Excellent, in-depth analysis from the team. This video is almost a forensic examination of every single pro/con. Nice job! Edit: 5 months later and I've pulled the trigger on an Able Carry Max. This video directly contributed to my purchase, so thank you for the review. It's going to take 3 weeks to get here, but the wait should be worth it. Thanks for the assist!
@Mike219 After using the AB Max for three longer weekend flights (22+K airmiles), I can say that it's my favorite bag among the others I have (TB Synik30, RFF 24-hour, other duffles and rollaways). While I really like its design, it has to be practical and store a lot of my stuff - and it does. Pros: * The storage is adequate for me and my tech junk, and the size expands really well (up to 30L only) * The Max is comfortable to wear even if I load it heavy (40+lbs and I don't know why) * Build quality is very good. I'm a convert to X-PAC and it's durable for my purposes * Organization is pretty good but could use more pockets (but that's what packing cubes are for) Cons: * The outside pocket zipper does get snagged on the front X-PAC material but just need to be careful while zipping * The price is a little higher but worth it for how well it's built (lifetime warranty) * The laptop section is pretty tight and not really usable for storage. The iPad pocket doesn't hold my iPad very well since 1/3 of it sticks out. But laptop fits well in the large sleeve * A big con for me was shipping - Able Carry ships direct from Hong Kong but it has to go through Customs - for me, this added 2500 extra miles and an extra week of waiting before I got it (can't do anything about it though) This is one of the best travel backpacks out there. IMO - There is no reason to buy an expensive but simplistic rucksack like GoRuck, Brown Buffalo, etc. when this company has outdesigned all of them. I don't plan on ever buying another travel backpack now that I have the AB Max. Btw, I paid for all of my bags out of pocket. I am not sponsored or ever received anything for free or for exchange of services/promos/blablabla
Folks at PH , I know by now someone has already told you that, but anyways ... So I have read somewhere that the sternum strap can fit inside the shoulder strap. And it actually does. There is kind of a garage for it on each of the shoulder straps. I usually remove them , but in this bag I don't need to do that. I find it really nice, because now I can leave it attached to the bag and it is not dangling everywhere. It is hidden, just waiting to be used. Small detail on this fully max feature bag.
I was torn between this bag and the Alchemy Equipment 022. In the end, I'd rather have stretchy water bottle pockets on the outside, so I went with the 022. And I'm super happy with the 022. But Able Carry certainly packed (no pun intended) a ton of features into their bag. Thanks for the review.... as always.
I love my stretch side water bottle pockets. But, bare with me, this water bottle pocket has its Pros. :) If you have to take your backpack all over and place it under a seat, you will find out that it is really nice that your water bottle won't be collecting any dirt. It will be always protected from the outside and ready for you to drink. Also, there is not a chance that it will fall from that pocket. Can you imagine having to chase it down a full airplane cabin just after landing while all the other passengers are trying to get out?
@@epretto Thats a good point about the protection however when I put my bag under the seat or on the floor the water bottle usually goes on the table or in my seat with me. I'd prob use this bags water bottle pocket as an extra pocket/pouch and use a nite size on the outside (many attach points) to attach my hydro flask bottle. I can't stand using part of the inside of a bag for a water bottle, but that's just me.
Got this bag recently. Amazing looking bag and quality. Anyway, im new to one-bag travel and I took this baby for a 3 day trip, it was really packed out. Do you have any tips on how to pack properly? I feel like im already packing minimally for my 3-day trip: Laptop Ipad Tech gear Toiletries Sandals 1 polo shirt 2 tshirts 2 socks 2 boxers Umbrella Tumbler A pair of gym clothes I dont see how this can be used for trips longer than 3-4 days
ok very easy. 1) No living human needs an ipad and a laptop at the same time. especially when traveling... 2) You dont need an umbrella to take space in your bag bring a hat.. 3) If you can only fit 2 t shirts and a polo in 30Litres of capacity you need to go back to school and study geometry. 4) No one travels to work out in the gym. Thats just a waste of time. 5) Apparently you dont wear pants on your trips so bring a towel to hide your family jewels when out in public. I can fit 2 pants/5 tshirts/ 5 socks/ 5 boxers/ toileteries/ laptop/ 1 hoodie in the Able carry max with still about 3L to spare so dont cap.
