I like the duckbill, it makes the bag have character and it is recognizable without being branded. This is the bag for me. The fact that the bag rides higher is perfect for shorter people with shorter torsos.
Yes! more Evergoods reviews! I have the 26 for EDC and I stick my pencil pouch into that interior mesh pocket. Perfect fit and the upside down zipper to prevent spillage is actually kind of genius.
Same here - I found this pocket to be more useful for pens/pencils than the loops on the inside of the top yoke pocket. The main challenge I found was that due to the zippers being hard to zip up one-handed when the top is fully flapped down, I tend to only open the top flap about halfway then reach inside - but that makes the mesh pocket unaccessible as the zipper is on the bottom. Definitely glad they added an extra mesh pocket in the 26L and I get why they put the zipper on the bottom - just for the way I used the bag I found it a little inconvenient.
Awesome review! This is my go to bag. 😃 Along with the Civic Pouch, it is a strong combo for EDC. I never had the choke point or the problem with the gym clothes. It seem that I can just keep stuffing things into it and they all go in. It keeps absorbing all my load. Finally, nobody really pays attention to this bag. So if you want to get away on a shady area , this is a very good option.
Thank you as always for the kind words! I'm with you - I wasn't originally so excited about the CHZ22 when it was announced (partially because I loved the CPL24 so much) but after I got it I was extremely surprised how versatile it was, how much capacity it had and how much I liked it - as you said, a very strong EDC bag and given the high organisation/functionality of the CAP2 it can go a long way towards mitigating some of the lack of internal organization on the CHZ22. +1 to the low key incognito nature of this bag - it has this really understated asthetic that flies under the radar, but still features the great Evergoods materials and construction. A great bag for reliably carrying what you need wherever you need to go whilst going unnoticed. 👍
For me that extra pocket is game changer. The 22 did not have enough organization for me. The new mesh pocket was designed for your to access when the main cavity is completely open as you slightly alluded to. For Evergoods products there is always purpose for their designs! Great review!
Thanks Richard! Glad you enjoyed it! Definitely - I'm glad they added the extra pocket and understand why they added the zipper on the bottom - it just didn't personally work for me in EDC use as I tend to avoid fully flapping the front lid over due to the zipper catching issue that I mentioned. But I find it super useful when packing out the bag for point to point travel, as I can put smaller rarely needed items (like a spare USB battery bank, toothbrush kit, etc.) in there to keep them from getting lost in the bottom of the bag.
Loved the review. I laughed when you pulled out the MR Urban Assault and North Face Access Pack 2 as comparables because I had all 3 and definitely agree!
Great video I’m debating about getting this evergoods 22L half zip. You pointed out some really well thought out functions/concerns. Ordering a backpack online can be difficult since you can’t try it in or feel the bag so it’s reviewer’s like yourself that really help people like me make a good researched decision. So glad I watched your video. I agree with all the points you made. And thank you for showing us alternative bags this is one of the best parts of your videos in my opinion.
Best review of anything, ever, top work!!!! I'm tossing up between the chz22 and chz26, I really like the idea of the extra pocket on the chz26 but prefer the more compact nature of the chz22. Is the 26 noticeably bigger or bulkier than the 22? My concern is that the 26 could just be a massive hole or way over the top if not filled up most of the time as I don't tend to carry heaps of stuff. It's hard to judge without seeing one in person. Thanks!
