I think it's interesting to me that so many of us have such simular criteria and even share much of the same criticisms of the same bags and yet we still haven't seen that unicorn bag. When I heard your requirements I pretty much guessed the list of "close buy not quite" bags with only a couple differences. Sure would be nice if we could somehow get the ear of a designer at Aer or Bellroy or something.
Thank you for watching! There’s definitely a few that come so close, would be awesome to have a chance to collaborate with a brand on bringing one out that checks all these boxes!
Great video! I really enjoyed this format, but then again, I enjoy all your videos regardless if I'm even considering the bag 😅 keep up the great work!
Great review as always Danny, thank you. The only bag I’d add in your line up is the Tom Bihn Synik. Agreed it’s a bit dad-baggy but I’m constantly surprised at how good it (and the synapse) is
Thank you for watching and for the support! I agree the synik is another great option, just barely missed my list due to the laptop protection, bit definitely a bag I still enjoy using a lot!:)
Great video! This is the kind of video that you can only do once you have lived with tons of different bags. I would also like to see this same comparison but with Travel bags. The first one I bought is a Topo 30L Travel Backpack which I have learned is lacking in a few ways (inflexible packing style, no water bottle pockets, a bit tight despite the 30L size) and I chalk it up to my inexperience at the time. Thank you for sharing what you have learned - it will certainly save someone out there from making a similar mistake.
I’m surprised you don’t factor in weight for your dream bag - a lot of durable bags end up making a weight trade off of 2.8 - 3lbs which is a dealbreaker for me as EDC. Side note: how good is the lunar pack at standing up (both empty and packed out)?
Totally agree! I'm an ultralite thru-hiker. The weight of a bag is #1 for me. I'm blown away at all these travel bags being 3lbs plus. My hiking backpack, tent and sleeping bag total 4 lbs 2 oz. I've checked with custom pack makers and they won't touch making a 'clam' style travel pack.
Thank you for watching and that’s definitely a fair point! I can see how weight would be a big factor for many people, for me so far it hasn’t really negatively impacted my experience with some of the heavier bags I’ve used as they offer enough value with their other features, durability and comfort. As far as the lunar pack it does a pretty good job standing on its own when it’s packed out as it has a pretty flat bottom. Empty it’s a little more inconsistent and will depend how the weight is distributed in the bag (for example full front quick access pocket and no laptop will likely have the bag tipping forward)
@@johnmca5643 Thruhiking is a completely different use case IMO. To me the weight of a backpacking bag is much more important than a day pack/EDC where protection of a laptop and other items are super important. My most used EDC/to office 30 liter bag is quite a bit heavier than my 50 liter hiking backpack.
Can't wait for that GR2 26L review! Seems like the perfect size and organization for pretty much almost anything. Too bad they're not keeping it in stock though.
Great video! One of my favorites. I would love to see a travel backpack video. The challenge for me with travel backpacks (even EDC) is that I have a short torso and 18-18.5-19" long is my limit (I'm 5''6") or it starts to jab into my back (comfort is key), which really limits my options for three to 4-day jaunts (I'm not as minimal a packer as you). P.S. I, too, wish Goruck would do a 22-23L bag with quick access pocket....And you're right, all the EDC packs you mentioned lack something. E.g. I'm a big Evergoods CPL 24 fan. Lil too tight for travel. (I'm told the 28 will be too long). Tom Bihn's Synik 22 - I wish was 23 to 25L (the Synapse 25 is too long as is the Synik 30. DSPATCH is too long but a fav of many. Bellroy Travel and Transit, too long (not a fan of the Bellroy straps - too thin)... I am not a fan of the look of the Tortuga shown - though I know a lot people love it - curious about the laptop version (the travel version is too long). Heimplanet travel 28L too long. I, like you, like a really clean aesthetic. I wonder if bigger bags had load lifters if that would help.
I completely understand you. I got so many bags, and I do enjoy using them but there always seems to be compromises with whatever I choose. I do really like AER and Evergoods. But I got really excited with the new Evergoods CTB 35 just announce. I really think that ones ticks all of my boxes. I hope you're also interested enough to grant a review. Either way love the channel!!
Same thoughts, Danny! I just recently retired the Transit Workpack I bought in the beginning of the year, and returning to my tried and tested Aer Fit Pack 2 in X-PAC. The Workpack's overall usability is great, but the harness system of Aer bags are just a different type of animal. I cannot seem to forget the feeling of despite carrying so much or carrying the same amount in the same bag, the Aer just feels lighter or doesn't feel that much heavier. I'm hoping to score my first Brown Buffalo backpack in ages after contemplating long enough. Great video and insight! We definitely agree on most of the points you made.
