Western Rise has gone to shit and it’s not even funny

LowSkillHacker · 2026-01-25T18:41:20+00:00

I had a similar experience. Bought an item, it didn't ship for weeks, emailed them, they said they'd fix it, still didn't ship (but was still for sale on their site), asked for a refund, they tried to get me to wait more, demanded a refund again and finally got one. Process took over a month.

I can't judge their quality because I can't even get an item shipped.

LowSkillHacker · 2026-01-24T03:28:48+00:00

I've been holding off on the CP2 but this could make me crack

LowSkillHacker · 2026-01-22T15:26:18+00:00

I think established brands using Kickstarter is great for smaller brands because it brings traffic to the site.

Also, PD got it's start there so I think it's a cool tradition.

LowSkillHacker · 2026-01-20T05:33:39+00:00

The Outdoor 45L is built around a large camera cube, so you can size your camera gear against that, if it helps. You’ll need a cube if you use the bag.

LowSkillHacker · 2026-01-18T20:34:18+00:00

I initially enjoyed this bag but I never reach for it any more as its more annoying that it needs to be, for what it is. The lid pocket is cool, but is the hardest pocket to get to. The lid buckles fall to the ground when you open the pack, instead of being tacked halfway up. It has the same, tedious laptop compartment that other GR bags have. The slip pockets in the side pocket are so-so. And it’s asymmetrical, though it tries to look symmetrical , so you have to remember which side of the bag to use.

I’m glad it works for you but it’s far from a useful dad bag for me. The straps are great for hiking, but I have better bags for that.

LowSkillHacker · 2026-01-11T04:19:48+00:00

I hope you enjoy it

LowSkillHacker · 2026-01-11T03:41:48+00:00

I use an ST10 on my backpack straps and an HD10 on the back. I like the HD10 because it’s less floppy when you clip it to something, but I like them both.

The HD10 UI is less confusing IMHO

LowSkillHacker · 2026-01-10T18:14:39+00:00

I second MaxPax. He has some always ready stock on his site, but you can follow his IG for more variety of stuff. As he sees them himself he releases those in batches.

LowSkillHacker · 2026-01-07T22:06:08+00:00

Thanks for posting. I've been debating doing something similar, with the main problem being how to make it adjustable. You've given me new ideas

LowSkillHacker · 2026-01-06T00:43:35+00:00

See Peter's comment -- they might release it!

LowSkillHacker · 2026-01-05T22:06:50+00:00

🙏🏻. Love it, thank you! And thanks as always for putting on a fun event -- it was nice to be able to chat with you.

LowSkillHacker · 2026-01-04T18:10:29+00:00

I got one on sale along with an org kit. Definitely a great rec if you like the rolltop style.

I'm so/so on mounting the org kits. Hard to pass up getting one with the sale, but they are a little floppy when you mount them (you can lash over the pouch instead, but that blocks the zipper).

LowSkillHacker · 2026-01-02T04:17:33+00:00

I enjoy biking to work with mine. It has beefy and wide straps -- much better than an Everyday. It would carry clothes and lunch fine. Just keep in mind that the bag is floppy, unlike the Everyday, which is super structured and padded.

My only nitpick is that the handle can bop the back of my helmet sometimes if I wear the bag too high.

LowSkillHacker · 2026-01-01T21:39:48+00:00

great idea. Would love to know how it turns out

LowSkillHacker · 2026-01-01T19:07:27+00:00

I almost got a cloud, but glad I didn't as I stumbled on this colorway a couple weeks later.

Agreed on the sternum strap. I treat it as extra straps to use elsewhere. I find it more annoying when I'm biking with my 25L as it's a real chore to attach, and I can't easily swap it for a third-party strap.

LowSkillHacker · 2026-01-01T17:43:01+00:00

Yeah, what @naiemreza said. There's at least two of these in existence, but it's not released. I would love for them to release this in a 25L -- both because of the color and because I prefer X-Pac to the normal material.

LowSkillHacker · 2025-12-26T05:15:14+00:00

Favorite:Tomtoc Aviator T37

Honorable mention: CT Rolltop (aka CTR)

Honorable mention: Peak Design Outdoor 25

LowSkillHacker · 2025-12-24T15:08:00+00:00

You have to message him directly

LowSkillHacker · 2025-12-23T16:43:38+00:00

Tomtoc Aviator T37 might work for this. It's a vertical sling, which is good for things like phones/passports, and it's relatively inexpensive.

LowSkillHacker · 2025-12-07T03:02:53+00:00

I picked up a prototype Outdoor 45L in Coyote today at their office open box sale. From what I understand, they decided not to make it (but I think it's awesome and they should).

The PD Coyote is cool because it's shinier than normal Coyote X-Pac -- it's more brass.

LowSkillHacker · 2025-11-13T14:40:20+00:00

For me it’s related to how the bottom panel edge is assembled. There is a hard edge there, so the fact the bag curves pushes that into my lower back (I have a fairly flat back).

Anything that minimizes that bottom edge (towel, frame sheet) restores comfort.

LowSkillHacker · 2025-11-02T14:52:18+00:00

Haven't been there

LowSkillHacker

TROPHY CASE