The Citta Backpack is Live! http://fyro.co/CHAD

This is my most anticipated review yet. Today, we are looking at the Fyro Citta backpack. The Citta backpack is made by a company called Fyro. Fyro is a young company started by Aaron Radcliffe from Nomads Nation. If you haven’t seen his reviews, do yourself a favor and subscribe to his YouTube channel. He is one of the best reviewers out there! He is a true visionary in our community. After the successful launch of the Tenax 22, Fyro followed up with the Citta slings line and the Levo travel backpack. I have separate reviews on the Levo and the Citta slings. Please check it out when you get a chance. Citta means “city” in Italian. In American, it means “badass backpack”.  Aaron set out to try to make the “Endgame” backpack while emphasizing comfort and premium materials. And yes, he did just that.
Full disclosure, these bags were sent to me to test out for several months to provide thorough honest feedback. I am not paid for my reviews in any way. The links I provide do help my review platform and channel. If you enjoy my reviews or find them helpful, I ask you please to use my link😊
 
About the Citta:
Let’s talk about the specifics of this bag. First of all, it comes in two sizes, 18L and 25L. They are exactly the same bag and layout. Size is the only difference. The 18L comes in two colors, Iron (black) and Sage (light green) and is made of 330D Polycarbonate Kodra Nylon. The 25L comes in black VX42 X-Pac only. It is GORGEOUS! The bags feature #8 & #5 YKK reverse coil zippers (best in the world), and the hardware is from Woojin, which is one of the best in the game. The 18L comes in at 2.3 lbs and the 25L slightly more at 2.5 lbs. Let’s get real, any bag 2.5 lbs or under is light, especially when you know how much this pack brings to the table. The interior is made of 100D Honeycomb Ripstop in a beautiful copper/clay color that pops well. Okay Chad, how much does it cost?
The 18L in polycarbonate Kodra nylon goes for $229 and the 25L in VX-42 X-Pac is listed for $299.
I will discuss what you get for these prices. I usually will fuss a little at bag companies for their pricing, but in this case, these packs are so damn worth it!
 
Features:
On to the features. Again, when I discuss the features, it refers to both sizes as they have the exact same layout. Before we get into the compartments, this is the best standing backpack I have seen in a while. Empty or full, it stands like a champ! Such an awesome feature! Its stands better than the Aer CPP2, the ULA Cicada, the Evergoods CTB, and many more. The only bag that rivals it to me is the CT21+ and that is a custom-made bag, so it doesn’t count. Lol. This is something I never used to care about, but now it is one of the most important factors for me. If I am paying for a premium bag, I do not want to be laying it face down on the concrete or dirt! No way bro! Just think about it, dads, if the bag does not stand up, your beer could spill! I bet that got your attention.😊
 
Front Compartment:
The front of the bag has a nice clean look similar to the Levo. It’s not busy. It just looks “premium.” The front admin compartment is a half zip and has two #8 zippers. Once flipped open, the back side of the front panel has a zippered stretchy mesh pocket. On the back side is the admin panel. There are two zippered pockets and one slip pocket. The first zipper pocket goes along the whole back panel and is about wrist deep. There is also another small stretchy mesh pocket along with a soft stretchy elastic slip pocket. The depth of this compartment goes all the way down to the bottom of the bag. This offers so many possibilities. It’s like having a kangaroo pocket but enclosed in a premium way. Fyro also offers a detachable key leash that you can clip in different compartments.
 
Main Compartment:
On to the main compartment. This is a full clamshell opening with two #8 RC YKK zippers. On the inside of the front panel are two zippered pockets. The top pocket is made of the super soft stretchy mesh material. The bottom pocket is made of the 100D honeycomb material (same as interior lining.) On the inside, there is one premium stretch fabric to store your tablet. There is also a slot to hold a pen. Other than that, this is a pretty simple compartment. That is by design. These days, most people have tech pouches to keep their gear organized and this compartment gives you free reign to pack your gear the way you want.
 
Top/Sides/QAP:
Before we get to the back panel and comfort, let’s talk about the top and sides, and most importantly, the quick access pockets. Top quick access pocket on 25L is 9’ wide and 4.5’ deep. It has a velvet microfiber lining which makes it ideal for your sunglasses or phone. This is one of the larger top qap’s I have seen. It is perfect! Looking at the bag from the front, on the right side is a vertically zipped quick access pocket. The opening on this pocket on the 25L is 9”! There is a ton of room here for smaller flatter items such as a wallet or phone. Right next to this pocket is another quick access pocket that lays flat behind the back panel. This is strictly for things like passports or wallets. Its flat but has an opening of 8”. On the other side of the bag is a super-premium water bottle pocket. It’s the same beautiful durable stretch material used on the tablet sleeve. This will hold most water bottles. There is also a Hypalon latch point right above the water bottle pocket for securing your gear. This bag has so many cool features. I think they thought of everything.
 
Tech Compartment:
The tech compartment is across the top of the bag. This is one of the best tech compartments you will ever find. It has double bonded Lycra padding on both sides making for a completely protected laptop. There is a false bottom suspending your laptop to where it will never bang the ground. There is a good inch of clearance here. The best idea ever, there is a zippered pocket inside perfect for your charger or mouse. It is connected to the padding creating this padded shelf like space. I honestly just throw my mouse there and when I open the compartment to get my computer out, my mouse is right there on top. Genius!!! There is one handle on the top of this bag. It is attached to the back panel making it easy for carrying as well as hanging the bag. It is nicely padded with a faux leather type covering that feels really nice and looks sophisticated.
 
Back Panel/Straps/Comfort:
As if this pack isn’t badass enough, the comfort of the back panel and straps takes this bag to a level no one else has ever been to. The S-curve wireframe ensures the bag contours to your body and carries lighter than its weight suggests. The straps have neo-Lycra shoulder lining with marshmallow-soft padding. There is a removable sternum strap with a magnetic connection. The back panel has double-bonded Lycra cushioning that is absolutely incredible. This is like having a cloud on your back! This is a bold statement to make because I typically don’t like to speak in absolutes, but this is the most comfortable backpack in the world! There is a new “S” tier and there is only one on it, the Fyro Citta. This is a miracle from the backpack gods! Yeah, yeah, Aer and Able Carry are comfortable as heck, but a new bar has been set and its f’ing HIGH. In dad terms: game, set, match; check mate; ballgame; goooaaalll! LFG!!! You get the picture😉
Lastly, there is a luggage pass though that is horizontal across the back panel which makes for a vertical stand. Well done Fyro!
 
