Sea to Summit Expedition Duffle Bag with Backpack Straps - Waterproof Travel Duffel for Camping, Hiking & Outdoor Adventures

I needed this for traveling -- but the bag itself weighs a lot on its own, the material is super hard and a chore to manipulate. The bag just felt like it was hardened to be rugged...which makes good sense for keeping in the car and throwing around camp without worry.But I went with the Osprey Transporter instead for these reasons: 40L feels like you can fit much more than you think -- soft fabric -- single opening (one flap with no extra zippers floating all over the place) -- unobtrusive handles that hideaway on every side of the bag unlike this Sea to Summit bag - and very soft, easy to use backpack straps.I want to like this bag, it has features I like, but it also has a few issues that may lead to it's return. I'm primarily looking for a duffle that allows easy access to gear in a large central compartment, but I also want to be able to carry it on my back as a backpack.Positives:a) heavy weight fabric and padded bottom, although this adds 2 lbs over a similar bag I'm considering (3.7 vs 1.6 lbs), I feel my gear would have more protection and the waterproof fabric would make me worry less about setting it on potentially damp ground.b) backpack straps on top can be clipped on various ways to make a shoulder strap, or backpack strapsc) it felt relatively comfortable loaded and carried around the house as a backpack, better than the other bag I have which is a better duffle, but really uncomfortable as a backpack.d) bright yellow interior makes it easier to find items insideNegatives:a) no hand clasp to join the straps for one-handed carry. the bag specs claim that magnets in the handles will link them together avoiding the need for fiddling with velcro, however, what is missing is the padded wrap around piece that could be used as a comfortable padded hand grip.b) the magnets are not strong enough to hold the two straps together. I initially thought my magnets were missing, but I finally found one orientation where the magnets would weakly couple. However, when I picked the bag up and held it by one of the side handles, the magnets wouldn't hold leaving one of the shoulder straps to drag on the ground.c) no exterior pockets of any kind. I could use a place to stash a water bottle, or a boarding pass or my phone. A few small things I'd like quick access too without opening the whole bag.d) stiff and hard to zip and clamshell style opening means I have to set the bag down and completely unzip it to find anything insidee) heavier and more expensive than any other duffel with backpack straps I'm looking at.This is a great, high quality duffle that can take virtually anything you dish out at it. Similar to other top brand “premium” duffles (such as North Face, Patagonia, Osprey, etc) the sea to summit is my favorite. Really well crafted, very thought out details such as the lash loops, configurable straps, bright yellow interior makes finding items easy, etc. only drawback is it’s heavy, but if you’re after something to last you years of use and abuse, this is the best duffle out there.Excelente producto!Do not do business with Prime Gear Direct—they sell used items as news and scam buyers!!This has been a fantastic purchase. I was drawn to it by its simple design, yet thoughtful features; durable materials and construction; and the hope that it was something that could last me years--if not decades. While only time will tell, it has checked all the boxes I was seeking. I would highly recommend it!I have the 65L size, and I was wondering about using it flights as a carry-on. If it is filled to the brim, it will be larger than most airlines allow. I've had it fairly full and still been able to fit it in overhead bins.I got this for a recent holiday to Scotland. I have a NorthFace duffel in a smaller size but was attracted to this one due to the advertised ability to quickly change the orientation of the straps. The strap system is much better and works as advertised. When in backpack mode the bag is comfortable, although like all of these duffel bags it only really works well when the bag is full. It is rugged, and has a robust zip with an excellent toggle pull. My only thought is it would be good to have more pockets, as it's basically one large compartment except for a document one on the inside of the lid.