The 2-in-1 Duffel Backpack by Eagle Creek caught a lot of attention at this week’s Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, as it was named on the Best New Gear list by the Gear Institute. At a cost of $80, it is a convertible bag that comes in several options.

“Starting out, it’s the size of a small water bottle, then it first expands into a backpack, but if you need a bit more room, the straps allow it to change into a duffel bag,” said Jamie Storrs from Terra Public Relations. “It’s great because if you’re traveling and you buy souvenirs, you need more room, so you just expand it.”

Some of the other models include fanny packs and tote bags. He said the new bags are quick to convert, such as from a backpack to a duffel. The bags will be available in February.

Storrs mentioned how many brands become diluted over the years by trying to carry too many products. Eagle Creek has stuck to luggage, and because of that, has perfected most of the products and added collections and pieces to collections slowly, ensuring they are the right fit.

Another pack, which is an addition to the current Exploration series, is also brand new. The Systems-Go Duffel Pack utilizes Eagle Creek’s Pack-It System, which helps organize belongings in a bag through smaller, removable zip bags.

“It’s all of these cubes, shoe bags, and all sorts of ways to organize your luggage,” Storrs said. “This bag was built around this system. It can hold five of these cubes and is a top-loading backpack, or if you want to get into your whole pack, you undo the compression straps and the entire bag opens like a duffel.”

The Systems-Go bags are made with a waterproof fabric and are abrasion resistant. There is a bottom compartment on the bag as well, perfect for placing a packing cube or wet clothing that you wouldn’t want next to the rest of your belongings. The bags range between $140 and $160, depending on size.

The packing cubes come in a large variety of materials, colors, and sizes. The Pack-It System products have become some of the most popular items the brand offers and have been on the market for two years, with the Systems-Go bag available this spring. Storrs said the company has a hard time keeping them in stock because of the high demand.

For more products from Eagle Creek, check out the website.

Images by Ariel Black