we are getting one in the next few weeks to test out! hopefully we can get reviews live on both NN and G4Tg 💪

I was just going to ask if Marisa can review that bag! I saw Alpaka’s overview but def wanna see it reviewed by GFTG.

@nomadsnation 👀👀 Marisa

It would be cool to see the new Alpaka Metro crossbody on GFTG. Stability attachments can be sus on bodies with lady lumps.

Waterfield is one of the brands I haven't reviewed yet but want to review the most. Hopefully soon!

I’ve seen those they look noce

@nomadsnation my wife recently started watching the Gear for the Girls channel. You should suggest looking at some of the Waterfield Designs stuff. These two bags, especially in blue, made her go "ohhhhh". I'd love to see NN channel feature some of their amazing work as well.

The CAP 0.5 has been great for me for my EDC charging gear. And the green and black XPAC version fits perfectly and color matches in the outside water bottle pocket of my green Alpaka Bravo Tote.

I felt the same way about the 0.5 and ended up selling it.

It fits perfectly in my peak design camera cube and it’s keeping three batteries, three memory cards, an air blower, and two micro fiber cloths.

its a fun little tool kit for me that I don't need at all but I don't hate having either lol

I got the cap 1 n cap 2 still can’t find a need for the .5

wish I did, that color combo is gorgeous

Did anyone purchase from Evergoods today their new collection in black x coyote ?

I have the Modern Dayfarer backpack. It's around 24L and has a separate shoe compartment.

Thanks for the bag suggestions. I have the peak design but in 20L it just lives in my closet lol. I never considered the MPL I’ll check it out

I use the EverGoods MPL22 as my go back for gym, short hikes, outing in the city on weekends. Works well with a laptop when needed too.

For a 22L, its size is incredibly good. It doesn’t at all feel or look “big”, but wow it fits a lot!

The double water bottle holders help, as you can do a bottle and then something else in the other pocket as needed (in the winter I do gloves for example).

The clamshell opening makes getting shoes and other stuff into it easy

I use a peak design everyday 30l for this I do use their tech pouch and I keep a small packing cube with one nights stay crammed into it . The 30l is perfect for this … leave enough room for my laptop and work stuff . And the outside strap allow me to keep my helmet or sweaty gym clothes away from the rest of my stuff .

Any thoughts on a good gym bag other than a duffel? I want to use a edc type but I carry clothes,shoes and toiletries to shower then go about my day n 20L is too small.

Thanks! Everyone has been so helpful. I’ll take a look at your GoRuck in the marketplace and check out the c tactical Jonathan recommended!

she is the Marketplace Queen for a reason ;)

Or if you’d like to try a GORUCK, I’m selling one! 😅 Don’t let the listed price scare you- I’m very reasonable and am taking offers and give deals. Ask anyone who has purchased from me 😅

If you'd like to try a goruck, without paying the goruck pricing, maybe try a Ctactical bag, I've owned one, they have the build quality, and they make some non-molle "normal" looking models. The panel design is really good with usable packable interior space.  I'd recommend Recycled firefighter as another, lighter, more streamlined looking option if you want to pursue the goruck shape but not the style.  The straps are great, the feel is great, and its nice an light and not military looking.  But I hesitate cause the 1000D cordura they use is really tough, but also is sorta like sandpaper against some clothes and even your skin. 

Jon is totally right and you're totally right, Tammy. In the US, tactical as an aesthetic is popular and will likely continue to make inroads in more professional settings. I work in admin in health care and it's not a look that's entirely welcome for meetings. Those who love it do push the accepted boundaries and if you were really interested in the bag I know you would make it look good.

You should have zero shame about having multiple personal item options at your disposal for work travel. While the roller luggage needs are pretty static, the day to day needs while traveling can change quite a bit. I too try for the smallest bag I can take but it really depends. For short trips, or travel that is mostly car/train, I like Aer's Travel Sling 2. It's a controversial bag, but most folks who have one are ridiculously enthusiastic about it. (I am one of those people & I can go on & on about it. ) I have a Modern Dayfarer 2 that is twice the capacity of the Travel Sling 2 but it hasn't been out of the city with me yet; I'm eager to try it out in a few weeks. The bag that is a surprisingly pleasant experience is the Alpaka Bravo Tote. It fills up quick, but it can manage a couple laptops and has a surprisingly roomy admin section. The Black Ember Citadel R3 arrives tomorrow...Are you getting the Aer Travel Pack? I think you'll be happy with it. It seems to cover most of the desires you mentioned. I worry that the Errant will be too prescriptive, but I want that bag, too. :)

It's becoming more and more common - the 'ruck' style of bag. Seeing it in more boardrooms and workplace settings.  I think it's a lot easier to be accepted now than in the past, especially if you get one without the molle webbing.

