As you guys know, I’m not a huge sling or messenger guy. But lately, I’ve been expanding my horizons and exploring alternate forms of carry.  This week I got my hands on the 1st Generation Code of Bell X-PAK PRO.  This bag was launched via Kickstarter in 2017.  At that time, I was really down on Kickstarter and did I mention that I’m not normally a sling guy?  So I really didn’t pay attention to the launch.  Now I wish I did.

Code of Bell X-PAK PRO

The Code of Bell design team did an amazing job with this pack.  They used some of my favorite materials including VX Sailcloth for the waterproof roll top compartment, 1680D Ballistic Nylon for the rest of the outer fabric, and Hypalon for the attachment points. 

The strap is comfortable and long enough even for a large guy like me at 6’4, 255 lbs to wear it cross body. 

The Code of Bell XPAK-PRO’s strap is generously padded and great for single shoulder or cross body carry.

It’s also ambidextrous and therefore it doesn’t force you into carrying it one way.  For instance, I can throw it over one shoulder without it fighting me and wanting to slip off, because I can connect the centered strap to the bottom right attachment point of the bag for right shoulder carry.  Believe me when I tell you that most sling bags don’t do that. 

If you like organization (and you know I do), this bag has it in spades.  In fact, it might have too many pockets for some people.  Code of Bell did release a Tourer edition that was simpler with different materials. But personally, I like most of the pockets on this version. 

The X-PAK PRO has an insane number of features.

At 17.5″ X 10″ X 4″, some will consider this too large for a sling bag.  On people with a small frame, that may be true and Code of Bell does make more compact options like the X-PAK ONE and the newly released X-POD.  But, I will tell you that the size of the X-PAK PRO isn’t an issue as long as you don’t load it for bear.  A tablet computer, extra layer, water bottle, and a limited amount of your EDC is all you should be carrying in a sling bag anyway.  People get frustrated with slings when they load them down and predictably find them uncomfortable.  If you want to do that, get a backpack. 

If this bag perfect?  No.  As good as this pack carries, there are tweaks I’d make.  Code of Bell is releasing a 2nd Generation simply called the X-PAK that addresses some of the feedback they got after the first release.  It will be interesting to see how they were able to improve a design that is already, in my opinion, best-in-class. 

The X-PAK is still available via pre-order here at an introductory price of $199 with an estimated delivery date of April 2019.  I haven’t decide if I’m going to do a full review on this Gen 1 or the new Gen 2.  But I’m putting this pack into the rotation one way or another so stay tuned!

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The Logitech KEYS-TO-GO is an ultra-packable keyboard for everyday carry and travel

The iPad Pro 11-inch tablet has been a game changer because it has allowed me to pack lighter by not carrying a laptop to browse the web, perform light photo editing, writing, blogging and posting to social media platforms. I opted for a non-keyboard case because I found most keyboard cases to be lacking in drop protection for the iPad – including the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio which doesn’t protect the device’s corners. I was also concerned about the iPad bending when stored in my pack. I ultimately settled on the Muse Case by Zugu Case and I love its stand, which can be set in multiple viewing positions, and how it secures and charges the Apple Pencil. But, I still needed a keyboard for heavy-duty typing. I did some research and that’s when I stumbled upon the Logitech KEYS-TO-GO.

Logitech KEYS-TO-GO portable keyboard

The Logitech KEYS-TO-GO is an ultra-portable keyboard that is 9.53” W x 5.39” H and weighs a minuscule 6.4 ounces. It’s also super thin at .24 inches.

The Logitech KEYS-TO-GO is thin and lightweight.

The overall size of the Logitech KEYS-TO-GO makes it super packable. I can carry it in any compartment of any bag that will fit my 11-inch iPad Pro because it’s smaller than the tablet and it adds very little bulk. Even in a bag as small as my Code of Bell X-Pak Pro sling. It’s a toss in and go type of item and because of that I find myself carrying it more often than not.

With the reduced size and low profile, you do sacrifice a little typing comfort. It’s a full keyboard but the key spacing is not the same as a laptop keyboard or even a run-of-the-mill portable keyboard. The key depth is also lacking.

With those caveats, it didn’t take me long to get used to typing on the KEYS-TO-GO. The entire device, with the exception of the charging port, is covered in a rubberized material that has a nice tactile feel and the keys are raised just enough to type by touch as long as you’re not sloppy with your technique.  The keys are super quiet and not “clicky”, which is great when you don’t want to disturb others around you. For instance, when my wife and I are traveling, I’m usually awake before she is and can type away without waking her in the hotel room.  And because of the coating, the keyboard is spill and crumb-proof.

Try THIS with your current keyboard. OK, don’t because I don’t want any bills being sent my way because you killed your current device. But you get the idea.

The Logitech KEYS-TO-GO has protection against spills, dust and debris which tends to limit the life of similar products.

Pairing is easy with Bluetooth and it connected and stayed that way with my iPad. I inadvertently purchased the Windows/Android version instead of the iOS model when I got mine, but so far I’ve not had an issue. I did lose out on some iOS specific shortcut keys, which would have been nice. But, I have an Android phone and the keyboard comes with a stand for smaller devices also. So now I can use it for both in a pinch.  The Logitech KEYS-TO-GO’s battery life, according to the manufacturer, is 3-months on a full charge. I can’t verify their claims (yet) but I’m still running on the original charge so its been great so far.

The Logitech KEYS-TO-GO retails for 69.99, which is pricey. But, it’s currently available for $48 on Amazon and less on a couple of other sites. That’s a decent price for the portability and utility that this keyboard offers for everyday carry and travel use.

