Category | Featured Reviews | Carryology https://www.carryology.com/category/reviews-2/ Exploring better ways to carry bags, wallets & more. Fri, 04 Nov 2022 12:43:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.1 Field Testing the Western Rise Meta Shell https://www.carryology.com/reviews-2/field-testing-the-western-rise-meta-shell/ Mon, 31 Oct 2022 23:29:02 +0000 https://www.carryology.com/?p=86024 Gear reporter, Dave Samwel, field tests Western Rise’s latest Kickstarter jacket, the Meta Shell, on his...

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Gear reporter, Dave Samwel, field tests Western Rise’s latest Kickstarter jacket, the Meta Shell, on his recent trip to Europe. Heralded as ‘the world’s most versatile stretch rain shell’, it packs into its own sling bag, making for one super versatile jacket for travel, outdoors, everyday.

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Wotancraft Releases 2L and 3.5L Pilot Camera Bags https://www.carryology.com/liking/new-releases/wotancraft-releases-2l-and-3-5l-pilot-camera-bags/ Tue, 25 Oct 2022 04:41:05 +0000 https://www.carryology.com/?p=85672 Taiwan’s boutique camera brand, Wotancraft is back at it again with a new variations on their...

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Taiwan’s boutique camera brand, Wotancraft is back at it again with a new variations on their much-loved Pilot Series. This time, they’re releasing smaller variants of one of our favorite camera bags ever; the Wotancraft Pilot. The 7L and 10L Pilot camera bags have been in use by the Carryology crew forever, and we continually hear praise from members of the team.

Smaller Siblings for Lighter Days

The new Pilot 2L and Pilot 3.5L take everything we love about their larger siblings and shrink it down to a lovely size for single body and lens, or compact shooters. For size reference, I was able to fit a large mirrorless body and any lens except a super telephoto in the 3.5L. The 2L easily fit a compact mirrorless with most reasonably sized lenses. Depending on the size of your gear, and how you want to orient it, both sizes come with a divider which I found handier in the 3.5L.

While the main compartment is where you’ll be storing your camera, the only other built-in storage are slip pockets on the back and front of the bags. Both have a zippered pocket on the backside, with a waterproof zipper. Under the front flap, the 2L has an open top pocket, while the 3.5L uses a zipper like the larger Pilots. You won’t fit much in these compartments, but they’re great for a lens cover or extra SD cards. Extra batteries would probably be better served inside the main compartment using one of Wotancraft’s many inserts.

Wotancraft Pilot 2L
Wotancraft Pilot 2L and 3.5L

Mostly everything continues to scream “this is a Pilot”, but the biggest change to the silhouette comes in the form of the removal of the side pockets. It’s a reasonable change, as those pockets start to be unwieldy on such small bags, or just useless if they’re too small. Their removal opened up the opportunity to move the typical PALS of the Pilot series to the sides, where I think they’re much happier on these two. This lets you attach any number of Wotancraft’s wonderful pouches, like a lens cover case or zip pouch. The ability to add more storage is welcome.

Wotancraft Pilot 3.5L

The new Pilot 2L and Pilot 3.5L are not only great camera bags, but they’re also great camera cubes! That was one of the most pleasant surprises I came across in my time testing them out. I’m not sure if they were designed with this in mind, but they were easy to shove in any backpack or larger bag and they offered peace of mind with their beefy and well-padded construction. Once you get where you’re going, pull it out and you have a wonderful sling to go about your day with.

Pilot Line Updates for 2022

Not only are we getting new sizes, but we’re getting a few small updates for the entire Pilot line of camera shoulder bags. It goes without saying that these are all welcome updates, and we’re happy to see them become standard features. To put them right in front of you, these updates are a new quick-adjust strap with a very nice red leather pull, and the change to Fidlocks being the default on all models. You’ll see these changes on the Wotancraft Pilot 2, 3.5, 7, and 10.

Quick-adjust camera bag strap
Wotancraft Pilot 2L and 3.5L

Adventurous Camera Bags for All Shapes and Sizes

The new Wotancraft Pilot sizes were a nice surprise when we heard about their development. While we’ve obviously sung the praises of the 7 and 10, they are a bit big; full kit-type bags. As cameras and equipment continue to shrink in size rather than grow, the smaller offerings are a smart move. Personally, I’ve fallen in love with the 10L and 3.5L Pilots – they’re the perfect size for those little-bit-extra days, or on the flip side, those little-bit-less days. Goldilocks sizes, if you will.

No matter your kit, it’s now (finally) true that Wotancraft has a bag for every shape and size. Check them out on October 28th, direct from Wotancraft.

Wotancraft Pilot

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Best Boots for Rucking? GORUCK Jedburgh Boots Review https://www.carryology.com/reviews-2/best-boots-for-rucking-goruck-jedburgh-boots-review/ Sun, 23 Oct 2022 23:36:17 +0000 https://www.carryology.com/?p=85666 Gear reporter, Dave Samwel, legs it with GORUCK’s Jedburgh Boots. Adaptive, lightweight and designed for hard-use...

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Gear reporter, Dave Samwel, legs it with GORUCK’s Jedburgh Boots. Adaptive, lightweight and designed for hard-use and environments – they’re a quality choice for an everyday hiker hybrid.

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Prometheus Design Werx | All Terrain Bags Review https://www.carryology.com/reviews-2/prometheus-design-werx-all-terrain-bags-review/ Thu, 20 Oct 2022 00:47:27 +0000 https://www.carryology.com/?p=85247 When the Prometheus Design Werx founder asked me if I’d like to test drive the completely...

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When the Prometheus Design Werx founder asked me if I’d like to test drive the completely new All Terrain series of bags made specifically for aquatic environments, I told them: “Guys, perfect timing. I’ll be setting sail within ten days from now; act fast.” So let’s check it out!

Who It Suits

This series of carry products is made for kayaking, rafting, boating, yachting, fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, etc. It’s fully IPX7-rated for the most demanding amphibious adventures. 

Who It Doesn’t

It’s dedicated waterborne gear, so obviously not for winter mountaineering, skiing, climbing, or bushcrafting. It’s also neither a commuter’s dream nor an office pack… except maybe if you’ll be commuting by Venetian gondola. 😉 

Specifications

1. All Terrain Duffel 60L:
Weight: 37.6oz
Length: 23″, Width: 14″, Height: 12″

2. All Terrain Duffel 45L:
Weight: 33.6oz
Length: 20″, Width: 12″, Height: 11″

3. All Terrain Pack 24L:
Weight: 41.6oz
Height: 20″, Width (max): 11″, Width (min): 9″, Depth: 7″

4. ATP-1 pouch (small):
Weight: 0.8oz
Length: 4.0″, Width: 1.0″, Height: 3.0″

5. ATP-2 pouch (medium):
Weight: 1.4oz
Length: 6.0″, Width: 1.25″, Height: 4.5″

What the IPX7 Rating Means

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The IPX rating goes from 0 to 8 (0 means no protection at all, and 8 is rated for deep submerging). The PDW All Terrain series is IPX7 rated and the number 7 is very important here. Ratings up to IPX6 define waterproofness against splashes, rain, waves, waterfalls, and other ‘above surface’ flowing water. However, IPX7 is the first level which guarantees no leakage when the bag is fully submerged under the surface. To be exact it means that the object would withstand being submerged to a depth of at least 1 meter for at least 30 minutes without letting any water in. Could it survive even deeper submerging? Sure, usually way deeper and for a longer time – these values in the IPX7 norm are MINIMUM values. And since you ask – IPX8 is assigned for dedicated diving equipment, not really for all-terrain amphibious gear. So in other words – as long as you don’t take these new bags deep to the bottom when scuba diving, they will keep your stuff dry.

