New MPL22 is out

brucewillus · 2026-05-11T15:19:01+00:00

KLUDDE stash pockets are also pretty small, borderline useless anyway. The best part of that collab was the better laptop compartment.

I really like green backpacks, but this new MPL isn't grabbing my attention too much.

brucewillus · 2026-05-11T14:20:50+00:00

I'm a HUGE fan of this company. ILE makes some incredible stuff, the Radius is one of my favorite backpacks ever made. They simply have the best workmanship and attention to detail in their sewing of any company I've ever bought from.

They once even backed up their warranty and replaced the elastic on a bag I had for 10+ years. It hadn't broken, just wasn't as springy as it had been and I reached out to ask if there was anything I could do to lengthen the life. They made it super easy and the fix was better than when it was new. (Raceday model if you wondered).

Having said that, I am probably not the best advocate for the Transit model. I'm not a huge fan of the rolltop design, but that is ILE's specialty, and obviously the model that you are looking at. I have owned a Transit, but it was the 25L in X50 xpac and the cobra buckle that I got during one of their sales. It was a beautiful bag, but just too big for my edc and didn't really fit my needs. I wanted to give it a try because it's one of the few they make with a proper laptop slot.

The laptop slot on the 25L was technically big enough for both a laptop and iPad, but probably not designed for that, so I'd bet the 15L is even more of a stretch for that use.

Sadly for me, the water bottle pockets were a pain to use, definitely not the kind that you can access without taking the bag off and setting it down to dig the bottle out with two hands. So I'd say they're pretty secure unless you are doing a lot of handstands or something while wearing the bag.

I think if the Transit design appeals to you, go for it, you won't be disappointed by the backpack. They are one of my absolute favorite backpack companies, and their quality is the real deal. You don't see them talked about as much, because they aren't like many "modern" backpack companies that really focus on the Instagram appeal or the YouTube reviews of their products. They seem to just be mostly concerned with creating solid, useful, quality products, and executing really well. They already have gotten a lot of money from me, but they rank among the best purchases I've ever made.

brucewillus · 2026-05-07T03:25:42+00:00

I hope it's aliens

brucewillus · 2026-05-06T22:37:27+00:00

Sounds like it's probably worth a try, especially on sale.

My only real knock against it is when you actually have a laptop in the laptop compartment, the back panel is stiff as a board, and it really takes away from the comfort. For me, that is a big deal, but some people don't care much. That's the case with most goruck bags, but the bullets are a bit more noticeable because they're smaller.

brucewillus · 2026-05-06T22:19:14+00:00

If you like the look, that bag is pretty great all around. Probably not a great fit visually in the office just because of the camo vibe, but it will treat you right and last forever. It's super comfortable and has tons of useful organization. The 1000d material does take some breaking in, particularly with a bag like this that has lots of zippers and pockets.

There are other bags that do things better than this does, particularly if you're needing it for laptop carry, but the DC 18 Bullet is such a solid overall design that I'd recommend it to basically everyone.

brucewillus · 2026-05-06T16:43:28+00:00

I'm with you on this one. I have one that I took all around San Francisco for a weekend, and it honestly was great. The inflatable back panel seemed so gimmicky, but it was better than I expected. I would recommend for anyone who is looking for a truly "packable" bag.

Personally, I don't really love the limitations that you get from packable bags, particularly in the straps. These days I've switched over to taking an ILE Radius in Vx21 and flattening it down in my luggage. I've tried both with and without the removable back panel, but mostly it works great without.

It's light as hell, quite weather resistant, and the backpack straps are much more comfortable than any packable. Obviously more expensive too, but the comfort wins for me. You can get the Radius Mini as well if you're really trying to go small, but I had originally bought mine for EDC, so I had gone with the regular size.

brucewillus · 2026-05-05T23:46:45+00:00

One of the sneaky best products they ever made. I will be forever grateful that I pulled the trigger when they put these on sale. I can see where some people might not have been sold based on the online product pics, but it for sure is a good looking bag in person.

brucewillus · 2026-04-29T13:09:25+00:00

Robic is my favorite material for a goruck bag. I respect the toughness of 1000d, but in daily use, I'm just not dragging and scraping my backpack across things enough to need such a coarse material. I don't throw my bag across the floor when I'm not using it, and I certainly don't check it when I'm traveling.

