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Where to buy Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 60:
Amazon
The Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Duffel bag is a pretty robust backpack-capable duffle. Built with durable Bi-Tech™ Armor Lite fabric, it has water-resistant qualities that should keep water out during heavy rains for short periods of time.
Its spacious main compartment accommodates gear, clothing, and essentials, complemented by zippered end pockets for organized storage. Offering versatile carrying options—padded backpack straps, top handles, and side grab handles—this duffel ensures easy maneuverability.
There are lockable zippers for enhanced security when traveling and it conveniently packs into its own front-end zippered compartment for compact storage.
We were satisfied after testing the 60-liter version for camping and weekend trips. It’s also available in 40- and 90-liter options.
Things we like:
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This bag is ultra-lightweight and won’t add extra weight to your bag once you start packing. -
The durable, water-resistant fabric is great for all outdoor adventures
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With its large capacity, you can pack everything you need and leave space for souvenirs
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A removable middle divider for better organization
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It folds up into its own side pocket for easy storage
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Shoulder straps connect for sling carrying
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Lockable main zipper
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It can compress for carry-on size on most airlines
Things we don't like:
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Lesser quality zippers (mitigated by lifetime warranty)
Where to buy Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 60:
Amazon
Review
Eagle Creek’s 60L Cargo Hauler is an innovative duffel for all your gear. What stands out most from this duffel compared to others we have reviewed is the internal, mesh divider. This is such an important feature since it helps you to keep your internal items separated and organized.
This lightweight, versatile duffel comes with three easy ways to carry giving you the freedom to choose what makes you comfortable: as a backpack, using one of the four handles, or as a sling over the shoulder when the straps are buttoned together.
It also comes with six lash points that allow you to strap your duffle to a bike or a roof ideal for a traveler on the move. The U-shaped zipper gives you easy access while the foam padded bottom protects all your belongings against impact.
The Cargo Hauler Duffel is designed by keeping all four seasons in mind. In addition to the water-resistant material is the storm flap shields that protect the zippers from water seeping through.
- Best Suited For: Hiking, Day Trips, Camping, Weekend trips
- Material: 600D TPU, 1000D Helix™ Poly Twill
- Volume: 60L
- Dimensions: 26.75 x 10.25 x 13.5 inches
- Weight: 2.3 pounds
Construction
All material used in the Cargo Hauler Duffel bag comes with a lifetime guarantee. Eagle Creek calls it their “whatever guarantee”, meaning whatever happens to this product, they’ll service or replace it. But it’s robust construction minimizes this.
It’s designed with a water-resistant PU coated 600 denier polyester and a hexagon pattern printed on the exterior. It’s not as rugged as the similar Osprey Transporter 60L, but it has held up nicely after a few camping trips with no worse for wear.
Eagle Creek used their own branded zippers on the three compartments however only the main compartment zipper comes with a rain flap to help keep out water, relying instead on the seams for water repellency.
Speaking of the zippers, Eagle Creek’s sourced these somewhere other than the Toshida factory (of YKK quality), which might be inferior, but by no means is bad. The lifetime warranty negates this downside too.
This is definitely a minimalistic duffel and it shows in the backpack straps. The slightly padded straps come without a sternum strap and hip belt–not uncommon for duffel backpacks. These straps are comfortable but have no back padding, mesh ventilation, and weight distribution. Due to this, it’s comfortable for short trips but not to walk around all day.
To return your backpack to duffle mode simply unfasten the carabiner-style clips at the bottom of the shoulder straps and store them inside the zippered compartment.
Eagle Creek removed the longer hand straps that fasten together over the main compartment on most duffel bags, opting to use the shoulder straps to connect together instead. That prevents getting your arms entangled when putting this duffel on your back.
The backpack straps can be used for shorter half-day trips, but this isn’t a bag you are going to want to carry around on your back all day if you’re hauling more than 20 lbs.
