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Eagle Creek ORV Trunk 30 Review

Durable, adventure-ready, long-haul roller duffel that excels at packing bulky gear for expedition travel
eagle creek orv trunk 30 suitcase review
Credit: eagle creek
Top Pick Award
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Price:  $399 List
Manufacturer:   Eagle Creek
By Myrha Colt and Clark Tate  ⋅  Jun 27, 2022
82
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 14
  • Storage & Organization - 25% 9.0
  • Ease of Transport - 25% 9.0
  • Reliability - 25% 9.0
  • Weight - 15% 7.0
  • Style - 10% 4.0

Our Verdict

The Eagle Creek ORV Trunk 30 is an excellent traveling companion if ample storage and reliability are what you seek. Focused on pure function rather than style, you’ll find many water-resistant features and organizational extras within an exceptionally durable package. The 30-inch case with a 97-liter carrying capacity leaves plenty of room to pack gear and clothing for a sizeable trip. It also comes with a removable gear net for internal compression to help balance out your load along with several other useful storage tools — external daisy-chain lash points, a topside bungee for helmets, and a clever expandable wet/dry compartment — uniquely well suited to support activities on the go. There’s even a bottle opener, just in case. For the average traveler, the bulky extras may be overkill. But for those seeking a true adventure trunk on wheels, this is one to consider.
REASONS TO BUY
Ample storage
Water-resistant
Durable
Heavily featured
REASONS TO AVOID
Unnecessary extras for average travel
Bulky tactical design

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Pros Ample storage, water-resistant, durable, heavily featuredDurable construction, large capacity, rolls with ease across mixed terrainSmooth ride, sensible features, excellent organization, great styleCavernous main compartment, scratch- and water-resistant, easy-roll spinnersInexpensive, rolls easily, large capacity
Cons Unnecessary extras for average travel, bulky tactical designLimited interior organizational features, easy to overpackZippers could be smoother, low clearanceTough to transport on mixed terrain, easy to overpack, limited organizational featuresLow-grade materials, poor craftsmanship, sticky zipper
Bottom Line Durable, adventure-ready, long-haul roller duffel that excels at packing bulky gear for expedition travelThe perfect all-terrain rolling duffel with substantial storage capacity and useful organizational extrasA durable, stylish, and high-value suitcase suited for all types of travelAn oversized yet lightweight mega-bag with spinner-tight roll and control over smooth surfaces and surprisingly tough exterior constructionA low priced expandable suitcase with enormous storage capacity but dubious durability
Rating Categories Eagle Creek ORV Tru... REI Co-op Big Haul... Timbuk2 Copilot Samsonite Omni PC H... Amazon Basics 30" H...
Storage & Organization (25%)
9.0
7.0
9.0
7.0
5.0
Ease of Transport (25%)
9.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
Reliability (25%)
9.0
9.0
8.0
9.0
6.0
Weight (15%)
7.0
8.0
6.0
9.0
8.0
Style (10%)
4.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
Specs Eagle Creek ORV Tru... REI Co-op Big Haul... Timbuk2 Copilot Samsonite Omni PC H... Amazon Basics 30" H...
Measured Weight 9.9 lbs 9.6 lbs 9.4 lbs 10.3 lbs 11.6 lbs
Volume 97L 109L 80L 145L 127L
Liters per Pound 9.8 11.1 8.5 14.1 10.9
Construction Zip open, duffel Zip open, duffel Clamshell plus topside u-shaped zip access, softshell Clamshell, hard-sided Clamshell, hard-sided
Measured Packed Dimensions 30" x 16.5" x 15" 33.75" x 16.25" x 14" 26.5" x 14.5" x 13" 30.5" x 20.5" x 13" 30.75" x 21" x 12
Expansion Zippers? No No No Yes Yes
Number of Wheels 2 2 2 4 4
Number of Large Interior Compartments 1 1 2 2 2
Interior Storage Features 3 small interior slip pockets inside main compartment, 1 zip mesh pocket backside of opening panel; 1 small zip mesh pocket within top exterior pocket 2 mesh organizational pockets on inside of opening panel (one with key hook), 2 internal compression straps 2 mesh clam panels with 2 organizational pockets Elastic restraint straps in one-half clam, zip enclosure over opposite half; hanging zipper accessory pocket One-half clam with elastic restraint straps, one-half large zip enclosure with 2 zip mesh pockets, hanging zip accessory pocket
Number of Exterior Pockets 1 large, top-front exterior zip pocket, 1 large bottom access expandable seam-taped Wet/Dry Compartment; exterior gear loops 1 side exterior zip pocket. 1 small top zip pocket with piggy-bag strap attachment, plus daisy-chain gear loops 1 pocket on top, 1 large sleeve None None
Compression System Removable cargo net gear holder to compress/hold items either internally or attach externally. Compression buckles outside 2 external and 2 internal compression straps (4 in total) No 2 elastic straps for restraint but no functional compression 2 elastic straps for restraint but no functional compression
Handle Height from Ground Low: 37"
High: 42"
42" 40.5" Low: 36"
High: 41"
Low: 36.75"
High: 40.5"
Built-In Lock No, but includes #10 lockable zippers and Central Lock Point on bag No No Yes, TSA Approved No
Main Exterior Material Bi-Tech Heather, 1000D Helix Polyester Twill Recycled 400-denier nylon/recycled 1,680-denier nylon (bluesign®-approved) Nylon and polyester Polycarbonate Extra-thick ABS, hard shell
Unique Features Gear specific storage and access options, cargo netting / compression, multiple bumpers and Bi-Tech protective armor; reflective exterior elements, 6 load handles, heavy-duty wheel housing, oversized wheels; kick plate, tuckaway gear attachment, pull-handle enclosure, bottle opener, water-resistant Oversized wheels, rugged chassis, full-length bumpers, 2 internal and 2 external compression straps, stopper-stand, carry-on piggyback clip, 6 haul handle options, daisy chain lash points, water-resistant Liquids pocket and padded front pocket to fit 13" laptop; skateboard wheels Built-in TSA-approved lock; large packing capacity; impressive water resistance, expandable, anti-scratch exterior 150D-polyester zippered clamshell enclosure, 3 organizational pockets

