The Whitley appears to be an excellent pack. The lack of a separate laptop compartment to protect my tech gear, however, is a dealbreaker. The Evade 1.5, to me, is still the best of all packs. Its flexibility, versatility, expandability, and organizational qualities are second to none.
For me, there are times for a separate laptop compartment and times for a slimmer bag. Idk what tech gear you use, but I find that for me, the pouches I use tend to be good enough.
@@AndyModellBackpacks That makes sense for you, and I definitely appreciate your view. I, on the other hand, do not tend to use pouches. I generally put my items in specific places on the pack, even with my GR1 (the internal PALS webbing comes in quite handy for pens/pencils, scissors, knives, utensils, and other items).
Woah. did not expect such a smooth and informative review. Bag seems great and well thought out, can tell how the design thinking went unlike many more commercially available brands. If you could upgrade your mic, that would be even better !
It depends on your use case, but the bags tend to be similar. This bag has a bit more traditional style with a front admin panel and side wb pocket which the Synik has the wb centered with less formal admin
great review!! Why did you choose x pac over other two materials? I want the most durable/water resistant material that last long out of three but not sure what it would be 🤔 I heard that 1000d codura can hurt the clothes on my back.
I think all of the materials are likely good unless you’re truly abusing the bag. I chose the x-pac because I like the look, and I have several ballistic / cordura bags already.
Hey Andy, Any additional comments / things you observed having used the bag since? I use a 32oz nalgene currently, and knowing it doesnt fit this bag, am considering getting one of your bottles just to fit a equivalent bottle for a bag like this.
Thanks for asking. I’ve found that while I do like the organization of the Whitley, I do find myself turning towards my Evade 1.5 lite for my card game more recently since it does have the more flexible bottle pockets. The Camelbak Chutes I use barely fit in the Whitley at all when it’s packed super full. Still, for the office, it’s been a great bag.
@@AndyModellBackpacks Thanks for the update! Just want to say: I like your simple yet comprehensive review on this bag (it was one of the best ones I watched for the A19 - and I realised >2+ years ago when I bought my AER Travel Pack 2, I had watched your video to get perspective too. Appreciate your work and the way you showcase the bags for different use cases!
Not only would I, but I did choose this over the PLC20. This bag, for me, is a lot more comfortable than the evergoods bags. Also, I’m not a big fan of the organization in the plc20, it just didn’t fit any of my use cases.
@@AndyModellBackpacks After a little research I decided to order the ADDAX-25 instead of the Whitley. I have other vanquest bags and I know the quality will be good. The bags look very similar. The vanquest won me over because of the flexibility. They both have a similar shape and design, multicam black (which I was looking for), high vis interior, etc.. but the vanquest seems to offer a bit more. I am not too excited about internal water bottle holders but I don't have external ones now on the Cpl24 I'm using. I do prefer the ADDAX-25 separate laptop compartment to the internal one of the Whitley. I'll see how it goes when it gets here :)
Nice review! Sweet looking bag. Was anxious for your take. Curious: though the bag is 18” long (hmmm, I heard it was 18’5”) for short folks - 5’6” with a 17” torso - do you think it might be slightly long? It looks great on you (but you’re 5’11) but without the load lifters and straps rather low, I worry it might be too long for me. What do you think? Me: I would move the logo down to the left or right (depending how you’re looking at it. And yup, bigger water bottle pockets.
My measuring wasn’t the most scientific, 18.5 is the stated dimension, I believe. I’m only 5’9”, but I tend to have a shorter torso for my height. The foam padding on this bag fits me really well, and I think the size of that is more significant than the bottom of the bag since it’s the foam that hits your back.
I got this bag and kind of grown into it the more I use it. Initially I felt the bag is a bit too tall for me (I am 5’7”). This is partly due to boxy design and stiff frame sheets in the front and back panels. But I really like the firm structure and the bag will stand even it is not packed. The top access to laptop is really a clever design. I don’t really need separate laptop compartment (I have another bag AER Lunar Pack with separate laptop compartment) and this bag is perfect for me for everyday carry. Overall I am really happy to use this bag as everyday use. I must say this is a high quality and well built bag with a reasonable price level.
Nice review! I have watched a dozen of bag reviews and yours is definitely underrated. Very informative and straight to the points.
Glad you liked it!
The Whitley appears to be an excellent pack. The lack of a separate laptop compartment to protect my tech gear, however, is a dealbreaker. The Evade 1.5, to me, is still the best of all packs. Its flexibility, versatility, expandability, and organizational qualities are second to none.
For me, there are times for a separate laptop compartment and times for a slimmer bag. Idk what tech gear you use, but I find that for me, the pouches I use tend to be good enough.
@@AndyModellBackpacks That makes sense for you, and I definitely appreciate your view. I, on the other hand, do not tend to use pouches. I generally put my items in specific places on the pack, even with my GR1 (the internal PALS webbing comes in quite handy for pens/pencils, scissors, knives, utensils, and other items).
