Convertible Duffel

Bought the expandable duffel for a long trip, works ok but has some design flaws that make it less than ideal.

1) laptop compartment isn't lockable, would have been easy to solve. Ebags solved it years ago on their laptop backpacks. I am using a long corded lock to rig it safely in duffel or backpack mode
2) if the bag is full, you cannot use the water bottle compartment, and if using in duffle mode wouldn't use it anyway since it's at the bottom of the bag. No suggestion on where to move it, just be aware
3) key fob is outside the pocket, would never put a key there due to risk of loss. Should have been sewn into the inside of the pocket. I was able to tuck it into the pocket and zip mostly closed to solve the issue, but it's clunky
4) the biggest issue is how the bag opens - the trifold is awkward in terms of zipper placement and where the compression clips are. There is a big pocket on the outer flap with no closure and if you were to open the bag in backpack mode the contents can slide out while the pocket is essentially upside down. The compression straps on the inner fold are at the bottom of the compartment when upright in backpack mode, so the stuff under the compression can fall out unless you are just using big packing cubes, which I am not.

If this was carried as a duffel, then as long as you are careful about only opening part way the pocket zippers are positioned to allow access as the zipper pulls are at the top when carted by side handle. But the main zipper is highly likely to open further than you planned and spilling contents, it could use a little zipper stop loop to prevent it from unzipping all the way. I guess if you are always sitting in a space with room to spread out the bag on a nice flat table (like the demo video) none of these issues matter, but if you are in a plane seat and need to access something without spilling your stuff the design just doesn't work.

I bought the bag over other brands because it expands and the main compartment locks. If I was doing this again, think I would just get the expandable backpack. If knack just added loops for a shoulder strap on the backpack they could just abandon this bag design completely.

Would have been a perfect solution for ODC and one bag travel except there is no quick access pocket which makes travel difficult on the plane, bus, etc when out of the country. Having to pull out the bag to open the main compartment is too inconvenient. Add that and you will certainly have close to the perfect bag!

Wonderful bag. This duffel was highly recommended by my two sisters who each have one also. I’m using it for the first time on my vacation and very impressed with how much I can pack in all the convenient places. Perfect under the seat carry on with all you need readily available for your in flight trip.

Carefully planned and designed, this goes everywhere with me. Even fully expanded, it fits under the seat of every plane I've had it on. Love the "secret" zippered compartment! Carries quite comfortably in backpack mode and clamshell style makes for easy access to items. Proven durability too. For me, this was by far the best value out there.

Pros:
• the ability to switch from laptop duffel bag to everyday laptop backpack is amazing.
• I love that I don't look like a hiker. style of the bag is very streamlined.
• Expandable option keeps me from carrying another bag for souvenirs coming home.
Cons:
• I wish the inside pockets was oriented more like a messenger bag than a backpack
• the inside pocket divider should be secured where the buckles are located. it was not very convenient when I had to stuff more items when the middle divider is already secured.
• I would like to have more pockets in the front zipper flap for quick access to important items.