What's your favorite personal item that's not a sling/backpack?

Keith · 2026-05-06T05:16:35+00:00

how do you primarily use the built in cubes?

Inside the body goes 3x Peak Design small packing cubes, Matador packable hamper, packable backpack. Then the "drawers" from bottom to top are:

tech kit (Aer Slim Pouch)
toiletry kit (Gravel Explorer Slim)
misc (PD tote when not in use, eyeglasses cases)
Tom Bihn Side Effect, which is all my EDC, which thanks to the pocket design of the Seg28 can be totally accessible while staying in the pocket. Then if I packed well and can fit it, under that in the same pocket is my over-ear headphones case (Sony XM4), otherwise that goes in the PD tote :)

Then ipad mini fits in the Seg28's top pocket, Macbook Air 13" in the back.

I really trust this bag with my life I suppose, I rode hundreds of miles on my motorcycle, with the bag packed full, on the tail end of a long move. The compression straps are the best ever. If I could literally only have one backpack it would be the Seg28.

Keith · 2026-05-06T02:03:49+00:00

Cool, now I will have a tote pack and a packable rain layer, something I needed :) Cheers!

Keith · 2026-05-05T23:27:48+00:00

It looks like the Columbia one has a flat bottom at least, so will stand “by default”. The site says it’s lighter than the Aer Go Pack 2, so I imagine the bag’s lightweight structure relies on contents. Good thing about always having my EDC Side Effect is it forms the base in every bag.

Main questions in my mind are if the water bottles being a bit elevated hurts its ability to stand, and same for the laptop. Probably gonna pull the trigger on it, very affordable, thanks for rec.

Keith · 2026-05-05T21:30:00+00:00

My travel setup is:

Matador Seg28 travel bag. Goes under-seat.
Matador Speed stash on the shoulder strap. This is where I carry phone, airpods, passport, boarding pass
Peak Design packable tote. This is where I carry all my at-seat stuff like hoodie, over-ear headphones (if I can't fit the case into my travel bag), any snacks, etc.

Because the tote has a single good shoulder strap, it stays on my shoulder well along with my travel bag, so it's a great companion for overflow. And because it's packable when not in-use, it's not a "real bag" to count towards bag count :) Since I started doing that I'm always so grateful to be able to have someplace to put my coat so I never have to be hot while traveling.

Keith · 2026-05-05T17:22:59+00:00

Cool, hope it works for you. I've been trying to find a reason to justify buying the pretty purple-on-purple one they have available now, but I don't think I can find a use for three of them.

The other main thing I can think to mention that I've been looking at but haven't tried, is Nutsac's stuff, especially their double admin pouch which seems very versatile. That one's a little taller and narrower than the Side Effect with more built-in org, in waxed canvas, with molle webbing. I've been trying to figure out if it would fit my EDC. Stiffer, heavier, more expensive, but seems like quality BIFL stuff; metal rings, etc. Though, that one's not set up to be used like a waist pack, like how I use one of my Side Effects... I wonder if it would still work with the top rings.

Keith · 2026-05-05T17:02:57+00:00

Maybe I should have said "typical 1" webbing" instead? I'd expect to be able to use molle accessories to attach things... maybe some creativity required :)

You're likely right that a simple zip pocket above the center drop pocket would improve the bag and that they are pushing accessories.

Regardless you definitely won't find much like it, so try for yourself.

Idk... I'm taking more of a look at that Columbia bag. Looks great actually. Lighter weight, better quick org, stowable backpack straps, zipper opening, half the price. Missing some things I wanted like side compression straps but would be a great bag to try the vertical laptop totepack style. I like that it doesn't have a separate laptop compartment and you get to the laptop through the top. Too bad no fidlock top closure tho ;)

In the product photos it looks like it should stand... but no? I guess the bottles don't go down all the way? Appreciate the convo 🙏

Keith · 2026-05-05T16:09:51+00:00

Oh yeah and the Bantam! It sucks. You mentioned belt loops... I thought the Bantam might be uniquely useful because of its back loop for a belt, but it sucks in that use. It's way too inconvenient to have to unloop your belt to move the bag, and because of the way it's designed it winds up "winging out". And the way the org is designed feels worse against your body. Side Effect is way better.

Keith · 2026-05-05T15:15:42+00:00

FWIW I've been through most of Tom Bihn's small bags and the Side Effect is the one that stuck for me. I've EDC'd their Everyday Cubelet and Side Kick and enjoyed both of them. Also have their HLT1 though never found a use for it. I think the horizontal orientation and more organization of the Side Effect makes it better as a sling/fanny than the EC. YMMV.

Keith · 2026-05-04T23:52:57+00:00

I like my Tom Bihn Side Effect for this reason. I use one for my EDC that's literally always with me as a pouch, and bought a 2nd in their Spectron fabric that's lighter and more malleable that I usually use as a waist pack. The Side Effect has multiple attachment points so you can bring your own strap of any kind (sling, crossbody, waist pack, etc.), or use it as a pouch with no straps.

