Geez, I know Mission Workshop makes some good packs but this just looks ghastly and comically large. Not sure they know what "travel pack" means. It's like the owner went to party with the guys over at GoRuck and outdrank everybody because this thing is too heavy to be practical. Hard pass.
I'm a huge fan of Mission Workshop bags. I have both the 20L and 40L versions of the Arkiv R6, as well as a Shed messenger and Transit briefcase. I don't think this bag is *ugly* per se to the point where it inspires strong negative feelings; I just think it looks awkward. Where Mission Workshop really shines compared to other brands is the suspension system. It is BY FAR the most comfortable suspension system in a big travel backpack I've used. The fact that it has load lifters alone is huge, and the waistbelt is super padded and comfortable. It's almost on par with heavy duty outdoor backpacking backpacks, which I definitely can't say about any other travel backpack. Though it does create a mess in terms of straps and it makes the bag heavier, I think the huge gain in comfort is worth it. I wish more large travel bags (*cough* GORUCK GR3) incorporated load lifters. That said, I think this bag overall is a miss. Mission Workshop's own 40L Arkiv R6 is LESS THAN HALF the price of this thing ($255 vs $585). There's no way the extra features of the Radian justify a $330 price premium.
Owner of a Raidan here, HT500. The bag is sick and awesome. It is not for people that would want something like an Aer Travel Pack 3 which contains various compartments. It's more minimalist and you'll thrive when you utilize pouches or cubes. HT500 is a hybrid between 500d Cordura and waxed canvas. I love the texture and it stays sleek and clean. Doesn't get all wrinkly like vx21 or vx42 xpac. The water bladder pocket on the back can be used as a quick access slot. The water bottle pocket on the side can be used as a quick sling over the shoulder side access pocket. It's super minimal and ultra comfortable. A bad ass bag. Velcro at the top can be used for velcro patches for customization. Using a cobra or raptor buckle, it's swag. Also tool the bag to a shoe repair shop to swap the plastic buckle on the sternum strap to a 3/4 inch cobra buckle one. Pair this with the Arkiv Side zip pockets and a Spar with cobra buckle, you're set!
the asymmetry handle you report at 06:00 is actually a nearly non-issue, the foam inside can be moved to the middle sonthat its symmetric. I've got my Radian this week and I found it to be minor annoyance. Sure MW could have fixed the foM with a few stiches. Great Review btw, thanks
You know I've seen this video numerous times as I vacillate over getting the Radian, but it seems like the weight penalty and score are really off on this. I mean your super favorite GoRuck weighs in at 4.75lbs according to the PH website, and the Peak Design is 4.55. Bear in mind the PD is actually 35L when not expanded. I own it. And it's straps are subpar, uncomfortable under load over duration... and keep me from loving it. So it is hard to understand how low the score is considering on the Radian. Its made locally. It's bombproof, and immaculate construction, one of the "most comfortable bags to carry"... hmmm... something doesn't seem right here.... just sayin...
Agreed with your post, and ye peak design has eh harness systems imo. Regarding the Radian, I think with the Arkiv Mods, which are mandatory imo, the Radian gets much heavier. The radian is bad ass for sure though. Other good options are the Inside Line Equipment (ILE) Travel Pack or Defy Bags Rover. I think the ILE may be the better designed bag, I own it and love it. Also better for the price. Base Radian without Arkiv mods is expensive af. Without the zippered or roll top side pockets, it's pretty bare bones imo. The cobra buckle upgrade is extra money too. ILE Travel Pack has a beaver tail pocket, Cobra Buckle, wider clam shell opening, side pockets, front quick access pocket, top quick access pocket, and includes the waist belt with purchase. The price also knocks down if you buy on Black Friday. DEFY bags rover in multicam black, the newest release looks great with a new bright gray interior liner for visibility. Lots of organization and is a backpack duffel hybrid.
Hey Tom, how large are you sandals? I like to wear Lems and Vivo's... do you think 13's (US) would fit in the side pouches? Also curious about the peak design cubes and how they fit in this pack (the Med and Small). Thanks for the great resources!
