Great review as always! I have been taking mine into the office all week and it’s about perfect for my EDC which includes a 17 inch Dell workstation as my work laptop. It’s in with room to spare. That alone makes it better my edc than Goruck GR1 GR1XC 26 liter.
Perfect timing for this review, at least for me. I’m on the fence about it because I have Kaidans for travel and I don’t need it for EDC so it’s had to justify this one. You’re arguably the leader in the bag segment now, keep up the good work.
Awesome! I'm just trying to find a good one. This one is very cool and I dig what they did. More trips planned with this one. The Kaidan are good too though.
Just got this too and can't wait to go on a trip. Solid, fair, balanced review as always. I had always wished Evergoods would make a smaller CTB and they delivered. The only nitpicks I have are that the bag is a bit heavy for its size, and wish the front dump pocket was deeper. But other than that, I think it's great. Thank you JB for making some of the most credible and trustworthy reviews out there. Keep it up!
What say you....too long for someone 5'6" and torso challenged (I know I always ask the same question...I would only use this for travel). I'm one of the unlucky ones that have digging issues from every EG bag (still a fan, despite my issues). I just bought a new frame sheet with stays to see if it relieves the pressure. Great review, as always. I love your enthusiasm. It makes me want to tolerate pain...
@@JBOutside1 I like the way it looks on you! It's too late for me to grow...I always fall for the EG design aesthetic but I gotta start prioritizing fit due to cranky back. Never wore an X-Pac bag. I love the feel of the EG/Heritage fabric. So dunno if it will float my boat. But If it's too long, I have a Heritage and GR2 26L (you turned me into a Goruck girl). I'll just have to go on shorter trips unless I learn to pack like a pro and not at the last minute (unlikely). Enjoy your new pack!
Seems like Aer City Pack Pro in XPac is a better deal. It has top quick access, side quick access and two pockets in front. It’s a little smaller at 24L, but that might be preferred for some people.
I like my v2 phoenix. I just wish it was maybe 2 liters larger. If the bottom was wider, it may be perfect. I have to carry one extra pouch for my contact case, solution and glasses. That’s why I need slightly larger. I agree with you on the key keeper. That should be in one of the top 2 quick access pockets like the V1. It’s in the way in the side pocket.
That depends. The packing I did in this video was a pretty easy and minimal list. Mostly just a couple of layers...nothing too complicated. For a full-on 4-day adventure I'd have to go bigger than 30L or do a combo of this one and a GORUCK Kit Bag...which is my most commonly used side-kick for two-bag travel. I absolutely hate wheeled bags when I travel...but that's just me. And I never check a back.
Thank you for the great review, I cannot find this bag for sale on Evergoods website, is it available for sale anymore? On another note, I have been diving into the world of EDC's and I never thought buying a back pack would bring me down such a rabbit hole. As I find one amazing EDC another brand will popup that I never knew about. I know find myself torn between choosing from the Evergoods CPL 28L or Carryology 26L; GR1, GR2 ; Brown Buffalo Conceal Pack 21L. Do you have any quick thought recommendations on what bag you would chose for a commuter bag and potentially weekend travel? I have watched all your reviews on these bags and just thought I would come out asking you directly. Much thanks for the quality you put into this videos.
Thanks Forest! That's a tough one. Lots of great choices. An easy call is a GR1. The 21L is very versatile and there's a ton of different colors and materials out there. The CTB26 was a limited release. I'd predict Evergoods releases their own version in their own material...which would be VERY nice.
Thanks for a great video! Does this bag standup on its own when it's loaded out? If so, I'm curious if that's the case when you have one water bottle in. I felt my CHZ22 would fall on its side when I had a full water bottle on one side. Thanks!
It the bottom is packed pretty tightly it stands nicely and it doesn't matter if there's a bottle or not. When I packed it for my trip to capacity it was just fine. At EDC loads it might be a different story.
@@JBOutside1 nice! I have mine coming too. May just be my grail, though it’s not the first time I’ve thought that. 😂 It’s between this and the heritage Goruck GR2 26L. I’d love to see a comparison if possible.
Looks like it ticks almost all boxes. Between this and the Goruck GR2 26L heritage, which do you prefer? I’m looking for the ideal EDC bag, and the GR2 26L gets almost everything right. Just missing the external water bottle pockets.
@@adong656 I did a review of the Citadel Micro. They're well built and have a lot of cool features. Ultimately it just wasn't for me. Sometimes a brand and vibe just doesn't work.
Not a fan of companies coming out with the special edition before the regular one (which we all know is coming). All this does is let the makers charge as much as possible for the later regular version (rather than the more reasonable price it could have been if it came out first)
@@JBOutside1 thanks, JB! Yes i just feel regular version first and then special version is more fair(?) to the buyer than the other way around, as far as pricing at least. But it is an awesome bag 🤤
@@bedanawi ok, gotcha now. The volume difference isn't that significant and I don't think the PHX1 will feel all that much smaller. The pockets are better in the PHX2. For smaller...that Spartanology looks pretty sweet.
@@JBOutside1 saw the Spartonology, didn't really like the design. I have the CPL24v3 and I absolutely love the bag, love the clean, streamlined design. Was hoping the PHX2 would be similar in size but it's noticeably bigger. I also noticed that the hook in between the top and side handle is too stiff. On my cpl I can easily out a hero clip there. It's a struggle with this one. Love your videos btw. They're very helpful.