@JohnLozano haha, I've tried just about everything and these are among the best packs out there IMO. I'm right there with you, obsessed, so at least we're in good company! Always great to hear from you, appreciate it!😉🤙
Great video, I think the black colour is the best one, although when you think about Ducati you immediately think of red colour. 5”11 180lbs thinking about getting large 🤔
@tzoutzouklerhs thanks man! Agree, I liked the black color best standalone, but wanted red just because it's the quintessential Ducati color. I'm 5"11, 215lbs, and this was a medium for reference. I think a medium or large will work for you, just a matter of length and bagginess, and which you prefer. Hope that helps! Really appreciate the comment and support!🤙
Hello, is the material waxed canvas? I'm undecided between a goruck heritage and a baron canvas I like the solid ones from goruck but I prefer the outer bags with organizers from gwa and if this is so it would be perfect
@albertotriana8777 the different versions are different materials. The V2 in this video is not waxed canvas. It is rugged twill and it is dry. The V1 is the only waxed canvas version so far. Hope that helps!🤙
amazing reviews as always :) interesting points though that despite the flame retardant dejen having your preferred layout and being the most comfortable, it is the least favorite dejen you like? also, - do you think a 25l dejen is better for edc / more versatile, or 20l? - do you prefer the frame sheet in or taking it out? i had a ctb26 which i thought would be perfect but slightly too big for my everyday use but when evergoods came out with the ctb20, i copped one and it was perfect for edc
@lackjeeb thank you! Great to hear from you, and always appreciate the comment and support! As for the Dejen, it really is all relative. Azo packs really are among my favorite period, so my comment really isn't a knock against this pack. I just think the Red Dawn Dejen is so cool and unique, and I also really like the Liteskin material on the mini Dejen. I will say, for everyday use, I find myself grabbing this flame retardant Dejen the most these days. As you said, it's my preferred layout, and being all black and durable, I don't need to worry about the environment that I might subject it to. As I said and has proven true, it has become my workhorse pack. I honestly haven't noticed the framesheet much because I'm always carrying a camera cube, which gives the pack a lot of structure on it's own. I do tend to prefer structure on my packs, so I would probably use the framesheet as long as there's no issue with comfort, which can happen on some packs - the Evergoods CPL24 being an example of one that some have had issues with. As for sizing, I've also realized that sizing between different pack makers is not the same. For example, 22L from Mystery Ranch packs smaller than 16L from Azo. 25L from Arch is really like 30L. To me a CTB26 is definitely way more than I would need for EDC. I'd say close to 20L is definitely my personal sweet spot for EDC, but everyone is different, and we all have different needs and preferences. I'm glad to hear the CTB20 is working well for you! It's always awesome when you find a pack that really meets your needs. Thanks for sharing!🍻🤙
Nice review! Sounds like you no longer have the pack, but for the viewing public, I had someone make me a sternum strap that wraps around the shoulder straps and works really well. Very little bunching. As for the "plainness" of the front, I initially agreed that it seemed too minimalist. But one of the reasons I bought this pack was for professional or semi-professional settings (when I need to carry a lot). For that, the minimal external appearance is absolutely perfect and makes it slightly more appropriate than the Bannoch Pro IMHO. (I also like the top handle and QAP much more than the Bannoch Pro's.) I chose a dry-wax one, mainly because I don't enjoy the patina of wet wax, though the transfer doesn't sound pleasant either. Anyway, a great pack that I hope will be my mainstay for many, many years--thanks for sharing your take!!!
@maicco333 great question! I'm out of town at the moment for the holiday and don't have the pack with me. I'll measure it when I get back, but didn't want to leave you hanging for a response now. Happy 4th!🤙
@andyh6302 honestly, I don't want to get you stuck. I'd say most of the trail is fine, but there are a couple of spots that would make me nervous, and the final stretch in particular is more difficult than anything else. My best advice would be to use your judgment and don't attempt anything you're not comfortable doing. We left the same way we went in, so you can always enjoy as much as you're comfortable with, and there's no shame in turning around if it gets too dicey. Coming from someone who has manged to get a convertible Camaro stuck on a beach, nothing ruins a day faster...
I like the Ti version the most, but I ordered the orange small to use on slings. I think a black one with an unfinished aluminum main body like the orange version would probably be my favorite if they ever made one like that…
@Images_of_threat I'm excited to give the small one a try! Pretty significant size and weight savings over the medium. I agree, a black/silver aluminum colorway would be really sweet, and probably my favorite of the new bunch as well if they were to make it!🤞
I picked up both colors in the new version, wish they would’ve done orange/black instead of the orange/silver. Would’ve matched my MiiR bottle better 😂
@@JohnLozano haha, that would have been a nice color combo, and as you say, all the better when it matches other gear! What sizes did you get? I'm actually excited to give the small one a try in the real world! If it works just as well, it's a pretty decent size and weight savings for something I'm pretty much always carrying...
