Great review as always! I have been taking mine into the office all week and it’s about perfect for my EDC which includes a 17 inch Dell workstation as my work laptop. It’s in with room to spare. That alone makes it better my edc than Goruck GR1 GR1XC 26 liter.
Perfect timing for this review, at least for me. I’m on the fence about it because I have Kaidans for travel and I don’t need it for EDC so it’s had to justify this one. You’re arguably the leader in the bag segment now, keep up the good work.
Awesome! I'm just trying to find a good one. This one is very cool and I dig what they did. More trips planned with this one. The Kaidan are good too though.
Just got this too and can't wait to go on a trip. Solid, fair, balanced review as always. I had always wished Evergoods would make a smaller CTB and they delivered. The only nitpicks I have are that the bag is a bit heavy for its size, and wish the front dump pocket was deeper. But other than that, I think it's great. Thank you JB for making some of the most credible and trustworthy reviews out there. Keep it up!
What say you....too long for someone 5'6" and torso challenged (I know I always ask the same question...I would only use this for travel). I'm one of the unlucky ones that have digging issues from every EG bag (still a fan, despite my issues). I just bought a new frame sheet with stays to see if it relieves the pressure. Great review, as always. I love your enthusiasm. It makes me want to tolerate pain...
@@JBOutside1 I like the way it looks on you! It's too late for me to grow...I always fall for the EG design aesthetic but I gotta start prioritizing fit due to cranky back. Never wore an X-Pac bag. I love the feel of the EG/Heritage fabric. So dunno if it will float my boat. But If it's too long, I have a Heritage and GR2 26L (you turned me into a Goruck girl). I'll just have to go on shorter trips unless I learn to pack like a pro and not at the last minute (unlikely). Enjoy your new pack!
Seems like Aer City Pack Pro in XPac is a better deal. It has top quick access, side quick access and two pockets in front. It’s a little smaller at 24L, but that might be preferred for some people.
I like my v2 phoenix. I just wish it was maybe 2 liters larger. If the bottom was wider, it may be perfect. I have to carry one extra pouch for my contact case, solution and glasses. That’s why I need slightly larger. I agree with you on the key keeper. That should be in one of the top 2 quick access pockets like the V1. It’s in the way in the side pocket.
That depends. The packing I did in this video was a pretty easy and minimal list. Mostly just a couple of layers...nothing too complicated. For a full-on 4-day adventure I'd have to go bigger than 30L or do a combo of this one and a GORUCK Kit Bag...which is my most commonly used side-kick for two-bag travel. I absolutely hate wheeled bags when I travel...but that's just me. And I never check a back.
Thank you for the great review, I cannot find this bag for sale on Evergoods website, is it available for sale anymore? On another note, I have been diving into the world of EDC's and I never thought buying a back pack would bring me down such a rabbit hole. As I find one amazing EDC another brand will popup that I never knew about. I know find myself torn between choosing from the Evergoods CPL 28L or Carryology 26L; GR1, GR2 ; Brown Buffalo Conceal Pack 21L. Do you have any quick thought recommendations on what bag you would chose for a commuter bag and potentially weekend travel? I have watched all your reviews on these bags and just thought I would come out asking you directly. Much thanks for the quality you put into this videos.
Thanks Forest! That's a tough one. Lots of great choices. An easy call is a GR1. The 21L is very versatile and there's a ton of different colors and materials out there. The CTB26 was a limited release. I'd predict Evergoods releases their own version in their own material...which would be VERY nice.
@@JBOutside1 nice! I have mine coming too. May just be my grail, though it’s not the first time I’ve thought that. 😂 It’s between this and the heritage Goruck GR2 26L. I’d love to see a comparison if possible.
Thanks for a great video! Does this bag standup on its own when it's loaded out? If so, I'm curious if that's the case when you have one water bottle in. I felt my CHZ22 would fall on its side when I had a full water bottle on one side. Thanks!
It the bottom is packed pretty tightly it stands nicely and it doesn't matter if there's a bottle or not. When I packed it for my trip to capacity it was just fine. At EDC loads it might be a different story.
Looks like it ticks almost all boxes. Between this and the Goruck GR2 26L heritage, which do you prefer? I’m looking for the ideal EDC bag, and the GR2 26L gets almost everything right. Just missing the external water bottle pockets.
@@adong656 I did a review of the Citadel Micro. They're well built and have a lot of cool features. Ultimately it just wasn't for me. Sometimes a brand and vibe just doesn't work.
@@bedanawi ok, gotcha now. The volume difference isn't that significant and I don't think the PHX1 will feel all that much smaller. The pockets are better in the PHX2. For smaller...that Spartanology looks pretty sweet.
