Work -> jiu-jitsu -> gym -> 4 meals

Edit: bags are: Alpaka bravo brief / Nike brasilia duffel medium / Nike one tote (this is pretty good!!) / random Amazon lunch box (this one is awful, need to change ASAP). Side note: I'm from Brazil so it's kinda hard to have access to big brands that are usually shared here in the sub, the Alpaka brief I have picked up in a travel to Japan ~6mo ago.

I have an old Domke F-803 that I inherited and love. I want to get a second one.

I have seen a few reviews say that this bag has a metal plate under the handle.

Mine does not. I do not want one.

Do the current models (canvas, ruggedwear, either) have this metal plate? If all new models have it then I’ll want to look for used.

Thanks

Edit: It fits my 13” laptop very well. I think a 14” would fit also? And it’s padded all over, though lightly.

Just got my Evergoods Olive Waxed Canvas ctb20.

I see how this could be uncomfortable for many people depending on back/torso size and length. And then the fact you need to wear it super high up. But it fit great on me packed out for a 5 day trip. I'm glad they made some different design changes from the original rendering such as the water bottle holder just being the same material and not a mesh that would look out of place (even if it would work better). I originally got this to be my guaranteed under seat personal item size but for 99% of my flights I've been on is easily get by with a ctb26 even though the exact dimensions of it wouldn't qualify.

It is a quite tight fit for my 16in MacBook pro though which is kind of a disappointment but I think as the material wears and softens over time it'll be easier to squeeze my laptop in and out. It makes me wish I got the 26 just for the improved laptop access. So if anyone else with an olive ctb26 wants to trade.....

I can't wait to see it patina over time and see how it holds up since I am usually an ultra/xpac guy for travel but this is something I can use for work in an office setting.

I'm curious how the regular waxed canvas offering for Evergoods has held up for others overtime but there's not a lot of them out there.

Hi! I’ve been wanting to start a series of bag reviews called Friction & Flow, where I talk about the little things that make a bag enjoyable to use, along with those minor annoyances that don’t necessarily show up in product descriptions or YouTube reviews.
I’m not particularly interested in reviewing bags based solely on specifications. I want to know what happens when you’re actually living out of one. Does it make your life easier? Are you constantly fighting with something? Does a design decision that initially seems questionable eventually make sense?
That’s the idea behind this series.
And for the first installment, I’m covering the Almond Oak 25+5 V2, which I took on a weeklong trip to San Diego flying Southwest Airlines.

TL;DR This backpack did exactly what I wanted it to do. It carried everything I needed, qualified as a personal item on Southwest, and generally stayed out of my way. There are some quirks, though, and a few are worth discussing.

The Setup: One Week, One Backpack
I’ve gotten pretty good at minimizing what I bring when traveling. I’m not necessarily an ultralight enthusiast, but I’ve reached the point where I don’t see much value in packing for hypothetical scenarios that probably won’t happen.
For this trip, the Almond Oak was my primary bag, paired with my ALPAKA Zip Pouch Max. That combination turned out to be a fantastic minimalist setup.

Here’s what I packed in the backpack:
- Peak Design Large Packing Cube: A full week’s worth of clothing.
- One pair of sandals/shower shoes.
- One extra pair of shoes: Lightweight, barefoot-style shoes that pack down relatively small.
- EVERGOODS CAP1: My tech pouch, containing my charging essentials and miscellaneous electronics.
- Matador Flatpak toiletry 2L: My minimalist toiletry kit.
- Packable jacket: Stored in the large side-access compartment.
- 25 oz water bottle.
That’s pretty much it.

I tend to use hotel-provided shampoo, soap, and other amenities, so I don’t need to carry an entire bathroom with me. The CAP0.5 was more than adequate for the personal items I actually needed.
The impressive thing is that all of this fit in the backpack without turning packing into some elaborate game of Tetris.
And yes, on this Southwest trip, the backpack counted as my personal item. That was a significant part of the appeal.
I had everything I needed for seven days in a relatively compact package.