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When Triple Aught Design released the original version of its Parallax messenger bag, it generated a lot of positive buzz with one notable exception.  At nearly 25L, for most people, it was just too damn big.  TAD’s very loyal base wanted something more compact for everyday carry and they responded with the release earlier this year of the Parallax Messenger Bag 15L.

Triple Aught Design Parallax Messenger Bag 15L

The Parallax 15L measures 18”  W X 12” H X 5” D with 950 cubic inches or 15.57 Liters of volume.  It has features Dimension Polyant’s VX material throughout the entire bag.  VX-21 ripstop for the shell, more durable VX-42 for the bottom and VX-03 for the inner liner.  We’ve discussed the pros and cons of the VX material at length in other bag reviews.  If I had to sum it up, the pros are that it’s highly water-resistant, tear resistant, repels dust and pet hair and it features a very unique modern look.  It’s also relatively light weight, which is why the Parallax 15L weighs a mere 29 ounces (1.81 lbs) empty.

The cons are it’s a bit more noisy than other fabrics when handled and it’s not as abrasion resistant as Cordura, which is why DP has developed heavier denier face fabric versions of VX such as the VX-42 (420 denier) used in the Parallax and X50 (500 denier), which has been used by TAD for some of their foundry projects. 

EXTERIOR

The front flap of the Parallax is secured by two magnetic Fidlock buckles.  I give TAD credit for not going cheap and forcing customers to mod the bag like Arc’teryx did with their Courier 15.  The Fidlocks are awesome.  They self align and click into place without much effort while being secure while engaged since they have to be slid to one side to open.  It sounds complicated, but believe me, you won’t miss plastic Duraflex hardware after experiencing Fidlocks.

The Fidlock buckles used on the Parallax 15L

The front flap is high adjustable and compressible because both the buckle ends and the dual bottom straps can be lengthened as the bag expands.  The dual webbing straps have enough length so they can be used to secure a jacket or extra layer if needed.  I used web dominators to clean up the dangling straps when not in use.

As you can see, the padded bottom panel on the Parallax also folds so if you’re carrying a smaller load-out, the bag stays compact.  A sneaky feature by TAD and proof of how much thought they put into their designs.

The top carry handle is comfortable to hold and yet stays out of the way when not in use.  TAD added a Hypalon panel underneath it, recognizing that part of the bag would be a high wear area.

The front panel features a slot pocket protected by YKK Aquaguard zippers.  The left vertical zipper accesses the full volume which extends nearly the full length of the pack.  I use this pocket to store my Angel Armor Ballistic Panel. but it’s gusseted with its own volume so it could be used also for hats, gloves, etc.  

The right side vertical zipper accesses a small drop pocket that I use for my train pass. TAD includes a D-ring on both sides and I use the one on the right to tether my pass via a leash strap so it doesn’t get lost.

There’s also a zipper on the bottom of the front panel that accesses a pocket located behind the horizontal slot pocket that I use to store my Magpul Daka pouch.  The Daka is perfect since it can store cables, dongles, and other small items but yet its low profile.

INTERIOR

The main compartment of the Triple Aught Design Parallax 15L Messenger includes even more organization options.  There are two built-in water bottle pockets and a zippered admin area.  There are also top and bottom Hypalon Helix mount points that can be used attach TAD’s accessory panels.  In the photo below, I’m using their medium-sized Control Panel Type-M to provide a couple extra zipper pockets.  It’s an awesome addition to the bag and highly recommended to any Parallax owner when they come back in stock. 

You can also mount either their Control Panel (CP) 1 or 2 horizontally.  TAD sent me the CP2, which features loop material on one side, to try the setup for concealed carry. 

To be honest, I wasn’t that happy with it in that role.  As you can see from the photo above, even a relatively lightweight compact handgun like the M&P Shield, caused the loop material to pull away from the frame sheet behind it making the entire setup a bit “floppy”.  The CP2 also doesn’t line up 100% with the mounting points on the Parallax.  It’s something TAD says they plan to rectify in a future version, but for now, it introduces a bit of play even if both the top and bottom of the panel is clipped in.   

The net result is not something you want when drawing out of a pack.  My normal carry gun is a Walther PPQ Navy, which is about the size of a Glock 19 and its even heavier than the Shield.  So this doesn’t work for me.  I still think the CP2 makes for an excellent accessory for EDC items when mounted vertically.  Something we’ll detail in a separate review.  Bottom line – if you have a CCL, I’d recommend finding another way to leverage the Helix to attach a carry system.

FIT AND CARRY

The shoulder strap is beefy and the padding inspires confidence when loading up the Parallax 15L.  I’m not a big fan of attaching pouches to a messenger strap, but TAD does include integrated webbing loops for that purpose if that’s your thing.

The buckle for the stabilizer strap can be switched for either left or right-handed carry.  On the original Parallax, it had a hidden pocket where the strap could be stowed when not in use.  TAD has eliminated it in the new bag to simplify the design and I was sad to see it go.  You can remove the stabilizer when not in use but I’ll probably end up losing it at some point.  I almost always do. 

Dual quick release buckles allow for adjustment on the fly.  This is something I appreciated when I wanted to change my mode of carry.

The Parallax carries very well.  The strap is comfortable and I was able to adjust it so the pad is high enough to cushion the weight on my shoulder. 

The smaller size is much more manageable.  During my daily commute, carrying huge bags on the train is problematic at best.  The Parallax 15, while still not a small messenger, strikes the right balance between capacity and ease of use.  

The strap can be adjusted with enough length for shoulder carry also.  