They are actually so well sealed that they could be used as floatation devices. And I checked that (with some help from my son) quite extensively as you can see in the photo – needless to say, the bag didn’t let even one drop of water in. Just be sure all zippers are fully closed, with the sliders clicked into the end gates – this is crucial. And last but not least – for extended longevity and ease of operation use the supplied zipper lubricant every now and then, preferably when you clean your gear after an expedition.

Materials and Design

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The whole series is made of fully laminated 1000D and 600D RPET (recycled polyester fibers) with high-frequency welded seams. Critical areas (like carry handles) are first sewn for strength and then sealed with an extra layer of 600D RPET by frequency welding – so yeah, it’s tough stuff. The main zippers are almost oversized scuba-diving style, fully watertight within the IPX7 norm, of course.  

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The overall design of the series is quite consistent, and it immediately says: Hey, I’m not just super heavy-duty but waterproof too! The central zippers are big and bold, with a massive diver’s style T-shaped handle instead of a standard zipper pull. And they work great, just make sure you close it to the very end so that it clicks into the closing gate – only then is the waterproofness guaranteed. PDW also supplies a special zipper lubricant, which makes the zipper easier to close and open and ensures full waterproofness (and longevity).

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The duffels in both volumes are equipped with oversized handles and additional padded shoulder straps for easy pack-like carry. If you’ve ever been boarding a sailing yacht you know how crucial it is to have your hands free, so that you can grab railings, ropes, etc. The shoulder straps can be quickly removed if required. 

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The pack, however, is considerably more advanced – it’s not only waterproof but also has a full-blown, really comfortable harness – not a common thing on a drypack. So you’ll find a padded back panel and lumbar pad with an integrated venting channel. Add to this wide, also fully padded shoulder straps with attachment D-rings and MOLLE slots. The pack comes equipped with a padded waist belt too, which has MOLLE slots on for easy pouch attachment. The padding is made of closed cell foam, so it doesn’t absorb any water. Side gear leashing points accept standard 1″ webbing straps with locking buckles (4 of them included) which I mostly used to carry my fishing rod or a big camp knife in a Kydex sheath.  

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There’s small daisy-chain webbing at the front (for carabiners, etc.) and a D-ring too. Plus MOLLE slots on the bottom so I could attach an additional pouch, small drybag, or other gear. The main compartment features a half-opening with a diver’s zipper (of course), and there’s even a front pocket with a smaller T-handle on it. As I said, this thing ain’t a simple roll-top drypack. And I admit, this pack looks cool.

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Features

The key feature of the All Terrain series is waterproofness as you can imagine, but not only! To ensure the required buoyancy you need to control the volume of air inside the bag. And for that, you can use a spring-loaded valve, installed in both bags and the backpack. You can inflate it to keep it floating, but you could also deflate it and make the package submersible – depending on what you need. For me, such a valve is simply a MUST on a serious amphibious product. Well done, PDW!

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As you can see in the photos, PDW added multiple leashing points, daisy-chains, D-rings, and MOLLE slots to all products – so you can not only attach extra gear to the bags but also clip on a carabiner or tie a safety line. And finally, all bags have full-size Velcro panels on them, which are good not only for patch junkies (like me) but more importantly for easy personalizing and identification. This could be useful when similar bags are used by several people. And I can imagine this when kayaking or rafting with friends.

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And What About The Pouches?

If you need to protect some of your smaller equipment against aquatic conditions, the ATP pouches are the way to go. Imagine stuff like batteries, a power bank, cables, a Swiss Army Knife, maybe a fire-starting kit, or simply a mobile – all that fits there. Both the ATP-1 and ATP-2 are watertight too. Also, both feature translucent windows on the front for a quick and easy content check – this comes in really handy if you use more than one pouch of the same size. 

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Both pouches feature MOLLE on the back, so you can attach them to a pack, bag, boat, RIB, or kayak. There’s also an admin pouch available at PDW, which I haven’t tried so far (but it looks good). You can notice that the zippers (or rather sliders) on these pouches are a bit harder to operate than regular non-waterproof zippers, but that is how they work to keep water away. So don’t pull it too hard and don’t try to zip them in a split second – they are designed for a perfect seal, not for speed.

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Space and Access

The All Terrain series philosophy is simple; it’s a waterproof space for your gear, that’s it – nothing more and nothing less. Both provide easy access via oversized divers’ zippers, which open the bags really wide. The 60 liters of space in the big bag is more than enough for any sailing trip. Just keep it slightly open when stored in a cabin to allow for air circulation. The 45-liter bag is not just a great weekender, but also the perfect bag for multi-day canoeing in summer. The organization inside is very straightforward – just one big cavity, plus a small internal pocket welded inside, which works fine for small valuables like a wallet or car keys (the Swiss Army Knife in the photo is for a size reference). 

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In the 24-liter pack there’s also an additional flat front pocket, right below the main compartment’s opening. It is IPX7 rated as well and I used this one to keep a map in there, a miniature compass, and a fishing license. The pack’s size is perfect for any day trip in a kayak, canoe, or on a small RIB fishing boat (which is what I used the pack for a lot). Plus there’s a small hanger loop inside the backpack, so you can clip on your water bottle there or attach a fixed blade knife inside for covert carry. Of course, it’s not a hydration-compatible pack – there’s no way a tube port would be waterproofed enough to keep the construction well sealed. 

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Comfort

The duffels work fine for all kinds of carrying – as a backpack, on one shoulder, in hand, and also when grabbed by the front and back carry handles. Sure, it’s not a backpack per se, but to carry even a heavy duffel from a car trunk to the boat’s deck this system is more than adequate. 

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The backpack carries great! The fully adjustable shoulder straps are equipped with not only load lifters but even integrated webbing management D-frames and a quick-release buckle system (which in my opinion is a must for safety when wearing the pack on a boat). The waist belt can be easily removed, and I used my pack mostly without one for easier carry. Even just the shoulder straps, lumbar pad, and back panel did a good enough job of transferring the pack’s mass to my body. Any grab handles? Absolutely! Four of them, one on each side, for easy loading on a vessel or safe passing from hand to hand.

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The Good

– Fully waterproof – IPX7 rated

– Lightweight for the size

– Super tough laminated material

– Multiple attachment points outside

– Velcro patch panels for easy ID 

– Good price point

The Not So Good

– No organization inside the bags, a side zipper pocket would be welcome

– Limited versatility, dedicated to maritime adventures

– Only one color is available now (grey/foliage)

Verdict

There’s a lot to like about the new PDW All Terrain series stuff – it is lightweight, tough, and waterproof. They have all the features you need, but they are not overbuilt with them. I’m also glad to see they released the whole series, not a single bag or pack just to test the waters. It’s quite an audacious move for PDW, as this sort of product is not mainstream – you need a reason to own one. But of course, even that badass tactical look alone could be a good reason to get one, if you don’t have a drybag in your carry collection yet.

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However, if you plan any rafting, fishing, boating, or other maritime adventure, such a duffle or pack is a must. The price starts at $163 for a 45-liter duffel, which is in my opinion the most versatile model in the whole series. Sure, it’s not dirt cheap, but do a quick search and you will find out that for an IPX7-rated duffel (considering all the features, IPX7 and valve) that price is fair, to say the least. And even the most expensive, the backpack, at $218 is not a bad deal on the market. This is an interesting series in PDW’s lineup for sure and priced well.

