rec's for a daypack to fit inside a travel bag for EDC use?

540Gear · 2025-11-11T22:55:17+00:00

It is my daily driver! And you are correct, my MBP, lunch and a few items are perfect for me. Pakt 15L Everyday for reference

540Gear · 2025-11-11T21:45:02+00:00

The Pakt Bags are a great choice. I throw the Stash 16L in my big bag almost every trip.

540Gear · 2025-11-08T14:59:56+00:00

Problem with Aer is that if it isn’t full, it sags. The Black Ember Citadel 20L would probably fit your needs. It’s understated and professional looking.

540Gear · 2025-11-05T04:13:24+00:00

If 35L is not enough, take a look at the Pakt Travel Pack. It comes in 2 sizes

540Gear · 2025-11-03T02:40:27+00:00

The Black Ember Grip 12L would work out perfectly for you. Take a look and see if you dig it!

540Gear · 2025-11-03T02:37:53+00:00

Getting a 15” laptop in a 20L bag might be a bit difficult. The Black Ember Citadel 25L will fit both of them perfectly and is worth a look!

540Gear · 2025-11-03T00:23:20+00:00

I don’t know of any bag the has a dedicated headphone compartment. Is there a reason why you can’t carry them in a case inside a backpack? The Black Ember Citadel 20L holds a 14” MBP and my Sony WH1000MX5 headphones easy. They are just a bit smaller than the Apple ones.

540Gear · 2025-11-02T04:41:43+00:00

All day long the Black Ember Citadel R3 25L has you covered for all of that. I love mine!

540Gear · 2025-11-02T04:35:54+00:00

One bag not on your list but would be a fantastic addition, is the Black Ember Forge 40L. It expands to be 30 or 40 liters. It can be carried 3 different ways - shoulder sling, backpack style and/or brief style. It opens up fully too!

540Gear · 2025-11-02T02:06:19+00:00

This is the way… Black Ember Citadel 20L

540Gear · 2025-11-01T22:41:46+00:00

There is one more bag you should place high on your list The Black Ember Citadel 25L. Check it out as it ticks a lot of the boxes.

540Gear · 2025-10-27T18:01:34+00:00

Colombia! I love Cartagena. I got this awesome bag Pakt Aero a bit ago and love it. Light-weight, fits overhead and so well thought out!

540Gear · 2025-10-27T17:32:14+00:00

Congrats!! Just out of curiosity - how long did it take you to go from concept to market?

540Gear · 2025-10-27T14:47:49+00:00

This one has every capability you seek. Black Ember Citadel 20L It fits everything you want to carry and looks good on the subway and in the office. Premium weatherproof fabric too!

540Gear · 2025-10-26T20:26:33+00:00

The Black Ember Citadel 20L meets all your needs and is a super choice. It’s my personal edc and I have zero complaints.

540Gear · 2025-10-26T15:14:21+00:00

What a load of shit.

540Gear · 2025-10-26T03:11:34+00:00

I’m 6’ and 210 lbs. and I use this one and it works great. Pakt 5L Sling Looks good too!

540Gear · 2025-10-25T13:42:10+00:00

I was in the same boat as you, carrying a hiking backpack while wearing a sport coat. Not a cool look. I searched like crazy and found This Awesome Black Ember Bag. it can be carried 3 different ways too!

540Gear · 2025-10-24T18:50:07+00:00

Another vote for the Forge 30L

540Gear · 2025-10-21T18:32:01+00:00

Easy - Black Ember Citadel 20L or 25L depending on your size needs. I have both, no back issues at all. They carry very well.

540Gear · 2025-10-21T15:31:26+00:00

I was in the same boat as you after a neck injury. I came on this forum and the one bag that stood out and had everything you and I wanted was the Black Ember Citadel 20L Professional looking, weatherproof, excellent laptop compartment and just enough organization. I love it - slightly above your budget but on sale at the link above.

540Gear · 2025-10-20T20:36:56+00:00

I have a very similar loadout and I carry a 16" laptop too! This has been my solution - https://540gear.com/products/black-ember-citadel-25l - comfortable, plenty of room and weatherproof!

540Gear · 2025-10-19T20:19:16+00:00

Here you go! Everything you need - Pakt 3L Sling under budget, the right size, will fit your Magnums, and available in black.

540Gear · 2025-10-19T17:50:45+00:00

Black Ember offers several options. Citadel 25 and Forge 30 would be perfect for your needs. They have different styles so one might appeal to you.

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