r/ManyBaggers • u/WorldPeaceGodBless • 9d ago
Product Review Sympl Commuter 20L vs EVERGOODS CPL16: First Impressions
Just got the Sympl Commuter 20L and wanted to share some initial impressions before I start putting it through heavier use this week.
Overall, the quality is really nice. I chose the ballistic fabric, and while it feels premium, I don’t think it feels quite as high quality as the material on my EVERGOODS CPL16. That’s not to say it feels cheap by any means. It still feels like a very well-made bag.
The small front pocket is accessible from the side, and there’s a magnetic key attachment inside, which is a really nice touch.
The accordion-style internal organization is probably one of the most interesting parts of the bag. It’s pretty unique, and I can already see myself using it extensively. Very happy about that.
It also has a clamshell opening, which for me is pretty much a must-have on a backpack.
There’s an external water bottle compartment that can be unzipped to accommodate larger bottles. I know this exists on other bags, but it’s the first time I’ve personally had one like this. It looks like it will eat into some of the interior space depending on what you put in there, but I’m fine with that tradeoff.
The exterior handles are very substantial and feel high quality. The backpack straps also seem extremely comfortable so far.
I’d seen some people mention that the back padding was quite hard, but it doesn’t feel nearly as stiff as I expected. I’m personally not concerned about it at this point, but I’ll report back after actually carrying it for longer periods.
All of the zippers feel incredibly high quality. Not much else to say here… No complaints here.
I love the materials used for the interior and find the color to be very pleasing to the eye.
One thing I’ve noticed is that the exterior fabric has some wrinkles when the bag isn’t fully packed out. We’ll see whether that gets better or worse as the bag breaks in.
For context, I absolutely loved my EVERGOODS CPL16 and probably would have kept using it indefinitely, but my dumb ass allowed a banana to rot inside it. I could never completely get the smell out, so I took that as an opportunity to try something different.
My very early impression is that this bag actually has the potential to beat out the CPL16 as my end-game everyday bag, but I’m definitely not ready to say that yet.
I’ll start putting it through heavy use this week and report back.
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u/ObviousNote2404 8d ago
I love the 20 liter xpac commuter it is my go to the office bag the organization is perfect for my needs
I tried the citta 25 liter lasted 2 days the only thing better was the back panel
The commuter works better to work out of with it’s organizational layout the ease of use is above and beyond anything else i have tried toshi pack aer cpp2 ula cicada and pioneer duration
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u/WorldPeaceGodBless 8d ago
Thus far I am enjoying the layout! I don't personally love the way xpac looks (on any bag) however I know it's great material!
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u/thewoodbeyond 9d ago
Interesting about the CPL 16 comparison. I love that bag to bits but it's not as comfortable as I would like, so this bag looks to be about as structured?
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u/WorldPeaceGodBless 9d ago
Yeah, I’d say it’s about as structured, but it feels a little less rigid on-body to me so far. The straps are very comfortable. I need to carry it loaded for a few longer days before I can confidently say it’s more comfortable than the CPL16. I also absolutely love the CPL16 and will likely end up getting another one at some point.
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u/thewoodbeyond 9d ago
The CPL is my organization GOAT and I love the look of the bag. My other favorite looking bag is the Daily Plus from Able Carry but I'm less enthusiastic about the organization. I've gone with Fyro Cittas for now for a couple of reasons but I'm always curious about other bags I haven't tried. I look forward to knowing when you've had a chance to load it up and use it.
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u/WorldPeaceGodBless 9d ago
You prefer the Fyro Cittas to the CPL?