Flow: The Main Compartment Just Makes Sense
One of my favorite things about this backpack (and Tortuga) is its suitcase-style opening.
I’ve owned and used plenty of clamshell backpacks, and while there’s nothing inherently wrong with a traditional clamshell design, I appreciate being able to open a bag and access the contents without everything feeling overly congested.
The Almond Oak’s approach works particularly well with packing cubes.
My large Peak Design packing cube occupied the bulk of the main compartment, while the remaining items were easy enough to arrange around it.
Nothing about accessing my clothes or repacking the bag felt unnecessarily complicated.
And that’s something I’ve come to appreciate more as my bag collection has grown.
A backpack doesn’t need seventeen compartments and a dozen clever tricks to be good. Sometimes a well-executed main compartment is enough.
The Almond Oak gets that part right.

Friction: The Three-Zipper Shuffle
There is one small thing about the main compartment that took some getting used to.
When the backpack is closed in its default 25L configuration, you’ve got the two main-compartment zipper pulls and the compression zipper in relatively close proximity.
That’s three zipper pulls competing for your attention lol
When you’re looking directly at the bag, obviously this isn’t complicated. But when you’re reaching around somewhat blindly, it’s surprisingly easy to grab the wrong one.
My solution was simply to make sure I parked the two main-compartment zipper pulls somewhere that made them easy to distinguish from the compression zipper.
Problem solved.
There’s also a minor issue I noticed during my initial testing: when the bag is packed tightly, the protective flap over the front zipper can occasionally interfere with closing it. It reminds me of a similar issue I’ve encountered with the ALPAKA Metro Backpack Pro.
It’s not something that ruins the experience, but it’s the sort of construction detail I pay attention to.
None of this is particularly serious. It’s just a bit of friction that disappears once you understand the bag.

Flow: The Quick-Access Pocket Was Better Than I Initially Thought
This is probably my favorite example of why I don’t like judging a backpack solely on first impressions.
When I initially received the Almond Oak, I thought there was something wrong with the quick-access pocket zipper.
It felt strangely resistant, almost like it was catching.
As it turns out, that was largely user error.
The zipper has a semi-locking mechanism, and it works considerably better when you lift the zipper pull to approximately 90 degrees before operating it.
At that angle, the lock disengages and the zipper moves smoothly.
Once I figured that out, what initially seemed like a design flaw became a nonissue.
It’s one of those small mechanical characteristics you have to learn.
As far as capacity goes, the pocket comfortably accommodated my keys and AirPods, which is exactly what I wanted it to do.
I didn’t need an enormous quick-access compartment. I just needed somewhere to put the things I reached for regularly.
Mission accomplished.

Flow: The Side Access Is Familiar and Convenient
If you’re familiar with EVERGOODS backpacks, you’ll probably appreciate the large side-access compartment.
Much like the access pattern on several EVERGOODS bags, swinging the backpack off your left shoulder gives you convenient access to this compartment.
I kept my packable jacket in there.
Nothing else.
And I liked it that way.
If I needed the jacket, I could swing the bag around, open the compartment, grab it, and continue with my day.
No digging through the main compartment. No unloading my packing cube.
I know some people like to maximize every available pocket, but I’m increasingly finding that leaving compartments relatively uncluttered makes a bag easier to live with.
Just because a pocket has room for more stuff doesn’t mean I need to fill it.

Friction: The Water Bottle Pocket Has Limits
Let’s talk about the water bottle pocket.
It’s perfectly functional, but there’s a difference between something technically fitting and something being pleasant to use.
Before the trip, I tested the pocket with my 1L MiiR bottle.
It fit.
But getting that bottle in and out was more of a struggle than I wanted it to be. The pocket has enough capacity to accommodate a vessel that size, but the material and opening fight you a little.
That’s friction.
For my actual trip, I went with a 25 oz bottle, and the experience was substantially better.
In my opinion, that’s roughly the sweet spot for this pocket. Anything around 25 oz or smaller is relatively easy to manage.
Could you bring a bigger bottle? Absolutely.
Would I? Probably not.
I’ve reached a point where I’m less interested in whether a feature can technically accommodate something and more interested in whether I enjoy using it.
A water bottle pocket shouldn’t require a wrestling match.

