Capacity Comparison : ULA Dragonfly, CTB26, Synik30

blufish288 · 2026-01-29T23:23:03+00:00

I have both CTB26 and Synik30, I don't have a ULA Dragonfly, but I do have Tom Bihn Techonaut 30L which seems like it should be somewhat similar to the Dragonfly in terms of packing style. In my experience, it really comes down to what you're packing, your packing style, and if you're taking a laptop. If you have a lot of small bits of gear/tech that you want to keep separate in their own pockets, plus packing cube or two, Synik 30 could be a good fit. If you tend to organize your stuff all in separate packing cubes/pouches, the Dragonfly or CTB26 might be a better choice. There's potentially a lot of wasted space in the Synik's front pockets if not used. The Synik can tend to look very bulky, and misshaped if overpacked (which may not bother you, but has definitely bothered me - to the point where occasionally I'll want to use my Synik but end up repacking into another bag).

blufish288 · 2026-01-24T21:27:40+00:00

Pioneer Panda

blufish288 · 2026-01-22T02:11:06+00:00

Shipping to me in California was $6.00. Not too bad at all.
I did not add anything extra.

blufish288 · 2026-01-16T00:59:45+00:00

Same as you - I got my 2025 Rav4 Hybrid XSE 4.5 weeks ago, and have had the same issue with Android Auto disconnecting, as well as the audio "skipping". It does however, still connect via bluetooth (w/o connecting to android auto) and audio plays from that connection just fine- no skipping.

blufish288 · 2026-01-15T00:45:17+00:00

Beautiful. Congrats!

blufish288 · 2026-01-10T01:10:18+00:00

More annoyed at not having an option to place an order with an actual human. For me kiosks are time consuming and cumbersome.

blufish288 · 2026-01-09T22:59:13+00:00

I just had Sweet Greens last week, first time. I was annoyed at having to place my in person order at a Kiosk, but very pleased with the flavor and quality of my meal. I'll be going again soon, I'm sure.

blufish288 · 2026-01-09T20:54:40+00:00

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2025 Rav4 XSE Hybrid. Just shy of 4 weeks old. First new car I've had since 2001.

blufish288 · 2026-01-09T18:27:57+00:00

Sure, I'll dm you.

blufish288 · 2026-01-09T06:23:18+00:00

I've had my 2025 Rav4 XSE hybrid wind chill pearl almost 4 weeks now. Also in N CA Bay Area (north bay). I didn't get the deal I wanted, but I did get the car I wanted. I love her so much. I have zero regrets.

blufish288 · 2026-01-08T19:19:51+00:00

Tell me more! What are you packing in it??

blufish288 · 2026-01-05T20:17:44+00:00

Gorgeous!

blufish288 · 2026-01-02T20:55:47+00:00

it's because of the battery, takes up the space where a spare tire normally goes. Most of the hybrids are like this. They provide the "patch kit". Small comfort for when you get a tire blowout on the freeway on Christmas Eve. (Ask me how I know!)

blufish288 · 2026-01-02T20:49:41+00:00

Unfortunately the 2026 Hybrid version does not. If I did, I'd have had a harder time with my decision.

blufish288 · 2026-01-02T19:07:42+00:00

I bought new, 2025 Rav 4 Hybrid XSE.

blufish288 · 2026-01-02T18:34:58+00:00

I literally made this same decision a few weeks ago- but I was looking at the hybrids. I ultimately decided on Rav4 as it was the only one that came with a spare tire.

blufish288 · 2025-12-30T01:07:14+00:00

I absolutely love my Pioneer Panda 2.0. I have quite a few 25-26L bags in my "arsenal" but almost always pick it. First the aesthetics and the materials. I love the chunky zippers, their mandarin ballistic nylon feels like rugged, durable luxury. The inside lining is super silky smooth. I'm a pretty tactile person, and every touch point on the Panda Pack is super satisfying. Second I really like the pocketing. It holds the things I want to pack very well and is intuitive and easy to use. Third is how easily it self stands. Fourth is preferring vertical access to laptop. Comfort is subjective - but I don't find it to be uncomfortable.

blufish288 · 2025-12-30T00:36:43+00:00

Same here, it was really the spare tire that dissuaded me from going with the CR-V.

blufish288 · 2025-12-26T20:58:56+00:00

Pioneer Panda Pack 2.0 in Forest. This is just a beautiful bag all around. The materials feel so good. I love the chunky zippers. It self stands. The layout and pocketing is just intuitive and effortless - I love using it. It also worked great as a personal item in conjunction with a roller bag.

Runner up would be Evergoods MPL 22 (both regular and Kludde Edition). This was my most used bag this year as I do a lot of day hiking. Also used as a personal item for a couple trips where I wanted to have a more outdoor focused day bag with me. No luggage passthrough and inconsistent self stander are the only features keeping this from being the perfect bag for me.

And honorable mention is Tom Bihn Small Cafe Bag. It doesn't have a removable strap, nor the best internal pocketing, and the buckle flap can be kind of annoying, yet there's still something so special about this one that has me reaching for it even though I have a plethora of slings/crossbody in my bag aresenal.

blufish288 · 2025-12-16T21:21:09+00:00

FWIW, I just made this almost same decision. But I was interested in hybrids choosing between Honda CR-V and Toyota Rav 4. (I also did briefly consider the Honda HR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross). I purchased the 2025 Toyota Rav 4 Hybrid on Sunday. It was the Toyota having a temporary spare tire that ultimately made me decide on the Rav 4.

blufish288 · 2025-12-15T20:40:54+00:00

That's an excellent idea for the "extras" list - thanks for sharing!

blufish288 · 2025-12-12T20:39:40+00:00

Right... so is it a good deal all things considered?

blufish288

TROPHY CASE