No external water bottle pocket option also seems like a con (for many people). Especially after you pointed out how that internal carry pocket competes with internal storage space.
Yup! No doubt, but I know the concern is sometimes lack of a bottle pocket at all. But for those that want or need that pocket to be external likely wouldnt be looking at this bag. Definitely a trade off for a sleeker silhouette.
Very complete review. You missed the small "secret" pocket that is next to the frame sheet. Sorry to be that guy - but your thumbnail has an incorrect name, it says "Daily Max" instead of "Daily Plus". I would say a downside of Able Carry bags are that they are on the heavier side for their size/capacities.
Thanks for the detailed review. I've just got the BE Citadeal r3 and I am annoyed by the overall stiffness of the bag as well as the fact that the lower part of the backpanel oddly stabs into my lower back. I wonder if this bag does a better job at that as the backpanel seems more flexible, but is it quite small and the shoulder straps are very close to each other? Should I be concerned about these aspects? (I am similarly built as you)
Hey thanks for the comment! I can understand what you mean by the Citadel being stiff, and I don’t disagree but I did not experience the stabbing discomfort you’ve mentioned. This bag really is very comfortable for me. The Citadel is at least a longer in length so that likely contributes to the digging in the lower back. Additionally, the Citadel has a space of 2.75” at the top of the straps where the Daily Plus has a gap of 2.5” - just measured for you. I didn’t notice any rubbing on my neck. Not sure if you’ve ever used the GWA Citadel (funny coincidence) but that bags straps were way too narrow and rubbed my neck wrong, so I get that concern.
Tough question! There’s so many good packs in that general range. I won’t be able to provide a super comprehensive list but off the top of my head, these are all bags I’d recommend: - Able Carry Daily Plus - GORUCK GR1 21L - EVERGOODS CTB20 - EVERGOODS PLC20 - EVERGOODS CHZ22 - Alpha One Niner Evade - Aer City Pack Pro
Great review. I watch this and the evergoods cpl 16 constantly as I am trying to decide between the two for office, edc, and on an airplane/city exploring backpack (not one bag travel). I carry an 18 oz yeti, maybe a book or two, maybe a hoodie/light layer and for work have a MBP 16" but only have the laptop when going to and from work so not all the time. which do you think would be best? I have a preorder for the cpl but dont know if i should cancel and order this. Would appreciate any opinions and insights as i rather save on shipping return fees
Thanks! Have you owned an EVERGOODS bag before? Just asking because some folks do report having an issue with the bag digging into their lower back. If you knew if this did or didn’t affect you then that helps make your decision. I don’t have that issue but some do. With the Daily, the laptop is using part of the space in the main compartment. Opposing, the laptop has its own space in the CPL16, so the main cavity will always be for everything else. When it comes down to it, they’re going to be pretty similar in size, so I’d choose based on aesthetic, fabric needs and features. I’d choose the CPL16.
@@ECsEDC thanks. Thought choice. I do like the 840d material of ny chz26. I do feel the lower back rub but was thinking that the bag is longer that maybe the cpl 16 would be different
Nice thorough review! One of the little details that I love about this bag (and other Able Carry bags) is that you can actually hide the sternum strap within the shoulder straps if you're not using it because there's pockets there, plus you can fit like a metro card or other flat items for easy access. I tend to store a small micro fiber cloth to clean my glasses. Absolutely love the details in their bags that make it just really functional and sleek looking. I had their Thirteen backpack and just ordered this one in Coyote Brown.
This is a great bag and I enjoyed your review. In my brief use of the bag, I found that the lower stretch pocket in the front quick access area is very large - it extends quite far to the other side of the bag and also to the bottom. So if you put something small in there, it will end up at the bottom / other end of the bag. Also, if you put a larger item in this area (not in one of the sub-pockets) it can tend to hamper your access to whatever you clip to the key leash. When you combine this with the generally oval shape of the bag, you can lose smaller items "round the other side" within this compartment. By comparison the same area on the CPL24 is better: this is because it's a flatter design, so it's easier to see the full compartment, and the smaller pockets are stitched a little further from the end of the pocket. I think AC could easily tweak the pockets to make them a bit smaller so that items don't get lost "round the corner" of the curvature of the bag. They could just stitch them a little higher up.
Thanks for sharing! Also, the CPL24 has the key leash in the top quick access pocket if I recall making for less things in the way inside that front pocket. But you’re definitely correct, you do tend to fight with items in that front stretch pocket.
Great review! I like your channel and the way you review bags with your own spin on things! Would you be making a top 5 list or something similar? Like what's your favourite bags in comparison, would be interesting to see how this bag compared against the max or even a CTB26!
Great idea! That’s also a tough question considering there are so many categories and sizes that give bags different purposes. If you’re saying just for EDC/work and are all ~15-25 liters that might be a good idea for video 😃.