Hi Gethin! Thank you so much for the kind words! Regarding the CHZ 22 vs 26 - to be honest, I didn't find it *that* much larger "visually" when worn - it's only 4L and that doesn't amount to too significant of a change in the external dimensions when spread across all three axis (width/height/depth - it's about ≈2cm wider in each dimension). Bulk wise, it's about an extra 250 grams which can be notable in some specific scenarios (i.e. One bag traveling on airlines with strict 7kg limits for example), but in my opinion should probably be fairly unnoticeable in everyday usage for someone who is choosing between these bags (the evergoods bags are not ultra light bags to begin with so unlikely to be the first choice for someone who is super weight sensitive) That having been said, you mentioned "a massive hole" and in fact I do find that the internal capacity - and how the bag carries in daily use when relatively empty - does differ noticeably between the 22L and 26L. It's not completely night and day mind you, but I certainly notice it. The CHZ line is basically a big huge hole in the middle by virtue of its design, the front high-mounted pocket gives you the notable duckbill already in the 22L when the main compartment is less packed out and it's accentuated even more in the 26L (though the second smaller pocket can sometimes help reduce this effect depending on what you pack in there). So if you're concerned you might not be able to regularly fill up the 22L and are worried about how it will look/carry, the 26L is going to be even "more" in all the things that might worry you (big hole, looks even uglier when not filled up and with the duck bill going on, etc.) Conversely, at least for *me*, I didn't find the second pocket on the 26L all that useful - that's because I just found that given the nature of the half zip and large main opening, I was usually forced to use pouches with this bag anyway and that meant that the additional utility of the 2nd pocket in the 26L was quite limited in practice. For me (again, personally) I purchased (and use) the 26L primarily for its size in the right scenarios - i.e. when one bag traveling when I might also do some light outdoor hiking and want to carry slightly more stuff than will fit in the 22L version, or for EDC carry situations where I am carrying some particularly bulky items items or for light day hikes in the shoulder/winter season where I'm carrying bulkier/more stuff than a summer day hike. I personally found that to be the main reason to use the 26L, but in daily EDC use, the 22L is more than good enough and I don't find myself missing the "extra" pocket because, as mentioned, I am using pouches with this bag already. The extra pocket is pretty specifically shaped, a little inconvenient to open unless the bag is opened up quite a ways and not all that large to begin with so at least for me, I didn't find that it added all that much extra utility or removed the need to still carry at least one pouch with the bag. Anyway, not sure if that helps at all or not, but ummm I hope it did? 😂
Late to this video...I am one who is bothered by frame sheet/rigid bottom that hits me in wrong spot and bruises me. I, personally, think the CHZ22 would work better on someone with a longer torso (mine is 17"), as you said. Hallelujah!. Some users have offered fixes. If you have one, please share. I wonder if load lifters might have helped someone like me (which EG says they would never add. I get it. It ruins their aesthetic, which I gravitate to, but fit is my number one concern as I carry the bag all day). I also think CHZ22 is larger than CPL 24. And I find that both work best when fully loaded. I also wish there was a way to add a waist strap so while running, the bag doesn't jump around. I am on a rant about frame sheets that I find don't conform to body. I wish manufacturers paid more attention to this element. I wonder if a thicker back would eliminate need for stick straight frame sheets. Looking forward to new version launching today with new back.Thanks for being one of few to acknowledge the problematic issues even if they don't bother you. Bravo. I'd love you to review the new Alpha One Niner Whitely.
Thanks for the great review. I genuinely wanted to like this bag but just couldn’t get on with it and had to sell it on. I’d love to see them do the CPL, which is much more compelling offer, in a 18l day bag.
Thanks for the kind words and glad you liked the review! A CPL18 would be quite an interesting offering - I've noticed several notable brands moving to make smaller versions of some of their key bags which I think is great in terms of both opening up the carry world to people with shorter torsos/frames or more recently, to reflect the fact that since 2020 happened to the world, a lot of people are carrying less stuff on the daily and just don't need their EDC packs to be as large as before. Crossing my fingers for you that they make a smaller version some day! :)
@@TheMountainborn thanks Mountain. I found the CPL to hold more than the official stated capacity so I figure an 18l could be as good as a 21l, which is probably the ideal every day carry capacity. It’s why my go to is the Goruck GR1 these days. The CHZ’s “duckbill” i found somewhat annoying largely as I never fully packed out the bag for every day carry. Interesting what you say about people carrying less stuff. I think that’s right. When you have time I’d love to see a video of your edc and your favourite bag to put them in
Great review it helped me as I’ve been back and forth and wanting to buy this. Unfortunately, the duck bill is a dealbreaker for me. Gonna wait for them to maybe restock the CPL28.
Hi Josh - I'm so glad you enjoyed it and found the video useful! The duckbill is quite unfortunate aesthetically :( I hope they can resolve it in a future update to this bag. Hope you get your hands on a CPL28 soon!!
Nice video! Have you checked the V2? They've changed their fabric which is great but does the shape still collapses when half full ? You got the point here and that is why I didn't buy it. Would like to know your take on the V2. Thanks!