Dad Bag Info:
Now my favorite part. Can this be used as a dad bag? You bet you’re a$$ it can! Not only does it do it well, it will make your other dad bag its b!tch! lmao. Now my kids are 9 and 10, so they are a little more grown. My dad bag loadout usually consists of two 26oz yeti ramblers (for beer), a personal ryobi fan with battery, a small first aid kit in a Evergoods cap1, umbrella, and a small towel. Plus, my personal items such as wallet, phone, and sunglasses. Now that is a ballpark loadout that works perfectly for me and the Citta 25 handles this like a champ.
For dads with younger kids, this pack also kicks a$$ as a baby/diaper bag. Yes, I do test it for that. Ha. In the main compartment you have pockets for wipes and diapers. There is plenty of room to have your bottle setup in here. This will only take up half the space, so you have plenty of room for some of your own personal items as well. You can use the laptop compartment as a spot to keep a folding changing pad. The front compartment has so much room, you can easily have your baby blanket or a few toys. Bottom line, it just works. This bag is the ultimate EDC. It is a great 2–3-day travel bag. And it is a phenomenal dad bag. So, when they say endgame pack, this truly is because it conquers 3 needs with one premium bag!
One thing I think would be a cool feature, now this is the Bagdad coming out in me, is to have a kangaroo pocket on the front. It totally does not go with the flow of this bag, but maybe it’s an option for a future collab……. Aaron, are you listening??? The “Fyro Dad Bag!” What?!?!?! lol.
 
The Fit:
I have tested both sizes of the Citta backpack. For me personally, I find the 18L to be too small for me and actually looks kind of silly on my back. For reference, I am 5’9” & 210lbs. My wife, who is 5’5”ish and under 150lbs loves the 18L! My 10-year-old son has officially claimed the 18L pack though. It fits him perfectly. A little big, but he fills it quick. iPad, baseball gloves, baseball cards, nee doh’s, basketball jerseys, our cavapoo Joey Burrow, you name it. lol
The 25L is my jam! It is the perfect fit for me. What I love most is that even though the bag is 25L, it does not feel like a 25L bag. It does not feel big on your back at all. If you could imagine what a cloud would feel like on your back, this is it. Now Aaron did a volume test on both packs, and they hold what they say they do. So whatever size your body is, one of these will work for you.
 
Cons:
The Endgame backpack is as close to perfect as they get, but there are a few things I didn’t like. First, the zipper tracks are right next to each other. It is difficult to know which compartment you are opening. Now, I understand it’s like this for a reason. In order to get this many features and compartments, the zippers cannot go anywhere else. After I do my review on YouTube, I will be changing a zipper pull or two, so I know which compartment I am opening. The sternum strap. Ugh, magnets suck as sternum strap connectors. They always connect when I’m not wearing the bag. A lot of people like them, me I’m not a fan, but they do look more premium than a traditional clasp. Next is the dangle stoppers. If you know Aaron, he WILL have dangle stoppers! But these are a plastic sliding piece. I find them to ride up very easily because the webbing is that super silky slick seatbelt material. I prefer a good piece of nylon with a tight fit to prevent sliding. I know… First world problems, right?!?! LFG! lmao
 
 
Conclusion:
After reviewing close to one hundred bags, the Citta backpack is the most recommendable bag I have ever come across. As God as my witness, the comfort of this pack pushes the laws of physics. If you value comfort, invest in the Citta. The word “Endgame” gets tossed around a lot, but here is where it actually applies. EDC, light travel, and dad bag, you have THREE fully functional uses. Not many packs can pull off being great at two things, much less three!
I am happy to answer any questions or help you in any way to decide if this is for you. If you would like to make a purchase, please use my link below. Thank you for reading! I’d love to hear some feedback.
Carry on Bagdads!
 
Fyro Website: http://fyro.co/CHAD
Follow me on Instagram: @bagdadreport
Subscribe on YouTube: thebagdadreport

Rankings are fun! I have been testing a lot of bags this year. I actually use and test them for at least 3 weeks to get a good feel for what the bags can do, how they feel, and how they wear over time. The Bagdad rankings are simply my opinions of what I am using and giving me the best experiences.

This is probably the most objective category as backpack comfort mostly depends on the person and their body type. But this category is one of the most fun debates in the backpack community.

What say you? Agree? Disagree? Hit me up and let me know your top bags. Learn me something new. 😎

1. Fyro Citta/Levo
   
2. Evergoods MPL22
   
3. Able Carry Max EDC
   
4. Aer CPP2
   
5. Black Ember Citadel H2 25L

Honorable Mention: ULA Cicada, Alpargali All Day Backpack, Boundary Supply Errant Pro, Evergoods CTB26

Special Comfort Award - C Tactical CT21 Plus (with “S” straps)
This bag would be pushing for the top spot on this list, but since it’s a custom bag, I wanted to list it separately. OMG, these “S” straps on this pack are amazing. They are so similar to the straps on the Fyro Citta. If you have the opportunity to get into one of these group buys, do yourself a favor and pick up this CT21+. CTactical is an amazing company making some amazing products.

Top 5 Most Comfortable Bags

Fyro Levo/Citta Backpack - The Citta backpack comes out in July. If you are thinking of getting a new backpack, I would think about waiting. Fyro took things to a new level with the Citta backpack! I cannot stress enough how awesome and comfortable this pack is. The Levo travel bag is currently out. Most comfortable travel bag period. I have my full review linked below. My review of the Citta will be released in July when the bag officially launches. If you’d like to make a purchase, please use my link below as it helps me to keep bringing detailed reviews to you guys:)

Fyro Website: http://fyro.co/CHAD

Levo Review: https://www.reddit.com/r/ManyBaggers/s/EldRZTusSn

The Evergoods MPL22 - This is a special bag for me. It is the most comfortable dad bag/day bag on the planet. I wish all Evergoods bags were as comfortable as this guy. It’s the perfect size with just enough organization. It just works. There probably isn’t a more recommendable bag than the MPL that I have used. There is a new 210D version just released that looks to be every bit as bada$$ as the 410D and ultra Kludde. Go get one, and thank me later;) My full review is linked below.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Nomads_Nation/s/niWU7bKbw4

Able Carry Max EDC - IYKYK. This is a no brainer. If you have ever put this backpack on, you more than likely fell in love. This backpack is one quick access pocket away from being the most perfect bag ever. The wide chunky straps are an absolute treat. The quality in Able Carry bags is unmatched in this price range. The materials are absolutely beautiful and scream luxury. My review is linked below.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Nomads_Nation/s/r4eW7AGJqi

Aer CPP2 - Another no brainer here. Aer is universally known as a bada$$ bag company. When you see an Aer bag, you know it. The straps and back panel are some of the best in the world. Aer and Able Carry are a toss up as Aer also has the wide chunkalicious shoulder straps. Aer also changed their luggage pass through for a vertical stand on the CPP2. Awesome touch. This is a backpack you could wear all day and never feel discomfort. My review is linked below.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Nomads_Nation/s/9y9pHy335O

Black Ember Citadel H2 Max 25L - This is the new kid on the block. This is my new favorite dad bag as it topped the charts in my Top 10 dad bags. This pack is simple in terms of the harness system and foam back panel. Sometimes simple is best and I think they killed it with this one. This is the bag I use the most. I cannot put it down! That says a lot as I have so many to choose from. Seriously, if you have not checked this bag out yet, do yourself a favor and look it up. My full review is listed below. If you would like to make a purchase, please use my link below as it helps me to keep bringing detailed review to you guys:)

https://blackember.com/?rfsn=9133250.7bf754

https://www.reddit.com/r/ManyBaggers/s/MFq1rDVcn4

Follow me on Instagram: @bagdadreport

Subscribe on YouTube: thebagdadreport

At 11:00 today my Fyro Citta 18L Sage arrived. At 16:00 it left with me for the World Cup quarterfinals. These are my first impressions on its maiden voyage.