Thank you. Thats very helpful. Being newer to backpacks (in the past I’ve typically been a tote person) I think my hesitation was the GoRuck doesn’t look as “professional” as some other bags. I’m going to take another look and definitely look at the slick version. Don’t get me wrong, I think the patches and rugged look is cool, I just don’t know how it would look professionally.

I've been using GoRuck packs for a while. Lately, there's been more bad reviews but in the past I don't know how many years I've been lugging 'em around and abusing them they've always held up spectacularly for me.  Incredibly comfortable, distributes the weight well if you wear it up high like it's designed.  No mess no fuss kind of bag.  Nothing complicated at all about it.  Easy shape to pack in and to get the most out of it I'd recommend utilizing a pouch system.  If you can get that dialed in, they're extremely versatile packs, in my opinion.  They transition well from one task to another and can pack a surprising amount of gear if you're efficient.  I'm packing out my smaller GoRuck pack right now actually.  About to leave for a few days for a business trip.

There's 'slick' versions of the packs without the molle. That's what I had/have.

I don’t have one because they are so expensive. I dont want the molle stuff on the outside. One day though. I feel like it fits what you described :)

I’ve been looking at those online. Do you have one? If so what’s your thoughts?

What about a GoRuck GR2?

I think I’m looking for something that doesn’t exist lol. The things I carry for my current job varies so much it’s hard to find the “perfect” bag. I still travel quite a bit, both by air and by car. I want something light and comfortable but that still has some structure. I like organization, but not so much that it takes up all the open space for larger items. I also want a slimmer profile but then I feel like you’re giving up space so I don’t know if I’ll ever win. I’ve ordered an aer and a boundary supply errant. I’m going to try those out. And I’m not knocking travel pro at all they do have a loyal following and yes they seem to hold up well for flight crews. IMO they aren’t the absolute best for a frequent flyer whose bags are going to get tossed around. What is your favorite EDC?

What features are you looking for that the B&R doesn't offer? I'm also searching for the best personal item bag for work travel. I have a few but that hasn't stopped me from continuing the search for something better. :)

This was so informative. Thank you for taking the time to answer. After trying out a few TravelPro bags out in store I decided to go a different direction, but I respect that people have positive generally positive experiences with their bags. Your notes on how flight crews' bags don't really go through it the way other luggages will is such a good thing to keep in mind.

My current edc is a Briggs backpack that I sometimes switch out for a tumi. I don’t like the tumi. Overpriced and hurts my back. The Briggs is fine but I want to try something from companies that only focus on backpacks. I love Briggs quality but I think their backpack features are lacking. Always looking for recommendations!

TravelPro is the most widely used luggage among flight crews but it has a lot to do with airline agreements. When I got into the industry (over 15 years ago so things can change), depending on your airline you were either given a set or required to buy a certain set and TravelPro gave us tremendous discounts. They are a good brand. But I started watching frequent business flyers and seeing what they used. Also I knew some pilots that had Briggs. When I left and went into the corporate world I used my TravelPro and within six months it broke. I think people forget flight crews don’t check luggage and get to store them separately so your bags are “babied” so to speak. After that I bought a hard shell piece, don’t remember the brand but it wasn’t cheap. Fast forward a few months my zipper busted open in the airport 🤬. After that I went straight to Briggs and Riley and I still have the same carry on bag from over 15 years ago and after traveling nearly weekly all that time it still looks great. I had one issue with a squeaky wheel about a year ago and they replaced it for free no questions asked. Since then I’ve added more pieces for my husband, kids, etc, plus I have a problem with buying travel bags (always looking for the perfect organization system) but my go to is still my 15 year old carry on.

All of us casuals get told TravelPro has cornered the market with flight professionals. What made you so enthusiastic about Briggs & Riley? What have you been using for EDC?

I’m a former flight attendant and won’t use any luggage except Briggs and Riley. But with my current profession I’m venturing out, trying to find the “perfect” EDC.

I love this for you. :D I tried the Workpack on in the store and was surprised by the comfort of the fit. The materials are great. I've been considering breaking my rule about not buying bags without luggage pass throughs to get it. Cheers!

Closing the loop on the professor bag deliberations: went with the Bellroy Workpack and loving it so far. It's really wild how the experience of capacity varies between bags with the same capacity. I can hold it up next to my Osprey, and they look the same size, pretty equivalent dimensions, etc. Yet I can fit so much more in the Bellroy. I think the separate laptop compartment is a big factor in this. Hopefully I'm not going to regret that back panel when the weather gets swampy, though...

I've heard great things

It looks like a worthy option- just heavier and pricier than other options 😅

There's a store near me that carries B&R and I'm always threatening to buy a personal item sized one to try out. People who buy the brand are devoted.

Thank you! I’ll have to check it out!

I rarely see anyone mention this brand because they are mainly known for luggage but check out the Briggs and Riley travelers backpack. Their warranty is unbeatable.