No comparison with the MR Prizefighter?? I'd love to see a review of that if you've got it! It is a shame about the laptop situation. My laptop is a bit smaller than yours and disappears into the sleeve, making it almost impossible to retrieve when the pack is packed out (I'm looking for a thin laptop sleeve with a pull tab so that I have something to grab onto). I also found that the seam/fold just below the water bottle pocket entrance made it very annoying to put in certain objects (perfectly cylindrical bottles, tripod with rubber feet). I also find the "jackknifing" of the zipper tabs annoying but this happens on all EG bags (and is due to the zipper design, so probably happens on lots of other bags too). I'm surprised nobody every really seems to talk about that issue, happens constantly for me on CPL and CHZ.
Hi Jed! Good callout! I actually don't own the Prizefighter but you're right, that's another bag in this similar style that would be good to consider. Regarding the laptop pocket on the CHZ22 - I have that issue when I carry an iPad prop inside of it rather than a laptop and it is fairly annoying. I hadn't thought about a thin laptop sleeve with a pull tab before - great idea! The zipper jackknifing (perfect term to describe what is happening to the zipper path) is another unfortunate part of this bag - I haven't personally noticed it as much with the CPL24 but thinking about it, maybe its' because I usually carry enough things in the front slash pocket that give the panel enough rigidity to prevent a full kink in the zipper path, or else when flapping it completely open usually have it laid out on the table so I'm using both hands anyway - but I can definitely see how it would be prone to the same issue as the CHZ22 when flapped fully open vertically with not much in the front slash pocket area. I've been looking for an excuse to pick up the Prizefighter so if I do and make a review will reply back on this comment and let you know!
@@TheMountainborn If you do review the Prizefighter I'll definitely see it so no need to update me here! The "jackknifing" I'm referring to is actually something different I believe (though still works to describe what you're talking about). I mean when the zipper tab gets stuck at right angles to the zipper path due to the zipper runner having little ledges on the "open" side. This means that I can't just grab and pull the zipper pulls when the bag is lying down on a bed/table, I need to consciously lift them up in line with the zipper path to ensure the zipper tab can move freely without getting stuck on that little ledge. Kind of hard to explain haha, but seems like I'm the only one who is bothered by it (I think I should be able to solve it by filing away part of the zipper runner that forms the ledge).
Ah the talking duckbill hahaha. Btw always a nice thorough and honest review, awesome job! Can you also include CPL24 V2 and Black ember shadow to your list of reviews as well? Thanks!
Great question. So I have a sweet spot in my heart for the original v1 grey CPL 24 and that still remains one of my favourite EDC bags. It is a bit tight for OBT (One Bag Travel) however due to the distribution of space across the two volumes (too much allocated to the laptop IMO). The newer V2 CPL24 and the CPL28 I find are better but the former I find not as comfortable as the v1 (though organisationally superior) and the latter is a bit larger and heavier than alternatives in this size range. Thus, if I were doing a mixed OBT + EDC scenario and had to choose between the two options you presented, I would go with the CHZ22 or else CHZ 26. Please note that this is a study in compromises - it's not the best for OBT (top-loading design is harder for access than a clamshell; also internal laptop storage is annoying to access in airport security lines when bag is fully packed), and it's not the best for EDC (needs slightly more EDC/tech organisation IMO). However, I find it the simplest, lightest and best capacity-to-size of the three. I think the CPL 24 v2 is also a solid choice for this though I would say it depends on if it fits your frame well or not. That having been said, for true OBT+EDC goldilocks bags, I would recommend also looking at things like the Bellroy Transit 28L, Heimplanet Monolith Daypack, or possibly the GoRuck GR1 26L (preferably the slick or waxed materialways). All have their own sets of compromises but I think they are very worth competitors in this space. (and I say this as a huge fan of Evergoods)
Another great video! Very thorough. Love your reviews. I'm wondering which would be better for me.. I'm 6'2" and 215lb and wondering if the CHZ22 would be too small on my back. I do own the CPL28 though so would be worried that the CHZ26 would be too similar in size.
