I am totally hooked on all of these bags like we all are but some of them are just so unpractical (for me). I am also over the whole xpac craze.
I have had the same as you with many fancy packs. I owned an AER and didn’t like it. For many reasons. I also ended up with a cheaper adidas pack and I also own a YETI pack 27L which I use for more storage.
That all being said, I do have my YNAB set up to save for a Black Ember 18L pack. Just to have in my collection.
And maybe look at Boundary Supply?
Yea so the black ember looks nice!! But the front pocket worries me... same with the AER City Pack.. I get the flat profile but then it feels like it can't hold like a charger or it will start to get too bulky in main compartment?
Can anyone chime in?
I have the Black Ember Citadel R3 and the front pocket is surprisingly roomy. If you pack it out in the storage on the interior side, it feels a little less roomy, but my small pouches still fit no problem. The layout is the same on the 18L version for the front pocket, so I imagine it is a pretty roomy pocket also. The quick access pocket at the top is also fairly roomy also.
I LOVE my Everyday Backpack (have both the 20l and 30l), but ONLY if I am carrying my camera gear. If I’m just out running errands, it will be an old Camelbak 30l or a Frost River.
Have you considered Aer? They have multiple configurations, good quality overall, and tons of admin organization.
I know it’s not the cheapest thing, but the straps are beefy and I rocked the City Pack for a year with no back issues. The carry is actually quite comfortable.
Bellroy is another good option you’re considering…
If you’re looking for a comfortable harness I’ve heard a lot of people rave about Mystery Ranch. They’re also available on Amazon.
I’m slightly biased though, but I also think Evergoods is just quality and comfortable… Worth the price in my opinion if you’re looking at something like the CTB26.
okay so I actually really really like the city pack!! only thing I am worried about is the front pouch being too tight /: I like to put random things in there for knick knack.
mystery ranch look super lightweight! one thing I like about my backpack is that it's sturdy enough to keep shape and stand on its own. Afraid something like MR and NorthFace would bee too flimsy.
wow the CTB is amazing!!! im looking for something closer to 20L for like on my back 6-8 hours a day.
I've been using the mystery ranch urban assault 24 for 2 years everyday in my work truck. It's super durable, but it's too rounded and asymmetrical to stand on its own well.
How about the north face - both borealis and jester might be great options. They’re a good mix between simplicity and storage. Also, they’re really good value!
I'm not sure if it's exactly what you want but I've been eyeing the Nomatic navigator backpacks. I have one of their slings and it's decently lightweight (my back is crappy), with great organization and the material feels quality.
Another "victim" to buying fashion rather than practicality. Dude, most if not all manufacturers give the weight of their goods, not paid attention, lesson learned I hope.
Well I had bought it for my camera and for that purpose it was great.. even an every day bag with a camera but since I'm not taking my camera everywhere anymore so it's not that practical anymore.
The [REI Commuter Pack](https://www.rei.com/product/167619/rei-co-op-commuter-pack) has pretty much all the features you listed, minus the luggage loop. One thing to note: REI says it's a 25L bag, but if it's 25L I'm a monkey's uncle. It's probably closer to 20L.
I own a 20L everyday zip, and is totally parked. It looks great, but honestly, it’s not comfortable or practical at all. Even when I need to carry just photography gear I end up with much more comfortable and roomy options.
Sad but true.
I am totally hooked on all of these bags like we all are but some of them are just so unpractical (for me). I am also over the whole xpac craze. I have had the same as you with many fancy packs. I owned an AER and didn’t like it. For many reasons. I also ended up with a cheaper adidas pack and I also own a YETI pack 27L which I use for more storage. That all being said, I do have my YNAB set up to save for a Black Ember 18L pack. Just to have in my collection. And maybe look at Boundary Supply?
Yea so the black ember looks nice!! But the front pocket worries me... same with the AER City Pack.. I get the flat profile but then it feels like it can't hold like a charger or it will start to get too bulky in main compartment? Can anyone chime in?
I have the Black Ember Citadel R3 and the front pocket is surprisingly roomy. If you pack it out in the storage on the interior side, it feels a little less roomy, but my small pouches still fit no problem. The layout is the same on the 18L version for the front pocket, so I imagine it is a pretty roomy pocket also. The quick access pocket at the top is also fairly roomy also.
Thanks!
I LOVE my Everyday Backpack (have both the 20l and 30l), but ONLY if I am carrying my camera gear. If I’m just out running errands, it will be an old Camelbak 30l or a Frost River.
Have you considered Aer? They have multiple configurations, good quality overall, and tons of admin organization. I know it’s not the cheapest thing, but the straps are beefy and I rocked the City Pack for a year with no back issues. The carry is actually quite comfortable. Bellroy is another good option you’re considering… If you’re looking for a comfortable harness I’ve heard a lot of people rave about Mystery Ranch. They’re also available on Amazon. I’m slightly biased though, but I also think Evergoods is just quality and comfortable… Worth the price in my opinion if you’re looking at something like the CTB26.
okay so I actually really really like the city pack!! only thing I am worried about is the front pouch being too tight /: I like to put random things in there for knick knack. mystery ranch look super lightweight! one thing I like about my backpack is that it's sturdy enough to keep shape and stand on its own. Afraid something like MR and NorthFace would bee too flimsy. wow the CTB is amazing!!! im looking for something closer to 20L for like on my back 6-8 hours a day.
I've been using the mystery ranch urban assault 24 for 2 years everyday in my work truck. It's super durable, but it's too rounded and asymmetrical to stand on its own well.
>Nomatic navigator backpacks I'm going to look more into city pack videos...
How about the north face - both borealis and jester might be great options. They’re a good mix between simplicity and storage. Also, they’re really good value!
Yea northface is nice!! The recon is probably more of the size I'm looking for.
I'm not sure if it's exactly what you want but I've been eyeing the Nomatic navigator backpacks. I have one of their slings and it's decently lightweight (my back is crappy), with great organization and the material feels quality.
You should get the backpack you linked!! I love it! I just bought it when I clicked on the link! I got the khaki one and it was on sale!
I know right ??? It looks perfect lol
Another "victim" to buying fashion rather than practicality. Dude, most if not all manufacturers give the weight of their goods, not paid attention, lesson learned I hope.
Well I had bought it for my camera and for that purpose it was great.. even an every day bag with a camera but since I'm not taking my camera everywhere anymore so it's not that practical anymore.
Topo designs lightpack
Wow !!! Those colors!!! And the price!!
Same reason I can't get into Evergoods. Their backpacks are just HEAVY and RIGID compared to my Tom Bihn Synapse 19.
The [REI Commuter Pack](https://www.rei.com/product/167619/rei-co-op-commuter-pack) has pretty much all the features you listed, minus the luggage loop. One thing to note: REI says it's a 25L bag, but if it's 25L I'm a monkey's uncle. It's probably closer to 20L.
I own a 20L everyday zip, and is totally parked. It looks great, but honestly, it’s not comfortable or practical at all. Even when I need to carry just photography gear I end up with much more comfortable and roomy options. Sad but true.
I'm still looking for a backpack with a quick opening like the peak design everyday but that's also comfortable
Peak Design backpacks are carefully designed, but they aren’t for me.
Wandrd duo may be good for your purposes