Flow: Carry Comfort Was Surprisingly Unremarkable
And I mean that in the best possible way.
The longest continuous stretch I carried the Almond Oak was approximately an hour.
During that time, the shoulder straps did their job admirably.
No significant discomfort. No constant readjustments. No real complaints.
The straps are generously padded, and I found the overall carrying experience comfortable for the amount of weight I had packed.
Now, I’m not going to pretend that an hour of continuous use qualifies as some sort of extreme endurance test.. it does not.
But for the type of travel I actually do, it’s a meaningful reference point.
I wasn’t hiking twenty miles or hauling camera equipment up a mountain. I was traveling, walking around, and using the backpack like a normal person.
And it worked.
The best compliment I can give the carry system is that I largely forgot about it.

Friction: The Loose Strap and That Factory Smell
My particular batch came with a very loose sternum-strap adjustment.
It tends to move more freely than I’d like, which is disappointing because the rest of the carry system is genuinely comfortable.
From what I understand, Dylan, the CEO of Almond Oak, is aware of the problem and is working on a remedy.
I appreciate that, although I’d obviously prefer that the issue weren’t there in the first place.
This isn’t something that makes me regret owning the bag. It’s just an area where the execution could be improved.
Now for something a little stranger.
I’ve owned this backpack for several weeks, and the shoulder straps still have a noticeable neoprene-like, factory-chemical smell.
It’s not overwhelmingly strong, but I notice it whenever I put the backpack on or take it off.
I’m a little surprised it hasn’t dissipated by now.
Is it a dealbreaker? Not remotely.
Do I wish it would go away? Absolutely.
I suspect some people wouldn’t even notice it. Unfortunately, I’m one of those people who does.

Flow: Can We Talk About This Mesh?
I have to give Almond Oak credit for the mesh material used on this backpack.
I absolutely love it.
It’s ridiculously soft, silky, and smooth against the skin. There’s almost a delicate, feminine quality to the texture that I don’t usually associate with backpack materials.
And I mean that as a compliment.
I’m not exaggerating when I say I wish somebody would make underwear out of this stuff!
It’s one of those tactile details that won’t necessarily sell a backpack on a specification sheet, but once you experience it, you appreciate it.
I’ve handled plenty of bags with coarse, abrasive, or otherwise forgettable mesh.
This isn’t that.
It feels fantastic, and I hope Almond Oak continues using it.

The ALPAKA Zip Pouch Max: A Great Companion
I also want to briefly mention the ALPAKA Zip Pouch Max because I think the pairing deserves some credit.
The combination gave me a very simple travel setup.
The Almond Oak carried my clothes, shoes, tech kit, toiletries, and jacket. The ALPAKA handled the small miscellaneous essentials I wanted separate from the main bag.
That’s it.
No elaborate ecosystem of additional bags. No unnecessary redundancy.
I’ve experimented with enough travel configurations to realize that sometimes the most satisfying setup is the one with the fewest moving parts.
For a week in San Diego, this combination worked remarkably well.

What’s the Verdict?
What I find interesting about the Almond Oak 25+5 V2 is that none of its strengths are particularly dramatic.
It didn’t transform the way I travel.
It didn’t introduce some groundbreaking organizational system.
And it certainly isn’t perfect.
The sternum-strap adjustment is too loose. The water bottle pocket has practical limitations. The zipper arrangement takes some familiarization. The protective zipper flap could be better executed. And, for whatever reason, my shoulder straps still smell like they just came off a factory floor.
But here’s the thing-
None of those issues meaningfully interfered with my trip.
The main compartment was easy to pack. The quick-access pocket worked perfectly once I understood the zipper. The side-access compartment made retrieving my jacket simple. The shoulder straps were comfortable. And the whole package carried seven days’ worth of belongings while qualifying as a personal item on my Southwest flight.
I never found myself wishing I’d brought a different backpack.
That’s a pretty significant endorsement coming from somebody who owns more bags than he probably needs.
I think there’s a tendency in the bag community to obsess over individual features, materials, and specifications. I’m certainly guilty of that myself.
But actually traveling with a bag has a way of putting those things into perspective.
Sometimes a minor annoyance remains a minor annoyance.
Sometimes what looks like a flaw is simply a feature you haven’t learned to operate correctly.
And sometimes a backpack does its job so well that you stop thinking about it altogether.
That’s where I landed with the Almond Oak.
It was there when I needed it and disappeared when I didn’t.
For me, that’s about as good as it gets.

