Eastpak Tranverz S Review: Still Worth The Money In 2025?

If you’ve landed here, I’m guessing you’ve already heard some glowing reviews about the Eastpak Tranverz S. Its reputation is well-deserved, but that doesn’t mean it’s the perfect fit for everyone.

We’ve been putting our Eastpak Tranverz S through its paces since March 2024 when we set off on our full-time travel journey. Our family of four traded in our comfy couch for a life on the go, and this little suitcase has been with us every step of the way. It’s survived countless plane journeys, two continents (so far), and even a grueling 4.5 km trek across the pavements of Tirana, Albania. (Fun fact: we learned that not all pavements are created equal.)

I wouldn’t call myself a travel gear guru, but I’ve had my fair share of mishaps. Enough to know the pain of unreliable luggage all too well.

In this review, I’ll share the highs and lows of the Eastpak Tranverz S to help you decide if it’s the right cabin luggage for you. Let’s see if this suitcase still lives up to the hype in 2025.

You may also be interested in our comparison blog post: Eastpak Transit R vs Tranverz: Which Cabin Bag is Best?

Our Long Haul Journey with the Tranverz S

I’ll start by saying we’ve bought cheap luggage in the past. And we have also dragged a case minus its wheels down cobblestone roads. Let’s be honest, cheap luggage is a false economy, and we always knew it. But it was just too difficult to part with that chunk of change right before a trip.

All that changed when our family decided to sell everything and travel the world full-time. Cheap, flimsy cases were no longer an option. We needed something more reliable—something that would carry all our earthly possessions and keep them safe.

Our luggage needed to be tougher—able to take a bit of a beating, you know? Oh, and it needed to be small enough to slot into the dreaded baggage sizer at the airport gates. If we were going to jump on changeover flights, that luggage had to be with us—not left behind at the last airport or, worse still, on the wrong flight.

At the beginning of 2024, I got to work searching for the best cabin luggage. Should we buy hard-shell or soft-shell cases? Spinners or two-wheelers? All this new terminology and the sheer amount of choice was overwhelming. I had to make the right choice because once we set off, that cabin bag would be with us for the long haul.

I did what you’re doing now – I turned to product reviews on Google and YouTube. Which luggage did other long-term travelers recommend? In the end, the Eastpak Tranverz pipped its competitors to the post. There was something a bit hardier about the Eastpak—it looked ready to explore some rough terrain rather than attend a business conference. So, I held my breath, hoped for the best, and hit the order button.

Who Is the Tranverz Eastpak S For?

Now I have some Eastpak experience under my belt, it’s time to pay it forward to other travelers looking for luggage recommendations.

In short, the Eastpak Tranverz S has solved our biggest issues: it’s durable, fits the airline size requirements, and has kept our belongings safe through many adventures. However, it’s not perfect. The front zip compartment is inaccessible when the bag’s full, it’s lacking in inner compartments, and it has a slightly annoying top handle position but these issues have been minor and haven’t affected our overall satisfaction.

The Eastpak Tranverz S is for you if you’re looking for cabin-sized luggage that ticks the box for most budget airlines and is reliable enough to last many years.

This cabin luggage is NOT for you if you’re searching for a case that’ll make you look the part on a formal business trip, or if you still can’t see the false economy in poorly built luggage.

Without further ado, let’s get into the nuts and bolts of the review—the part you came here for!

An Honest Review: Eastpak Tranverz S Cabin Suitcase

Keeps Your Belongings Safe

The Eastpak Tranverz S is a soft-shell case made from water-resistant canvas fabric.

We begrudgingly tested its water resistance on the first leg of our journey from our old house in England to the train station. It poured down! It’s safe to say we got soaked but thankfully everything inside the case stayed dry. A waxy coating on the fabric helped water bead and run off.

There is also a built-in TSA lock which gives you piece of mind when leaving your luggage unattended on busses, trains, or in hotel locker rooms.

Squeezes Into Most Airport Baggage Sizers

The canvas exterior not only protects your belongings but also provides size flexibility.

Annoyingly, case size restrictions differ for each budget airline which is one reason we chose a soft shell rather a hard case. When jumping between airlines, a hard shell might be fine on one flight but then need to be checked on the next.

Compression straps on the Tranverz S allow you to squeeze the depth of your case as needed. Super handy for cutting an extra 3cm for the bag sizers at the airport gate.

When we travel by bus or train, there aren’t the same size restrictions so we can let the straps out to carry some extra bits. The size flexibility of this trolley case gets the thumbs up from us.

Durable Wheels Save You Embarrassing Travel Moments!

Experience has taught us that plastic wheels on cheap cases are an embarrassment waiting to happen! This is where the extra money you pay for the Eastpak Tranverz S becomes a worthwhile investment. Rubber wheels make it a pleasure to roll around—it’s very quiet and smooth. The case is also very agile and can turn 360 degrees without any issues, perfect for those last-minute airport sprints.

We tested the wheels thoroughly by walking 4.5 km through the streets of Tirana, Albania, with all our luggage. Despite pulling the case through rubble that would make Indiana Jones proud, the wheels remained sturdy and functional, with just a bit of dust to show for it.

