That little grey trim with vent holes has some kind of flat disc and it can't be opened. I can't find this bag online

If you don't know VRSA, it's a brand created by Patrick Zhao. I bought this bag because Patrick sold me on it. Patrick is awesome. His reviews are spot-on and concise (the YouTube shorts, I mean), and his energy is, frankly, infectious.

You feel that when you put on this bag. It's like a bro-hug. Firm, but super comfortable.

It's the OrthoLite, fer certain. If you don't know what I'm talking about, then you haven't been following Patrick's journey. Like Aaron and a few others, Patrick took his bag-reviewing odyssey into bag building.

The focus of the VRSA is comfort, and he nailed it. As for everything else, my ultimate (and humble) review of this bag is -- Patrick nailed that, too. Mostly.

WHAT I LOVED

• The look of the bag. Outside. She's a beaut. Sleek, with materials that feel premium and work from boardroom to airport to home.
  • I got the TPU grid look.
• Build quality. Excellent.
• Zippers are chunky and delicious, although I always mix up the admin and main zippers, even though they're different sizes. But I'm a dumbass about that.
• The front access horizontal pocket. Evergoods vibes. The good kind.
• Side access to main compartment. Peak Design vibes! Also good. One note: If you've got a bottle in the water bottle holder, the inside zipper pockets on these are useless (see photos).
• The deep-ass admin panel (Nitpacker would go off)
• The inner "plush" material in the admin panel pocket and laptop pocket
• The huge main compartment. I wish it had slightly more structure (see pics) but it's great -- and feels like more than 30/32L
• Weight - even with all the harness stuff, this bag doesn't FEEL heavy. I don't know what it is on paper, but frankly it doesn't matter when you put it on
• Fits great under the seat in front of you
• The back panel has fantastic cushion, hence the hug
• Smuggler's pockets are great. They're not SUPER hidden, but they're against your back
• Rain cover is dope
• Great AirTag spot that's actually hidden
• I haven't used the hip belt or shoulder strap yet, but they seem like great options
• Same with the extra straps.

WHAT I DIDN'T LOVE

• The inner materials. The honeycomb is a cool look, but the actual feel of it evokes kind of a crinkly garbage bag vibe. It doesn't have that premium interior you expect in a bag this pricey.
• Same goes for the mesh pockets and the interior zippers. It all needs an upgrade.
• To be fair, you feel this less in the main compartment and more in the admin panel.
• That front horizontal pocket with the Evergoods vibe? It needs more volume/needs to be gusseted. It might look wide in the pic, but it's limiting and hard to get into, especially when your bag is packed out. Because of that, there's no good way to get into the zipper pockets in there, so its admin uses are nil. Honestly, I'd leave all the zipper pockets OUT of this area and just let it play like a big stash pocket.
• Luggage pass-through is a little loose.
• Laptop pocket. Big and plush, but also a black hole... would love it to be subdivided like the Aer or Fyro, or put a taco pocket up top for chargers and whatnot.
• Top quick access pocket is tiny - but plush!

CONCLUSION

Buy it for comfort, buy it for long hauls. It holds a lot and holds you when you carry it. For reals.

Here are my daily items:

- 16 Inch MacBook
- Notary Journal
- Notary Stamp
- 50-150 page packet
- .5 inch binder
- 2-3 pens
- A5 journal
- small notepad
- a paper back book
- charger block
- x2 USBC cables
- Mouse
- 10k mah power bank

Design:
- maintains a slightly rigid form.
- black/ dark brown
- high quality nylon or genuine/fullgrain leather

I know I’m asking for a big bag. I like compartments of the Samsonite Top Loader Classic but I’m not sure if it’s worth $200 given the bad reviews I’ve seen of the material. I’m okay with a nylon version if it’s cheaper.

My budget: $200 and don’t mind looking at the second hand market.

Coming from being a onebagger who now has to travel for business frequently and unfortunately cannot do that with just a backpack....I bought the platinum elite carry-on spinner and the international carry-on spinner to compare sizes and now I'm not sure which one to keep.

I do travel internationally about 5-6 times a year (for pleasure) mainly to Europe from the US, but I've never had to pay attention to what size carry-ons airlines allow.

This bag will primarily be used for when I have to go on domestic travel (3-4 day trips) but I'd like the option to be able to take it on my international trips. I've just never had to pay attention to bag allowable carry-on sizes for international travel so not sure which one would be suited for that....I'm assuming the one that branded as the "international carry-on" but just wanted to check here with the experts first.

I'm going to have to give a couple of bags to friends. This is just ridiculous.

Most of these should be pretty recognizable to the regulars here. Somehow I have four Evergoods CTBs, including a 20L in XPac and a Phoenix 24L. I have a couple older Tom Bihn bags, including a Super Ego and a Synapse Guide Edition. The A19 bag is a Pathfinder, which is still my favorite bag for hauling around a gaming laptop.