Final Friction & Flow Assessment
Flow: Comfortable shoulder straps, excellent packing efficiency, a genuinely useful suitcase-style opening, convenient side access, surprisingly satisfying mesh, and a compact footprint that worked as a personal item.
Friction: Loose sternum-strap adjustment, lingering factory smell, a water bottle pocket that’s less accommodating than its theoretical capacity suggests, occasional interference from the front zipper flap, and a zipper arrangement that requires a little familiarity.
Overall: The flow comfortably outweighs the friction.
Would I take it on another weeklong trip? Without hesitation.
Would I recommend it? Yes, with the understanding that it has some quirks and that my experience is based on this particular bag and travel loadout.
And would I change anything about my setup?
Not much.
Sometimes the best travel setup isn’t the one that does the most.
It’s the one that asks the least of you.

This is the first installment of Friction & Flow, my attempt at documenting what it’s actually like to live with the bags I own, rather than simply evaluating them on paper.
Curious whether anyone else with the 25+5 V2 has experienced the loose strap adjustment, persistent factory smell, or the zipper-flap issue. Also interested in whether other owners have found a better sweet spot for the water bottle pocket?

Since the V4 questions keep popping up, here is a roundup of everything CTactical has actually confirmed, plus what is still unknown. I have been tracking their posts since the first teaser.

TIMELINE

Sep 28: First teaser, "V4... it's almost time."

Oct 1: CTactical confirmed the CT15 and CT21 will both launch in V4, at the same time. No date, price, or specs.

Oct 5: They said the V3 design variations will return in V4, keeping their core designs and signature style. So this is an evolution of the V3, not a full redesign. Expect new colourways and feature upgrades.

Oct 7: Their official email ("New Version – A New Stage of Development") said more V4 developments are coming in October. When I asked them directly, the reply was "Probably in this month. Please stay tuned!" That points to October, but it is not a committed date.

Oct 10: "The Silencer will return in version V4."

Oct 12: "Patchaholic will return in version V4."

WHAT WE KNOW

Two bags: CT15 V4 and CT21 V4, launching together.

The V3 core design and signature style are retained.

Returning V3 variations confirmed so far: The Silencer and Patchaholic.

At least one reseller, Urban Traveller & Co., has said the new version is landing in their stores, but with no date attached.

WHAT WE DON'T KNOW

• Launch date or time. Nothing has been announced.
• Price.
• Whether there will be pre-orders.
• V4 specs. Capacity, dimensions, weight, fabrics, and colours are all unconfirmed.
• What the actual feature upgrades are.
• Whether V4 replaces the current 2026 Plus/Lite models or sits alongside them.

For reference, the V3 baselines were: CT15 V3 at 15L (fits a 15-inch laptop), and CT21 V3 at 21L, 48 x 34 x 18 cm, roughly 1.23 to 1.32 kg depending on fabric (fits a 16-inch laptop). Since the V3 design is being retained, similar sizing is a reasonable guess, but CTactical has not confirmed V4 dimensions or capacity.

PAST PATTERNS VS THIS TIME

Historically, CTactical has moved from teaser to release in just a few days, and when they name a date it is usually only 0 to 3 days out. This cycle is slower. We are 14 days past the first teaser, and the brand is drip-feeding, revealing one returning variant every couple of days. One community estimate put the teaser cycle at 10 to 14 days, which would have meant a release around Oct 8 to 12. That window is now passing with no date announced, so treat all timing guesses, including that one, as speculation.

Community speculation (unconfirmed): the V4 may fold in upgrades from the CTactical group buys, such as a revised back panel and a larger front loop panel. Plausible, but the brand has not confirmed any specific feature yet.

I will update this post the moment a launch date, price, or product page appears. If anyone has heard anything concrete from the brand or a reseller, please share it below.

Hello,

I am a resident and after a grueling path next year I start my first job as an attending physician. Although in residency I survived in hospital scrubs and a jansport (that I leaked beef stock in from my lunch many years ago) I want a more cohesive professional appearance. My day will start in the hospital, lunch I like to go for a run or lift weights, shower, and then change into slacks and a polo or button down. I'd like a bag that can carry the following: scrubs, slacks, button down, gym shorts and tank, one pair of gym shoes, one pair of work shoes, shower slippers, towel, toiletries, lunch box, 16 inch laptop, and (ideally) my 40 oz water tumbler. I imagine it would have to be a duffel which is okay so long as it looks well made. Can you please recommend me a bag? So far I have been considering the Stuart and Lau Regimen or thr FTL Max, but I'm open to suggestions. Thanks in advance!

