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Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L Review

A reinforced duffel-style roller that gobbles up gear and delivers it to wherever you may be headed, the more rugged the better
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Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L Review
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Price:  $395 List
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Manufacturer:   Osprey
By Jason Wanlass ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Aug 1, 2024
84
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 18
  • Capacity - 35% 8.5
  • Ease of Transport - 25% 8.0
  • Construction Quality - 20% 9.0
  • Design and Functionality - 20% 8.0

Our Verdict

The Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L pays homage to the many backpacks that have made Osprey a well-known name among backcountry enthusiasts. Its pack-like design makes it our top choice for adventure seekers who enjoy lugging gear to the far corners of the Earth. This bag is stout and can easily make the transition from baggage claim to porter to pack animal. If you need an adventure suitcase that can devour all of your gear and keep it safe, this bag is your new best friend. Although the Sojourn Shuttle could be used for any travel plans, its design lends itself to jet-setters who are on their way to hit the slopes, clip into a carabiner, or lace up hiking boots.
REASONS TO BUY
Internal metal frame
Durable
Large wheels
Compartmentally balanced
Lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
A little pricey
Stiff zippers
Lacks full-length bumpers
Editor's Note: This article was updated on August 1, 2024, to include comparisons to newly tested products.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Top Pick Award
Best Adventure Duffel Roller
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Suitcase
Best Buy Award
Great Value for a Hardshell
Best Buy Award
Best Value for a Softshell
Best Buy Award
Best Suitcase on a Tight Budget
Price $394.95 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers
$530 List
$450.49 at Amazon
$280 List
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$140 List
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$116 List
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line Versatile enough to patiently endure a trip to a swanky beach resort, but happiest when rolling on dirt or strapped to a pack animalThis well-organized bag works admirably and has good organization features, but it's hugeA basic model that looks more expensive than it is and performs above expectationsA solid enough bag with a reputable namesake, ample space, a few convenient accessories, and an appealing price tagLarge in size and great in value for short-term needs
Rating Categories Osprey Sojourn Shut... Travelpro Platinum... Samsonite Freeform... SwissGear Sion Soft... Amazon Basics 30" H...
Capacity (35%)
8.5
8.8
9.2
7.0
6.7
Ease of Transport (25%)
8.0
9.0
7.0
6.0
6.2
Construction Quality (20%)
9.0
9.0
6.0
6.5
5.0
Design and Functionality (20%)
8.0
9.5
6.0
6.8
5.0
Specs Osprey Sojourn Shut... Travelpro Platinum... Samsonite Freeform... SwissGear Sion Soft... Amazon Basics 30" H...
Weight (Measured) 8.7 lb 12.2 lb 9.4 lb 11.1 lb 11.6 lb
Exterior Dimensions 30.7" x 19.3" x 17.0" 29.5" x 20.0." x 12.75" 31.1" x 20.9" x 13.8" 28.5" x 17.25" x 12.5" 30.75" x 21.0" x 12.0
Main Compartment Volume (Measured) 99 L 117 L 112.5 L 87 L 84 L
Exterior Material Bluesign approved, 100% recycled 460D high-tenacity nylon w/ ripstop and Bluesign approved, 100% recycled 500D high-tenacity nylon High-density nylon fabric with DuraGuard Polypropylene Polyester Extra-thick ABS, hard shell
Number of Wheels 2 4 4 4 4
Pull Handle Heights 1 (39") 1 (42") 2 (36", 40.5") 2 (37", 41") 3 (32", 36", 40")
Opening Style Top lid Top lid Half shell Top lid Half shell
Locking System Zipper loop Combination/TSA lock Combination/TSA lock Zipper loop None
Number of Exterior Pockets 4 2 None 2 None

Our Analysis and Test Results

We were instantly drawn to the ability of the Sojourn Shuttle's to eat up gear and keep it safe en route to anywhere in the world. It's brimming with unique features that set it apart from other gear-haulers, including its recognizable straitjacket compression system.

Performance Comparison


osprey sojourn shuttle 100l - if you love gear and tend to feel at home in the outdoors, this bag...
If you love gear and tend to feel at home in the outdoors, this bag is your new best friend.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Capacity


When it comes to gear, the Sojourn Shuttle can eat nearly everything. Primarily designed as adventure luggage, this bag pays homage to Osprey's well-known backpacks and offers a great balance between wide-open main storage and compartmental pockets. This is also the main difference between the Sojourn and its predecessor, the Osprey Shuttle Wheeled 100L — the ability to pack things away better.


Our measurements of the Sojourn Shuttle's main interior compartment resulted in 99 liters of volume. This doesn't include the bag's additional exterior pockets. All combined, the Sojourn Shuttle packs up mixed gear with general, everyday items, and it does it well.


