Hey folks. I really need help deciding between the Aer City Pack Pro2 and the TomToc TechPack T73. I bought them both, have been switching between the two for about a week and I just can’t decide which to keep. I love the two large pockets in the front of the tomtoc but I also love the top pocket of the Aer CPP2. The tomtoc laptop compartment feels way nicer and is roomier but the aer is more sleek and not as big. I want the slim design with the top pocket aer but the large front pockets and the laptop pouch of the tomtoc. I’m so torn and need help. Anyone used them both? What did you ultimately land on and why?

I have a zillion slings and pack backs, tons of pouches, certified many bagger freak here. I thought the Alpaka Micro was novel enough to piss some money on. Took forever to ship to the USA, and I haven't used it much yet, but I kinda like it already. I use a Tom Bihn Cubelet with a 5/8" shoulder strap for my EDC for my (2) car keys and wallet. I mainly wear it around my neck as a lanyard vs cross body and I love it.

I thought maybe this Alpaka would be a fun alternate, however the zipper is way better and safer to keep my cash and credit card inside. HOWEVER I'm crazy enough I might just carry the micro INSIDE the Cubelet. It's a free country!

I have added photos of the two side by side.

The materials and hand feel and colors of the Micro are sweet, but again, novel.

Carry on my fellow many baggers!

Can anyone who has the able carry or both of these tell me if they are a good match? The attachment points look very similar to me.

Able Carry Core Sling

Tom Bihn Simple Strap

So I’ve have this bag a little over a week and it has fit right into my very busy commuter routine. I’ve been a long time admirer of 1733 but as someone who doesn’t work in an office (cook here), I haven’t found much of a reason to pick up. Felt the urge to splurge a bit and exchange my old tactical backpack for something more stylish. This has been such a dream. As big as it is it doesn’t feel bulky to carry and it feels extremely comfortable on my shoulder, the straps do an incredible job of distributing weight. I pack tons of shit with me (utensils, cooking equipment, weights, sizzle trays, aprons, towels) and I still have tons of space left, can easily fit a change of clothes for the gym, lunch, chef coats, jackets on top of everything I keep in there. Second slide is for how I pack it out, to any chefs on here Klein tool bags are killer for packing extra gear that I don’t use often but like to have handy. Highly recommend!

MBG’s, I’m seeking something similar to this “craft tote” to contain and organize ledger pads/notebooks/books/pens/stickies/clips, notes and ephemera for a project I’m working on, so I can take it with me somewhere. Not on transportation
(Also I have all these things all over a table, and when I have to clean up it all gets thrown in a plastic crate.)

Do you use any tote that’s similar to contain crafts?
Brands? Willing to pay for something good quality.

Will repost this on the organization sub as well.
TIA

Hello everyone as title says I think i found my dream bag but unsure from what brand to buy it from the eikenshop one or the fandare messenger bag the eikenshop one is around €99.90 and on sale for €74.90 now the fandare one is €61.99 and I dont know which one to go for both look great and I like the style of it

( Sorry for my english not my first language )

Of course “normal” is relative, but I bought a peak design tech pouch becuase my Aer slim pouch was getting cramped but I wasn’t prepared for how big the peak design actually was

It’s massive. It’s a little too big but my slim pouch is a little too small.

I thought about which one to keep (on that’s too big or one that’s too small), and I know this is Many Baggers so it might be a dumb question, but is it normal to havr multiple tech kits for different uses? Like I can see myself using hot different kits with different bags.

Or is that greedy and should I just keep either “too big” or “too small”?

(I should say I do like that cable pass through for charging though)

Does anyone know of any backpacks (around15-20L) with a key leash or key hook inside an interior zippered pocket?

The Matador 18L Personal Item has one, but not sure if there are any backpacks/daypacks with a similar feature?

For those of you who have owned or handled both which one is better? More functional, comfortable and better EDC? Thanks!

Hello,

I am based in Germany and im looking for a nice EDC bag that I will use to commmute to work or uni on my motorcycle. decided against a Kriega backpack, they're just not to my liking.

I carry the following everyday:

- 16 inch laptop with 11 inch macbook pro

- two engineering books with a little notebook and pens

- 27000 mAh anker powerbank, charger and externel ssd.

