Hey guys! Just joined here. Trying to get a new bag to transition from my previous K&F Camera backpack (https://www.kentfaith.com/KF13.098V1_camera-backpack-bag-with-laptop-compartment-15-6-quot-for-dslr-slr-mirrorless-camera-waterproof-camera-case-compatible-for-sony-canon-nikon-camera-and-lens-tripod-accessories). Just wondering, has anyone here tried the Samsonite Andante 2 Travel Backpack? Looks good, checks the boxes for me, and seems like a great value. Hoping to get some opinions for those who have used this bag for travel. Thank you guys!

should I get the air back back pack

Thanks Dylan Very good points of clarification. Looking forward to backing you on KickStarter!

Lol, I look forward to seeing you roll it out.

Thanks for mentioning this here Jonathan - the memoir part made me laugh - I figured I’d lay it all out on the table and share who I am, what I’m about and hopefully I can get the opportunity to create the perfect one bag setup through Almond Oak.

Hey - Dylan here from Almond Oak :) Wanted to help clarify the price, straps and 280D nylon material.

Price - A few reviewers I sent the bag to have mentioned that the bag feels underpriced too. The pricing is intentional because this launch is all or nothing, and I wanted to price it as low as possible to give the bag a real chance of succeeding because this is my dream - to build this brand and create the perfect products for one bag travel. My profit margins on this launch are super thin, but that’s the trade-off. If this launch doesn’t go well, there’s no brand, so I’m banking on the price being low enough to get enough people to take a chance on the bag.

Straps - the straps and back panel are padded with 5mm EVA foam. When I met up with Alan, we compared it to other bags from Aer and Able Carry and those bags definitely have beefier straps. If you look on the subreddit ‘Make Your Own Gear’ (MYOG), 5mm EVA foam is pretty standard for back panel straps. Having used the bag myself, I find the straps perfectly fine. But I’ve sent the bags out to a bunch of reviewers who’ll be publishing their reviews in approx 10 days weeks as the campaign goes live so if you feel this is a deal breaker then I can share with you the YouTube reviews as they go live (or search ‘Almond Oak Backpack’ on Feb 4th and some should be published).

Nylon material - I totally understand why some travellers prefer bags with heavier materials like 420D or 1080D ballistic nylon, but here’s why I went with the PU Coated 280D nylon: travel bags often end up weighing over 1.5kg (3.3lbs) empty, which makes it super difficult to keep your total weight under 7kg for one bag travel. I don’t think the average traveler needs a bag that’s ‘bomb-proof’ or ‘rip-proof’ - that’s more about peace of mind than actual necessity. The typical traveller who one bag travels on holiday, takes a taxi/bus to and from their hotel/hostel, and spends the day exploring a city, in my opinion, would benefit more from a lightweight bag. Yes, a denser fabric might be more durable, but if you’re deliberately trying to tear a bag, no material is completely tear-proof - whether it’s 280D or 420D, it’s going to rip under force. For the typical one bag traveler, I don’t see the need for that extra weight tradeoff.

One last thing worth adding, one of the creators I sent the bag to tested it in a snowstorm for 30 minutes and shared that everything stayed dry. I found that really interesting because I wouldn't suggest taking it out in snowstorms, but there we go. The PU coating is doing its job ;) I’ll send an image of that on here - think it needs to be sent in a separate message.

Always happy to help clarify anything else about the design and thought process behind it.

Really sorry Aaron as I did not mean to hijack the chat - just wanted to help clarify these things ahead of the launch.

Thanks so much, Dylan

Thanks for sharing Alan! I can’t wait to check it out

I have met the founder (in London) and examined the Almond Oak prototype up close First thing to say is that it’s well designed and has a very premium feel about it. The fabric is very nice and it’s really lightweight. The back panel and harness are probably my least favourite part, and definitely not as premium as rose on Aer or Able Carry However, for the price I think it’s great value.

The Able Carry EDC Max is nice, but there's just something about the look of the bag I'm not into. I'm also in the minority of people that doesn't like X-pac. I respect it, but I don't like the way it feels. I think for me it's between the Workpack Pro and CTB26

I think those able carry’s come in olive. Also evade 1.5 had olive versions but prob have to find used as they are not often in stock.