Hey Brandon - Tom wears a 10.5 in sandals. While we don't have size 13 shoes to verify this 100%, we checked the dimensions of the pouch and size 13 shoes and it seems like the shoes will be just a bit too large to fit. However, this also depends on the width of the shoes too. We also recommend checking this with Mission Workshop directly, as they may be able to verify this for you. Also, the medium and small Peak Design Packing Cubes will fit in this pack. Hope this helps! 😊👍 - Rebecca
Yes the integer is literally like the little sibling to the radian. It’s not marketed that way but the wonderful people at MW think so. More of a minimal travel with features not any other of their bags have.
Pack Hacker love how you guys comment everyone :) I posted it on my ig @doyoulikebags for a quick overview. Nothing thorough or near the quality you guys produce but hopefully it can help others make assured decisions in what’s in the market!
How much less storage does this bag have compared to the GR3? I like that this bag is waterproof and friendlier on clothing, but I am worried the GR3 can carry so much more. Thanks!
Hey Dancing Dragon - the capacity is pretty similar for both of these packs. The Mission Workshop Radian packhacker.com/travel-gear/mission-workshop/radian/ is 42L and the GORUCK GR3 Backpack packhacker.com/travel-gear/goruck/gr3/ is 45L so there are only three liters in it. We recommend checking out the full reviews of these packs to compare the ratings, pros, cons and different features which will help you find out which pack will work better for you and your travel style. Hope this helps! 😊 - Rebecca
We mostly review travel packs at the moment - would you like a playlist of travel packs recommended for students? If so, what do you typically look for? Cost? Let me know and I'll see how we can help! - Tom
i got alot of their bags. but the radian in my opinion is a wayyyy more expensive arkiv r6. that's awkward, they could have built-in aluminum stays like their Vandal.
Praxis-Cat - we review Kickstarter-only backpacks all the time if brands agree to send them early! A perfect example is the Peak Design Travel Backpack, which we had weeks before the release date for proper testing. - Tom
I meant more in the case that Boundary's only sent a scant few number of pre-pro units out and that they haven't gotten the chance to send them to a lot of reviewers, not that you guys never review kickstarter bags :)
Packing cubes are the super amateur option. What you need is a compression sack(s) - they get compressible items - mostly clothes - down to about 1/3 the size. Meaning you can take more, leave space for purchases or just bring a smaller bag. Surprising these guys never heard of them.
Hey Nick - Tom here. We typically don't recommend compression sacks for urban travel because they produce more wrinkles in clothing compared to packing cubes as you're scrunching & compressing them. Although we've found them great for jackets, hoodies, and larger unwieldy items, we find that rolling up clothes & popping them in a cube to be better for us. Of course, your mileage may vary and if you have a system that works well for you, that's great!
80% of our Instagram audience say they don’t like the look of this pack, what do you think?
Geez, I know Mission Workshop makes some good packs but this just looks ghastly and comically large. Not sure they know what "travel pack" means. It's like the owner went to party with the guys over at GoRuck and outdrank everybody because this thing is too heavy to be practical. Hard pass.
Hah - quite the description here Co Co 😂
- Tom
I think the bag looks really slick, the archiv accessories seem a bit much though. With too many attached it starts to look cluttered
Great point, Donnie!
-Hannah
It looks like a jetpack on poor Hannah.
I'm a huge fan of Mission Workshop bags. I have both the 20L and 40L versions of the Arkiv R6, as well as a Shed messenger and Transit briefcase. I don't think this bag is *ugly* per se to the point where it inspires strong negative feelings; I just think it looks awkward.
Where Mission Workshop really shines compared to other brands is the suspension system. It is BY FAR the most comfortable suspension system in a big travel backpack I've used. The fact that it has load lifters alone is huge, and the waistbelt is super padded and comfortable. It's almost on par with heavy duty outdoor backpacking backpacks, which I definitely can't say about any other travel backpack. Though it does create a mess in terms of straps and it makes the bag heavier, I think the huge gain in comfort is worth it. I wish more large travel bags (*cough* GORUCK GR3) incorporated load lifters.