- small jacket or t shirt and place for my driving gloves

Which bag would you recommend? I'd love one that can stand on its own, with a separate laptop space with false bottom. I really like the look of the Aer CPP2 (20l or 24l?), but I'm open to suggestions. Thank you!

I just purchased new luggage (Travel Pro Platinum Elite Carry-on Spinner) and I'm looking for a personal item that fits under the seat to pair with it. I could get the TravelPro matching tote, but it is rather expensive for a tote and doesn't scream 'gotta have it'. Or, would I love it if I saw it in person? I've looked at the CarryX, but it only comes in black, which is the only color I don't want. I looked at the PackT travel duffel, which looks promising, but it is marked final sale, and I've never seen one in person. Any other suggestions for a tote or duffel? Backpacks hurt my back, so I'm specifically looking for something else with a trolly sleeve. I need something big enough for a 14" laptop, iPad, AirPods, charging cables, water bottle, eyeglasses, snacks, 3-1-1 bag & sweatshirt.

Also, does width of trolly sleeve matter? I see some with a full sleeve and others with a 1- 2" piece of webbing.

35L or above.

Rigid structure, but not plastic suitcase.

Duffel config with handles, cross body/shoulder strap only, not a backpack, no wheels.

Top entry.

Built to last.

Thanks in advance.

I've been needing a new work bag for a while now for alpaka's anniversary they came out with their 7ven Messenger again 😅

For my first impressions ,it fit everything that I carry in my normal bag perfectly fine. I also received the stash pouch free because I already got the mini messenger free in another order with my flight sling. Turns out I am able to use it of course.

The build quality is amazing the organization is perfect. The aesthetics are beautiful. I really don't have much bad to say yet.. but I doubt I will. Oh I almost forgot. It almost doesn't fit my keychron full size keyboard. But I don't always carry it with me.

On slide 5 is quick snapshot of my chrome industries Kadet Max stuffed with all the things that I carry it's barely able to close so I'm glad this bag got here when it did.

All my little accessories are alpaca. Also one is the admin pouch that's already discontinued and also a key hub clip and now obviously the stash pouch. I am going to get the new admin pouch pro I think soon.

Overall first impressions 9/10 bag I will give it a 10 out of 10 once I see how it fares on my day-to-day but this is one hell of a bag so far.

What are people's thoughts on potential Black Friday/holiday sales, by brand? Thinking about Aer, Able Carry, Evergoods, etc.

Anyone recall who has done discounts in the past?

Does anyone know any brands that use X-Pac X11? I know, 1733, and Defy sometimes use the material, but are there any other brands using this?

Hi everyone,

My wife, 3 year toddler and I are going on a long trip from the US to Singapore+Sri Lanka this December. Trip length is about 1 month and 10 days in Singapore and 20 days in Sri Lanka.

Trip times: US to Singapore : 30 hours with 5 hour layover

Singapore to SL: 5 hours

SL to US: 36 hours with 8 hour layover in HKG

This is our first international trip with child. Also first trip with her on a flight .

We were discussing what bags to take and it seems what makes sense is

• One of us takes a smaller backpack as a personal item and a roller carry on
• one of us takes a bigger backpack (25-30L) as a carry on luggage so we can be with our daughter

My wife has a EDC bag: a 14L Bellroy tokyo totepack small. We agreed this will most likely not work.

We want to get 2 backpacks with the above specs. Is this a sound strategy?

We will be doing similar trips every December. During the summer, we are planning to do 3-4 day trips either by flight or train or road. So if they could work well in these situations it would be a plus.

The smaller bags I’m considering

Smaller backpack:
- Pioneer Savant: this will work for me as an EDC bag. Mostly set on this. Works also well when I travel for research conferences. Somewhat pricey, but hoping it will be on discount for Black Friday. Also pretty light.