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Care to know which is my personal favorite in this series? Well, surprisingly the big 60-liter duffel! Big enough even for me. I could easily pack for a full two-week cruise on a sailboat… and I’m notorious for packing too much gear, especially knives and gadgets to test later in the outdoors. Combined with the All Terrain pack it makes an outstanding pair for any kind of amphibious adventure for me. 

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Hill People Gear Junction Pack Review https://www.carryology.com/reviews-2/hill-people-gear-junction-pack-review/ Sun, 16 Oct 2022 23:29:26 +0000 https://www.carryology.com/?p=84263 It was a sunny summer day, the 5th of July. I filled my Source 2L hydration...

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It was a sunny summer day, the 5th of July. I filled my Source 2L hydration bladder and put it into the dedicated back pocket of my pack. Stuffed my rain jacket, IFAK, extra t-shirt, pair of backup socks, camera, fire-starting kit, and some calories into the main compartment. Map, compass, Victorinox Huntsman, and Petzl Bindi headlamp ended up in a small lid pocket. A Grayl filtering bottle went into one side pocket, a compact Matt Helm’s fixed blade into another one. I was ready for another day hike in the wild Bieszczady Mountains – the southeast corner of Poland, right on the Ukrainian border. My pack was the Hill People Gear Junction.

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Who It Suits

Anyone looking for a compact but capable hiking daypack, which is comfortable even with a heavier load and tough as nails. Adventurers and survivalists who would like to experience something different from the generic mainstream pack, both in summer and winter. And especially if they’ll need to haul a bit heavier gear in a pack (like binos, bushcraft gear, hatchet, etc.). Plus all HPG fans, of course!

Who It Doesn’t

For city commuting and general urban or office use, this would not be my recommended pack due to the scarcity of proper EDC organization inside. Due to the specific harness, this pack wouldn’t be a technical climber’s dream either. True ultralight hikers wouldn’t be fans of the Junction, as 500D Cordura is overkill for them. However, there’s also a lighter variant of this pack available (made of thin and light Sil-Nylon material), which combined with a Pocket Harness is almost 40% lighter than a regular Junction. I didn’t try this one but it seems to be a good option if weight is your main concern.

Design

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Looks

I’ve been a die-hard fan of Hill People Gear since the very beginning about a decade ago. I’ve tried many of their packs, including the immense Qui-Ya, small Tarahumara, and also the iconic mid-sized Umlindi (quite possibly my overall favorite pack ever). And recently they created a scaled-down lighter variant of the latter one. A tough backcountry compact daypack with an obvious Umlindi look – the Junction! Technically speaking it’s a relatively short top-loader pack with pronounced side pockets and a flat top. And inherently, the unmistakable horseshoe-shaped harness system, which HPG is famous for. This pack has all Hill People Gear’s DNA in it. And it’s available in multiple color schemes: black, gray, coyote, ranger green, some 2-tone variants, teal, and bordeaux! It’s a variety, which even the biggest pack companies rarely offer these days!

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Construction

As I mentioned earlier it’s a top-loader pack with a flat lid running on a heavy-duty bi-directional zipper – a simple and effective design. It’s produced in the USA by the First Spear company, only with US-sourced materials. In case you didn’t know – First Spear is a top-tier tactical manufacturer of Berry Amendment Compliant gear for US troops. Of course, it’s stitched flawlessly, as expected.

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Materials and Hardware

No surprises here: 500D Cordura, YKK zippers, heavy-duty molded plastic hardware (US-made too). No corners cut by the material department – the Junction is definitely a tough specimen that is made to last. It’s one of those packs that is going to serve you for a long, long time… a rare thing these days, with more and more disposable-like products that fall apart after just three seasons or so.

Features

Usually, HPG gear is really feature-rich, so this one must be as well, right? Wrong! It’s a light and simple pack, with enough features to be useful, but with no frills and unnecessary complications (which always come with a weight penalty).

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So what do we have here? The bucket-like main chamber, a lid with a flat pocket, two spacious side pockets, and a back hydration zipper sleeve. Plus classic features of the HPG harness like bungee keepers on shoulder straps and gear attachment loops. There are also sewn-in multiple webbing loops (G-hook compatible) on the sides of the back panel, which allow attaching compression straps, paracord, bungee net, top and bottom straps, etc., and even add-on pockets like the Line Pocket. There’s also a super simple paracord X-attachment on the back, but it’s more useful than one would expect. Not only was I able to carry a wet rain jacket there, but I used it also as a keeper to carry dry twigs for my wood stove on a bushcraft outing into the forest, and even to carry my fins and other snorkeling gear when I was on vacation with family in Croatia this year! Now that’s true versatility.

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Performance

Space and Access

The main sack is roughly 22L. That’s more than enough for a daypack if your gear list is not too excessive. The top access and clean interior make loading/unloading super easy. There’s only a single webbing loop inside, so you can attach a pull-out pouch there to store your valuables. Also keep in mind there’s no side zipper or any other access to the main compartment so sometimes you need to dig inside a bit to find items in the bottom. It’s not a huge pack, so that shouldn’t be too painful, but it’s still something to consider. Well, as I said HPG stuff is made to last so don’t expect possible weak links like a side zipper – makes sense, right?

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Pockets and Organizing

The oversized open side pockets are instantly apparent – they are just huge compared to the overall pack size and can easily carry a 1L water bottle and knife or small hatchet together… each! They’re not elastic per se, but HPG designed them in such a way that they don’t eat up too much of the main sack’s space even if filled up with gear. On the contrary, the back hydration/laptop pocket is rather flat and not designed to stuff it too heavily with gear. A tablet or small (thin) laptop would fit there, but I prefer to use it for a 2L Source hydration bladder. There’s no dedicated hose port on the Junction, so you just need to use a corner of the zipper as one.

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The top lid pocket doesn’t have too much volume in it. It’s good for some small accessories, like a Swiss Army knife, headlamp, energy bar, compact folded map – and not much more. But it’s not without reason – thanks to the flat design you can strap a rolled jacket or a sleeping pad to the top of the pack with extra straps, especially if you use the optional Line Pocket attached to the Junction to expand the pack’s load capacity.

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I mentioned the Line Pocket here – an accessory that is tailor-made for the Junction. It fits great, can be installed on G-hooks within a minute or so, and adds about 5L of volume with nice organization inside. But the Line Pocket also adds the possibility to attach a bedroll, dry bag, or other similar items under and over the pack. I truly enjoyed the Line Pocket on my Umlindi when using it last year, but on the Junction it’s just an exceptional accessory! So if you want your Junction to be a really multi-purpose scalable pack – simply buy the Line Pocket in a bundle.

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Comfort

The broad horseshoe-shaped harness doesn’t need too much of an introduction – or just search Carryology for my previous HPG pack reviews. It distributes the weight not just on the shoulder, but on the whole back and shoulders area. Combined with a removable frame sheet and padded back panel it’s one of the most comfortable carry systems of all daypacks, and it’s optimized for seriously heavy loads. The junction might be small, but it can surely carry big! Much more than any other 22L pack would. There’s no waist belt on a Junction, but you could attach a stabilizing waist strap via a pair of G-hooks if you’d like to.

Okay, back breathability is not as good as on packs with ventilated back panels – but during hot summer days you’d sweat anyway, and in colder seasons you don’t need mesh or bungee net on the back as your clothing should be your real wicking-sweat-out device. Also due to such construction, it stays close to the body for good balance and stability, even in dynamic situations – and that’s what you want in the real backcountry. Plus it’s tougher too.

