Eastpak Transit'R M (Tarp Black) Review — 78L 2‑Wheel Trolley with TSA Lock & Front Pocket

TL;DR

• Who it’s for: Travelers who want a durable, medium check‑in with 2 wheels, a built‑in TSA lock, and a practical front pocket for docs.
• Why it’s good: Double‑decker interior for clean packing, coated (tarp) polyester that shrugs off drizzle and scuffs, and aluminum‑tube frame with protective skids.
• Trade‑offs: No spinner (4‑wheel) version here (that’s the Transit’R 4), no expander, and ~3.1 kg isn’t ultralight.

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Quick Take

Transit’R M is the modernized take on Eastpak’s classic soft trolley: two main compartments plus a zip‑fastening front pocket, integrated TSA lock, and 2‑wheel stability you’ll appreciate on cobbles and curbs. The Tarp Black finish is a coated fabric that wipes clean; the shell keeps its shape in overhead racks and baggage holds without feeling stiff.

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Size, Capacity & Airline Fit

• External size: 67 × 35.5 × 30 cm (H×W×D)
• Capacity: 78 L — ideal for 5–9 days if you pack with cubes
• Weight: ≈ 3.12 kg

Airline notes: This is a medium check‑in, not cabin‑size. It fits standard 23 kg/50 lb allowances when packed sensibly; always check your carrier’s limits.

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Build & Materials

• Fabric: Coated (tarp) polyester; water‑resistant and abrasion‑tolerant
• Frame & hardware: Aluminum tubes, protective skids, and a handle with diamond embossing
• Handles: Telescopic, plus top and dual front carry handles
• Wheels: 2‑wheel smooth‑glide system
• Security: Integrated TSA 3‑digit code lock
• Pockets: Two main compartments + front zip pocket for docs/quick‑grab items

The coated “tarp” fabric is water‑resistant, not waterproof—fine for rain showers and damp tarmac; use dry bags for electronics inside.

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Organization & Packing Tips

• Treat it like a double‑decker: tops/soft items in one half, shoes & heavier items in the other.
• Stash documents and a flat sling bag in the front pocket; avoid placing a laptop here (minimal padding).
• Use medium packing cubes (26–30 cm width) to align with the 35.5 cm internal width.

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Durability & Warranty

• Daily use benefits from the coated shell, skids, and metal‑tube handle; they reduce wear at common stress points.
• Warranty: Eastpak advertises up to 30‑year limited warranty on many products, but some special fabrics carry 2‑year coverage. Check your hang‑tag; several retailers list 2 years for Tarp Black variants.

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Pros & Cons

Pros

• Integrated TSA lock and practical front pocket
• 2‑wheel control is steady on rough sidewalks and cobbles
• Coated fabric looks sharp and cleans up easily
• 78 L double‑decker layout packs like a drawer

Cons

• No expander and no spinner wheels on this model
• ≈ 3.1 kg is solid, not ultralight
• Front pocket is document‑depth (not for heavy laptops)

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At‑a‑Glance Specifications

| Spec | Detail | | ------------ | --------------------------------------------- | | Type | Softside 2‑wheel trolley | | Size | 67 × 35.5 × 30 cm | | Capacity | 78 L | | Weight | ≈ 3.12 kg | | Fabric | Coated polyester (Tarp Black) | | Compartments | Two main + front zip pocket | | Lock | Integrated TSA 3‑digit | | Handles | Telescopic, top, dual front carry |

<small>Figures consolidated from Eastpak’s product pages and major retailers; minor variances by region/season are normal.</small>

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Alternatives

• Transit’R 4 M (spinner): Same concept with 4 wheels and similar capacity (~80 L) if you prefer spinners.
• Tranverz M: Older sibling with a similar double‑deck layout and a long track record.
• Transit’R S: Cabin‑size 2‑wheel if you want the same DNA for short trips.

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FAQ

Does it have compression straps?
Internally it’s a double compartment with dividers; use packing cubes for compression. External compression straps are not a focus on the Transit’R line.

Is the fabric waterproof?
It’s water‑resistant coated polyester. For downpours, line the interior with dry bags or a packable rain cover.

Can it stand upright when full?
Yes—the skids and wheelbase stabilize it upright; on slopes, park it crosswise to the incline.

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Rating & Verdict

• Build quality: 4.5/5
• Mobility (wheels/handle): 4.4/5
• Organization: 4.2/5
• Value: 4.1/5

Overall: 4.3/5 — A robust medium check‑in with a smart layout and TSA‑lock peace of mind. If you need a spinner or an expander, look at Transit’R 4 or other lines—otherwise, this is a dependable week‑away hauler.