I’ve been on a search for the perfect edc for work for about 3yrs. I’ve been through so many bags always looking for the perfect balance of functionality with nice looking aesthetics. The Sympl Commuter is as close to perfect as I’ve found. Had it since launch and haven’t tried or rotated back to any of my daily drivers. Love- Tech caddie: provides enough quick access to mostly use items. Self standing: qol for a bag to stand in its own Shoulder straps: straps are fantastic and a lot of well thought out bags fall short. Materials: perfect blend of weather resistance and durability. Interior could use an upgrade but for the price point it’s still a deal. The fact that this bag can walk into any boardroom and still tame the outdoors is a game changer. Like- Separate laptop access: not a necessity for me but definitely a plus Side handle: most under rated feature on any edc bag. Grab handles: near perfect grab handles. Plush and durable. Kind of a sleeper: this is definitely a self righteous ploy but I like not running with the herd. Ehhh - The branding: the commuter has the least amount of advertising out of all of their backpacks but even less would be better. Just picked up the weekender v2 and it’s definitely toned down as well now.
This is a great review. I honestly agree with you regarding the depth. I have a few similar bags (that are deeper) and tbh the extra fabric doesn't really make the bags look bulkier when not in use, but when it’s needed, it’s so nice to have.
@@semzip8558 man, thanks for the compliment! Ppl been really nice in the comments on this video. Yea, on paper this pack is nearly flawless. I loved the features loooks, quality and price. But I just couldn’t get past the shallow depth thing. It was the exact reason that I didn’t use their 35L travel pack for too long either. It just feels like it packs so little being the size and weight that it is.
Great review! I have this bag and it’s by far the best EDC ever made. The slim design is one of the things I really love about it. And if I need to pack more in for an overnight trip I use their packing cube.
I’m thinking about picking this up and pivoting my city pack pro to be dedicated more specifically for travel/weekend trips. It’s a little too chonky and lacks enough granular organization for EDC, but the Sympl seems to check every box.
Nailed it! I bought this bag. It’s beautiful and took me a while to orient myself with all the zippers and what side was what. But you are bang on with the main compartment being too tight. I’ll use this as an EDC but not while traveling because I need a little more space.
Yep for sure! Glad you had the same experience. It's a little unfortuante because I've also used their 35L travel bag with the same issue. It's the only thing stopping these bags from being perfect for me, beucase as you'd probably agree. Build quality, materials, and features are top notch
How does it compare with other bags around the medium sizes (16-22L) you have reviewed? Which one to choose over the other, and what are the considerations? I've been eyeing the AC Daily Plus, AER Tech Pack 3, EG CPL16/CTB20, Sympl Commuter Backpack, and Wexley Taylor Pro Pack. I can't decide because straps and padding comfort are one of my top priorities cause i've got scoliosis.
Okayyy! great question, I love answering these. Hopefully you've seen my reviews of the Wexley, AC daily plus..and I jsut reviewed the Aer Travel pack 3 small but haven't released it yet Never used the EG CPL but I have an idea of how it is. The strap comfort is important , but even more so for scoliosis is weight of the packs. That I can help with. Firstly, the straps on all these packs are very good, all with chest straps so no notable difference IMO. Weight/Capacity wise: this Sympl is small. The Aer tech pack is VERY small and heavy as hell(3.4 lbs) for its size (bad for scoliosis). EG is kinda heavy at 3.2 lbs. That leaves the Wexley and Able Carry, both at 22L, both around 2.6 lbs, both with chest strap. Then it comes down to packing preference. The AC is more backpack style , while the Wexley opens up clamshell like a travel pack. I'd narrow down to those two. Do you have any more questions that can help further the search?
@EDG I have seen seen your review both on those bags and one of the reviews i enjoyed so far. It's simple and provides essential info in such a short duration and also gives whole new insights than other reviews i have seen so far. What are your thoughts on the AER straps and padding in terms of comfort from the bags u have reviewed so far? And from the 3 most to the least comfortable straps, which one would you pick?
@@hilllverhaal glad to hear! I on straps alone, Aer best, Able carry 2nd, Sympl 3rd, Wexley last. Though they are all very good so there’s no definitive winner or loser. This is just on strap thickness basically.
Great bag, but another reviewer mention it has no false bottom for the laptop compartemnet which is a real deal killer. If an expensive work bag can't protect my laptop from a fall then what's the point of it?
@ if you’re looking at a 15 L capacity, maybe look at Belroy’s messenger bags? Not many backpacks are going to be smaller than 20 L and still fit a large laptop.
I checked this bag yesterday, the space is an issue..its weird that this is the only back pack that has the airtag pocket, not on weekender and travel back pack
Yea, sounds like your experience was the same as mine? Just a little short on space based on how they did the pockets. Yeah the airhead thing is weird. I think that’s not on purpose. It’s just that the other two bags are way older. I expect them to add AirTag pockets to refresh the other teo
@@EDG just my opinion, i find clamshell backpacks as techpacks not very secure, its more secured if it had gussets..if you put a lot of tech stuffs and gets heavy, the front half will tip over, like when you carry the bag in front of you and you wanna get something without putting it on a flat surface or on the floor, the access is quite meh…another weird thing is, the weekender should have been designed with clamshell opening, not the commuter. Btw, i also went to check Incase’s new backpack, the Tracks Backpack…it looks really good..but im still waiting for reviews about it. Lastly, you really have good reviews!