With the tortuga set up being discontinued, is there a new bag that is similar to it? Your specific criteria are the exact ones that I have and I’m having a difficult time finding the two you suggest because they have been discontinued.
Thank you for watching! Definitely sad that those two are no longer available, the closest that I’ve found at the moment are the aer city pack pro and aer travel pack 3 small. Some others that come pretty close are the alpha one niner whitely, the ridge weatherproof commuter and the nomatic travel pack / pm McKinnon backpacks also check off a lot of the same boxes
I enjoyed this entire video very much. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I couldn't agree more on that. By the way, I bought the AER city pack but I was so disappointed about its capacity. It looks big enough but the real capacity is surprisingly small haha. keep up the great works, Daniel :)
How is your experience with lint getting on the aer lunar pack? I hear it's a lint magnet. I don't have any pets but I want to know if it attracts diet
Thank you for watching and great call out! After I finished this video the dayfarer was one I wish I had included as it checks so many of the boxes and I still use it regularly! I’m planning to do a v2 for this where I include the dayfarer and a few others that have come to mind since filming the original :)
Hi Danny, i just picked up a Bellroy Transit Workpack in Ranger Green. The thing is built on another level, great quality all around. Was hoping to go smaller for travel and this stood out to me after seeing a fair few reviews. Have you ever looked at the Macpac Utsifoy 25L? Its my other bag and very very good for the price. Would love to check out a Tom Bihn Synik 22 one day, but the cost is so damn high imported to Australia. Great work as always. Love the content!
Thank you for watching and for the Laotian feedback! I really appreciate the support! That’s great to hear you’ve been liking the transit and I hadn’t heard of the macpac but it looks pretty nice as well! The synik 22 is another great option, pretty similar to the work pack but with some additional organizational options, I prefer the laptop protection and aesthetic of the bellroy tho!:)
The Goruck GR2 26L has the same height and width as the Aer Lunar Pack but is just a little bit deeper with the 2nd compartment. Would you say it's the closest bag you've found so far to being your ideal hybrid size bag (great for a larger full EDC load out or minimal travel load out)? And then for a light minimal EDC bag or larger travel bag something else
Thank you for watching and yes this is definitely pretty close to the ideal, maybe as close as any bag will get although the tortuga setout laptop backpack, cpl24/28, mystery ranch UA24, aer travel pack 2 small and Ramverk 26 from db journey also come pretty close
Could you do a review on the Goruck Bullet 15? I know it will have a lot of the shortcomings of the GR1 but I think it's great for a light EDC and it's almost a third of the price of a GR1.
Thank you for watching and for the suggestion! I haven’t had a chance to check the bullet out just yet but it looks great and I’ll definitely try to get my hands on one in the future! :)
hey man, why didnt the Tom Bihn Sinik (or any other from that brand) make it to your list? isnt that also really loved by everybody thats ever used it? thanks
Thank you for watching and great point! Although I still slightly prefer the detour due to the size and look I was torn between which of the two to include as the outbreaker actually checks all of the boxes and has even better laptop protection and a slightly more comfortable harness system imo on top of the x pac material!:)
X-pac is considered light and when a manufacturer supplies the same design in two materials that seems to be the case. Tortuga Setout Laptop in Polyester, DWR Coating 25l 2.75 lb (1.2 kg) 18.5 x12 x6.75" (47 x 30.5 x 17.1 cm) The Tortuga Outbreaker Laptop in VX21 27l 3.2lbs 18.5x12x9" is heavier but slightly larger capacity. The Tortuga Outbreaker 35l is 4.6lb (2.1kg) 20.3 x 12.9 x 8.2". Both the Setout Divide 26/34l 3.6lbs (1.74kg) 20x13x6" and the 35l Setout 22.5x16x4.5"; 4lbs (1.81 Kg) are lighter. The Setout Divide can hide the shoulder strap and the waist straps can be removed. It converts to a shoulder bag or brief case. A feature I find most useful I can modify or adapt most other features of organisation and packing adding Velcro dividers and/or tech and packing cubes.
Great video! I've been considering the Bellroy Transit Workpack for a while now, but the Boundary Supply Errant has me thinking about it. Both seem like very good options to me, do you think either is better for EDC use? I give preference to durability, convenience of the laptop pocket and water resistance.
Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! Both are definitely great edc options, I do think the errant is maybe slightly more comfortable, but overall i prefer the transit backpack as I like it’s simpler layout, aesthetic, and laptop protection a little bit more:)
Thank you for watching and great point! Those bags are still fantastic, and if i wanted the most flexibility for edc and longer term travel those would likely two I would go for. I didn’t include them in this list as expandability isn’t really a deal breaker for me especially as I’m trying to work on becoming a more minimalist traveler, but I would definitely include those in the Honorable mentions as they do check off most of the boxes in my list!:)
Thank you for watching! I’m a fan of both, the city pack pro is better if you want a more traditional water bottle pocket, need more space or additional organization, but for me I prefer the simpler layout and more subdued aesthetic of the lunar pack
Thank you for watching and I agree that’s so sad I didn’t know that! They appear to still have the outbreaker laptop backpack which is a little bigger but covers all the checkboxes and even includes better weather resistance and a better laptop pocket!:)
Thank you for watching and I agree that’s so sad I didn’t know that! They appear to still have the outbreaker laptop backpack which is a little bigger but covers all the checkboxes and even includes better weather resistance and a better laptop pocket!:)
I think it's interesting to me that so many of us have such simular criteria and even share much of the same criticisms of the same bags and yet we still haven't seen that unicorn bag. When I heard your requirements I pretty much guessed the list of "close buy not quite" bags with only a couple differences. Sure would be nice if we could somehow get the ear of a designer at Aer or Bellroy or something.
Thank you for watching! There’s definitely a few that come so close, would be awesome to have a chance to collaborate with a brand on bringing one out that checks all these boxes!
I know this is old but I really enjoyed this and would like to see more of these.
Thank you for watching and for the positive feedback! Will definitely try to do more of these in the future!
Nice summary of some amazing bags! I like your list of key features. GR1 wins for me!
Great video! I really enjoyed this format, but then again, I enjoy all your videos regardless if I'm even considering the bag 😅 keep up the great work!
Thank you for watching and for the positive feedback! I really appreciate the support!:)
Luggage pass through is a must
Thank you for watching and I agree, it’s a really useful feature to have!:)
Great review as always Danny, thank you. The only bag I’d add in your line up is the Tom Bihn Synik. Agreed it’s a bit dad-baggy but I’m constantly surprised at how good it (and the synapse) is
Thank you for watching and for the support! I agree the synik is another great option, just barely missed my list due to the laptop protection, bit definitely a bag I still enjoy using a lot!:)
Great video! This is the kind of video that you can only do once you have lived with tons of different bags. I would also like to see this same comparison but with Travel bags. The first one I bought is a Topo 30L Travel Backpack which I have learned is lacking in a few ways (inflexible packing style, no water bottle pockets, a bit tight despite the 30L size) and I chalk it up to my inexperience at the time. Thank you for sharing what you have learned - it will certainly save someone out there from making a similar mistake.
Great video as always. A bag that I like a lot is the Burton Multipath 27l Travel Pack
Thank you for watching and for the suggestion! I haven’t had a chance to check that one out but I’m a big fan of burton bags!:)
I’m surprised you don’t factor in weight for your dream bag - a lot of durable bags end up making a weight trade off of 2.8 - 3lbs which is a dealbreaker for me as EDC. Side note: how good is the lunar pack at standing up (both empty and packed out)?
Totally agree! I'm an ultralite thru-hiker. The weight of a bag is #1 for me. I'm blown away at all these travel bags being 3lbs plus.
My hiking backpack, tent and sleeping bag total 4 lbs 2 oz.
I've checked with custom pack makers and they won't touch making a 'clam' style travel pack.
Thank you for watching and that’s definitely a fair point! I can see how weight would be a big factor for many people, for me so far it hasn’t really negatively impacted my experience with some of the heavier bags I’ve used as they offer enough value with their other features, durability and comfort. As far as the lunar pack it does a pretty good job standing on its own when it’s packed out as it has a pretty flat bottom. Empty it’s a little more inconsistent and will depend how the weight is distributed in the bag (for example full front quick access pocket and no laptop will likely have the bag tipping forward)
@@johnmca5643 Thruhiking is a completely different use case IMO. To me the weight of a backpacking bag is much more important than a day pack/EDC where protection of a laptop and other items are super important. My most used EDC/to office 30 liter bag is quite a bit heavier than my 50 liter hiking backpack.
