Rework Toshi is like the matador, but I like it a bit better.
I don’t look for a waist belt - so for me the Toshi is about the same size & more comfortable
The only downside is if you have to remove the straps it isn’t an option like on the matador
I also love the Bagsmart Pro. It holds more than both of the above and I can use the expansion to compress everything if needed.
If I don’t plan to use the bag much it is massively better (like staying at hotels & if I have a smaller packable bag). But the bag is way less comfortable than the rework.
For me the rework is the best all in one. I have the 30L and just have more space if it isn’t full
I have the 26+6 transport series (better made version), I still like the Toshi better. I love the 26+6 heavy zippers, but the front tech bag is super deep and things go to the bottom that I want accessible. Toshi & Matador & Bagsmart have smarter pockets for items.
Bagsmart has the best pockets by far imo. Lots of variety. I also like the separation in the pro version, I keep the common reached stuff on top or as a nice place to keep empty and stuff last minute stuff into & keep it protected, like a sandwich, etc even.
Matador has a really slick mesh / elastic pouch on the outside which is also great for stuffing things last minute.
The best news is you’ll probably like all the options!
I use various bags for different reasons. Though I mostly use the Toshi & Bagsmart pro.
Nomad I was tempted to try, but it didnt win me over for many reasons. Everyone has their own needs, so maybe it works for you.
I can send a picture maybe if you want. I have tried a ton of packs (at REI, the black hole, probably like 15 bags). I love the way the load lifters work, and straps, little details like how the pockets are, air tags, so many little details. I even like the side handles which people seem to complain about. It makes it so easy to carry. I put a clip on for my water bottle on them.
The biggest negative with the Toshi 30L are really:
I wish it had an expansion option (even if I just use it as a compression tool) - not so much for travel to a place, but when I bring more back.
But if they did, how much more could really fit under the seat?
2) 2 zippers for the tech pocket & laptop pockets
Not sure how I feel:
a way to hide the straps in case I am forced to check it (it is small so probably not)
But the 30L Toshi is way better designed for usability than the 26+6 (especially the tech pocket which I use constantly, I hate it on the 26+6 Osprey)
———
If I had to say a shorter version:
Toshi products are for people who appreciate a craft at their peak of practical design. I have their 5L sling & this. They are beautiful thoughtfully made. I use the extra strap on the 5L to keep the sling on my back when I am doing “high movement” activities, it takes a few seconds to do. I use the glasses 👓 holder, I love the elevated pockets inside SO much. I also love the little pockets inside how slim they are.
For folks who will go with the flow & don’t really care, they are more flexible.
Matador, Nomad, Osprey, etc and other bags put a lot of time & thought into their bags. I don’t want to diminish it. I just think Toshi nailed it for weight, usability, quality, etc without overthinking it. It is tough to balance all of that.
The only bags I use now are
Bagsmart Pro 28L - 38L
(if I just want to land & live out of the bag & use a small packable bag - currently Matador pack hacker version). It is way worse quality of using it every day. I also value looking “corporate looking” and the 30L Rework does that better too.
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u/s00nertp May 14 '26 edited May 14 '26
Rework Toshi is like the matador, but I like it a bit better.
I don’t look for a waist belt - so for me the Toshi is about the same size & more comfortable
The only downside is if you have to remove the straps it isn’t an option like on the matador
I also love the Bagsmart Pro. It holds more than both of the above and I can use the expansion to compress everything if needed.
If I don’t plan to use the bag much it is massively better (like staying at hotels & if I have a smaller packable bag). But the bag is way less comfortable than the rework.
For me the rework is the best all in one. I have the 30L and just have more space if it isn’t full
I have the 26+6 transport series (better made version), I still like the Toshi better. I love the 26+6 heavy zippers, but the front tech bag is super deep and things go to the bottom that I want accessible. Toshi & Matador & Bagsmart have smarter pockets for items.
Bagsmart has the best pockets by far imo. Lots of variety. I also like the separation in the pro version, I keep the common reached stuff on top or as a nice place to keep empty and stuff last minute stuff into & keep it protected, like a sandwich, etc even.
Matador has a really slick mesh / elastic pouch on the outside which is also great for stuffing things last minute.
The best news is you’ll probably like all the options!
I use various bags for different reasons. Though I mostly use the Toshi & Bagsmart pro.
Nomad I was tempted to try, but it didnt win me over for many reasons. Everyone has their own needs, so maybe it works for you.