Great in depth look at several great bags I hadn't considered. Interesting to me that the Black Ember Citadel 18 was your #1. I own it, it looks great and it has been in my rotation, but I don't love it for 2 main reasons: 1) it's heavy for the size and can get very tight depending on how you pack it out. In my opinion the front zippered compartment on the inside is virtually useless because if I load it up it makes the other pockets hard to access. 2) the adjusters for the straps loosen up as soon as you take the bag off. The straps need to be adjusted when you first put the bag on Every. Single. Time.
Those are def some fair points. I just found it to be such a joy to use overall. I also carry a lot of flat items so that front pocket gets used extra hard even but I can see how it gets crammed easily for sure. Thanks for watching!
Hi, regarding your second problem: What exactly happens when you take the bag off your back? Are these adjusters just poorly made/ dont fit the straps? Can't you just switch them with adjusters from another bag? I just can't imagine how this expensive bag suffers from such a basic feature? Thank you in advance!
@40797 The issue is that as soon as direct tension is released on the adjustment buckles, there is no friction to hold the adjusted position. Take the pack off and 9 times out of ten the straps and up all the way at the largest end of their capacity, with no slack left and only the end tabs holding them from coming out entirely. I haven't tried replacing them with other adjusters, and for the price of this pack I shouldn't have to.
@@jonathanklein7875 I have the 25 liter citadel and have the same problem. As soon as tension on shoulder strap's released, the adjustable straps gradually slide up (extending the shoulder straps all the way out). When adj straps get pushed up to and partially under the buckle, it's takes a little effort to grab the small loops at the end to pull it. I tied small paracord loops to use as pull loops.
Agree on weight and packing limitations (on 25 liter). It has a lot of slim internal sleeves/pockets, but you can't use all / most of them, they start to stack up volume. If you do, the outer zip pocket gets very tight and it's hard to get stuff in and out of it. I think (haven't measured) I can carry more stuff in my other 24l / 25l rated bags than this one because of the layout of this bag. Nice material. One of the most comfortable carry handles. Comfortable shoulder straps. For the 25 liter, it's a thin long bag. It fits under Southwest seats but sticks out into the footwell a bit. Also with a long bag shape, if find I'm wasting a lot of space at the top, unless I use packing cubes to sit on the upper part of the bag. Probably less of an issue on the 18 liter bag. Overall, I'd say it's got too many features (over-featured), which makes it less usable. On paper specs, it sounds nice, but it's not a balanced design--but it's a cool looking bag.
Super ! Top ! juste les aimants de plus en plus...pratiques , sauf pour mon (pacemaker) 🤔 je vais peut être devoir aller vers Evergoods (il y a aussi le cpl 16 l). Enfin ..que des choix bien sympa..!. le Bedouin est vachement discret ! 😆 Bien flashé sur le Boundary et le mission workshop..🤗. Belles découvertes ! Merci.
I ended up buying 2 brands on this list by chance. I ended up purchasing the new Waterfield Tech Folio Backpack for myself and the Citadel R3 25L for my wife. I work in finance and have a lot of "non-DSLR" tech gear like my laptop, portable display, keyboard, mouse, power bank, chargers, cables etc. and I ended up choosing the Waterfield Tech Folio over the Compact executive because of the compartments makes organization for all those items suuper easy. On top of that I love the way the bag looks and feels versus the other options in a professional environment. Premium, classy and looks great on top of my carry on luggage when traveling for work :) My wife works as a video editor so her needs were a bit different than mine. She definitely needed a bigger bag as she'll carry what I've listed above for me plus editing headphones, hard drives etc. She loved the look of the Orange Citadel R3 and how waterproof/resistance it is. Lastly, she travels a lot for work as well, so having the luggage pass through and ability to hold a jacket or a set of clothes was clutch. Hope this helps folks in the market for their ideal bag! Please do a review of the Waterfield Tech Folio bag, it's sooooo good!