Can't wait for that GR2 26L review! Seems like the perfect size and organization for pretty much almost anything. Too bad they're not keeping it in stock though.
Thanks for the excellent content Danny!
Please do a larger travel bag review that would serve as carry on for air travel. Great review, thanks!
Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! I appreciate the suggestions as well, that’s definitely on my list of videos to do!:)
Great video! One of my favorites. I would love to see a travel backpack video. The challenge for me with travel backpacks (even EDC) is that I have a short torso and 18-18.5-19" long is my limit (I'm 5''6") or it starts to jab into my back (comfort is key), which really limits my options for three to 4-day jaunts (I'm not as minimal a packer as you). P.S. I, too, wish Goruck would do a 22-23L bag with quick access pocket....And you're right, all the EDC packs you mentioned lack something. E.g. I'm a big Evergoods CPL 24 fan. Lil too tight for travel. (I'm told the 28 will be too long). Tom Bihn's Synik 22 - I wish was 23 to 25L (the Synapse 25 is too long as is the Synik 30. DSPATCH is too long but a fav of many. Bellroy Travel and Transit, too long (not a fan of the Bellroy straps - too thin)... I am not a fan of the look of the Tortuga shown - though I know a lot people love it - curious about the laptop version (the travel version is too long). Heimplanet travel 28L too long. I, like you, like a really clean aesthetic. I wonder if bigger bags had load lifters if that would help.
I completely understand you. I got so many bags, and I do enjoy using them but there always seems to be compromises with whatever I choose. I do really like AER and Evergoods. But I got really excited with the new Evergoods CTB 35 just announce. I really think that ones ticks all of my boxes. I hope you're also interested enough to grant a review. Either way love the channel!!
Great video! BTW I think Osprey Daylite 26+6 Expandable Travel Pack may also fit your needs.
Thank you for watching and for the suggestion! That one looks great I’ll have to see if I can get one to test out!:)
Same thoughts, Danny! I just recently retired the Transit Workpack I bought in the beginning of the year, and returning to my tried and tested Aer Fit Pack 2 in X-PAC. The Workpack's overall usability is great, but the harness system of Aer bags are just a different type of animal. I cannot seem to forget the feeling of despite carrying so much or carrying the same amount in the same bag, the Aer just feels lighter or doesn't feel that much heavier. I'm hoping to score my first Brown Buffalo backpack in ages after contemplating long enough. Great video and insight! We definitely agree on most of the points you made.
Top pack brands for me
1. GoRuck
2. Evergoods
3. Northface
I owned many packs but always return to these.
Thank you for watching and I agree, tough to deviate from these companies, they always bring some solid options!
With the tortuga set up being discontinued, is there a new bag that is similar to it?
Your specific criteria are the exact ones that I have and I’m having a difficult time finding the two you suggest because they have been discontinued.
Thank you for watching! Definitely sad that those two are no longer available, the closest that I’ve found at the moment are the aer city pack pro and aer travel pack 3 small. Some others that come pretty close are the alpha one niner whitely, the ridge weatherproof commuter and the nomatic travel pack / pm McKinnon backpacks also check off a lot of the same boxes
I enjoyed this entire video very much. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I couldn't agree more on that. By the way, I bought the AER city pack but I was so disappointed about its capacity. It looks big enough but the real capacity is surprisingly small haha. keep up the great works, Daniel :)
How is your experience with lint getting on the aer lunar pack? I hear it's a lint magnet. I don't have any pets but I want to know if it attracts diet
Thank you for watching! It does attract some lint but it hasn’t felt as bad as some of the 500d bags that I have used
What about the modern dayfarer?
Thank you for watching and great call out! After I finished this video the dayfarer was one I wish I had included as it checks so many of the boxes and I still use it regularly! I’m planning to do a v2 for this where I include the dayfarer and a few others that have come to mind since filming the original :)
Hi Danny, i just picked up a Bellroy Transit Workpack in Ranger Green. The thing is built on another level, great quality all around. Was hoping to go smaller for travel and this stood out to me after seeing a fair few reviews. Have you ever looked at the Macpac Utsifoy 25L? Its my other bag and very very good for the price. Would love to check out a Tom Bihn Synik 22 one day, but the cost is so damn high imported to Australia. Great work as always. Love the content!
Thank you for watching and for the Laotian feedback! I really appreciate the support! That’s great to hear you’ve been liking the transit and I hadn’t heard of the macpac but it looks pretty nice as well! The synik 22 is another great option, pretty similar to the work pack but with some additional organizational options, I prefer the laptop protection and aesthetic of the bellroy tho!:)
@@dannypacks Great bag info and well thought out comparisons. Amazing work!
