Nice one Danny! I agree and also have other options you mentioned, particularly Tortuga 40l travel pack and Pakt’s 45l. The interesting part that these companies don’t talk about are: 1) comfort with the harness system; and/or 2) torso length; and/or 3) dimensions and weight (wt.) that fits your packing gear; and/or 4) expansion, if any Tortuga 40l: 1) probably the most comfortable harness; 2) torso length is adjustable; 3) dimensions and wt: 21.7” x 13.8” x 7.9” (55 x 35 x 20cm) and 4.5lbs (2.05kg); 4) not expandable but pockets for most part have their own dimension that doesn’t eat onto the others Pakt 45l: 1) probably second best harness system; 2) torso length not adjustable but have load lifters; 3) dimensions and wt.: 23” x 13” x 9” (60 x 33 x 24cm) and 4.4lbs (2kg) 4) expansion: 41l unexpanded and 53l expanded PD 45: 1) the worst harness strap for anything over 20lbs+ (or 10kg+) based on my own experience, others may differ; 2) torso length not adjustable and no load lifters; 3) dimensions and wt.: 22” x 13” x 9.5” (56 x 33 x 24cm) and weighs 4.5lbs (2.05kg) 4) expansion: 35l standard, 30l compressed, 45l expanded Another one to consider is Matador Globe Rider 45l: 1) I would put this harness system between Tortuga and Pakt. It’s good and can be stowed away; 2) torso length fixed but has load lifters; 3) dimensions and wt.: 22” x 12.8” x 11” (55 x 33 x 28cm) and weighs 4lbs 8ozs (2.041kg). This one is unique in sense that the depth is at 11” which is 1.5-2.0” deeper than all the packs above. You can reach pack it and the harness system can still keep you comfortable. The weight of the pack is like the other 3 but I don’t feel it; 4) expansion: not expandable, fixed Another con is that it claims to fit a 16” MBP laptop but that’s only without any cover. I always need my cover to prevent bumps and scratches or accidental drops. You need to cut the cord is is used for some anti-theft which I don’t want to do. Lastly, would be nice that you do the same load out for each pack that you used to do before in early videos years before.
New subscriber here, while I like your reviews, the one thing I would like to see added is maybe a two block fully loaded walk test to gauge how comfortable it would be if you found yourself walking further in your travels then anticipated.
I have a Cotopaxi 35L Alpa and I absolutely love it. Almost a perfect bag. Surprisingly, like this bag, the Cotopaxi doesn't have a water bottle holder and while that's a pain, it's not the end of the world. One thing I wish it had would be some daisy chain loops on the bag for strapping a jacket when not in use.
Great review! Would you say the harness system on the MLC 45 is more or less comfortable than the PD 45? That's been one of the biggest factors for me in deciding which of those to buy for my larger travel bag.
Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! For me it is a little more comfortable than the peak design harness (although still not quite as robust as I would hope for a bag this large)
Would love to see you compare the Patagonia Black Hole MLC next to the Pakt. Travel Backpack 2.0. They seem like they are trying to capture the same market so I'm interested to see how they stack up! Pakt. Travel Backpack has been on my one bag travel list but the Patagonia MLC might be a contender. What do you think?
Thank you for watching and good callout! Both are pretty great overall, I think the pakt bag is more comfortable and will offer some additional organization whereas the MLC has a simple main compartment and more weather resistant materials
Thank you for watching! Definitely a tough choice, but I would lean towards the transit plus as the sizing will be a little more carry on compliant and I prefer the harness system and laptop protection that it has
Thank you for watching! It can work as a carry on on domestic airlines but I would be a little more worried on international airlines, for those I try to stay at 40l and below to avoid any issues
i find this bag a little underwhelming, with so many great options like this style on the marker i would have hoped they did something less basic with the interior. i think its such a shame also that they didnt make a better backing considering its a 45l backpack. i really wish they'd stop removing water bottle pockets also
Thank you for watching! Although I like the amount of space it offers I agree, there could have been more done with the interior especially with how good the smaller version of the bag is
Thank you for watching! I think it’s due to the fact that it has a shoulder strap that will allow you to carry out more like a duffel than if you prefer the backpack straps
So do you ever do negative reviews? From your reviews I can never tell if you actually like anything. Seems like you are just doing this to get free bags and reviews. Try having an opinion for once.
This is pretty much the only review on UA-cam about this bag. Thanks
Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful!:)
I plan on being out the country 2-3 week about half the year next year
Nice one Danny!
I agree and also have other options you mentioned, particularly Tortuga 40l travel pack and Pakt’s 45l.