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Weatherability

The Cordura on the Junction is somewhat weatherproof, but stitchings are not. So if the weather gets really bad and you expect a downpour coming… I’d suggest either a rain cover or a decent dry bag (or simply a plastic trash bag) fitted inside the main compartment. Still, the HPG Junction will handle snow and occasional drizzle with ease.

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Alternatives to Consider

Hill People Gear packs are really hard to compare to other carry gear on the market. So below you can find some packs that serve a similar role as the HPG Junction, just in a bit different way. Still, all of them are tough, offer similar volume, and have similar dual functionality as a day-hiking and bushcrafter’s pack.

Kifaru Echo

Mystery Ranch 2DAP

Fjällräven Greenland Top 20

Eberlestock Switchblade

The Good

– Overall tough construction

– Sturdy proven materials, US-made

– Carry system – works even under really heavy load

– Side pockets design

– Modularity, compatible with other HPG add-ons

– Outdoor versatility from mountaineering to bushcrafting

Not So Good

– No back panel ventilation

– Heavier than alpine climbing packs (but there’s a lightweight version of the Junction too, which you could check out)

– No waist belt

– No internal organization

Verdict

The Junction is a hybrid creature, combining some elements of a hiking pack and classic bushcraft and backcountry pack. It’s a very versatile and compact outdoor carry tool, good for summer hikes and winter snowshoeing. It’s light and small, at home up on the hills, deep in the valley, and in the forest too. Tough, impeccably made in the USA… and also not costing you an arm and a leg – an MSRP of $175 is not particularly cheap, but still manageable, and certainly justified in this case. For all HPG junkies, this pack is a must-have! If you’re looking for a lightweight summer daypack, which is strong enough to withstand both tough day hikes and bushcraft outings, and which is scalable, multi-role, and will serve you for many years, the Hill People Gear Junction should be on your shortlist, without any doubt.

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Atlas Packs Athlete Camera Pack Road Test Review https://www.carryology.com/reviews-2/atlas-packs-athlete-camera-pack-is-this-the-holy-grail-of-camera-packs/ Wed, 05 Oct 2022 14:53:46 +0000 https://www.carryology.com/?p=84605 I have a love hate relationship with camera bags, and I always have. As a photographer,...

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I have a love hate relationship with camera bags, and I always have. As a photographer, I should be in the love camp. In theory they’re supposed to make my life easier, keep my gear protected, and be reliable. In reality, I often find myself on the other end of the spectrum, frustrated by camera bags that promise the world and deliver very little. The intentions are always good and the offering of a simpler workflow with comfortable carry and greater protection sound magnificent on paper. However, I often find that it translates to a boxy thing on my back. 

Now, that’s just my personal opinion, and I know that some photographers will take protection over everything. However, for me there is a balance between keeping my cameras locked away in the most protective case, and letting them run free and do their thing! My cameras are tools and I want to be able to bring them with me and use them. More recently I’ve found myself defaulting to under the radar camera slings, or my own favoured backpacks with an insert that I like, sometimes even a homemade solution using clothing as the protection. People often say that the best camera is the one you have with you, I feel as though the same theory can be applied to camera bags, the best one is the one you’ll have with you; the one that allows you to take your gear to the best places, to capture the best shots.

So, for the past five years I’ve accepted my fate that there isn’t a camera bag for me to rule them all, there are some very good ones that I turn to, but ultimately I hadn’t found the “one”. My criteria for “the one” was pretty straight forward on paper. It had to carry excellently (20-40lbs of gear gets tiring very quickly), get me into hard to reach places with my gear,  it had to have genuinely useful features, and it should be disguised and not advertise the payday sitting on my back. Could the Atlas Packs Athlete Camera Pack be the one I’ve been looking for?

Who’s it for?

If you are Outdoor enthusiast or content creator who is looking for an excellent hiking pack, which is also an excellent camera pack, then look no further. With the capability to handle almost any professional camera set up, ingenious functional features, and excellent materials and build quality, you’ll be amazed you’ve used anything else.

Who’s it not?

If minimalism is more your style, and you don’t like straps on your bags, move on. The Athlete is designed for life outside, and that’s where it thrives. If your setup is smaller, maybe a single body and lens, you may also want to look elsewhere.

Construction and Materials

I think this is an exceptionally important piece of the puzzle for a good camera pack. When your livelihood is coming with you, you want to know not only that it’s protected from a padding point of view, but also that the materials are good quality and the manufacturing is up to scratch. It’s not hard to put up to 50lbs in a camera pack, so reliability is key. With the Atlas Athlete, I had no concerns from the snowy day I unboxed it, and I still have no concerns now after almost 10 months of use and abuse. A 240D ripstop shell is a great balance of durability and weatherproofing, not once in my use have I been concerned about its robustness. Atlas Packs have a mantra that a happy pack is a dirty pack, and this pack has been around the world, taken a fair beating, got dirty, been wiped off, and come back for more without wavering.

There is a detachable and stowable rain cover zipped into the base of the pack should you need extra protection from the elements. Internally the 10mm thick dividers provide plenty of protection to stop your lenses and bodies becoming too closely acquainted. Sturdy YKK® zippers and hardware make access a breeze and these buckles and zippers have actually become one of my most appreciated parts of the pack. They are easy to adjust and manipulate, even with gloves on in the depth of winter. I love being able to adjust quickly on the move when shooting, and material and hardware choices such as these make all the difference.

The same applies to the sturdy webbing used around the pack–simple, reliable, and easy to interact with. Elasticated strap keepers help you manage any dangling strap ends and keep them out of the way, which I love, no one likes straps flapping around! I know at Carryology we love to wax lyrical about some pretty technical materials, but sometimes simple can be best, and in my experience, for photography packs (and cameras in general) reliability is key. It is a constant theme throughout the pack, and is likely why I’ve grown so fond of it. 

A removable aluminium frame/stay allows you to compress the pack smaller should you desire, and is easily inserted/removed when needed. It fits into overhead cabins or airplanes with ease, something I really appreciate. The Athlete is the smaller of the two packs offered from Atlas, and comes in three colours and two sizes. Their excellent fit guide will help you choose the best option. 

Organisation

Where to start? This can be a contentious point amongst photographers. Some love an ICU for the flexibility and some love built in protection. Well, why not have both? This is one of the areas for me where the Atlas Packs both stand head and shoulders above the rest. The Origami Camera Core ™ is hands down the best way to carry camera gear on your back. Now I hear what you’re saying “X, Y, and Z have customisable cubes!” etc. etc. However, the OCC is really the best of both worlds, elevated.

The OCC is really quite ingenious, with a simple tug of the loop or a push of the core, you can either gain around 3L of gear space in the main compartment or extra room for another lens/body combo. This feature makes the pack really excel for travel, because now the Athlete just became your daily pack too. You can quickly dump some unnecessary camera equipment at your abode, and use the extra space for whatever adventures lay ahead! This proved to be useful for extra food, clothing, or towels. I think where the OCC excels is its clean function. There is no “unsnap this, twist this around, and there you go” it is a quick and clean motion that takes no time at all. With the Athlete you can’t help but feel like you’ve cheated the system and got an excellent hiking pack, camera pack, and day-pack all in one.

