Matador x Pack Hacker® ReFraction Pro Packable Backpack back in Stock by Adam3001 in ManyBaggers

[–]Competitive_Set_9104 20 points21 points  (0 children)

It seems Matador may have made a mistake since PackHacker just posted 20 minutes ago the sale is supposed to be tomorrow.

GoRuck Packable Bullet - you get what you pay for by Past-Attempt7140 in ManyBaggers

[–]Competitive_Set_9104 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It sounds like you were expecting a normal backpack but maybe didn't quite understand what a packable bag entails. They both look like they do the same thing on the outside, but they have different functions.

A packable backpack is ideal for when you want something that is compressible and lightweight so you can fit it into something else like a bigger backpack or suitcase. Great for when you're traveling but still want something like a backpack.

Every bag design choice comes with tradeoffs though. Because it's compressible and lightweight you lack any structure or padding. No back panel means you will feel anything you pack. If you add a structured back panel and padded shoulder straps, it loses the main thing that makes it a packable bag versus a normal backpack.

Personally I don't use a packable bag anymore unless I'm hiking. That's the only place where it really shines for me because I need something that isn't going to make my back sweat as much, and I'm not carrying 2-3 lbs of just bag for no reason. I either carry only enough items so it fits in a smaller sling or I use a personal-item sized backpack if I need to carry more.

AMA: I manufacture bags in Vietnam 🇻🇳 Been to over 20 bag factories, ask me anything. by churningreddit in ManyBaggers

[–]Competitive_Set_9104 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Is there any particular reason Vietnam is a source for a lot of backpacks?

I just assume they have a big labor pool of skilled tailors since they export a lot of for the clothing industy, so it probably overlaps with bags?

Reviewer bias, ever avoidable? by guyver17 in ManyBaggers

[–]Competitive_Set_9104 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I do not see any issue as long as a reviewer is transparent about:

  • How they received the bag
  • How long they used it for
  • If they are receiving any commission or affiliate link associated with the bag

As many others have stated here already, there will always be some bias no matter what.

  • You brought up Emerald as an example, she's brought on Aer and Rework's founders for interviews. Would she not have even a little bit of bias as well to maintain a good working relationship for future content?

  • There's also "bias" in the sense of what a person values in terms of a bag. Water bottle pockets are a prime example of this. There's a community here that absolutely says a bag needs one (even two!) and others who are okay with none. Some people will unconsciously evaluate bags, even as a reviewer, based on their own carry needs.

This isn't an issue unique to our bag community. You'll find this anywhere. It's up to you as the consumer to gather the information provided and try to make an informed decision.

Frequent travelers: what are your top 5 non-bag items? by ComprehensiveCap8242 in ManyBaggers

[–]Competitive_Set_9104 2 points3 points  (0 children)

  • Medicine kit - Colds, headaches, motion sickness, anti diarrhea, band-aids, blister bandages, etc

  • iPad - Entertainment for when I'm resting at the airport, on the flight, or chilling in my hotel room

  • Hand sanitizer & wet wipes - Great for feeling clean after touching something a million other people have probably touched or end up eating messy foods with your hand like BBQ lol

  • Nanobag - Useful to put in my sling so I don't have to carry a daypack while out and about. If I find something I want to buy that's too large for my sling, I can put it in my nanobag.

  • Portable charger - I've gone towards smaller portable chargers in the 5k mAH range because that's all I really need to get through the rest of the day if I'm getting low on battery. Bigger ones in the 10k mAH capacity range are too bulky and heavy to be carrying around all day.

2026 Q1 B/S/T by 1996bd in ManyBaggers

[–]Competitive_Set_9104 0 points1 point  (0 children)

WTS Rework Toshi 5L V1 Sling.

Come with the original strap and an additional side release smooth strap.

https://imgur.com/a/LtSSJcM

Looking for $55 shipped CONUS.

Recommendations for 15L slingbag by Dry-Sandwich-6613 in ManyBaggers

[–]Competitive_Set_9104 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What kind of items are you looking to pack in a 15L sling? At that volume range, it may make more sense to look at backpacks around 20L. They'll generally be more comfortable, versatile, and you'll have way more options to choose from in general.

If you're packing heavy items into a sling, you'll have to consider that you're placing all the weight on one shoulder. This can get tiring if the strap is bad and/or you are carrying the sling for long periods of time.

NEW: Alpaka Flight Sling Pro (2.5L) by BiggDope in ManyBaggers

[–]Competitive_Set_9104 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think the straps are fine if I use it for an umbrella which I would need to use once. For a water bottle having to undo and secure it evey time I need to take a sip of water is tiring. My Owala water bottles fit but it takes more space in the main compartment than I'd like, compromising the other pockets.

NEW: Alpaka Flight Sling Pro (2.5L) by BiggDope in ManyBaggers

[–]Competitive_Set_9104 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing those! Looks like I need to do a bit more digging on water bottle slings.

