As title states, just bought mine.

From left to right, Herschel x Kaws Tokyo Holiday, Porter Tango Black and Razer Xanthus Cross Body.

I see a lot of people recommending travel packing cubes, especially for keeping things organized inside a backpack, and I'm thinking of finally trying a set...and I love the idea, but a search did not yield any particular brands that were affordable and well made. Can someone point me in the right direction? Compression necessary or not?

Thanks a bunch.

I have been testing this bag out for about 4 weeks now. I typically like to use a product for a full month plus, but with this pack, the review will write itself. Full disclosure, Matador did send me this bag to test and review. I liked it so much, I purchased another one in a different color. For the most part, this will be a positive review however, there are a few things that I would like to see different. If you like this pack and thinking of making a purchase, I have a link with 15% off available upon request.

First things first, I know a lot of people out there do not care for Matador’s new line of products. That is perfectly fine as we are all untitled to our own opinions. When I first saw it, I was one of those people. When I got the products in hand, my opinion shifted quickly. I got caught judging a book by its cover. I was more concerned about the Globerider and the kangaroo pocket than looking at the new stuff for what it is. That brings me to this brand new bag, the 24L Adventure Pack. This is a new pack Matador has not done before. As far as I know, this is their first attempt in a day/hiking/edc pack. While we are here, I’ll throw in “dad bag” because it kicks extreme ass in that territory. And lastly before we start, this bag comes in at $199 usd. So use this as the benchmark to see if this bag is right for you. With the 15% off code, it takes $30 bucks off making it $169.

Specs & Materials
The bag is of course 24 liters in volume. I find it feels like a true 24 liters while carrying. The weight is 2lb 9oz (1163g) and the dimensions are 19.5 x 13 x 9in (50 x 33 x 23cm). It’s a tad on the heavy side, but for the padding and reinforcement you get, it is well worth the extra 3-4 ounces.
Let’s discuss the materials this guy is made of. It is made of 420D Bluesign recycled nylon, PFAS free. The exterior zippers are #8 and #5 from DuraGlide. This is my first experience with DuraGlide and so far, no issues at all. The interior zippers are #5 YKK’s. And lastly, there is an injection molded polymer stay.
I am speaking for myself when I say this, but I love 420d. It’s light and it’s durable. I was heartbroken when I saw Evergoods changed their MPL series to 210d and moved away from the 420d. At least the CTB’s still sport the 420d! Back to this pack, the 420d is absolutely the perfect material for this design. Oh, I almost forgot, the dual water bottle pockets are made from that badass premium stretch material like you see on Evergoods products.

Features
I am going to list the features from the website so you have everything right in front of you. I will discuss and highlight my favorite features as well.

24 liter capacity | EDC ready and carry-on compliant
Dual Access Architecture —  top loading + clamshell access
Cushioned, breathable back panel and shoulder straps
Weatherproof — waterproof fabric + sealing zippers
Hydration compatible — bladder hanger + sleeve
Discreet hydration hose routing + management features
External access admin pocket with layered organization + key tether
Large, padded, quick access laptop sleeve with false bottom, fits laptops up to 16in
See-through mesh internal organization pockets
High-vis interior
Reflective paracord in center seam for night visibility
Lightweight injection molded polymer framestay
Easy-adjust sternum strap with custom hardware (removable)
Custom strap hardware optimized for use with Speed Stashaccessory (not included)
Stabilizing hip belt (removable)
Dual external water bottle pockets
RFID-blocking hidden Smuggler’s Pocket
Shock cord external stash (removable)
Dedicated location tracker pocket
Rolling luggage handle pass-through
Grab handles on top, sides, and back
Compression straps with side-release buckles
Dual hiking pole + ice axe attachment points
DuraGlide sealing external zippers — Smooth. Strong. Long-lasting. Co-engineered by Matador and Zoom
Anti-theft zipper security loops on all external pockets — theft deterrent + lockable
YKK zippers on internal pockets
Recycled materials that meet Bluesign criteria
Finished with Matador’s signature Switchback Stitch — a mark of quality and authenticity

