Any good adventure requires the right gear. Whether you’re climbing, camping, skiing or just road tripping, you’ll need a way to contain and transport that gear. Personally, I know the rear of my SUV can get cluttered in a hurry if I’m not mindful of my organization during an outdoor excursion. So what is the solution? The timeless duffel bag, my friends! A trusty duffel will not only cache all your gear, it’ll help you schlep it around camp, around town, and even through the skies. I’ve been using the 90 liter version of the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler since early summer, and while this isn’t your grandpa’s duffel, it sure does get the job done.
Eagle Creek’s design process was simple: make a bomber cargo bag that is lightweight and functional. Here are some of the pivotal technical specs on the Cargo Hauler:
• Ultra-light weight (the 90L weighs in at 2lb 2 oz)
• Made with extra-durable, water repellent coated Bi-Tech Armor fabric for abrasion resistance
• Bartack reinforcement on all stress points for maximum schlepping
• Removable backpack straps, padded top haul handles, and side grab handle
• U-shaped lid for easy access to main compartment
• Sizeable, easy access zippered end pockets for gear organization
• Six heavy duty lash points for attaching bag to a roof rack
• Foam padded bottom to protect contents against impacts
Late spring means desert road trips for a lot of Utahns, and I am no exception. I loaded up the Cargo Hauler with my tent, sleeping bag/pad, stoves, fuel, shoes, boots, basically everything I thought I might need for a long weekend in the sun. The Eagle Creek bag got used and abused- slammed around between my other gear in the truck, then thrown onto harsh abrasive surfaces like sand and slick rock. No tears, no abrasions! I even left it outside overnight, and despite a drizzle, my items were nice and dry inside the bag.
I put the Cargo Hauler through the ringer for the entire summer. Any time I left the house for some outdoor fun, it came along for the ride. From desert car camping, to mountain bike excursions, and even a week-long road trip through California, the Eagle Creek duffel was my go-to load lugger. Even after especially dirty mountain trips, the only thing I needed to do was unpack it and wipe the dirt off with a wet rag. I even used it as my check-in luggage during a business trip to Seattle. The Cargo Hauler was tough enough to make it through the merciless hands of the baggage handlers without incident, and the bright orange colorway was a bold announcement that I had arrived at baggage claim. Outstanding!
I could find virtually no complaints to log with this bag. The foam padding on the bottom definitely helped protect my gear, it has three separate spaces for storage, and when it’s empty it folds up into a small square and weighs very little. The shoulder straps are great for when you have to walk a while (backpack style carrying is a nice feature), and the top haul handles make sliding it in and out of truck beds and cargo spaces easy. My only lament is that there is not a true duffel bag style carry strap, but hey, you can’t have it all I suppose. All things considered, I’ll take the Cargo Hauler as it is.
Overall, having one of these duffels (or even a few different sizes) available for your next trip is a no brainer. It doesn’t matter if you are headed to the hills, the sandy desert, or hopping a plane expedition-style, the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Duffel will readily swallow all your gear for years to come. I think even Grandpa would have to approve of this little gem.
The Good: Tough, water repellent fabric, useful design features, very light weight duffel bag.
The Bad: Nada
The Verdict: The Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler duffel not only packs your gear, but a features lot of tech that truly works. Shows no sign of breakdown after a full summer of serious abuse.