Now, a word on dividers. I often find myself frustrated by camera dividers. They are either far too rigid, and leave my gear bouncing between them, with no ability to be flexible around gear, or they’re poorly constructed, with fabric coming away from the foam. Once you start using that type, forget it, the velcro destroys the fabric and it ends up taking ages to customise your load-out. Thankfully, that’s not the case with the Atlas Athlete, it is truly customisable, coming with a set of 15 dividers (various lengths), you can make this work for almost any set up. As you can see from the examples of mine, and the thorough examples on the Atlas website, no matter what gear you use, you can make this work for you.

These dividers are a happy medium between what I just described, providing you enough protection to feel confident, but enough flex to make it work and squeeze that little extra space out of your pack. At 10mm thick with a soft to touch lining and distinct blue “top”. These dividers are provided to give you the flexibility that you need to carry and shoot well, and for something seemingly so small they do just that. No matter what variation you come up with, they’ll work for you. I’ve used it in a multitude of different variations while testing, but I’ve settled on a load-out that works for me: 1 x mirrorless body (two if no drone), 1 x 400mm telephoto lens (or two small primes), 1 x 50mm prime lens, 1 x 12-24 wide angle zoom, 1 x drone, and 1 x drone controller. This load-out worked perfectly for me when travelling, and gave quick and easy access to all of my gear without worry.

Outside of the OCC, the organisation continues. You have a top lid that houses a quick access outer pocket, then a larger pocket under that (excellent for hats, gloves, headlamps on sunrise/sunset shoots) and on the inside of the pack, there is another slender pocket with a spot to put your contact info. This lid pocket can hold a surprising amount, and becomes a great caddy for the smaller items that you want zipped up so that they don’t fall through the cracks.

The lid also houses two rows of MOLLE webbing, which can be used to attach anything you might need–hero clips, guardian lights, hand sanitiser. You name it, it can fit there. This is where I kept my bungee cords which are just so incredibly useful, I didn’t use them all the time, but boy do they come in handy for things like hats, coats, shopping bags etc. 

Once you look past the OCC and the Lid, you still have more organisation. On the back of the rear entry you’ll find two slim zippered pockets, these are perfect for remotes or batteries, and a large stretch sleeve which is well sized for microfibre or flatter parts such as drone propellers. There is an internal padded laptop sleeve on the “front” of the OCC, that sits inside the main pack. It can house a MacBook comfortably, and I found it to be well placed and easily accessible from the main drawstring cavity. Technically, you can even add extra protection by whatever you decide to place in the main volume, for example when I travelled on a plane, I’d shove a jacket in front of it, just for a little extra bump protection. In all honesty, I didn’t use the laptop sleeve much as I mainly travel with an iPad which I kept in the origami insert, but it’s nice to know the option is there.

On the side of the pack you’ll find two large stretch water bottle pockets, easily big enough for a 48oz Nalgene, large insulated water bottle, or tripod. I kept a tripod on one side, and a first aid kit/bear spray on the other. They are easy to reach while wearing the pack, so it’s great to have those items close by!

On the hip-belt you’ll find two fold out dump pockets which can hold up to a 48oz Nalgene. These are also great spots for secondary lenses, snacks, phones, tools–and many other things I’m sure! While the front of the pack has a stretch mesh sleeve (with zippered vertical pocket) that can be a good spot for quick to grab items. I stored an insulation layer in here so that I could grab it if I was getting chilly.

The organisation of the Athlete is really excellent and very customisable. Whether you want to use the pack at its most compressed 20L, or fully expanded 40L, you’ll quickly find a way to maximise its functionality. You have three access points on the pack, the rear opening to the OCC, side entry to either your water reservoir or your other stored gear, and traditional top entry via the drawstring opening. As with most of this pack, the variety is actually incredibly useful, particularly with thoughtful packing you can access different parts of your gear without too much thought.

It is worth noting that you can only access your camera gear from the rear entry. On the larger sized athlete, there is also a zippered pass through window that allows you access to the main storage cavity, this is useful if you need to grab something quickly while the pack is open on the ground. If you use the origami insert with the Athlete, your opening through the passthrough window is blocked.

The Origami insert is a limited release for the Athlete Pack and it elevates your experience of travelling with the pack. It is essentially a caddy that attaches (via velcro loop) to the top of the top of the OCC, in the main volume. It has the same origami fold, so the volume available in the insert will depend on your OCC load. It is a dream for airplane travel, I keep my e-reader, tablet, and headphones all in here and remove it from the bag before to keep with me at my seat. I’ve even used it as a side table “tray” in lodging while on the road. It stands on its own and elevates the organisation options of the Athlete Pack even further.

Comfort

Now most of the time, I don’t dedicate a whole section to comfort on a pack. However, it seems apropos here, because it is so critical to the success of a camera pack particularly under load.

With a slightly unique construction the foam and sponge used on the Athlete is both open cell and EVA foams. They serve a different purpose in different areas. The open cell foam is for comfort and padding in areas such as the shoulder straps, while the closed EVA is for support and strength in high wear areas such as the waist belt. Straight out of the box the Athlete is incredibly comfortable, but once you’ve dialed in the fit is when it really excels. You can book a 1-on-1 zoom fitting with Atlas Packs where they will help you adjust your pack perfectly, you can also visit their Arizona showroom for this same service.

I was lucky enough to be with founder Allan at Outdoor Retailer this year, and I’d already been using the pack for a couple of months. He said to me “How’s the fit?” And I keenly responded “It’s great, I’m loving the…” before I could finish he said “let me show you some adjustments”. Within a short five minutes, the pack was floating on my back. The moment I got home I made the adjustments and I’ve been living with a happy pack (and back!) ever since. The load lifters, hip belt, and construction harmoniously work together to genuinely make this one of the most comfortable packs I have ever worn, and I don’t just mean camera packs. I mean packs full stop. I’ve used this pack without camera gear (okay, I did bring one camera with me, I’m an addict!) just as a hiker, and it performed exceptionally well there too. 

Each pack comes with a custom hip belt. These hip belts are available in a variety of sizes, including big and tall and multiple styles based on overall load. All of these belts are compatible with all Atlas packs. The hip belt includes MOLLE attachments, excellent padding, and easy to use magnetic fastenings. The hip belt is another example of Atlas making their packs function focused, so that you can tackle the adventure at hand.

Comfort cannot be taken for granted when you’re on your feet all day with expensive and heavy gear on your back. The back panel breathes exceptionally well, I’ve used this in climates ranging from 0ºF to 110ºF on my travels and not once have I felt discomfort from the pack, just the hostile environment. I would go as far to say that the comfort of the Athlete is the foundation of what makes everything else on the pack work so well.

Verdict

Atlas Packs are great for all of the reasons that I’ve listed in this review, but not only is their product great, their ethos and customer service is too. Each Atlas pack comes with a lifetime warranty, 100 days to trial or return and exchange, 1 year theft protection and online fittings via zoom call. These services aren’t marketing ploys, they come from a place of genuine care for both the product and the customer. Founder Allan Henry, renowned photojournalist, designed this pack as a solution to a problem, we often find those products to be industry leaders because they aren’t focused on gimmicks or “keeping up”, they are trail blazers and want to create the most functional and useful product they can. That is most certainly the case with Atlas Packs Athlete Pack. 

As I’ve alluded to, the success of a camera pack in my eyes is all to do with how well it lets you focus on the job or task at hand and this is where the Athlete truly excels. It is a portable studio, and you become more and more comfortable and in sync with it the more you use it. In my case, the Athlete Pack has travelled with me to Iceland, St Martin, and all over the USA through winter, spring, and summer. I’m yet to find a climate it can’t face, or a use case where it really falls short. I’ve dragged it across cliffs, beaches, airport floors, airplane overhead bins, taxis, sidewalks, and it keeps up every time, it’s hard not to admire its grit!