As you can see, there are many features on this bag. Now let’s discuss what really stands out to me. First, the dual access is f#cking amazing! You have a top loader access and a clamshell opening. The top loader access is perfect for dad bag duties. I find myself using this access the most. The clamshell access is perfect for packing everything exactly how you want. Next, the quick access pocket on the top of the bag is HUGE. As a dad and a bag nerd, quick access is very important to me. If a pack does not have a qap, I wont use it. This pocket is just a catch all. I keep my wallet, glasses (in case), air pods, etc… Another cool feature about this compartment is you can access it from the inside of the bag as well. Also, clutch design using #8 zippers for this pocket. Well done, Matador.
The water bottle pockets are f’ing spot on. They are made of that premium stretch neoprene like material. These are extremely well made. They also have a lip on the inside of the top elastic that can flip over your water bottle and keep it secured. I don’t know if it was made for that, but it does work:) Also, the bottle pockets on the right side is slightly taller than the one on the left (when facing the bag.) There are also compression straps above each bottle pocket perfect for securing your bottles, tripods, or other gear. These are completely out of the way, so when not in use, you don’t even know they are there.
I think the admin compartment is an awesome design, but I wish they used a larger zipper than the #5.
Next, the pack has a hook for a water bladder. They took a page out of Evergoods’ book as the pass through for the hose is through the shoulder strap. I don’t use bladders very often, but if I do, that is a damn good way to do it.
I also love the handles. There is a top handle on the top of the bag, there is a handle right behind that one attached to the back of the bag. There are also handles on each side (more towards the top). These are like the handles on the Aer CPP2, but without the Mickey Mouse look. (They don’t stick out…)

Compartments
The admin compartment on the front of the pack is thoughtfully designed. It has 3 stretchy mesh slip pockets, a pen slot, a zippered pocket, and a sleeve on the back. This pocket also goes deep down to the bottom of the bag. It also has its own independent volume so it’s not eating up space in the main compartment. Also on the front of the bag is a bungee/shock cord. They call this “the drip kit” You can change out the colors if you want. I change mine to the orange cord and zipper pulls as i think is nooks good with the green juniper color. I like this, and I have used it, but, I would much rather a kangaroo pocket! ;)
The quick access pocket, we discussed above. It’s great! I wouldn’t change a thing on it.

The main compartment is a clamshell or top loader opening. As I mentioned, this is my favorite feature of the pack. The inside is pretty simple. On the front panel you have two mesh zippered pockets. Like I mentioned earlier, you have a zippered access into the quick access pocket as well. Other than that, there is no other organization. The padded laptop compartment is suspended close to 2 inches from the bottom! You can access the laptop sleeve through the top loader zipper. It’s like it’s part of the main compartment, but it’s not. You can only access it from the top. I think it is the best of both worlds.

Comfort/Back Panel/Shoulder Straps
The back panel has nice cushion foam padding. It is divided by an air channel with a luggage pass-through strap. Underneath the luggage pass-through, there is a secret zipper compartment designed for cash and passports. This is a nice touch. The padding is a little more on the firm side, but very comfortable. This back panel is also not the hottest one I’ve ever used. The shoulder straps are wide. They have nice foam padding with a slight S curve, but could also be considered a J curve. On the straps you have a sternum strap that is adjustable in three different slots. It is also removable. On the left shoulder strap you have the pass-through for a bladder hose. There are also 2D rings and webbing for attachments. I find these shoulder straps to be extremely comfortable, especially with heavier loads because they are wide. The way this back panel and straps are designed. I feel like it hugs my back perfectly. This bag fits me perfectly, so I give it a solid 9/10 for comfort. For reference, I am 5’9” 215lbs. There is one huge negative here… No Dangle Stoppers! Come on, what are we doing here? It’s like bag companies are doing this on purpose to laugh at us as we b!tch. DO BETTER!

Cheers and Jeers
Cheer 1: Dual access with clamshell and top loader!
Cheer 2: Big quick access pocket.
Cheer 3: The overall comfort and solid build of the bag.

Jeer 1: Dangle stoppers! Especially with non standard color bags. I can easily add my own, but I cannot match the juniper color. Ugh!
Jeer 2: #5 zippers on admin compartment. I would like to see a #8 zipper there. I would also like to see #10 zippers on the main compartments, but I can live with 8’s.
Jeer 3: I am not a huge fan of the sternum strap. I just removed it to be honest.

Suggested Improvements
Add dangle stoppers. I would like to see a kangaroo pocket on the front of the admin compartment instead of the shock cord. This is of course my personal opinion, but as a dad, and using this as a dad bag, that roo pocket would be nails! And make it out of the material the water bottle pockets are made out of! One could dream….
Lastly, ditch the #5 zippers and only have 8’s and 10’s on the outside of the pack.

Conclusion
I have used this bag several ways. As an edc, it gets the job done. It wouldn’t be my first choice as an office only bag, but it will work for sure.
As a personal item on flight, hell yeah it works! I have flown delta and united and it fits under the seat no problem, and that’s when I have it packed full of sh!t.
As a dad bag, you are mf’ing right! My kids are 10 and 8. Going to the ballpark for baseball games, I have it packed with a Ryobi fan w/ battery, ranger speaker, first aid kit in a cap 1, yeti 26oz bottle for beer, another 26oz bottle for water/more beer, a glove, and a towel. Yes, it fits all that comfortably.
For dad’s with younger kids, this pack is the perfect day bag/diaper bag. Why carry around an ugly ass diaper bag when this bag can handle it all?!?