Hi Sean! So assuming you have a somewhat corresponding back length for your height, I would agree that the CHZ22 might look a bit visually smaller when worn, especially when not fully loaded out (as I mention in my review, I think this is a bag that looks better when fully loaded out as opposed to half-empty). That having been said, I also don't think it would look totally weird (in the same way as a sub-20l bag might look) and I don't think that most people would ever notice/think twice if you were to wear it in public. It still is a robust bag and wears nice and high and tight so I think that helps with the visual congruity with your overall height - especially if you have a decent amount of stuff in it. That having been said, the CHZ26 is almost certainly going to wear visually a little bit better on you - I wouldn't worry too much about it being too similar in size to the CPL28 as I feel that the biggest differentiator between the bags is their construction/sillhouette/loading style. So they will be two very different experiences/profiles in use despite the nominally similar capacity (they also distribute that capacity very differently between one giant compartment in the CHZ line and between multiple compartments in the CPL line). Of course, if your main reason for interest in the CHZ22 is the size (rather than the loading style) then of course you should get that since 22 is definitely farther away from 28 than 26 is :) (and the CHZ line tends to carry a bit more than its rated literage in my experience). I hope this helps!
@@TheMountainborn Thank you for the very detailed and informative response! I really enjoy your reviews and your take on the bags you review. After reading the above, I think I would lean towards the CHZ26 as in it may be more suited for me. Interested to hear your take on their new CTB35.. Will you be getting one and doing a review you think??
@@TheMountainborn Great! Got a sneak peak at your CTB35 in your last Goruck bullet Kaden video. Interested to get your take on the bag and wondering if you are seeing the same issue as I am. I received my first CTB35 from Evergoods and sent it back because of an issue with it. The replacement bag they sent me has the same problem but not as bad... The issue is that it doesn't hang vertically when hung evenly at the shoulders. I'm wondering if it's just my bags that I received?? The bag sits ever so much twisted or tilted to the left when on my back. Like the top is leaning to 11 o'clock instead of pointing straight up at 12, and the bottom juts to the right. I actually have to loosen the right strap to straighten the bag up. The first bag I received was very noticeable and the second still does it to a degree. When the bag is empty and relaxed, the top center of the back panel doesn't line up with the center of the yoke pocket (where the red key leash is).. It's like the back panel isn't sewn face to face correctly so when the bag feels balanced 50/50 and comfortable on your shoulders, the front of the bag looks uneven.. Please let me know if you see the same thing. Thanks,
I'd love to hear you compare this bag to the Bellroy Transit Workpack (which you've reviewed but only compared to the CPL 24). I'm between these two bags. What do you think?
Hi Starboard! So I think it very much depends on your intended use case. Assuming you're looking for a general use EDC pack, then I think a rough comparison could be: CHZ22 Pros * Straightforward, simple design is easy to use * Top loading design and top-opening yoke/inner lid pocket encourage you to "dump things in" and open quickly to let you fish things out without a bunch of fuss. * Zippers run more smoothly overall, * Superior load carriage system (yoke, shoulder straps, sternum strap, etc.) - feels great even under load and contours very well to the back * Can work well as a "cross over pack" - i.e. makes a great day hiking pack * Can take a water bladder if needed * Robust durable materials and construction - most probably has the edge in long term durability * Side water bottle pockets are much easier to use * Available in two sizes (22, 26l, with 26L having an extra inner pocket) CHZ22 Cons * Frumpy looking weird "beak" at the top as shown in the video * Can be hard to get things at the bottom of the pack due to the top loading design * Zipper can catch when the top inner lid pocket is fully loaded, as shown in the video * Available basically only in black (save special editions) * Organization/pockets are extremely limited * Internal pocket for laptop is hard to access/use when bag is fully packed Transit Workpack Pros * Superior organization with lots of useful pockets whilst still maintaining a single large compartment to dump big things into * More external access pockets (especially external front slash pocket) * Lots of inbuilt "flex" let's the bag swallow far more than its external dimensions would suggest, but disappears when not needed * Sleeker appearance, theoretically more water resistant due to stormguard zippers * External access to laptop is much faster and easier to use (especially when bag is filled up) * Depends on your workplace, but arguably a more "professional" looking backpack * Better suited for use with lots of tech * Clamshell opening allows easier loading and finding things when full opened * Available in a several different colours/materials Transit Workpack Cons * Zipper can be a little fussy, as shown in the video * Water bottle pockets are a little frictionful to use for water bottles * Load carriage system (straps, back panel) could be better - lack of sternum strap also isn't great * Materials are the high quality typical of Bellroy but zippers in particular feel like they need a bit of care. * I wouldn't take this particular bag hiking (you could do it but it's not nearly as well suited as the CHZ22) So overall, those are my thoughts. I love both bags, but for urban EDC / work I usually find myself reaching more for the workpack than the CHZ22 due to the superior organisation and fabulous capacity-to-size ratio. However, the CHZ22 is one of my favourite day hike packs and a top choice on my off days when I'm not planning on doing much work and don't need as many devices. Hope this helps!