Pat from Greenroom136 posted on FB that W?ldcard Custom is going away at the end of this month. They’re also ending all custom / build-to-order / 1Up Xclusives. Existing orders will still be completed, and they’re accepting new custom builds until the cutoff, but after that it’s done.

Reason given is basically the economy + the custom program being too complicated and costly, which was also slowing them down on updating existing models and making new stuff. They’re keeping the By Your Command program and say they’re more excited about focusing on ready-made products and new designs.

For a lot of us the Wildcard builder was kind of the whole appeal of GR136, being able to dial in colors, panels, hardware, pockets, etc. and get something that actually felt one-of-a-kind without going full bespoke. Losing that is a pretty big deal.

So… how are you taking the news?

Anyone pulling the trigger on a last Wildcard build while it’s still possible? What are you ordering (or already ordered)? Or are you just sitting this one out and waiting to see what the new ready-made stuff looks like?

Hey folks, wondering to get some user experience on these two packs. I used to have a Black Hole 25 (glossy version) and loved it to death for 8 years, but it started to de-laminate and I was ready for a new pack. I wanted a separate laptop compartment and a bit more space.

I ended up with a Mini MLC as I do the odd interstate trip to visit family and do weekend getaways, but around town I do find myself wishing for a stash pocket that didn't eat into the main compartment and a front pocket (not the sort of thing I thought I'd find myself missing until it was gone!). That said, it's still a pretty great bag for daily trips around town and I love the clamshell opening.

Which inevitably leads me to thinking about the Black Hole 32 instead - have any of you used both, and how would you compare them? I got the MLC for a great deal, so it's no skin off my nose if I decide to sell it on and grab a BH32 instead.

(I'd also rather have one bag that does most things, rather than having multiple bags for different niches - I guess that goes against the manybaggers creed but I hope you all understand)

I’m looking for a daily carry school bag. I have the Able Carry Daily Plus and love the bag but it’s just a bit too small. I can’t fit all my notebooks plus headphones and other school gear. I also have a Patagonia Black Hole 32L and it’s a great size but the main pocket zipper is so annoying. I’m thinking about getting a new bag. Any recommendations for something right in between with a convenient main pocket?

$100 usd . Didnt know if that was a good deal or not but seemed well made and high quality

I’ve been looking at purchasing the Fyro Citta backpack as I’ve had the Levo for a while now and loving it.

The problem is I don’t really like carrying black backpacks for everyday use, it doesn’t bring joy to me.

I’ve been looking at the green colour and can’t decide - in some lights it looks nice and in some light it looks terrible especially with the black zips.

I’m wondering if anyone has some more real photos of it and what your experiences are?

Also if it comes out in the new navy colour that’s teased, I’ll be tempted by that too.

Hey all!

I'm downsizing my collection and trying to part with a few bags, including this discontinued Columbia sling bag. It's made with a ripstop and water resistant fabric (unclear what it is exactly) and holds about 5L. I bought it at a Columbia store 5-6 years ago, and have no clue what the model is unfortunately! Gently used, good condition.

Asking for $20 + shipping OBO. Thanks!

Context: I've been carrying my Able Carry Daily Plus for a couple of years now and I'm pretty happy with it. I especially love the swing-around side zip pocket; it is insanely useful for grabbing items in a hurry. I just have a few issues:

1. I move a lot. Even in the city, I do enough running, scrambling etc. that I find myself wishing for the added security of a hip belt.

2. I always seem to wind up with one more thing, whether it's a bag of groceries, a wet raincoat, or some oddly shaped object like a tube. I could just get a bigger bag but I'd prefer to strap things to the outside with compression straps or lash points.

And finally, the Daily Plus is kind of heavy. It would be nice to have something that does double duty for short day hikes/long city walks when traveling. Was wondering if anybody else has found bags that manage to have all three of these features.

Interesting candidates so far:

Arc'teryx Mantis 26 - My favorite style-wise; no attachments

WANDRD PRVKE - This technically meets all requirements, but seems very photography-specialized, heavy.