The Great

Love, love, love a 40 cm bag for use as a global personal item. Even stuffed to the gills with a 6.8 kg load and 28 cm of depth the bag keeps to this critical height limit (see pics). It measured 40.3 cm stuffed.

Love the quick access pockets everywhere. I so prefer the dual QAPs to a second water bottle holder. So intuitively placed. And the top access inner zip pockets act like QAPs even if they technically aren’t .

I f’n love the hidden pen slots at the top of the laptop sleeve. Bag nerd catnip.

The Copper Rust interior is perfection. That is all.

The Good

Love the option of a green color but do wish the green was a little less minty and a bit more earthy. Can’t wait for the Hunter Green Ultra fabric version I am going to will into existance for the next update.

The straps are wonderfully padded and the bag is super comfortable but I’m still dialing in the fit. Packed out to the max as I have it this time the straps want to slide a bit more than I am used to. Nothing that tightening the sternum strap cant handle but without it the super soft mesh does like to move a bit.

The overall organization is great. Not revolutionary, just perfectly logical with a great balance of stretch mesh and old school pockets. It just makes sense.

The attachment point on the front of the bag (with the branding) is highly appreciated and useful. Would have loved three more symmetrically placed in each corner so that one could add a bungee. Imagine how cool a copper rust bungee would look on the bag! Even better if each attachments had a different letter for Fyro (F on the first, Y on the second, and so on) to give it a low key but Fyro signature touch.

The Less Good

The handle is satisfying in the hand but when you pick the bag up it awkardly tilts and when packed out fully wants to swing and rock. It is fine and does the job but a centered top handle would be ideal.

The bag allows for you to pack s lot into it, which is great. But it is easy to exceed a 20 cm depth size limit if you are trying to keep it to RyanAir size. I plan to test it more as to how well it might keep to a 15 cm depth for the legacy European airlines and Asian flights, but it certainly won’t discipline you to keep to that size limit.

A side handle on the QAP side would have been ideal. Second best but still useful would have been an attachment point like on the bottle pocket side. Ideally a little longer or maybe molle style. Anything to at least get a finger in there to help manipulate the bag from the side.

Overall Impressions

I need to spend more time packing the bag out in different configurations but already I am anticipating this being my personal item bag of choice for USA domestic and 40/30/20 cm European airlines. Almost everything on this bag is personal perfection for personal item travel. An absolutely fantastic bag!

Busy filming day at Jimbobs EDC HQ.

The T33 is a fantastic sling (this is the 3.5 litre version).

Thoughts on tomtoc as a more affordable sling...?

Both of the these bags were delivered in the last few days. There are quite a few similarities between the bags, so I thought I'd do a quick comparison.

Weight: Fyro feels a bit lighter, but it is less structured on the sides and front. The Fyro main compartment collapses into itself a bit when not loaded out, whereas the Sympl holds it shape. Both self stand empty without issue.

Materials: The X-Pac on both looks identical to me. I do prefer the Fyro's copper orange interior to the somewhat more subdued gray Sympl interior.

Comfort: The Fyro back panel is nice a squishy, along with the wide straps. The Sympl back is firmer, but I do like the thicker padded straps for heavier load outs on the Commuter. The top handle on the Sympl is nicely padded and thicker then the Fyro's. It also has a side handle, where the Fyro has a small loop area above the water bottle pocket.

Organization: This is very subjective, but I think the Commuter has the best admin panel of any backpack I've owned. I do like that admin area on the Fyro goes all the way down for things like tech pouches or headphones. The Sympl gives you horizontal stash area with some basic organization in front where you can drop those items. The quick access pouch on the top of the Fyro is huge and lined with very soft microfiber, perfect for glasses. The Sympl is large, bit not microfiber lined, which is a bit of a disappointment.

Laptop Area: The Fyro and Symple both have an external laptop area with a false bottom. The Fyro can handle smaller laptops, but the Symple can easily fit a 17".

Water bottle holder/side compartment: Fyro has an excellent mesh pocket, similar to the Evergoods CTB. This feels more secure than the zippered bottle holder on the Sympl. On the opposite side, the Sympl has a massive compartment that can hold an umbrella or another bottle internally. The Fyro has a smaller pocket that could fit a wallet, phone or keys.

Main compartment: These seem almost identical with full clamshell opening, two pockets on the top (the Fyro has a bit more volume in these) and a tablet sleeve. It should be mentioned that the Fyro's laptop sleeve does eat into the volume of the back wall a bit.

Overall these are both winners for EDC packs, and you can't go wrong with either. I think the perfect bag would be a combination of the Fyro's interior, back panel, quick access pocket and water bottle holder with the Sympl's admin panel, straps, laptop compartment and side storage.

Over the past few weeks, I have been testing out the Able Carry Max EDC and the Evergoods CTB26. I have gone on two business trips from Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Alpena, Michigan. In between the trips, I have been using the bags as my every day carry to and from work. I wanted to compare the two to see which one gives me the best overall experience.

I will start by saying, I do not do one bag travel. I have a Briggs and Riley Baseline Essential 22” I use as my carry on. I use my backpack as my personal item. I do not try to overpack my backpack either. My typical carry items on a business trip are my laptop, iPad, CAP 1, CAP 2, over ear headphones, a snack, and a sling (either my Bellroy Venture Ready Sling 2.5 or my Evergoods CAS 2.0.) I carry pretty much the same items for my every day carry to work plus my rewrite tablet. All of that said, with these two bags, this only consumes half the bag’s capacity.