Multiple access points, robust materials, excellent protection, reliable construction, and thoughtful touches make this the most enjoyable camera pack I’ve had the pleasure of using. It’s no Nomin in its aesthetic, but it isn’t designed for that, nor is it trying to be. This is the photographer’s Pack Mule that you didn’t know you needed until you used it for the first time.

Over my ten months with this V2 updated pack, I have traveled with it extensively, and not just because I’ve been testing it, but because I’ve trusted it and wanted it with me on my adventures. That is the greatest compliment I can give a camera pack, I want to use it, and I can’t wait to see where the Atlas Packs Athlete Pack takes me and my camera gear next. After all, a happy pack is a dirty pack.

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Peak Design Everyday Totepack Review https://www.carryology.com/reviews-2/peak-design-everyday-totepack-review/ Wed, 21 Sep 2022 21:56:17 +0000 https://www.carryology.com/?p=83746 Peak Design was created by Peter Dering in 2010 as a solution to a problem and...

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Peak Design was created by Peter Dering in 2010 as a solution to a problem and that has been the ethos ever since. The original product, the Capture, is a camera clip but Peak Design quickly expanded into bags, packs, totes and camera equipment, all of which we are big fans! They are dedicated to “success at the expense of nobody.” They are carbon neutral and are founding members of Climate Neutral, a nonprofit created to help other companies reach carbon neutrality. The Everyday Totepack is made from 100% recycled post consumer materials. They even have a Pre-Owned tab on their website where they offer deeply discounted used products and a place to sell your Peak Design gear without a fee. When a company is willing to put their profits on the line for the sake of sustainability, that’s a company I want to buy from. Today, we’re looking at the Peak Design Everyday Totepack.

Who It Suits

The Peak Design Everyday Totepack is as versatile as its name sounds. It is made for commuters and professionals whether headed to a board meeting or tailgate. No matter the climate, the light and durable materials will keep your everyday items dry and protected without sacrificing accessibility or style.

Who It Doesn’t

The only limiting factor of this bag is the size. If your laptop is bigger than 15” or you’ve been told you have exceptionally broad shoulders, this may not be the bag for you. The top opening is narrow. This allows the bag to stay low profile but could be a deal breaker for some. Although I personally found accessibility to be a highlight of this bag. 

Specifications

  • Dimensions:
    • External Dimensions: 46cm (height), 38cm (width), 17cm (depth)
    • Internal Dimensions: 38cm (height), 32cm (width), 15cm (depth)
  • Capacity: 25 Liters
  • Weight: 
    • Without Dividers: 2.31 lb
    • With Dividers: 2.76 lb
  • Materials
    • 400D double poly-coated DWR-impregnated nylon canvas shell
    • 100% recycled post-consumer material
    • 900D waterproof bottom liner
  • Maximum Laptop Carry: 15/16” MacBook Pro
  • Maximum Tablet Carry: 9.7” iPad Pro
  • Price: $179.95

Design

The Everyday Totepack was the first Peak Design bag designed by a woman! We love to see it! I tested out the Bone color and was really impressed upon unboxing. The color is creamy and makes the bag look expensive. The hand straps are a rich brown leather. Low profile is a term used for a lot of Peak Design bags. I haven’t fully appreciated that design choice until trying to put my Totepack in the bottom of my jogger stroller on the way to the beach. 

In my experience with Peak Design bags, the design is always beautiful and functionality is enhanced rather than sacrificed because of it. This concept is shown by the strap system. The backpack straps tuck away and the process is one you won’t dread. More on that below!

Features

From the outside, the Everyday Totepack may seem simple but its features set it apart. Every aspect of this pack is well thought out without being over designed. Often this can be a hard balance to strike, as sometimes when a product tries to be two things at once, it does neither thing well. This is not the case for the Totepack. With shoulder straps that stow in the bag and are completely hidden when not in use, the tote looks tailored but sporty and fits five liters more than the original Peak Design Tote. It certainly doesn’t look like a 25L pack, which is a good thing!

Comfort wise, the Everyday Totepack surprised me. Every touchpoint was joyful to use, essentially, I didn’t have to think about them, which indicates success! The tote handles are padded and magnetic so they stay together, not only good for organisation, but great for quick grab and go, and avoiding the dreaded rub between handles. When in use, the shoulder straps are comfortable and sturdy, I had no problem using them for an extended period of time.

The downfall of a backpack is on the go accessibility. With most backpacks, you need to put the bag down to retrieve items or you swing it to your front and are rifling through as things fall out. I spent five years living in New York City. Finding a clean place to put down your bag can be a tough thing to do in a big city. That’s why the side access zipper on both sides of the Everyday Totepack is so crucial. By swinging the bag around you can easily access whatever you need from the weatherproof side zippers. You may be thinking the side access zippers are a stolen wallet waiting to happen. The solution to this are the small loops on the bottom of the bag. By unsnapping the zipper pull and feeding it through the loop, the pocket remains secure. The top opening has a weatherproof zip closure as well as a magnetic seal. 

The outside of the pack houses the only smaller pocket of the bag. Within the external pocket there are some smaller stretchy pockets, intended for camera accessories, but I’ve also found them a great spot fo keys, chapstick, and the like. The internal cavity has no pockets but offers customization through the classic Peak Design FlexFold dividers. The dividers allow you to break up the space of the main cavity and safely stack all of the items you will need for your day. The Velcro lining the walls is incredibly sturdy and a line shows the center to help with divider placement. Inside this main volume, there is also a laptop sleeve and a tablet sleeve. I use an iPad for work but am never without my kindle so these two pockets are perfect for my everyday carry. 

My favorite feature of this bag surprised me. There are external carry straps that can attach to any of the eight attachment points along both sides and the bottom of the pack. This feature suits me so well because I am constantly packing my bag then running back in the house to grab a sweatshirt just in case. Now, instead of trying to shove it inside the main cavity of the bag I can cinch it down to the outside of the pack! I used this bag as one of my beach bags during my testing. I kept a beach towel inside the pack on the way to the beach. After a day in the sun, I cinched my towel to the outside for the walk home to keep sand out of the main cavity.

Performance

A pack can look good but it all comes down to how the product performs when it’s actually being used. I don’t want to sound like a Peak Design fan girl but they really never disappoint. Using this bag was so enjoyable. The zippers never catch, the straps are comfortable. Seemingly small examples like these make a big difference to the user experience.

I am a serial bag overstuffer. So despite my average strength I am constantly worried I am going to rip my bag or break a zipper. It feels like this bag was made by a fellow overstuffer. The zippers are so substantial and the material feels so strong. I’m confident it will last.

The testing for this bag was two-fold. I use it in my everyday life which these days consists of work, grocery store runs, and walks with my two month old daughter. I did not use this as a diaper bag but a bag for my things- iPad, Kindle, sunglasses, wallet and sweatshirt. For this use, the Everyday Totepack is near perfect. The only missing feature is a water bottle pocket. You can arrange the dividers to create a spot for your water bottle. However, that’s an extra step that isn’t going to happen while my beautiful but temperamental daughter screams from her carseat on the way out the door. That being said, the lack of a water bottle pocket is far from a deal breaker for me. I used this bag often and will continue to use it happily!