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Eagle Creek ORV Trunk 30 stands out as the most featured roller suitcase in our review, optimal for those who will be engaging in diverse landscapes, activities, or climates and need more room to pack the extensive or bulky gear to support their travels. Advertised as an adventure suitcase, it's not for those merely seeking a sleek or stylish bag to check at the airport.

Performance Comparison


eagle creek orv trunk 30 suitcase review - fully packed and easy to roll, the orv trunk is bulky but maintains...
Fully packed and easy to roll, the ORV Trunk is bulky but maintains performance on all terrain trips.
Credit: Myrha Colt

Storage & Organization


The ORV Trunk is aptly named. It is more like a trunk than a traditional roller suitcase or duffel and stands out for its thoughtful storage design and easy-to-exploit capacity. It also easily wins the title of "most featured suitcase" in our test suite. While the company claims the 30-inch case carries 97 liters of gear, we felt we got more out of it, given all the extras. Seeking simplicity? This isn't it.

If you need even more storage, consider the 128.5-liter trunk as an option.


Rigid enough to hold its shape when only partially packed yet still flexible enough to squeeze in just one more layer when packed to the gills, this big bag will challenge the weight capacity regulations on almost any airline if you're not careful. If 50 pounds is your max, you will need to demonstrate restraint when packing or commit to overcharges.

Taking a look inside, you'll discover a spacious main compartment featuring one large mesh pocket on the backside of the zippered opening panel along with three small mesh slip pockets to one side of the interior lining for easy stashing of smaller items like undies and socks. To the back, a multi-use internal cargo net provides moderate compression and restraint for clothing and other unruly items during transit. Once you land at your destination, just unclip and reattach it to the outside to allow easy access and storage for bulky or dirty items on the go. A very handy addition for when wet and dirty activities factor into your travel days.

eagle creek orv trunk 30 suitcase review - a removable interior/exterior gear net provides compression and...
A removable interior/exterior gear net provides compression and organization options inside the Eagle Creek ORV Trunk.
Credit: Myrha Colt

A design feature we really love is the expandable pocket at the foot of the suitcase. Built of a water-resistant liner, it creates a wet/dry separation from the rest of your gear. At full unzipped expansion, it will fill the bottom third of the bag, easily accommodating two pairs of boots or similar inside. Just above, another spacious exterior pocket provides enough space to easily fit a pair of sandals, a camera, or any other on-the-go essentials, along with yet another internal mesh zip-storage pocket to capture smaller critical items like an ID or ticket.

Large wet/dry pocket at the base of the Eagle Creek ORV Trunk is big...
Large wet/dry pocket at the base of the Eagle Creek ORV Trunk is big enough to hold ice boots, camera gear, or whatever other bulky items you'll need at hand.
Close up of the exterior top pocket Eagle Creek ORV Trunk.
Close up of the exterior top pocket Eagle Creek ORV Trunk.