CTB26 in Olive Green was just released. I used one for a week in Disney World and it was awesome.

Anybody have any thoughts on a bag around 28l that works for both a work bag and a smaller one bag travel? Preferably something that comes in olive green. Been thinking about the Bellroy Transit Workpack Pro 28L but wanted to look at some competitors

I'm doing my first one bag travel in September to the cook islands and was going to go all out and purchasing an aer tp3 small ultra for the 3 weeks I'm there. Any recommendations on what I could do to make it streamlined?

yea it'll be intersting to see how it does, I think it could really take off as there's demand for this type of bag for sure

Its probably fine, if you are just carrying clothes and not doing outdoors stuff where it has to go through brush or rocks etc. I've seen flimsy polyester bags survive worse and longer.  280D is not too far from the fyro 330D, it probably doesn't have the fancy coatings, but its not a daily commuter bag meant to be subject to weather.  when you travel your prob just going from transportation to airport/rail hubs.

I saw it advertised on reddit earlier before the NN Newsletter, design wise I kind of like its simple aesthetics, but it almost seems too inexpensive? Then I looked at the youtube video and Kickstarter page and the straps seem really thin. Also not confident about 280D Nylon for the material, but I guess that's what makes it so lightweight? Would that be durable enough??

So checking out this Almond Oak kickstarter Aaron mentioned in the newsletter. The price is the most compelling.  Design wise Its sorta along the same lines as that one Osprey 26+6 but with the side horizontal zip access.  The kickstarter preview post has a long post which reads like a memoir.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/carryologyclassifieds/permalink/1582023202442076/?

If you can find a v1 Cotopaxi Allpa, it’s got an access zip to the main compartment. It’s heckin handy.

I agree as well, I bought a Cotopaxi and hated how I can't access the main compartment without opening it up all the way, you can't use it as a regular backpack with the suitcase compartments

Totally agree. I’m with you

I just can’t get behind suitcase style backpacks. Especially when your main compartments are so segmented.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGOny4Qe-5M

40L for flexibility

I’ve definitely used the GR2 a few times and have had good luck!

I’ve seen more examples using the 34l but really depends on trip length.

GR2 34L or 40L for OBT?

NYA-EVO 60C, can even slide my Cotopaxi sling into it and take it out on the plane as a personal item.

Tom Bihn Synik 30. Can even pass as a personal item.

What a nightmare!

Just wow

😳

In case you needed more motivation to travel with just one bag: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwfAN2cIY1k

I tried it and it wasnt for me. I don’t care for my bags to be split in two like a suit case (like the Pakt bags). The materials are incredibly sturdy and its well built. I wanted something more pliable. I dont recall there being much organization (admin compartment). It was also too tall for me- i’m 5’6” and its 22” high.

Has anyone ever owned an Arris bag from Boundary Supply? If so, did you like it? I like the look, but the online reviews seem pretty mixed...

Personal item, I always go ULA Dragonfly 30L.

I don’t remember.

Evergoods CHZ22 is my baby.

I've been very happy with my Tom Bihn Techonaut 30

Latest fav is Evergoods CBT 20

Report back on how you like it? Black magic? 400 or 800?

Mine arrives Friday.

Everyone is probably tired of me but ULA Dragonfly 🤣

I like the tomtoc T31 duffel, big one compartment duffels just feel like they fit more in the same space than any other time of bag. Though I picked up a mystery ranch 3 way expandable cause I'm suitcase maniac, it sort of occupies the same niche, but has the option of shoulder straps, and its frankly less internal volume.

What is everyone’s favorite one bag that is compliant for most airlines as a personal carry on?

She may need another one.

Not to tempt you to buy another bag but she loves it! Flys Spirit a lot and uses as her personal item.