The Goruck GR2 26L has the same height and width as the Aer Lunar Pack but is just a little bit deeper with the 2nd compartment. Would you say it's the closest bag you've found so far to being your ideal hybrid size bag (great for a larger full EDC load out or minimal travel load out)? And then for a light minimal EDC bag or larger travel bag something else
Thank you for watching and yes this is definitely pretty close to the ideal, maybe as close as any bag will get although the tortuga setout laptop backpack, cpl24/28, mystery ranch UA24, aer travel pack 2 small and Ramverk 26 from db journey also come pretty close
Aer daypack 2 was not included in your list?
Thank you for watching! That’s a great one as well, but if I could only pick one bag from Aer it would be the lunar pack :)
I am waiting for that
Could you do a review on the Goruck Bullet 15? I know it will have a lot of the shortcomings of the GR1 but I think it's great for a light EDC and it's almost a third of the price of a GR1.
Thank you for watching and for the suggestion! I haven’t had a chance to check the bullet out just yet but it looks great and I’ll definitely try to get my hands on one in the future! :)
hey man, why didnt the Tom Bihn Sinik (or any other from that brand) make it to your list? isnt that also really loved by everybody thats ever used it? thanks
Tortuga Setout range is sold out (Oct/Nov 2021). The Outbreaker range covers almost the same set of features and has X-pac material.
Thank you for watching and great point! Although I still slightly prefer the detour due to the size and look I was torn between which of the two to include as the outbreaker actually checks all of the boxes and has even better laptop protection and a slightly more comfortable harness system imo on top of the x pac material!:)
X-pac is considered light and when a manufacturer supplies the same design in two materials that seems to be the case.
Tortuga Setout Laptop in Polyester, DWR Coating 25l 2.75 lb (1.2 kg) 18.5 x12 x6.75" (47 x 30.5 x 17.1 cm)
The Tortuga Outbreaker Laptop in VX21 27l 3.2lbs 18.5x12x9" is heavier but slightly larger capacity.
The Tortuga Outbreaker 35l is 4.6lb (2.1kg) 20.3 x 12.9 x 8.2".
Both the Setout Divide 26/34l 3.6lbs (1.74kg) 20x13x6" and the 35l Setout 22.5x16x4.5"; 4lbs (1.81 Kg) are lighter.
The Setout Divide can hide the shoulder strap and the waist straps can be removed. It converts to a shoulder bag or brief case. A feature I find most useful I can modify or adapt most other features of organisation and packing adding Velcro dividers and/or tech and packing cubes.
Great video! I've been considering the Bellroy Transit Workpack for a while now, but the Boundary Supply Errant has me thinking about it. Both seem like very good options to me, do you think either is better for EDC use? I give preference to durability, convenience of the laptop pocket and water resistance.
Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! Both are definitely great edc options, I do think the errant is maybe slightly more comfortable, but overall i prefer the transit backpack as I like it’s simpler layout, aesthetic, and laptop protection a little bit more:)
Surprised not to see the Nomatic Travel Pack or one of the Knack packs on this list. You always seemed particularly effusive about those options.
Thank you for watching and great point! Those bags are still fantastic, and if i wanted the most flexibility for edc and longer term travel those would likely two I would go for. I didn’t include them in this list as expandability isn’t really a deal breaker for me especially as I’m trying to work on becoming a more minimalist traveler, but I would definitely include those in the Honorable mentions as they do check off most of the boxes in my list!:)
Aer lunar vs city pack pro?
Thank you for watching! I’m a fan of both, the city pack pro is better if you want a more traditional water bottle pocket, need more space or additional organization, but for me I prefer the simpler layout and more subdued aesthetic of the lunar pack
@@dannypacks thank you.. lunar sounds like my use case and it's a tad smaller for edc office use and occasionally travel
Why did they discontinue the Tortuga 😭
Thank you for watching and I agree that’s so sad I didn’t know that! They appear to still have the outbreaker laptop backpack which is a little bigger but covers all the checkboxes and even includes better weather resistance and a better laptop pocket!:)
I just went to go buy the tortuga and its discontinued :\
Thank you for watching and I agree that’s so sad I didn’t know that! They appear to still have the outbreaker laptop backpack which is a little bigger but covers all the checkboxes and even includes better weather resistance and a better laptop pocket!:)