@@TheMountainborn Thank you so much for such a detailed reply! I've decided that the Bellroy Transit Workpack is better for me. Some factors in my decision: * I'm worried about the CHZ22 laptop storage. I definitely do try to get access to my laptop. I've also been known to shove 2 laptops in my laptop compartment... not for a trip to the coffee shop, but for a weekend trip where I need both my personal and work laptops. * I can't say I love the beak thing * I really don't care to use this bag for hiking. I have hiking packs for that, even really small ones for day trips that I usually bring along with me when I travel. No need for laptop compartment. I think if the CHZ22 had a better laptop compartment, it would be a harder choice. The CPL24 didn't appeal to me because of the side-loading laptop compartment and handles that ultimately led to no water bottle pockets on the side. I'm mixed on the "internal" water bottle pockets on the Bellroy, but I can see them being nice and will give them a shot. The last thing I need to decide is which color! I actually find the charcoal more aesthetically pleasing, but I am not sure I will like the canva weave. The materials on the black bag seem better to me and possibly worth sacrificing on the aesthetics. FYI, this bag is going to replace my peak designs everyday backpack (20L I believe). I have used that thing for 5+ years I think, but I never carry a camera anymore! When I used to keep a camera on me, it was awesome. But nowadays, I have realized it's quite silly and difficult to pack at times for the needs I have now. I love bags, so I'm honestly not sure what took me so long to land on a new everyday backpack. FWIW, even though I'm getting the transit pack, I can't help but think I'll *also* end up with the CHZ22 at some point... Thanks again for your time and great reviews.
Hi 4Ward! I usually keep my power bank in the Topo Designs Accessory Bag size Micro, in the X-Pac material way. I think that Topo Designs stopped regularly offering the X-Pac material for their pouches but they do have a wide variety of other colors and a few material choices. That having been said, in this video I think I actually had a different x-pac pouch buuuuuut I cut the tag off of it because I found the branding on the front obnoxious and now I don't know who the maker is 😅. But I recommend the Topo pouches for this sort of thing!
Is the top Yoke pocket on the CHZ 26 considerably larger than the one on the 22? I use a open face EDC Doppler kit that fits perfectly in the arc’teryx Mantis 26 and was wondering if it can also fit on the CHZ 26 or even the 22
Hi Smurfed! It's a little bit hard to measure exactly, but roughly speaking here are the dimensions. CHZ22: 27 x 13 cm CHZ26: 30 x 15 cm I measured the horizontal dimension approximately from "corner to corner" along the bottom seam of the yoke pocket. The vertical dimension I measured from the bottom seam to the "top" of the pocket (where the grey inner lining ends and the zipper begins, lining up the tape vertically along the inner edge of the stitch marks (where the pen loops on the inside side of the bag are sewn through). I didn't have a very reliable way to measure the depth of the yoke in a way that would be consistent between the two bags but the CHZ26 does feel slightly larger. I wasn't sure which EDC doppler kit you were referring to (I tried googling but didn't find any exact results) so I can't say for sure if it will fit but hopefully the dimensions above can help!
@@TheMountainborn Thanks for the time and effort! The organizer I use is actually a simple Muji bag organizer ( www.muji.us/store/4549738971382.html ) it’s really simple with tons of pockets and I like that it’s open so you can quickly access your items from a top view, this fits perfectly in the arc’teryx mantis 26 quick access pocket and if I’m changing bags I can literally just take this and put it in another bag without having to rearrange all my edc items. Judging from the dimensions of this organizer which is 15x26x7.5cm it might be able to fit the CHZ 26
Did I miss where it was specified if the laptop pouch is suspended so that the laptop is protected from banging around when the pack is set on its bottom?