The interesting part that these companies don’t talk about are:
1) comfort with the harness system; and/or
2) torso length; and/or
3) dimensions and weight (wt.) that fits your packing gear; and/or
4) expansion, if any
Tortuga 40l:
1) probably the most comfortable harness;
2) torso length is adjustable;
3) dimensions and wt: 21.7” x 13.8” x 7.9” (55 x 35 x 20cm) and 4.5lbs (2.05kg);
4) not expandable but pockets for most part have their own dimension that doesn’t eat onto the others
Pakt 45l:
1) probably second best harness system;
2) torso length not adjustable but have load lifters;
3) dimensions and wt.: 23” x 13” x 9” (60 x 33 x 24cm) and 4.4lbs (2kg)
4) expansion: 41l unexpanded and 53l expanded
PD 45:
1) the worst harness strap for anything over 20lbs+ (or 10kg+) based on my own experience, others may differ;
2) torso length not adjustable and no load lifters;
3) dimensions and wt.: 22” x 13” x 9.5” (56 x 33 x 24cm) and weighs 4.5lbs (2.05kg)
4) expansion: 35l standard, 30l compressed, 45l expanded
Another one to consider is Matador Globe Rider 45l:
1) I would put this harness system between Tortuga and Pakt. It’s good and can be stowed away;
2) torso length fixed but has load lifters;
3) dimensions and wt.: 22” x 12.8” x 11” (55 x 33 x 28cm) and weighs 4lbs 8ozs (2.041kg). This one is unique in sense that the depth is at 11” which is 1.5-2.0” deeper than all the packs above. You can reach pack it and the harness system can still keep you comfortable. The weight of the pack is like the other 3 but I don’t feel it;
4) expansion: not expandable, fixed
Another con is that it claims to fit a 16” MBP laptop but that’s only without any cover. I always need my cover to prevent bumps and scratches or accidental drops. You need to cut the cord is is used for some anti-theft which I don’t want to do.
Lastly, would be nice that you do the same load out for each pack that you used to do before in early videos years before.
thanks!! very good review, probably buy this
Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful!:)
New subscriber here, while I like your reviews, the one thing I would like to see added is maybe a two block fully loaded walk test to gauge how comfortable it would be if you found yourself walking further in your travels then anticipated.
Thank you for watching and for the support! I really appreciate the suggestion!:)
I'm thinking of getting this one or the cotopaxi 42L, it will be great to do a comparison between these 2!
Thank you for watching! I’ve heard great things about both, seems like the Cotopaxi would provide some nice organizational flexibility with its layout
I have a Cotopaxi 35L Alpa and I absolutely love it. Almost a perfect bag. Surprisingly, like this bag, the Cotopaxi doesn't have a water bottle holder and while that's a pain, it's not the end of the world. One thing I wish it had would be some daisy chain loops on the bag for strapping a jacket when not in use.
How are the shoulder straps on this one? compared to the ALLPA 42.. I had it for the past 5 years but was looking for other options.
NVM.. i was considering this bag but it has no front or top storage for easy access.
Thank you for watching! I would say the straps on the allpa are better and like you said it has additional organization which is really useful
I have the previous 45 version. Intersting changes, though not having a front pocket seems strange. I missed the CTB35 as a suggestion ;)
Thank you for watching and good catch, the CTB would be another great alternative to this one!
right i didn't even think of that and thats actually one of my fave parts of my blackhole backpack (think its 35l)
Great review! Would you say the harness system on the MLC 45 is more or less comfortable than the PD 45? That's been one of the biggest factors for me in deciding which of those to buy for my larger travel bag.
Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! For me it is a little more comfortable than the peak design harness (although still not quite as robust as I would hope for a bag this large)
Would love to see you compare the Patagonia Black Hole MLC next to the Pakt. Travel Backpack 2.0. They seem like they are trying to capture the same market so I'm interested to see how they stack up!
Pakt. Travel Backpack has been on my one bag travel list but the Patagonia MLC might be a contender. What do you think?
Thank you for watching and good callout! Both are pretty great overall, I think the pakt bag is more comfortable and will offer some additional organization whereas the MLC has a simple main compartment and more weather resistant materials
Danny, can you review the Eagle Creek Tour Travel 40L?
Thank you for watching and for the suggestion! I’ll have to see if I can get one to test out
This versus the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus? Thoughts for a EUR trip?
Thank you for watching! Definitely a tough choice, but I would lean towards the transit plus as the sizing will be a little more carry on compliant and I prefer the harness system and laptop protection that it has
@@dannypacks thanks 🙏
Can fit laptop 17 inch and laptop fan pad and laptop wires mouse etc ?
are the zippers YKK puncture resistant? It looks like it but not sure and nothing on their website whereas it would be a very important info
Thank you for watching! The zippers are ykk, not sure if there is a specific model that is more puncture resistant tho. They seem reliable overall
Bottle holder on the side would be nice.
Thank you for watching and I agree that would have been a great addition!
It works as a carry on?
Thank you for watching! It can work as a carry on on domestic airlines but I would be a little more worried on international airlines, for those I try to stay at 40l and below to avoid any issues
Hi does it actually hold 45L or does it only hold 35-40 L ?
Nice because I usally move with my Glock so plenty of places to put it
i find this bag a little underwhelming, with so many great options like this style on the marker i would have hoped they did something less basic with the interior. i think its such a shame also that they didnt make a better backing considering its a 45l backpack. i really wish they'd stop removing water bottle pockets also
Thank you for watching! Although I like the amount of space it offers I agree, there could have been more done with the interior especially with how good the smaller version of the bag is
Why is this bag called a duffel?
Thank you for watching! I think it’s due to the fact that it has a shoulder strap that will allow you to carry out more like a duffel than if you prefer the backpack straps
So do you ever do negative reviews? From your reviews I can never tell if you actually like anything. Seems like you are just doing this to get free bags and reviews.
Try having an opinion for once.