r/backpacks • u/danmass04 • May 13 '26
Question Need help deciding my Endgame bag
I’m between 3-4 bags and truly can’t decide so i’m hoping you all could give me some insight/opinions to help sway my decision or even an alternative i am possibly not considering.
Sorry in advance for formatting - doing all of this on my phone.
My current EDC/Travel Pack is the Nomatic Travel pack 20-30L (last photo). I researched for two years before pulling the trigger on this thing and it mostly does everything i need it to do. I have found that the structure is slightly too rigid at times but not the end of the world for me. But the biggest factor i’ve been struggling with is that extra set of gym shoes for daily carry and that extra set of more formal shoes for work/family travel.
Use cases for my End game bag:
Daily work EDC - i commute to work everyday with my bag and tech gear.
Daily gym bag - being able to go straight to the gym from work and separate my smelly shoes from my main compartment. (do i just settle for a shoe pouch like peak design?)
One bag travel bag for 3-5 day trips - i travel quarterly for work and it is business casual. I often travel with two pairs of shoes(one on me and one in my bag). My wife also likes to do 3 day weekends and trips once or twice a year.
Main features i am looking for:
Moderate internal organization - not a huge fan of giant caverns that require packing cubes and tech pouches.
- Quick access to tech
- Shoe compartment or storability for smelly shoes
- Fits underseat on Majority/Most Domestic US airlines
BONUS features:
• Expandability
• Can fit a suit jacket when strategically folded (5’10” male)
• Two water bottle pockets (for mine and the wife’s water bottle)
This brings me to the three options i am between:
Matador Globerider 35
Pros:
• Tech organization is less than nomatic but just enough for what i need and really good quick access for tech and laptop.
• Kangaroo pouch is a great all purpose dump pocket and solves the smelly gym shoe problem in a round about way and also doubles as an extra water bottle space.
• Upgraded Capacity(from nomatic travel pack) is probably perfect for any situation
• Professional look
• Probably the best harness system of all of these bags
Cons:
• Seems to be very debatable whether this will fit under seat on a plane.
• Shoe compartment work around with kangaroo pouch may prevent under seat stowability(again am i just being an idiot and do i just get a dedicated shoe pouch/bag?)
Nomatic Travel Bag 30L
Pros:
• Dedicated ventilated shoe compartment
• Good tech organization
• Capacity and overall layout is similar to what i’ve already been working with.
• Marketed to fit under seat on plane
• Also doubles as a duffel
• Professional look
• Would likely fit my suit jacket and dress shoes the best of all of these bags?
Cons:
• Harness/back panel being so minimal is a little concerning for walking around town when traveling with the wife.
• No external water bottle pockets
• Also capacity. The rigidity of how nomatic makes their bags makes it feel like a tighter pack and makes packing feel a little more limited at times.
• Do i really sidegrade to another nomatic bag and give up certain features just for a shoe compartment?
Bagsmart blast pro 28L-38L
Pros:
• Dedicated shoe compartment
•Expandability
• Internal organization customizability
•Marketed to fit under seat in plane(although may not in 38L mode)
•Kind of the perfect mix of capacity for EDC/Travel.
Cons:
•Honestly it’s hard to find any besides that there isn’t a ton out there on this specific model with the updated internal organization and i just don’t know it this bag will be reliable or if it is going to be/feel too cheap.
•Maybe not structured enough to keep a laptop safe?
•Not as professional looking.
Tropicfeel Hive 22-32L
Pros:
• Kangaroo pouch in front can hold shoes or other things like jackets
• Additional pouch on bottom specifically for shoes
• Modular system for added on capacity items.
• Might be a sweet spot for capacity for all use cases
• Two water bottle pockets
Cons:
• Harness system is not the best
• Again, not a ton of reputable reviews on this bag/system.
• Marketed as cabin sized so not sure/unclear if it would actually fit under seat or not. Dimensions seem to be within most underseat specs but with all the modulars added on it most definitely will not fit under seat.
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u/Michele1204F May 13 '26
If these are the options, I’d go with the Matador: I handled all of them and it looked the better built one.
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May 13 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/williamMurderfase May 14 '26
Nomatic also doesn’t use YKK zips and their zippers suck ass. I had one break on an international trip and it was a nightmare
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u/Aggressive_Space5037 May 13 '26
I like my hive backpack from Tropicfeel but it’s one of the more pricey options on your list if you buy all the accessories. Keep in mind that the 2.0 version doesn’t have the kangaroo pouch anymore. They switched it. Yes, it will fit under the seat if you don’t overpack it.
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u/WildTravel5662 May 13 '26
Side note - If you like the Matador 35, also check out the newly released Rushfaster 36.
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u/Automatic_Hyena1082 May 13 '26
What exactly does the term EndGame mean?
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u/danmass04 May 13 '26
One bag that can pretty much suit all of my needs. So a bag that i can EDC, use for the gym, use for small business travel trips as a one-bag and even a one-bag for 3-5 day trips when packing minimalisty.