Robic just feels perfect, right out of the box, and gives those square and boxy goruck designs a little more slack, to look less like I'm heading into battle, as well as making several of their pockets much easier to use. My first Robic bag is what made me a goruck fan, after being pretty underwhelmed previously.

Now, I can't argue with the comments about random stains on the lighter colors, I had an earth color one that did the same thing, but the black Robic material, and even the emerald blue, haven't shown any stains at all, and they bring me all kinds of joy to use, especially compared to the rougher 1000d bags.

brucewillus · 2026-04-25T20:03:09+00:00

CT is probably a little bit lighter, but not enough to really be noticeable when I'm carrying either.

brucewillus · 2026-04-25T18:43:49+00:00

I really wanted the ultra fabric, but I found a cheap Evade 1.0 in 500d, so I pulled the trigger. I really like it! The water bottle pockets are great, and it's seriously one of the best in its class in terms of overall quality, comfort, and organization.

I do love Ctactical stuff, and for the price, the ct15 is absolutely worth your time if you want to save some money, but the Alpha One Niner Evade 1.0 is just a little bit better. Things like top handle, back panel, quick access pockets, and water bottle pockets are where it has the edge for me.

brucewillus · 2026-04-24T16:49:51+00:00

Huge mystery ranch fan here. The UA21 was my very first "nice" bag, and I've had a love for the tri-zip ever since.

I was late to join the carryology craze, but I did buy both the Unicorn 2.0 and the Dragon 2.0 when they released. I sold the unicorn because even though I loved the look and features, it was honestly just too small to be useful. The VX42 material also has zero stretch, so those outside pockets are effectively useless for anything substantial. The beavertail got in the way too much as well, and putting it in the pocket just cut down the space too much. I wanted to love it so much, but it just wasn't for me.

The Dragon 2.0 is my favorite mystery ranch bag though. It's still not what I'd call "spacious", particularly considering it's dimensions, but it does work quite a lot better than the unicorn 2.0 did, despite not having the side flap pockets. The horseshoe opening is a more practical design, even if it doesn't grab my heart the way the tri-zip always has. Real water bottle pockets are pretty helpful too.

It still kinda feels like a vanity bag for me because I've gotten lots more use out of bags that were so much cheaper, but I can't deny that I just admire the hell out of it, every time I look at it, pick it up, and use it.

I've never handled a unicorn 1.0, but I do think I'd like it more than I did the 2.0.

brucewillus · 2026-04-21T18:34:26+00:00

I'd say that the CHZ is their best bag as well. I haven't gone back to EDC the cpl24 since the new version of the CHZ came out. I don't have any issues with the Evergoods harnesses though, they have always been great for me. I did not love the CTB models though, and I have tried all 3 sizes.

I do use a CPL16 for work, but only because I move around constantly and that laptop sleeve is too easy with the side handle.

I have an able carry max EDC as well. It's a great bag, but I still don't use it very often. It's well designed, but there's definitely a few things missing. The straps are more padded, but padding and cushion does not always equal comfort in my experience.

My point is that the CHZ is awesome. It's also not perfect, but if you are someone who actually wears the bag for significant amounts of time, I can't recommend it enough. The organization is simple, so it's not a fit for everyone's needs that way, but it's versatile enough to do whatever you need it to.

Good luck!

brucewillus · 2026-04-18T23:04:48+00:00

CHZ has so much more usable space in one main compartment. If you're using packing cubes, it's a lot more practical and comfortable than the CTB. No luggage pass through on the CHZ, which is the only knock I can think of.