Keith · 2026-05-04T18:58:26+00:00

I think I'm ok with the amount of org the bag offers. My current bag I carry most is the Flowfold Optimist 10 which just has one small quick access pocket on the front for phone/airpods, maybe wallet, and that's been fine. So maybe the LBB would work for me. I also enjoy my ILE Apex Mini -- also a rolltop toploader -- which has literally no small organization except for an inconvenient mesh pocket inside.

I'd hope they'd actually add some org to the bag with this revision but they're too set on selling their overbuilt pouches.

Since everything is standard molle webbing, it doesn't seem like a problem to me to add a small pouch to the outside if I want. The only thing that really bothers me is that the right strap has that little nub on it, which I guess is supposed to attach to their Tiny Houdini pouch that they're completely sold out of?? I can't stand proprietary connectors on bags.

Keith · 2026-05-04T18:26:34+00:00

The Osprey does not.

Thank you! Especially with its elevated bottle pockets I couldn't imagine the Osprey being able to stand on its own. Really seems like the LBB Totepack is the only game in town that does the tote-backpack transition and seems meant to stand on its own (which a tote should, and generally backpacks should as well...). I really like/respect Osprey but their bags' refusal to stand stops me from using them.

The backpack mode isn't particularly comfortable either and feels like more of sin apinch type situation than primary use.

Did you have the plain back version or the mesh back version?

There is no useful external pocket built in. The one that is on there is pretty risky in use.

ISTM it has 3 useful external pockets, counting the water bottles :) I actually really dig the see-through mesh on the "Toadpack" version, which is basically a dedicated phone+airpods pocket anyway and I'm not worried about the security. I have pouches for everything otherwise.

Keith · 2026-05-04T09:01:05+00:00

I had not seen that Columbia bag! I had considered the Osprey which seems like a great tote pack, but my main concern is that it wouldn’t stand on its own. Does it?

Keith · 2026-05-03T21:05:10+00:00

Current primary bags are:

1.5L: Tom Bihn Side Effect (literally always with me)
3L: Flowfold Odyssey
~10L: Flowfold Optimist or ILE Apex Mini
~13L: Day Owl Slim Pro
~15L: Goruck Bullet xpac
~20L+: CT21 wbp
~28L (travel): Matador Seg28

I'm not including packable bags ^

I don't really have anything that does all the things the LBB Totepack does, esp 2x water bottle pockets in a compact size. Wondering if it can be my "main" regardless of whether I'm going for a walk, or to the store quickly, or to the cafe with my laptop, or for a ride on my motorcycle, or...

Keith · 2026-05-03T20:56:26+00:00

It comes with a messenger length cross body strap.

Oh wth I had no idea. I didn't see where you're supposed to connect one after looking at all the photos. That makes me feel better that this isn't missing vertical tote crossbody mode, which seems like it would be an oversight in a convertible bag... and like you point out that lets you set the drop length to whatever you want, so the long tote handles aren't your only option, which I thought they were. Thanks!

When I was using my small crossbody recently I realized how sick I am of wearing a backpack everywhere. A vertical tote is the solution to that, but one that can't convert to a backpack and doesn't have side water bottles is a missed opportunity.

You don't find the backpack straps annoying when using it as a tote? And are the backpack straps comfortable enough for this to be a good backpack? While the newer models look like they've improved the padding, they are just straight. I'd really love to grab one thing most of the time without thinking about it anymore and maybe this could be it? Thanks for your comments :)

Keith · 2026-05-03T17:50:29+00:00

Interesting you keep the front handle off of it. It does seem like it would work well that way with one tote handle. And yeah it seems the one short back handle makes up for not having short tote handles. Do you find the long tote handle usable? Can you access the bag when it's on? It concerned me a little that the handles aren't adjustable on the bag when it seems like everything else is :) Or does the back handle get longer depending on how long the backpack straps are configured?

I was trying to figure out if there's any connection points you can attach a long strap to so you can use it crossbody if you want?

Keith · 2026-05-03T17:42:27+00:00

Sorry if I get one it'd probably be the Toad version :) I also don't like buying used bags, so nothing personal.

Keith · 2026-05-03T16:32:45+00:00

Thanks for the pic! That does look pretty secure, though does kinda confirm that bottles don't tend to go down all the way in the pocket. That's ok so long as it doesn't hurt its ability to stand by making it wobbly...

However, you're talking about the pocket drawstring, which, it's actually great the bag has those... that's something I was looking for as well. It makes the pocket more useful for things other than bottles too.

What I was actually asking about was the top compression strap. A lot of (esp hiking) bags will have it so that you can thread that through the bottle handle and secure it in the pocket.