- aer city pack pro 2 20L. I have an aer day sling and like the the material

- able carry daily plus: like the comfort, don’t like the lack of dedicated laptop compartment

Bigger backpack:

- Pioneer panda: essentially the travel backpack of the savant. Good organization. Comfort is not the best. But llighter than backpacks of this size

- able carry max edc: Great backpack for lot of travel situations. Only gripe is that I wish it was in cordura. Not a fan of ripstop. I haven’t had a x- pac. But I’m open. Also a bit heavy

- aer cpp2 24L: seems like the best of both worlds between the above. Better organization than able carry max edc, but not Compromising as much comfort in straps as the panda

For reference both of us are in the shorter size

In 5’8, 135lbs and my wife is 5’3” 125lbs.

Both bags should work for both of us.

Any other considerations when choosing a backpack?

Hi all!

I’m after some recommendations on a travel camera backpack?

I’ve got an upcoming trip to China and also a few more in the near future. I’m after a camera backpack that is more urban and sleek-ish? Not really keen on the big bags that look like I’ll be camping in a forest.

I consider myself a hobbyist and this will be the with the following gear I’ll be taking with me:

- Sony A7Cii with 24-70mm
- Fuji X100vi
- Osmo pocket 3
- MacBook Pro 14 inch
- IPad 11 inch
- Spare batteries, chargers etc
- Switch 2 maybe?
- Tripod

I had a Brevite jumper in the smaller size for my trip to Japan earlier in the year. However, I feel like I’ve outgrown the size of that bag and would like to explore other options. Something that’s relatively compact would be great!

I’ve had a look at the PGYTECH Onego lite and that seems pretty good imo. Any others you can recommend?

Thanks!

Man this sling rocks.but there are a few things i would change again (might swap out the blue comptession buckles in the front to ghooks (once the blue ones i ordered arrive) as well as a pad for camera carry. I was wondering if someone has done a single sided strap swap? Using a 38mm buckle and a 38 mm clip? The strap is good enough for use but the long lengths at the end kinda ruin it for me tbh

I have a number of literally and some figuratively unused bags that are just sitting here. I am too lazy to try and list them one by one for sale. Do you think there would be interest in a competitively priced lot that includes:

• GoRuck GR1 Heritage Waxed Canvas 21L (unused)
• Code of Bell X-Pac (unused)
• TNF Recon (slightly used)
• Bellroy Classic Backpack (21l I think, slightly used)
• Bellroy Venture Ready Duffle (40l, used once)

https://www.matadorequipment.com/pages/1-hour-sale-sign-up

Looks like it is today but there is no sign-up on the webpage, no idea when it starts.

Does anyone have info about this sale?

UPDATE

Looks like the sale starts at 11AM MT (1PM ET) but opens 30 minutes early for those that registered for early access. Go and load stuff in your card now!

Hello,

in my review of the Osprey Tropos I concluded that it is not for me and that the Chrome Industries Barrage (Medium) outperforms it in all my use cases but organization. I argued it could probably fit the same amount of stuff and more flexibly. Right before my current travel (five days, two bags) I decided to put this thesis to the test. You can judge it yourself from the pictures.

Pic one: The Barrage is well packed out but still closes neatly.

Pic two: The stuff I packed.

Pic three: All but my keys packed into the Tropos which has namely ten to six liters more space. It is not packed out and offers some more space in the elastic outer pocket.

My judgement: There is still some room in the main compartment of the Tropos but it does not feel like six liters, maybe two. Then it would be maxed out though. My green hoodie or toiletry bag could fit into the cargo net of the barrage to free up a comparable amount of space inside the bag.

So deciding between the two bags comes down to organization vs flexibility. For me, the Barrage is the keeper here.

The summary

The video is available athttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVMzaEOAPL0.

Trying a new format with the product time codes... let's see if you like it.

Chase tests a wide spread of sleeves, folios, and tech carry-alls, categorized by use case:

Weather and security specialists

• Matador Laptop Base Layer: IPX6-rated roll-top closure with taped seams, hypalon accents, and a stretchy exterior pocket for a charger or AirPods [00:43]. Light, packable, and minimal bulk inside a pack.
• SLNT (Silent Pocket): Integrated Faraday cage lining that blocks Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID, GPS, and EMF signals [02:22]. Offers thick edge padding, magnetic closure, and horizontal or vertical orientations.