@@FlawlessActivity I got medium in both colors, should’ve got a small too. I forgot I carry a small for my Packolab Samurai. Might try to trade this medium orange for a small black or just order one. I’ll see if the orangeish will grow on me lol
@JohnLozano right on. Definitely cool that at least the black ones are still available directly from Gear Aid. Sure beats buying them at resell prices, and knowing that they will definitely be restocked in the future is nice too. I'm debating picking up one or two extra small black ones as well. I've got plenty of mediums, but only this one small in black. Like you, I think I prefer the black over the orange in hand.🍻🤙
@MattViral that is a fantastic question, thanks for asking! The DSPTCH remains the most battle tested by me, and I'm not sure with a 15 month old daughter that I'll be able to battle test anything else in a similar manner anytime soon. From a functionality and build quality perspective, I know and trust everything about the DSPTCH pack. It's objectively great. From a personal, 'I just like what this pack is doing, just because', I'd say Azo Equipment in general is at the top of the list. Azo build quality is unsurpassed and I just love all of the finishing touches that make each pack they make unique and special. If I did a month long international excursion tomorrow and needed a DSPTCH Daypack sized pack for EDC, I'd probably grab the Azo Fireproof pack I just got over the DSPTCH, but that's more just wanting to try something new and actually still trusting it than any indictment against the DSPTCH's suitability for purpose. Hope that long winded answer makes at least some sense. Always great to hear from you! Appreciate the comment and support as usual!🤙
@@FlawlessActivity Right there with you on Azo. I’m finding the Rabel is my pack to beat lately. There’s just something so right about the AZO aesthetic. They do a great job toeing the line between casual and tactical. Super functional but minimalist in appearance and not overtly tactical. Subtle and effective, not at all intimidating, like a small Swiss Army knife.
@@JohnLozano definitely! No question, Azo has become one of my favorite makers, and the quality is second to none! It's great to hear from you! Appreciate the comment and support as usual! Thanks!🤙
@@MrISoFr3sh thank you, no debate from me there. I've definitely been blessed to be able to build out a collection that I'm really happy with thanks to the help of a great many people willing to let some of these unique packs go. Appreciate the comment and support, as usual! Thanks!👊
Great review as usual Brian, love the grid pattern, although it seems slightly more spaced out than lets say an MR urban grid but a great looking pack regardless. I'd take from your hands if you were to move 🤣
@mr2izm thank you! You are correct, the grid is more spaced out than the MR Urban Grid, and it's less pronounced, with the Urban Grid being a more bright white for the lines and having the grid pattern over the entire pack. In hand, the materials are completely different. The MR material is thin and lightweight. It's good enough for day use, but you probably should be careful about the environments you take it to. The Azo material, by comparison, feels very thick and durable, and understanding it's firefighter origin use case, coupled with 1000D everywhere else, I would have no qualms using this one anywhere I fancy taking it. Funny you say that about taking it off my hands. I'm actually willing to let go of many of the packs I've got at this stage. I can't just buy and never sell forever, but the MR Urban Grid and this one are definitely firmly in the keep category at this time. Appreciate the comment and support! Thanks again!🤙
How tall are you and how much do you weigh? Trying to do a estimate for Mt friend. I wanna buy him one? Don't know if I should get the medium or large 🤔
I got a 2002 911 carrera cabriolet black, on black w/whale tail & custom flared rear fenders, w/yellow suede & black leather interior, 6spd C-2, Never top down, I just love the cabriolet look. I do get attention, too much, the police I can do without. O.G. (I am the 83 yr old original genius)
What's up brother! Congrats! I'm 5'11, 215 lbs. I feel like I could get away with a M or a L. M is a touch shorter than I would prefer, but overall fits nice everywhere else. Hope that helps!🤙
Thank you brother! It's always a nice surprise hearing from you! Yea, I stay doing my thing. Life changes, hobbies and interests change, but I've definitely realized I like making videos of whatever I happen to be passionate about in the moment as a way to express myself, share, and meet awesome people like yourself around the world. I feel fortunate that I can actually do that now, where I have one video of this jacket as an example, and one of my daughter's Little Tikes Cozy Coupe, and people don't rebel againt me, like, "What is this guy doing?!?". So yea, everything's great! How about yourself man? I hope you're doing well! What's good?
Man that’s all good stuff! I’m chillin down in Orange County with my family. I’m off for the summer and heading down to San Diego next week. I used to look out for the Supreme drops but now I’m into car detailing. I have a couple of Teslas that my wife and I drive that I’m trying to keep looking nice. I love to see you guys on the cool bikes. I never learned to ride. Enjoy your new jacket! Thanks for the reply. -Ray
@RayNLA right on! Always feels good when you get the cars nice and clean. It's hard for me to find the time these days, but still a great feeling when I finally do. I'm assuming you know about Chemical Guys? Been using their products for years and always been pleased with the results. They're a lot bigger now than they used to be, and have so many products it's gotten a little confusing, but I still have my go to tried and true waterless wash and quick detailer that are staples, and every now and then I try something new like nano ceramic coating, and it always works out well. Do you have a favorite brand or product that you use?
