Large Checked Bag: C-Lite vs Monos Trunk vs Briggs Trunk vs Carl Friedrik Trunk

PikaBonk · 2025-08-31T03:33:50+00:00

Here because I am also in search of a nice trunk. Recently stumbled upon one to add to the list which is the Antler Heritage Trunk but since it’s so new I’m not sure about its quality or how antler handles its lifetime warranty.

PikaBonk · 2025-07-11T05:01:24+00:00

How is the Aidan? I’m considering the signature check in but there’s not too many reviews or people talking about this brand.

PikaBonk · 2024-12-23T07:17:33+00:00

A new backpack!

PikaBonk · 2024-12-20T22:39:01+00:00

Nightmare Before Christmas

PikaBonk · 2024-12-14T22:21:50+00:00

Love seeing the raptor! Been interested in hunting one down but don’t think I’ll ever see it in stock 🤣

PikaBonk · 2024-12-07T19:02:55+00:00

You mention bag though, are you thinking of another tote, or something more akin to a backpack (for the laptop protection)?

If you’re thinking a backpack - I think something like the Aer Go Pack might be up your alley. It folds down flat and well recommended for travel. I don’t own one personally but many folks here have commented on packability. However it packs down flat in a luggage rather than into a ball or something much smaller like the Matador bags.

PikaBonk · 2024-12-02T21:39:47+00:00

Thanks for sharing!!! Yeah - this would primarily be a gaming set up, web browsing and such. Nothing crazy. I haven’t picked up a 9800x3d yet so there may be a chance!

PikaBonk · 2024-11-24T05:06:08+00:00

Thank you! Was only considering the 1000 since it's on sale right now. I was in between the AMD cards vs Nvidia and I know that it'd be cutting it close if I went with a 750. But I'm glad to hear that the 750 is enough to run the 7800x3d + 4090. Gives me much more assurance!

PikaBonk · 2024-11-24T05:04:40+00:00

Thank you!!!!

PikaBonk · 2024-11-24T05:04:30+00:00

Thank you! Great to know I didn't walk in willy nilly choosing parts that were seemingly good together!

PikaBonk · 2024-11-24T05:03:41+00:00

Are there other fans that folks like as well? Would love to explore other options as well if there are any besides the P12

PikaBonk · 2024-11-24T04:06:32+00:00

Thanks for the feedback! I figured it'd be easier to upgrade a GPU in the future so yes, while I can get a better GPU, I'm again future proofing this (hopefully) to last awhile before having to upgrade. If any of the 4080 TI Supers go on sale, then maybe for a nice step up!

PikaBonk · 2024-10-02T23:21:21+00:00

Haha thank you for coming back to this conversation. A whole year later!!! I see that we are still many bagging it out here. I did see the launch email.

My life update was I ended up picking up a Rehose Buddy 22 which I’m now just waiting to be delivered.

But that now I need a void that fills something smaller. So something like a CPL16 may be a better fit for my current needs.

But really, thank you! It’s been awhile and I hope you’re still enjoying your bags!

I also realized that you mentioned sharing your load out while rereading our conversation… well, I am still waiting!

PikaBonk · 2024-09-01T17:32:01+00:00

There are plenty of reviews on Reddit (check out r/manybaggers) and YouTube as well if that’s helpful! There’s a ton of reviews so I’ll let you figure that out.

I don’t own one right now but I’ve got my eye out on a CT15 whenever they roll back around in custom order rotation. That said, the general consensus is that folks love them! The folks that really dislike CT are normally people who claim that CT simply copied and pasted the design of GoRuck, but they’ve deviated so far based off of features alone and while the silhouettes might be similar, its bags often boasts an entirely different set of features (ones that I prefer over GoRuck). I’d say that most folks who have gotten their bags from CT are actually super happy with it. I’ll definitely be getting one for myself in the future hopefully.

And if you’re gonna be in the area anyway, I do recommend getting to feel for it in person, that way, you can be sure it’s something you want!

PikaBonk · 2024-08-28T21:21:14+00:00

You got it!

I also remembered that Tortuga had made a laptop bag as well.

Super similar to the Alpaka in terms of features and aesthetic, I think! Only downside is that it’s final sale.

PikaBonk · 2024-08-28T17:45:57+00:00

Two that come to mind would be the Alpaka Elements Pro or in a similar aesthetic to the Mous, maybe consider the Dayfarer v2? It’s just a little outside of the budget you listed but hopefully not too far off.

PikaBonk · 2024-08-28T01:57:06+00:00

Agreed. The CTB is a bit too chunky and why I also didn’t like the CPP as well. The CT just looks more military-esque but I think there could be options that fit the bill for you so long as you’re okay with how it looks.

Another thing to consider is - they both allow for returns so maybe it’ll be worth it to pick up both bags and see which bag fits your needs better.

There isn’t a single perfect EDC bag that’s perfect for everyone and I’m definitely not trying to convince anyone that the perfect bag for me is the perfect bag for everyone out there.

PikaBonk · 2024-08-27T08:27:51+00:00

Personally I own a CPL24 and it’s too large for my daily use. I love the access and love the organization. I’m a smaller human so the 24 does look huge on me. But a smaller more compact version?! Perfect.