I traveled to Texas for a week long band trip and the bag worked out great, I just recommend packing cubes (army rolling), small versions of hygiene requirements and a collapsible bag for anything you want to buy while traveling.
@OP @natalgratea2365 Think, memory is a lil fuzzy but I had. Swimsuit, tennis shoes, hoodie, 2 jeans, 2 leggings, 1 shorts and pajamas, 3 long sleeves, 5 short sleeves, stainless steel water bottle, Nintendo switch with game cartridges, 2 chargers, 2 notebooks, a Bible and pen/color pencil pouch. Plus small bag for hygiene items; toothbrush/paste, hairbrush, floss, contact solution, glasses case. Also noise canceling headphones, a throw blanket and plushie I used for a transit pillow. Lmao Granted it was a very tight squeeze, and I had to packrat most of my items (especially travel snacks and stuff I bought as merch.) Looking back I'm surprised my bag didn't explode. 😅
suggestion for a college pack please? this, Evergoods CHZ26 or something else? We've tried over a dozen :( #1 goal is comfort followed by capacity, 15" laptop compartment, exterior water. None of the ones we have ordered were full clam shell I would think that would be terrible for books. This has a bit of a bottom in that it doens't open fully flat so that may work or no I have no idea without seeing it. Suggestions welcome please.
I liked your review on this pack. If you could keep the stuff you take out of the pack while you are filming in the shot, it would give the viewer a better idea of the stuff the pack can carry. Or if it is too much distraction, then display all the stuff laid out at the end. Thanks!
It will fit and zip up, but will take up space in the main compartment - sometimes a lot. Their videos show that a full wine bottle can fit in that pocket, and I can confirm this (I just zipped up a 750ml bottle of red).
I ordered this pack and it’s great, BUT, return policy is terrible. If you are ordering to try it or check it out…THINK TWICE! They have to “Approve” a normal no problem return?!?
idk man I flew all over Thailand summer before covid with a carry on suitcase and a XS base camp duffle. Never ran into an issue. Mind you that was before I discovered the art of minimal travel haha only place ive seen them really care about weight is in Africa.
@@Chambros703 standard in Asia is one carry on with a 7kg max weight. I have watched so many Americans fight and scream to no avail when they are told to check it in. Just be aware as they routinely weigh carry ons, at least before COVID.
![Able Carry Max Review [What you need to know]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/7eaosp5IjqI/mqdefault.jpg)
![Able Carry Max Review [What you need to know]](/img/tr.png)
Excellent, in-depth analysis from the team. This video is almost a forensic examination of every single pro/con. Nice job!
Edit: 5 months later and I've pulled the trigger on an Able Carry Max. This video directly contributed to my purchase, so thank you for the review. It's going to take 3 weeks to get here, but the wait should be worth it. Thanks for the assist!
Wow, thanks! Glad you liked it!
Follow up... How do you like it? I'm very close to ordering!
@Mike219 After using the AB Max for three longer weekend flights (22+K airmiles), I can say that it's my favorite bag among the others I have (TB Synik30, RFF 24-hour, other duffles and rollaways). While I really like its design, it has to be practical and store a lot of my stuff - and it does.