Sick jacket. I got the white Tee.. hard to get anything since I was in Hawaii at the same. Thanks for sharing. Nice classic. bike. Only had mopeds but dont ride much anymore.
Thanks man! Great to hear from you! Yea, the jacket is honestly better in person than I thought it would be. I was a little bummed about not getting the red one, but the black is really really nice in hand! The white tee looks good! If I didn't pretty much exclusively wear black v-necks I'd definitely rock that. The bike is special. They don't make them like they used to. Great balance of function and form, where modern bikes are all about performance at all costs. But even this old one has more performance than I can ever fully utilize. Mopeds are fun! I stopped riding now that I have a young daughter, but the young guns at my work are all buying motorcycles right now, so I may try to sneak out and join them on occasion. Appreciate the comment, as always! Be well, brother!
Haha, she definitely is faster than me at checking out most of the time! iPhone vs Android, and the iPhone wins pretty much every time... Sorry to hear you missed out! What were you going for?
I love the video! So thorough and great attention to detail I am ordering a 32l custom dejen/amhara (one bag travel mainly) and i got some questions: - i live in the us. did you have a preference between credit card / paypal / shoppay? i don't normally buy international products so i'm not sure how the conversion will be - are there any must-have features every bag should have ? off the top of my head: external water bottle pockets, separate laptop compartment (with false bottom), aquaguard zippers?, waxed canvas, tsa locks built-in the bag, etc. interested to see your suggestions! anyways, thanks for sharing! if you ever want to sell one of those beautiful bags, i'm interested!
Thanks man, really appreciate the comment and support! It means a lot! With respect to payment, I've found that reputable credit cards tend to be the best, in that they offer a competitive exchange rate and provide strong consumer protection if the goods are never sent. As for features, I would say decisions should be made based on needs, and everyone's needs are different, but when I think of one bag travel, I think of durable and weatherproof materials and capacity. I think your ideas are on the right track and sound good. For me, a quick access pocket of some sort at the top of the bag is really useful. Both my Azo Dejen and Amharas have them, so you should be good there. Azo doesn't actually use aquaguard zippers for everything and depending on the zipper location it may be fine. Non-aquaguard zippers tend to be smoother, but some of the newest generation aquaguard zippers offer the best of both worlds. Also, critically important for me is a sternum strap, but again all my Azos have them. You may want to consider adding a hip belt. That's personal preference. The sternum strap is usually enough for me. Never thought about integrating TSA locks, that would be interesting! If you want to see more thoughts I have on a perfect pack for me, check out my Perfect Pack video where I custom designed an Arch Grisetti. It's a very camera centric pack, but it can give you some ideas of design considerations. Thanks again, and best wishes! Enjoy the journey!🤙
Haha, thanks! Honestly, it's a tough one. I want to say I agree, especially when it comes to pockets and usability of them, but on the flip side, I really do like how my Ultra Amhara with VX21 liner keeps it's shape, and I know for sure that the VX21 helps with that. I think an ideal solution for me might be a hybrid, with certain strategic structural places having VX21 (like the side panels that don't have any pockets), and then using lighter more pliable materals everywhere else. Certainly, the lid pocket is much better without it. Of course, the problem with blending materials is they don't actually look the same, so a hodegpodge might look pretty funny in practice... Appreciate the comment! I definitely think it's a great point of discussion.🤙
I am still rocking my s21 ultra and love it. The only thing I begin to hate they removed navigation bar gestures and replaced with iPhone like single bar... It's so annoying, why would they make it look more like an iPhone and removing the features that many of us Samsung users love.
What's up brother! How have you been?!? It's so great to hear from you, a channel OG! My S21 Ultra was a fantastic phone, except for one issue, similar to what you were poking at: all my previous Samsung phones let me add an additional SD card for extra storage, but with the S21 they removed that feature, just like the iPhone. Couple that with supply chain issues during COVID and I was only able to get the 128GB version. I was at the point where I was dumping my phone photos to my computer every 2 weeks to keep space free. Frustrating. Anyway, I would have kept it, but Verizon had a trade in deal for me where I got $1,200 credit towards a S24 Ultra, which was too good to pass up. I got the 512GB version so I hopefully won't run out of space anytime soon. Hope you're doing well! Many blessings to you and your family! Be well!🤙👊
I’ve told you before but thanks for making these videos. Only place on RU-vid to get rundowns on cool and exclusive gear. Super cool bags and amazing collection 👏🏽👏🏽
Thank you brother! Really appreciate the comment and support! This is a labor of love, and I only buy and share things I have a genuine interest in, so the passion part is easy, but each video requires quite a bit of effort to make, edit, and publish, so it really does mean a lot to hear positive feedback from people like yourself! Sincere thank you!