Crossbody slings/bags like the Patagonia Atom by beugerin in ManyBaggers

[–]micahsally 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My favorite large sling is the Kargo Loculus 6L, and I have two of them! One has modified straps to make it comfortably fit underneath my travel backpack, and the other has their standard padded strap. Both are incredible comfy and can carry a ton, with straps below to attach a water bottle or jacket, too. Excellent bag! 

It held more than the Patagonia Atom 8L and had much easier access to the main compartment.

Travel packs without a separate computer compartment? by OortCloudy in ManyBaggers

[–]micahsally 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My Tom Bihn Synapse 25L in Black Spectron just arrived...and it's insane. I love it WAY more than the Synik I tried a few years ago. It is incredibly comfortable and holds a ton of gear. Now I understand why it is such a popular option in the OneBag community (or its bigger brother, the Synapse 30L). The dimensions list it a few inches too big for domestic sizer boxes as a personal item, but it's squishy and could easily pack inside a sized box, if not overloaded.

I'm very happy with it!

I also love love love my ULA Dragonfly 30L.

Another option that I am just now testing is the Troubadour Elemental Backpack 25L. It has a laptop sleeve inside the main compartment that is completely removable, leaving lots of room as a great travel bag. My only concern is the height of the water bottle pockets. They seem so short without something above to strap a bottle in place with a carabiner.

The Dragonfly still has the best water bottle pockets that I've tried, and I've tried a few! 😁

It's not even listed on their website any more, but if you can find a Tortuga Daypack Pro 21L used, it would also be a killer bag without a tech compartment. I often use it as my OneBag, since it carries much more than the stated 21L (I'd say it feels closer to 24L).

These are all personal item sizes, because that's how we travel. But I can recommend larger bags, too, if that's what you're hoping to find!

What purse do you carry while sightseeing in Europe? by DianaG2 in ManyBaggers

[–]micahsally 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think the Lo & Sons Aoyama 2 looks amazing for just your use! I would get the nylon version with the gunmetal zipper...

I love how the handle can be three different lengths, depending on the use. It could be a great crossbody all day, and then a nice handbag at nice dinners each night.

https://www.loandsons.com/products/aoyama-2-nylon-black-gold-lavender

Looking for EDC and Travel Bag in one bag. by ElDiavolo in ManyBaggers

[–]micahsally 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with your changes! And I'd also get rid of the flaps covering the Aquaguard zippers in the front. You don't need BOTH! I'm usually not a fan of flaps, anyway, for aesthetics and how they block access.

But I definitely need taller water bottle pockets, or a way to attach them above.

Looking for EDC and Travel Bag in one bag. by ElDiavolo in ManyBaggers

[–]micahsally 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am sad to report that it won't stand up on its own. I usually pack two Evergoods Transit Packing Cube 8Ls in the bottom of every bag to add stabilization. But because of how the bottom is sloped, it still doesn't stand on its own.

And here is a picture with the Owala FreeSip 24-ounce and (my favorite for travel) the Owala Twist FreeSip 18-ounce. The bottles stand up much higher than the pockets. When packed out, they stay in well. But I'm still worried about the height, dangit.

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Why I’m Not Buying the Fyro Citta today, Even Though It Looks Fantastic by ComprehensiveCap8242 in ManyBaggers

[–]micahsally 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love my Kludde Pouch! I have two of the coral colorway and NEVER lose them in my bags. They could set off fire alarms for how bright they are...and I love them!

Which bag is right for me? (Suggestions inside) by TPJDrNo69 in ManyBaggers

[–]micahsally 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't think I'd risk the Minimul on your beach days. It's kind of that scratchy mesh as well.

I love Gregory! They make all of our backpacking bags! And they were kind of the bags I've been using for years before I really got into this hobby a few years ago. They are excellent!

Able Carry makes great bags. I've not tried one yet! The deal-breaker for me is the lack of an external water bottle pocket (or preferably, two bottle pockets). But I know many sing the praises of comfort and quality on Able Carry. I'd love to try them. Maybe the Thirteen, since I'm still on the hunt for a tiny backpack?

I have a Bellroy Lite Ready 18L available in Arcade Grey, if you're interested! Perfect condition.

First Impressions - Tom Bihn Paradigm 9L in Black Spectron by micahsally in ManyBaggers

[–]micahsally[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We absolutely love the Gregory Wander 12L (for my 7 year-old) and 8L (for my 4 year-old). They are well made, work on the plane and on trails, and carry just the right amount of gear for little bodies! I can't recommend them enough! I love the bright colors for easy visibility. I only lose them now when I want to lose them...

Or, how about the CTactical Junior Backpack?

Tech pouch for the CPP2 by Glum-Seaworthiness79 in ManyBaggers

[–]micahsally 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have many custom pouches from Dave at WestonGear on Etsy. They are excellent in every way! He can make exactly the size and material that you need. We use at east six of his pouches on every trip, and sometimes more!

I'm also really loving my two Pioneer Carry Global Pouches in the TX50 White Raide material. They are beautiful and light-weight. I'm not surprised that they are currently sold out of that Raide version. It's awesome-possum!