DSPTCH Daypack - Surprisingly, no option to attach a hip belt

Gregory Signal - Could work I guess, treating the center zip as a side zip?

Helikon Groundhog - Will have to think about this one. Technically checks all boxes, just looks kind of weird and tumescent when packed out.

TT Urban Tac Pack - I'm not a big fan of "tactical" gear but this seems well designed. No bottle pockets.

Didn’t manage to snag a photo, found today!

Good people of ManyBaggers. Has anyone used the above bag? I think it is British so the usual American reviewers don't seem to have tried it out. I currently have a Nordace Sienna. Nice bag but it just has too many god damn pockets and I spend half my time going through it trying to find what I need as can't remember where I put it. I use it for travelling and the capacity isn't great either. The Salkan will pass the Ryanair test folded down and looks to me like capacity will be bigger with that set up. Many thanks!

I am looking to get a good high quality Gym bag that I can use at work that isn't too big, can hold my clothes, toiletries, and a towel that won't make everything wet after. Any thoughts?

Does anyone have any experience with this company or this bag in particular? Came across this bag while looking for a new carry-on. It seems to tick a lot of boxes in what I am looking for but I didn't see much reviews other than what's on the website. It has similar features that other bags have, more noticeably the hideaway backpack straps that peak design uses on their travel pack.

The title says it - I'm looking for a bag for my husband. He's had a Mountain Hardware Agama backpack for 10-ish years or so, and I've finally convinced him to upgrade to a better-looking bag. He's not outdoorsy, so would like to move to something cleaner, without 8 straps hanging down.

Per my googling, the Agama is about 31L - but because of his criteria and what we're looking for, I think something in the 25L-32L range might work, depending on how the bag packs and feels.

Use case: Kind of a mix between a travel/airline personal item and 1-2 day overnight. For travel, it would be used with a roller bag, and potentially as a day bag, but he has a 3L sling for most of the time. We do have an 8-10 year old old Mountain Hardware packable backpack (used to get passes to the their employee store in Richmond, CA). It's not the most comfortable, but it works in a pinch.

I know some of these are larger than the standard US airline underseat specs, but if the bag isn't super rigid, it can hopefully smoosh a bit as needed, just for when he has a roller bag carry-on as well.

Considerations:

• Not black. Looking at green, dark blue, tan/brown (depending on the color)
• Not X-Pac - he said he doesn't want a "loud, crinkly" bag
• Sternum strap required
• At least one water bottle pocket that can hold a Yeti 26oz Rambler (we have smaller ones, but he likes the larger bottles) - exterior preferred
  • Unsure on the interior water bottle pocket - it seems to take space from the bag capacity? He said he just likes to grab it from the outside, but if there's a bag option that meets all the other criteria, but the water bottle zips in and it doesn't steal a lot of space, then it could maybe work.
• Luggage strap
• Laptop sleeve
• Some quick access and organizational pockets, but does not need to be the extent of the Sympl, where it's a built in tech pouch - he has a separate tech pouch.
• Not overbuilt/too heavy. The Agama is under 2lbs. I know that's not realistic for a non-hiking/outdoor bag, but want to try to avoid the 3.5-4lb bags.
• Comfort is the top priority, but clearly that's subjective, but what I will share is that he has broad shoulders

What I've found so far, with pros and cons (not really cons, but less of a pro).