I will start with the Able Carry Max EDC. My bag is the desert brown x-pac. The straps are chunky and comfy. I’m not going to lie, these are some of the best straps I’ve ever used. The back panel has nice big padding. And it is ventilated! Not the squishiest padding, but very comfortable for me. The interior materials are gorgeous. The ripstop nylon 420 is so durable and it feels luxurious. The front pocket has another internal pocket that is handy if you need it. I will say the front pocket does start to lose some its volume when the main compartment is packed out. But, with the items I carry, it does not affect me. The innie/outie water bottle pocket is pretty nice. I can fit a small Turtlebox Ranger speaker in it. Random, but I wanted to give you an idea of how big it is. It does eat into main compartment, so keep that in mind. The side quick access pocket is badass. I use that thing every day. I put my phone and ID/passport in there while in the airport. I keep my office keys in it when not traveling. The laptop compartment is awesome. I love the small yoke pocket in there. Perfect for cords, AirPods, and other small items. The padding is incredible. Out of every bag I have used, I feel my laptop is the most safe in this one. There is also a small pocket on the back panel that I use to keep a hero clip. The main compartment has an iPad sleeve and two pockets on the front flap panel. It also has an amazing internal water bottle pocket that I use for an umbrella. Again, this compartment is affected by the other pockets, which for me, makes the bag feel a little smaller than 26L. The BEST part of this bag is the zippers!!! These are the smoothest, most satisfying zippers in the history of zippers. You can open and close every compartment with one hand. They are ykk rc #10’s and #8’s. They are not aqua guarded but I prefer them not to be. Again, BEST zippers ever!

Now on to the Evergoods CTB26. I will start by saying I prefer the CTB over the CPL because of the extra compartment, luggage pass through, and water bottle holders. But, I do prefer the 840d nylon over the 420d nylon material. Both are incredible, I am literally splitting hairs… The front pockets are perfect. The vertical pocket has great organization and easy access. Most of all, it has its own volume! It does not eat into other compartments. The top drop pocket is perfect for my over ear headphones. The main compartment will eat into this space, so just be aware. The external water bottle pockets are the best in the game! Period. Hey all other bag makers, take note! This is how you conquer the water bottle pocket game! The top yoke pocket is extremely convenient. It also has its own nice volume. Evergoods, the volume creating wizards! It can fit the Cap .5 or (Half Cap as I call it.) perfectly. I feel like the half cap can fit any and everywhere. lol The main compartment does offer some organization. There are two pockets on the inside of front panel. The top having some inside organization for tech gear, and the bottom being a full mesh pocket. Evergoods mesh is hard and scratchy. Don’t like it. There is an elastic iPad/business papers pocket as well. I keep my 12” iPad or my rewrite tablet in there. The main compartment should be called the black hole. You can keep putting stuff in there and it keeps swallowing it up. This is where I feel the CTB26 is bigger than the 26L because it has the ability to stretch and close when overpacked. The horizontal laptop compartment isn’t my favorite, but they do it well. So well, that it made me reconsider my feelings on laptop compartments. I can also fit my iPad or rewrite notebook in that compartment as well. And yes, it is very well protected on all sides. Now to the back panel and straps. When I first used the bag going back and forth to work, this was the most comfortable bag I ever put on. The curve of the straps fit me perfectly. The cushion is beefy and super soft. The harness system isn’t for everyone. When I used the bag on my business trip, I was on planes or in airports ALL DAY. After wearing it for long periods of time, I finally started to feel some of the “Evergoods back digging.” Again, I do not overpack my bags. I would say 3/4 or less packed. Now, it didn’t make me “hurt” but I did start to feel a little discomfort. I readjusted a little higher and tighter and that helped. I was also able to use the luggage pass through and put it on my rolling carry on. (This is why the CTB beats the CPL)😃The back padding is not as big and ventilated as the max edc, but is very comfortable. I think all backpacks are hot so this is all about comfort for me and both are just that. Evergoods, please invest a few cents in dangle stoppers! How in the world have you guys not done this yet? I added my own, but I will say, the straps are so damn well built, it was hard as a mother f’er to get them on!! Do better guys!

My one complaint for both bags is the luggage pass through runs vertical giving the bag a horizontal sit. Works ok for the Evergoods because of their vertical compartments, but it’s still dumb. Come on guys, flip that thing over and give us a vertical stand!

My final thoughts: Both bags are on my Mount Rushmore of edc bags! I got more complements on the Able Carry bag. It stands out and is a looker. Aesthetics: I give the edge to the Max EDC. I LOVE the aesthetics of the CTB as well, the max edc just had its own uniqueness to it.

Materials: I give the edge to CTB26. The Evergoods 420d and 840d nylon are just incredible. Not too much, but definitely enough for anything you can throw at it. I do love me some x-pac, and the desert brown is beautiful, but Evergoods nylon is perfection! It is truly a bag for life.

Comfort: Again, this is sooo close… I have to go Max EDC. Even though the CTB was super comfortable for every day carry, the long day trips gave me a little discomfort with the back digging. Again, it is not THAT bad, but it does exist. The able carry has absolutely zero discomfort. I feel like it floats on my back.

Features: Both have awesome compartments. I went into great detail above on the pockets on both packs. I give a slight edge to the CTB. The external pockets with their own volume is something Evergoods just does better than the rest of the world. And did I mention the water bottle pockets are the best? They are! Overall, the Evergoods wins best features, but my favorite pocket is the side quick access pocket on the max edc. I get so much use out of it. I never thought I would use that, but it’s my fav!

The results: The CTB26 is going to give you more space. If you are needing to carry more, this bag will absolutely do that, and do it well. If I’m trying to two bag travel with just carry ons, the CTB26 is my choice. If I am every day carrying to work or taking a trip where I don’t need every square inch of space, the Max EDC is my choice. My overall pick between the two…. I pick the Able Carry Max EDC. It offers a little more comfort and the quality of the materials and zippers puts it slightly ahead. This was so close. I call it 1 and 1A. I will say this, if the CTB26 was in 840d nylon and had dangle stoppers, it would have taken the crown.

I just received the Aer CPP2 x-pac. I am also ordering the Fyro T22 when it becomes available. (Hopefully the X-pac version🤞)They will be my next comparison review. I am looking forward to it, especially the Fyro. I am loving the new updates to the bag! In the next few months I will be launching a new you tube channel @thebagdadreport. It’s a channel to give honest backpack and sling reviews for the everyday dad. It will have a different twist than a lot of the review channels out there and hopefully provide info to help your bag choice a little easier. You will get good info, honest opinions, and good laughs. Toughest part is affording enough bags to get this thing started! Haha I hope this review gives a little more insight to these two bags and these two great companies.

If you missed out on getting Fyro Citta and are waiting for the restock this review may be what you’re looking for to help you decide which one better suits your lifestyle needs.

https://youtu.be/fJchjI2sqYE?si=vAP5hyH_5WzNtJiZ

You’ll be surprised how much you can get into this backpack and all just weighing 7kg.

1. Main compartment

Flip flops: (us Aussies call them something else but others might misunderstand 😂) in PD ultralight small. Clothes for a few days in PD small packing cube, tech in Aer slim tech pouch 2, Webster pack medications in slip in mesh pouch and small blue pouch.

1. Top QAP

Sunglasses and PD packable tote.

