I’m really into packable bags. I own this one, 2 TAD Azimuths and actually am the lucky individual who bought JB’s original EDX off of him. My 2 cents: the TAD Azimuth is far and away the best packable bag IF you don’t plan to carry a laptop or use a separate laptop protective sleeve. However, it’s also a bit more expensive. The major TAD pros: the size can expand and my personal favorite, the expansion straps can be used to lock in your water bottle(s) so they never fall out. This is the main drawback to the Matador bags. They are both excellent but in practice, my water bottles fell out of both of them. So for use cases: I keep one Matador in my car and one in my wife’s car. I use one TAD to beat the shit out of and the other is my “nice” packable travel bag. I like them all!
I own and love the original EDX, but have been looking at the Azimuth lately as a second option. Is it really that good to have in addition to the EDX in a bag collection?
@@Ultiman7 As I mentioned, it depends on whether or not you carry/use water-bottles and also how important it is for you to have size flexibility since the Azimuth can expand/contract. If these 2 features don’t matter to you, it may not be worth the extra money. One thing to note: I was disappointed to discover that TAD’s latest version of the Azimuth lacks the self-packing internal pocket feature of the original. The trade off is that it now has slightly more comfortable shoulder straps. Not a deal breaker but kind of a bummer. Related: the new Carryology EDX packing set up is inferior to the original. Which is ironic since it’s supposed to be even smaller/lighter. I like the elegant “mini bag” solution of the original EDX better than the kind of weird 1/2 pouch of the new one. Yes, it’s a bit smaller but it’s not as clean and nice-fitting.
Awesome you did a better presentation than their teasing dark picture commercial. I also bought it (was in my kart) but as the presentation was not very transparent, I passed. got the freefly, very happy with it! so light and water-resistant.
Regarding the size at 22L. I love the original EDX for anything beach or water related. It's great for a few towels, snacks, clothes, and anything else needed for a beach trek while on vacation. Most smaller 15L daypacks struggle to hold all of these items. Great review!
Thanks for the review. Been looking for review of this for a while. I have the v1 and am sticking to that for a long time. Thanks again and keep it up.!
The EDX Lite is really nicely built and great materials. Overall they did a really nice job. Would have liked a hydration port but the zipper can be unzipped a little for that. Will be one of my packable bags next trip.
Thanks for sharing your insights. My go to packable backpack had been the Tom Bihn Daylight backpack. They are great but wishing they had two water bottle pockets like some of the options you shared. I really like how lightweight the new Matador backpack is but I’ve seen some examples on social media where the grid pattern was not level. It would absolutely bother me if I bought this pack with this issue 😢
I know this is somewhat unrelated, but how do you go about finding a specific bag on the secondary market? I missed the drop for the Mission Workshop Carryology bag and i really wanted to get one. How do i find someone to sell to me that wont scam me or overcharge me? Thank you!
exactly this, I hate that drop culture has permeated the bag world. I love Carryology and Matador, but I'd much rather support companies that use less hostile ways of releasing new products/collabs.
I’m really into packable bags. I own this one, 2 TAD Azimuths and actually am the lucky individual who bought JB’s original EDX off of him. My 2 cents: the TAD Azimuth is far and away the best packable bag IF you don’t plan to carry a laptop or use a separate laptop protective sleeve. However, it’s also a bit more expensive. The major TAD pros: the size can expand and my personal favorite, the expansion straps can be used to lock in your water bottle(s) so they never fall out. This is the main drawback to the Matador bags. They are both excellent but in practice, my water bottles fell out of both of them. So for use cases: I keep one Matador in my car and one in my wife’s car. I use one TAD to beat the shit out of and the other is my “nice” packable travel bag. I like them all!
Nice!! Good stuff! 👊🏻
I own and love the original EDX, but have been looking at the Azimuth lately as a second option. Is it really that good to have in addition to the EDX in a bag collection?
@@Ultiman7 As I mentioned, it depends on whether or not you carry/use water-bottles and also how important it is for you to have size flexibility since the Azimuth can expand/contract. If these 2 features don’t matter to you, it may not be worth the extra money. One thing to note: I was disappointed to discover that TAD’s latest version of the Azimuth lacks the self-packing internal pocket feature of the original. The trade off is that it now has slightly more comfortable shoulder straps. Not a deal breaker but kind of a bummer. Related: the new Carryology EDX packing set up is inferior to the original. Which is ironic since it’s supposed to be even smaller/lighter. I like the elegant “mini bag” solution of the original EDX better than the kind of weird 1/2 pouch of the new one. Yes, it’s a bit smaller but it’s not as clean and nice-fitting.
Awesome you did a better presentation than their teasing dark picture commercial. I also bought it (was in my kart) but as the presentation was not very transparent, I passed. got the freefly, very happy with it! so light and water-resistant.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it
Regarding the size at 22L. I love the original EDX for anything beach or water related. It's great for a few towels, snacks, clothes, and anything else needed for a beach trek while on vacation. Most smaller 15L daypacks struggle to hold all of these items. Great review!
I can see that. It does well for that
Thanks for review and the alternative section. I just got a Marador on Ebay, looking forward to use it for some special travels.
Glad it was helpful!
I have it and it's surprisely very comfortable ! I use it every day. Lack of internal organization but I love it :D
Good stuff!
Thanks for the review. Been looking for review of this for a while. I have the v1 and am sticking to that for a long time. Thanks again and keep it up.!
You bet!
The EDX Lite is really nicely built and great materials. Overall they did a really nice job. Would have liked a hydration port but the zipper can be unzipped a little for that. Will be one of my packable bags next trip.
Nice!
The Aer Go Pack 2 is another awesome packable bag.
YES! Good one
Thanks for sharing your insights. My go to packable backpack had been the Tom Bihn Daylight backpack. They are great but wishing they had two water bottle pockets like some of the options you shared. I really like how lightweight the new Matador backpack is but I’ve seen some examples on social media where the grid pattern was not level. It would absolutely bother me if I bought this pack with this issue 😢
Thanks for sharing! Mine is not perfect but because of the seams it isn't noticeable
Nice round up of packs, wish matador made the freefly in xpac.
That would be cool
Looking at the TAD Azimuth. Heavier VX. Another contender
Totally agree and I need to get one of those too
Great comparisons
Thanks!
Sweet !
Oh yeah!
No love for the MR In and Out? (I have kicked myself a million times for selling the one I had.)
There’s lots of great options and that is a great looking one for sure. I just didn’t have it on hand to compare
I know this is somewhat unrelated, but how do you go about finding a specific bag on the secondary market? I missed the drop for the Mission Workshop Carryology bag and i really wanted to get one. How do i find someone to sell to me that wont scam me or overcharge me? Thank you!
Facebook Groups like “Carryology Classifieds”
Would the tad azimuth fit in this category?
Absolutely...I just haven't tried it yet
Any plan on getting the TAD Azimuth for comparison?
Funny you should ask…just ordered one
@@JBOutside1 awesome to here!
@@JBOutside1 Also excited to see your full review of the Cimoro Limited V2 Running Pack
The old JB would of thrown that bad boy in the shower to give it the old waterproof test.
The old JB would also have dragged it behind his truck...😜
This bag was made for one purpose: to flip on eBay
I argue that it's a great packable backpack also 😜
exactly this, I hate that drop culture has permeated the bag world. I love Carryology and Matador, but I'd much rather support companies that use less hostile ways of releasing new products/collabs.