WRAP

Before I finish this review, I should probably address the elephant in the room.  As you may know, I recently did a review on the Arc’teryx Courier 15, which in the EDC Community, is the bag the Triple Aught Design Parallax 15L will most often be compared to.  So which do I prefer?  The question is like being asked which of my children I like the most.  Both are great bags in their own right and I love them equally for different reasons. 

TAD Parallax 15L (top) and Arc’teryx Courier 15 (bottom)

The Parallax 15L is definitely the better load hauler.  It also blows the Arc’teryx bag away when it comes to organization.  The Courier 15 is a looker with an elegantly simple design and the DongJin 630d HT Plain Weave Nylon instantly became one of my favorite pack materials after I experienced it with the Courier.  And since the Courier 15 was built around weapons carry, it is the better option for CCW.  If I had to choose one for EDC, I’d definitely opt for the Parallax.  If I could get away with carrying a laptop and/or tablet and not much else, or if I didn’t like lots of built-in organization, and/or needed to carry concealed, then I’d go with the Courier 15. 

To sum up the Parallax 15L…

Pros:

• Lots of built-in organization 
• Perfect size for everyday carry
• Highly water-resistant with VX Sail Cloth outer shell and YKK shielded zippers 
• Interior organization can be customized using Helix attachment points
• Highly adjustable and compressible for various size loads
• Fidlocks are included in the cost
• Impressive build quality with reinforced stitching in all the high stress areas
• Very comfortable to carry
• Can be carried as a shoulder bag

Cons:

• Cost
• Currently out of stock and accessories are hard to come by
• Some feel that the VX material is too noisy
• Not ideal for CCW
• Hidden pocket for the stabilizer strap has been eliminated in the 15L version

The Triple Aught Design Parallax Messenger Bag 15L retails for $315.  It is available for purchase on TAD’s website.                   

The post Triple Aught Design Parallax Messenger Bag 15L Review appeared first on .

Great pack projects keep getting launched on the Kickstarter platform. The latest is the WANDRD Duo Daypack. This one looks special folks. I have yet to find a pack that supports tech and camera carry equally well. This one might very well do that.

The WANDRD Duo Daypack

SPECS

According to the project specs, the Duo Daypack will be 19.5″H x 11.5″W x 6.5″D and 20 Liters in volume (1220 cubic inches).  It will weigh 2.6 lbs.  That’s a nice form factor for everyday carry.  Not too tall and not too short.  And large enough to carry a decent amount of gear.

The straps seem to be long enough to fit larger framed individuals and they look pretty beefy.  That’s good because a pack designed to carry a laptop AND camera gear needs to have a robust harness.

ORGANIZATION

The WANDRD Duo Daypack features a top access laptop compartment that fits up to a 15″ laptop.

The star of the show is the Duo’s innovative Pop Cube that can fold away when not in use.  It has an EVA foam divider that can be moved around or removed completely. 

It makes the Pop Cube multi-functional because it can be setup to carry different types of cameras, lenses, drones, or other gear. 

In addition to the Pop Cube, the Duo features a ton of additional compartments.  Most can be accessed from the side, which means it could be a very effective Camera bag.  The design is reminiscent of the Peak Design Everyday Backpack, but I like the pocket setup better on this one, since not all of them are open. My only concern is that WANDRD didn’t include Peak’s zippered doors to keep everything from falling out of the open pockets when you’re pulling things out of the cube. 

WRAP UP

I’m personally very stoked about this pack.  I backed it without hesitation because this is WANDRD’s fifth project on Kickstarter, they’ve produced quality gear in the past, and the Duo has the potential to be the best one yet. 

The WANDRD Duo Daypack has been fully funded but, at the time of this writing, there are still a few Super Early Bird backer awards available at $164.  That could end up being an absolute steal, so don’t wait to put in your pledge.  The campaign can be viewed here.  

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The Triple Aught Design Spectre 22L has been discontinued for a while now.  However, I recently had the opportunity to pick one up second-hand and I remembered being interested in it after TAD tweaked the design and released the VX21 version in Black.  I quickly pulled the trigger and then reached out to someone else who I knew had the optional matching transporter tail.  Those have been a bit of a unicorn and I had to make an aggressive offer to pry it away.  Mission accomplished. 

You’re probably thinking, so what and why do I care?  TAD has abandoned the line.  Think again.  I reached out this past week and confirmed that they are targeting Spring or Summer 2020 for a re-launch.  And the Gen 2’s are coming down in price.  So now is probably a good time to revisit one of the most underrated packs that TAD has ever produced – the Spectre 22L.

Triple Aught Design Spectre 22L

EXTERIOR FEATURES AND OVERALL FIT

If you haven’t read my review of the Spectre 34L, then take a few minutes and do that because the packs have the same DNA.  For instance, the Triple Aught Design Spectre 22L features the same water bottle pockets that can hold a 32-ounce Nalgene.  It also has the same impressive side compression system that I talked about in the 34L review.  

Each of the TAD Spectre 22L’s water bottle pockets have a zippered pass through and a retention loop on the bottom that can secure longer items like this camp knife or even trekking poles.

The Spectre 22L has 1342.52 cubic inches of capacity and measures 10.5” (26.67 cm) W x 21” (53.34 cm) H x 6” (15.24 cm) D.  Taller hikers or those with longer torsos will appreciate the extra length, which is also great for carrying tri-pods, broken down fishing rods, and other longer gear.   

The 6’4 author wearing the TAD Spectre 22L.