Need more? You've got it. The 30-inch roller has ten gear loops around the outside, with even more built into the 36-inch. While not particularly useful in transit, these can make a nice tool for sorting gear once landed at your destination or to bungee off any wet gear being towed about from last-minute excursions. Similarly, a topside bungee cord easily deploys from the handle port to attach your helmet, coat, second backpack, or purse.

Interior opening panel organizational pocket of the Eagle Creek ORV...
Interior opening panel organizational pocket of the Eagle Creek ORV Trunk.
Three interior side slip pockets inside the Eagle Creek ORV Trunk.
Three interior side slip pockets inside the Eagle Creek ORV Trunk.

Of course, with all this bulk, chances are high you will need extra compression to maintain balance and mobility while on the move. Good news: simply cinch down each of the four hefty exterior buckles around the outer edges, and you're ready to roll with a well-stuffed bag.

eagle creek orv trunk 30 suitcase review - attach your helmet, a coat, an extra bag, or a pop a beer.
Attach your helmet, a coat, an extra bag, or a pop a beer.
Credit: Myrha Colt

Ease of Transport


Given its bulk, this suitcase isn't the easiest to haul around. But it's not terribly bad either. Like any two-wheeled roller bag, it moves pretty flawlessly through the airport and on hard surfaces. The oversized wheels glide over cracks smoothly, even when fully loaded, and we appreciate that it stands well on its own when cinched down and loaded.


The wheels on the ORV feel sturdy, but their grooved traction will add an element of vibration when rolling on harder surfaces, so they aren't a super smooth urban ride. The wheels are also plastic and don't have the rubberized surface that we have grown to love on other models. However, the wheel housings are bomber and hold up under the weight of a full load. They work well on gravel too, but of course, not as smoothly. Given the size of this bag, it can be heavy when loaded and hard to push and pull. It's not exactly nimble. It doesn't have a lot of clearance either, so it snags easily at its base if you're not careful.

eagle creek orv trunk 30 suitcase review - beefy treaded wheels on a big bag.
Beefy treaded wheels on a BIG bag.
Credit: Myrha Colt

If you're packed full and have to pick this bag up to haul it over rougher terrain or toss it in the car, you've got your work cut out for you. The ORV is big and bulky. The good news is there are six well-positioned haul handles, including one on each edge and two on the front side, so you'll always have one close at hand to leverage and grab.

eagle creek orv trunk 30 suitcase review - the orv trunk manages curbs and steps with ease given the large...
The ORV Trunk manages curbs and steps with ease given the large wheels, but low clearance means it will scrape.
Credit: Myrha Colt

We appreciate the beefy and comfortable roller handle on the top of this bag. It tucks into a zippable port and is one of the sturdiest in our review. The rest of the load handles are thinner, but we didn't run into any durability issues during our testing period.

eagle creek orv trunk 30 suitcase review - multiple load handles make it easy to pack up and go with the eagle...
Multiple load handles make it easy to pack up and go with the Eagle Creek ORV Trunk.
Credit: Myrha Colt

Overall, this suitcase is a bulkier case meant to transport, serve, and protect more diversly than most. With decent rolling capabilities that navigate hard surfaces and those littered with rocks, soft dirt, or gravel, this is a great option for expeditionary travel but can just as easily be used at the airport or on road trips.

eagle creek orv trunk 30 suitcase review - gravel testing the eagle creek orv trunk.
Gravel testing the Eagle Creek ORV Trunk.
Credit: Myrha Colt

Reliability


This suitcase is solid. The outer material is a combination of water-resistant 900-1000-denier polyester materials that resist scratches and punctures, along with "armor" reinforcements along each of the most vulnerable surfaces, corners, and edges. All wheels, zippers, and handles are well constructed, some of the sturdiest we've tested. Given how durable each of these components proved during testing, we award this bag one of the highest reliability scores in our review.


Even after throwing this suitcase in the back of a truck for a month, it still looked brand new. The corners, where you would expect to see the most wear and tear, are reinforced with plastic bumpers and thicker fabric. They really do their job, increasing the durability and longevity of the bag.

eagle creek orv trunk 30 suitcase review - bumper rails run up half the backside of the eagle creek orv trunk...
Bumper rails run up half the backside of the Eagle Creek ORV Trunk, with a kick-plate at the base.
Credit: Myrha Colt

The fabric on the main body is also impressively water-resistant, repelling moisture during all our water tests. That said, the case itself is not waterproof because the zippers are permeable. If water can get past the protective zipper flap, it will (and did) seep in through the zips to pool inside.