@@jimpeeRNx I can see that, though this one, most of the smaller tech should go into that top pocket which is gusseted. Weight and tipping shouldn't be too much of a problem if you balance out the bottom.. but agreed, access when the pack is in front of you without putting it down was for sure an issue. Yea this Commuter is a new release and so the weekender as it's currently designed doesn't really make sense. I also reviewed their 35L travel bag! And thanks! You should try your hand at reviews as well, you had great analysis.
@@jimpeeRNxI actually emailed sympl about the air tag pocket on the weekender and travel packs after seeing the air tag pocket in my commuter pack. They said they are adding air tag pockets in their next order of weekender and travel packs which they said will be shipping later this year. I also asked them about a clamshell weekender as I thought a clamshell weekender makes more sense too, and they said they have plans to release a clamshell version of the weekender too. I have the current Weekender but will be adding the clamshell version to my lineup as soon as that’s released.
@@EDG I watched your review for the 35L travel backpack…it was a really great review it made me go to the mall to check the actual bag..it was almost a perfect backpack..things I didn’t like: no load lifters on the strap, no airtag, the cable organizer loop area was a wasted opportunity…I wished they were just pockets..They could have implemented the organizer/pockets from the main compartment of the commuter to the 35 travel backpack’s admin section…but like you mentioned, the commuter is a newly released and designed compared to the other two..still it is a great bag I almost bought it..
Can I ask how tall you are? I'm looking for a slim compact tech bag, I don't need a lot of space...I just want to make sure this isn't going to be too bulky on me. I'm 5'7. I'm currently using the Nomatic Travel Pack, and I'm hoping this one is small and slimmer than that.
I’ve been on a search for the perfect edc for work for about 3yrs. I’ve been through so many bags always looking for the perfect balance of functionality with nice looking aesthetics. The Sympl Commuter is as close to perfect as I’ve found. Had it since launch and haven’t tried or rotated back to any of my daily drivers.
Love-
Tech caddie: provides enough quick access to mostly use items.
Self standing: qol for a bag to stand in its own
Shoulder straps: straps are fantastic and a lot of well thought out bags fall short.
Materials: perfect blend of weather resistance and durability. Interior could use an upgrade but for the price point it’s still a deal. The fact that this bag can walk into any boardroom and still tame the outdoors is a game changer.
Like-
Separate laptop access: not a necessity for me but definitely a plus
Side handle: most under rated feature on any edc bag.
Grab handles: near perfect grab handles. Plush and durable.
Kind of a sleeper: this is definitely a self righteous ploy but I like not running with the herd.
Ehhh -
The branding: the commuter has the least amount of advertising out of all of their backpacks but even less would be better. Just picked up the weekender v2 and it’s definitely toned down as well now.
3 years is a long search...but I feel your pain, trust me. After using all these bags fo the channel, it's still fun to keep looking.
This is a great review. I honestly agree with you regarding the depth. I have a few similar bags (that are deeper) and tbh the extra fabric doesn't really make the bags look bulkier when not in use, but when it’s needed, it’s so nice to have.
@@semzip8558 man, thanks for the compliment! Ppl been really nice in the comments on this video. Yea, on paper this pack is nearly flawless. I loved the features loooks, quality and price. But I just couldn’t get past the shallow depth thing. It was the exact reason that I didn’t use their 35L travel pack for too long either. It just feels like it packs so little being the size and weight that it is.
Great review! I have this bag and it’s by far the best EDC ever made. The slim design is one of the things I really love about it. And if I need to pack more in for an overnight trip I use their packing cube.
That’s awesome to hear how long have you had it?
About 6 weeks now, and I like it more and more every time I use it
@@TheBagFreak what’s ur favorite part of the pack
@@EDG lots of favorites for me.
- laptop protection
- materials
- tech caddy pocket (top exterior pocket)
- aesthetic
- comfy shoulder straps
I’m thinking about picking this up and pivoting my city pack pro to be dedicated more specifically for travel/weekend trips. It’s a little too chonky and lacks enough granular organization for EDC, but the Sympl seems to check every box.
Nailed it! I bought this bag. It’s beautiful and took me a while to orient myself with all the zippers and what side was what. But you are bang on with the main compartment being too tight. I’ll use this as an EDC but not while traveling because I need a little more space.
Yep for sure! Glad you had the same experience. It's a little unfortuante because I've also used their 35L travel bag with the same issue. It's the only thing stopping these bags from being perfect for me, beucase as you'd probably agree. Build quality, materials, and features are top notch
How does it compare with other bags around the medium sizes (16-22L) you have reviewed? Which one to choose over the other, and what are the considerations? I've been eyeing the AC Daily Plus, AER Tech Pack 3, EG CPL16/CTB20, Sympl Commuter Backpack, and Wexley Taylor Pro Pack. I can't decide because straps and padding comfort are one of my top priorities cause i've got scoliosis.