Unfortunately, TAD didn’t fix the strap length issue with the Gen 2.  After properly adjusting the harness, I only have about two inches of webbing left which may be an issue come winter when I have to wear this pack over layers.  The pads are also a little short, which means there’s more webbing coming in direct contact with my ribs than I’d like.  This has been an issue lately with TAD’s packs (the Axiom line suffers from the same flaw).  It’s not a show stopper, but it’s an annoyance since it’s such an easy issue to fix.  And something I hope TAD addresses before they release their next round of designs.

That said, I really do like the yoke design of the Spectre 22 Gen 2 harness even though it lacks the adjustment feature of the Gen 1.  Some of the most comfortable packs I’ve carried feature yokes.  And, aside from the length, I do like the straps.  They have a good amount of padding, load lifters, and ladder webbing to attach a hydration hose, carabiner, small pouch or other gear.

Probably the biggest change on the 22L between the Gen 1 and 2 was the omission of the fixed non-removable waist belt.  I find belts on packs this size to be an unnecessary feature that has limited utility and gets in the way most of the time.  So I was glad to see they removed it in this version of the pack.

Finally, the transporter tail is a very good add-on if you can get your hands on one.  It adds some needed external capacity, looks great, and overall was worth the money I paid.  Which I won’t divulge, but was well over the original retail price. 

Triple Aught Design Spectre Transporter Tail

INTERIOR FEATURES

Since the release of the Spectre packs, TAD has added a couple of new control panels to their line-up.  I’m using the new version of the Control Panel 1 in the Spectre 22, which features two gusseted zippered mesh pockets and PALS webbing on the opposite side. 

Triple Aught Design Control Panel 1

The pack has an integrated medium-sized drop pocket with a vertical zipper that sits behind where I mounted the control panel.  It’s a little fussy to get to if you’re using a control panel since you have to flip the panel up and out of the way to reach it.  But, I welcome it in a pack that overwise lacks built-in internal storage options.

The Triple Aught Design Spectre 22L comes hydration ready with a sleeve behind the back panel that can accept a full-sized reservoir.

CONCLUSION

PROS

• Advanced materials that are lighter weight, weather resistant, and durable enough for most trail and EDC use (VX-21)
• Low profile
• Effective side compression system
• Dual water bottle pockets that can each hold a 32-ounce Nalgene
• Yoke-style harness with load lifters that are well-padded

CONS

• Discontinued and only available from secondary sources until 2020
• Straps should be longer
• Very little small item organization out of the box
• Some accessories (like the OP-1, Control Panels, etc.) are costly and sometimes out of stock.

Overall, I’m really glad I was able to find the Spectre 22L.  For some use cases, I like simple, straight-forward setups (like a GoRuck Bullet) so I will run this pack without any accessories from time to time.  But, since I’ve already invested in some other TAD gear, the Spectre 22L ends up being a pretty versatile pack for me. It’s built for outdoor use but doesn’t look out of place in an urban environment – especially with the tail attached.  Mounting an OP-1 admin organizer to the PALS webbing behind the tail and a transport sleeve to the interior can transform the Spectre 22L into a nice EDC option.  With the control panels, I can even use it for deep concealed carry.       

The Triple Aught Design Spectre 22L retailed for $225.  It’s currently out of stock but you can find out more about it at TAD’s website here.  Sign up for TAD’s newsletter to get notified when the new packs are launched next year.  

The post Gear Revisited: Triple Aught Design Spectre 22L Review appeared first on Loadedpocketz.

I used to be a unapologetic backpack guy. When asked asked about briefcases, shoulder packs, messengers or (gasp) slings, my stock answer would be, why not a backpack? After all, two straps are always better than one when it comes to hauling weight. When stuck (think broken down vehicle or natural disaster) then what would you rather have? The Prepper/Boy Scout in me always answered, “backpack”.

I’m starting to acknowledge, as I’ve gotten older and progressed in my career, the practical benefits of other modes of carry. Briefcases and messengers are more professional looking. They are more TSA friendly. They often fit under an airline seat or in a shuttle, Uber or taxi better than a backpack and ride better on top of a roller bag. Single strap bags these days carry better than their predecessors because companies are making better straps for them. And they’re paying attention to how the straps are attached and how that impacts comfort. This realization led me to start experimenting with other forms of carry. And that in turn led me to the Aer Flight Pack 2 X-Pac Limited Edition.

Aer Flight Pack 2 X-Pac Limited Edition

I tell people who are curious about the new Aer Flight Pack 2 LE that it’s different than most bags they’ve tried. The look on their face usually betrays their skepticism. When I posted about it in the Perfect Pack and Carryology Facebook groups, most wanted to compare it to the Triple Aught Design Axiom 18 because both bags are made from X-Pac (more on that later), they are similar in size, and if you squint really really hard – they are similar in appearance. But, I tell them comparing the two doesn’t do justice to the Aer Flight Pack because it can transform from a briefcase to a shoulder bag to a backpack and the Axiom is “only” a backpack. Then I consider the irony of that statement coming from the former “backpack guy”. How the worm has turned.

FEATURES

The Aer Flight Pack 2 X-Pac Limited Edition (wow, that’s a mouthful) is 14 Liters in volume and measures 18”L x 12”W x 5”D with an overall weight of 2.8 lbs. It’s a limited edition because it differs from the regular Flight Pack 2 in the following ways:

• It’s constructed with VX-42 X-Pac sail cloth, a highly technical water resistant and durable fabric that’s become all the rage with bag makers. It has a very modern aesthetic, its stain resistant and doesn’t pick up pet hair.
• All zippers are YKK Aquaguard, which are also highly water resistant
• The zippers feature reflective pulls to “increase visibility at night”
• And perhaps my favorite new feature – the bag’s interior is lined with a high visibility orange pack cloth

Of course, none of that matters if the Aer Flight Pack 2 LE isn’t a joy to use. So, let’s talk about how it performs in each mode of carry.