I also used this as a beach bag. In the main cavity I had a sweatshirt, extra set of clothes for my daughter, wet/dry bag with my sunscreen, beach towel, and Kindle. I also filled a Camelbak bladder with ice water and fed the hose through the top magnetic opening. This was my solution to the lack of a water bottle pocket and I will not go back to bringing a water bottle. At the end of the day I strapped my towel to the outside of the pack and was still able to fit the bag in the bottom of the stroller because of the sleek design. 

The Good

There is so much that is good about the Everyday Totepack. It’s beautiful. I would feel confident using it while in business casual attire. The lightweight materials add to the comfort of the bag and the straps are padded and adjustable to prevent any pinching or squeezing. 

For me, the star of the show is the accessibility. Instead of a zipper that spans the entire pack, the 3 zippers allow access to every corner of the bag without the threat of spilling all of your goods on the street. I used the side zippers more than the top while testing and that surprised (and delighted) me. 

The Not So Good

Thinking critically about changes I would make to this bag was a tall task. I was able to come up with just two things. There is no water bottle pocket which I missed for everyday use. The backpack straps have daisy chain webbing for the size adjustment. This is only an issue if you will be sharing this bag. When my husband grabbed the bag he had trouble fitting it on his back and the daisy chain just makes it slightly more time consuming to adjust. As this is some extreme nitpicking but it did come up throughout my testing so I had to share my experience! 

It is also worth mentioning that this bag is a light color and bags get dirty. I do not consider this a flaw and am not bothered by mild wear. I even consider stain removal to be a competitive sport at times. It’s amazing what a little baking soda and dawn dish soap can do. However, if the thought of keeping the bag pristine gives you heartburn, check out the Totepack in black! 

Verdict

This bag has me feeling like a real bag geek. You know you really like a product when you are trying to work it into all of your conversations. I’ve tested a few Peak Design bags and this is my favorite. It’s well priced for the quality and versatility. The accessibility is unrivaled and the weight and durability of the materials used really set it apart! 

This review was written by our newest contributor–Welcome to the team, Colleen! 

Colleen is an avid skier and hiker. She is also a new mom, navigating the best ways to get outside with a little one and all the stuff that comes with them. When not enjoying nature, Colleen spends her time reading and painting.

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Radius Outfitters Gear Box 3500 Review  https://www.carryology.com/reviews-2/radius-outfitters-gear-box-3500-review/ Thu, 15 Sep 2022 03:14:53 +0000 https://www.carryology.com/?p=83761 I stumbled upon Radius Outfitters a few months. On first inspection, this case struck me as...

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I stumbled upon Radius Outfitters a few months. On first inspection, this case struck me as something that would be useful for organization while camping/off-roading/overlanding. A semi-rigid body covered in a 1680D Cordura, designed to take beating on and off the blacktop.

Radius Outfitters Gear Box 3500

The case can be used with or without dividers, so you have options to carry anything from a camp stove to camera gear to any number of snacks that you might need in your travels. They have three different sizes of the gear box, the 3000, 3500, and 5500 ranging in capacity from 30-55 liters (hence the names). But let’s think inside the box this time and see what it is all about. 

Radius Outfitters Gear Box 3500

Who It Suits

Do you need a storage solution for your vehicle? Well, then these boxes are probably for you. In all honesty, these could be used for storage for just about anything, but since they are all over $200, they are more suited for situations where you would use them quite regularly.

Radius Outfitters Gear Box 3500

They work great in vehicles because the bottom of the box has hook on it so it can attach to the carpet of a vehicle and not slide around. I’ll pick up a few for the back of my wife’s car for all her art supplies and such. If you need to be able to organize your mess kit for camping or any other camp items, the dividers that come with these cases are very helpful for organizing. 

Vehicle organization

Who It Doesn’t

Since these boxes start at $219, they are not great for a general storage solution. I wouldn’t buy a bunch for garage storage or just leaving around the house. Since the boxes are not a hard case or waterproof, the environment and goods stored should be considered before using them. 

Camp organization

The Good

The Radius Gear Box is full of a lot of good things. When not in use, the case can be broken down and stored flat so as not to take up room.

Radius Outfitters Gear Box 3500
Gear box

It is modular in that you are able to use the dividers to build the case out as you need to. The exterior of the gear box has expandable pockets to store smaller items, and the handles are nice and sturdy, so even when the case is full, the straps don’t pinch your hands.

Radius Outfitters Gear Box 3500
Camp organization

If you choose the case with the Fidlock buckle, the gear box stays closed, so if it does happen to slide off of something in the vehicle, the contents won’t spill out. One minor added feature is the plastic divider placer. This small piece of plastic allows you to get the dividers set in place without battling the hook and the sides of the case. 

Fidlock buckle

The Not So Good

While the case is sturdy, and you could pack items on top of it in the vehicle or at camp, the case is not strong enough to stand/sit on. If you tend to use a camp case to stand on or toss them around, this might not be the case for you. As I mentioned before, the case is not waterproof at all, so depending on where you are, this case might bring you issues on that front.  

Radius Outfitters Gear Box 3500

Verdict

Overall I would say that this is one of my new, simple, go-to products for vehicle storage. The fact that these gear boxes can be secured to the carpet in the vehicle is something that I enjoy. No more groceries or supplies sliding all over. The ability to move the panels around for storage means that these are great for various items of different shapes and sizes.

Radius Outfitters Gear Box 3500

The cases are well built and lightweight, with some quality thought and design behind them. While the price might seem high, these are quality products that will last for quite a long time. 

Radius Outfitters Gear Box 3500

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Mission Workshop Transit Arkiv Laptop Brief Review https://www.carryology.com/reviews-2/mission-workshop-transit-arkiv-laptop-brief-review/ https://www.carryology.com/reviews-2/mission-workshop-transit-arkiv-laptop-brief-review/#comments Thu, 08 Sep 2022 08:59:52 +0000 https://www.carryology.com/?p=83518 We all have that one type of bag that we are searching for. One that we...

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We all have that one type of bag that we are searching for. One that we might not know the company or name of but we have a use case in mind. And if we could design, source materials, and sew a bag we might make it for ourselves. Well, Mission Workshop has come to the rescue yet again. The Mission Workshop Transit Arkiv Laptop Brief is that bag that I wanted, thought I needed, and once I tried it, I realized I had been missing something my whole life. 

Mission Workshop Transit Arkiv

The Transit Arkiv Laptop Brief comes in at 14L, smaller than a day bag. However, the layout is roomy enough to accommodate quite a lot. The Transit Arkiv is an excellent option if you need a shoulder bag for the daily commute and carry a small lunch, laptop, umbrella, snacks, raincoat, and other accessories. A multitude of pockets are built into the bag, giving the user plenty of options and organization for any use case. If you have additional bags from Mission Workshop that utilize the Arkiv system, this brief can be attached to those bags.

Mission Workshop Transit Arkiv

The organization of the bag’s interior is well thought out, with pockets and dividers galore.

I have been using the Transit Arkiv Laptop Brief for a few months now, and it fits everything I need for a workday at the coffee shop or elsewhere in town. 

My usual loadout for a day like this tends to be:

  • 15″ MacBook Pro w/ charging cables
  • Wireless mouse
  • 1-2 external hard drives
  • Power bank
  • Notebook
  • Two sets of headphones (phone and computer)
  • 1-2 snack bars
  • Nalgene or Earthwell (both 32oz) 

I can fit everything in and still have room to stash a light jacket or rain shell without the bag being too full. The shoulder strap is wide, and due to the bag only being 14L, it doesn’t need a pad even when fully packed. I am a huge fan of waxed canvas, so I picked up the brown waxed version for this review. 

