TAD released a new version of the mid-sized urban pack in their Constellation Series yesterday. The casual observer could write off the Triple Aught Design Axiom 24 as just a larger version of the popular Axiom 18. But, unlike some companies that continue to iterate on the same tired design – yes, Mystery Ranch, I’m talking to you – TAD has actually built some pretty significant upgrades into the Axiom 24. And by doing so, they might have just created the ultimate Everyday Carry bag.
Triple Aught Design Axiom 24
Yes, I know that’s a bold claim. All of us who consider ourselves to be EDC enthusiasts spend many hours and hundreds or even thousands of dollars trying to find the so-called “Perfect Pack”. What would meet the criteria of a perfect carry bag? Well, it’s true that everyone’s definition varies slightly. But, in my countless hours of discussions with fellow enthusiasts, patterns do emerge.
First and foremost, it has to be comfortable to carry. The suspension system must be solid enough to not buckle under a reasonable amount of weight. It has to have enough volume for what a commuter or traveler would typically carry but not so large that it can’t fit on a lap or under a typical airline seat. There has to be just enough organization to allow for easy retrieval of small items but not over engineered to the point that the wearer can’t remember where everything is kept. Virtually everyone carries a laptop or tablet these days so device protection is must. A pack must be weather resistant enough to keep dirt and moisture at bay. Hardware and materials must hold up under daily use and (at times) outright abuse. Aesthetics do matter; beauty is in the eye of the beholder but a pack that is downright “fugly” won’t sell and nobody will want to carry it. Almost everyone likes well designed water bottle pockets on a commuter pack. And most EDC enthusiasts appreciate the ability to add accessories to customize the internal and/or external organization of a pack based on their carry needs.
I’ve used TAD’s Axiom 18 since it’s introduction. It has been one of the best EDC packs I’ve ever carried. Comfortable. Expandable. Durable. Just the right amount of organization. Device friendly. All are attributes that accurately describe the Axiom 18. But, for me, it wasn’t the “perfect pack”. First, it doesn’t have water bottle pockets. I like to stay hydrated and I don’t want to have to open the main compartment of my pack every time to do that. Second, 1,100 cubic inches of volume just isn’t enough capacity. The main compartment filled up quickly. I always needed a bit more on trips. Finally, my 14″ laptop was a really tight squeeze. Getting it in and out was a major exercise in patience. Otherwise, the Axiom 18 checked all the boxes.
The Author wearing the Axiom 18.
The Triple Aught Design Axiom 24 has the same footprint as the 18 except it adds 1.75″ of depth to increase the overall capacity to 1,465 cubic inches. It still has a frame sheet but they beefed up the harness for heavier loads. The fully padded laptop compartment now will take a 15″ laptop. TAD added a long zippered compartment on each side that fit a 32-oz Nalgene bottle. They even expanded the size of the top sunglasses/accessory pocket and reinforced it with Hypalon. The odd expansion feature and profile from the X25 is history.
Bottom line – I think this pack will be a home run for TAD. They kept all the good things about the Axiom series and acted on user feedback to eliminate its flaws. Yesterday I couldn’t hit the “Buy Now” button fast enough.
The Triple Aught Design Axiom 24 retails for $325 and at the time of this writing is still in stock here. Get yours while they still have inventory. TAD replenishes inventory more often these days but more launches of new products are coming and you can’t always count on restocks after a launch when that’s the case.
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