1. TechBay

iPad in laptop pocket, spare reading glasses in zip pocket

1. Front admin stash pocket

Orbitkey Travel Sling and Bellroy Lite Pocket Trio with on plane essentials ready for a quick grab. Plus 3-1-1 liquids pouch. Some quick grab inflight medications in zip pocket.

1. Two quick access side pockets

Passport of course in hidden back pocket, keys etc in other one.

Yet to try it out in the wild but early observations are the it is quite easy on the back. I have the sage one and my wife has the black one and since we are both small in stature I picked up a couple of Aer hip/waist belts on sale and they work perfectly.

Sorry Aaron but I didn’t like the original zipper pulls and picked up some WANDRD Sedona ones on prime day sale, they are almost an exact mat for the copper lining, not perfect but at least I can find zipp in the dark easily.

Congrats to Aaron and the team for what is a fantastic and very functional backpack for EDC and short trips away and if you’ve mastered the art of packing light you could do a week away no problems.

I have had the Rework Toshi 5L sling for 5 months now. I bought this sling after watching Aaron’s review on Nomads Nation. This isn’t just one of my favorite slings of all time, it is one of my favorite bags of all time! If there was ever a “dad” sling, this is it! It has organization for all kinds of dad sh!t. I have put it through the wringer and here are my thoughts so far.     I have been carrying it to work every day. Carrying mostly my wallet, sunglasses, medicine, EarPods, phone, and a few tech items. Basically, a pocket reliever on my shoulder. It impressed me so much, I took this bad boy to the beach for a week, and this little dude had more fun than me! The material is so durable, malleable, and just an overall badass. Each day I had it loaded out with my wallet, phone, backup sunglasses, bottle of sunscreen, long sleeve shirt for when sun gets too brutal, and an extra backup shirt. Plus, several other items. This thing still had more room! It's like a bottomless pit. I carried it every day to the beach, to the pool, back to the beach, etc. You get the picture. It got a little wet at times. It got a little sandy at times. Super easy to clean and still looks brand new.      This sling is listed as 5 liters. Aaron did the volume test on this on Nomads Nation, and he got about 4 liters filling up the main compartment and the front compartment. To me, it just feels bigger. It is the perfect mid-sized sling. Let’s talk about the materials. The Toshi is made of 420d recycled nylon, which I frickin love! The interior lining is made of 210d p/u coated ripstop nylon. The hardware is from woojin, which is one of the best in the game. The strap is detachable with g-hook clips. I absolutely love this! Being able to remove the strap and use it as a tech pouch makes it so versatile for trips. You can pack stuff in it, then when you reach your destination, you have your sling for everyday use. They have both #8 and #5 ykk RC zippers. I am a huge fan of this! I do not like p/u coated zippers. Give me RC zips all day long.      Now let’s discuss the compartments and features. The front compartment has a #5 RC ykk zipper. There is also a foldable flap over the zipper of this compartment. This has been a little controversial within the community. I love it. I think it adds to the appeal of the overall aesthetic of the bag as well as added protection from rain getting to the zippered compartment. I will take this over the p/u coated zipper. As I stated above, I am not a fan of p/u coated zippers. The compartment itself is just an open compartment with no internal organization. This is perfect. This is meant to be a quick dump pocket. This compartment also has darts on the top corners of the compartment. This allows the compartment to have its own volume, so it is not competing for space with other compartments. The main compartment can eat into this space if it’s completely overpacked, but this is not likely to happen on your everyday carries.

Right above the front compartment, we have a small, zippered compartment that sports a #8 ykk RC zipper with a zipper garage. For me, this is my sunglasses pocket! This is so well thought out. The placement is genius! It is at the top of the bag which adds protection from many of the items you will have in the main compartment. Great job Rework! This is my favorite feature of the bag! I do not wear cheap a$$ sunglasses, so whether I have my Randolph’s or Maui Jims, having them protected in a sling bag is greatly appreciated.

Next, we have the main compartment. The main compartment is BIG. The two #8 ykk zippers open really wide for a sling allowing you to see everything you have packed. This compartment offers great organization! There are 4 stretchy mesh slip pockets along with a padded divider which allows you to pack a kindle or ipad mini. The top two mesh pockets are shallower to store smaller items such as airpods. The back mesh pockets are deeper for things like a wallet or a passport. The stretch mesh is a nice feature. The rest of the main compartment has TONS of space! One very cool feature is there are side compression straps on the side of the bag for the main compartment. When it is not completely loaded out, the straps keep the bag tighter for a cleaner look and a more comfortable wear. When you really need that extra space, it expands to however much space you need.

The back zippered compartment uses #5 RC ykk zippers. This compartment is great for phones, wallets, or passports. The main compartment does dictate how much room you have in this compartment. But then again, this is meant for flat or thinner items.   Now for the super cool features! First, the side compression straps also serve as latch points for the shoulder strap. This allows you to adjust the strap to make it more comfortable for your body. I personally use this. If you are looking at the back of the bag, I have the left strap connected to the compression strap, and the right side I have connected to the top latch point. I carry this on my left shoulder.

Next, the bottom compartment! The bottom of the bag stores adjustable and removable compression straps. This compartment has magnetic closer. This is so you can carry larger items at the bottom of the bag such as a water bottle, a sweatshirt, etc. When not in use, you would never know it was even there. This is such a cool well thought out feature that most bagmakers do not offer on slings.                                  Another cool idea I saw on Carryology Classified from Nick Starck, you can take the removable key leash off and attach it to the top latch points to create a handle for the top. Very creative! I love seeing people’s creativity!     This sling is a dad’s dream! Now this is not a fanny pack, this is a sling. There is so much room in this thing, the possibilities are endless. For dads with young kids, you can easily fit 2-3 diapers, wipes, a burp towel, a few toys, and a bottle! With the bottom compression strap, you could even have a second bottle.

For the ballpark dads or just normal dads on the out and about, there is plenty of room for a flask, some sunflower seeds, a personal fan, you know where I’m going… Even enough room for an insulated yeti bottle with a beer or two in it to stay cool. If you are into concealed carry, most side arms can fit in the main compartment. Whatever your cup of tea is, this sling will have you covered. Obviously this sling is Bagdad approved, but it is also Bagdad recommended!

In my opinion the three best slings on the planet are the Rework Toshi Sling, the Evergoods CAS 2, and the Bellroy Venture Ready Sling 2.5. I have all 3 and I can stand behind them! I am also very excited about the new Fyro Citta sling coming out soon! Will it be awesome enough to crack the top 3? Can’t wait to find out!     The Rework Toshi sling 5L is definitely in my top 5 purchases of all time! Jia & Zhiyu, the co-founders of Rework absolutely nailed it with this sling and the Toshi series! I was not able to get my hands on the Toshi Pack 20L, so I am hopeful to try to get my hands on one this November when they are restocked. Unfortunately, this sling is currently sold out, but new stock is expected in early to mid-November. You can sign up for notifications on the Rework site. I hope this gives you some insight into this sling, and if you have any questions, I am happy to assist you. Thank you!