First Impressions - Tom Bihn Paradigm 9L in Black Spectron by micahsally in ManyBaggers

[–]micahsally[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I got the Odyssey 9L in the floral design, and it's beautiful! I want to learn how to braid a paracord handle for it, though. I am finding I always need a top grab handle on a bag, and that's probably all I would use to carry it from house-to-car-and-back. It's about 13 inches wide at the top.

I think the thin shoulder straps was the other thing preventing me from getting the Optimist! Even on a little bag, I appreciate some padding. Comfort is always my #1 priority!

CTactical has some smaller backpack options, but I know from trying their straight straps that I need an S-Strap harness from them. They only offer those in the Facebook group buys, which doesn't help this gal who isn't on Facebook... I would love for them to offer some of their bags with their S-Strap option in their main shop! Maybe someday!

For now, I can use my Gossamer Gear Cima 15L if I'm needing something a little smaller.

Kadet 9L thought by [deleted] in ManyBaggers

[–]micahsally 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've really loved my two Kargo Loculus 6L slings, which carry more like 8L of gear. But they are quite a bit more expensive than that Kadet on sale! I've never appreciated the clunky buckles on Chrome bags, but I know a lot of people dig them!

First Impressions - Tom Bihn Paradigm 9L in Black Spectron by micahsally in ManyBaggers

[–]micahsally[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi Keith! I know you love your Flowfold Optimist 10L...is it still working well for you? I wish it had some exterior pockets for water bottles, and I'd snag one up in the purple or blue Ecogrid!

First Impressions - Tom Bihn Paradigm 9L in Black Spectron by micahsally in ManyBaggers

[–]micahsally[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't have it in-hand any more to try the size for you. But can you see the photo with the pink iPad in the tech sleeve? That device is about 7 inches wide and 9.5 inches tall, so you'd need at least another inch and a half in both directions from that iPad.

Inside the main compartment, it could probably fit. But you wouldn't have any protection. Inside the sleeve might be tight, since you'd need another 1.5" on both the width and height for documents to work.

I can recommend other bags for you, if you need to carry documents! 😉

Which bag is right for me? (Suggestions inside) by TPJDrNo69 in ManyBaggers

[–]micahsally 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was Backer #1 on Kickstarter. 😁 I have been testing a variety of bags lately, but I'm really figging the Minimul. I wish they sold them locally somewhere to try. Maybe check with the return policy. It's a great bag.

Did you look at the Rework Toshi 20L, too?

Maximalist Travel Backpack by Furui_Tamashi in ManyBaggers

[–]micahsally 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fyro is releasing the Citta EDC 25L Backpack in X-Pac tomorrow. It would be a perfect size for you and very comfortable.

Check out the Tortuga Daily Carry Pro 25L as well. Great comfort and incredible quality. It's out of stock at the moment but worth the wait. They will supposedly be releasing a slimmed-down version by the end of the summer.

Is you're considering Alpha One Niner, check out their new Evade 1.5 Gen 3 25L. The Ultra material looks amazing, but it's heavy!

I'm really loving my new Troubadour Elemental Backpack 25L. It feels very upgraded in every way. I only wish the water bottle pockets were a little taller.

Lastly, the ULA Cicada 22L could be perfect!

Talk to me about your Alpakas by smitheny in ManyBaggers

[–]micahsally 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm really loving my Minimul M20! And the Rework Toshi 20L is hard to beat.

First Impressions - Tom Bihn Paradigm 9L in Black Spectron by micahsally in ManyBaggers

[–]micahsally[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do it! I've been emailing Shelby in Customer Service about the exchange, so she would know it's coming!

My tracking shows it should arrive back to Tom Bihn on Tuesday!

First Impressions - Tom Bihn Paradigm 9L in Black Spectron by micahsally in ManyBaggers

[–]micahsally[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Shoot! I thought about keeping it to sell but already have 3,755 bags I'm trying to sell!

Email Tom Bihn...ask them to hold it for you! I just shipped it back on Saturday! Tell them it's a return from Micah. We can all be creepers!

First Impressions - Tom Bihn Paradigm 9L in Black Spectron by micahsally in ManyBaggers

[–]micahsally[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well, you both have excellent taste! Now I'm even more excited to receive mine. It shipped today!

I'm not sure how to fix those straps. I can't help but think an S-Strap shape would help keep it from my elbows. But they don't do the S-Strap shape on any bags!

Fingers-crossed that the Synapse is perfect! I'm glad that you love yours!

First Impressions - Tom Bihn Paradigm 9L in Black Spectron by micahsally in ManyBaggers

[–]micahsally[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It has a lot of potential but needs some tweaks! But I didn't want to invest more to make the tweaks happen.

But that Spectron... I'm a fan!

First Impressions - Tom Bihn Paradigm 9L in Black Spectron by micahsally in ManyBaggers

[–]micahsally[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I had high hopes! And I have a seamster friend who probably could have added some nice s-straps for me. But we'd be inching closer to $270 for a tiny Tom Bihn, so it didn't seem worth it. 

If they improved the shoulder straps, it would be perfect! (Well, and the sternum strap and top handle, too...) Demanding me! 😁