I appreciate the effort to put up a video on this big because there don't seem to be many. But, I think it would've helped to use this bag more. I got this and also the Mantis 26. The 16L is brilliant for what it is. Many 16L bags can have weird or smallish proportions which make it tough to pack anything significant. This one is perfect for what I carried. I can fit all my daily essentials (charging accessories, dopp kit, tablet, laptop, lunch) with no issues whatsoever. It hugs close to the back and looks and feels really slim. I do use a separate sleeve for my laptop and would never use the hydration bladder sleeve for that purpose. The straps are a non-issue even with heavier loads of 15-20lbs (which you wouldn't ordinarily carry in a 16L anyway, but I tried and was fine for a 3 hour hike). The materials overall are top notch and feel premium. The back panel in particular has a nice solid metal (I'm assuming) frame sheet which almost no bags of this size have. That frame sheet helps a ton with the carry. The back also has a ventilation design that I've never seen before, but works really well. It just feels very comfortable to carry overall. Water bottle sleeves can be tightened by just using the cords that run through the top of the sleeves. So that was a non-issue for me as well. The bag for $120 isn't really that expensive all things considered and definitely not expensive by Arcteryx standards. I actually think it's a bit of a bargain at this price. The only thing I'd add is another zippered pocket on the front to give this bag even more utility. And I agree with you that the top quick access pocket could be a pinch deeper.
Thanks for the useful info. I do agree, no daypack of said size and purpose should cost anything above $80. In terms of looks and features, it is everything I look for in a daypack (especially the bright internal lining - which is hard to come by on a daypack of this size). I can definitely see how the stretched out water bottle pockets and the lack of strap keepers are a bit of a letdown, but I'd definitely grab myself one were it still available to buy (and obviously below $100).
I didn’t try and no longer have the pack, but could possibly squeeze it in. I wouldn’t though because there’s not really any padding or protection. They do however make the mantis in larger sizes.
I actually quite like this backpack, but like you said, different strokes for different folks. It carries a deceptively large amount of stuff and the materials are solid. Only thing I don't like is the lack of organization on the inside. I wish they could bring over the laptop sleeve from the Granville and Arro.
I appreciate the effort to put up a video on this big because there don't seem to be many. But, I think it would've helped to use this bag more. I got this and also the Mantis 26. The 16L is brilliant for what it is. Many 16L bags can have weird or smallish proportions which make it tough to pack anything significant. This one is perfect for what I carried. I can fit all my daily essentials (charging accessories, dopp kit, tablet, laptop, lunch) with no issues whatsoever. It hugs close to the back and looks and feels really slim. I do use a separate sleeve for my laptop and would never use the hydration bladder sleeve for that purpose.
The straps are a non-issue even with heavier loads of 15-20lbs (which you wouldn't ordinarily carry in a 16L anyway, but I tried and was fine for a 3 hour hike). The materials overall are top notch and feel premium. The back panel in particular has a nice solid metal (I'm assuming) frame sheet which almost no bags of this size have. That frame sheet helps a ton with the carry. The back also has a ventilation design that I've never seen before, but works really well. It just feels very comfortable to carry overall.
Water bottle sleeves can be tightened by just using the cords that run through the top of the sleeves. So that was a non-issue for me as well. The bag for $120 isn't really that expensive all things considered and definitely not expensive by Arcteryx standards. I actually think it's a bit of a bargain at this price.
The only thing I'd add is another zippered pocket on the front to give this bag even more utility. And I agree with you that the top quick access pocket could be a pinch deeper.
Thanks for your comment! Good detailed take on it. I’m sure a lot of ppl will find it helpful. Glad the pack works for you!
Would like to hear your thoughts on the 26l, I'm considering it as a travel backpack
Thanks for the useful info. I do agree, no daypack of said size and purpose should cost anything above $80. In terms of looks and features, it is everything I look for in a daypack (especially the bright internal lining - which is hard to come by on a daypack of this size). I can definitely see how the stretched out water bottle pockets and the lack of strap keepers are a bit of a letdown, but I'd definitely grab myself one were it still available to buy (and obviously below $100).
The website doesn't show what it actually looks like. I'm glad that I watch this video, to save my disappointment and money, thanks
Glad I could help!
Solid review 💪
Appreciate it!
Thanks to your Honest opinions! Straps can be annoying ..
Could a 16 inch macbook fit in there width wise?
I didn’t try and no longer have the pack, but could possibly squeeze it in. I wouldn’t though because there’s not really any padding or protection. They do however make the mantis in larger sizes.
Don’t be a brand slut. After watching this, you still want it!?
I actually quite like this backpack, but like you said, different strokes for different folks. It carries a deceptively large amount of stuff and the materials are solid.
Only thing I don't like is the lack of organization on the inside. I wish they could bring over the laptop sleeve from the Granville and Arro.
If it works for you that’s all that matters! I’m glad you like it.