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Storage
Most duffel bags don’t come with external pockets. That’s where Eagle Creek stepped up and created two large side compartments on the Cargo Hauler. They are large enough to store smaller items or to keep your shoes separate from your clothes.
One of the side pockets is also reversible. The whole bag easily (surprisingly so) rolls up and fits into the pocket for compact storage.
When it comes to carrying a water bottle we suggest a collapsible water bottle or storing your water bottle in the main compartment. The interior is one large duffel compartment, with no further pockets.
The main compartment features a net that divides the main compartment into two separate areas. This helps you organize the inside of your duffel by keeping gear and clothes separate. If you need more space you can easily expand the center compartment into one of the side pockets.
Do we recommend it?
Yes. If you prioritize space, durability, and affordable pricing this bag is for you. It’s the ideal duffel bag you can use for day trips, a weekend away, a gym bag, or for camping. However this bag was not designed nor is it comfortable enough to carry around for hours on end, this might not be for you.
Extremely lightweight, smart-features, and space-efficient are probably the words I would use to describe this duffel. The lightness of this bag and packable straps make this bag incredibly versatile. The additional pockets on the side, mesh divider, and option to open up the internal storage into the side pockets are a smart design from Eagle Creek’s side.
This duffel is ideal for all outdoor enthusiasts who are looking for a durable, lightweight duffel on a budget.
Things we like:
-
This bag is ultra-lightweight and won’t add extra weight to your bag once you start packing.
-
The durable, water-resistant fabric is great for all outdoor adventures
-
With its large capacity, you can pack everything you need and leave space for souvenirs
-
A removable middle divider for better organization
-
It folds up into its own side pocket for easy storage
-
Shoulder straps connect for sling carrying
-
Lockable main zipper
-
It can compress for carry-on size on most airlines
Things we don't like:
-
Lesser quality zippers (mitigated by lifetime warranty)
Frequently asked questions
Definitely! A duffel bag is mainly one large compartment ideal to move extra gear, water bottles, and a towel to and from the gym.
A duffel bag is similar to a kit bag. It’s a large bag with an open structure and lack of rigidity. This makes it adaptable and easy to carry sports gear or bulky objects.
Both spellings are correct but after the second world war, the preferred spelling is duffel. Read more about duffel bags and find the best one for your needs here.
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Comments
Is the 60L okay for a carry on luggage
Hi Bob. You can get away with this as a carry-on for the overhead compartment if the bag is not filled to capacity. BUT it is a bit of Russian Roulette with airlines, as THE ACTUAL DIMENSIONS OF THIS BAG IS TOO BIG and some airlines might not let you on. The problem is the length with a bit less than 4-inches to long–hence the need for space to stuff in the compartment. I’ve gotten away with it using a North Face duffel of the same size that wasn’t filled up, but there’s a risk if the plane is fully booked and you’re under scrutiny for your baggage. Check out this reference for sizes by airlines.
Sure. Is that a thing?
PS – Your top 2 photos (and the little thumbnail) are of the OLD version of the Cargo Hauler that was discontinued 3 years ago. The 3rd photo appears to be the current version.
Howdy Quaker. It’s the same bag in all images. Still use it from time to time and it’s still available. It might not be produced anymore, but it’s still for sale.
I compared this duffel to more than a dozen others from the likes of Patagonia, Thule, REI, Osprey, The North Face, Sea to Summit, and more. I settled on the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler because it simply checked every box without any glaring faults, and it does this while being among the lightest weight duffels in its class.
It’s worth noting that while this bag has “60” in the name, it’s actually 63L.
Of course, everybody’s criteria are different:
For me, the 4 grab handles on all sides were a must. If that’s not important to you, you might like the Thule Chasm better.
For me, external compression straps were a must. If that’s not important to you, you might like the Osprey Transporter better.
For me, lightweight was important. If that’s less important to you, you might like the Sea to Summit Duffel, which has very similar features but is a more stiff and sturdy build.
Good points you make, Quaker. Maybe you should test for us.