That said, I think this bag overall is a miss. Mission Workshop's own 40L Arkiv R6 is LESS THAN HALF the price of this thing ($255 vs $585). There's no way the extra features of the Radian justify a $330 price premium.
Hi Antenox, thanks for sharing! These are all great thoughts. 👌
-Hannah
Owner of a Raidan here, HT500. The bag is sick and awesome. It is not for people that would want something like an Aer Travel Pack 3 which contains various compartments. It's more minimalist and you'll thrive when you utilize pouches or cubes.
HT500 is a hybrid between 500d Cordura and waxed canvas. I love the texture and it stays sleek and clean. Doesn't get all wrinkly like vx21 or vx42 xpac.
The water bladder pocket on the back can be used as a quick access slot. The water bottle pocket on the side can be used as a quick sling over the shoulder side access pocket.
It's super minimal and ultra comfortable. A bad ass bag. Velcro at the top can be used for velcro patches for customization. Using a cobra or raptor buckle, it's swag. Also tool the bag to a shoe repair shop to swap the plastic buckle on the sternum strap to a 3/4 inch cobra buckle one.
Pair this with the Arkiv Side zip pockets and a Spar with cobra buckle, you're set!
Thanks for the detailed information, Johnny! 😃 What’s your favorite feature of the bag?
-Eric
the asymmetry handle you report at 06:00 is actually a nearly non-issue, the foam inside can be moved to the middle sonthat its symmetric. I've got my Radian this week and I found it to be minor annoyance. Sure MW could have fixed the foM
with a few stiches. Great Review btw, thanks
Totally Marcel - we just wish a pack of this caliber would consider that minor annoyance or not! Glad you're digging your Radian - solid pack.
- Tom
The Rhake is the same way. The foam might be purposefully cut short.
great job as usual. i would love a review of the new topo travel pack...
We've got it! Not in our immediate queue but hopefully soon!
- Tom
You know I've seen this video numerous times as I vacillate over getting the Radian, but it seems like the weight penalty and score are really off on this. I mean your super favorite GoRuck weighs in at 4.75lbs according to the PH website, and the Peak Design is 4.55. Bear in mind the PD is actually 35L when not expanded. I own it. And it's straps are subpar, uncomfortable under load over duration... and keep me from loving it. So it is hard to understand how low the score is considering on the Radian. Its made locally. It's bombproof, and immaculate construction, one of the "most comfortable bags to carry"... hmmm... something doesn't seem right here.... just sayin...
Agreed with your post, and ye peak design has eh harness systems imo. Regarding the Radian, I think with the Arkiv Mods, which are mandatory imo, the Radian gets much heavier. The radian is bad ass for sure though.
Other good options are the Inside Line Equipment (ILE) Travel Pack or Defy Bags Rover. I think the ILE may be the better designed bag, I own it and love it. Also better for the price. Base Radian without Arkiv mods is expensive af. Without the zippered or roll top side pockets, it's pretty bare bones imo. The cobra buckle upgrade is extra money too. ILE Travel Pack has a beaver tail pocket, Cobra Buckle, wider clam shell opening, side pockets, front quick access pocket, top quick access pocket, and includes the waist belt with purchase. The price also knocks down if you buy on Black Friday.
DEFY bags rover in multicam black, the newest release looks great with a new bright gray interior liner for visibility. Lots of organization and is a backpack duffel hybrid.
Good work
Hey Tom, how large are you sandals? I like to wear Lems and Vivo's... do you think 13's (US) would fit in the side pouches? Also curious about the peak design cubes and how they fit in this pack (the Med and Small). Thanks for the great resources!
Hey Brandon - Tom wears a 10.5 in sandals. While we don't have size 13 shoes to verify this 100%, we checked the dimensions of the pouch and size 13 shoes and it seems like the shoes will be just a bit too large to fit. However, this also depends on the width of the shoes too. We also recommend checking this with Mission Workshop directly, as they may be able to verify this for you. Also, the medium and small Peak Design Packing Cubes will fit in this pack. Hope this helps! 😊👍
- Rebecca
@@PackHacker Thanks Rebecca! I'll give MW a call. Have a great day!
