Great carry-on backpack that's easy to organize! - Eagle Creek Global Companion 40L - Women's

I'm not going to say for sure that this has as much room as a rolling suitcase, but wouldn't be surprised if it does. At worst, it gets really close. I'm traveling to Europe for 5 weeks and taking planes within the continent so I need a carry-on size bag so I don't get stuck with a $30 one way ticket that ends up being $130 due to a checked bag. I need a bag that helps me pack small not LIGHT. I loved this bag when I read about it because it opens like a book giving me two sides to pack- which means more organization! Gone are my days of filling a pack like a garbage bag! Here are the results of my trial packing run:
I was able to stuff one large, fully filled, bulging packing cube(17.5" x 12.75" x 3.25") into one side of the pack- it filled the entire side and I was worried that's all it would hold, but I was able to stuff a small cube (11" x 6.75" x 3") on top as well- the mesh zip cover and zipper were able to stretch and close around the extra stuff... they seemed well constructed enough to last- we'll see. The other side fit 2 medium packing cubes (13.75" x 9.75" x 3") and another small one leaving room for a Dopp kit or pair of shoes- maybe both.. Note: I did this one time, quickly because I just wanted to determine if I would be keeping the pack or sending it back... IT'S A KEEPER.

Other reviewers have commented on the fact that stuffing the inside makes makes it hard to use the large front mesh pocket. I don't find that as mind boggling as others... the same happens with my rolling bag- if I over stuff the inside, the large front zip pocket is too constricted to hold more than a couple magazines. I disagree that the 2 long front zip organizer pockets are rendered any less useful with excess stuffing... they only zip 3/4 of the way anyway, making them hard to stuff large items into and the compartments are obviously meant for smaller items- pen, notebook, flashlight, cords, maps, etc.. I looked at the Osprey and I wanted more organization than it offered and though that the fabric of the Eagle Creek seemed thicker and harder to cut or puncture. I don't want someone slashing the bottom of my pack- although with the book construction, it wouldn't be a piñata!