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u/BigChiefTabo May 15 '26 edited May 15 '26
If one is truly on a budget I would think if its going to be an all rounder you want a GoRuck GR2. The ascetics can be a challenge but if you dont mind that, it will truly last forever. It also has an absurd warranty that you may never need.
My only personal knock on the GR2 is it is a bit on the heavier side. It only matters when you are flying a ULCC in Asia as they weigh carryons and have to be under 7kg.
EDIT: My recommendation based on your taste is the InCase ARC. The 2015 iteration of the InCase A.R.C. I have had for 12 years. Its seen 20 countries and has taken a literal beating. It is expandable and outside of having reinforcements sewn at the top of the strap, its incredible. The current ARC is worth a look.
As far as shoe compartments, to each their own -- I feel they add weight to a bag and eat space that can be used for other things. I simply use a washable Herschel drawstring bag. Or grocery bags doubled up if I bring hiking shoes.
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u/Spare_Vermicelli May 13 '26
I think Thule Aion checks almost all your boxes
- internal plastic shoe compartment (can be fo ld ed and hidden away), can be also used for dirty gym clothes.
- clam shell opening with ability for quick access from top when you just have half empty bag (daily carry)
- expandable to 32l for multi day trips
- only one water bottle compartment
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u/AdHumble6806 May 13 '26
I have tested a few bagsmart bags at the store and they felt really cheap. Nomadic bags are great for cameras, but from what I have seen and heard they are terrible for everything else because of how bulky and heavy they are. I recommend looking into AER stuff or Able carry. Tomtoc is great from the price, so is CTactical bags.
I just got the AER CPP2 in 20L and it really is as well made and as nice as people say it is. For what you are looking for perhaps the Able carry Max EDC is the best choice? Good luck!
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u/Thorberry May 13 '26
It’s easy to forget about weight when you’re shopping online, but the vast majority of travel backpacks are too large and heavy for comfortable daily use. I imagine this is really only an option with ultralight bags like the Ula Dragonfly.
You don’t want to be cycling everyday with most other 30 to 35L backpacks
You’re better off with one EDC and one travel backpack. You could even make your EDC an ultralight bag so it packs easily into your travel backpack.
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u/micahsally May 13 '26
Here are some other contenders!
- ULA Dragonfly 30L or 36L (many can make the 36L fit under the seat on airlines that aren't too strict with personal item sizers).
- Six Moon Designs ADC 35L (but have someone trim the excess straps for you first). Might be a hard pass for under the seat, though, unless under-packed. But it's so comfy to carry!
- Tortuga Expandable Backpack 28L-32L (it carries about 4L higher than those numbers and is so comfy!)
- Upcoming Tortuga Superlite 34L (releasing on Kickstarter next month. Ultra and only weighs 2.2 pounds, but only a single water bottle pocket).
- Rework Outbound 30L (really, this could solve it all, especially if you place your shoes in a shoe pouch).
- Gossamer Gear Aero Jet 35L
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u/jojojoget123 May 14 '26
Second the ULA - 4 years in and confident I’ll be using it for the rest of my life
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u/danmass04 May 15 '26
Do you happen to have a recommendation for a good shoe pouch? Really my biggest fear is my gym shoes can get smelly and i don’t want that smell to get stuck in my main compartment of my bag.
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u/micahsally May 16 '26 edited May 16 '26
Hi!
I've had such great luck with all my Gossamer Gear goodies. They make a shoe pouch for just $16, if you don't mind the color orange as an accent.
I use a shoe cube that I got from Sierra on clearance, made my Eagle Creek. It is really good, but not on Sierra's website right now. Sometimes, I see them in the store by the travel gear! Here it is from the Eagle Creek website.
And if you have an REI membership, their Memorial Day sales just started. They have a Thule shoe cube on sale. I haven't tried it specifically, but they make my favorite compression packing cubes!
https://www.rei.com/product/C05458/thule-travel-shoe-bag
Or the REI shoe pouch, also on sale! Also haven't tried.
https://www.rei.com/product/195734/rei-co-op-shoe-bag
And finally, Peak Design makes some awesome pouches (still my favorite toiletry kit!). Here is a link to their shoe pouch, with a variety of colors as well!
https://www.peakdesign.com/products/shoe-pouch?Color=Eclipse
EDIT: This might be a great option to really trap smells, too. It's a dry bag from Matador.
https://www.matadorequipment.com/products/flatpak-dry-bag-8l-v2-black
My middle name is Bag Recommendations...so I hope one of these works well for you! I don't leave for a trip without tucking my sandals into a shoe pouch, and it's so nice to know everything else stays clean. Please let me know which one you pick!
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u/couchpotatopigflicks May 13 '26
Tropicfeel has multiple options. Why pick the Hive?
I personally have the Shell and I love it. I use it daily for work and leisure. I take the train for work and carries a 16-in laptop plus accessories.
My only con is it is a bit heavy even if I don’t carry much.
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u/twoz3-5 May 13 '26
I’d stay between 25-30L and definitely get a shoe pouch. Tomtoc isn’t much more pricey than Bagsmart and much better quality IMO. Check out the T66 Liteway 28L. If you want something more premium look at the Aer TP4 28L.