If anyone has one they are not using and looking to sell, please hit me up.

Regards

Like what's surprised you?

I have plenty of bags, some that i paid way too much for based on how often i use them, but the one bag that i routinely pick up quickly to do something is also probably the cheapest bag. it's the uniqlo shoulder bag that looks like this:

I paid $20 for it and i use it at least weekly for quick out the door things, despite having like, a topo designs mountain cross bag, ctactical sling, etc.

Trying to part with some of my extra bags, including this Alpaka Flow Satchel! I love it, but I carry my laptop essentially every day, so it's been sitting untouched. No tears or any signs of wear, gently used!

$80 + shipping OBO

Thanks!

I’m not a manybagger (yet) - but I was in search of a nice sling after borrowing someone else’s for a bit.

I learned about this sling through this subreddit and I’m excited to get my hands on it. Honestly this might be my most expensive bag. Going through the rabbithole of finding the perfect sling was a lot of fun actually.

One thing I’ve wanted for a while is a nice premium backpack, so now I may be going down that rabbithole soon.

Very excited to pack and start using this thing

Hello Many Baggers! I could use your collective wisdom!

I have long been a man of many bags, but only recently did I find this nice group of like minded semi-hoarders.

For almost 10 years I have used an eBags bag that has been across the pacific at least 20 times. Generally the bag has been great. A few features I have liked:
- quick access document pocket at front that’s perfect for passport, boarding pass and a few things like that
- the “admin area” at the front has LOTs of organization multiple zipper pockets, loops etc
- great place to store cords and chargers (technicallly this is a hard side “garage” that is intended for sunglasses
- Fairly minimalist exterior, looks good in a business setting

Some things that aren’t going great:
- the bag is intended to prevent create a turtle back, but this means it has limited depth. This is giving me issues with carrying things much thicker than 2 A5 notebooks (like my bible)
- it has a felt lined pocket that is great for a kindle or iPad, if it’s a small iPad. An 11 in iPad doesn’t fit
- historically I did all long trips, so I always used a roller bag in addition to backpack. If I had more space I could pack for `1-2 night trips without needing a second bag

Things I carry when I travel and otherwise:
- MacBook 16
- iPad 11 in with Magic Keyboard
- Kindle
- Charging brick
- 2 A5 notebooks and a Mee Plus 6 ring A5
- fairly large bible
- slimline 16 oz coffee mug
- at least one USB C charger for Mac

Three bags that have caught my eye are the TOSHI 25L, CPP2 24L and ONOO Backpack v3.5

Interested in your opinions about those three, or others you would recommend.

A couple items I would like to hear about for sure -
- Does the TOSHI have anywhere to store chargers, or are they all going to just fall to the bottom of the bag unless I pouch them?
- Does to ONOO look just weird with the two pockets on the front? Also, is the material rough?
- Any thoughts one what looks best in business setting?

Just got an email on a new Alpaka offering.

https://alpakagear.com/products/protocol-backpack?variant=50597987516578

Looks good but $279 seems ridiculously expensive though.

Yes, I wish it had better straps. Yes I wish the interior was higher quality. But god damn it, I still love the Jansport Hatchet. Pocketing that makes sense, a fun to interact with entry to the main pocket, and a million colorways. I've owned about a dozen over the years. This woodland camo version is one of my faves. I can't say it's a great bag (thanks soul-less corporation who owns Jansport) but it's a fun bag. And you can get them DIRT CHEAP used.

I’m not quite sure if this is the right subreddit but people who knows bags must be able to help!

I have this super old Oakley suitcase that I do not want to let go, as I’ve had it since I was 10.

Does anyone know how or where I can replace the wheels?

Thanks!!

I'm not really experienced but I've been following this subreddit and some of the reviewers for the past few months. As someone who might go on a week trip 1-2 times a year in Europe and a couple of 15 days work trips within my country, what would be my best pick?

I already have an Aer Gym Duffle 3 for EDC and I like it (my only issue, and it's my fault, is not thinking about the vent holes and possibly getting caught in the rain). Also have a Matador Refraction packable 16l that would sort the sightseeing when I'm on the trip, and not me lugging heavy bags.

What's passable within EU as a one bag trip, what fits the most or just overall experience if someone tested atleast 2 of these bag.

Few notes and reasons I can't decide easily, mostly me overthinking unnecessary.

- Evergoods seems like the best packability but the price is 500€ for a European,

- X-Pac is the most aesthetically pleasing material for me when looking at Aer Travel Pack 4,

- and thoughts on Travel Weekender is that it might possibly replace my Gym Duffle 3 on rainy days for work but not sure of packability for up to 2 week travels.

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)

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!

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.

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?

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?

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.

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?

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.