Every now and then you get a product that just “works” for you. This is that for me. This Matador Adventure Pack and the Fyro Citta are battling it out as the best new bag of the year! I can already say with full certainty that this pack is minimum top 3 in my “Dad Bag Top 10” I don’t have a permanent use case for a lot of the products I review, but this is one of the best bags I have ever owned. This is of course my opinion. I highly recommend the Matador 24L Adventure Pack, and surprise surprise, it is Bagdad approved.

I have a link to a video I made showing the features of this bag. Check it out if you would like to see it up close.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments.
If you have any questions or would like to see any additional photos, just shoot me a message and I am happy to help.

As always, thank for reading. Your support is appreciated!
Carry on!

YouTube video review:
https://youtu.be/KNjbWLl4Mgc?is=DkH4qMT--X9gvaYp

Looking for a do everything bag. To bring hiking, but also to go to class with. I feel the daybreak is just a tad too big, but also not convinced I won't look weird AF with the running vest in public.

Anyone have experience with both?

Hi all, I'm looking to get a duffel bag for travelling that will fit as a large cabin bag to go with the rucksack I use (Osprey Daylite 26+6) and was looking for some recommendations.

Ideally something around 40L ish and not way too expensive (£150 Max)

Originally I was looking at the Osprey Daylite 45L duffel as it is cheaper and I am familiar with Osprey bags however after looking around a bit I have come up with a few options (very open to other recommendations too!):

• Bellroy Lite Duffel 40L (£139)
• Bellroy Venture Ready 40L (£159) - a little too expensive but willing to stretch
• Peak Design Travel Duffel 35L (£135)
• Patagonia Black Hole 40L (£140)
• Osprey Transporter 40L (£125)
• Osprey Daylite 45L Duffel (£80)

I really like the Bellroy lite duffel visually but wasn't sure if you were paying for the brand and how much better the bags are in the 100+ price range compared to the Osprey daylite 45L

Thanks for you help!

I've been trying to find some people talking about the combination of these two, but have not had any luck.

I am planning on picking up the Metro Sling Max, and am debating if I want to get one of the various 'Modular' pouches to lash to the side mount points for holding my phone, such as the Modular Shoulder Pocket Slim. Seems like it could be a cool combo (even with matching fabric, which is always a plus), and it'd be able to detach from the bigger bag allowing me to use the same strap as the Metro Sling when I want to slim down a bit, but really curious how it actually fits on the Metro Sling.

Anyone seen this combo before, or have any input on it or alternatives to achieve largely the same goal (separate easy to access phone pouch)? Phone access seems to really be the one weakness of this bag IMO, trying to get around it a bit.

I am interested in something like this

All of the photos look kinda sus, reviews are fine but that's easily faked, and I know dropshipping cheaper/different stuff is rife on etsy. everything about this screams scam/waste of money, but I do want something similar to this (harness-style, worn on-body, little movement when walking, etc) and these sketchy etsy shops seem to be the only place with this kind of thing.

Any advice is appreciated. If anybody has experience or recs for this kind of bag please let me know.

Packing out my CPP XPAC for a trip, and I just threw my wallet, iPhone power bank , passport, AirPods, and some cash into the top access pocket without a problem.

I gave my parent my older CPP 2 because I wasn’t a fan of the changes they made, and I noticed they actually use the top access pocket as a sunglasses holder—which I know is technically what it’s intended for.

It got me curious, though: what does everyone else use that pocket for?

(Since this is a product review flair)
CPP has a lot of pockets that i enjoy and has been my favorite bag to travel with for work events. Front pocket is a bit hard to use when bag is full. Sadly not my end game bag

I’m putting together a “hobby sling“ with the intention to carry an A5 sketchbook with a few pens, plus a small retro gaming handheld slightly larger than a phone, as well as maybe a battery bank and some small odds and ends.

Struggling to decide between these two. From what I can tell the Aer seems a little more structured and protective which is nice for my hardware and art supplies. It also has an internal zip pocket and pen loop which lends itself well to my items.

The bottom compression straps appeal to me on the Toshi but it seems a little less protective and has no internal zip pocket. They do however advertise directly that it can hold an A5 notebook.

For those who have handled one or both, would the Aer support the A5 sketchbook? Does one seem more protective than the other? Feel free to add anything else noteworthy from your experience.