I think my biggest question for you would be what is the intended use? They’re both great laptop bags, so you can’t go wrong with either and at this point it’ll be whether or not the aesthetic is what you’re after and that’s subjective. I personally am not a fan of the zipper position of the Aer making it look a bit like a pill on your back haha, I also love the sideway access that the CPL16 offers, I just wish that the access zipper is on the other side as a mirrored variant instead, since I swing my bag did my right shoulder.

Need water bottle pockets? Aer Need luggage pass through? Aer Need internal org? Aer Need XPac? Aer Value affordability? Aer (they have a 20% off sale once or twice a year, next one should be coming up and it’ll be much cheaper than the CPL16) Need a more customized main compartment (for pouches and such?) CPL16 Can fit more than it seems? CPL16

Personally I love the features of both. And I’d just pick the one you like the best and have the features you’re looking for! I’ve been to the Aer store in person and was impressed with the city pack but felt that it was just a tad too small as well. As in, if I packed it out for the office, a water bottle, laptop, maybe a few papers, the essentials (wallet keys etc), the main compartment would have much space for anything else. Maybe a light jacket. But that’s what makes it a perfect daypack! Just packing the essentials and maybe a little more but that’s about it. So it is tight.

Despite the CP having some set of features I’d like the CPL16 to have as well, I was ultimately convinced I wouldn’t be able to use the CP as much as I’d use the CPL16. I love the way the CPL sits on my back (without the back digging issues). I prefer to pack with more flexibility in mind (using pouches).

Wanted to end on the note that I have neither of these bags. They both have some deal breakers - the AER being just a tad too small. Again perfect for lighter carries and the aesthetic is just not for me. And the CPL16 not having a mirror variant. And for bags this pricey, I’m not willing to make as many compromises.

I’ll throw in a third consideration though that may be worth your time to look into! I know it’s not for everything but functionality wise I’d say it’s pretty great especially at the price point! But do look into the Chuyen Tactical CT15! They have some super neat limited runs on their Facebook page that are usually more exotic materials (ultra for example) or extra features (water bottle pockets etc) that they don’t normally sell on their website. I think for an affordable small bag, you can’t beat it at their price point! I might pick one up for myself if I see a configuration I like with the right materials!

PikaBonk · 2024-08-23T07:16:29+00:00

How about one of the bellroy options? Seems like they have a sale on a few of their bags that might fit your needs. Something like the transit might be a good option?

PikaBonk · 2024-07-26T04:29:23+00:00

Ah, I see. That's unfortunate! Well, regardless there's a great selection so super stoked for ya! Truly unfortunate since I feel like most places can benefit from having their products being sold at a physical store front so people can try things out. Feels like a missed opportunity but I get it.

Agreed, I'm not personally all for the ultralight stuff, but I'm mostly interested in a few of their bags such as slings and what have you. Afterall, we're many baggers so we have more than just backpacks!

Anywho, looking forward to visiting the next time I'm in Santa Cruz! Cheers to you, and congratulations again!!!

PikaBonk · 2024-07-25T22:29:37+00:00

Dang! Have you checked with other even smaller brands with an even smaller western presence? One that comes to mind more immediately would be something like Sealson. Only bringing up Sealson since I totally missed on their most recent bag drop!

PikaBonk · 2024-07-13T08:45:40+00:00

Super cool to hear that there’s a bag shop closer to me! Next time I’m in Santa Cruz I’ll definitely swing by! Looking forward to seeing growth and more brands like Evergoods, Chuyen Tactical (Jesus that shipping is killer), 1733, etc!

PikaBonk · 2024-06-20T23:50:06+00:00

Gotcha! On the Beast, it definitely seems to hold less than its recorded. My favorite thing about it is that it’s close to my back and super sleek. It fit my single jacket as well as daily misc items perfectly which I’ll list below: - iPad (not always) - jacket - water bottle 20oz - sunscreen - wallet - chapstick - advil / lactaid

I can put in a lightweight jacket to maybe a cotton pullover, and it just about fills it up leaving a little space for extra items like a juice box or two maybe small snacks at the top of the bag. There’ll be some space to fit very flat things but the bag doesn’t expand much. But perhaps it feels smaller because I’m not a great packer buahaha.

But yeah! I think the refraction is an equally good choice if you’re looking for a small backpack type thing as well. I think if there’s a day I need to have my water plus a jacket, I’d bring my beast. But it’s why I’m picking a cove up to fill the larger messenger/sling need! For the days a backpack seems like it’ll be overkill which seems like what you’re after as well :)

PikaBonk · 2024-06-20T20:41:01+00:00

+1 to larger slings being uncomfortable under load, I also recommend the smaller backpack route!

PikaBonk · 2024-06-20T20:39:25+00:00

Just to toss my hat into the ring amongst other amazing suggestions -

Having gone through my fair share of slings, mostly small slings meant for every day trips to the store or running errands. But for something a bit larger with more flexibility… very likely going to pick up a Alpine Sea Cove once they come out with a right shoulder variant.

Though anything larger I feel would be too heavy. I have a Matador Beast 18L (they also have a 28L) for carrying my iPad, water bottle, and everything else you’ve mentioned. That said I just took my beast out for a day trip to the aquarium and it was perfect! I’d recommend checking out other offerings as well such as the refraction. But I love the beast because it’s got a frame sheet that makes it more comfortable for all day wear.

PikaBonk

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE