I guess it's possible that water could get in from the side with crazy horizontal downpours or splashes, but I doubt it. It's a pretty tight fit with zero open space when it's buttoned down. Indeed, the flap pushes down on the pack pretty hard. As for the price, all that taping, sealing, and RF welding costs money. There's a reason only Arc'teryx does it. Granville 25L costs $220, but the Nomin cost $650, and this is a better pack than the Granville. Plus there's the new custom material EG had made for the pack. I've had the EG back-digging issue forever and could never handle any of their packs. On this, the back-digging doesn't exist. Not sure I'll keep it, but it's really interesting. My main concern is that I wish it were just a few liters bigger and the straps were a little wider on the sides for heavy loads. Everything else is nice, and this is coming from someone who has dry bags and rolltops with welded main compartments. The design looks pretty cool, too, and that quick-access area will give you more truly waterproof org than any other similar pack I know of. Not perfect but pretty interesting. Pretty sure if EG could've shaved $100 off the price and still maintain a decent margin, they would've. Just too many labor-intensive construction techniques and materials with this pack IMHO. I'm sure they would've loved to sell this pack for $200.

Yeah, the 18l DC Bullet is fantastic. Easier to organize and great layout.

I wanted to get this one, but wasn't smitten with the design (I like it, but don't love it) and it's a bit feature poor for my taste and for the money. I know its main thing is the water resistance, but I'm never out in the rain for hours, unless I have an umbrella; and under an umbrella any good bag will stay dry. And I'm glad I held out, cause I got myself one of them sexy waxed canvas CPL24's instead.

Dude appreciate the video, this answered a crap ton of questions I had about this bag. Lots of neat features even down to the implementation of the “patch” square.

Man, GORUCK ruined me with the whole 'stand up on its own' feature and ever since I was introduced to that with my first GR0, I can't go back. There's been so many bags I've really liked but the tip over aspect is just a turn off to me now. Personal preference I know but it can be a real dealbreaker. This pack has an Arc'teryx Granville vibe to me. Slick looking but just doesn't quite hit the mark. Great review!

the huge top opening is an issue… the flap might protect against water from above but im 100% sure the inside will get wet if a car splashes you driving by…. in windy rainy days, the water will find a way in too…

Another great video man! Cool concept, just hard to swallow the price. Gorucks up there too but they have sales now and again to where you can hold out for a real. Not so much with evergoods.

Can it fit a nintendo switch or steam deck?

I find the straps too thin. When I carry too many items, my shoulders start to hurt. It needs a pressure relief shoulder pads.

Hello Pack & Roam when will you release your review of the Evergoods Element Watershed 22L?

Is there a link or model/style for the Carhart? Really want to try them.

I 3rd WR Evolution pants 👍

I 2nd the WR Evolution pants!!!

Built, not made in USA. They use imported materials and may not even fully assemble them stateside.

That 18L Goruck is sold out... just FYI

This is definitely an outdoor light, something to have in an EDC bag. I'd add a peice of orange hi-vis tape in order to find easily when dropped.

Great video Kevin, we're glad you liked the DENDRITE and appreciate the honest feedback; wishing you a happy Thanksgiving and holiday season! - Justin @ Vanquest

Great video, dude. First off, just want to thank you for pointing out that you were going to only highlight cool gear you can actually buy - especially since it's a holiday gear guide. Can't tell you how many videos I've seen where I like the item that's being showcased only to find out it's unavailable. Secondly, that GORUCK 18L dual compartment bullet is one of the sweetest bags they've made. Took all the best parts of a bullet and GR2 and our them together. My ONLY gripe is that the shoulder straps are wayyyy too skinny and they lost the beefiness that the original bullet straps had. It's more comfortable for me as a woman too if that makes sense. I have an OG two compartment bullet that I've been rocking for years. The thick padded straps are one of the best parts of their bags. Regardless, it's a badass bag that punches well above. Happy Thanksgiving!

It is sooo weird - I have the same CAP1 in burnt orange, CAP2 in blue ecopak and CAP0.5 in black/coyote xpac (alongside burnt orange and OD green). I also love the CTB26 for travel, but it's a toss-up with the Dragonfly 36L for me (that's actually 26L too, 10L are split between the external mesh pockets). I also dig my DC 18L Bullet for EDC. But why does your Robic have aqua-guard zippers? Mine is the black Robic too, but has (sadly) regular zippers...

So with the weird laptop compartment part of the bag. Do you think it’s designed for plate armor rather than a laptop?

Thanks for this really helpful review. Just subscribed. I’m a photographer and I own several ALPAKA products. Just ordered the v2.

