I was obsessed with this backpack since the first time I saw a YouTube video about it, and I basically knew every feature I was gonna get when it arrived. So I knew about the 500 features this bag has, the compression, the versatility, and, of course, the straps. I didn't really care because during my whole life I've been a backpack guy, taking one with me everywhere I go, so my mind said "we´ll tank it, right?". So I did, and it kind of worked, but the flaws of the support and comfort that this bag should provide are too noticeable to not feel it when walking for longer than 1 block. Again, I can tank it, but maybe I shouldn't have to. Everything else has been an absolute blast, the expansion is life saving, and being a really medium heighted person (1.80m) the compressed mode doesn't look gargantuous for an EDC use as I expected. I´d definitely buy the next version if they do something about the padding and overall comfort. But im so happy with my purchase that I can see past this not-so-minor flaw
I have a lot of different backpacks - hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, ski touring, work, you name it. The 45L is by far my favourite backpack.. So much so that apparently I feel compelled to write a review about it LOL
First off, if you're thinking about buying the bag, watch the video walkthrough of it on YouTube. That was extremely informative for me before purchasing. It's just so versatile. I travel alot for work - every 6 weeks - and this bag has been a gamechanger for me. Its extremely well organized, fits with various packing cube systems (I have a 3rd party brand), and fits my big honking hydraflask water bottle on the outside of the bag which I appreciate.
The ability to shrink the bag to a 30L size is useful once I'm at a destination and want a slightly smaller, more work oriented laptop.
I've started to use it as a duffle bag too now for personal vacations/road trips/weekend getaways. I tuck away the shouldwr straps, unzip the middle divider, and now I have a duffle that I can just carelessly toss clothes into.
Seriously great bag. A pricey bag, but an incredible bag.
I bought this backpack in April of 2022, almost exactly 4 years ago and I have to say I love this backpack. BUT unfortunately, I lost the chest strap after 1 year (which is holding by simple pinching hooks, so easy to loose). Also, the main zipper only lasted 3 years. I've been dealing with this broken zipper for 1 year now. I did not yank on it nor anybody else around my backpack. This happened from simple day to day use.
Purchased for a trip to Kenya with three locations. Used in conjunction with a large camera cube, Neoprene body bag, small neoprene pancake lens holder. I carried a 150-500mm, a 70-180mm, a 26mm, Nikon Z6 body, large bathroom dop kit, puffy jacket in a compression bag, paperwork, 3 batteries, large rocket blower, camera strap and various other items. Very useful on safari drives where I could carry my puffy jacket, rain jacket and camera outside the camera cube and other gear in the pocket areas. Weight with gear was about 26 pounds. The backpack itself is about 8 lbs, which means solid protection, and weight. I love the design, but even if that does not float your boat watch the YouTube videos and check out the versatility. Best backpack I have ever owned. For at home, I will get an extra-large cube for my longer lenses.
This has quickly become one of my favorite bags. It is beautiful and functional. I have a rather large, bulky, laptop that isn’t easy to accommodate; however, this bag’s dedicated laptop storage handles it just fine.
Bought the 30L version of this travel backpack and have traveled with it now maybe 4-5 times. Love how the bag opens up for easy packing and access to everything inside (no digging around inside to find what I want). Also really convenient to have access on the top side, especially when the bag is stowed under the seat in front on the plane. It's almost perfect except for one big miss IMO. You cannot easily slide this bag on top of a roller bag handle in the upright position (like every other backpack)! You have to turn it sideways and then hold the strap on the back open while mounting it onto your roller bag handle. I don't get it. It's very awkward. Fix this and I would give it 5 stars instead of 4.