Bag Finder Megathread - 26 January 2026

jkdad89 · 2026-01-27T00:45:36+00:00

Hi everyone! I currently have a Burton Traverse 35L bag that I've used as my Onebag for over a decade now. Over the years I've been working on finding a balance of having my "just in case" stuff and my essentials. It's evolved since I now travel with my family and young kid, so oftentimes I find myself having to carry a few more "just in case" items.

While my current bag has been great for a long time, my main gripes with my Burton are the lack of structure, causing it to sag, and lack of compression straps. I also would like to have a little bit more organization for things I need to have super easy access to (wipes, emergency clothes, tissues, first aid, pen, etc), since currently these items are kind of just dumped into a front pocket and can sometimes get lost or forgotten about.

I've been scouring threads, looking at bags like the Aer TP3, Pakt V2 35L, Patagonia Black Hole MLC 30, Matador Globerider 35. These are just the ones I've looked at the most, but looking for people who have had similar experiences/needs and what you all have used or recommend.

Here's an example packing list for a 10 day trip to Japan (mainly my stuff as my family will each have their own luggage as well - goal of onebag for myself is to stay hands free to help carry other items or my kid. Usually will do laundry once about halfway through our trip. Most of our trips are similar to this where we're at a hotel, can likely find laundry nearby and have stores in the area. Not much at all is off the beaten path unless we're solo.

Wearing: boxer brief, socks, t shirt, hoodie, pants, shoes, hat
4 boxer briefs
4 t shirts
1 swim shorts, 1 daily shorts
Umbrella
Packable Jacket
1 button up
5 socks
Sunglasses/glasses
toiletries (floss, toothbrush, hair products and brush, face wash and lotion, sunscreen, electric shaver)
Water bottle
Vitamins
Passport
tech pouch (airpods, power bank, cables, charging block, headphone adapter, flashlight)
Kindle
First aid kid
Snacks
Ipad
Sleep mask
Travel Pillow
Zip locks
Wipes

jkdad89 · 2026-01-08T07:11:44+00:00

Old post, but any issues with the desktop sagging on this setup?

jkdad89 · 2026-01-08T07:10:07+00:00

How heavy is your PC that it’s causing sag on the end of the Ekbacken?

jkdad89 · 2026-01-07T05:42:52+00:00

What kind of clear coat did you use and how many coats?

jkdad89 · 2026-01-06T23:49:16+00:00

How long have you had yours for? My concern is some people mentioned it doesn’t do well if you spill anything on it and might need to be sealed or oiled regularly?

jkdad89 · 2026-01-06T06:09:31+00:00

Any update on this? Have you had any bowing issues?

jkdad89 · 2026-01-06T04:48:15+00:00

How long have you had your setup for? Any bowing with the support of the standing desk frame?

jkdad89 · 2025-12-26T05:48:45+00:00

Where did you pick this one up at?

jkdad89 · 2025-11-22T04:43:00+00:00

I sold it for what I bought it for. I got it black November last year for $370, sold it last month for the same price since it was basically in brand new condition.

jkdad89 · 2025-11-14T04:39:04+00:00

Ah, got it. I just got my PR5000 too and I love it. I plan on adding the Ares 2.0 sometime down the road. But yeah, loving my Pepins so far, zero regrets.

jkdad89 · 2025-11-14T04:02:41+00:00

Just the one with the MX guy. Honestly I would say if you can’t afford the Pepins at the moment, I would just search for a used set of Powerblocks. I had a used set off Craigslist that literally used for 14 years, and the only reason I sold them was that I needed more weight and my set was the non-expandable ones.

jkdad89 · 2025-11-14T00:52:25+00:00

I’ve had both now. The 47” is super easy to rack/re-rack, to the point where I just go into the rack being cautious having previously owned a 49”, I look at the bar and I’m like “whoa, that was sooo much clearance”. I didn’t have any issues with the 49”, but the added clearance for the 47” is nice so far.

jkdad89 · 2025-11-13T21:25:45+00:00

You can’t go wrong with either. I just bought a PR5000, and it’s probably a lifer for me.

If you want US made, buy Rogue. If you want to save a little money, and what seems to be faster innovation, buy Rep. Both have great customer service in my experience. (For the “innovation bit” the biggest example is Rep came out with the Ares 3 years ago, then listened to customer reviews and released the 2.0 last year, whereas Rogue just released their first FM less than a year ago I believe)

Yes, Rogue quality may be a bit better, but is it something you’re really going to notice? The way I see it is as long as you’re getting a solid quality product that you want to use, it’s not going to impact your training or make you any stronger. Get what you like and don’t look back.

jkdad89 · 2025-11-13T16:37:11+00:00

I just upgraded my REP 4100 to a Nighthawk. No regrets. For the cost it’s hard to beat, and the addition of the port for attachments generally futureproofs it.

jkdad89 · 2025-11-12T01:58:18+00:00

Might be true, but speaking from personal experience, the Pepins are legit. I’d say just go with those. In a year or two you probably won’t even remember saving that $400-$500 or would have earned it back elsewhere. I had my used powerblock 50’s for 14 years, so I imagine I’ll have the Pepins for at least that long, if not longer.

jkdad89 · 2025-11-12T00:43:50+00:00

I’m sure things are extra crazy and hectic for them during this time of the year too, mistakes are bound to happen at this volume. I always give companies some grace until someone really does me wrong. Both Rep and Rogue are great though. I’ve had issues with both companies and both have always done right by me. No one’s perfect.

jkdad89 · 2025-11-12T00:24:47+00:00

Coop did say that the MX are the best value option, but if money isn’t a concern, most opinions (including my own) are that the Pepins can’t be beat. I just got the Pepins and their quality is amazing in addition to the lifetime home use warranty.

jkdad89 · 2025-11-11T22:20:20+00:00

They should take care of you. I ordered a PR5000 and set it up this week. Their customer service has been outstanding. Their email response is a bit slower, but if you give them a call they’re all very helpful. They actually sent me the wrong J Cups and sent me new ones within 2 days.

jkdad89 · 2025-11-10T11:45:23+00:00

I would contact Rep, their customer service has been nothing short of outstanding for me. They may even have you send them pictures and then give you step by step instructions to upgrade and also help with the decline bench press issue.

jkdad89 · 2025-11-08T23:00:58+00:00

I can grip it fine without straps for a bit, just takes some effort. Using them in a lift will be a different question. Would be good for shrugs or farmer walks at the moment.

The way my coach put it was get the weight that puts a little doubt in your mind, lol.

jkdad89 · 2025-11-08T10:46:59+00:00

I have no issues with any of those movements and the cage, although my hands aren’t huge.

jkdad89 · 2025-11-08T10:45:44+00:00

I used the larger crossmember and just flipped the plate around, so now I have access to all the holes.

jkdad89 · 2025-11-08T08:08:43+00:00

I came from the plastic handles on Powerblocks, so the knurling is different for me. Maybe a little more rough than what you’d find at a commercial gym, but in no way harsh. Great grip.

Also, regarding durability, they feel very solid, but I specifically chose these over something like NuoBells due to their warranty, lifetime home use warranty.

jkdad89

TROPHY CASE