BRIEF

Most people are surprised when they see the Flight Pack 2 in-person. They usually picture it being larger than it actually is and therefore assume it won’t function well as a briefcase. But it actually does – sort of.

The Aer Flight 2 X-Pac Limited Edition in Brief Mode

For instance, it’s only a couple inches longer but about the same width and depth as Filson’s most popular briefcase. It’s a little smaller than TAD’s Parallax 15 (pictured below) or the Arc’teryx Courier 15.  The backpack straps stow behind a back panel zipper and the shoulder strap can be completely removed.

Aer Flight Pack 2 X-Pac LE (top) and TAD Parallax 15 (bottom)

The top handle is well padded and very comfortable.

The only issue is that the zippers to all of the compartments are oriented vertically, not horizontally. And so is the bottle holder, which ends up being on the bottom of the pack in brief mode.

You quickly learn that when you carry the Flight Pack in brief mode, you flip it vertical to access the pockets, use the water bottle, and before setting it on the ground. Aer wisely included a second grab handle, which is made from a soft seatbelt material, on the top of the pack to make this maneuver easier.

In the beginning, it’s not intuitive. I do it now without thinking about it. Still, it’s a quirk that Aer could have avoided by simply going with a horizontal setup. Like Arc’teryx did with their Blade series of packs.

SHOULDER BAG

The removable shoulder strap that Aer includes with the Flight Pack 2 SE is a good one. It’s not bulky, it doesn’t slip off your shoulder and the fixed pad has just enough padding to be comfortable. It’s partly made from X-PAC so it even matches the rest of the bag. Simple. Well executed. Perfect.

The Aer Flight Pack 2 X-Pac Limited Edition in Shoulder Bag mode

Yes, some of the same issues that come up in brief mode are also in full effect when carrying it as a shoulder bag. The water bottle pocket being on the bottom of the pack becomes especially noticeable when the bottle goes flying out of the pack. It’s happened to me a couple of times. I think the Flight Pack just gets banged around more when you shoulder carry it. Either way, there’s just not enough retention to carry a bottle horizontally. To fix that, I attached a small carabiner to the counter pull and then hooked it onto the water bottle. Worked like a charm but not exactly convenient when taking the bottle out of the bag.

Still, I carry the Aer Flight mostly in this mode.

BACKPACK

If you haven’t figured it out yet, this bag is really by default a backpack. Aer did a great job of keeping the size of the Flight Pack 2 manageable in brief or shoulder bag mode while still being about the optimal size for everyday carry as a backpack.

The Aer Flight Pack 2 X-Pac Limited Edition in backpack mode

On the top of the pack, there’s a handy zippered compartment that’s great for sunglasses (in the picture below, it easily swallows a pair of Knockaround Torrey Pines) or other items that you’d want to drop in there for quick access.

There’s also a half slash pocket on the front panel that fits my small Magpul DAKA pouch, where I keep cables, etc.

The admin panel is really good. One of the better ones I’ve tested in recent memory. Everything I carry and use for work easily found a place.

The laptop compartment is well padded and slightly raised. There’s also a slip pocket for a tablet or file folder. There’s also room for a jacket or packing cube if you’re planning on using this as a 24-hour bag.

The zippers are robust and the LE version includes reflective pulls. The only downside to the large zippers are that the metal pulls are NOISY. They’re really nice and look great but I’m tempted to cut them off because they jingle and jangle. I might remove the pulls and just attach the reflective cord directly to the sliders.

Notice the zipper garage to prevent moisture from sneaking through a gap. Aer obsesses about small, but important details like this.

The backpack straps are well contoured and padded. They clip to the bottom of the pack and stow away in a zippered pocket in the back panel when not in use.

Overall, the straps are comfortable with the exception that they are comically short. Here’s the Aer straps alongside the straps of the TAD Axiom 24.

I don’t think the Axiom has long straps either and the Flight Pack 2’s straps are 1.5 to 2 inches shorter. Because if this, I tend to carry it book bag style (over one shoulder) and only use both straps in short stints because too much of the webbing digs into my sides.  Not a huge deal considering the size of this pack, but it may be a deal breaker for some. 

CONCLUSION

After reading this, if you walk away thinking I’m making accommodations to cover up a few things I’d change about this bag, then you wouldn’t be wrong. It’s not the most comfortable backpack I’ve ever carried or the best messenger/shoulder bag. So why bother? On aggregate, I think it’s just a really versatile bag with well thought out organization that effortlessly swallows up my gear while still being easily accessible. It’s a cliche but the Aer Flight Pack 2 is really one of those cases where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

PROS

• Easily switches between multiple modes of carry
• Nice size for a daily commuter bag
• X-Pac material and shielded zippers are highly water resistant
• Comfortable shoulder strap and carry handle
• Extremely well thought out organization
• Hi-vis Orange Interior

CONS

• Orientation of zippers/water bottle pocket in brief & shoulder bag mode
• Backpack straps will be too short for some users
• X-Pac is an acquired taste. Some will prefer the ballistic nylon of the regular edition.

The Aer Flight Pack 2 X-Pac Limited Edition retails for $180 and, at the time of this writing, is still available direct from Aer’s website here.

The post Aer Flight Pack 2 X-Pac Limited Edition Review appeared first on Loadedpocketz.

If I’m being honest, I got off the Hill People Gear train for a bit this past summer.  I was trying new packs, as I tend to do, and for some inexplicable reason… I sold my HPG Connor.  A friend of mine laughed at that because he knew that was a mistake and that I’d re-acquire the pack at some point. He was right.  I bought another Connor, this time in ranger green, about a month ago.  Before I was running an Aston Pocket on my old Connor and I liked that combination.  But this time, I wanted to try the Hill People Gear Capture Flap. 

