Tl;dr: 350 bucks is way too much for this bag exclusivity be damned.

Here’s my list of some pro’s and con’s about the Carryology designed Topo Klettersack. Some of these pros and cons aren’t specifically around the Carryology version, they’re just details that also affect the Klettersack in general. Given the price, I feel it’s fair to point these out.

The Good

1. The bag is built really well. You can just tell this bag oozes quality. From the choice of fabrics, to the Cobra buckles, this is a nice bag
2. Black on black design, who doesn’t like that?
3. X-Pac fabric doesn’t attract pet fur like other materials. This is great considering the bag is black.
4. Very much water resistant if the bag is cinched up and cover flap is carefully placed
5. Given the fact that the bag is a deep tube, the bright interior certainly helps find small objects towards the bottom of the sack.
6. Shoulder straps are relatively comfortable. The Goruck tends to dig into my neck and armpits a bit so this is a nice change.
7. The smooth material around the shoulder straps isn’t likely to prematurely wear out clothing considering it’s smooth. I like that.

Now the bad

1. 350 dollars. For a nice sack.
2. while the bag is deep, it’s actually a bit narrow so bulkier items won’t fit as well and loads will tend to sit higher.
3. Laptop sleeve has zero protection from items inside the bag. You might find your MacBook has a new dent after hauling heavy items around
4. The lack of outside pockets (besides the flap) and the drawstring means putting things like hats, scarves, and gloves in the sack (while on the train) requires you to open the bag and loosen the drawstring. That doesn’t seem like a big deal? Try doing it on a crowded subway where arm movement is limited.
5. The Cordura fabric on the back gets warm even in Boston winters. The Goruck’s back panel gets warm in the summer, but at least it has some channels to attempt to dissipate heat.
6. The top carrying handle is just sewn on webbing. I mean, c’mon, for 350 bucks I’d like something a bit more substantial than that.
7. The bag side ‘cinches’ seem poorly executed. They expand way beyond the bag’s ability to do the same. While the bag is tall (or deep), it’s not wide so the cinches seem like an odd idea.
8. Like other reviewers have pointed out, if the bag is full, the side pockets are useless. You’d be lucky to squeeze a cricket fart in there. Again, that’s a Klettersack choice.
9. The webbing which runs through the Cobra buckles is smooth so they tend to loosen themselves which could lead to rain exposure.. that leads me to the ugly…

The ugly.

1. If one does not make an extra attempt at cinching the bag as tightly as possible as well as making sure the top flap covers the opening, this bag will allow rain to enter into it. Since the bag is bright orange inside, one can easily tell the interior of the bag (the non-waterproof part) is exposed unless you carefully CAREFULLY close the bag. Even then, since the straps running through the Cobra buckles loosen themselves, you may still get water inside the bag. Given the extra cost of the X-Pac material and its ability to repel water, I feel that this is a huge oversight for a 350 dollar bag.

Some of my criticisms may seem nitpicky, but for 350 dollars, this bag had better execute near flawlessly. Discount it by 50% and I feel that this is a stellar bag but not at its current price point.

I’m sorry, I love Carryology but this bag is disappointing considering its competition in that price point.

Will do @x_mike:disqus

Hey @disqus_J7mhhcepxF:disqus, we should have clarified here. A ‘rain cover’ here is flap of material that covers the zip. It’s also called a rain flap or weather flap etc. There’s no real need a ‘over bag’ rain cover, so you’re all good. Enjoy your pack!

Wait, mine didn’t come with a raincover? And they updated the pattern of the bag after it was released?

Hope to see a Carryology collab of the Synapse. 🙂

Enjoy the bag Jonas. Like I said I like the bag myself just couldn’t bring myself to spend that amount for it.

Truth be told I factored in the fact that I find sanctuary in the carryology website. I know (or at least I tell myself) i’m not the only one that visits this site on a daily basis and sometiimes multiple times per day to get my carry fix! I felt like I could stretch that extra bit in order to be a part of this. I guess in the end that was my justification @ Howe. LOL!
You’re welcome Carryology!