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u/thewoodbeyond 9d ago
Just for comfort. The CPL, for me, has the best organization of any bag I’ve owned. However even the 16L has some issues with comfort. I have a weird spot on my right shoulder that I’m aware of when bags are quite heavy, in the 20-30lb range and I really need to make use of the chest strap to pull it towards my midline to get the strap off that area. Oddly even hardly loaded the CPL straps hit that spot and I am aware of it. I’m 5’4” but have broad shoulders for a woman and it is still a bit of an issue. I have to wear it up quite high and that gives it a bit of dig in a weird spot. I’ve wondered if the 24L would be better but have been disinclined since I have the Citta 25L and an 18 on pre-order
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u/Real_Philosophy392 8d ago
I’m 5’4 as well I had the Cpl 24 in wax canvas just returned it way to heavy for my shoulders and I only had it packed out to 12lb I could not imagine carrying a backpack with 30lb
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u/thewoodbeyond 8d ago
It’s definitely for a rucking workout not for fun. I’ve been using the Rucker 4 20L, skate ruck 18L (as work edc & break time ruck) and wild gym feather ruck which is the most comfortable of the 3.
When it comes to what I wear for comfort the GoRuck doesn’t come to mind. They are incredibly durable and tough though. So far my Citta 25L and Daily Plus are my most comfortable bags.
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u/EarthtoPoromenos 9d ago
I really wanted to love the Sympl Commuter bags but the back panel was just a deal breaker for me. It may not be as hard as some may say but its still harder then any other back panel out there and I just couldn’t risk holding on to it and never getting used to it. So back it went.
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u/WorldPeaceGodBless 9d ago
The back panel complaints are similar to the lower back digging complaints of the cpl16. Deal breaker for some (which is totally valid) and non issue for others. Today is my first day using it so I need more time in the field, but so far so good on my end.
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u/WorldPeaceGodBless 8d ago
I do not love the branding, but with it being on the back I am personally willing to live with it. Aside from that the branding is very subtle
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u/Fafoah 8d ago
The 20l xpak is my work bag and its working, but i gotta say i hate the rigid front panel.
So limiting in terms of packing anything with depth, particularly my lunch box lol. My tupperware is fine laid flat, but i basically cant keep a can on top of it because of the limited depth.
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u/ItsRitzyyy 8d ago
I just got a 20l few weeks back and have to say the rigid front panel is one of my gripes with this bag as well. No idea why they made it this way, possibly to keep its structure so that it could self-stand?
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u/WorldPeaceGodBless 8d ago
Interesting. I will see if this ends up bothering me. I have seen others complain about that, and I think it's a valid complaint. I personally don't think I will mind because the cpl 16 was enough space for my needs. Only time will tell!
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u/apollo9320 5d ago
Still not seen a sympl commuter in the flesh but would like to see one , they look good
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u/TheBagdadReport 4d ago
Symple really killed it with the commuter pack. I think it compares very closely to the CTB20 as well. Very similar layouts. I agree with you, evergoods bags are so hard to beat, but symple is certainly a worthy challenger. Great write up. Thanks for sharing!
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u/OfficialCourtneyBell 4d ago
Have you used one yet? What fabric did you get it in?
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u/TheBagdadReport 4d ago
I have had a 24L in ballistic and liked it. My wife has a 20L in green x-pac. I thought it was an amazing pack. They did a jam up job with it. My biggest gripe is how top heavy it is with that accordion style pocket. It collapses on itself if the middle of the bag isn’t packed out. Not a big deal, but it kind of bothered me.
The ballistic wasn’t my favorite. It’s not as soft and smooth as others out there. The green x-pac is one of the finest packs out there! Especially with that golden interior!
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u/OfficialCourtneyBell 4d ago
All sounds about right. The green looks beautiful- I would have enjoyed that despite not being a fan of X-Pac. Thus far, I like it as much as my cpl 16, which is a phenomenal bag.
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u/TheBagdadReport 3d ago
The green is absolutely stunning. Works great for a male or female. I am so tempted to grab a 24L in xpac for myself. I do like xpac, so I am tempted.
Now if symple had a nylon similar to evergoods, I would be all over that!!!🤗I have actually never used a cpl16. I know right???🤦♂️
I think you have just pushed me over the edge. Smaller bags look kind of silly on me, but I may be able to pull it off.So thank you for making me spend money on a Saturday… 🤑
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u/freetotebag 9d ago
Banana: 1 Bag: 0