Luggage Bags and Packs
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@Anesthetist I had to wash it twice to get all the dirt out. I wouldn't say it's phenomenal. The denim isn't very soft and is kind of itchy… Why I wear it at work now. I have a UES denim hat on the way and I am hoping it is better quality.
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GORUCK and Carryology have collaborated on a bag. It's black, made from Dyneema, and has a titanium morale patch.
It's launching on 25th May.
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I like it but since I bought the MR collab, I’d be risking castration to buy another….
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I like it but since I bought the MR collab, I’d be risking castration to buy another….
Surely your other half needs a black, tactical rucksack…
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I've been in a pack rabbit hole of late, researching all sorts of things. I don't have a legitimate need for anything, aside from wanting basically what I use for my laptop bag most of the time (a Briggs & Riley @work that is 24L: hard to me imagine using a bag with less capacity for business travel) in a larger size to support single-bag, short-trip travel.
My "needs":
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Laptop sleeve that can scale to 15" laptops and offers decent protection; laptop easily accessible, preferably from under the airplane seat in front of me, though a side zip isn't a deal-breaker)
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RFID shielding for passports/wallets
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Durable construction, including abrasion and puncture resistance (sorry, Dyneema, but you aren't fit for purpose, though I love my Dyneema wallet). Would love X-Pac aside from the crinkle, but durable Cordura is fine. Nothing excessively heavy like leather
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Comfortable to wear, even with heavy loads, and without need for a belt (sternum strap is fine)
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Capacity of 30L+ in as compact a form factor as possible–it can't be a gigantic travel bag
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Does fine in the rain, but doesn't need to be a dry bag
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Stores a water bottle well and accessibly (a gripe I have of my Briggs & Riley). Exterior storage preferred
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Exterior pockets for quick access (throw a phone in there at airport security, etc). Lack of this invalidated the Bedouin Pequod for me
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Organization for pens, tech, etc
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Pass-through to attach to rolling luggage
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Easy access to business cards
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Accountability from the maker (warranty, and actual availability of support–I hear Triple Aught can ignore a lot of requests, though that has not been my experience with them)
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Clamshell or close to it for the main compartment (another shortcoming of my current bag)
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Ideally not too overtly "storm-the-Capitol" tacti-cool; don't want exterior MOLLE and such, need it to look professional. The slick GR1 would be fine for this requirement, though not the non-slick one
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If it looks cool, great! But wouldn't want to attract too much attention or be too blingy
In all my research of the offerings out there, at the end of the day in terms of pure practicality as I define it above for my purposes, I don't think anything I've seen beats this boring Briggs & Riley. I'm inviting the forum to change my mind if anyone has better, more exciting ideas.
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@mclaincausey I suspect that you'd be trading practicality for style if the Briggs & Riley works for you.
Defy have released an X-Pac Verbockel, which is the right sort of size, but is a roll top. The Tom Bihn Synik probably hits most of your list, as does the Mission Workshop Rhake. The Trakke Storr is similar to the GoRuck, but with a more civilian look.
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There's also the Waterfield Designs Pro Executive Backpack, though that looks more like a Briggs & Riley bag.
Hardgraft off the Well-Rounded Backpack in a coated canvas, and the Belted Backpack in leather. But I don't think that they're what you're after.
Cote et Ciel might be worth a look for a more left field design…
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Thanks @Graeme encyclopedic and helpful as usual. Really love that Defy bag! Another one I found that’s in the mix is the Bellroy Transit Backpack in black.
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Glad to help @mclaincausey.
Bellroy are from Melbourne, so local to me. They run the Carryology brand, and I am still gutted that their store closed a few years ago.
If you fancy the Verbockel, use the defy15 discount code to get 15% off.
The Peak Design Travel Backpack might be another option. They are a bit bigger (around 45 litres), but still a carry on size.
I also like the Fjallraven Travel Pack. And I believe that their Travel Toiletry Bag is sized to fit into the top compartment at the front.
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Thanks again. That Peak is on my radar for a more substantial travel bag. Osprey makes one that has a zip off daypack that may be suitable as a laptop bag (I’d need to go back again and look). That’s a nice option for 1.5-bag travel.
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Defy should pay you a referral fee @Graeme . I couldn’t resist the black.
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Looking forward to seeing what you think of it @mclaincausey.
And I do not get a commission.
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I treated my EDC work bag (Tanner’s Alley 60s Satchel) today with Obenaufs and I’m loving the patina this bag has taken on after years of use and abuse.
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awsome!
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last saturday I payed a visit to a local wine importer to get some wines to go with a bbq dish I was catering and wife took a few sneak pictures of me wearing my faithfull Thrux Lauwrence backback.
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Eagle (Defy VerBockel) has landed.
Great bag and almost perfect for my needs of one bag that can be used for work and on a bike.
Stands up on its own even empty. Great tote handles can be left out or packed away.
Water bottle holders are cavernous but flatten when not in use.
Rolltop packs down or packs up for higher capacities. The traditional disadvantage of a rolltop is mitigated by a banana zipper. The X-PAC lightens the interior so I’m not dealing with packing in and out of a dark tube. Robust construction and taped seams.
Optional sternum strap attaches to the MOLLE straps. Also MOLLE on the water bottle holders.
Disadvantages are that there’s no getting around the rolltop for laptop access and there’s no back ventilation. Easy compromises to make given the quality and design otherwise.
Thanks again @Graeme !
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@mclaincausey I'm glad you like the bag. I've got an older, waxed canvas Verbockel, which is great, but it weighs several tonnes even when empty. I think that the X-Pac will reduce that burden somewhat. Mine also lacks the banana zip and front pocket, so it's a bit simpler.
I can pack mine for a week's trip for one bag travel. I also appreciate that the straps join at the top of the body, so it can be worn on a motorcycle without interfering with a helmet.
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I might have to sell my Bradley Mountain and get this instead
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[emoji85]
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