycarbonate. The top is water resistant for those times it gets left out on the tarmac a little longer than it should. There is both a business card slot and a Velcro name tape panel for identification. The Velcro has the 5.11 logo “branded” in and the always ready cross is formed into the polycarbonate back/bottom.
The bag is broken up into three compartments. The top has a built-in padded laptop sleeve big enough to fit at least a 16” and a zippered sleeve to keep documents or other important items. The middle compartment is a divided mesh layer with a removable divider and access from either the top or bottom compartment with two-way zippers. There is a honeycomb frame design to maintain the shape. The bottom compartment is your main compartment with an internal compression strap. This is the compartment that gets expanded 2” when needed. The zippers from both the top and bottom compartment are lockable for added security, they are close enough to secure with one TSA lock if its the cable type. I chose the green version but there is also a volcanic (darker) gray one as well. Either one still has a clean modern look to it.
Final Thoughts: This is a very functional travel bag capable of sustaining you for a week if you are a simple traveler and a weekend if you are a clothes hog. With the laptop sleeve and built in mesh compartment you can easily keep your stuff organized and easy to access. Aside from the minimal 5.11 branding, this bag should blend in with all the other well traveled Americans.
By the numbers:
Comfort – 4.5/5 All I have to go on for comfort is the lightweight and the fact that the drag handle is long enough that you don’t have to bend over. The 3 other grab handles are a little slim if you have bigger hands.
Durability – 4.5/5 So far the polycarbonate shrouds for the wheels and the whole back/bottom of the bag are looking like they will hold up. The top is water-resistant so the exterior should be able to outlast the baggage handlers.
Functionality – 5/5 This bag is built with function in mind. The built-in packing cubes with access from both sides is probably the biggest feature. The ability to expand 2”, secure the zippers and safely store your laptop are winners too.
Weight – 5/5 This bag comes in a little lighter than bags that are smaller capacity. Can’t beat that.
Value – 5/5 Even with the $200 price tag, this comes in on the low end of well designed luggage and well below the big name luggage companies. I believe it will last just as long and well worth the money.
Overall rating – 4.8/5 This is an affordable bag with built in function made for travel, that will last for many trips. Let’s go.
I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer via Spotter Up so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based on my personal experience with the product.
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