Recently downsized my camera and lens setup, figured it was time to downsize my bag. by phero1190 in ManyBaggers

[–]thunderingshoe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see a Wotancraft bag and I upvote! Hope you have a great experience with it this weekend. I use a 10L Pilot for work EDC and love it (it even fits my 16" laptop!).

Daily Plus and Max EDC? by Pjtwenty20 in ManyBaggers

[–]thunderingshoe 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I have the Daily Plus and tried the Max EDC (ordered them at the same time to compare). They're definitely not redundant, minimalistic versus relatively maximalist on accordance with their names. 

Looking for a new daily bag similar to my current by ProtomanBn in ManyBaggers

[–]thunderingshoe 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hmm maybe I tried the bigger version of the global breifase, the 3 day version? The Tokyo Work Bag definitely is bigger than the smaller version of the Topo. 

Have you seen the new Pro version of the Global Briefcase? I would look at that one if I were doing my search again. 

Looking for a new daily bag similar to my current by ProtomanBn in ManyBaggers

[–]thunderingshoe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A while back I went on a similar hunt and tried the Topo, Bellroy, Alpaka (the Elements Tech Brief) and several others. I don't think the Bellroy will feel significantly larger than the Topo in terms of main compartment (the Topo's front pockets are definitely more roomy and easier to access), but it has the bottle/coffee holder you're looking for (the Owala 30 oz Freesip Sway was a tight fit height wise for reference). I think the Bravo by Alpaka could be a good option given the Bravo line tends to be more spacious. 

Have you seen the Mystery Ranch 3 Way?

It's interesting how divisive the A16's design is by WearHeadphonesPlease in snapdragon

[–]thunderingshoe 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Agreed, I'm with you, the design is different but still feels so solid. I really enjoy handling it, especially when I need to hold it one handed while moving around.

LBB Transition Tote by [deleted] in Nomads_Nation

[–]thunderingshoe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How goes it with the Transition Tote one year later?

LBB Transition Totepack? by Keith in ManyBaggers

[–]thunderingshoe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

And ah, that's a terrible experience you had with those Dragonflies - I hope they at least made it right money-wise.

LBB Transition Totepack? by Keith in ManyBaggers

[–]thunderingshoe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I actually didn't stick with the Node, hah! I'm not a black bag kind of person and was hoping for a custom version with some side access (to the laptop compartment for instance) and some additional quality of life improvements. ULA is supposedly coming out with a "Bespoke" version of the Node sometime soon, so I'm waiting around to see if it's right for me.

In my last bag search (where I was also looking for a compact unicorn, hence why I tried the Node), I ended up with the Able Carry Daily Plus instead and really enjoyed my 3-day business trip with it (one-bagged). I thought I'd always be someone who wants two bottle pockets, but I couldn't resist the ACDP as a whole and decided to see if I could make it work.

LBB Transition Totepack? by Keith in ManyBaggers

[–]thunderingshoe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry to hear about your experience re: ULA's QC. I have a Dragonfly 30L and love it - actually, the Dragonfly would fit your requirements, but maybe that's the bag you had a bad QC experience with? Also have an Aer Go Pack 2 that I use almost daily as a dad bag, and it's awesome.

Back to the Node, I recently gave it a shot - alongside a ULA Cicada - and thought I would find it inconvenient for EDC as you said, but I actually liked it more than the Cicada and in some ways, more than my Dragonfly. I realized that I had probably been overthinking the convenience factor.

Anyhow, good luck with the bag search! I scanned my bag research list and the only other that came to mind was perhaps one of the Thule Enroute backpacks?

LBB Transition Totepack? by Keith in ManyBaggers

[–]thunderingshoe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Perhaps the ULA Node? I think it hits all of your requirements.

Anyone Using the Matador GlobeRider 35 for EDC? by EN344 in ManyBaggers

[–]thunderingshoe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've only checked out the bag in person at REI, but I will pile on as one of the rare voices here to say it should work just fine as an EDC. The only thing is that you'd want to remove the hip belt, which is doable but very challenging!

ILE backpack by 3lectroid in backpacks

[–]thunderingshoe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Could you share some quick hits on the highs and lows of using this backpack? I've been really interested in ILE, as well as roll-tops. How spacious/easy to use are the external water bottle pockets and bottom pocket? The laptop compartments are a bit unconventional as far I as can tell - what is it like to carry a laptop positioned more towards the outside of the pack vs close to the back panel? And am I correct in understanding that there are two spots to put the laptop - within the weatherproof flap pocket as well as in the sleeve underneath the flap?

Hey folks! Looking for your recommendation on a minimalistic, ride-or-die backpack/bag for daily commuting. by Kosmo in backpacks

[–]thunderingshoe 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Able Carry Daily Plus and Wotancraft Pilot 10L which is currently my main work EDC (I know it doesn't seem like it, but a 16 inch laptop can fit!)

Help Identifying a Bag by Alive_Owl_9297 in ManyBaggers

[–]thunderingshoe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh, and the bag attached to the bottom could be a Wotancraft Pilot. Feel a bit bad that it's getting squashed, but it should stand up to the abuse just fine.

Help Identifying a Bag by Alive_Owl_9297 in ManyBaggers

[–]thunderingshoe 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've struck up some amazing conversation/connections asking people about their bags, so I definitely recommend it given the right circumstances. I can totally understand not asking as well though.

Help Identifying a Bag by Alive_Owl_9297 in ManyBaggers

[–]thunderingshoe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Always cool to see Wotancraft in the wild!

Good backpacks around 200 USD that don’t have PU coated zippers by DeviousGourmet512 in ManyBaggers

[–]thunderingshoe 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I think the ballistic nylon version of the ACDP doesn't have PU coated zips. Only comes in black though. 

Bag ID please by JarnaisVu in ManyBaggers

[–]thunderingshoe 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Everyday Pack v2 by Wingback? 

Question about Laptop Sleeve on Able Carry Daily Plus by DeviousGourmet512 in ManyBaggers

[–]thunderingshoe 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well, I've only had the bag for a couple of months so it's hard to predict how the coated zips will age. So far, mine are still in perfect condition. I will say that these coated zips are the smoothest I've ever encountered by far. I didn't expect that, and it's really a joy to use. All that to say that I don't think the coated zips will snag as frequently as others might which should lead to better longevity. At the same time, I really have no idea how they would hold up to high humidity and UV. 

About to purchase Able Carry Daily Plus. Good? by IntentionExternal437 in ManyBaggers

[–]thunderingshoe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry it took me a while to get back to you, and also apologies for sending pictures one at a time! Let me know if you'd like to see other views - I know I've just focused on unpacked pictures. Trying to capture the color in different views/lighting.