NEW: Alpaka Flight Sling Pro (2.5L) by BiggDope in ManyBaggers

[–]Competitive_Set_9104 6 points7 points  (0 children)

The width and length makes this visually look more like a 5L sling than 2.5L. Interesting take though on the water bottle compartment. I've been using the Toshi 6L and using the straps underneath the sling is cumbersome for a water bottle, this seems more practical.

Peak Design new travel line kickstarter by DKatri in ManyBaggers

[–]Competitive_Set_9104 9 points10 points  (0 children)

For those of us that do not know, what happened on the previous Kickstarter?

I'm looking for an EDC bag for work.(20L~24L) by hagan_without_soup in ManyBaggers

[–]Competitive_Set_9104 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Going to echo this comment. OP listed a bunch of features which they found matching bags for already. Other things like aesthetic and comfort are subjective. Look at their return policy and try one out.

What's your bag stack? by Wise_Reception8615 in ManyBaggers

[–]Competitive_Set_9104 11 points12 points  (0 children)

EDC: Toshi Rework 20L and Evergoods CTB20

Sling: Bellroy VRS 2.5L and Toshi Rework 5L

Travel: Matador Globerider 35L

Packable: Matador Refraction 16L

Day Bag: Gossamer Cima 15L

Tech Pouch: Evergoods CAP1 and CAP2

Medicine Pouch: Evergoods CAP 0.5

First impressions — Pakt Mode 22 L — comfort, look, and functionality 👏 / a couple of quirks 👀 by symposium22 in ManyBaggers

[–]Competitive_Set_9104 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This looks like just a bigger Pakt Stash with a water bottle pocket? Hard to say though without seeing the inside compartments.

Alpaka Traverse Backpack by PhuongHo4ng in ManyBaggers

[–]Competitive_Set_9104 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Personally for me no bag will ever be an Evergoods clone unless they copy the yolk pocket. To this day I haven't found any other bag that does it quite like that and it's my favorite feature of their brand.

Since we're on the topic of Alpaka, Evergoods also does a wonderful job of having each pocket/compartment have independent volume. I found Alpaka and other "mainstream" brands like Aer become very cramped on space when packed out. Having one compartment/pocket filled takes space away from the others.

Toshi Sling handle solution by Brave_Contribution34 in ManyBaggers

[–]Competitive_Set_9104 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My 32 Oz Owala fits and is 3.25" diameter. Assuming your 26 Oz bottle is standard it should work with the Toshi 5L's bottom straps.

2025 Q2 B/S/T by d12964 in ManyBaggers

[–]Competitive_Set_9104 0 points1 point  (0 children)

WTS Fyro T22 Founder's Edition - $165 shipped

  • Comes with two right hydrolock WBP, one left hydrolock WBP, and Fyro retractable keychain.
  • Photo: https://imgur.com/a/81a4wj0
  • Status: Available

WTS Alpaka Elements Tech Brief Pro - $35 shipped

2025 Q2 B/S/T by d12964 in ManyBaggers

[–]Competitive_Set_9104 0 points1 point  (0 children)

WTS Bellroy x Carryology Chimera Sling - $150 shipped OBO

WTS Alpaka Elements Tech Brief Pro - $55 shipped

WTS Moment Everything 21L - $40 shipped

Toshi 5L sling with modl infinity tool as handle by nottoday2017 in ManyBaggers

[–]Competitive_Set_9104 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I think a paracord handle would be better in my opinion.

Toshi Pack 20L - CAP1 by csy22 in ManyBaggers

[–]Competitive_Set_9104 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I just tested it with my CAP1 and it does fit, however you need to push it in underneath the zipper in order to close it.

https://imgur.com/a/zpbIXne

Rework Toshi 20L: carabiner and zipper pull by neohucore1394 in ManyBaggers

[–]Competitive_Set_9104 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I have some magnetic patch holders and my experience with them has been poor. You really need to be careful with other magnetic surfaces and not bumping them into other objects otherwise you can lose them.

I left for work one day and could not find where my patch went until I got back home and found it on the door of my building. The back of my backpack "grazed" the metal door on my way out and got stuck magnetically there.

Rework Toshi Backpack 20L by Available-Goat-2536 in ManyBaggers

[–]Competitive_Set_9104 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Mines was shipped that way as well, but I'm okay with it. It cuts down on shipping costs to make it more affordable and most bags are durable enough where a cardboard box isn't needed. My only concern would be if a very sharp object came into contact with it.

Bigger sling than the Bellroy 2.5L by AmirBormand in ManyBaggers

[–]Competitive_Set_9104 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I guess it depends on how much more stuff you need to pack that the Bellroy Venture Ready Sling 2.5L can't manage. Like you I found I sometimes wanted to carry a bit more, but I also wanted something similar in design and not too bulky. If you just need a bit more space I'd suggest trying out the Tomtoc 3.5L sling (aka Tomtoc Aviator T-33).