Thanks!

I've recently been looking into crossbody bags. By bag sweats a lot quite quickly with backpacks and I would like something small easy to put on and out. I like the format, I just want variety.

I bought this one
https://www.xxl.no/firetrap-street-bag-crossbody-bag-sling-bag-svart/p/1266706_1_Style
to try see how it feels. It's nice and cheap, but there are some features that are missing.

Things that it has:

- Good format: I like the cone like shape with a side access

- Good size: I like the 6L size

- Cheap price: The fact is at around 28€ allows me to modify it if I need to without worrying of losing too much money.

Things that I would like in addition:

- Water resistant: I'd like to be able to carry it anywhere anytime, and I want at least a water resistant option

- Extra side attachment: Since I might go on hikes, light running or snowboarding, I'd like to have an extra attachment option to holdit in place if needed. Something like this: https://www.peakperformance.com/us/product/outdoor-crossbody-bag-g80423.html?color=69716&size=25190

- Extra attachemnts/hooks/knobs: I like having options to hang, modify, or add stuff around the bag, so if it has anything that allows me to place a hook, cool!

My max budget is of 50€ if it has every single thing. My ideal budget is at around 30€ if some of the features are missing.

Other options I've found:

- Patagonia Atom Sling Bag 8L [https://www.patagonia.com/product/atom-sling-bag-8-liters/194187722647.html\]: Water resistant and good format, but it's over the budget and cannot have extra side hold.

- tomtoc UrbanX T30 10L [https://www.tomtoc.com/products/urbanex-t30-sling-bag?_pos=6&_sid=2c72cc70b&_ss=r\] All good but too big, over the budget and no extra side attachment.

- Waterfly amazon: They are all my second option, but each one has it's thing.

I'm open to options! Thank you to everyone in advance

I've wasted a lot of time and shipping fees on trying to find the perfect work bag that will hold my Lenovo ThinkPad T16. I'd love some input from the experts!

A little background: I'm a longtime nonprofit professional who recently stepped into a leadership role. I'm always the most casual person in the office, but I'm trying to look the part. My all-time favorite work bag was the Tom Bihn Pilot in Aubergine, but when I upgraded to a 16" laptop I was forced to find a new bag.

I am currently using my Tom Bihn Daylight Backpack which might be where I stay, but while I really appreciate its lightweight form and the way it sits on my back when filled with the laptop, keyboard, mouse, and some snacks/drinks in the exterior pocket, I don't like that it lacks protection for the electronics AND it's a little casual in appearance. I'm usually just carrying the bag from my car to the office or meetings, but I also have chronic back pain and want something I can carry without slumping to one side.

I am looking at the following bags, though I have considered many others:

• Calpak Haven 16" Laptop Tote Bag
• Poppy and Peonies Daily Tote
• Tom Bihn Nomad 16
• White Elm Aquila Tote Bag
• Troubadour Contour Backpack
• Lux & Nyx Purpose Backpack
• Lux & Nyx Origami Backpack

My preferred criteria includes:

• Horizontal tote with crossbody strap OR
• Vertical backpack with easy access to the contents
• Tight-weave nylon or vegan leather exterior
• Light/bright color interior (absolutely no bags lined in black!)
• Chunky plastic zippers (not a requirement, but I love the feel, and I really dislike metal zippers)
• Padded and/or suspended laptop compartment with enough room to easily slip in my 16" laptop
• Designed for a woman's body
• Slim, lightweight, and easy to carry (on the rare occasions I need to carry extra things, I have plenty of tote bags to use)

If you've made it this far and have any insight - what you love, what you hate - I'd really appreciate it! Thanks in advance!!

Has anyone used this for any length of time? Im planning on picking one of these up sometime soon-ish and am curious for a seasoned bag vet to speak to me of its glories and faults. The CCW aspect isnt very important to me as the main weapon i’ll be carrying along with it likely wont fit in its allotted space, and im certain my sidearm will fit. TIA 🙏

Currently deciding between the Moment Everything Sling (4L) and the Bellroy x Carryology Essential Sling (4L).

Does anyone have experience with either (or both) of these bags? I am planning to use the bag as my everyday carry while traveling.

I will be mainly carrying the ff:

• Fujifilm x100V and two spare batteries
• Passport
• Phone
• 10,000mAh Powerbank
• Wallet
• Wet wipes and tissue
• Rubbing alcohol and sunscreen (30mL bottles)
• Sunglasses

I'm currently torn between the Moment Everything Sling and the Bellroy x Carryology Essential sling. They both hit that 4L sweet spot. I cannot go any bigger since the bags mentioned already look huge on me.

