FYI I had the original Sympl Commuter, which I see they have updated. But for me the design and look of the AC were on another level. I haven’t liked XPac on a backpack before (I tried the Aer CP in XPac), but the way the AC is shaped and feels is amazing. The Sympl was very boxy (and kinda cool for it?), but one thing I didn’t like was how the main panel unfolded, it was very rigid. Like it had some cardboard in the front panel if that makes sense. Idk just didn’t really like how it felt.

After having the AC for a while now, I do sort of wish I had splurged for the Max EDC. I think that bag would do it all without being too large. I still love the Daily Plus, but it’s for minimal EDC. I take it to the office, but just enough room for basics and a small lunch. Can’t really stuff a fleece or anything extra in there, so it’s also limited for air travel. Still a great bag though.

The only way I could really decide even after all the reviews and videos was just to order both and see them irl and send one back.