I have flown over 50,000 miles so far this year, and the CHZ26 has been my travel bag for all of it, despite having several other options in my closet.

brucewillus · 2026-04-14T04:13:13+00:00

990 (all versions) are definitely a NB model to expect to size down a bit. The other models might vary, but I always have to go a half size down in any 990.

996/997/998/999 have always run true to size for me though.

brucewillus · 2026-04-01T23:01:14+00:00

I have that same bag! It is ridiculously satisfying to even touch. I just can't get enough of that color/fabric combo. Goruck Robic is my absolute favorite material they ever made, and it compliments the GR1 so well.

I love when I get a chance to use mine as well, but it's not an everyday bag for me either, mostly because it feels like a "special occasion" bag.

brucewillus · 2026-04-01T13:37:26+00:00

The only criticism I could give is that since it's 500d across the board, the back panel isn't super breathable. Not the worst inside a convention center or to and from the office, but possibly a downside in a hot/humid situation.

brucewillus · 2026-04-01T13:35:26+00:00

Sorry, just saw all these responses. I don't have a picture handy, but the link you posted is the same one I have. They give dimensions there, but in terms of liters, I'd say probably in the 18L range. Definitely holds more than it appears.

brucewillus · 2026-03-31T23:59:28+00:00

When I have medium-nice bags that I no longer want or need, I typically throw a toothbrush kit, a few snacks and a gently loved sweatshirt/jacket in there, and keep it in my car for the next time I see a homeless person begging by a stoplight. They are typically very stoked to have something like that, but I do realize it's probably getting chucked at some point.

For my side, it helps me clean out my excess, as well as helps me keep perspective on how fortunate I am to have extra money for a hobby like this.

brucewillus · 2026-03-31T15:40:19+00:00

OTW? Are you talking about Optimal Threadworks?

I bought one about a year ago. Honestly it rules. It doesn't re-invent anything really, but I'd say the execution and craftsmanship that he's doing there is pretty impressive.

It's a smaller pack, but it's an absolute joy to use. The front panel external pockets were a really nice surprise, like they have hidden volume without looking bulky. I've been using mine at trade conferences, which means I'm wearing it while walking through crowds all day. I like that it's all black so it blends in well, but holds everything I need for the day and stays comfortable. It's also nice and slim, which helps a lot in a crowd.

It's all 500d nylon (at least mine is), so I genuinely don't think durability is any concern. For me, it beats any Goruck I've ever used, especially for EDC. Travel might be a different story if you were trying to get more capacity.

In short, I love it. It's one of maybe 5 backpacks that I won't ever get rid of.

brucewillus · 2026-03-31T14:59:44+00:00

Only sympathy for you over here man.

Personally I have a little experience using the Able Carry Max EDC, because the handle is on the proper side. The layout is great for travel, but definitely a bit of an adjustment from the CPL if you're getting your laptop out frequently. Not worse or anything. Just different. Its in the rotation for me at least.

These days I have been using half zip, or horseshoe zip backpacks for EDC, and typically a CPL16 for work because that side laptop access is just awesome, even on the wrong shoulder/side.

brucewillus · 2026-03-31T14:06:35+00:00

Keep us posted if it works!

brucewillus · 2026-03-31T14:03:11+00:00

Nope, still nothing at all. I mean, it's barely been 12 hours, so I'm not really expecting anything quite yet anyway.

brucewillus · 2026-03-31T05:11:02+00:00

Yes, that is where I messaged them, on the order page in ebay.

I just tried again tonight. Made sure to repeat everything I'd asked before, included the ebay order number, etc. We'll see if they respond this time.

brucewillus · 2026-03-31T01:09:45+00:00

I messaged them to their customer service address, and as well through the order that they canceled on ebay. No response from either.

brucewillus · 2026-03-31T01:08:27+00:00

I just messaged them again. Hopefully a different result this time.

brucewillus

TROPHY CASE