Both are fantastic bags. I’m genuinely in love with the 18L for EDC though as it fits all my gear perfectly and is a joy to use. If you’ve got a bit more than I pack, however, the 25L would be one of my top recommendations!
One of my old and still favorites (thought discontinued) is Patagonia Tres 25. Probably lighter than most of the bags featured here. For 25l, it's a small, light bag with clamshell opening. Overall size (and weight) to haul capacity, it's hard to beat. I call it my "go fast" bag. Your category is "work backpack" and Tres 25 could be considered more of a small travel backpack, but t's small enough I think eligible (could use a little more organization for work). I've used it for both work daily carry and short trips. It's got side and top carry handles, stowable backpack straps and removable shoulder strap so it can be a carried briefcase style without dangling straps. It's a bit dated (as the discontinued status would indicate), lacking luggage passthrough, no bottle holder, and it's a bit short on organization. Shoulder straps aren't the most comfortable. But, I like it so much, I search long on internet to buy a spare one from a small outdoor store from across the country that still had a couple in inventory.
It def can but you’ll want to be aware of the other items you’re carrying behind it. If you have too many larger items they will starts to take up the same space. Also, nice thing about the cap is you can store it open for extra flatness 👀
great work! what about PD peakdesgin where would it be on the list? if it would make it ? also nomatic bag? would u advise i need to buy one but these where my top 2. Now you confuse me but for good reason i guess ur #1 is not bad it have most of everything expect the size neh :| plz advise
Ok so first off, the BE vital r3 25 might be perfect for you. Otherwise I’m a big fan of the peak design bags but not a top “work” bag imo unless you’re a photographer.
I have 3 PD bags, the Everday 20L, 10L Sling V1, and the 45L Travel backpack. All are some of the most uncomfortable bags I own. They can't seem to figure out a good balance between strap width and foam density, so they are all uncomfortable in their own way. Also, PD bags are very stiff and their secondary pockets all lack either the dimension or a wide enough opening to be pleasurable to use. They have good ideas, but really need to focus more on function rather than aesthetics.
What about actual work bags for people who do real work? This is for tech bros. What about rugged options for construction, maintenance, installers, blue collar, etc people like me?
White collar work isn’t real work according to you? Society needs both blue and white collars to function properly, no need to gatekeep. Also, I’m not sure why you would want a backpack video to make suggestions for blue collars, when blue collars don’t really use backpacks at all. I’ve done a lot of blue collar work as a teen, never seen anyone bring a backpack to work. Tool belts were all anyone needed. The boss often had a briefcase, but a briefcase is very different from a backpack. Maybe you have a very specific usecase for a backpack that differentiates you from most blue collar workers. In which case, it would be easier to make a recommendation for you if you listed your specific requirements out of a bag.
OMG! DAVID!!! I thought we lost you! I love your old vids and so glad your still making content on bags!!
More to come!
Great in depth look at several great bags I hadn't considered. Interesting to me that the Black Ember Citadel 18 was your #1. I own it, it looks great and it has been in my rotation, but I don't love it for 2 main reasons: 1) it's heavy for the size and can get very tight depending on how you pack it out. In my opinion the front zippered compartment on the inside is virtually useless because if I load it up it makes the other pockets hard to access. 2) the adjusters for the straps loosen up as soon as you take the bag off. The straps need to be adjusted when you first put the bag on Every. Single. Time.
Those are def some fair points. I just found it to be such a joy to use overall. I also carry a lot of flat items so that front pocket gets used extra hard even but I can see how it gets crammed easily for sure. Thanks for watching!
Hi, regarding your second problem: What exactly happens when you take the bag off your back? Are these adjusters just poorly made/ dont fit the straps? Can't you just switch them with adjusters from another bag? I just can't imagine how this expensive bag suffers from such a basic feature? Thank you in advance!
@40797 The issue is that as soon as direct tension is released on the adjustment buckles, there is no friction to hold the adjusted position. Take the pack off and 9 times out of ten the straps and up all the way at the largest end of their capacity, with no slack left and only the end tabs holding them from coming out entirely. I haven't tried replacing them with other adjusters, and for the price of this pack I shouldn't have to.
