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Add to SafariWhen comparing REI Trail 40 Pack vs TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible, the Slant community recommends REI Trail 40 Pack for most people. In the question“What are the best carry on backpacks for travel that hold at least 30L?” REI Trail 40 Pack is ranked 4th while TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible is ranked 10th. The most important reason people chose REI Trail 40 Pack is:
There is a [women-specific version](http://www.slant.co/topics/5119/viewpoints/7/~carry-on-travel-backpacks-for-women-that-hold-at-least-30l~rei-trail-40-pack-women-s) of the REI Trail 40 available, which has a slightly smaller torso fit range.
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Women-specific version available
There is a women-specific version of the REI Trail 40 available, which has a slightly smaller torso fit range.
Pro Pockets on the hip belt for easy access
The hip belt has two zippered pockets which lets you store things for easy access (such as papers, money or snacks).
Pro Four zipper access to easily get to your belongings
The pack is front load with four zipper access, allowing you to unzip from either the top or bottom. This is great if you want to grab something from the bottom of your pack without opening it completely.
Pro Includes raincover
The pack comes with a rain cover that stows away in it's own zip pocket.
Pro Fits in all but the smallest of Air shuttle planes.
Pro Lots of pockets
It's very easy to keep the pack organized thanks to all the pockets on both the inside and outside.
Pro Stowaway shoulder straps
The shoulder straps quickly zip into their own compartment, keeping them out of the way when storing or using as a duffle bag.
Pro Variety of colors available
There is more choice than is usually available with travel packs. The TLS Mother Lode Weekender is available in 6 colors currently.
Pro Can be carried as a duffle
It's a convertible pack, so you're not limited to wearing it only as a backpack. The bag includes a shoulder strap so can be carried as a duffle or a suitcase.
Pro Lifetime Warranty
The bag has a lifetime warranty.
Cons
Con Pocket for hydration reservoir is difficult to access
The pocket for the hydration reservoir is external, located right behind the back panel. There is very little room, making it hard to access and can only fit a small amount of water (around 1.5L).
Con Internal bungee compression system can get in the way
The internal compression straps are a bungee system, which does not unclip the way most do. When your pack is full, this can make it a very tight squeeze if you want to access something in the back.
Con Not water resistant
The material is not water resistant, so even a small amount of rain can get to your belongings.
Con Minimal waist strap
The waist strap is only a single strap with no padding, so it doesn't offer much support.
