I bought this bag a month a go due to its compact size, its beautiful and elegant. This bag is perfect as a day bag but for weekend trips proper packing plan has to be done to be able to fit all what I need. The exterior zipped pockets is just enough for a wallet, phone, keys, sunglasses. What I would like to have in this bag is to have deeper external front pockets with zipper or extra pockets with a zipper.
I recently got the 30L. Exceptional craftsmanship and design. The quality really shows and I expect this to last over a decade with constant traveling—as my Tumi backpack survived over ten years of international travel.
I am realizing this is a very special backpack with only one exterior pocket and the clam shell design. A design decision that fits my pursuit for less clutter which gives my better mental clarity. My current Tumi has 5 exterior pockets… But I have learned over the years that five pockets encourages me to carry a lot of unnecessary stuff. I did a few audits of my backpack content over the last few years and realized that over half of the stuff I was carrying (besides notebook and laptop) was not being used. So, before getting this 30L, I had already started moving to less stuff in outside pockets, which are only the immediate essentials (ear pods, business cards, gum/mints, sunglasses, work access badge). Everything else can go in the main compartment.
There are a couple of zippered pouches inside the clam shell main compartment. I have found that I can easily access the upper mesh interior pocket without having to open the entire clam shell. This is great because this design allows for a few more easily accessed items like passport and moleskin notebook (with a pen loop on notebook). I did get the compression cubes and will be using them for 1-2 day business trips. I will also use the bag for my DSLR setup with pro lenses.
I am certainly enjoying the bag so far and look forward to a long 10+ year relationship with it. I think it can handle it. The trade offs with the bag are right for me and meet my desire for an everyday carry that can do a little more when needed.
I bought this travel backpack recently and after using it a couple times I absolutely love it. Right now I'm using it for daily use as a gym and work bag and I'm able to carry all of my work items and gym gear in the same, stylish, and high quality bag without lugging around multiple bags. I bought the olive green color as my second choice since black was out of stock but now that I have it, I'm glad I chose this color. It matches all work color schemes and outfits.
The high quality materials and clever/considered design throughout this bag have been a fantastic investment. The fit and distribution of weight is really great, and it's quick and easy to get in and out of the bag (with a good balance of zippered pockets that work well for me). Glad it will last a lifetime, and that PD is doing everything to build and sell this gear sustainably.
My son travels and sees this bag numerous times on planes. On checking out site he asked for this particular bag as it works as a carryon and can easily pack a few days worth of clothes. He’s very happy that the reviews were right, it’s the perfect travel bag.