Hill People Gear Capture Flap attached to the Connor.

The Capture Flap is a PALS-cut beaver tail accessory that can be mounted to a variety of packs if they have the right mount points (more on that in a minute).  At 11″ H x 6″ W, the Capture Flap pairs best with the small to mid-sized packs in the Hill People Gear lineup including the Tarahumara, Umlindi and Connor.  Hill People Gear offers another beaver tail, called the Aston Panel, that’s designed to be used with some of their larger packs.  The exterior face of the Capture Flap features Hypalon.  Hypalon is a high-performance synthetic rubber that is rugged and highly UV resistant.  The interior has loop material, which can be used to mount a variety of hook and loop accessory pouches. 

If I’m being honest, I wish the Capture Flap didn’t have as much as taper top to bottom.  Most square-ish pouches mounted to the backside will not be fully covered and therefore exposed to the elements. One that works really well in the HPG line-up is the Tool Roll. 

The Hill People Gear Tool Roll mounted to the backside of the Capture Flap.

The Tool Rool is long and skinny and so it fits almost perfectly behind the flap and is very secure.  In the pouch, I store what I’d call a “boo-boo kit plus”, which contains band-aids, tape, Combat Gauze, a SWAT-T tourniquet, and various meds. 

I like storing my FAK outside my pack for easy access and so this setup works perfect.

The Hill People Gear Capture Flap can be mounted to packs via four G-Hooks.  Two on the bottom, which on the Connor, attach to the bottom compression strap loops.

And two on the top, which attach to the side loops just above the Connor’s Hypalon wings.  

There’s enough strap length that I had to clean it up with Web Dominators (because I’m OCD that way).  But that’s good because the straps can be adjusted and lengthened to secure bulkier items like an outer layer or even a helmet if needed.

The G-Hooks were a good choice by Hill People Gear.  They’re secure, relatively easy to remove, and generic enough that the Capture Flap can be added to any manufacturer’s pack as long as you can attach it in a similar way. 

WRAP-UP

Overall, I like the Capture Flap.  This time I wanted something that added external volume to the Connor but kept things sleek and lightweight.  Weighing in at just 4-ounces, this definitely fits that bill. 

The Capture Flap doesn’t add much bulk to the outside of the already low profile Connor.

I liked the organization that the Aston Pocket provided, but the way it mounted partially blocked the top of the main compartment zipper of the Connor, and so this definitely allows me better access the rest of the pack. 

PROS

• Durable
• Sleek and Lightweight
• Cost Effective
• Can be mounted to different packs using the G-Hooks
• Supports PALS and hook & loop accessories
• Straps can be extended to secure larger items

CONS

• Small and tapered
• No strap management included

The Hill People Capture flap retails for $35 and comes in coyote, black, ranger green and manatee.  It’s only available from their website here.  Some colors go in and out of stock.  Subscribe to Hill People Gear’s newsletter for re-stock notifications.     

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2019 was the year of the sling bag. Whether you like slings or not, you’d have to be living under a rock to not notice that manufacturers have been seizing on a trend and releasing slings in every shape, size, and configuration.  You can probably dig up posts on various forums by me stating that I don’t like slings.  That’s still true in a lot of cases, but a couple of trips overseas and some open mindedness on my part along with some actual field use has caused me to re-consider the category.

So what are slings good for?  Abroad, they’ve become very popular because in some countries, pick pockets are rampant in large cities and the ability to rotate a bag to the front of the body prevents theft.  Slings are good for days when you want to carry a minimal amount of stuff that’s still too much for on-body carry.  Backpacks and most messengers are overkill in that situation.  Slings are great for travel.  Either as a small carry-on that can easily fit under an airline seat on a crowded plane or as a minimalist EDC option that can be tossed into luggage and used once you get to a destination.  And for commuting, slings are really nice to have on crowded trains and buses (as long as you can go light with your load-out).

As I tend to lurk on many forums throughout the year, I’m in tune with bags EDC enthusiasts are gravitating towards. And so here is the tale of the tape on a few options along with some commentary on each.  Hopefully this will help if you’re researching slings for your own use.

Code of Bell X-Pak Pro

Code of Bell X-Pak Pro

Dimensions: 17.5″L x 10″W x 4″D
Volume: 11L (expandable to 17L)
Weight: 2.5 lbs
Build: 1680 Ballistic, X-Pac Sailcloth
Cost: $239

Now simply called the X-Pak, this one of my personal favorites and one of the most versatile bags on this list. The X-Pac main compartment has it’s own dimensional volume and can expand from 11L to 17L for days when you might need to carry something unexpectedly bulky. There’s lots of organization, attachment points and a padded sleeve that can fit up to a 13-inch laptop or tablet.  The strap is comfortable and truly ambidextrous for both cross-body and single shoulder carry. Some of the Kickstarter released versions featured AustriAlpin GT Cobra quick-release polymer buckles, which is a nice (and still lightweight) upgrade over the standard hardware.

Defy Insidious

Defy Insidious Sling

Dimensions: 16″L x 8″W x 5″D
Volume: 10.5
Weight: 2.5 lbs
Build: Wax Canvas or 1020D Ballistic, 1000D Cordura
Cost: $198

Defy is a great boutique manufacturer of american-made handcrafted gear based here in Chicago.  The Insidious sling also has a good amount of organization for EDC and the padded tech pocket can hold up to a 13″ Macbook (although not as securely as the padded sleeve on the X-Pak).  It’s a bit more sleek and compact compared to the Code of Bell bag.  The shoulder strap is well padded and ambidextrous for cross-body carry only.  The metal AustriAlpin COBRA® Quick-Release buckle is a nice touch but complete overkill on a bag this size.

