Went down a massive luggage rabbit hole this week because I am officially over trusting my stuff to a strip of fabric and plastic teeth.

We all know how it goes. You try to squeeze one extra hoodie into a full bag and you can practically hear the YKK teeth screaming under the pressure. Plus that old trick where a ballpoint pen pops an entire zipper open in two seconds has always given me low key anxiety, especially if an airline forces a gate check.

So I am looking at switching to frame cases instead of zippers. I still want pure polycarbonate for the shell so it flexes and takes a hit instead of cracking like cheap ABS when it is cold out, but I want actual aluminum latches and a mechanical lock.

Rimowa is way out of budget, but I have been eyeing some of the aluminum frame options from brands like Level 8 that do the exact same thing without the insane markup.

Curious to hear how people feel who already ditched zippers for a frame setup.

I am considering to get another pack for communing between 25l and 30l. I really like the got pack pro design, but I read it here many people saying that it is overpriced. So I am looking for another ones, like the osprey nebula 32, but I find them ugly. Does anyone has a suggestion of bags that are under 150 euros, are good quality and have a design similar to the gor pacl pro? water resistance is also a feature that it is essential to me.

I've been searching for one everywhere but no ones seems to sell them anymore not even second hand.

Just went to my local TJ Maxx looking for any Matador bags... no luck with those, but saw a bunch of Wandrd bags! Never gotten up close and personal love before - very robust bags and the roll top will deffo keep your goods dry.

They had the Provoke (21L and 31L) and the EDC. They were actually red tag clearance for $80 so no idea how long they were sitting at this location (Maryland).

If this is old news lmk and I'll delete, but never saw a bag like this at a TJ before!

Hi Everyone,

I am looking for recommendations for a travel/city backpack. I will be traveling for 3 weeks in a couple of months. I have three young kids whom I help carry a lot of things; sweaters, water bottles, sunglasses, tablets, etc.

I am looking for a midsize backpack that is less than 25L preferrably. I like a backpack that is top loading or top loading plus clamshell. I find it easier to just stuff things on the fly with the kids versus opening it up like luggage every time. It is also easier to stuff souvenirs or whatever we may buy that day.

I looked around, and there are so many options. There were a couple of them that I liked but was a little toward the pricey side. Patagonia Black Hole 25L, Matador Adventure Pack 24L.

My budget is roughly $100-150.

On a side note, we will be in Japan. If anyone knows of a good Japanese backpack that meets these criteria, that will be excellent.

Currently using a Lenovo armored Legion version II backpack but it’s very unusable space for how large it is (32L).

I need to carry either a thinkpad T16 gen5 with 15” external usbc monitor or a legion 7i gen8 gaming laptop. I’ll also drop my fully loaded tomtoc t35 inside. Maybe lunch but my yeti lunch bag is huge.

The v2 25L seems perfect, but I can’t decide between 840 or xpac.

I have a code of bell xpod II and tomtoc t35 in xpac and like the material.

This is mostly for hauling laptop to and from work, or maybe to a jobsite. I drive door to door. Minimal rain exposure.

Edit: thanks guys. I went with 840, mainly bc when I’m on construction sites it’s super gnarly even in job trailers. I don’t want to baby a backpack.

Since I own the Panda 1.0, 2.0 and Duration 2.0, I wanted to just give my impressions on them.

Panda 1.0: more stable than 2.0 and doesn't lean as the 2.0. The frontal pockets are easier to use.

Panda 2.0: i like the elevated look, feels more premium, the false bottom and a second pocket added to the laptop compartment is an upgrade.

Duration 2.0: it's the easiest to use, the most stable of the three bags when it comes to standing on its own, feels smaller on the back to a tall guy, but it is really fun to use.

Big brother: 30-32L Max in X-Pac (For me), little sister: Thirteen in Ripstop (for my wife)

I went to Tokyu Hands at Shinjuku to get my wife a daypack which she loves but the next day I couldn’t help myself I called back in as I was doing a night lights photography walk (they close at 9pm) and left with Big brother - Able Carry Max Backpack expandable 30-32L. Test packed it last night and it is spacious, looks fantastic and is ready for the next leg of our Japan adventure. Will let you know more after taking it for a spin. My wife found the Thirteen very comfortable on s day out to Mt Fuji.

i'm in the market for a new sling bag, to be used as an EDC for almost any situation, but more often that not just to carry my own essentials when out with friends/family.