Thanks Brandon, you too!
- Rebecca
Nice review! I'd love to see a review of the Mission Workshop The Integer.
Hi Jan-it's not in our immediate pipeline, but we'll see what we can do!
-Hannah
Yes the integer is literally like the little sibling to the radian. It’s not marketed that way but the wonderful people at MW think so. More of a minimal travel with features not any other of their bags have.
@@chriscapcom We'll check it out! 👍
Pack Hacker love how you guys comment everyone :) I posted it on my ig @doyoulikebags for a quick overview. Nothing thorough or near the quality you guys produce but hopefully it can help others make assured decisions in what’s in the market!
@@chriscapcom Awesome stuff!
-Hannah
How much less storage does this bag have compared to the GR3? I like that this bag is waterproof and friendlier on clothing, but I am worried the GR3 can carry so much more. Thanks!
Hey Dancing Dragon - the capacity is pretty similar for both of these packs. The Mission Workshop Radian packhacker.com/travel-gear/mission-workshop/radian/ is 42L and the GORUCK GR3 Backpack packhacker.com/travel-gear/goruck/gr3/ is 45L so there are only three liters in it. We recommend checking out the full reviews of these packs to compare the ratings, pros, cons and different features which will help you find out which pack will work better for you and your travel style. Hope this helps! 😊
- Rebecca
nice....very nice
Thanks, Travel Trip City!
-Hannah
Hey man could u make a playlist for your videos for bags that u would recommend for students?
We mostly review travel packs at the moment - would you like a playlist of travel packs recommended for students? If so, what do you typically look for? Cost? Let me know and I'll see how we can help!
- Tom
i got alot of their bags. but the radian in my opinion is a wayyyy more expensive arkiv r6.
that's awkward, they could have built-in aluminum stays like their Vandal.
Thanks for sharing! The Radian is definitely a more pricey option.
-Hannah
@@PackHacker yep....I got a r8 40l with 2 zip pockets, folio,laptop case,a waistbelt
.....and still cheaper than this....definitely a no go
Hey, can you please review the Boundary Errant backpack?
We've got the Prima System on the way!
- Tom
They can't review a kickstarter only backpack that nobody's gotten their hands on, and the Errant is a daily carry, not really a travel bag :)
Praxis-Cat - we review Kickstarter-only backpacks all the time if brands agree to send them early! A perfect example is the Peak Design Travel Backpack, which we had weeks before the release date for proper testing.
- Tom
I meant more in the case that Boundary's only sent a scant few number of pre-pro units out and that they haven't gotten the chance to send them to a lot of reviewers, not that you guys never review kickstarter bags :)
Got ya 😉
- Tom
almost $700 tho!!
The weight is a deal breaker for me...over 4 pounds is too heavy when it doesn't have anything in it!
Totally understandable, Morgan. Not a superb choice for lightweight travel ✈️
-Hannah
I would consider myself a packed hacker
That's what we're aiming for Jared 🙂
- Tom
The Aesthetics of this pack are horrible it really looks awful although your review as usual is pretty well made
Thanks, Javier! 🙊
Packing cubes are the super amateur option.
What you need is a compression sack(s) - they get compressible items - mostly clothes - down to about 1/3 the size. Meaning you can take more, leave space for purchases or just bring a smaller bag.
Surprising these guys never heard of them.
Hey Nick - Tom here. We typically don't recommend compression sacks for urban travel because they produce more wrinkles in clothing compared to packing cubes as you're scrunching & compressing them. Although we've found them great for jackets, hoodies, and larger unwieldy items, we find that rolling up clothes & popping them in a cube to be better for us.
Of course, your mileage may vary and if you have a system that works well for you, that's great!
Another great review video, but horrible pack 🤮
🙊🙊
Thanks, ro pro!
So BIG
🙈