Eagle Creek's Gear Warrior Carry-On Is the Definition of Effortless Travel

Buy Now

How I landed on the Eagle Creek Gear Warrior XE 4-Wheel carry-on

Looking fresh. Photo: Debbie Gonzalez Canada

Between 2022 and now, I spent a lot of time searching for the ideal carry-on. For me, that meant it had to be water-resistant, expandable, durable, as sustainable as possible, have four spinner wheels, and allow for easy access to my computer. I also wanted something sturdy, since airlines often request passengers to check carry-ons due to the lack of room on airplanes, and I needed something safe for bus and train travel. A colleague I trust recommended Eagle Creek for the workmanship and sustainability of the brand (including their “No matter what” warranty for things like wheels, handles, zippers and frames), and I fell in love with the Gear Warrior XE 4-Wheel in the sequoia color.

First (good) impressions on the Eagle Creek Gear Warrior XE 4-Wheel carry-on

Packed, but with still more room. Photo: Debbie Gonzalez Canada

I was greatly surprised with how much I was able to fit in and how tidy everything looked with minimal effort. For a 4-day trip, for example, I packed two bulky wool cardigans, five shirts, two pairs of jeans, underwear, wool socks, my pajamas, plus two books (overkill much?) and a large toiletry bag. As you can see in the picture above, I would have been able to easily include an extra pair of shoes if I wanted, right next to the books. I carried my laptop in an additional backpack this time, but the carry-on has an internal sleeve for laptops that will come in handy in the future.

I took trains, buses, and subways with it, I rode multiple escalators and walked nearly a mile rolling it (in Buenos Aires, with its uneven sidewalks). The heavy-duty spinner wheels made the whole thing seem so easy. Perhaps what I meant at the beginning when I said I had the luxury of traveling with Eagle Creek’s Gear Warrior, is that it was effortlessly stylish. The only “problem” I had, if you can call it that, was a rookie mistake on my part, not the bag. While I was waiting for an Uber, the sidewalk had an inclination and the bag rolled on its own and I literally had to speed up to catch it, sitcom style. The Uber driver saw me running after my bag and had the decency of not making fun of me, which I very much appreciated.

Buy Now

What this carry-on could improve

Photo: REI

It would be fantastic to have the same specs on a lighter bag, especially since some airlines impose a weight limit on local and international flights. For instance, Latam only allows for 22 lb for carry ons, and this bag is close to 7.5 lb. I must say, though, that the only cases when airlines actually checked the weight of my carry-on was when I was carrying a 60L backpack or a bulky duffel bag, not when I used carry-ons with two or four wheels.

Because of the way it opens, I was hoping that I would be able to grab things from the carry-on like one does from a backpack, barely opening a zipper and without having to put the whole thing flat on the floor. I was disappointed in the lack of ability to do that. I am able to take the computer or whatever I have in the internal sleeve, but for other things, the luggage is not flexible enough to reach down to the bottom with only a small part of the zipper opened. I still prefer this shape, though, against more traditional hardshell carry-ons that open like a clamshell.

Eagle Creek Gear Warrior XE 4-Wheel carry-on specs

• Standard Dimensions: 21.65 x 14 x 9 in. / 55 x 35 x 23 cm
• Weight: 7 lb. 8 oz. / 3402 g
• Standard Volume: 2441 cu. in. / 40 L
• Expanded Volume: 3334 cu. in. / 55 L (so, 15 extra liters thanks to a zippered expansion panel that makes the carry-on 2 inches wider)
• Material: 100% Recycled 600D Polyester Dobby, which is abrasion and weather-resistant
• Wheels: 4 heavy-duty, multi-directional wheels
• Handle: Multi-stop, impact-resistant extended handle
• Other features: interior and exterior compression straps and multiple grab handles, drop-in interior laptop sleeve, interior mesh pockets with zippers, one small and flat external pocket (e.g., for the passport), and hypalon-reinforced corners.

Buy Now