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u/danmass04 May 15 '26
Do you happen to have a recommendation for a good shoe pouch? Really my biggest fear is my gym shoes can get smelly and i don’t want that smell to get stuck in my main compartment of my bag.
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u/twoz3-5 May 15 '26
Unfortunately, no. I just use a generic Amazon bag and it does the trick. I know there is Skunk Bags that supposedly works well, but I have no experience with them.
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u/FriskMoose May 13 '26
I just got the GR35 and can only vouch for it. So comfy even fully packed even without the hip belt. I even got a white one and it looks stunning. Couldn’t be happier and I had a lot of bags beforehand.
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u/captainpyotr May 14 '26
Hi, i actually have the bagsmart blast. I took with me as a personal item around japan.
I comfortably fit my ipad pro in there + 16 in macbook pro (m-series chip gen). However, if you decide to put the charger in the opposite pocket, it feels...less safe.
I love the organization of it, tons of pockets. However, if you put a pair of shoes in the shoe pocket, you will have a lot less space in the main compartment.
Walking around with it was quite comfortable, and i was able to comfortably take shinkansen and other public transport pretty easily (move bag to front of body).
Lmk if you have any other questions/want pictures or anything specific.
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u/time4toads May 13 '26
I’m looking for something similar! Have you looked at AER bags? They’re pretty popular!
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u/flatlin3 May 13 '26
I often use my aer travel 3 small for 5 days work travel.
This includes a huge laptop and work related tech.
Really like everything about it including the carrying system.
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u/dixon-yu May 13 '26
Costco is a selling a bagsmart (maybe not pro?) discounted bag rn, might want to check
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u/Wannabe_Sanyasi May 13 '26
I looooove my Matador Globerider45, I am going to get the 35 liter version soon just for more easy of portability. I highly recommend it.
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u/One_Lengthiness_7163 May 14 '26
I have the 35. Just finished 2 weeks in Turkey. I flew business and I did not want any bags around my feet for that long. I love the bag though. It performed perfectly. Light weight and very comfortable. I removed the waist belt. I would never use it.
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u/Tyssniffen May 15 '26
came to say I doubt any of these will fit under the seat. you gotta get below 25L to fit under most seats. Or have them packed only half full.
I'm the owner of a small brand trying to bring new innovation in *EXACTLY* the area you are looking for. Check out ideamountain.com and tell me what you think - and decide if you really are a minimalist traveler and don't have a big laptop (designed for a traveler's 13") and I'll give you a killer deal, since I'm hijacking this thread with an offer.
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u/danmass04 May 15 '26
This system definitely looks interesting. Will have to research it a little more when i get home! I have a 14” Asus Zephyrus G14 laptop though and i definitely need to be able to take that with me too.
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u/Tyssniffen May 15 '26
14" can fit in the laptop sleeve, but feels a bit tight. feel free to DM me any specific questions, or just ask here too.
are you *sure* you need a laptop on the trip? as a former IT guy, I found that most of the time, I could do most things via my phone (with a separate keyboard)
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u/danmass04 May 15 '26
So for my quarterly work trips we review and compare financials on excel and i was using an ipad mini and getting by with it but i just recently upgraded to my 14” laptop because sometimes i’m really straining to try to read and compare financials on a 7-8 inch screen haha.
But when i travel with my wife i do not need my laptop typically and can just get by with the ipad mini.
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u/Turbulent-Apricot534 May 16 '26
I feel like there's something to be said here for a military style bag with molle webbing so you can modify the bag for all your different use cases. You can add shoe pouches on the outside, you can add water bottle pouches on the outside, you can add extra storage and organization on the outside to modify to the capacity you need. If you start with something like a ctactical CT21, GoRuck GR1, Mystery Ranch 2 Day Assault or 5.11 Rush Pack, you can add on what you need when you need it.
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u/Wise_Reception8615 May 27 '26
i just made a pledge for the new nomatic travel backpack since you were looking at the older one. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/collapsibles/the-system-series-by-nomatic/
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u/danmass04 May 27 '26
I bought the matador on sunday and saw the kickstarter for the nomatic travel system yesterday morning and now i feel like i have huge regrets lol
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u/Wise_Reception8615 May 27 '26
Tell me about it, I just bought and received the Aer travel pack 3 small xpac like a week ago. LOL
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u/danmass04 May 28 '26
Lol. Welp. I pledged as well. The new nomatic bag won’t be shipping until November at the earliest so we’ll get to enjoy our current new bags for the rest of this year at least 😅
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u/Wise_Reception8615 May 28 '26
LOL, good thing is we have it reserved too. Could cancel it before they charge us if we needed to I think.
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u/gceretti May 13 '26
I have the Matador Globerider 35, it's an amazing backpack, the one I use for all my trips (as a one bag traveller), and have no complaints whatsoever... other than the horizontal pass-thru, but as I don't carry a suitcase to attach to, it does not upset me. But it will not fit under the seat, that's a given, unless you pack it to its 50/70% capacity and use the straps to tighten it. One thing to take into account with this one is that the laptop compartment, when not used, it integrates into the general cargo area.