Eagle Creek 2-in-1 Backpack/Duffel Bag

i got this bag on sale for $30+. i have several EC products and most of them has a good quality and wise construction. but no all. and this bag is a good (bad?) example of such product.

1. material. it is good. thin, lightweight and seems to be durable.
2. compact. it is packable. but not to the smallest size. you can't through this in your pocket.
3. construction. this is where all problems are.
- transformation from backpack to duffel gives me laughable increase in volume. why not to make just hideaway straps instead of this manipulation with zip and so on?

- when in "bag mode" door to your items is SO small and narrow so you can fit there only very very small things. forget about shoes, books, bals, big towels. you will not be able to fit such things in this opening. to do this you must use top (backpack) opening and throw all of your items in one big mess

- handstraps are SO uncomfortable so even with light load they digs into my hands. yes, padding exists there but this small piece of material sewn in such stupid way so it will never be between your hand and handstrap.

- shoulder straps. oh, it is really pain here. they are VERY narrow. yes, this bag/backpack more or less comfortable only in backpack mode. but ONLY when you pack it with kids balloon. 3-5 kilograms and shoulderstraps will hurt your shoulders.

I bought this bag after being in an accident and injuring my neck. My physical therapist said I wasn't to carry anything heavy for an upcoming vacation, including my luggage. Living in a 4 story walk-up and having to deal with multiple flights of stairs in and out of the subways and trains to get to the airport -- I thought a backpack might be better than hauling a rolling suitcase around. The bag is super light, but it presents concerns about longevity as far as wear and tear. I really liked how the bag was set up -- I never used the duffel opening (but I did use the duffel carrying handles occasionally), as it was super small, but packed what I didnt need down at the bottom, and my liquids, etc at the top for easy access. Make sure and open up the bottom zipper where the duffel handles are -- it gives you extra room!! I used the back pocket where the backpack straps are stored for an ipad/document pocket (it only works if you've got the bag stuffed because it does not zipper with the straps out). The top pocket was great for headphones, boarding pass, etc. The inner pocket was used for Clif bars, etc. People along the way complimented me on my bag (I got the bright green one) and fully stuffed it was flat enough to fit in most small overhead compartments or under the seat, if need be. Two complaints: the backpack straps could use more padding, as well as a sterum and waist strap. Also, the water bottle pockets were a little flimsy when I had a small bottle in one of them - it kept popping out. Overall, it performed well during the trip and I was pleased with the less than $30 bag (got it during a sale on STP).