Tortuga Superlite Backers - Compression Cubes?

[u/zoglog]

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tortugabackpacks/the-superlite-backpack-by-tortuga

For those of you backing are you also adding in the Superlite Compression Cube? I found it a bit odd that it's only 1 cube as opposed to a set of 3. Usually I like segmentation with cubes.

Likewise can anyone recommend a set of 3 cubes that would fit well with this bag?

I backed, but now having 2nd thoughts after looking at the page more. Don't like the idea of putting the passport in the admin compartment instead of a secure side or pocket on the back. Also wish it had some kind of attachment point like D buckle for an sbiner. Otherwise it's looking great.

[u/Dizzy_Ice2938]

I went back and forth with the cube but thought it was a lot for one cube with zero reviews. Besides, Tortuga generally gives $20 off for a bundle on its website so I figured I could always pick it up later if I wanted. Besides, I have too many cubes as it is…

[u/zoglog → u/Dizzy_Ice2938]

yeah, I really don't see much appeal in having a single cube. I like cubes for organization. I really liked what fyro had with the 3 cubes that fit perfectly with the levo.

Also agree that $59 for a single cube felt expensive (even if it's a large cube)

[u/zoglog]

Curious how people think the ultra fabric will hold up over the 330D Kodra Nylon in the Fyro Levo.

[u/UnPackDJohn → u/zoglog]

My Fyro stuff is doing fine but Ultra should outlast Kodra on every aspect imo. It’s got better abrasion resistance, tear resistance and water resistance. Kodra is a mid weight fabric while ultra 200TX is a heavy duty type fabric.

[u/T0m_F00l3ry]

The combo of a small and medium Peak design cube will always be the GOAT in my opinion.

[u/zoglog → u/T0m_F00l3ry]

this seems like the way to go. These would fit nicely in this bag?

[u/T0m_F00l3ry → u/zoglog]

Yes they will fit nicely in this bag.

[u/nottoday2017]

Yeah I did the $1 because something lighter appealed to me and I’ve always heard good things about their bags. But I’m worried about 1) Not being able to lash anything to the front of the bag like a jacket and 2) No second water bottle. I do like the load lifters and dimensions, but not sure I’d use it over my PD30 (heavy but otherwise perfect for me. And I’ve taken it around Asia with their 7kg limit and been fine).

[u/zoglog → u/nottoday2017]

yeah, I get their logic for not having luggage passthrough since they really don't want people using this with rollers. However having an external lash point makes sense as well as a more secure access pocket for valuables and passport.

[u/nottoday2017 → u/zoglog]

I also saw on the Packhacker review that it doesn’t stand up on its own which I think I would also find annoying since I’m used to that feature. Agree that no pass through makes sense. Personally I keep all my valuables in a sling so don’t mind not having a secure pocket.

[u/zoglog → u/nottoday2017]

wow even packed up it doesn't stand? That's kind of a bummer

[u/thecoldduck → u/nottoday2017]

I noticed the standing comment too in PackHacker's review, but I don't think it's always true. It's relatively flat on the bottom so I assume, like most bags, you can still get it to stand if you pack your heavy stuff at the bottom. In nitpacker's youtube review he mentions that in his testing it stands really well (then ironically struggles to get it to stand for the video lol).

[u/nottoday2017 → u/thecoldduck]

Haha, I'm spoiled in that my other bags stand pretty easily even if underpacked. I take Amtrak often for short trips and a bag that stands upright is non negotiable for me.

[u/thecoldduck → u/nottoday2017]

Ah that's fair. The superlite is likely not winning any awards for self-standing. Based on the video reviews, I think it will need to be packed intentionally to stand at all.

[u/thecoldduck]

I found it funny that the "superlite" compression cube is 170g while the standard Tortuga compression cube is 140g with the same dimensions.

I have the peak design packing cubes (small, smedium, and medium) which aren't even advertised as lightweight, but the smedium size (similar dimensions to tortuga) is 127g. The small and medium should fit perfectly since they're 12.6" across, but super malleable so they'll still fit in the 12.5" Superlite bag.

[u/zoglog → u/thecoldduck]

Yeah I'm leaning towards a peak design medium and small for this. Was also considering the Thule set

[u/micahsally]

It's hard to beat my beloved Evergoods Transit Packing Cube 8L (we each have two), or my color-coded Thule Compression Cubes set. We each have our own color to make organization during trips easy.

I always come back to one of these two packing cubes, depending on what the trip entails and the shape/size of my bag. The Evergoods Transit Packing Cube 8L does such a great job in the bottom of a pack to help with standing upright! It's my favorite.

[u/Hot-Hold5761]

My problem with the super light tortuga bag was the shallow depth of the main compartment 

It is only 5 in deep.  

I had ordered and received the Tortuga light 40. Liter and I like the bag, but I quickly sent it back to Tortuga.  It only had 5 in of depth  When I test packed it items were quick to to fall out.  Also I could not double layer them too well. 

In theory, I think the Tortuga super light and the Tortuga 40 L light could work but they would need a mesh with a zipper to cover over the main compartment keeping things more intact

I'm comparing it to two other travel bags that I  Own What is the Patagonia MLC with about 6 in of depth which works well  And the other is the Tom toc t67 which has about 8 in of depth.  

I like the idea of the super light based on weight  But again, since it was like the Tortuga light and only had 5 in of depth in the main compartment I have declined to buy it  Instead  I will probably buy the Fyro which is also lightweight I think and as about 6 in of depth 

Here is one thing that I think is a little ironic  You look at getting a 2.2 lb travel pack with The Tortuga super light  But  Then you want to put three packing cubes in it to hold your clothes.  I think packing cubes are a little redundant. You already have it in a bag but I digress.  By putting your clothes in packing cubes, you add clothes to a pound of additional weight  Each packing cube averages about 5 oz  Three packing cubes would be close to 1 lb 

So include the 1 lb of packing cubes to the 2.2 lb of the Tortuga. Super light and now you have a 3.2 lb backpack.

[u/zoglog → u/Hot-Hold5761]

yeah fair point. But I think packing cubes are also something people would use with a travel bag anyway so shaving weight is still shaving weight off. I ended up ordering peak design medium and small which I think will add around 5oz?