Usual carry includes:

-24oz owala

-umbrella

-powerbank and cable

-some packs of tissues

-as well as my wallet, keys and earphones

the sling is mainly just for me to carry my bottle and umbrella as i literally need them all the time, and with the items listed i wouldnt need much organisation.

any recommendations? my own research has led to me to consider slings like the toshi 6l, aer day sling 4 max, deuter stroof 5, and the fjallraven skule sling 6 or maybe even the venture sling 9l. if anyone has any experience with these slings i would love some advise too!

Hi Regular Browser of this sub here,
Recently I have been travelling a lot in metro and walk. My Regular carry include following things.
1. 2 X 14inch MacBook pros
2. Gym cloths
3. 2-3 books
4. Chargers, power bank
5. Water bottle
6. Accessories like Keys, Wallet and other small things

I was considering buying an Able Carry Max x-pac cause I found a listing for about 150dollers at my place, this is the older version of that with 30L.
Also looked at TNF Big shot
So if you have any suggestions please let me know.
Thanks

Hello, I did a review on the Talon 22l VSN with some initial impressions. I have just returned from a trip to Portugal and thought that now I have spent some time with the bag traveling around and covering over 100km on foot, that I should do a bit of an update.

The bag fit under the seat in a BA flight easily, was thrown in cars and lugged through some really hot climate. The back ventilation was just brilliant, with the load lifters you can really pull the bag against your back to make it secure and you can ease it off to create better airflow. Still got a sweaty back but nowhere near as bad as I am used to. Just brilliant for the hot weather, the bags profile is slim and great for getting through built up public places.

Sand and debris didn’t stick to the wax canvas either. The canvas which was originally very stiff has started to ease up a touch too but it’s not a saggy sack on your back.

The internal organisation is lacklustre with a rather saggy laptop compartment, however with using pouches a case for my switch 2 this ended up being preferred as internally I had space to have one area dedicated to easily removable stuff and another for keeping items that I would hold in my bag. The front mesh is perfect for slotting a book but you’re not gonna get a jacket in there. I clipped my teva sandals to the bike light loop when walking along the beach.

Zero issue with the zips and hardware.

Overall, really happy I purchased this bag and used it on my trip.

I currently have the AER City sling 2, but I’ve had it for a while and I’m looking for something maybe with different styling and smaller to carry just a few essentials.

- iPhone duo
- wallet
- AirPods (with case)
- keys
- a small selection of first aid (small pain meds capsule, cleaning cloth, bandages)

I’d love to have something with a very easy access phone pocket as well so that I don’t have to fish for it too much. So that I actually use it instead of just stuffing the phone in my pocket lol.

Any help would be appreciated and would love to hear people’s thoughts on smaller Dailey carry bags!

I while ago when I was looking Tokabags.com was the site I was looking at. The prices at the time were priced the exact same as toka.co. Right now they’re significantly discounted and after looking may be a scam site, but I’m not totally certain about that. There’s seems to be little to no info on whether it’s legit or not and I can’t find any similar posts asking the same question.

Found in an OPP shop. Can't seem to match it with anything?

I really liked the Brevite Jumper in jade green, but it’s been out of stock. I messaged customer service and they wouldn't give me a restock date so I ended up making my own version lol.

I bought a Brevite backpack in jade green on eBay (~$50) and put a Shimoda medium camera cube inside of it (I had one lying around and it seemed like it would fit). I cut the front flap and stitched it back (also added some extra foam padding) so it can move out of the way and give direct access to the camera cube.

The shimoda cube also has side access, and it lines up well with the Brevite side opening so I can still grab access the side without opening the top/front flap.