The straitjacket compression system gives this bag a unique edge over many other gear haulers we've studied. We shoved ski gear, ropes, wet suits, tents, and more into our Sojourn Shuttle and were able to perfectly secure it into a tightly protected bundle. Thick 1680-denier ballistic nylon fabric makes the straitjacket system tough enough to keep nearly any gear item firmly in place during travel, and it is also padded, which offers an extra layer of protection. Even better, when payloads are smaller, there's a second set of buckles that allows travelers to reposition the straitjacket and cinch it even tighter.

Putting our Sojourn to the test to see how different items fit into its storage bay. We packed it several times with a wide variety of payloads, and our response was always the same: Easy Peasy.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

The compression system is both very simple and incredibly versatile. It even offers two additional offset buckles, which allow the straps to be mixed and matched around oddly shaped gear or cinched firmly around smaller loads, keeping everything safely strapped in. The only negative we found is the straitjacket compression system leaves some loose ends — literally. Once tightly cinched, we often had trouble securing the leftover strap tails. The plastic clips designed to handle the job weren't very effective, especially during the rigors of air travel, so we usually ended up looping the excess strapping around itself.

osprey sojourn shuttle 100l - that's a wrap. we usually just wrapped the excess strapping on top...
That's a wrap. We usually just wrapped the excess strapping on top of itself, although we wish there was a better way to secure it.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

It isn't a real adventure unless it involves muddy boots or wet gear (right?). The large lower compartment on the Sojourn Shuttle makes easy work of storing dirty items or more rugged gear that needs to be kept separate. The compartment is self-contained and is comprised of a thick nylon pocket, which does an excellent job of separating its contents from clean clothes or more fragile gear located in the main storage area.

osprey sojourn shuttle 100l - making good use of this bag's bottom compartment. even when the rest...
Making good use of this bag's bottom compartment. Even when the rest of the bag was full, it still had room to swallow up a pair of shoes and a muddy jacket.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Similar to a backpack, we like that the lower pocket sits at the very bottom of the bag and is accessible from the outside. This reduces contact between dirty items and the suitcase's main payload. Even better, if more storage is needed in the main section of the Shuttle, the lower pocket simply collapses, folding into the suitcase's main body.


After assessing the durable fabrics, extensive metal frame, and rugged wheel assembly, we were rather surprised to find that the Sojourn Shuttle tips the scales at just 8.7 pounds, resulting in one of the higher weight-to-storage ratios on our list. This gives travelers the ability to shove nearly 42 pounds of gear, supplies, and clothing into this bag before hitting the 50-pound general airline limit.

Cinching it tight. We played around with our Sojourn's straitjacket compression system for an hour to see how many combinations we could come up with. Having the ability to adjust it to compress different payloads is one reason why this is one of our favorite adventure bags.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Ease of Transport


The Sojourn Shuttle is ready to tackle nearly any terrain. It excelled in all of our transport tests, making it one of the easiest bags on our list to lift, pull, carry, or tie down.


Two massive 4-inch, sealed bearing wheels allow the Sojourn Shuttle to easily break trail on nearly any surface. Even filled with its max weight of 50 pounds, the Shuttle kept up with us on gravel, hiking trails, and grass. The only area it struggled was in soft sand, but sand is a challenge for any wheel-based suitcase.

Whether rolling on smooth airport hallways, or down a dirt road, there's virtually no difference. This bag's 4-inch wheels roll steadily on nearly any terrain.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

The three low-profile grab handles are one of our favorite Sojourn Shuttle features. Each sits nearly flush against the bag's exterior, which reduces the potential of getting snagged during the baggage claim process or while being transported through a remote wilderness area. The handles also excel at blending substantial strength with comfort. Each has thick, soft padding, a welcoming feature when lugging it up a steep ravine or hoisting it onto a luggage rack.

osprey sojourn shuttle 100l - the sojourns top handle is absolutely massive, making baggage claim...
The Sojourns top handle is absolutely massive, making baggage claim a breeze.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Of particular note is the unique bow shape of the Sojourn Shuttle. The back side of the bag is bowed from top to bottom. This exceptional feature gives it a more ergonomic fit when strapped to a pack animal or carried by a porter. We feel this is a simple but thoughtful and effective feature that sets the Shuttle apart from the adventure-bag competition. The only drawback of this design is the lack of protective bumpers that normally run the full length of most bags designed predominantly for airline travel.

osprey sojourn shuttle 100l - admiring this bag's uniquely bowed design. the entire bag is arched...
Admiring this bag's uniquely bowed design. The entire bag is arched, giving it great protection against curbs, but also making it more ergonomic for being transported by pack animal.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

When you reach the end of the trail, we really like that the collapsible handle descends well below the top side of the suitcase. Many suitcase handles sit flush with the top of the bag. However, the handle on the Sojourn Shuttle lowers more than an inch below the top edge. This is an excellent feature that protects the handle and keeps it neatly tucked out of the way during more rugged journeys in remote areas.