GreenRoom136 MetroMonger

Greenroom136 MetroMonger

Dimensions: 12.6″L x 8.7″W x 5.5″D
Volume: 9L
Weight: 2.0 lbs
Build: 1000D Cordura, 420D Ripstop
Cost: $84 (converted at time of publication)

GreenRoom136 is based in Malaysia and makes some really well regarded EDC gear.  The Metromonger has a front organization pocket, a main compartment that is compatible with their optional camera cubes and a rear padded laptop/tablet pocket that will fit up to 11″ Macbook Air.  The strap is ambidextrous for cross-body carry only, well padded and one of the most comfortable under load that you’ll find in this category.  Personally, I’m not in love with the boxy rectangle shape and it’s deeper than I’d like, but if you’re looking for an affordable well-made sling, the MetroMonger is one that a lot of sling-loving EDC enthusiasts swear by.

Bedouin x Carryology Balian

Dimensions: 14.1″L x 8.8″W x 5.1″D
Volume: 4.5L
Weight: 1.2 lbs
Build: Dyneema Composite, Cotton Drill, Italian Leather
Cost: $280 (converted at time of publication)

Bedouin x Carryology Balian

Bedouin Foundry is a small U.K. bag maker located in East London, Hackney.  The brand as a very loyal following of EDC enthusiasts who love handmade bags made of materials like leather and waxed canvas.  Very much like Defy in a lot of ways. The Balian, Bedouin’s first sling bag, is a collaboration project with Carryology.

Much of the bag is made of Dyneema Composite which is strong, super lightweight, and highly water resistant.  The padded back panel is made of Italian top grain vegetable-tanned leather.  The interior of the expandable hi-vis main compartment features three organization pockets.  There’s also a “secret” security back panel pocket.  The main compartment is large enough to fit an 11″ iPad Pro although there’s not a dedicated sleeve for it.  Like Defy, Bedouin included a metal AustriAlpin COBRA® Quick-Release buckle.  I do question the understated volume measurement compared to the relative dimensions of the other bags on this list.  The premium materials do add to the cost and it was released in a very limited run, which Carryology says may or may not be repeated.  But, I’ve included it because Bedouin might also release a less exclusive version in the near future.  

The post 2019 Everyday Carry Sling Bag Comparison appeared first on Loadedpocketz.

A friend shared this blog post by Tom Bihn:

“We’re ready to help the efforts to protect our healthcare heroes by manufacturing surgical masks, N95 “mask covers” and potentially other Personal Protective Equipment here in our Seattle factory.

If you work in healthcare or government and are facilitating/organizing efforts to manufacture masks and other PPE, please feel free to contact us to see what we can make. Contact Nik Dukich (COO at TOM BIHN) via text or voice at 206-669-4330 or email masks@tombihn.com

Details: 

• We can manufacture 10,000 / day of the mask pictured below; possible materials include cotton, cotton/poly, or “sterilization wrap”. 
• Our factory is 16,000 square feet and is located in Seattle, Washington. 
• We have 40+ industrial sewing machines and 30+ production employees.
• Our designers can collaborate with healthcare professionals to rapidly create and customize the design of this mask, mask covers, and potentially other PPE. 
• Our factory is designed to be highly efficient; we can stack cut and die-cut fabric.
• We can ship countrywide and worldwide. 
• We are a Certified B Corporation.” 

The above mask was patterned by Kaas as part of the “1 Million Masks” effort.       Source: Tom Bihn

I’ve read a lot about the history of World War II and this reminds me of the war time effort by U.S. manufacturing to supply the front line troops with weapons, gear and other essentials needed for victory.  And of the millions of workers (mostly women) left behind that toiled away in factories to maintain production.  RIP Naomi Parker Fraley. 

Rosie the Riveter

As some of you know, Tom Bihn is a company that I’ve had dealings with in the past. We did reviews of their products very early on when I first started Loadedpocketz.  Tom, Darcy and the rest of the Tom Bihn crew are great to deal with and are of high character. I would personally vouch for them without hesitation. They normally make high-end travel gear but are pivoting to help alleviate the shortage of masks and other supplies needed. Don’t hesitate to contact them if you’re sourcing supplies for a healthcare or government organization.  

Stay Vigilent. Stay healthy and be safe. 

The post Tom Bihn Steps Up for Health Care Professionals in Need appeared first on Loadedpocketz.

I recently was lucky enough to pick up the Mystery Ranch Carryology Assault pack (first look article coming out this weekend).  I’ll start by saying that it’s an awesome bag.  Taylor Weldon and the crew did a great job collaborating with the “Ranch” on that project.  And while I love almost everything about the pack, I don’t dig the huge branding on the front.  Carryology was obviously proud of the effort and so they had Mystery Ranch stitch their logo underneath the Mystery Ranch logo on the front of the pack. It wouldn’t have been too bad if they had used black thread to go with more of a low-vis look.  Instead they picked bright orange.  No offense to Carryology, but the logo had to be sized down and so I decided to black out their portion.

Picking the Right Ink

Most people go with a Sharpie pen to do this but it isn’t the best choice.  Standard Sharpies have a purplish hue to them and don’t look quite right on a black pack.  After some research, I decided to go with a fabric marker.  Fabric markers are specially made to mark clothing, bedding, and other gear.  The ink doesn’t bleed and the color is more of a true black.  For this job, I picked up a two-pack of Crafts for ALL Permanent Fabric Laundry markers.

