Two years into using my Everyday Backpack for all my backpack needs. It is my carry-on while traveling, my daily laptop, etc. bag, and really, just a great friend. Sorry if I don’t say it enough, Backpack. Love you, man.
It’s true. This is far and away the best backpack I have ever owned for everyday carry. It’s gorgeous, utilitarian, comfortable and it takes a beating too!
I’m a traveling construction supervisor meaning I go from plane to plane job site to job site and carry a 16” laptop and surface pro, full size DSLR, hard hat, clothes, etc. It’s not let me down.
I love the customization available with the internal folding sections. I don't use the bag for camera equipment but for other tech. My 15" surface book 3 fits great in the laptop section. I store my 40oz Hydro flask in one of the side zippers, along with all my other EDC for my job like a full size mouse, range finder, FLIR thermal cam, chargers, headphones, and more.
I love this bag! I woke up early in Thailand one morning, grabbed my gear and rode my scooter 20 minutes for a pre sunrise photo, hiked a kilometer and then put my bag down, just to find out I forgot to zip up the side panel. I can't believe nothing fell out. Worth the cost of the bag right there... but there is more. I had an issue with the zipper after a few years and the customer service to replace it was very organized, simple and fast.
I bought this a month ago and am happy that I did. I wanted it for everyday carry to/from work on the subway. I’ve also taken it on a weekend trip by plane.
Pros: I like the side access so stuff on the bottom of the bag is reachable without unloading the entire bag. The internal dividers add organization, even though they get in the way sometimes. The keychain is a very convenient place to put my keys because the strap system works well. The side handles make it comfortable to hold the bag in tight spaces on transit.
Nits: The bag’s still a little stiff opening the top pocket, but maybe it’ll improve over time. It feels like a very narrow gap and it’s hard to see what I’m grabbin in there. The side pockets are hard to access unless you use two hands, which makes it inconvenient to use them for masks or AirPods when on transit. Combined with #1, it means there are essentially zero quick access pockets on this bag that are convenient with one hand. I don’t think I’ll be able to use the laptop holder for a 16 in MacBook Pro. It feels very tight with a 15 inch in there as is.
The bag doesn’t feel like 30L because to achieve that I think I’d need to remove the dividers and use the topmost latch. I’m not sure I really want 30L for an everyday carry, so this is fine, just something to note.
Overall, the bag is almost perfect. Though it requires some habit changing due to the innovative design and is a bit more inconvenient for quick access than I had hoped, I still enjoy having it.