Mission Workshop Transit Arkiv

Who It Suits

The Mission Workshop Transit Arkiv Laptop Brief comes in several fabrics and colors. You have options if you are looking for a shoulder bag that can be used in an office environment or a more rugged setting. At 14 liters, you have more space than a sling, but not as much as a daypack, so consider what you would use this for and how you would travel with the bag. This is a perfect bag for your carry-on item as it fits nicely under the seat and can hold all you need on a flight. As mentioned above, this shoulder bag is perfect for everyday use as a commuter or office bag. 

Mission Workshop Transit Arkiv

Who It Doesn’t

While the Transit Arkiv brief is great for commuting by public transport or your vehicle, I would not use this as a bike commuting bag unless you were to strap it to a rack. If you tend to need more for your workday or pack larger bulky lunches, you might have issues fitting everything in the bag as it is only 14L.

Mission Workshop Transit Arkiv

The Good

The layout of the pocketing and the bag’s design are exceptionally well thought out. Several zipped and drop pockets throughout the bag can house various items. You have one big roomy compartment in the interior, with one large drop pocket on one side and an admin panel opposite. The admin panel consists of two pen slots, a drop pocket that can easily fit a hard drive or power bank, and a zippered mesh pocket.

Interior organization

There is no lack of organization in the bag, which is always excellent for travel and the office. The exterior has two pockets on either end. These pockets are not big enough for a water bottle but could hold a compact umbrella, wallet, or some snack bars. There is a laptop pocket that easily fits my 15″ MacBook and should fit up to a 16″ laptop. You might think that the pocketing stops here, but you’d be wrong.

Side exterior pocket
Mission Workshop Transit Arkiv

The rear of the bag houses a small drop pocket. This can be used to house the hand strap or to keep items such as your wallet or passport close to your body. On the front of the bag, there is one full-sized drop pocket. Being that this is a large pocket, you can use it for documents, your tablet, or that delicious pita you just picked up. Finally, one small waterproof zip pocket is on the front of the bag. I found myself using this mainly for my headphones and keys as it was easy to reach and secure.

Mission Workshop Transit Arkiv

If you are a bike commuter and have a front rack on your bike, Mission Workshop has built-in detachable straps that can secure the brief to your bike for commuting. 

Waxed canvas

The Transit Arkiv provides the user with a shoulder strap and two hand straps. These options were perfect for travel as the bag carries well over the shoulder while walking through the airport, but the hand straps are great for carrying the bag through the plane aisle. The rear of the bag also has webbing for attaching your brief to your luggage as you navigate the airport. 

Mission Workshop Transit Arkiv
Mission Workshop Transit Arkiv

The Not So Good

The large drop pocket on the interior is somewhat flimsy. What I mean by this is that when you are filling your bag, this pocket tends to flop in the way and create more of a jumble than help organize. Personally, if this pocket was split in two and provided smaller drop pockets, this might solve this issue and help separate your items better. 

Interior organization

I like that the hand straps have stow pockets for when they are not in use, but the shoulder strap is not easily detachable. This could be an issue for some who prefer not to utilize the strap. It does give the bag a cleaner look by not having buckles, but the strap can get in the way if you want to use just the hand straps. You can remove the strap, it just takes some effort. 

Laptop brief

Verdict

If you’re looking for a compact, well-organized shoulder bag that will do double-duty on travel and everyday commuting, the Mission Workshop Transit Arkiv could be a great option for you. Sleek enough for the office, tough enough for travel, and easily able to accommodate your tech and essentials, this is a stylish and dependable piece for office professionals, creatives, and travelers alike.

Mission Workshop Transit Arkiv

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Tom Bihn Cambiata | First Look https://www.carryology.com/reviews-2/tom-bihn-cambiata-first-look/ Tue, 06 Sep 2022 14:26:28 +0000 https://www.carryology.com/?p=83437 Tom Bihn; purveyor of buy-it-for-life softgoods with an eye for truly unique colorways, materials, and designs....

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Tom Bihn; purveyor of buy-it-for-life softgoods with an eye for truly unique colorways, materials, and designs. The out-of-the-box thinking is often what makes Tom Bihn so desirable for so many people around the world. The newest offering, the Tom Bihn Cambiata, hits that trifecta pretty hard, offering a unique take on the totepack that only Tom Bihn could.

The Cambiata is offered in a large enough selection of colors to appease any preferences, with a 630D Ballistic shell, and Tom Bihn’s signature 200D Halcyon lining (one of our favorite materials) or the newer 210D Cerylon. For this piece, we opted for the Black Ballistic with Zest Halcyon making a triumphant return to the lineup. Long live Halcyon.

Tom Bihn Cambiata 1

While it’s easy to call this a totepack, that’s not exactly accurate. Satchelpack? Pursepack? CrossbodyPack? The Cambiata has a lot more in common with Tom Bihn’s Cafe Bag series than it does with many totes we’ve seen. That’s not a bad thing, just a point of distinction when it comes to deciding how you’ll use this bag. With totes, you’re often carrying them at your side by the handles, or over one shoulder. Realistically, that’s not going to be the case with the Cambiata.

We’ve found it’s best to treat the Cambiata like a crossbody first and foremost, ignoring the backpack straps for a moment. The single handle on the rear doesn’t lend itself well for anything other than picking the bag up – just like on a backpack. The longer included strap can easily be adjusted in length depending on if you prefer that classic crossbody fit or if you want to just be able to throw it over a shoulder quickly.

Tom Bihn Cambiata

The Cambiata’s real trick is the readily available backpack straps that tuck into the rear sleeve. Both the straps and their connection points at the bottom stow away when not in use and stay out of sight and out of mind.

Tom Bihn Cambiata

These are Tom Bihn’s Contour straps, which are a minimal yet comfortable dual strap setup for their smaller bags. Not quite as beefy as their current Edgeless straps, but a major upgrade from webbing straps. They’re definitely best suited to the shorter amongst us. If you’re over 6′, you might not find them the best fit. Luckily, our household is well under that mark.

Tom Bihn Cambiata
Tom Bihn Cambiata

The pocketing on the Cambiata is unsurprisingly solid. Tom Bihn is usually a go-to for those who love thoughtful pocketing. On the exterior alone there are four options to stuff your gear into. Two small zippered pockets on the right-hand side, a zippered bottle pocket on the opposing side, and an open top pocket on each of the front and back sides. It’s worth noting that the rear open top pocket is only really usable in backpack mode, and anything in there will probably push into your back – so choose wisely! There’s also a laptop sleeve on the top side rear of the pack. It’s well padded and raised but worth noting that it’s lined with lightweight, gray nylon – not the chosen liner of the main compartment.

Tom Bihn Cambiata

Around the inside we have one zippered compartment under the lid – anything heavy here will weigh the lid down, so this is best for small items like keys or a wallet. One side has two open, elastic-topped pockets, while the other side is left free from any clutter. The back side has one full-height, open, elastic-topped pocket – very similar to the front internal pocket on the Synapse and Synik packs.

Tom Bihn Cambiata

The Cambiata couldn’t be mistaken for anything other than a Tom Bihn piece. While at first we were a little confused as to how this was a totepack, we really started to dig it after we let any of those preconceived notions go. It’s exactly what it was designed to be, and needs to be. The Tom Bihn Cambiata is at home at the office, cafe, or even on your next trip.

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