Taking cover: Testing the Sojourn's trolley handle, and being impressed with its ability to sink well below the top of the bag. This protects the handle but also makes the bag more streamlined.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Construction Quality


A casual glance at the Sojourn Shuttle may leave you assuming it's simply a large backpack or a typical duffel-style suitcase. However, closer inspection reveals many added-value components that set it apart from your average adventure bag.


One of the most impressive features is the aggressive fabrics. The main portion of the bag is comprised of 420HD nylon pack cloth, while the bag's bottom section, body, and key wear points are wrapped in 1680-denier ballistic nylon. This stout exterior is resilient enough to take on the rigors of extensive adventure travel.

We dropped our Sojourn several times from this ledge. Despite our efforts, it had no visible damage.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Minor cosmetic scratches and scuffs were the only damage we could find after a series of staircase tumble tests and throw tests. However, the Sojourn Shuttle does not have full-length bumper rails, which allow a bag to ski down stairwells or across concrete, so it was more likely to tumble end over end in some of our tests. This is one of the Sojourn Shuttle's more noticeable design drawbacks, as flipping end over end down stairs can cause more damage to packed items.

Yes, we threw this bag down a rocky cliff (three times). Despite our best efforts, it hardly had a scratch.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Additionally, although not completely waterproof, the Sojourn Shuttle's exterior performs as well as a backpack in keeping out rain. During our water tests, we soaked our bag from every side and then closely inspected it for leaks. Although the exterior shell did absorb water, we were pleased to find the Sojourn Shuttle's interior virtually dry.

After six minutes of hose water, the Sojourn's interior was basically dry.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

In keeping with its Osprey backcountry roots, the Sojourn Shuttle is also supported by a sturdy internal metal frame, similar to those found in vintage backpacks. The aluminum frame runs the length of both sides of the bag and ties into both the wheel assembly and the collapsible handle assembly. We feel this is an excellent design feature that adds strength and stability. We also found it effective at allowing the Sojourn Shuttle to stand solidly upright and effectively absorb stresses associated with being tossed, stacked, bumped, and dropped.

Tracing the Sojourn's impressive reinforcements. This bag has a fully integrated metal frame, and a tough nylon foot box that is embedded with a thick metal ribbon.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Design and Functionality


Travelers who are familiar with Osprey backpacks will instantly recognize the style and function of the Sojourn Shuttle. In many ways, it's similar to a backpack on wheels.


While this bag could be used for any travel application, it leans heavily toward adventure travel, where more gear is packed than clothing. The rounded backpack design is stylish but also lends itself well to being dragged through the brush, lashed to a pack animal, or strapped to the top of an SUV. One of our favorite simple yet very functional features aboard the Sojourn Shuttle is its grab handles — there are four of them. Each is massive and very comfortable. Both side handles are offset, so they ride very close to the body. This is crucial when carrying a load of gear up less-than-ideal terrain because it more effectively balances the weight of the bag against the weight of the body and allows the porter to maintain a normal walking posture.

Testing this bag's engineered side handles. Not only are they extremely rugged and comfortable, but they are also offset to one side. This allows the bag to stay balanced and ride directly against the body.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Should You Buy the Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L?


If your destinations have more rock, dirt, and bugs than luxury suites and swimming pools, this bag should be high on the list of your possible options for luggage. The ballistic nylon cocoon and straitjacket compression system will smother loads of heavy gear and keep it protected through a wide variety of transport methods. If your adventure travels need even more space, Osprey also makes a 130-liter version of the Shuttle.

Headed back to the truck after a long day of testing our Sojourn. Those sunflowers though...
Credit: Jason Wanlass

What Other Suitcases Should You Consider?


Check out The North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder 28. It's another one of our top-performing adventure bags. It scores as well as the Sojourn but has a bolder style. It's a superb option that's burly and ready to handle all your adventuring. If you groove on more systematic bags, the Eagle Creek ORV Trunk 30 is a very sturdy adventure roller that offers tons of compartments to organize your stuff.

osprey sojourn shuttle 100l - go ahead and look around. pound for pound, this bag is simply the...
Go ahead and look around. Pound for pound, this bag is simply the best overall gear-hauler on the market.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Jason Wanlass