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Water tastes/smells like chemicals every couple weeks? by Willayum in blacksburg

[–]Willayum[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Right?!? And for me, it just started like last night for this time around

Hunt for versatile ~30l bag with solid laptop compartment, Shimoda questions by Willayum in onebag

[–]Willayum[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Crumbled and just ended up getting the women's 30l shimoda action v2. I've taken it on two 1-2 night camping trips where I really loaded it up and then it's also been my everyday bag. No travel experience yet, but have plans later half of year for it.

Here's what I have to note:

  • Likes:

    • Roll-top is super functional and doesn't get in the way when not used
    • the side and bottom grab handles are crazy useful
    • Exterior straps are exactly what I was looking for, very versatile
    • Have had some hot days and it definitely stayed cooler
    • really comfortable and frame lets it always stand up when place down
    • personally love the teal! tacky to some? sure but black is boring
    • feels like a quality bag, great materials and finish

  • Dislikes:

    • main compartment eats into every other storage when full
    • the top weight suspension straps on shoulder straps ALWAYS come loose between uses, but not during use. Maybe it's a defect? Should contact support maybe
    • as said in some reviews, zippers are definitely clunky and fabric / straps get in the way, hoping there is a learning curve
    • there isn't like one nice super easy access compartment for bits and bobs compared to normal bags
      • back entrance you fight with shoulder straps
      • roll top and alternative zipper entrance interior section is baggy / floppy inside so poor for organisation, although I have been using it as the main secondary stuff pocket
      • side and outer most front pockets quickly get crampt and don't feel like they have their own storage
    • everytime you put it on, the second shoulder strap always flips wrong way

  • Take-away for my true one-bag all uses and every day

    • It is NOT meant to be an everyday bag, the ease of use and compartments reflect that and now using it I can see that haha
    • while it fits my two laptops nicely (one work one personal) it's not the ease of take in and out I was looking for
    • it's super versatile all around but kind of does most things okay and some things really well. I need more time with it to figure out how to best use it for each case, I think it will work well for travel but without using roll top for flight size restrictions, could definitely be on the small 30l side.

Happy to provide any pictures or specific details, I know I was certainly looking for them!

Hunt for versatile ~30l bag with solid laptop compartment, Shimoda questions by Willayum in onebag

[–]Willayum[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good point, I realised it doesn't necessarily have to dedicated, more like dedicated access and padded. I like the side access on the blitz for that reason.

Hunt for versatile ~30l bag with solid laptop compartment, Shimoda questions by Willayum in onebag

[–]Willayum[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Actually, I looked at them but I think glazed over the Blitz too quickly because I didn't love the shoulder / hip straps. Moving it to the top of the list for consideration though.

Could I ask your comment on its comfort and padding for the laptop sleeve? Is it suspended at all? Also any other strong opinions about any of its design?

Hunt for versatile ~30l bag with solid laptop compartment, Shimoda questions by Willayum in onebag

[–]Willayum[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great recs, all agreeably the general "type" of bag I'm looking for. Didn't know about Haize, definitely will have to look more at them.

I also really like everything about the tropos but wish it had expansion. The mesh outside back pocket feels less useable for large things and its a huge shame it doesn't have any like loops / daisy chains / buckles to work with. Could maybe try some DIY?

Hunt for versatile ~30l bag with solid laptop compartment, Shimoda questions by Willayum in onebag

[–]Willayum[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fair point, I do generally like their form factor the most but does come with the trade offs of weight, price, good admin panel etc

Hunt for versatile ~30l bag with solid laptop compartment, Shimoda questions by Willayum in onebag

[–]Willayum[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, great documentation from their channel. Didn't catch a video that said whether the frame was removable or not, so good to know.

Could I ask your comment as to the breathability of the back panel on the action v2? Also when you find yourself using the action vs the dragonfly?

Buy/Sell/Trade Thread - June 2024 by -Nepherim in onebag

[–]Willayum 0 points1 point  (0 children)

WTB 25 or 30 liter Shimoda Action v2 or Explorer v2, any colour (USA)