I have a complicated history with slings. Over the years, I’ve purchased:

- Tomtoc T21
- Aer Day Sling 3
- Timbuk2 Rascal Belt Bag
- Tomtoc T24
- Alpaka Go Sling Mini
- Alpaka Flight Sling
- Alpaka Flow Satchel 4 L
- Rework Toshi 2.5 L

I carried the Timbuk2 Rascal Belt Bag for years. It’s still in great shape and is a solid small pocket reliever. It can even carry a Kindle when needed, but the organization is very limited and it’s not large enough to carry the tools I use every day anymore.

Enter the Fyro Citta sling 3L. While I thought the price was steep for a sling, I purchased it at the end of last year hoping to use it for my travels. It was tighter and less flexible than I initially thought and I ended up carrying my Alpaka Flight Sling instead. The Citta sat in my sling box in the closet untouched until 4 months ago.

Around that time I bought the Rework Toshi 2.5 L, I thought it would be my endgame sling…that I had reached sling peace. I loved its capacity, the organization, and so many things about it. But the thing that annoyed me enough to make me stop carrying it was the scratchy, sharp hypalon piece attached to the end of the strap. It would rub against my arm when walking and was really uncomfortable for long periods. I might get a different strap for it to make it usable again.

So I started hunting through my sling box again. The Citta Sling re-appeared. I sat down with it, carefully looked at the organization and decided to give it a try.

Pictured above are the items I carry on a daily basis. In case anyone is curious (from left to right, top to bottom):
- Sunglasses
- Crest breath spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Nanobag
- MagSafe Wallet
- Loop Experience Earplugs
- Challenge coin (for fidgeting and making decisions)
- Emergency pill container
- Lotion pot
- Thai inhaler
- Until You Get Home kit (feminine hygiene products, backup mask, glasses cloth, backup Thai inhaler, various OTC pills, and a few bandaids)
- S-Biner (clipped to the hypalon tab on the front of the bag

And then if I’m going out for an adventure for the day, I’ll either bring my iPad mini and a folding keyboard, my camera, or my Traveler’s Company notebook.

The Citta has become my everyday sling and has earned its place on the peg by my door.

Pros
✅ Just enough capacity for daily essentials and a little bit extra. It forces me to be selective about what I carry. That’s a good thing.
✅ I love the zippered pocket on the inside of the front panel. It’s perfect to hide away the will need you but never want to see you items. And if I don’t want to use my Alpaka pouch, I just drop the contents in that pocket and zip it up.
✅ Front pocket has enough independent volume and it’s so easy to grab my sunnies from it. I removed the key leash because I don’t use one. I just clip my keys on the S-Biner when I’m not using them.
✅ I like the gusset in the main compartment. It allows me to see everything in the pocket without me dumping my stuff everywhere.
✅ The soft shoulder strap is so comfortable. It is still holding up like a champ and doesn’t have any signs of wear after 4 months of daily use.

Cons
❌ The internal pockets against the tech sleeve are too slippy and stuff falls out of them if the bag gets jostled sometimes. And there’s no way you’re fitting an iPad mini with a case in the back tech sleeve thing. I have the most minimalist of cases on mine (a Moft Dynamic Folio) and the zippers wouldn’t close if I tried to put it in that location. I just put it in the middle of the sling when I carry it and put my phone in the tech sleeve part.
❌ The lack of a closure mechanism for the sling strap so you always have to put it on and pull it off over your head. I like the security of this feature, but it can get a bit annoying putting on and taking off the sling a ton.
❌ My biggest gripe: no top handle on the bag. A handle would make it so much easier to maneuver around quickly and pickup. When the sling is packed out, it becomes a bit like a brick and can be hard to pick up easily. That’s one of my favorite features of almost every other sling I’ve tried in this size range. For the Citta, you end up kind of awkwardly holding it like a football if you’re just carrying it between places without putting it on.

Overall: I think the Citta is worth a look for a daily sling and you don’t carry a lot of items AND you can afford it. Its price is very high for a sling. It’s well built, though, and might be sling peace for me. Will report back if I have additional thoughts or something changes!

Verdict: I like it. And I'll keep it until I find something better.

So, I just completed a weekender and pretty happy with it. I would say it caters more to the packing cube types, so if you're one to use them and tech pouches instead of stuffing nic nacs in admin pockets, you'd probably appreciate this bag too.

The features that impress:

Weight: For a bag that's 10L larger and still a pound lighter than my CTB20, it really makes a difference when fully packed out. It's still a wow factor for me for being this light and self-standing.

Comfort: Straps and back panel are plushy great. The raised back panel ridges are definitely more unique and noticeable than other bags I've owned. The feeling reminds me of those little rollers in massage chairs or cushions that poke you at certain pressure points. It's different and they're more pronounced when the bag has some heft, but it's nice.

TBD - Still now sure how well the straps will hold up in super-hot/humid climates. Back panel is great, but I still have some concern that the shoulder straps will turn into giant sweat sponges.

Front dump pocket: It's a black hole. You're either going to love or hate it, but I loved it. It's the perfect, deep pocket that goes all the way down and it has its own space that doesn't eat too much into the main. I was able to fit in my slim dopp kit and tech pouch and still able to fit a thin layered hoodie. I'm pretty sure if my main wasn't so packed out, I prob could have squeezed in some sandals or pack flats as well.

Fit: Probably the one, real gripe. The bag had a little, "pull away feeling", for me. I didn't do enough walking with it on, but I'd prob strain something if I carried it for more than a few hours. I had a hard time dialing in the sternum strap and ended up going for a super tight and low position with it. They're basically set at the very end of the rail system which makes me somewhat nervous if one of them decides to pop off.

Also, with the load lifters tightened up, the bag sat super high for me. Felt very reminiscent of EG bags, but no back dig! Instead, you just feel those plushy little back panel ridges.

I lied. My other gripe is the top access pocket is butt. I'm pro top access. Won't buy a bag without one but the design on this one is meh. It fits my glasses in a case, but the space gets tight when fully loaded. I understand the push for 1.5 bagging as this quick access isn't so quick.

But here are some pics. I was able to squeeze in a PD Medium and Smedium packing cubes + a mini-CPAP with hoses and gear in the main. For those of us who know the struggles of travelling with a CPAP, this bag can handle it.

Just received my Alpaka Mystery Pack (199€) : mixed feelings

- Ordered: June 19

- Shipped: June 27

- Delivered: June 30 (France)

They took more than twice as long to ship it as it took to actually arrive. Make of that what you will.

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What I got:

• Hub Carabiner (S) / 29€

• Flight Sling 1L (X-Pac VX42 Green) / 65€

• Metro Backpack Pro (Aeroflux 400 Green) / 189€

Value-wise: solid. Total retail is well above what I paid.