@@JBOutside1 saw the Spartonology, didn't really like the design. I have the CPL24v3 and I absolutely love the bag, love the clean, streamlined design. Was hoping the PHX2 would be similar in size but it's noticeably bigger. I also noticed that the hook in between the top and side handle is too stiff. On my cpl I can easily out a hero clip there. It's a struggle with this one. Love your videos btw. They're very helpful.
Not a fan of companies coming out with the special edition before the regular one (which we all know is coming). All this does is let the makers charge as much as possible for the later regular version (rather than the more reasonable price it could have been if it came out first)
@@JBOutside1 thanks, JB! Yes i just feel regular version first and then special version is more fair(?) to the buyer than the other way around, as far as pricing at least. But it is an awesome bag 🤤
Got my CTB26 this week and hell yeah it's a 10 of 10🔥🔥🔥
Nice!! 👊🏻
Hi. hhow much did it cost ? going to Ecuador. Looking for 26 bag and cross body bag.tks
Great review as always! I have been taking mine into the office all week and it’s about perfect for my EDC which includes a 17 inch Dell workstation as my work laptop. It’s in with room to spare. That alone makes it better my edc than Goruck GR1 GR1XC 26 liter.
Good to know it fits that 17”! 😁
Perfect timing for this review, at least for me. I’m on the fence about it because I have Kaidans for travel and I don’t need it for EDC so it’s had to justify this one.
You’re arguably the leader in the bag segment now, keep up the good work.
Awesome! I'm just trying to find a good one. This one is very cool and I dig what they did. More trips planned with this one. The Kaidan are good too though.
Just got this too and can't wait to go on a trip. Solid, fair, balanced review as always. I had always wished Evergoods would make a smaller CTB and they delivered. The only nitpicks I have are that the bag is a bit heavy for its size, and wish the front dump pocket was deeper. But other than that, I think it's great. Thank you JB for making some of the most credible and trustworthy reviews out there. Keep it up!
Thanks Jason! Lots more coming soon! 👊🏻
Thanks, JB. I love the bag too and your review enforced that.
Thanks for watching! Glad it helped...sometimes these videos just make themselves and the PHX2 definitely made it easy!
What say you....too long for someone 5'6" and torso challenged (I know I always ask the same question...I would only use this for travel). I'm one of the unlucky ones that have digging issues from every EG bag (still a fan, despite my issues). I just bought a new frame sheet with stays to see if it relieves the pressure. Great review, as always. I love your enthusiasm. It makes me want to tolerate pain...
Haha, yeah it’s on the taller end so you’d really need to love this design…which you might! 👊🏻
@@JBOutside1 I like the way it looks on you! It's too late for me to grow...I always fall for the EG design aesthetic but I gotta start prioritizing fit due to cranky back. Never wore an X-Pac bag. I love the feel of the EG/Heritage fabric. So dunno if it will float my boat. But If it's too long, I have a Heritage and GR2 26L (you turned me into a Goruck girl). I'll just have to go on shorter trips unless I learn to pack like a pro and not at the last minute (unlikely). Enjoy your new pack!
Seems like Aer City Pack Pro in XPac is a better deal. It has top quick access, side quick access and two pockets in front. It’s a little smaller at 24L, but that might be preferred for some people.
gotcha.
I like my v2 phoenix. I just wish it was maybe 2 liters larger. If the bottom was wider, it may be perfect. I have to carry one extra pouch for my contact case, solution and glasses. That’s why I need slightly larger. I agree with you on the key keeper. That should be in one of the top 2 quick access pockets like the V1. It’s in the way in the side pocket.
Gotcha. I like this size.
Great review as always John BUT really hoping to see more on-body backpack from 3rd person point of view
I hear you Steven. I’ll film a short clip of just that and post is later this weekend. Thanks for the feedback!!
Great review! Id be curious to see your full packing list for 3-4 day trips, I'm assuming you one bag it?
That depends. The packing I did in this video was a pretty easy and minimal list. Mostly just a couple of layers...nothing too complicated. For a full-on 4-day adventure I'd have to go bigger than 30L or do a combo of this one and a GORUCK Kit Bag...which is my most commonly used side-kick for two-bag travel. I absolutely hate wheeled bags when I travel...but that's just me. And I never check a back.
its a real shame that evergoods won't put waterbottle holders on a CPL. this proves its possible, but limited edition, you can't pay normal prices em.
I hear ya!
Not doing didn’t last long!
@@Inkushu haha, yep!
I have been waiting for this review. Im torn. Im just a huge GR fan of all their bags. My P2 is sitting in a box while i try to figure it out haha
This is a great one...stay tuned for some 26L magic from GORUCK (Heritage)
What are the major differences between the Phoenix version of this bag and the regular version? Thanks in advance.
Take a look at my recent video on the standard edition. I think I answer your questions there.
I have the digging issue, I'm 6'1 and can only really avoid it by hitching the bag right up.
I typically wear all my backpacks that way anyway.
What if all my EDC items are bright Orange?