Pros:
* The storage is adequate for me and my tech junk, and the size expands really well (up to 30L only)
* The Max is comfortable to wear even if I load it heavy (40+lbs and I don't know why)
* Build quality is very good. I'm a convert to X-PAC and it's durable for my purposes
* Organization is pretty good but could use more pockets (but that's what packing cubes are for)
Cons:
* The outside pocket zipper does get snagged on the front X-PAC material but just need to be careful while zipping
* The price is a little higher but worth it for how well it's built (lifetime warranty)
* The laptop section is pretty tight and not really usable for storage. The iPad pocket doesn't hold my iPad very well since 1/3 of it sticks out. But laptop fits well in the large sleeve
* A big con for me was shipping - Able Carry ships direct from Hong Kong but it has to go through Customs - for me, this added 2500 extra miles and an extra week of waiting before I got it (can't do anything about it though)
This is one of the best travel backpacks out there. IMO - There is no reason to buy an expensive but simplistic rucksack like GoRuck, Brown Buffalo, etc. when this company has outdesigned all of them. I don't plan on ever buying another travel backpack now that I have the AB Max.
Btw, I paid for all of my bags out of pocket. I am not sponsored or ever received anything for free or for exchange of services/promos/blablabla
Folks at PH , I know by now someone has already told you that, but anyways ... So I have read somewhere that the sternum strap can fit inside the shoulder strap. And it actually does. There is kind of a garage for it on each of the shoulder straps. I usually remove them , but in this bag I don't need to do that. I find it really nice, because now I can leave it attached to the bag and it is not dangling everywhere. It is hidden, just waiting to be used. Small detail on this fully max feature bag.
I was torn between this bag and the Alchemy Equipment 022. In the end, I'd rather have stretchy water bottle pockets on the outside, so I went with the 022. And I'm super happy with the 022. But Able Carry certainly packed (no pun intended) a ton of features into their bag. Thanks for the review.... as always.
I love my stretch side water bottle pockets. But, bare with me, this water bottle pocket has its Pros. :) If you have to take your backpack all over and place it under a seat, you will find out that it is really nice that your water bottle won't be collecting any dirt. It will be always protected from the outside and ready for you to drink. Also, there is not a chance that it will fall from that pocket. Can you imagine having to chase it down a full airplane cabin just after landing while all the other passengers are trying to get out?
@@epretto Thats a good point about the protection however when I put my bag under the seat or on the floor the water bottle usually goes on the table or in my seat with me. I'd prob use this bags water bottle pocket as an extra pocket/pouch and use a nite size on the outside (many attach points) to attach my hydro flask bottle. I can't stand using part of the inside of a bag for a water bottle, but that's just me.
If I had to choose, I would go for the 022 too. I always favor the 2 side pockets :)
Man, you are good at these reviews. A little too good actually because now I wanna go buy another bag...this one!
😄🙌🙌
- Rebecca
Tom: "So many lash points to hang stuff off of..."
Me: "Bag name checks out..."
This is starting to look like my perfect bag. How does this compare to the Bellroy Transit Backpack 28L for EDC + short 2 night weekend trips?
Love my AbleCarry Max!
That's awesome, Joe! Glad to hear this pack is working for you. 🙌
- Rebecca
thanks for the review, would you pick the able carry max over the evergoods cpl 28 for minimal one bag travel?
9:55 you can also swap the key clip in there on the Daisy chain
A 24-27 liter version of this bag will be the closest to perfection in my edc bag preference
Hey Glenwell! Have you taken a look at the Able Carry's Daybreaker?
packhacker.com/travel-gear/able-carry/daybreaker/
- Austin
@@PackHacker2 what about laptop’s place?
Got this bag recently. Amazing looking bag and quality.
Anyway, im new to one-bag travel and I took this baby for a 3 day trip, it was really packed out. Do you have any tips on how to pack properly? I feel like im already packing minimally for my 3-day trip:
Laptop
Ipad
Tech gear
Toiletries
Sandals
1 polo shirt
2 tshirts
2 socks
2 boxers
Umbrella
Tumbler
A pair of gym clothes
I dont see how this can be used for trips longer than 3-4 days
ok very easy.
1) No living human needs an ipad and a laptop at the same time. especially when traveling...
2) You dont need an umbrella to take space in your bag bring a hat..
3) If you can only fit 2 t shirts and a polo in 30Litres of capacity you need to go back to school and study geometry.
4) No one travels to work out in the gym. Thats just a waste of time.
5) Apparently you dont wear pants on your trips so bring a towel to hide your family jewels when out in public.
I can fit 2 pants/5 tshirts/ 5 socks/ 5 boxers/ toileteries/ laptop/ 1 hoodie in the Able carry max with still about 3L to spare so dont cap.
@@the_nma5119 okay…
I traveled to Texas for a week long band trip and the bag worked out great, I just recommend packing cubes (army rolling), small versions of hygiene requirements and a collapsible bag for anything you want to buy while traveling.
@OP @natalgratea2365
Think, memory is a lil fuzzy but I had.
Swimsuit, tennis shoes, hoodie, 2 jeans, 2 leggings, 1 shorts and pajamas, 3 long sleeves, 5 short sleeves, stainless steel water bottle, Nintendo switch with game cartridges, 2 chargers, 2 notebooks, a Bible and pen/color pencil pouch. Plus small bag for hygiene items; toothbrush/paste, hairbrush, floss, contact solution, glasses case. Also noise canceling headphones, a throw blanket and plushie I used for a transit pillow. Lmao
Granted it was a very tight squeeze, and I had to packrat most of my items (especially travel snacks and stuff I bought as merch.) Looking back I'm surprised my bag didn't explode. 😅
I would like to see if you can put cases/pouch for the camera.
suggestion for a college pack please? this, Evergoods CHZ26 or something else? We've tried over a dozen :( #1 goal is comfort followed by capacity, 15" laptop compartment, exterior water. None of the ones we have ordered were full clam shell I would think that would be terrible for books. This has a bit of a bottom in that it doens't open fully flat so that may work or no I have no idea without seeing it. Suggestions welcome please.
Can i put patches on it? (sew on)
I liked your review on this pack. If you could keep the stuff you take out of the pack while you are filming in the shot, it would give the viewer a better idea of the stuff the pack can carry. Or if it is too much distraction, then display all the stuff laid out at the end. Thanks!
Thanks for the suggestion, JKC! We appreciate the support!
- Austin
@@PackHacker2 I agree with JKC, awesome idea! Pretty please, PH 🥲
Hi! Do you think a 36 oz yeti would fit in the water bottle pocket?
It will fit and zip up, but will take up space in the main compartment - sometimes a lot. Their videos show that a full wine bottle can fit in that pocket, and I can confirm this (I just zipped up a 750ml bottle of red).
I ordered this pack and it’s great, BUT, return policy is terrible. If you are ordering to try it or check it out…THINK TWICE! They have to “Approve” a normal no problem return?!?
Don't return stuff ,do you expect people to buy something you used
@PackHacker what kind of key organizer is shown in this video? It’s not an Orbitkey but looks similar
Hey Andrew, this is the Jibbon Key Organizer: packhacker.com/travel-gear/jibbon/key-organizer/
- Rebecca
What bag is at the left bottom corner with the patch? :)
could you fit a yoga mat in the waterbottle pocket, half sticking out?
What are the packing cubes you are using?
Hey, these are the Heimplanet Packing Cubes: packhacker.com/travel-gear/heimplanet/packing-cubes-5/
- Rebecca
Great video!! Can you cover some boundary supply products?
Hey efragione, you can find all the Boundary Supply gear we've had our hands on here: packhacker.com/travel-gear/boundary-supply/
- Rebecca
1.7 lg weight. Not usable in Asia.
idk man I flew all over Thailand summer before covid with a carry on suitcase and a XS base camp duffle. Never ran into an issue. Mind you that was before I discovered the art of minimal travel haha only place ive seen them really care about weight is in Africa.
@@Chambros703 standard in Asia is one carry on with a 7kg max weight. I have watched so many Americans fight and scream to no avail when they are told to check it in. Just be aware as they routinely weigh carry ons, at least before COVID.
Is it just me or does this seem like an over-designed bag? Nice, but why so complex?
Because we like it
"as well" count: 16
I said what I said. 😉
- Tom
I don’t think they have enough daisy chains and hang points.