Oh my one $300+ bag was a waterfield bolt briefcase. cause I wanted a grizzly leather and and waxed canvas, and thats an uncommon colorway so I had to order in new instead of waiting around to snag a used ones.   My other $200+ bag was the Tenba DNA 16, I didn't know any better back then lol.  The Fyro snuck in under $200, so did the Aer Capsule I got on final sale and I got my Defy Dyneema Insidious for $190.  I usually don't look at bags nowadays unless they are under $100.  I'm cheap tho.

I have the go sling 2 and the straps are so thin they dig into me 🥲🥲 other than that the compartment is perfect!

Inquiring minds need to know what that bag was 😂🤣

Aer Go Sling 2 is amazing - only 1 liter

I've got one in the studio, looks awesome (but haven't fully tested it yet)

agreed on this - it's not a true 2.5L

How does your daughter like the bag?

Yeah, came to mind again when I saw they released a new version at a lower price than the original

I remember someone had mentioned awhile back that he bought one for his daughter. Was that you, Justin?

Their stuff is good quality in the hand. Oh and Vishal opened up Semi-Custom Nexus Backpack orders.  I'm tempted but I only ever bought one bag over $300 and I'd like to keep it that way lol.

Ohhh sweet I’m going to look into this!

hmm I haven't handled one myself, but bounce does have a 1DC https://www.bouncedesignlabs.com/collections/1dc-sling/products/1dc-pro-blue-ice />

@pack03 Osprey 26+6? Just came out with an improved version for only $100

Yeahhh the sweet spot is 1-1.5L just need an epic sling pocket reliever. My job gave me two phones, plus my personal so that’s three lol. I have the aer day sling 3L but it’s too much for work

I have an Alpaka Flight Sling that I really like for a little more than pocket cargo. My new Alpaka Go sling is amazing for a little bit bigger when a backpack is too much.

I lowkey sort alike the modern dayfarer, but its sorta long and weird, it won't take thick objects or tall ones.

alpaka nano go? thats pretty much the same size as the venture 2.5 tho

There’s a fine line between a perfect little sling on my body and a sling looking like it’s being sucked into the black hole that is my body 😅😅😂

oh someone tried it? was it really simple, like a lululemon belt bag?

I second that!!

The Bellroy venture hip pack is 1.5L but you already said you can’t do Fanny’s 🤣

There is that small tomtoc bean, someone needs to take one for the team and report back lol.

Fanny’s don’t work with my body type 🤣 I’m skinny challenged.

My fave sling that size is the venture ready 2.5. I was just saying its not actually that big, so don't think its too large.

Tom Bihn side effect is 1.7L

I’ve got the Blank Canvas already, being Puerto Rican I have always supported! But I wanted something with a little more organization/internal pockets

@jora516 How about the moment mini Fanny sling 1L? Another idea I have is the WANDRD small tech bag paired with the carry strap. I used that combo as a sling

The venture 2.5L is more like 1.7L.   when I owned the Alpaka Nano Go, it was about the same size maybe slightly larger cause it was like an inch longer.

https://www.shopmoment.com/products/moment-mtw-mini-fanny-sling-1l?variant=47464643297595

Ah gotcha. Let me see if I can think of any. @nomadsnation do you have any recs, Aaron?

No worries! I was looking for that perfect sling that’s under 2 Liters. Was thinking of making the exception for the venture 2.5 but honestly I’m leaning more towards 1.5L

It sold. Sorry. However, @cyberchino is selling a Bellroy Venture sling 6L for $90. This is $40 off the original price

I was talking about college and med school too…I still wasn’t cool 🤣🤣🤣 “Smart” was the compliment used but never “cool” 😅😂

Most of the time. I could do without all the bills and responsibilities 🤣

Thats why adulthood is better 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Hey, don’t sell yourself short! With the internet anything is possible lol 😏😁

Hey weren’t you selling a Bellroy Venture sling? Or did it sell

I love how everyone thinks I’m cool 😎🤣 In all my years of education, I was never the “cool kid” 🤣

Alright that’s it Mrs. Holmes 🤣

Not anything secretive! She mentioned that she’s looking at the Bellroy Transit Backpack and Peak Design Travel backpack which both have clamshell style openings 😂