Crafts 4 ALL Fabric Marker

The Crafts for ALL markers have both a fine tip…

and a chisel tip so you can do fine detail work and also cover larger areas.

A Dry Run

Since I had no prior experience with these markers, I decided to do a test run on an old North Face jacket.

I used the fine tip on the lettering and the chisel tip on the rest.

Other than rushing towards the end and getting some ink on the borders, I thought it turned out.  The pen performed as advertised.  So far, so good. 

The Finished Product and Some Tips

After being happy with the dry run, I then worked on the bag.  Here’s how that turned out…

My Mystery Ranch Carryology Assault Pack is a little more stealthy now.

I have to admit that the bag was harder because Mystery Ranch didn’t use the same thickness of thread and the lettering was smaller and cursive.  But I took my time and overall I’m pleased with the result. 

Here are some tips:

• Go with the grain of the thread.  The ink will soak in better.
• Be prepared to do multiple passes. Look at the logo from different angles and touch up bare spots. 
• Practice on a old jacket or other piece of gear beforehand
• Use a tool designed for the job. Sharpie ink is not moisture resistant and will fade over time.  Laundry markers are the best solution. 

The post How to black out a logo on a backpack or any other bag appeared first on Loadedpocketz.

I just got in the Mystery Ranch Carryology Assault and right away I can tell you this is my favorite Mystery Ranch pack – ever.  And it’s not even close. If you’re not familiar with the Carryology Assault, it’s the by-product of a collaboration between Mystery Ranch and the team over at Carryology.  When the pack went on sale, it created a lot of buzz among Mystery Ranch fans, Carryology readers and EDC enthusiasts in general.  The drop lasted all of 13 minutes before it sold out. 

The Mystery Ranch Carryology Assault

Why all the commotion?  After all, it’s just another Mystery Ranch Tri-Zip – right?  Wrong.  It’s true that “the Ranch” has been rinse and repeating different versions of the same design for well over a decade now.  But this one is different. Patterned after the BEAMS Assault, which was a limited release of only 50 units, the Carryology Assault (a.k.a. “the Unicorn”) has the best functional organization I’ve ever seen in a Mystery Ranch pack.

External Features

What won me over right away was the Arc zippered side pockets that have dual zippered pockets on one side and a simple admin panel with two pen slots and another zippered pocket on the other.  But what makes them really special is they can hold water bottles.  Here’s the pocket swallowing up a 32 ounce Nalgene. 

It has it’s own dimensional volume, which limits the amount of space it robs from the main compartment.

How large of a bottle can the Arc pockets hold?  Here’s my monster 1.5L Camelbak Chute Mag in one of the pockets.  Yeah, it fits that too.  It’s true that with a bottle in the pocket, the organizational pockets become a little hard to use.  I’ll probably store a bottle in the admin pocket side since I’ll be adding another of my own (more on that in a minute). 

I also liked the build components.  Like the BEAMS, this bag has panels made from multiple materials.  A combination of Dimension Polyant VX42 Sail Cloth and 500D Cordura.  The zippers are water resistant YKK #10’s.  The counter pull tabs, which get used a lot when unzipping a Tri-Zip, are made from Hypalon (a synthetic rubber).

The top pocket is pretty similar to other MR Assault packs.  It features a zippered mesh top pocket with a zippered mesh sub-pocket inside to store smaller items.  There’s loop material on the lid and the pack comes with a removable special edition Carryology unicorn morale patch.  

One thing I’m not in love with is the waist belt.  As belts go, it’s not a bad effort. There’s a little padding and a metal buckle.  And it has adequate length if extended.  The problem for me is that I prefer not to have a belt at all on a pack this size. 

It does tuck behind the lumbar pad on the back panel.  But the padded belt makes the lumbar bulge out to the degree that you do notice it.  Not a show stopper, but it was avoidable by just forgoing the belt all together.

The team made a great choice going with the tried and true Futura harness for the Unicorn. 

This one is “one size fits most” and I was concerned about that before receiving the pack. My concerns proved to be unfounded as it fit great once I adjusted and lengthened it.  As with other Futuras I’ve tried, it’s also very comfortable under load.   

Internal Features

Inside the pack, there’s a raised padded laptop compartment that easily fit my 15″ Thinkpad.  You could carry an iPad Pro in there also if (like me) you often carry two devices.  

On the front of the laptop compartment is a 6-Column x 3-row MOLLE panel, which was the perfect place to attach my TAD Special Edition OP1 Admin Pouch – also in VX42.  

There are two large zippered dump pockets (one on each side) that run the entire width of each side panel.  

The main compartment is generously sized.  To the point where I doubted the listed 24 liter volume.  According to Mystery Ranch’s website, the dimensions are 22″ H x 10.5″ W x 10″ D.  That tells me it’s more like a 30L pack.  It carries that way too.

Summary

I’m really glad that I purchased the Mystery Ranch Carryology Assault.  Between the adjustable harness and it being 22″ in length, it fits me REALLY well.  Last year, it seemed every pack released was 18 inches or shorter and it was really upsetting since it’s hard for someone who’s my height to wear a pack that short.  That and the killer organization really sealed the deal for me.  This unicorn will be staying in my stable for a long, long time. 

The Mystery Ranch Carryology Assault originally retailed for $350 plus shipping.  Secondary market pricing is significantly higher with some going as high as $600.  Hopefully, over time, prices stabilize and everyone who wants to get one of these packs will have the opportunity to grab one.  Believe me, it’s well worth the time you’ll spend hunting down this mythical creature.      

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