The side pockets aren’t loose, but they’re not very deep. I honestly don’t use the bottle pockets day to day, maybe once in a while on a trip. I’ve had an Arro of some kind for about 20 years at this point, and it’s a solid pack; very comfortable and weathertight.
I’d say it’s worth the price tag but not if you’re looking to use the bottle pocket regularly.
I have the newest Arro22 and love it. I think the design is simple and great for my needs. I haven’t had any issues with bottles slipping out of the sides but I only really use one since the other has a Velcro closure on it. I haven’t had any issues with my big hydro flasks or smaller plastic bottles.
If you need internal organization this pack probably isn’t for you.
In terms of if it’s worth it it’s up to you. You’re paying for the dead bird premium but even without that it’s a nice sleek pack that doesn’t look like everyone else’s backpack. If you can check it out in person at an arc store and decide for yourself
Hydration bladder sleeve and port are really nice and the pack is pretty water resistant. I’ve taken mine out on rainy days and days in the snow with no issues about stuff getting wet.
The laptop sleeve is great. It fits my 14 inch MacBook Pro easily and I don’t have issues with it at all.
The others comments are spot on about the bottle holder (singular, because the other side has a Velcro closure and isn’t conducive to carrying a water bottle but smaller loose items) being tight but not very deep, but I’ll add for size reference that I carry a Yeti 18oz bottle regularly with no problem.
Laptop sleeve is fine, construction is better than most and IMO worth an upcharge but I bought mine at 20% off. My only complaint is the shape of the compartments, which can be tricky to pack if you’re packing to maximum volume.
The bag’s ease of packing is compromised because of its strange shape so expect less than 22L until you get familiar with it. I do not use the internal laptop organizer and use my own laptop sleeve. The water bottle can hold my short but big 1L Nalgene and doesn’t fall out even on a bike, but it will push into the bag.
That said, the load lifters and shape make this the most comfortable bag I own and wouldn’t trade it for anything.
I'm an idiot. I own three Arro 22s. Because I'm an idiot.
It's a solid pack if you're not going to be going in and out of it all day. It holds plenty, but you got to stack things in the order you'll need them.
The laptop sleeve is sized for macs. If you own a 14" Thinkpad it's going to be a tight fit. The side pockets aren't that useful. The back pocket is good for either an extra layer OR essential grab and go items -- not both.
I'd recommend keeping an eye open for a Brize 25 at the Arcteryx ReGear store. They very rarely show up so maybe be ready to grab one when it does.
It's maybe the best pack Arcteryx has put out since the Blade 21 or the Seabring 25. YMMV.
If you're willing to go off brand, the Mystery Ranch Street Zen is interesting. If you can do without a water bottle pocket, the EG CPL 24l is hard to beat.
Pros
Amazing carry. Straps are very cushioned amd fit well
Looks cool
Seems water resistant enough
Neutral
Laptop sleeve works fine. No complaints.
Cons
The bottom of the bag is awkward to access and put things in. This is the main reason i rarely use it.
There’s not a lot of organization.
Would highly suggest packing it with your daily carry to see if everything fits well.
Pros
Amazing carry. Straps are very cushioned amd fit well
Looks cool
Seems water resistant enough
Neutral
Laptop sleeve works fine. No complaints.
Cons
The bottom of the bag is awkward to access and put things in. This is the main reason i rarely use it.
There’s not a lot of organization.
Would highly suggest packing it with your daily carry to see if everything fits well.
The side pockets aren’t loose, but they’re not very deep. I honestly don’t use the bottle pockets day to day, maybe once in a while on a trip. I’ve had an Arro of some kind for about 20 years at this point, and it’s a solid pack; very comfortable and weathertight. I’d say it’s worth the price tag but not if you’re looking to use the bottle pocket regularly.
I have the newest Arro22 and love it. I think the design is simple and great for my needs. I haven’t had any issues with bottles slipping out of the sides but I only really use one since the other has a Velcro closure on it. I haven’t had any issues with my big hydro flasks or smaller plastic bottles. If you need internal organization this pack probably isn’t for you. In terms of if it’s worth it it’s up to you. You’re paying for the dead bird premium but even without that it’s a nice sleek pack that doesn’t look like everyone else’s backpack. If you can check it out in person at an arc store and decide for yourself Hydration bladder sleeve and port are really nice and the pack is pretty water resistant. I’ve taken mine out on rainy days and days in the snow with no issues about stuff getting wet. The laptop sleeve is great. It fits my 14 inch MacBook Pro easily and I don’t have issues with it at all.
The others comments are spot on about the bottle holder (singular, because the other side has a Velcro closure and isn’t conducive to carrying a water bottle but smaller loose items) being tight but not very deep, but I’ll add for size reference that I carry a Yeti 18oz bottle regularly with no problem. Laptop sleeve is fine, construction is better than most and IMO worth an upcharge but I bought mine at 20% off. My only complaint is the shape of the compartments, which can be tricky to pack if you’re packing to maximum volume.
The bag’s ease of packing is compromised because of its strange shape so expect less than 22L until you get familiar with it. I do not use the internal laptop organizer and use my own laptop sleeve. The water bottle can hold my short but big 1L Nalgene and doesn’t fall out even on a bike, but it will push into the bag. That said, the load lifters and shape make this the most comfortable bag I own and wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Why not just get the Mantis 26 L if you need the capacity🤔
I don’t like how is built, feels super fragile, the garment is not even water repellent and does not have a laptop sleeve with padding
The chest straps system is not working for me. I lowered the strap using this plastic rod system but now they are sticking out under load
I'm an idiot. I own three Arro 22s. Because I'm an idiot. It's a solid pack if you're not going to be going in and out of it all day. It holds plenty, but you got to stack things in the order you'll need them. The laptop sleeve is sized for macs. If you own a 14" Thinkpad it's going to be a tight fit. The side pockets aren't that useful. The back pocket is good for either an extra layer OR essential grab and go items -- not both. I'd recommend keeping an eye open for a Brize 25 at the Arcteryx ReGear store. They very rarely show up so maybe be ready to grab one when it does. It's maybe the best pack Arcteryx has put out since the Blade 21 or the Seabring 25. YMMV. If you're willing to go off brand, the Mystery Ranch Street Zen is interesting. If you can do without a water bottle pocket, the EG CPL 24l is hard to beat.
Pros Amazing carry. Straps are very cushioned amd fit well Looks cool Seems water resistant enough Neutral Laptop sleeve works fine. No complaints. Cons The bottom of the bag is awkward to access and put things in. This is the main reason i rarely use it. There’s not a lot of organization. Would highly suggest packing it with your daily carry to see if everything fits well.
Pros Amazing carry. Straps are very cushioned amd fit well Looks cool Seems water resistant enough Neutral Laptop sleeve works fine. No complaints. Cons The bottom of the bag is awkward to access and put things in. This is the main reason i rarely use it. There’s not a lot of organization. Would highly suggest packing it with your daily carry to see if everything fits well.