Woah. did not expect such a smooth and informative review. Bag seems great and well thought out, can tell how the design thinking went unlike many more commercially available brands.
If you could upgrade your mic, that would be even better !
Thanks for the feedback and kind words!
Another excellent review, Andy!!!!
Thank you!
Looks like a sweet bag, if it didn't have the admin area I'd be tempted (I would prefer to use a pouch for that stuff).
Hello Andy, Great job on the reviews, if you had to pick between this bag and Tom Bihn synik 22 which will you choose?
It depends on your use case, but the bags tend to be similar. This bag has a bit more traditional style with a front admin panel and side wb pocket which the Synik has the wb centered with less formal admin
Great stuff Andy!
Thank you!
Excellent review of the Whitley!!
Thank you!
Who made the mechanical keyboard pouch for you? I’m very interested
Should I get this or the evade 1.5 lite (probably in 420d ripstop)? I’m looking for a small and light clamshell for edc.
If you want a formal laptop compartment, get this one. Otherwise, the evade lite may be better, though it has more dangles
great review!! Why did you choose x pac over other two materials? I want the most durable/water resistant material that last long out of three but not sure what it would be 🤔 I heard that 1000d codura can hurt the clothes on my back.
I think all of the materials are likely good unless you’re truly abusing the bag. I chose the x-pac because I like the look, and I have several ballistic / cordura bags already.
Excellent analysis; you really thought out the various use cases and design rationale of the bag. Is the sternum strap removable?
The sternum strap is removable.
And thanks!
Sweet Bag! 🤩👌
I like it for sure
Hey Andy,
Any additional comments / things you observed having used the bag since? I use a 32oz nalgene currently, and knowing it doesnt fit this bag, am considering getting one of your bottles just to fit a equivalent bottle for a bag like this.
Thanks for asking. I’ve found that while I do like the organization of the Whitley, I do find myself turning towards my Evade 1.5 lite for my card game more recently since it does have the more flexible bottle pockets. The Camelbak Chutes I use barely fit in the Whitley at all when it’s packed super full. Still, for the office, it’s been a great bag.
@@AndyModellBackpacks Thanks for the update! Just want to say: I like your simple yet comprehensive review on this bag (it was one of the best ones I watched for the A19 - and I realised >2+ years ago when I bought my AER Travel Pack 2, I had watched your video to get perspective too. Appreciate your work and the way you showcase the bags for different use cases!
Thanks for the review, would you choose this over the Evergoods PLC20?
Not only would I, but I did choose this over the PLC20. This bag, for me, is a lot more comfortable than the evergoods bags. Also, I’m not a big fan of the organization in the plc20, it just didn’t fit any of my use cases.
@@AndyModellBackpacks Excellent, thank you very much.
I'm curious to see a comparison between the Whitley and the vanquest addax-25
I don’t own an addax-25. If somebody were to send one, I could do a comparison
@@AndyModellBackpacks After a little research I decided to order the ADDAX-25 instead of the Whitley. I have other vanquest bags and I know the quality will be good. The bags look very similar. The vanquest won me over because of the flexibility. They both have a similar shape and design, multicam black (which I was looking for), high vis interior, etc.. but the vanquest seems to offer a bit more.
I am not too excited about internal water bottle holders but I don't have external ones now on the Cpl24 I'm using. I do prefer the ADDAX-25 separate laptop compartment to the internal one of the Whitley.
I'll see how it goes when it gets here :)
What are those backpack hooks on the closet rod?
Behind me and in frame are mostly Gorucks
Who makes the hooks?
These are from pakhook
Thanks!
Nice review! Sweet looking bag. Was anxious for your take. Curious: though the bag is 18” long (hmmm, I heard it was 18’5”) for short folks - 5’6” with a 17” torso - do you think it might be slightly long? It looks great on you (but you’re 5’11) but without the load lifters and straps rather low, I worry it might be too long for me. What do you think? Me: I would move the logo down to the left or right (depending how you’re looking at it. And yup, bigger water bottle pockets.
My measuring wasn’t the most scientific, 18.5 is the stated dimension, I believe. I’m only 5’9”, but I tend to have a shorter torso for my height. The foam padding on this bag fits me really well, and I think the size of that is more significant than the bottom of the bag since it’s the foam that hits your back.
@@AndyModellBackpacks thank you, Andy!
I'm 5'6" and it hits my back pretty nicely. Not too low by any means, it tightens up nicely even with the new harness.
@@KassandraA07 Thanks so much for writing! Glad you're enjoying it!
I got this bag and kind of grown into it the more I use it. Initially I felt the bag is a bit too tall for me (I am 5’7”). This is partly due to boxy design and stiff frame sheets in the front and back panels. But I really like the firm structure and the bag will stand even it is not packed. The top access to laptop is really a clever design. I don’t really need separate laptop compartment (I have another bag AER Lunar Pack with separate laptop compartment) and this bag is perfect for me for everyday carry. Overall I am really happy to use this bag as everyday use. I must say this is a high quality and well built bag with a reasonable price level.