I have both, and what I can say now is that your torso height definitely sways your decision. Evergoods bags don’t fit the best or are comfortable on shorter individuals like myself (less than 5’6” and this is very subjective of course). The CTBs organization is extremely nice and packs out well - that’s not to say that the cobra doesn’t. The Cobra just allows more internal options in my opinion. The main space for the CTB is in the main volume of the bag. The Cobra on the other hand has a lot of options not only in the main volume, but in the admin pocket too. So what you should take away from this is it comes down to how YOU pack. CTB packs a bigger laptop though, no question. The square shape it naturally has allows larger laptops to fit without getting the corners shaved off unlike the cobra. For example, my Lenovo Legion 5 Pro fits comfortably tight in the CTB or CPL. The corners are right at the cobras zipper so the material must be pulled over it to zip over with the corner of the laptop visibly trying to poke out.
Appreciate your review. You made a lot of great points that I've read around the bag groups. I'm not a fan of aqua guard zips, but I see how the stiffness can be an advantage as you mentioned.
Any timeframe on when you will be able to make comparison videos? Interesting to see comparison and your thoughts on CTB26 vs CPL24 / CPL28, GR1 26L, GR2 26L What are your thoughts on MODERN DAYFARER Tech Pouch RVX25 X-Pac vs 1680D ballistic nylon version. Thanks
I know they said they won’t but I’m betting by next year they’ll release it in their standard materials and maybe even a mirrored, fingers crossed. That’s personal but I know a lot of users prefer not having XPac and that mirrored orientation is super nice if that’s what your tendencies are.
Greetings! I’ve had this bag for several months now, and would it be safe to say that this bag feels more like a 28L (or more) bag? My 35L packs like a 40L for sure (seen your vids on those too 👌 Also, what is the name of the pouch you slid in on the side compartment ? 👊😎✌️
The Phoenix II does feel almost exactly like it’s 26L size. Bear in mind, you do want to take advantage of each of its pockets as it’s not 26L in one dump bucket like a GR1. But, I also have the newer CTB26 in its standard fabric. That does feel slightly bigger with a bit more give. I would say the non-collab version feels closer to say a 28L as it were. Going to try and post a video soon. I also have the CPL28 for comparison so I’ll try and post that soon.
Great, balanced review. Thanks so much for supporting the project! We really do appreciate it. 🙌
I'd definitely be interested in seeing a comparison to the Cobra! I've been tempted to grab one just to see which one works better overall.
+1 on the comparison with the Cobra. That's been my go-to pack since it came out.
I have both, and what I can say now is that your torso height definitely sways your decision.
Evergoods bags don’t fit the best or are comfortable on shorter individuals like myself (less than 5’6” and this is very subjective of course). The CTBs organization is extremely nice and packs out well - that’s not to say that the cobra doesn’t. The Cobra just allows more internal options in my opinion. The main space for the CTB is in the main volume of the bag. The Cobra on the other hand has a lot of options not only in the main volume, but in the admin pocket too. So what you should take away from this is it comes down to how YOU pack. CTB packs a bigger laptop though, no question. The square shape it naturally has allows larger laptops to fit without getting the corners shaved off unlike the cobra. For example, my Lenovo Legion 5 Pro fits comfortably tight in the CTB or CPL. The corners are right at the cobras zipper so the material must be pulled over it to zip over with the corner of the laptop visibly trying to poke out.
Appreciate your review. You made a lot of great points that I've read around the bag groups. I'm not a fan of aqua guard zips, but I see how the stiffness can be an advantage as you mentioned.
Nice! I'm also loving mine and agree with your take on posture!
Thank you for the review! Would have been nice to see the full loadout on body too!
Any timeframe on when you will be able to make comparison videos?
Interesting to see comparison and your thoughts on CTB26 vs CPL24 / CPL28, GR1 26L, GR2 26L
What are your thoughts on MODERN DAYFARER Tech Pouch RVX25 X-Pac vs 1680D ballistic nylon version. Thanks
Aquired this bag via Rushfaster, excellent functional design.
Great overview!
If only they had this on their core line!! Love the side water bottle pockets and the ctb distribution.
I know they said they won’t but I’m betting by next year they’ll release it in their standard materials and maybe even a mirrored, fingers crossed. That’s personal but I know a lot of users prefer not having XPac and that mirrored orientation is super nice if that’s what your tendencies are.
Solid overview. Trying one out after watching your video and a couple others. What’s that black pouch at 11:58?
That’s a DMade full pouch with inner liner. I have it matched to some niteIze magnets on the top molle of the Pheonix so it stays up.
Great review man!
Would love a comparison to CPL28
Will get that out when I can.
What is that small cover for your headphones that you're using? at 11:38
Those are just AirPod Max with their factory cover.
Hi, what pouch is it at 10:35 ? Thank you
Greetings! I’ve had this bag for several months now, and would it be safe to say that this bag feels more like a 28L (or more) bag? My 35L packs like a 40L for sure (seen your vids on those too 👌 Also, what is the name of the pouch you slid in on the side compartment ? 👊😎✌️
I think I found it…seen another on of your vids…Modern Dayferer in XPac Orange 👌🔥
The Phoenix II does feel almost exactly like it’s 26L size. Bear in mind, you do want to take advantage of each of its pockets as it’s not 26L in one dump bucket like a GR1.
But, I also have the newer CTB26 in its standard fabric. That does feel slightly bigger with a bit more give. I would say the non-collab version feels closer to say a 28L as it were. Going to try and post a video soon. I also have the CPL28 for comparison so I’ll try and post that soon.
What is the make and model of the orange slim pouch / packing cube loaded into the front at 10:34?
I’m Wondering the same thing
That’s the Modern Dayfarer tech pouch. This colorway was a kind of limited edition VX25 blaze orange.
How’s the breathability on the back panel?
Awesome
Hey - and the luggage pass through ?
Yes it does