@@jonathanklein7875 I have the 25 liter citadel and have the same problem. As soon as tension on shoulder strap's released, the adjustable straps gradually slide up (extending the shoulder straps all the way out).
When adj straps get pushed up to and partially under the buckle, it's takes a little effort to grab the small loops at the end to pull it. I tied small paracord loops to use as pull loops.
Agree on weight and packing limitations (on 25 liter). It has a lot of slim internal sleeves/pockets, but you can't use all / most of them, they start to stack up volume. If you do, the outer zip pocket gets very tight and it's hard to get stuff in and out of it. I think (haven't measured) I can carry more stuff in my other 24l / 25l rated bags than this one because of the layout of this bag.
Nice material. One of the most comfortable carry handles. Comfortable shoulder straps.
For the 25 liter, it's a thin long bag. It fits under Southwest seats but sticks out into the footwell a bit. Also with a long bag shape, if find I'm wasting a lot of space at the top, unless I use packing cubes to sit on the upper part of the bag. Probably less of an issue on the 18 liter bag.
Overall, I'd say it's got too many features (over-featured), which makes it less usable. On paper specs, it sounds nice, but it's not a balanced design--but it's a cool looking bag.
Super ! Top ! juste les aimants de plus en plus...pratiques , sauf pour mon (pacemaker) 🤔 je vais peut être devoir aller vers Evergoods (il y a aussi le cpl 16 l).
Enfin ..que des choix bien sympa..!. le Bedouin est vachement discret ! 😆 Bien flashé sur le Boundary et le mission workshop..🤗.
Belles découvertes ! Merci.
I ended up buying 2 brands on this list by chance. I ended up purchasing the new Waterfield Tech Folio Backpack for myself and the Citadel R3 25L for my wife.
I work in finance and have a lot of "non-DSLR" tech gear like my laptop, portable display, keyboard, mouse, power bank, chargers, cables etc. and I ended up choosing the Waterfield Tech Folio over the Compact executive because of the compartments makes organization for all those items suuper easy. On top of that I love the way the bag looks and feels versus the other options in a professional environment. Premium, classy and looks great on top of my carry on luggage when traveling for work :)
My wife works as a video editor so her needs were a bit different than mine. She definitely needed a bigger bag as she'll carry what I've listed above for me plus editing headphones, hard drives etc. She loved the look of the Orange Citadel R3 and how waterproof/resistance it is. Lastly, she travels a lot for work as well, so having the luggage pass through and ability to hold a jacket or a set of clothes was clutch.
Hope this helps folks in the market for their ideal bag! Please do a review of the Waterfield Tech Folio bag, it's sooooo good!
Banging way to start the year with videos!!! The Errant - Rhake - Bannoch segments, loved it.
et le trakke bannoch ! bien sûr !! Super
Do you prefer the 18L Black Ember to the 25? I feel like the 18 looks a little slicker, but just wondering about practical capacity…
Both are fantastic bags. I’m genuinely in love with the 18L for EDC though as it fits all my gear perfectly and is a joy to use. If you’ve got a bit more than I pack, however, the 25L would be one of my top recommendations!
One of my old and still favorites (thought discontinued) is Patagonia Tres 25. Probably lighter than most of the bags featured here. For 25l, it's a small, light bag with clamshell opening. Overall size (and weight) to haul capacity, it's hard to beat. I call it my "go fast" bag.
Your category is "work backpack" and Tres 25 could be considered more of a small travel backpack, but t's small enough I think eligible (could use a little more organization for work). I've used it for both work daily carry and short trips. It's got side and top carry handles, stowable backpack straps and removable shoulder strap so it can be a carried briefcase style without dangling straps.
It's a bit dated (as the discontinued status would indicate), lacking luggage passthrough, no bottle holder, and it's a bit short on organization. Shoulder straps aren't the most comfortable. But, I like it so much, I search long on internet to buy a spare one from a small outdoor store from across the country that still had a couple in inventory.