Okayyy! great question, I love answering these. Hopefully you've seen my reviews of the Wexley, AC daily plus..and I jsut reviewed the Aer Travel pack 3 small but haven't released it yet Never used the EG CPL but I have an idea of how it is. The strap comfort is important , but even more so for scoliosis is weight of the packs. That I can help with. Firstly, the straps on all these packs are very good, all with chest straps so no notable difference IMO. Weight/Capacity wise: this Sympl is small. The Aer tech pack is VERY small and heavy as hell(3.4 lbs) for its size (bad for scoliosis). EG is kinda heavy at 3.2 lbs. That leaves the Wexley and Able Carry, both at 22L, both around 2.6 lbs, both with chest strap. Then it comes down to packing preference. The AC is more backpack style , while the Wexley opens up clamshell like a travel pack. I'd narrow down to those two. Do you have any more questions that can help further the search?
@EDG I have seen seen your review both on those bags and one of the reviews i enjoyed so far. It's simple and provides essential info in such a short duration and also gives whole new insights than other reviews i have seen so far. What are your thoughts on the AER straps and padding in terms of comfort from the bags u have reviewed so far? And from the 3 most to the least comfortable straps, which one would you pick?
@@hilllverhaal glad to hear! I on straps alone, Aer best, Able carry 2nd, Sympl 3rd, Wexley last. Though they are all very good so there’s no definitive winner or loser. This is just on strap thickness basically.
Great bag, but another reviewer mention it has no false bottom for the laptop compartemnet which is a real deal killer. If an expensive work bag can't protect my laptop from a fall then what's the point of it?
@@houssamalucad753 it has one, it’s just not very high off the bottom
@EDG will it really be enough if I drop the bag on the ground?
@ yes, the Bag has structure. If laptop protection is your #1 priority, check out the Lander commuter backpack 25L
@EDG 25L is too big for me, the navigator 15L is the closest thing to what I want but I was looking for alternatives
@ if you’re looking at a 15 L capacity, maybe look at Belroy’s messenger bags? Not many backpacks are going to be smaller than 20 L and still fit a large laptop.
I checked this bag yesterday, the space is an issue..its weird that this is the only back pack that has the airtag pocket, not on weekender and travel back pack
Yea, sounds like your experience was the same as mine? Just a little short on space based on how they did the pockets. Yeah the airhead thing is weird. I think that’s not on purpose. It’s just that the other two bags are way older. I expect them to add AirTag pockets to refresh the other teo
@@EDG just my opinion, i find clamshell backpacks as techpacks not very secure, its more secured if it had gussets..if you put a lot of tech stuffs and gets heavy, the front half will tip over, like when you carry the bag in front of you and you wanna get something without putting it on a flat surface or on the floor, the access is quite meh…another weird thing is, the weekender should have been designed with clamshell opening, not the commuter.
Btw, i also went to check Incase’s new backpack, the Tracks Backpack…it looks really good..but im still waiting for reviews about it.
Lastly, you really have good reviews!
@@jimpeeRNx I can see that, though this one, most of the smaller tech should go into that top pocket which is gusseted. Weight and tipping shouldn't be too much of a problem if you balance out the bottom.. but agreed, access when the pack is in front of you without putting it down was for sure an issue. Yea this Commuter is a new release and so the weekender as it's currently designed doesn't really make sense. I also reviewed their 35L travel bag! And thanks! You should try your hand at reviews as well, you had great analysis.
@@jimpeeRNxI actually emailed sympl about the air tag pocket on the weekender and travel packs after seeing the air tag pocket in my commuter pack. They said they are adding air tag pockets in their next order of weekender and travel packs which they said will be shipping later this year.
I also asked them about a clamshell weekender as I thought a clamshell weekender makes more sense too, and they said they have plans to release a clamshell version of the weekender too.
I have the current Weekender but will be adding the clamshell version to my lineup as soon as that’s released.
@@EDG I watched your review for the 35L travel backpack…it was a really great review it made me go to the mall to check the actual bag..it was almost a perfect backpack..things I didn’t like: no load lifters on the strap, no airtag, the cable organizer loop area was a wasted opportunity…I wished they were just pockets..They could have implemented the organizer/pockets from the main compartment of the commuter to the 35 travel backpack’s admin section…but like you mentioned, the commuter is a newly released and designed compared to the other two..still it is a great bag I almost bought it..
Can I fit a camera like the Sony a7iv with packing cube inside the main compartment or is it too shallow?
If you take off the lens and use a very slim packing cube, it should fit.
Can I ask how tall you are? I'm looking for a slim compact tech bag, I don't need a lot of space...I just want to make sure this isn't going to be too bulky on me. I'm 5'7. I'm currently using the Nomatic Travel Pack, and I'm hoping this one is small and slimmer than that.
I'm 7 foot 3. Nah jk, I'm 5' 10". This Sympl pack is smaller and slimmer for sure. Especially slimmer. The Nomatic is kind of boxy.
I’m a 5’8” female and it’s not too bulky :)
@@marybethmaloyG thanks for the help!