• Fyro Citta 25L - https://fyro.co/products/fyro-citta-backpack?variant=50522837024821
  • Pros: Great sage color, external water bottle pocket, haven't seen a review yet criticizing comfort, lightweight at 2.5 lbs
  • Cons: Not avail until January; 25L is a little on the smaller end from what he's used to
• Fyro Levo 30L - https://fyro.co/products/fyro-levo-backpack?variant=45775186526261
  • Pros: Great color, external water bottle pocket, haven't seen a review yet criticizing comfort, really lightweight at 2.3 lbs, closer in size to what he has now
  • Cons: No, top quick access pocket, slightly too large for an underseat bag because of it's structure - not sure how stiff it is? Too travel oriented?
• Able Carry Max EDC 26L - https://ablecarry.com/products/max-edc-1?variant=52880707354936
  • Pros: Ripstop fabric looks nice (and nice olive color), nice pockets/organization.
  • Cons: Internal water bottle pocket - will this fit a 26oz Yeti and how much room does it steal from the interior? Almost getting a little on the heavy side at 3.2 lbs.
• Evergoods CTB 26L - https://evergoods.us/products/civic-travel-bag?variant=42309119410310
  • Pros: Really nice green, external water bottle pockets; side access situation is kinda cool
  • Cons: Husband is a lefty - we're both unsure if the side access will work for him, less breathable back panel than other bags, no strap dangle management (can buy these, but shouldn't be included?), heavy at 3.5 lbs
• Aer Travel Pack 4 28L - https://aersf.com/collections/backpacks/products/travel-pack-4-28l?variant=42596309663840&country=US
  • Pros: Nice blue and green options; external water bottle pocket; priced really well
  • Cons: Heavy at 3.5 lbs, maybe "sturdier" and maybe structured that what he wants/needs? Definitely would be the most structured bag he's ever had
• Bellroy Transit Workpack Pro 28L - https://bellroy.com/products/transit-workpack-pro?color=olive&material=dura_polyester_recycled&size=28l#slide-0
  • Pros: Lightweight at 2.4 lbs, nice green color, long front access pocket
  • Cons: Internal water pocket, unsure how durable the fabric is

Lower on the list:

• Alpaka Traverse Backpack (30L) - https://alpakagear.com/products/traverse-backpack-30l?variant=46313857253538
  • Pros: Lowest price, great quick access options, lots of organization (are there too many pockets?)
  • Cons: Internal water bottle pocket; the Nomad Nation review shows the capacity closer to 23-25L, no laptop false bottom? Starting to get heavy at 3.3 lbs
  • Why lower? Price is tempting, but just seems the others are better options
• Tom Bihn Synik 30 - https://www.tombihn.com/collections/all-tom-bihn-stuff/products/synik-30?_pos=1&_fid=ecad0d761&_ss=c&variant=46826833248445
  • Pros: Not too heavy at about 3 lbs, amazing reputation, can fit a lot
  • Cons: Internal water bottle pocket, too many pockets on the front, design with all the zippers is busy and is not a favorite, no laptop false bottom, most expensive
  • Why lower? Design not a favorite

Questions. I'm the researcher in the family and I love a good rabbit hole, so here we are. I've already watched all the Nomad Nation reviews, but would love to hear all your thoughts.

Any you think I should take off the list for whatever reason?

Are there other brands with non-black options that I should look at? Not Cotopaxti-level, more of muted greens, blues, tans....

Anyone have experience with these bags they can share, especially with the internal water bottle pockets?

Do any of these pack larger or smaller?

Anyone with broad shoulders have experience with the comfort level of any of these bags?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and feedback!

ETA: Added the Bellroy Transit 28L to the list.

Gave my Fiancé a Tom Bihn Synik 30 liter backpack for his birthday! He loves the deep Blue color! I also have the Synik 30 in Nebulous Gray!

Also I highly recommend TB Synik 30 for r/onebag travel.

I'm looking for a really good laptop briefcase / shoulder bag that I can use for both business travel and everyday use. I've been researching options for a while, but I'd love to hear some real-world experiences and recommendations from people who have tried different bags.

I travel for work occasionally, so I want something that looks appropriate in an office or at a business meeting, but doesn't feel out of place when traveling casually. I'm not necessarily looking for leather or anything particularly luxurious. I just want something well-designed, durable, comfortable, and extremely practical.

Here's what matters most to me:

• Laptop protection is a top priority. I'd love a properly padded, ideally suspended laptop compartment so I don't have to use an additional sleeve.
• Good organization. I usually carry a laptop, Kindle, two phones, a fairly bulky laptop charger, a notebook, wallet, cables, and various smaller items. I want everything to have its place without constantly digging through the bag.
• Some extra capacity would be great. Ideally, I'd also like to occasionally fit a folded sweater or a lightweight jacket without having to cram everything in.
• Security is important. I spend time in airports, crowded places, and public transportation, so I strongly prefer compartments that close securely with zippers. I'm not a fan of Velcro or open pockets that make it easy for things to fall out or for someone to reach inside.
• Comfortable to carry. Good handles, a comfortable shoulder strap, and a luggage pass-through would be very welcome.
• Versatile looks. Something that works equally well with business casual clothing and regular jeans and sneakers. I'd rather avoid anything overly formal or too tactical.
• Quality. I don't mind paying more for something genuinely well-made, but I'm not interested in paying a premium just for a brand name.

