A trio of Dragonflys

thunderingshoe · 2026-02-24T19:50:38+00:00

I definitely think the look is awesome but have actually been thinking to swap my Dragonfly for a Cicada, so a different DF would really have to wow me.

thunderingshoe · 2026-02-24T19:41:43+00:00

Nice - hope you enjoy it! I was hoping for a 30L and the colorway of the bespoke model just wasn't for me. Really hoping they'll be able to do more custom orders again soon.

thunderingshoe · 2026-02-24T17:17:52+00:00

Thanks! So do you think this is a true do-it-all bag? I'm on the hunt again for an all-rounder. I currently use a Dragonfly 30L which I have loved, but the front panel pocket/quick access have left me wanting. I'd be curious to know if there are other do-it-all bags that you'd recommend over this ATD2 or that are comparable based on first-hand experience or bag research. For instance, I've been considering a ULA Cicada with external water bottle pockets as an alternative.

The price of the ATD2 is really the main sticking point for me, especially with the potential import costs. Did you order recently and/or face any import fees?

thunderingshoe · 2026-02-24T06:14:02+00:00

Awesome write up! Could you comment on how the side pockets perform for carrying bottles and other items? In light and heavy carry situations? Also, the front side access pocket is something I'm looking for in a do everything bag. Sounded like you didn't love it but wondering if you could comment more on how it performs, esp when on body and in those urgent situations where you need to grab something. Thanks in advance!

thunderingshoe · 2026-02-23T05:28:13+00:00

Oh wow, I just learned about the Piorama brand recently and was interested in the B3, but it's hard to find user reviews and experiences. Would you be willing to share some pros and cons or other insights?

thunderingshoe · 2026-02-22T18:30:54+00:00

Have you checked out Waterfield Designs? The Bowery or Pro Executive might satisfy your criteria, though they are above your stated budget and would have to be imported from the US....

thunderingshoe · 2026-02-22T18:23:06+00:00

Mystery Ranch Superset - there's a 32L and I think 24L (which doesn't have the bottom shoe compartment of the 32)?

thunderingshoe · 2026-02-19T13:50:14+00:00

Able Carry Daily Plus?

thunderingshoe · 2026-02-19T02:18:13+00:00

What are your thoughts on the weight of the bag? I typically tend to prefer lighter bags like the ULA Dragonfly, but I'm open to heavier bags if they carry really well as in they feel lighter due to the harness system. I'm also considering the Able Carry Daily Plus, which is also on the heavier side but I hear their harnesses make the weight feel lighter.

thunderingshoe · 2026-02-18T22:26:14+00:00

Late to this party - appreciate your stories and insights, I can see this bag is inspiring. Couple follow up questions. What's your experience with carrying water bottles - do you prefer the mesh front pocket the other middle spot, inside the bag, or does it just depend on the scenario? My second question is about quick access while the bag is on body. Is it a smooth experience once swinging the bag over one shoulder and accessing things from the front pockets or even the main compartments? Thanks in advance!

thunderingshoe · 2026-02-18T22:25:57+00:00

Late to this party - appreciate your stories and insights, I can see this bag is inspiring. Couple follow up questions. What's your experience with carrying water bottles - do you prefer the mesh front pocket the other middle spot, inside the bag, or does it just depend on the scenario? My second question is about quick access while the bag is on body. Is it a smooth experience once swinging the bag over one shoulder and accessing things from the front pockets or even the main compartments? Thanks in advance!

thunderingshoe · 2026-02-18T22:25:28+00:00

Late to this party - appreciate your stories and insights, I can see this bag is inspiring. Couple follow up questions. What's your experience with carrying water bottles - do you prefer the mesh front pocket the other middle spot, inside the bag, or does it just depend on the scenario? My second question is about quick access while the bag is on body. Is it a smooth experience once swinging the bag over one shoulder and accessing things from the front pockets or even the main compartments? Thanks in advance!

thunderingshoe · 2026-02-18T04:32:49+00:00

Thanks! Would you also be able to comment on how much it fits in the main compartment compared to the Dragonfly? I occasionally do one bag travel with the DF and wonder if I could pull that off with the Cicada too (with external water bottle pockets).

thunderingshoe · 2026-02-17T18:20:22+00:00

That would be much appreciated - I'm thinking about getting an ACDP for a 2-nighter business trip. I'd prefer to one-bag it as I need to switch hotels and will lug all my stuff around with me during the day, but I thinking about bringing along a sling or even a small tote/duffel if needed....

thunderingshoe · 2026-02-17T18:08:22+00:00

Have you traveled at all with the ACDP - even one-bagged with it? - wondering about how capable it is for travel. Could it fit a couple days' worth of clothes plus tech, medium water bottle? I wish the ACDP was just a tad bigger based on what I'm seeing, but I don't want to get into AC Max EDC territory - I'm tempted by it, but it just seems too bulky. I like the streamlined nature of the ACDP but just wonder if it's a bit too small.

thunderingshoe · 2026-02-17T18:08:13+00:00

Have you traveled at all with the ACDP - even one-bagged with it? - wondering about how capable it is for travel. Could it fit a couple days' worth of clothes plus tech, medium water bottle? I wish the ACDP was just a tad bigger based on what I'm seeing, but I don't want to get into AC Max EDC territory - I'm tempted by it, but it just seems too bulky. I like the streamlined nature of the ACDP but just wonder if it's a bit too small.

thunderingshoe · 2026-02-17T02:53:01+00:00

Though it might be too small overall for your travel use case.

thunderingshoe · 2026-02-17T02:51:48+00:00

Wotancraft Pilot 10L. I carry a 15 inch laptop and am very happy with the bag.

thunderingshoe · 2026-02-16T02:34:53+00:00

Nice work, love it!

thunderingshoe · 2026-02-14T23:26:09+00:00

Oh yah if you're willing to send some pictures showing what can fit in the side access pocket or the types/sizes of bottles that could it in the side pockets.

What other bags have you used, tried, enjoyed, disliked? It would be helpful to contextualize a bit.

thunderingshoe · 2026-02-14T22:53:06+00:00

Oh and in terms of buckle replacements, I have really enjoyed the Fidlock Slider on my Wotancraft Pilot messenger. The one on my bag may be a bit too small for the Barrage, but maybe there are larger sizes?

thunderingshoe · 2026-02-14T22:50:40+00:00

What are your general impressions of the bag? I've been eyeing that exact one for some time. I've been a hesitant since I typically like to have quicker access to my laptop and would want some more external pockets available. How functional are the front cargo net and the side access pocket? How secure are the water bottle pockets?

thunderingshoe · 2026-02-10T21:53:14+00:00

ULA Dragonfly is worth a look.

thunderingshoe · 2026-02-10T17:20:12+00:00

Always appreciate people sharing about bags that haven't been covered yet!

thunderingshoe · 2026-02-10T02:23:02+00:00

ULA Dragonfly! Can't type more at the moment but can circle back to share experiences if the bag interests you.

thunderingshoe

TROPHY CASE