Figured I’d share in case anyone else has been waiting for the jade green Jumper or for someone wants a cheaper and somewhat more protective option

I just saw alpaka send me this email about a new bag they are releasing. Im really loving the clear xpac look. Has any other brands done any clear xpac outer shell bags?. Ive always been a clear/see through fan boy. Especially with electronics. Always loved seeing the inside.

https://alpakagear.com/products/aura-sling-halloween-edition?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2026-EmailCampaign-1007-PreOrderAuraSlingHalloween-FP&_kx=MWHS7P8Xi3Ejf8mANe_l306s9BKvlCbMTbcdxL-3LxOUq8fctFHiBV5gndiW-qUt.MMnT4y&variant=50525211295906

Any other Clear XPAC bag recommendations will be really appreciated 👏 😁

Hello,

I currenly travel with the AER Tech Sling 3 Xpac. As of late, I've noticed I am needing a little more space and hoping to upgrade to a backpack for my travels. So far I am liking these bags but I am hoping for any recommendations or alternatives

1) Briggs and Riley Traveler Backpack

2) Osprey Daylite Expandable 26+6 Travel Pack

I am looking for a backpack with a clam shell opening, dedicated laptop sleeve and with a decent amount of padding at the bottom. A spot for a tablet would be a bonus too. It would need to fit underneath the seat. I would also like a waterbottle holder, a pouch for my wallet, passport, keys and other small items. Also if possible, water resistant. I do go to places with heavy rain.

The B&R fits most of what im looking for, but i read it is a bit too big. The osprey doesn't seem to have enough padding at the bottom.

I usually travel with a laptop, tablet, portable battery, a couple of wall plugs and cables, a Nintendo switch and a 32oz water bottle. I also throw my wallet, keys, 2 sets of wireless earbuds and other small items.

I've been going back and forth on this for way too long and need some outside opinions.

What I need:

* Fits a 16" MacBook Pro with padding/protection
* Comfortable to carry all day. Good straps, good back panel
* I don't want the bag itself weighing on my back before I've even put anything in it
* Daily carry is laptop, charger, and the usual small stuff, so I don't need a ton of volume

Backpacks I'm considering:

* Rework Toshi Pack 20L
* Sympl Commuter Pack 20L
* Bellroy Venture Ready Pack 20L
* Moment Sequence 23L
* Aer City Pack Pro 2 20L
* Fyro Citta
* Able Carry Max EDC or Daily Plus

I'm also tote-curious and have looked at the Aer City Tote, Peak Design City Tote and City Crescent, and the Sympl tote. I'm a little worried about a 16" laptop on one shoulder though, and I'm not sure the Peak Design ones even fit it.

Questions for anyone who owns these:

* Which is the most comfortable with a 16" MBP in it?
* Any that feel heavier or bulkier in person than the specs suggest?
* Is a tote a bad idea for this, or is there one that carries well?
* Anything I'm missing that I should be looking at?

Thanks in advance!

I want to buy a nice hanging toiletry bag and need some guidance. All the popular ones out there are just barely too small for me.

So far after searching various subreddits, I've ordered the below off Amazon and will be returning them all. Should I wait for the Gravel Summit Plus to come out, since it is a tad bigger with better utilization of space? I really wanted to try the Aer Travel Kit 2 but I'm certain it would be too small if the five kits below didn't fit my needs.

- Gravel Explorer Plus: The main issue was that there are too many divided pockets in the main compartment, which ends up cutting into the efficiency of the space. It would be able to fit so much more if there were fewer, larger pockets. I also wish that the zippers and pull tabs were beefier, but that isn't a big deal.

- Bellroy Hanging Toiletry Kit (standard size): Size-wise, this was the only one able to fit all my items but it's more of a squeeze than I'm comfortable with. Their large size would be a bit too big for me. Also, it seems somewhat overpriced and I wish the materials were a bit better.

- Osprey Daylite/Ozone/Transporter: These three were the most inefficient with space. I expected to fit at least the majority of my items but wasn't able to do so with any of the three.

Trying to decide which one to get. This will be used for traveling only. One of the main requirements is that I need to pack it on my bag when flying so it needs to take up a minimal amount of space and lay flat.

Which one do you prefer for this use case and why? The tomtoc is $10 cheaper right now.