Great review!! I'm looking for a new sling for travel and I think either one will work. I'm more of a minimalist, so the Tekko 4 would probably be the one. I really wanted the Packolab sling, but with the problems in the Ukraine where it's made, plus the long wait, even to order is making me think that I should think about another bag. Thanks again for the in depth review.

The Helikontex Ratel pack probably does it better from 25L expandable to 33L. Good enough... But 511 is a solid pack.

I was the one who commented on one of your older videos that you looked more at the notes than the camera, so first of all let me say you've gotten much better with that. Secondly because you complained about the toothpaste tube being large - Matador makes great small refillable toothpaste tubes. I was so glad when Evergoods came out with the CAP 0.5, it has become both my tech pouch and my toiletry bag (I like being super minimal/lightweight). Used to pack the same Philips toothbrush, one of those Matador toothpaste tubes, small Gotoob with shower gel, crystal deodorant, disposable Bic razor, nail clippers and a pair of foam ear plugs. But I got more and more annoyed with taking out my liquids at security, so I switched to all solids - replaced toothpaste with tablets and Gotoob with a small round shampoo bar from Lush that I use as body wash (I'm bald). And that all fits comfortably in a CAP 0.5. For tech I have the same Anker 67W wall charger, 2 USB-C to C cables, a Nitecore NB10000 power bank, some no name 1000mAh power bank with Apple Watch cradle, that is actually slimmer/smaller than the original cable + puck, and an Apple Magic Mouse, which again all fits in another CAP 0.5. Also why not wear your boots on the flight and pack a smaller/more compact pair of shoes in the bag? Those boots are huge. Doing that and maybe using some compression packing cubes would allow you more choice and variation in bags, so it doesn't get boring...

I love this bag so much, I have 3 of it - regular 420D coyote, just like yours, a black X-pac one and a tan Griffin 2 waxed canvas. Also have both black and the new OD green CTB20.

I was looking for a sling that would fit an insta360 + stick. Thank you a lot❤

Lol only goruck would have the nerve to sell a $415 pack and not include a sternum strap

Sub! Such a detailed comparison 👍

did you get strap with sling or from somewhere else?

I acquired a GR-1 26L based on your recommendation. I was looking at the M23. I saw your video on that subject too. AND YOU’RE SO RIGHT, Clamshell vs top loader! Glad I went with GR1. Keep up the good work! Thank you👏👏👏

I would love to have one but hard to justify multiple CTB26 bags.

This is an amazing review!!! Thank you. And like others said, this is way more comprehensive than what Wandrd has. I hope you are getting commission!

I’ll Venmo you 5 dollars to junk that gross ass ACU hat lol

Check out arcade belts. Like these for traveling. No metal and slim and stretchy so they don't bother you.

Awesome video. Especially like the way you are packing your boots. This configuration is so realistic and I feel is more along the lines of what I would need/want to bring. I probably opt for the classic bullet ruck to keep things even smaller. Do you feel the 45l feels huge on your back?

I do one bag travel with the GR1 and GR2 separately, but prefer the GR1. OH and mine is the 21L. It forces me to think minimalist and only bring the essentials. I have Kuhl clothing so it doesn’t hold odor and can wear the same shirt and pants for multiple days.

Great video. One more thing I would toss in is a reusable grocery bag. Those always come in handy. If I'm carrying a backpack I always toss one inside.

That's a great bag. I ended up selling mine, because I wasn't going to use it like I thought I would.

Cool to see - was looking for something like that. I personally prefer more clothes for a work trip - but great video nonetheless

Is this the 35L or 45L? Sorry I didn't hear you mention which one. Cheers.

You know.... i didn't need a G3 and a bullet. But now watching this -damnit sir.

Handcuff key fit in the belt loop pocket?

How do you carry it?

have you tried the 16l dual comparment? wondering if u shouls go w the 18 o 16l im 5”10 and have a 15” worklaptop what would you recommend?

I purchased molly clip on compression for the bottom. Need it to really compress and if I want to attach something long. The beaver tail bag should stretch which is a really a minus if I want to throw in a rain jacket.

Love mine. I also have the same issue with the zippers not always wanting to make it around the corners but overall the bag is so beautiful who cares lol.

Mate, I get having some notes to glance at in order to keep you on track... but you're looking at the notes more than the camera. It feels like you're talking to someone else, not the viewer.

很实用的评测。如果这个包底部能有两个登山扣用来外挂雨伞，那就更好了。自己改装会破坏表面，想想还是算了

SO NICE.SHAME NOT 1000D.FOR THE PRICE IT SHOULD BE.FALL APART? ANY ISSUES? ZIPPERS?

Would you pick Bellroy venture ready sling 2.5l or AER day sling 3?