Guaranteed Quality From a Reputable Brand

One of the many perks of owning Eastpak luggage is the 30-year limited warranty against manufacturing faults. This guarantee reflects the brands confidence in their products. As happy owners of two Eastpak trolley bags (we also have a Transit’R S), we can confirm that Eastpak luggage both feels and looks high-quality.

So, what exactly is covered in the warranty? Here’s a link to Eastpak’s warranty terms. In short, they will repair or replace your case if there’s a manufacturing defect in the material or workmanship. It’s important to note though, if you buy from anywhere other than Eastpak, you’re still covered, but you’ll need to pay out of your own pocket to send your case to them.

Also, faults caused by neglect or misuse are not covered by the warranty. If you decide to drag it behind your car like a rebellious teenager, you’re on your own. They will still repair it for you though, so long as you’re happy to cover the cost.

Teaches You How to Pack More Efficiently 😉

One of the negatives about the Eastpak Tranverz S is that the compartments are fairly limited. The case has a clamshell design with each side constituting a single zip compartment.

We’ve made this setup work for us since we use compression packing cubes to maximize the space. We’ve tried countless brands and these ones from EcoHub have been the best so far. No broken zips yet – fingers crossed!

Read our ECOHUB Compression Packing Cube Review Here (opens in a new tab)

There’s a handy zip compartment on the front of the Tranverz S so you can access important papers without opening the main case. However, it can get tight when the case is full (as I found out when frantically trying to retrieve our boarding passes!). Loosening the compression straps on the outside of the bag helped, but it’s worth mentioning for those high-stress moments at the airport.

The total storage volume for the Tranverz S is 42 liters. While the telescopic handle frame takes up some space in the back compartment, we make the best of it by slotting shoes between the bars and placing compression packing cubes on top. It’s all about clever packing, which we’re learning as we go!

Doesn’t Eat Into Too Much Of Your Weight Allowance

The Tranverz S is not the lightest of cabin bags, weighing in at 2.14 kg (~4.7 lbs) when empty. But then again it’s not the heaviest either! Compared to the Travelpro Maxlite 5 at 2.45 kg (5.4 lbs) it’s pretty good.

If you’re looking for a super-lightweight case, the July Carry On Light weighs only 1.8 kg (3.9 lbs). But you will pay an extra £100 to save the 0.35 kg (0.8 lbs) in weight, and you’ll need to compromise on the expandability of the case.

The weight of cabin cases cut into the 10 kg allowance that most airlines enforce. It can be a hard pill to swallow, especially when you’re trying to travel light. However, if you’re clever with packing, it should be fine. As a full-time traveling family of four, everything we own fits into two Eastpak cabin suitcases and four small rucksacks. We haven’t been hit with any extra-weight fees so far.

Easy to Carry Up & Down Stairs

Along with the adjustable telescopic handle, which extends to 89 cm and 104 cm, the Eastpak Tranverz S has two extra carry handles—one on the top and one on the side.

I have a little gripe with the positioning of the top handle. It’s fixed closer to the front, which means when you pick the case up, the weight isn’t distributed evenly. It makes the top of the case lean in and bump against your thighs when you’re walking. Not a deal-breaker (unless you bruise easily), but definitely something to note.

The side handle, however, makes up for it. It’s fixed centrally, and being able to carry the case sideways is incredibly useful when scaling stairs. Top and side handles are missing from most cabin suitcases, so they’re not to be taken for granted. These little details can make a big difference when you’re on the move!

Makes You Look (& Feel) Like a Stylish Traveller

The Tranverz S is not a new design by any means—it’s been around for at least a decade. But it has a stylish and timeless look.

Does it look classy and sophisticated enough for a business trip? Probably not – the Travelpro Maxlite 5 would fit the bill better. But for long-term (or even short-term) travelers, it looks the part – like it’s been built for the real world and not just showroom floors.

If, like us, you want to keep your luggage looking new for as long as possible, the soft-shell exterior is a big plus. Unlike many hard-shell alternatives, it doesn’t pick up scratches. A quick tip: If you get mud on the fabric let it dry completely, and it should rub or scratch off quite easily.

Showcase Your Personality with Endless Color Options

I can’t end this review without mentioning the sheer number of colors this case comes in. Seriously, the choices are almost overwhelming! From city bay black to peacock green and beet burgundy, there’s a shade for everyone.

We eventually settled on black denim (which is actually more grey), and we’re very happy with our choice. It’s stylish yet understated and perfect for our travels.

Size Guide: Eastpak Tranverz S vs. Budget Airlines

When you’re looking to buy cabin luggage, size matters—unless you enjoy being hit with extra baggage fees at the airport. But what are the magic dimensions? Different airlines enforce different rules, so the trick is to find cabin luggage that satisfies as many of them as possible. Let me show you why the Eastpak Tranverz S can be that bag for you.

The dimensions of the Tranverz Small, including the wheels and handles, are: Height 53 cm; Width 33 cm; and Minimum Depth 20 cm. The following table shows the airlines that it complies with.