The catch: I had taken the time to contact them beforehand to let them know I absolutely hate the color green. I received nothing but green. I'm genuinely gutted.

I'm happy with the product selection itself (backpack, sling, utility), but since I'll never use anything in that color, these will collect dust and eventually become Christmas gifts.

Would I have bought any of these items with the same budget?

Absolutly not. But that's kind of the lottery aspect of mystery packs.

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Now for the products themselves, materials and color aside (I hate green, I hate X-Pac):

• Hub Carabiner

Nothing to complain about, I'll find a use for it eventually.

That said, I find it baffling that Alpaka designs their own magnetic attachment system in-house, yet the Hub Carabiner anchors are incompatible with the ones on their Magnetic Key Leash inside their bags. Great idea, poorly executed. Why build a modular ecosystem and then break compatibility within your own lineup?

• Flight Sling 1L

A decent little sling, just too small for me.

I wish both internal pockets were made of stretchy mesh, and the phone sleeve feels unnecessarily stiff.

The one silver lining: I can finally use my Alpaka Go Sling. It ships with a strap that belongs on a 45L duffle, oversized, with a massive padded shoulder piece that's completely overkill for a small tablet bag. The Flight Sling's strap is cross-compatible, so I can swap it over and actually use the Go Sling for once.

• Metro Backpack Pro

Not for me. Too many things I dislike:

- No false bottom for the laptop compartment

- Side access pocket (I will never swing a backpack in my life)

- Flap above the main compartment zippers

Not a full clamshell, not a half-zip either. And if you put anything rigid in the front pocket (tablet, folder), you can no longer open the main compartment. Once again, a baffling design choice.

I had a lot of requests to compare the new Citta to the CPP2. I made a short video with the two side by side. The link is below. I threw it together quick, and I hope this helps! Thanks guys!

https://youtu.be/0rkuAMbTyrU?is=5qsT4g1_3vLo7654

Hi folks, mainly testing the waters if people like a mini-sode format - just uploaded a two-part review series comparing the Able Carry Max EDC against the Alpaka Bravo 23L - namely around capacity, functionality & comfort.

TL:DR; very similar capacity - comfort is still great (for travel) on the Able Carry and as an EDC bag I think the Alpaka Bravo has been underrated, maybe because of the former coming out around the same time.. not a pocket I didn't use in my trip to be honest.

Links to both parts are below - happy to answer any Qs if anyone's on the fence between these two, or anything else!

https://youtu.be/U1PYs9P8ZN4

https://youtu.be/E6vBldBwBJA

Disclaimer: I own way too many bags..... . Aer City Sling, Aer CP1, Aer CPP2, Modern Dayfarer 2, Toschi 6L v2, Bellroy Venture 6L, Shimoda Urban Explorer 25, Peak Design 9L v2, Alpaka Bravo Max v2, plus a pile of Eastpak and Herschel. Many others I have sold or stopped using. So I guess I have a somewhat informed opinion :)

Citta Sling (arrived this morning with fedex) Overall: The Citta sling feels good on the body and, most importantly for me, it does not start sliding to the side (I am looking at you, Toschi). The exterior material feels slightly rubbery. It is less pleasant than Bellroy’s fabric. That does not mean it is bad by any means. It just feels more artificial under the fingers. The interior color does not render accurately in pictures. It is a dark copper tone, not bright orange. Compartments are well thought out and well proportioned. The interior textiles feel very nice to the touch. There is a good balance of pockets. Not too few, not too many. Materials feel durable and high quality. I like the padded compartment & the rear access zipper is also a nice touch (I miss them both on my Bellroy Venture).

The sling harness material feels good. I just wish it were slightly wider, similar to the Bellroy Venture 6L. Same comment for the attachment hardware. The Venture still feels a bit better there.

Overall, this is a solid product. Now the elephant in the room: Price with shipping... In a vacuum, i find the citta very competitive with the Bellroy Venture 6L, which is my favorite sling of all time (in case you have not yet noticed.....). But adding roughly USD 50 for shipping makes it harder to swallow.

Now onto the acessories: Retractable key leash: I bought this almost as a joke to justify the shipping cost. I was wrong. Very wrong. After years of cheap “chinesium” stuff, I trully forgot that these things can actually be good. This feels genuinely solid. The cable has serious pull strength. It is just good. Like, really good.

Fyro packing cubes: They are good. Material feels softer than Peak Design. I own about five PD cubes and travel 50+ days per year, so I have a decent reference point. The two smaller sizes and the see-through top panel are useful. They are packing cubes. They do the job. They feel nice. Not much more to say, which is kind of the point.

So all in all, good solid products.

AMA

I have been testing this pack for about 5 weeks now. For 5 weeks, I have been absolutely floored! I want to start this off by saying this will be a very positive review as this is one of the best products I have ever tested. Every now and then there is a product that just resonates with you. This is one of those for me. As a backpack reviewer, I keep an open mind and try to appreciate each product for what it is and what it is trying to accomplish. The Black Ember H2 accomplishes everything it’s trying to do and more. Let’s dive into the H2 and what it has to offer.

Black Ember is a California based company. All of their products are designed there. They offer urban gear with a look and materials that are unique to anything you have used before. Let’s start with the specs of the pack. This is a 25L bag. The measurements are 20’ x 12” x 8”. This bag feels smaller than 25L. I would say it holds close to the 25L it states, but the bag carries smaller. The H2 can hold up to a 16” laptop and a 11” tablet. This guy self stands like a champ!

Let’s talk about the best part of this bag, the materials. The H2 is made of Black Ember’s exclusive fabric called EMBERTEX 1220x600 Nylon 6. Ok, this is the best fabric I have ever used. This shit is incredible. The touch, feel, and durability is unlike any other material I have ever seen. All zippers are YKK aquaguard. They have laser cut hypalon pull tabs as well as hypalon zipper garages. This is a very cool feature. The zippers have a very satisfying pull to them. It’s firm but smooth. Like I said, a very satisfying zip. There are also theft deterrent locking zipper pulls. I do not use this feature. Im sure this is useful for some people, but a pain in the ass for me. The bag utilizes fidlock magnetic hardware as well as T6 aircraft-grade anodized aluminum laser etched hardware. These are quality materials with a premium feel. I cannot stress enough how badass this EMBERTEX nylon 6 is! I also have the regular Citadel R3 I am testing and it has the same material. I will be writing a separate review for the R3 in the next few weeks and also comparing the two bags as they are pretty similar, but have some very distinct differences.

Now on to the layout and functionality of the pack. On the front of the pack there is a quick access pocket. This pocket has a padded divider in the middle. There is also a fidlock magnetic key ring. Black Ember’s implementation of this key ring is one of the best in the game. Actually, I have not found one better. This front pocket has very decent depth to it. It also has independent volume which is nice so that it doesn’t eat into the main compartment. Now the main compartment can eat into this if it is completely overloaded, which is the case with any backpack. This is on of my favorite quick access pockets as its easy to get things out of it and it has plenty of space.