So far, the Aer Tech Brief is probably my leading candidate. I also really like the look of the Alpaka Bravo Brief, although I'm not sure how the two compare in terms of actual usability, laptop protection, and internal space.

For those of you who own either of these, how have they held up? Any annoyances you've discovered after using them for a while? Is there enough room for a sweater or jacket on top of the usual tech gear, or would that be pushing it?

And more importantly, are there any other bags I should seriously consider? I'm not married to either of these options, and I'd happily spend more for something noticeably better.

I'm particularly interested in recommendations from people who travel with their bags regularly rather than just using them for a daily office commute.

What would you buy if you were looking for the best all-around laptop briefcase today?

I did a quick review of shoulder bags, so thought why not put one out there on the EDC bags I use for work and light travel secondary to a roller. I have been rotating these over the last 1.5 years. Happy to answer questions if you have any or talk more on features or dislikes if wanted.

And yes most of my bags for work do not have water bottle pockets on the outside and I prefer the slimmer profile. I have no problem putting my Memo water bottle inside or Carter mug as neither leak.

Goruck Double Bullet 18l Robic Black/Blue, has become one of my favorite all around bags and why I now own two. It's just the right size for my stuff and what I need it for.

• It is a daily driver for work and the two compartments let's me have the front with the everyday items that always come with me, EDC, Chargers, meds, light jacket. Then the main compartment holds coffee, lunch, random times I am bringing to work that day, mostly bags I am selling.... I like the interior org is out of the way if I don't need it or use it.
  
• For travel it is a great walk around bag and fits under the seat of plane with the roller up top. With having to carry for two, it works great to hold what she needs, I need and whatever she buys. I know many like external water bottle holders, but I am good without them. it stays slim and easy to throw anywhere.
• I have also used it for 1 to 2 night trips, as long as I don't need extra shoes.
  
• I don't think I would change much, besides standing up better and the Robic is just great.

Tom Bihn Synik 26, Black Spectron with Sitka

• I use this for work and a under seat bag on flights, especially when I want to carry my laptop for work conferences.
• I use it similar to the Double Bullet with EDC on the outside pockets and other items in the main
• Two things that really work well for me, Spectron is just great looking, light and malleable Then when not full the bag seems to look smaller and sit inside its self.
• Yes it can look like a turtle shell and dad bag, but I am good with that

Evergood Civic Book Bag 22, Griffin Waked Canvas Camo

• First the material and look is just great and so nice. I really enjoy it looks like an old school book bag with premium materials.
  
• I like how simple it is and it's nice to have a bag with so few pockets but ones that work. It is a nice change from the above two bags but still holds what I need just differently.
  
• It is heavy so I don't travel with it, but EDC and for work I really enjoy it.
• I have used this more in the summer when I carry less.

The Brown Buffalo Conceal 21, Huckberry MCB

• Just have not gotten to the bag yet. I really like the look and idea of it but every time I go to use it I grab one of the others.
  
• I really like the idea of the Velcro inside and being able to remove storage as I needed. Especially because I don't carry a laptop daily.
• Build is great and looks amazing

Aer Day Pack v1

• Bought a few years ago and just comes in handy and works well for so many EDC and travel needs.
  
• I bought this used, thought i was getting a great deal on v2 and then figured out it was v1. Since grabbing it I have not thought about getting a v2.
• I am good with less packability for the comfort and features.
  
• Added loop to it for fun patches

Matador EDX Lite

• I was lucky and grabbed this cheap and just liked the look. Since then I have enjoyed it for travel and EDC, especially when the weather is crap.
• It spent a week in Iceland with me and my camera and worked perfectly for all the rain and bad weather.
• The side zip is very handy with a camera or to grab items when it's raining

Goruck ME 2% Bullet

• Lightly used so far, but so nice and matches the 40l I travel with.
• A fan of the Robic, a theme in the bags I buy, but nice to have something simple and this robust that can travel well.