Haha, then a Heritage GR1 in BLACK would be perfect!!
Hi JB, great review!
How comfortable is this bag? does it dig into your lower back?
Thanks!
No problem with it digging in for me.
Thank you for the great review, I cannot find this bag for sale on Evergoods website, is it available for sale anymore? On another note, I have been diving into the world of EDC's and I never thought buying a back pack would bring me down such a rabbit hole. As I find one amazing EDC another brand will popup that I never knew about. I know find myself torn between choosing from the Evergoods CPL 28L or Carryology 26L; GR1, GR2 ; Brown Buffalo Conceal Pack 21L. Do you have any quick thought recommendations on what bag you would chose for a commuter bag and potentially weekend travel? I have watched all your reviews on these bags and just thought I would come out asking you directly. Much thanks for the quality you put into this videos.
Thanks Forest! That's a tough one. Lots of great choices. An easy call is a GR1. The 21L is very versatile and there's a ton of different colors and materials out there. The CTB26 was a limited release. I'd predict Evergoods releases their own version in their own material...which would be VERY nice.
@jboutside1 Appreciate your review. Would you be able to list the internal measurements of the v2 vs the v1?
Unfortunately, no. I’ve released the Phoenixes to the wild. Phenomenal bags I didn’t feel was right to just keep on the wall.
Do you have any plans getting the newly released standard edition? I’m glad they added it to their lineup.
Ordered 😎
@@JBOutside1 nice! I have mine coming too. May just be my grail, though it’s not the first time I’ve thought that. 😂
It’s between this and the heritage Goruck GR2 26L. I’d love to see a comparison if possible.
@@ghas4151 I’ll add that to my notes
Thanks for a great video! Does this bag standup on its own when it's loaded out? If so, I'm curious if that's the case when you have one water bottle in. I felt my CHZ22 would fall on its side when I had a full water bottle on one side. Thanks!
It the bottom is packed pretty tightly it stands nicely and it doesn't matter if there's a bottle or not. When I packed it for my trip to capacity it was just fine. At EDC loads it might be a different story.
Trying to decide between the CTB 26l or CPL 28l, tough decision.
Tough call for sure. More pockets in the CTB…and bottle pockets
That hoodie looks comfy, who makes it?
prf.hn/l/3YoOlkn
Looks like it ticks almost all boxes. Between this and the Goruck GR2 26L heritage, which do you prefer?
I’m looking for the ideal EDC bag, and the GR2 26L gets almost everything right. Just missing the external water bottle pockets.
GR2 for me. But I get the bottle issue. It's just not that big a deal for me in travel mode with the GR2
Could you do a comparison of this bag and the GWA Citadel? In my mind, they're right in the same category of bag.
Unfortunately I've rehomed my Citadels.
@@JBOutside1 hmmm I feel like that says a lot actually
@@adong656 I did a review of the Citadel Micro. They're well built and have a lot of cool features. Ultimately it just wasn't for me. Sometimes a brand and vibe just doesn't work.
@@JBOutside1 Understandable! Thanks for the follow up comment.
all the pockets where would you sugggest passport storage ?
For the airport: top or front. Once I get there I'd probably move the important stuff inside.
Is there a noticeable difference in the back panel between they two Pheonixes? Or are they relatively similar?
The new back panel is definitely better...more breathable and more comfortable. But the other features are a much bigger deal IMHO
@@JBOutside1 Thank you. I got the Pheonix 2 but debating trading/selling it for a Pheonix 1 because it's a bit big for EDC for me. Still debating.
@@bedanawi ok, gotcha now. The volume difference isn't that significant and I don't think the PHX1 will feel all that much smaller. The pockets are better in the PHX2. For smaller...that Spartanology looks pretty sweet.
@@JBOutside1 saw the Spartonology, didn't really like the design. I have the CPL24v3 and I absolutely love the bag, love the clean, streamlined design. Was hoping the PHX2 would be similar in size but it's noticeably bigger. I also noticed that the hook in between the top and side handle is too stiff. On my cpl I can easily out a hero clip there. It's a struggle with this one. Love your videos btw. They're very helpful.
What carabiner is that?
amzn.to/3SpCtXH
Not a fan of companies coming out with the special edition before the regular one (which we all know is coming). All this does is let the makers charge as much as possible for the later regular version (rather than the more reasonable price it could have been if it came out first)
I think you're right. Would have been nice to see this as a regular edition first and then the special one.
@@JBOutside1 thanks, JB! Yes i just feel regular version first and then special version is more fair(?) to the buyer than the other way around, as far as pricing at least. But it is an awesome bag 🤤
Is there a regular edition planned?
@@aaronbradshaw7256 not that I’ve heard…but I hope so
@@aaronbradshaw7256 they won't be able to resist 🤭
Between this and the A19 evade 1.5 full/stealth cobra, which would you personally use?
This one. The PHX2.