A Hapy New Year to you and your family! Good to see another review from you.
Happy new year!
Really great video! I have the Rhake and Aer City Pack, but now I want the Bannoch
Good choices!
I'm really tempted to buy an 18L Black Ember. What would be some good points to convince me? Btw great video!
Your AER looks dope
BTW I saw the bag with cobra buckles in the movie Lift today. I dig it as well. Love cobra buckles!!
Does that front slip pocket for the black ember 18 fit the Evergoods cap1 by chance?
It def can but you’ll want to be aware of the other items you’re carrying behind it. If you have too many larger items they will starts to take up the same space. Also, nice thing about the cap is you can store it open for extra flatness 👀
whats the brand of your watch , i wanna get one too
40over mins of brilliant presenting and your limelight was stolen by Olive 😂😂 more Olive in your next video!
😂 more olive features to come
What glasses are you wearing? They're awesome looking!
Thanks! Warby Parker Callen
great work! what about PD peakdesgin where would it be on the list? if it would make it ? also nomatic bag? would u advise i need to buy one but these where my top 2. Now you confuse me but for good reason i guess ur #1 is not bad it have most of everything expect the size neh :| plz advise
Ok so first off, the BE vital r3 25 might be perfect for you. Otherwise I’m a big fan of the peak design bags but not a top “work” bag imo unless you’re a photographer.
I have 3 PD bags, the Everday 20L, 10L Sling V1, and the 45L Travel backpack. All are some of the most uncomfortable bags I own. They can't seem to figure out a good balance between strap width and foam density, so they are all uncomfortable in their own way. Also, PD bags are very stiff and their secondary pockets all lack either the dimension or a wide enough opening to be pleasurable to use. They have good ideas, but really need to focus more on function rather than aesthetics.
Did you say that the BE 18 can fit a 16 in MBP? Their website says 14 in. Can you fit a 16 in comfortably?
You can squeeze in a 16 macbook but not comfortably (the magnets doesn't click/close)
so expensive for me, but i'm gonna leave this comment here for my future version.
Where did you get aer with the camo?
That's the Carryology x Aer Tokai ;)
Are city pack is amazing!
How about Tumi? Made for work and some of the best no?
Great bags overall. We strongly considered one for this video but decided on less well known premium options
@@CarryologyTV fair! Would love to see some Tumi vids though. Especially their fresh designs really are fresh
I’m stuck between the bannoch or the city pack 😢
Not having Olive in the video is the only complaint but a serious one :D
She’ll make an appearance eventually!
Wow, best work backpack and no Tom Bihn, that makes me skeptical to start.
TB always makes great bags. Believe me it’s very hard to choose when limiting to 10…we’ll get more TB in following videos
I'm sure all these bags are great, sadly I don't make 200,000 a year.
hmm, quintessential you say?
No Tumi backpacks? What kind of top 10 list is this lmao
wtf is a tumi... lmfao. bye
@@PanaMaJwaaRd🤦🏻♂️
What about actual work bags for people who do real work? This is for tech bros. What about rugged options for construction, maintenance, installers, blue collar, etc people like me?
Oh great call! if you want rugged, then try the classic Goruck GR1, Mystery Ranch District 24 and EVERGOODS CPL.
White collar work isn’t real work according to you? Society needs both blue and white collars to function properly, no need to gatekeep.
Also, I’m not sure why you would want a backpack video to make suggestions for blue collars, when blue collars don’t really use backpacks at all. I’ve done a lot of blue collar work as a teen, never seen anyone bring a backpack to work. Tool belts were all anyone needed. The boss often had a briefcase, but a briefcase is very different from a backpack.
Maybe you have a very specific usecase for a backpack that differentiates you from most blue collar workers. In which case, it would be easier to make a recommendation for you if you listed your specific requirements out of a bag.
Why would they recommend backpacks for blue collar workers like you? It’s not like u can afford these bags anyways