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The quest for the best travel backpack for moms began recently when I started planning for an upcoming trip to an island in Florida, North Captiva. But let’s be honest- I have really been looking for an needing this backpack for YEARS and did not even realize how much I needed it. I now know my travels will never be the same in the best way possible because the eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible will change all of that.

Why use a backpack?

When you are traveling with small children (or even without) the task of dealing with luggage can be daunting at best. Luggage can be so heavy and awkward and when you enter stairs, elevators, and escalators it can be something from a nightmare.

This task is especially complex when you are trying to navigate busy airports, hotels, trains, boats ect with small children and your hands are alternating between grasping a sticky toddler hand and heavy luggage.

Using a backpack as opposed to traditional luggage keeps your hands free so you can use your hands to keep hold of the important things that really matter- the kids.

Many travel experts also argue that a backpack holds more items more efficiently that traditional luggage.

Many backpacks, such as the eBags Mother Lode, are actually so compact that you do not need to check them on most airlines and can use them as your carry on. This will save baggage fees as well as eliminate the dreaded possibility of losing your luggage.

I also feel that using a backpack cuts down on taking unnecessary items and forces the traveler to be more intentional with packing and take the things that are really and truly necessary.

Why is eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible the best choice?

After HOURS of reading so many reviews of travel backpacks that I lost count and watching numerous videos I finally decided on what I feel is the best travel backpack for moms.

Appropriately named for moms- eBags Mother Lode– is everything that moms need to travel and more. There are a zillion pockets to help keep you very organized which I find is necessary when moming to keep from losing your mind.

I also love that this backpack has tons of synching mechanism both inside and outside the pack to help you fit as much as possible. You can see more about this in the video above.

This backpack is affordable at currently less than $100. Many of the backpacks that I looked at were in the $200-$300 range and while I am sure those are great packs that is not doable for every budget.

Is the Mother Lode the right backpack for me?

I DO think it’s important to consider when selecting any pack the way YOU intend to use it. If you are going to be backpacking through Europe for a month this might not be the pack for you as this pack does not have back straps, sternum straps, and other details that the packs made for extensive travel does.

If you are going to be using it like I will which is for family trips including airline travel, car travel ect. then this pack will probably be perfect for you.

How can I get the most items into my pack?

While this pack has a fantasic built in organization system I definitely recommend utilizing a packing cube system. Even prior to purchasing this pack I have been using the packing cubes when traveling for a few years now and I am completely obsessed.

I feel that the cubes help keep our family so much more organized on trips. I purchased a different color cube for each member of our family and when we arrive to our destination it is so easy to pull out each persons belongings and they are neatly organized and can promptly go to each person’s room or drawer in their dresser.

Additionally in my opinion I can fit more items into my luggage or backpack with the cubes than without the cubes because it allows you to utilize all of the space in the luggage. Compression cubes, specifically, can also allow you to compress more items into the cube than non-compression cubes can. Check out my video below where I demonstrate how much I fit into my Gonex compression cubes.

In addition to the Gonex cubes I also have other cubes that I use and love such as these from eBags that I purchased at the same time as my backpack to use with it specifically.

Definitely check out this post for more tips on how to pack for your next vacation. You can also read our 13 best tips for family travel here.

You can also get a free printable packing list for your entire family here.