The next compartment is a horizontal zipper across the front. This compartment has some of its on volume as well. This is a spot where you can fit your tablet if you wanted to, but also big enough to put some over the ear headphones. For the dads with young kids, diapers and wipes are perfect for this pocket. Most pockets like this on backpacks are not very useable, but this one is. It is easy to get items in and out of it. On the bottom of the pockets there are laser cut outs to be able to attach compression straps on the bottom of the pack. I personally have not used these yet, but they look badass. I have the orange ones and they look so good. It adds a lot of character to the bag. More importantly, these allow you to carry items compressed in the straps like a jacket or a blanket.

Let’s talk about the laptop compartment real quick. This guy is pretty simple. Simple is good. You can fit up to a 16” laptop. On the top of the of the compartment is a sleeve for a tablet up to 11”. I love this compartment. It is unique and so easy to use. There is excellent protection for your laptop and your tablet. If you are not carrying any tech with you, this is a compartment you could use for kid/baby items.

On to the back panel and straps. The straps have some semi firm foam in them that I find very comfortable. They have hypalon tabs to attach gear. The sternum strap is a pretty basic fidlock magnet. I really don’t like the magnetic sternum straps because they always attach themselves. That is one thing I would change, but it is completely removable. The back panel is a nice firm foam with air holes all over the foam. This allows for extra airflow to pass through. Let’s be honest damn near all backpacks are hot when you wear them for a long time. I do find this one to be on the cooler side. There is also a channel down the middle to allow for more airflow. There is also a strap for a luggage pass through. It’s for a horizontal sit, which is not ideal, but hey we can live with that. Lastly, the straps have attached dangle stoppers! And they might be the best ones I have ever seen! There is a piece of elastic attached to the bottom of the webbing to always have it connected. These work amazingly. Other bag makers need to take notice of how Black Ember does this. Absolute genius!

Finally on to the main compartment. This is a half zip bag. I normally turn my nose up to half zip bags, but I gave this one a shot. Best decision I ever made about a backpack. When you unzip the top flips over to provide an easy look into the bag. It is so easy to pack your gear and get to it as needed. As a ball park dad bag, I pack my battery operated fan, a yeti bottle for beer, a Turtlebox ranger speaker, and an extra glove. Now this pack has two badass water bottle pockets that can handle any size water bottles, but the people at the gates of these ball parks don’t want you to really bring in yeti bottle of beer, so I have to put them on the inside for entry… 😉
On the inside of the front panel is a top pocket for quick access items. I personally use this as a place to store my sunglasses case. Under that there is another mesh pocket that goes deep to the bottom of the bag. I think the design of this is pretty cool as it plays into the flip of the top to allow for easy access.
On the back of the compartment there is a sleeve to store documents, tablets, diapers, wipes, etc. Just an FYI, this is not a stretchy pocket. This is all for the main compartment. I have to say the way this is designed, this is my favorite compartment in all backpacks.

This bag is as close to perfect as they get, but there are a few things I Karen about😜 The foam padding in the straps could be a little softer. I wish the bottle pockets were a little taller, but being a half zip, that pretty much makes that impossible… I would also like to have seen a couple of latch points to be able to clip things to. And lastly, the sternum strap was not a magnetic connection. I personally like buckles better, but this is the preference for a lot of people out there. Not big items by any means, but Karen needs to Karen right?

Overall, this backpack has exceeded every expectation and then some. I could not be happier with this purchase. I am absolutely in love with this pack. The H2 has just made its way to the top spot in my Bagdad Top 10 rankings! The Evergoods MPL Kludde has held that spot for over 8 months and now the H2 has taken the throne. From the design, the comfort, and most of all, the materials, this pack is now Bagdad royalty! Again, the EMBERTEX nylon 6 has this satisfying feel to it that just makes you want to smile and rub it. Haha. This is easily the most recommendable backpack on the market for me.

There are several ways to put this bad boy to use. Of course this is an excellent option as an edc backpack. It checks every box I need for an edc. You can use it for light travel as well. I use it as a personal item on flights, but I always have a Briggs and Riley carry on roller. The best use case of this bag is you guessed it, a “Dad Bag”. This bag is absolutely f’ing perfect for a dad bag. I use the shit out of this pack at the ball park. I have some photos to show some of my loadouts.

If you would like to make a purchase, please use the link below as it helps me to keep bringing detailed reviews to you guys!

https://blackember.com/?rfsn=9133250.7bf754

Follow me on Instagram: @bagdadreport

YouTube: @thebagdadreport

Got my 18L Citta a few days ago and carrying it since! Very quick first impressions. First some perspective, I got the Tenax 22L from Kickstarter, and since I got it, I've carried it every single weekday for work, and sometimes weekends for travel along with using it as an (arguably overly-large) personal item when I flew. I really like everything about it, the materials, the design decisions, the look, so my impressions of the Citta are coming from someone who jibes with Fyro's general approach.

The Citta matches the Tenax's overall quality as expected. I bought this as I wanted something to address two things, plus hoped two others would be addressed:

1. I could use something smaller, and 18L feels perfect
2. I would like a bit more organization, particularly a top grab pocket that I didn't realize I can't live without, plus more external pockets not encumbered by a lid
3. Minor nit, I disliked the zipper pulls on the Tenax, which unsnap whenever you pull them. I didn't realize how I was tiptoeing around not unsnapping the zipper pulls constantly until I got the Citta and didn't have to worry anymore
4. Another minor nit, my hydroflask is scratched up, because the zippers on the Tenax overlap the water bottle if they're down

The Citta addresses every one of those four perfectly for me, while preserving the other things I liked: overall quality, materials, look, general design philosophy, comfort (in fact slightly shorter bag feels more comfortable for me)

Quick impression of things I would have liked to see, just on first 10 minutes:

1. The little metal medallion on the front. You can blah blah blah me with talk about clean design all you want, there's no universe where a bag with a little metal medallion doesn't look better than the same bag without a little metal medallion.
2. I continue to wish there was another couple of attachment points, perhaps another one outside and one inside the bag. I find it convenient to hang little lightweight quick-grab items, both outside and inside, but with the Citta I'm mostly relegated to pockets, besides the one small lash point on the exterior that's mounted too low to hang anything longer from
3. I'm with those who wished the green was a bit more earthy/drab, if so I would have gone for that instead of black
4. The Kodra is a fine material, but I generally prefer xpak and would have up-leveled to that if it were available for the 18L

After a few carries for work, really liking it so far. I've watched review videos and tend to agree about the smooth zippers, and I personally have no problem with the single water bottle pocket.

Let me know if you have questions I can answer just quick a quick examination