Water beads on the outside of the Eagle Creek ORV Trunk just after...
Water beads on the outside of the Eagle Creek ORV Trunk just after water testing.
Water pooling at the bottom of the Eagle Creek ORV Trunk after water...
Water pooling at the bottom of the Eagle Creek ORV Trunk after water testing.

The wheels on the ORV 30 are large, rolling easily over cracks and other obstacles. They are also easy to change out if they do wear down over time with a simple twist of an Allen key. And the burly zippers are simple enough to use, even if they do sometimes get tangled up in the corners due to the softshell material. Fully packed, they become easier to use with the giant pulls proving especially helpful when you're sitting on top of the bag trying to close it.

eagle creek orv trunk 30 suitcase review - tough zipper pulls will keep your gear secure, with an option to...
Tough zipper pulls will keep your gear secure, with an option to attach a TSA-approved external lock.
Credit: Myrha Colt

The main pull handle operates simply by pressing a central button. It has one of the smoothest actions in our review and feels sturdy as it glides to one of two possible heights. It doesn't bow out under the weight of a fully packed bag, either.

eagle creek orv trunk 30 suitcase review - super strong yet comfortable to the grip, this pull handle makes the...
Super strong yet comfortable to the grip, this pull handle makes the road ahead far less daunting.
Credit: Myrha Colt

The only durability issue we foresee is at the bottom of the bag. The rubber "kick-plate" midway between the wheels on the bag's backside was pretty chewed up after our tests. If you're somebody who bumps their bags up curbs and steps, expect to see some wear and tear in that area. Of course, that's what the guard is there for, so the fabric doesn't suffer. Overall, if you're seeking a super reliable suitcase, this is one of the best.

eagle creek orv trunk 30 suitcase review - gravel, snow, and dirt are no problem with the eagle creek orv trunk.
Gravel, snow, and dirt are no problem with the Eagle Creek ORV Trunk.
Credit: Myrha Colt

Weight


This is a burly piece of luggage, yet only registered 9.9 pounds on our scale. That leaves you 40.1 pounds available for gear before making it an overweight suitcase at the airport terminal. Still, you will want to double-check yourself before flying — the cavernous interior of this case can easily swallow way more than you anticipate, with plenty of room left to add on the go.


Style


This case has a utilitarian, technical style that will appeal to some and repel others.


The web netting, exterior gear loops, armored corners, and super burly fabric give it an outdoorsy or even military-style look. So, it's not particularly stylish if urban jet setting is your goal. It's also not likely the suitcase you'd choose for regular business trips or long casual weekends away. But for long haul or overland adventures, or where sports and heavy equipment activities are a central feature of your planning, this bag will look the right part and serve you well.

eagle creek orv trunk 30 suitcase review - a fully packed eagle creek orv trunk standing tall, without tipping.
A fully packed Eagle Creek ORV Trunk standing tall, without tipping.
Credit: Myrha Colt

Value


The ORV is on the pricier side, and those seeking a simple bag for run-of-the-mill travel are unlikely to unlock its full value. That said, if you frequently travel with enough gear to head to the crag or into the backcountry, or if you're looking for a strong investment to carry you far, you'll appreciate its rugged durability, organizational extras, and packing capacity.

eagle creek orv trunk 30 suitcase review - the eagle creek orv trunk is a big bag but easily managed by...
The Eagle Creek ORV Trunk is a big bag but easily managed by travelers of all sizes given the large, cinching straps, stable handle, and hefty off-road-ready wheels.
Credit: Myrha Colt

Conclusion


The Eagle Creek ORV Trunk 30 is a very technically-minded roller suitcase. It's meant to move yet sturdy and organized enough to hold its own against all types of activities once you land. Water and abrasion-resistant features make it a great choice for long expeditions where potential exposure may be a concern. But for those seeking a simple checked bag for casual jaunts between city and country retreats, you're likely to be disappointed due to its bulk and utilitarian looks. This one is built for the go-hard and go-big adventurer.

eagle creek orv trunk 30 suitcase review - although tactical in look, the eagle creek orv trunk still handles...
Although tactical in look, the Eagle Creek ORV Trunk still handles city streets with casual confidence.
Credit: Myrha Colt

Myrha Colt and Clark Tate
 
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