I find that the amount of sagging is relatively similar - main determiner is how much you have loaded in the top pouch and how full the main compartment, but I found the extra little zipper pouch under the CHZ26 top stash pocket can help provide a bit more stability/structure to the duckbill depending on what you put in that zipper pocket, but does not fully eliminate it
Hello, thank you so much for this helpful video. I really like the recommendations part. Regarding mystery ranch, is there a way to secure the zippers? Are those zipper pulls cut proof? Is it safe to put lock on those? Thank you, mountain.
Hi E V! Glad you enjoyed the video. The Mystery Ranch Urban Assault does not have lockable zippers (meaning zippers that have an integrated loop for a lock to pass through) though you could probably somewhat secure the main compartment it with a long enough cable lock. I say "somewhat" because technically someone could still bend open the zipper loops (you would likely need pliers to do this) to pull the cable lock through. Also, note that the MR bags have a "tri-zip" design so you would need to loop the cable through all three zippers (the two side ones and the main long centre one) to secure it which is pretty awkward. This isn't something I think is very practical for everyday use however it might be okay in a pinch if you need to check in the bag. That having been said, please note that the main laptop compartment zipper does not lock (it is a one way zipper track with nothing to secure a lock to). The zipper pulls (meaning the paracord pulls attached to the metal track) are definitely not cut proof as they are simple paracord. You could theoretically replace them with whatever kind of zipper pull you would like however. All in all if you are looking for a bag which can be strongly locked, I think there are probably better choices out there. I hope this helps!
Quick question, I saw a peak design travel tripod in one of your other videos, will that fit comfortably inside the main compartment of the chz22? When I'm doing urban photo stuff I like to pack a tripod inside the bag to be more discreet. The dimensions on the website indicate it fits fine, but I would be curious to see if you have anything to say about it. I'm considering the chz22 with a peak tripod and either the small peak camera cube or a camera cube from lowepro.
I feel you. As highlighted in the review, the CHZ22 provides relatively few pockets for organisation, which necessitates compromises like this - the yoke pocket is the only first-order pocket available (and one of only two organisational pockets available total, assume we don't count the waterbottle pockets). That having been said, even in their other bags with more first-order access (such as the CPL 24 v2) I've noted that EG will often put the key leash in the yoke quick-access pocket where presumably one is intended to store their phone in as well. So it appears to be an intentional design choice on their part even when other options are available. One thing I will note is that due to the construction of the yoke pocket (wide and relatively flat but with some subtle built-in dimension) and the location (horizontal across the width of the shoulders) in practical carry I didn't have as many issues with keys scratching my phone as I have experienced in other bags which comingle these two in the quick access pockets (I did make it a point of turning the screen away from the keys when packing). So all in all is it ideal? No, definitely not and I usually carry my phone in my hip pocket anyway when outside. But when I do need to stash the phone in the bag, I don't mind putting it in this pocket alongside my keys in a pinch.
@@TheMountainborn I agree with your points in terms of reviewing the bag. In general, your phone should be in your pants pocket with absolutely nothing else in that pocket.
Hi Drowning tea - ah sorry to hear that! I actually am already using a fairly high quality separate lavalier mic for my reviews. Can you tell me a little bit more about the issues you're having? Is my voice volume too low? Muffled? Extraneous background noise, etc?
@@TheMountainborn Hello, thanks for the quick response! It's the echo, low volume and the tinny quality of the audio - like you are far away from the microphone.
Hmmm... interesting. I'm listening to it right now (both the original video master and on RU-vid) and it seems to be okay to me. I wonder what's happening? Out of curiousity, what device are you using to listen to it on?
@@TheMountainborn It's not my end - I use good quality headphones (Shure SRH1540) :) I was watching videos from Pack Hacker, Bo Ismono and Chase Reeves, then YT suggested your video to me and that was how I found this channel. Coming from their channels, the difference in audio quality was quite jarring. I understand that it's a bit unfair to compare your channel with theirs though...
Hello again! Definitely not blaming your equipment, rather wanted to understand how you're listening so I can try to listen in the same way and track down the issue. One last question - do my other videos have the same issue for you (for example, the review of the Able Carry Max → ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-mnjjQe0uK9o.html)? I use the same mic setup in both but I noticed that they do seem to sound a bit different, so I'm wondering if it's because I had a slight cold when recording the Aer sling video.