Just to be clear, we’re talking about cabin luggage dimensions, not the under-seat carry-on bag that most airlines allow for free. The dimensions in the table are correct as of July 2024, but you should always check with the airlines before booking. Don’t just take our word for it!

Budget Airlines	Eastpak Tranverz S
Air Arabia (55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm)	Y
AirAsia (56cm x 36 cm x 23 cm)	Y
Easyjet (56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm)	Y
Jetstar (56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm)	Y
Norwegian Airlines (55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm)	Y
Pegasus Airlines (55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm)	Y
Ryanair (55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm)	Y
Spirit Airlines (56 cm x 46 cm x 25 cm)	Y
Vueling Airlines (55cm x 40cm x 20 cm)	Y
Wizz Air (55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm)	Y

Other Cabin Suitcases: How They Compare to the Eastpak Tranverz S

Following our Eastpak Tranverz S review, you might be wondering if any other cabin cases do it better. We’ve mentioned a couple of alternatives in the review for you to consider: Travelpro Maxlite 5, and the JULY Carry-On Light.

It’s worth noting that the Eastpak Tranverz S currently comes in as the least expensive of the three. And in our opinion, it offers the highest value for long-term travelers. The other two cases might be better if you’re traveling for different reasons.

Unfortunately, there is no perfect cabin case that ticks every box – there will always be compromises. The best you can do is be clear about what you need the case for—long-term travel, business trips, or short weekend getaways—and then prioritize which features are most important to you.

Here’s a quick comparison of each alternative cabin suitcase to the Eastpak Tranverz S:

This case is a better fit for business travelers thanks to its sleek, structured design. It solves the Tranverz S’ issue with a lack of compartments, featuring two extra exterior compartments, a full-length interior zipped compartment inside the lid, and a side accessory pocket.

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 also has bottom, top, and side handles, making it easier to lift into overhead bins. However, we’re not sure these features are enough to make it a good choice for long-term travelers.

First, let’s talk about the size. While the dimensions work for most major US airlines, they might be tricky for long-term travelers who want the flexibility to book the cheapest flights outside the US. This carry-on case measures 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm, including its handles and wheels. According to our size guide, it’s too tall to pass as cabin luggage for Air Arabia, Norwegian Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Ryanair, Vueling, and Wizz Air. It’s also too deep for Air Arabia, Pegasus Airlines, Ryanair, and Vueling. So, with this case, you risk having to pay extra fees to check it in at the gate.

While the four spinner wheels are great on smooth surfaces like airport floors and paved roads, I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t have rolled as easily over the 4.5 km of rubble in Tirana. If you’re traveling long-term and might go off-road, I’d recommend sticking with a two-wheeler like the Tranverz S that you can easily pull behind you.

This case is worth mentioning as it’s currently the lightest spinner cabin case in the world! While we wouldn’t recommend it for long-term travelers or business trips, it’s a great option for frequent short breaks abroad.

There’s no denying that this is a super stylish case. Weighing in at just 1.8 kg (3.9 lbs), it frees up more of your cabin weight allowance for the essentials. However, it has 10 liters less capacity than the Eastpak Tranverz S, so you’d struggle to fit the same amount in, even with compression packing cubes.

The JULY Carry-On Light’s dimensions (54 cm x 36 cm x 19 cm) meet the requirements of all the budget airlines in our size guide, but it lacks the expandability and flexibility of the Tranverz S.

Its clamshell design is similar to that of the Tranverz S, with zipped compartments in both the top and bottom sections. However, these are its only compartments—it doesn’t even have the hard-to-access front pocket!

Like the Travelpro Maxlite 5, the JULY Carry-On Light has spinner wheels, which rule it out for us as long-term travelers who sometimes traverse rough terrain. But it’s perfect for going from airports to taxis and hotels.

Conclusion To Our Eastpak Tranverz S Review

So, is the Eastpak Tranverz S still worth your money in 2025? The short answer: Yes, but it depends on what kind of traveler you are.

If you’re a business traveler needing something sleek and professional, or if you want a stylish and ultra-lightweight case for weekend breaks, the Tranverz S might not be the best fit for you. It doesn’t have the formal design of the Travelpro Maxlite 5 or the lightweight advantage of the JULY Carry-On Light.

However, if long-term travel is your thing, the Eastpak Tranverz S is a standout choice. Its rugged build and water-resistant fabric keep your belongings safe, while the compression straps and soft-shell design help you adapt to different airline rules easily.

We’ve used the Tranverz S on many flights, across two continents, and on tough treks, and it has proven to be reliable. Despite a couple of minor issues, like the hard-to-reach front pocket and the top handle’s position, its overall performance and durability have made it a great investment.

In summary, the Eastpak Tranverz S is not perfect for every traveler, but for long-term travelers, it offers excellent value and reliability. If you want a cabin-sized suitcase built to withstand the rigors of the real world, the Tranverz S is still a top contender in 2025.

If the Eastpak Tranverz S is the case for you, check it out for yourself on Amazon.

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