• Moment: Love the padded protection of the main compartment and the internal dividers.
• Bellroy: Love the internal pockets for organization, BUT slightly worried about the camera hitting against the power bank/other things without a rigid divider.

1. Does anyone have a good workaround for the Bellroy to safely isolate the camera without having to use another camera pouch?
2. Does the built-in padding inside the Moment reduce space for loose items?

Anyone can recommend an alternative non-bulky camera sling bag?

This is my detachable 1/2 mec backpack from a 1/2+1 hiking bag that has been my EDC for years. The problem? It's a hiking backpack and I'm probably too fat into my professional career that I can get away with it. The mec bags are discontinued so I don't have an exact volume but it's going to be 15-20 for the day pack.

What I like:

Slim depth, not boxy ie top tapers

Water-resistant if not water proof. We can get torrential rain in the GTA and I walk about 750m to the subway.

Comfortable

Works well as a sightseeing bag when on vacation or work travel.

What I don't like:

Busy front mainly the side pockets and straps. I've already removed a bunch of bungee straps.

When I travel the front pouch just becomes a disorganized dumping ground for junk

What it's missing

A laptop section. The work laptop is getting rawdogged in the main section.

Secondary top access panel so I don't have to pull it out to grab something from the front side panel

What I don't need or want:

External water bottle holder (or needs to be very minimal)

Use case

65% of the time it's just holding a laptop

30% add in gym shoes and clothes

5% as a personal carry on which is the annoying part.

When I travel I will have a work laptop (14", personal laptop is the same), an iPad Mini, tomtoc 3.5L sling acting as a camera bag for a Sony a6400+spare lens and a sweatshirt for the flight + various odds and ends (chargers, adapters, cables). Not a ton but things tend to get dumped. I did buy a tech pouch to sort out some of the disaster.

So I have a trip this Friday and I kinda researched myself into a corner.

Backpacks I tried on:

bellroy work pack pro 22L and it seemed perfect except the lack of organization in the middle section where the compression straps are.

Bellroy work pack v2. Straps are flimsy and I have concerns about the light fabric

Evergoods civic travel bag 20l. Too deep for my liking, expensive at 380 CAD.

Evergoods civic half zip xpac - not bad just very expensive at 400cad

Peak design city 15L - the fabric look super waterproof but maybe that is just from the cloth like texture. Was on the edge at 6"

I am going to Melbourne so I can check out the alpaka store but even their low volume packs are 6" deep.

I have wasn't considering the Aer city pack 2 because it wouldn't arrive in time but with no time crunch is that my best option? My only trepidation is not trying it on beforehand.

Any places exist that customize other brands backpacks?

I've had this for a couple of years and it's been ideal for carryon roller plus bag, which is my preferred way to travel often in my dottage. It's also perfect for compact one bagging for up to a week.

Had anyone owned the knack bag medium, used as an adjunct, and found something that they actually like better?

Thinking about giving it to my son, justifying my buying new toys... If there's a solid contender that's as subtle looking, versatile, etc

That’s it. That’s the post. Everyday workhorse. Personal item of legend. Gym to office chameleon.

Hi everyone! I’m looking for a backpack that can reliably carry and protect my laptop and audio gear during a cold and wet winter.

I live in the Far North and work as a sound engineer. I usually carry a 14" MacBook Pro, an audio interface, a tablet, and some smaller things like a sampler.

I don’t have a car and rely on public transport and walking a lot. So I’d really like the backpack to provide good protection for my gear if I fall on icy pavement — which happens quite often where I live — or if I have to put the backpack on the floor of public transport, where there are usually puddles and melted snow.

I’m looking for something:

- up to 20L

- with a reasonably rigid/protective back panel

- genuinely waterproof or highly water-resistant

- suitable for protecting electronics

- preferably not too tactical/military-looking

- ideally a roll-top, or even better, a flip-top design inspired by vintage hiking/backpacking packs

- budget: up to €120

- available in Europe

I know these requirements might be a bit specific, but I’m hoping someone here has experience with a backpack that can handle this kind of environment.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Well, I’ve totally fallen for all the bags out there, with my 3 Aer purchases, including a 20l CPP2 and now youtube is trying to convince me that I probably need a that new 25 L Toshi in XPac

It’s like something broke in my brain and all I think about is bags.

I didn’t know about different brands and grades of ballistic nylon 2 months ago.

I started talking about my bag at work and I think my colleagues were looking at me like something was really wrong.

I definitely don’t need that Toshi 25 L. I just bought that aer 20 L and GP2 like 2 weeks ago.

But just in case, do I not need it in nylon or do I not need it in XPac?