5.0 out of 5 stars A Magical Bag

2026-01-06    -scooby doo

I purchased this bag for myself about 7 years ago from ebags.com which has since been purchased by Samsonite. For all these years, my husband has been jealous that I can pack for a week long trip in my carry on bag and his fancy Tumi (of similar size) tops out at 2 pair of shoes and 2 days clothes. When I found this bag here, I bought it for my husband so he could experience the wonders of the "magic bag" that never seems to fill up! This bag is virtually identical to the beauty I purchased 7 years ago. That bag has been very heavily used, VERY heavily, and still looks brand new. They style hasn't changed at all except it is possible this new version is a half-inch smaller than the old one from 7 years ago. It does (just BARELY) meet the size restriction for international carrier carry-on ... at least for British Airways. But, agin, barely so, if it's overstuffed, it may not fit in the international sizers. For domestic travel, it fits with all carriers restrictions and the capacity is truly astounding. Note that this bag is not a spinner (so it must be pulled on it's 2 wheels) but anyone familiar with such bags knows that you lost a lot of space with the 4 wheel version so that compromise is just fine with me. if you're in the market for a carry on bag and capacity is your priority, I believe you will never find better. I also purchased the Mother Lode Jr. matching backpack to use as a "personal item" and reviewed that separately.

2.0 out of 5 stars Don’t buy this bag - get the Samsonite Ascella 3.0 carryon on

2026-02-17    -eric m duehring

This bag had so many features that were great. If only it was larger. Two integrated wheels instead of spinners - great. Hard plastic back to protect from damage - great. This Samsonite mother lode carry on bag size - terrible , unnecessarily small.The Samsonite mother lode 20.7”H x 12.6”L x 4.1”W. That’s around 18 liters of volumeCompare to the Samsonite Ascella 3.0 interior carry on dimensions - 20.3” H × 14.5” L × 8” W. That’s around 38 liters of volumeThe Samsonite ascella 3.0 carry on has over TWO TIMES THE VOLUME FOR PACKING A CARRY ON BAG!!Nobody wants a Carryon bag that doesn’t take full advantage of the maximum size of carryon regulations to avoid checked baggage fees. Why would Samsonite make a bag so small. (And honestly why didn’t I pay more attention to the dimensions before I bought it? Well I wouldn’t expect such a failure in design from Samsonite)Short answer - get the Samsonite Ascella 3.0 carryon. You will thank me.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great bag

2026-01-13    -Mark W.

I have had this bag since 2011. It is a fantastic bag. Looking to get a second one

2.0 out of 5 stars Don’t buy this bag - get the Samsonite Ascella 3.0 carryon on

2026-01-27    -eric m duehring

This bag had so many features that were great. If only it was larger. Two integrated wheels instead of spinners - great. Hard plastic back to protect from damage - great. This Samsonite mother lode carry on bag size - terrible , unnecessarily small.The Samsonite mother lode 20.7”H x 12.6”L x 4.1”W. That’s around 18 liters of volumeCompare to the Samsonite Ascella 3.0 interior carry on dimensions - 20.3” H × 14.5” L × 8” W. That’s around 38 liters of volumeThe Samsonite ascella 3.0 carry on has over TWO TIMES THE VOLUME FOR PACKING A CARRY ON BAG!!Nobody wants a Carryon bag that doesn’t take full advantage of the maximum size of carryon regulations to avoid checked baggage fees. Why would Samsonite make a bag so small. (And honestly why didn’t I pay more attention to the dimensions before I bought it? Well I wouldn’t expect such a failure in design from Samsonite)Short answer - get the Samsonite Ascella 3.0 carryon. You will thank me.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great luggage

2026-02-01    -Madge

Very durable and great quality.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Magical Bag

2026-01-02    -scooby doo

I purchased this bag for myself about 7 years ago from ebags.com which has since been purchased by Samsonite. For all these years, my husband has been jealous that I can pack for a week long trip in my carry on bag and his fancy Tumi (of similar size) tops out at 2 pair of shoes and 2 days clothes. When I found this bag here, I bought it for my husband so he could experience the wonders of the "magic bag" that never seems to fill up! This bag is virtually identical to the beauty I purchased 7 years ago. That bag has been very heavily used, VERY heavily, and still looks brand new. They style hasn't changed at all except it is possible this new version is a half-inch smaller than the old one from 7 years ago. It does (just BARELY) meet the size restriction for international carrier carry-on ... at least for British Airways. But, agin, barely so, if it's overstuffed, it may not fit in the international sizers. For domestic travel, it fits with all carriers restrictions and the capacity is truly astounding. Note that this bag is not a spinner (so it must be pulled on it's 2 wheels) but anyone familiar with such bags knows that you lost a lot of space with the 4 wheel version so that compromise is just fine with me. if you're in the market for a carry on bag and capacity is your priority, I believe you will never find better. I also purchased the Mother Lode Jr. matching backpack to use as a "personal item" and reviewed that separately.

4.0 out of 5 stars Smaller, not as easily lockable and less flexibility than older ebags motherlode, but still nice.

2025-12-31    -JBP

I had an ebags motherlode wheeled carry on and needed 2 more for an overseas trip. The Motherlodes hold a ton of items, but now that samsonite bought the company there are a couple changes to note. First and likely most important is the new bags are about 1-2" shorter which is a pretty significant change. The compression straps are only inside the new bags compared to the old ebags. This is not a huge deal, and I prefer not having the exterior compression straps. The extra strap to add a bag (near top handle) is not present. We never used them, so not a big deal. The inner separator is now one large zip container compared to two in the bags model, either way still gives you space to pack stuff so not a big deal either, however the ebags had straps that you could roll up that separator and use the entire bag like a duffle...that is a big deal if you have limited space to open your luggage (thinking Japan hotels which are tiny). Also, there are no loops or zippers that you are easily able to lock the luggage. This is another big deal in case you have to check your luggage because airlines don't have enough space for everyone to carry on their bags. Now the prices have increased enough to make one rethink if the bags are worthwhile. Thankfully the material seems to be on par with the old ebags as well as the wheels. I really think there are plenty of other luggage options that could fit your bill as good or better than the motherlode bags, but if you like the look and don't need the full 22" space, then these are a good option.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great bag

2026-02-26    -Mark W.

I have had this bag since 2011. It is a fantastic bag. Looking to get a second one

1.0 out of 5 stars Too big for Europeans airlines

2026-02-04    -Delph

Too big for most European airlines to be considered as a carry-on. Very misleading.

5.0 out of 5 stars versatile and sturdy

2026-01-02    -Amity

This is a great carry-on bag. I've been using a hard shell suitcase for years and wasn't sure I'd like this one, but I gave it a try because I wanted something roomy, with compression straps, and with outside pockets you can actually use. Some outside pockets on soft sided luggage become unusable when the bag is really full, but not on this bag. I love that it's two wheels, it doesn't wander off when you're on a subway or train. It doesn't tip over, the telescoping handle isn't wobbly, and the wheels are quiet and sturdy. It has an expansion zipper that I was able to zip closed after I packed the bag by pushing down on the top. I wish it came in a few more colors, I added a colorful luggage tag to make it more identifiable in a sea of black bags. I'm really pleased.