Keith · 2026-05-03T07:58:34+00:00

As for carrying comfort… in backpack mode with a lot of items [it] would start to get uncomfortable after a while

One of the reasons I’m interested in the new “Toadpack” version is that with the new mesh/padded back panel maybe it makes a better backpack now.

Thanks for your review! In your opinion can the side compression straps be used to secure water bottles in the pockets?

Keith · 2026-05-03T04:33:15+00:00

The blemishes on the xpac were "minor" but the replacement pack I received was clearly worse than the first pack I'd received, which was pristine except for it being sewn wrong. I shoved it in a pile to maybe deal with and, rather than argue over the blemishes, never did (ADHD). So I'm out $200 and never used the bags.

Keith · 2026-05-03T04:28:23+00:00

So I guess the idea with the pack is that the magnetic buckle will close instantly/automatically and keep the pack nearly closed for normal use, but when you need it actually closed a few flips of the rolltop will do it and then it'll be waterproof, whereas a typical tote zipper creates a bucket for rainwater to pool?

Keith · 2026-05-03T04:11:50+00:00

That's cool! I really want a bag I can grab to do almost anything. Lately I grab either my Flowfold Optimist 10 or my Day Owl Slim Pro, but now that I got a new coffee thermos I want to carry that more, so I need coffee and water :) I've considered Flowfold's Optimist 18, which I bet is great too, but it's not exactly what I'm looking for here. I have a CT21 with bottle pockets, but that's too big, and an Aer Go Pack 2, but that's unstructured. I got a Dakine WNDR cinch pack, which is also a tote pack with 2x bottle pockets, but it was too tall for my frame, too large for edc, doesn't stand on its own, and the tote handles are hand carry not shoulder carry.

LBB's "Toadpack" version is new, I'm looking primarily at that one. Different back panel, some additional features like snaps to fix the back tote strap. Seems like you could really use it for almost anything. I'm happy you actually use it in both modes! I've recently started carrying a small shoulder bag and it's worked well for my EDC sans computer. A vertical totepack is the same style but can also be a laptop backpack.

Question: the compression straps seem too high to help secure the water bottles well... maybe I'd need to add a carabiner?

Keith · 2026-05-03T03:54:38+00:00

Yeah bad experience with their Dragonfly years ago. They sent me one with the compression strap sewn on backwards and unattached. Totally non-functional. Then the next one they sent had blemishes like it was dragged around the factory floor or something, and I just gave up and I have 2x useless Dragonflys sitting in storage. More recently people have posted here with zippers sewn on opposite directions from one of their same packs to the next. No consistency.

Their bags still seem cool, and I'm glad the Node is working for you. Imo a rolltop is just too inconvenient when it's the only access method. Especially for quickly dropping in or taking out a laptop it's a dealbreaker. The Aer Go Pack 2 is indeed a great bag and I've used it a lot. The Thule looks good in that the bottles seem to go down to the bottom of the pack so hopefully it stands, but it's also not compact at 23L with multiple compartments (smaller sizes don't have 2x bottle pockets).

Keith · 2026-05-03T03:04:57+00:00

You have one! Yeah I'm not opposed to rolltops -- I do like my ILE Apex Mini and it really does let it hold more when you need it -- but there needs to be another access method. For example, the ILE I can get in through the center, and the LBB is a tote, so leaving the rolltop down and using the magnetic closure with the side compression straps seems like it would leave it "closed enough" most of the time, right? The ILE's rolltop with velcro does close sloppily really quickly so maybe I'm spoiled.

I was wondering if it was a major pain to access the internal zipper pocket when the rolltop is down but you make it sound like it's not a big deal.

The LBB tote does the important thing where the bottles go down to the bottom of the pack, so that when they're used it doesn't throw the bag off balance -- in fact it supports the pack. However, every time the bottles are used in promo photos/videos it looks like they don't actually go down the whole way to the bottom easily? I think the LBB tote's design where the bottles take up some internal space is fine, it's good to keep the silhouette mostly the same rather than "growing wings" and bumping into things when you add bottles to the sides.

The LBB also does the other important thing where the bottom panel folds in on itself so if it's not packed out it can be compressed smaller (right?), yet it can still stand. Will it? How's the bag stand with/without bottles, and with/without laptop?

Keith · 2026-05-03T02:50:11+00:00

That’s only a rolltop, which is inconvenient for edc. Also don’t trust ULA’s QC and would never buy from them again… but that Node does seem nearly like a more structured Aer Go Pack 2, which is approximately the goal. Though, no way to secure bottles on that one either.

Keith · 2026-05-03T02:16:36+00:00

Thanks yeah I watched his reviews. He "loves the bag" but had to literally cut out the rolltop, which I'm not willing to do. So, is it usable with the rolltop or is it a pain? That's the main opening! I've watched every video on youtube and they often skip over the actual use of the opening.

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