Budget and high-utility carry-alls

• Gravel Laptop Case: Rugged build, front pocket with dedicated dimension, weather-resistant zips, and rope grab handles backed by a lifetime warranty [04:47].
• Tomtoc Sleeve: Budget-conscious pick with dense padding, plush fleece interior lining, and an exterior pocket [07:26].
• Aer Tech Folio: Heavy-duty 1680D ballistic nylon, bottom grab handle, and robust internal tech organization for chargers, cables, and notebooks [11:23].
• Bellroy Laptop Caddy: Grainy, durable shell with weather-resistant zips and a structured, padded front pocket that expands without pinching the main compartment [14:25].
• Porama Laptop Sleeve: Dual self-dimensioned front pockets with magnetic stays that fold open flat to serve as a tabletop tech caddy [08:12].
• Nomatic: Covered two styles—their classic padded tech organizer folio [10:05] and the modular system series with attachable tech pouch and shoulder strap [15:59].
• Boundary Supply: Minimal magnetic closure design with stretch mesh exterior storage [12:58].

Desk pads and functional hybrids

• MOFT Laptop Sleeve: Origami faux-leather build with integrated magnetic flap that folds into an angled ergonomic laptop riser [19:37].
• Orbitkey Nest / Desk Mat Sleeve: Rigid structure that doubles as an on-the-go desk mat and mouse surface [18:45].

Minimalist and premium materials

• Nedrelow: Thick felted wool sleeve that provides scratch protection and acts as a soft desk pad [21:54].
• Oliver Co: Sustainable vegan apple-leather sleeve with a clean, low-profile silhouette [22:42].
• Nordform & Capra Leather: Traditional minimalist leather slip sleeves with raw or structured finishes [09:25].

The Links

Direct, clean links to the manufacturer product pages for the sleeves featured in the roundup (no affiliate,tracking or other weird types of links - clean and direct):

Weatherproof and technical

• Matador Laptop Base Layer:https://www.matadorequipment.com/products/laptop-base-layer
• SLNT (Silent Pocket) Faraday Sleeves:https://slnt.com/collections/faraday-laptop-sleeves
• Boundary Supply Fieldspace:https://www.boundarysupply.com/products/fieldspace

Carry-alls and folios

• Gravel Laptop Case:https://www.graveltravel.com/products/laptop-case
• Bellroy Laptop Caddy:https://bellroy.com/products/laptop-caddy
• Aer Tech Folio:https://aersf.com/collections/laptop-sleeves
• Tomtoc Defender Series:https://www.tomtoc.com/collections/defender

Desk mat and functional hybrids

• MOFT Carry Sleeve:https://www.moft.us/products/moft-carry-sleeve
• Orbitkey Hybrid Laptop Sleeve:https://www.orbitkey.com/products/hybrid-laptop-sleeve

Leather and sustainable materials

• Nedrelow Magic Sleeve:https://www.nedrelow.com/products/magic-sleeve
• Oliver Co Slim Vegan Laptop Sleeve:https://olivercompanylondon.com/products/vegan-laptop-sleeve
• Capra Leather Laptop Sleeves:https://capraleather.com/collections/handmade-laptop-tablet-case-sleeve
• Nordform MacBook Sleeve:https://nordformstore.com/macbook-sleeves/

​

As a runner thats got big feet, whenever I go abroad I struggle to get more than one pair of shoes in hand luggage and end up preferring hold luggage.

I'm after a 60L wheeled case or wheeled duffel, that isn't super heavy empty.

Looking at a brief choice of options, im considering an Eastpak 60L duffel, Osprey rolling transporter, or Antler Wheeled Duffel.

I'm aware of North Face ones etc but can someone recommend something that is:

Semi rigid, flexible but not overly soft.

Durable wheels

An internal space that doesnt have the handle rails protruding through.

Not bothered about cost, but a 5 year warranty would be nice.

Generally I carry:

Running poles, cant get these in hand luggage, or i dont want to risk it.

Powders, gels etc, similar to above point

Running shoes usually 2 pairs

What would suggestions be for this? UK BASED

Hey everyone, i am wondering if anyone could tell how the discount on the bags of pioneer on Black friday? I do remember 40% last year was not applicable on bags.