Traveler's Choice Pagosa Large Review

Large, inexpensive, and reasonably tough, we think the Traveler's Choice Pagosa Large is better than other bags in its same price range.

Likes

We liked this bag's packing volume. The Traveler's Choice Pagosa Large is a standard clam-shell case that offers nearly 100-liters (we calculated 96.5) of space for clothes, souvenirs, shoes, essentials, and more.

The interior of the Pagosa isn't half bad. Most bags at this price point don't offer a lot when it comes to straps, panels, or pockets. Although not perfect, we were still very pleased with this case's overall packing system. In particular, the main compartment offers two fold-down soft panels that buckle together to hold your payload in place.

The Pagosa's interior. The left side has two fold over pouches that buckle and cinch to hold your cargo in place.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

Both fold-downs have zippered mesh pockets for organizing smaller items.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

The left half has two additional zippered pockets on the outside of the zippered enclosure.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

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Rubber-tread spinner wheels and a well-placed bottom cup handle offer a bit of ease when it comes to transporting this bag.

The wheels tend to roll smoothly and quietly with little vibration. And, if the Pagosa is inconveniently positioned on the baggage carousel or the backseat, the bottom handle is better than grabbing onto dirty wheels.

During our water tests, we were impressed with this case's ability to fend off gallons of hose water. We lined our Traveler's Choice with sheets of industrial paper towel in order to detect any seepage. After dousing our bag from two angles, we were pleased to find its interior virtually dry.

Like most hardshells, the Traveler's Choice's shell is watertight. The problem is not the exterior, it's the zipper that allows water to penetrate.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

Spraying down the Pagosa (right) along with two other bags in its grouping.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

We lined each bag with a blue paper towel in order to detect water. The Pagosa's main compartment showed a small amount of water (water spots on the case liner in front of the paper towel).   Credit: Jason Wanlass

The top compartment was completely dry.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

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The Pagosa also performed well in our drop and tumble tests. Its polypropylene shell is softer than polycarbonate, so it is more pliable. This translates into a more cushioned tumble because the shell absorbs collision, often resulting in less dents. Conversely, the softer shell is also more susceptible to scratches or deeper gouges which are nearly impossible to buff out.

Rolling our Traveler's Choice down a cement staircase to test its resilience to bumps and bruises.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

The softer shell more easily tends to scratch and gouge. After testing this bag and traveling with it once, we already have several scratches like these.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

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Dislikes

We really didn't like this bag's grab handles. Both the top and side handles are very tight and a bit too small. Our testers found it difficult to pry them up, and found it equally as challenging to needle their fingers and hands into place. Even after completing a firm grasp, the handles were uncomfortably tight, making for an unpleasant carry.

We found the Pagosa Large easy to overpack. Its larger volume, combined with an expansion zipper, made stuffing it to the hilt an accident waiting to happen. In addition to the bag exceeding weight limits, we also found that the flexibility of the polypropylene shell made the case feel oddly stretchy or bendy under the strains of higher poundage. This affected how it moved and how well we could pick it up or carry it. Although we didn't experience any serious breakdowns, we also began to wonder about this case's resilience if chronically over-packed.

What Other Luggage Should You Consider?

The Samsonite Freeform Large Spinner also uses a polypropylene shell, but we feel it is a few levels up when it comes to overall construction quality, while remaining decently affordable. Our favorite general-purpose hardshell is the Away The Large. We've dragged this bag everywhere and have loved how it consistently performs. If you're open to a softshell bag, the SwissGear Sion Large Spinner is the same price as the Pagosa, but is a step up in quality, and isn't quite as oversized.

Dropped off the rental car, now headed for the check-in counter. The Pagosa rolls well on cement and it's easy to maneuver into place when walking onto an escalator.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

For a less-expensive bag, the Traveler's Choice actually has a nice look.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

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