5 Great EDC Backpacks under 20L

[@lukepaulson3428]

I appreciate you showing us the packs being worn. These brands seem to have quite a bit of wiggle room when it comes to volume so visuals are quite helpful. Thanks!

[@joshfenn]

Yeah the advertised volume seems way off for some of these, the Pakt 15L seems about half of the city pack but they’re rated for 15L/14L. Glad the shots helped!

[@SergeSergeev-jf7jf]

thanks a lot for the bellroy! that's exactly what i was looking for - minimal weight, practical, good looking. Just ordered one, I hope that'll work out for me. The Bellroy Classic also looks good btw, was considering it as well. Maybe i'll go for it as well in some future

[@joshfenn]

Glad you found one that should work well for you! I’m a sucker for those simple ultralight type of bags, I’ve been really happy with mine.

[@nizamialickolli8603]

Great review, purchased the bellroy, and have Aer go pack, loved them both 😊

[@joshfenn]

Great choices! Both have been go-go’s for me with the Bellroy a bit more outdoor-focused for my use case

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Don't underestimate the benefits of a good bag; quality will eventually pay for itself. Very nice reviews here.

[@joshfenn]

Thanks so much for the support!

[@Probably.boredinPDX]

The Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe is a great choice also - the compression straps on the bottom are a great way to stow a light jacket without taking up storage space, and it's got great organization. It's not the lightest, but it's a workhorse laptop backpack that you could also use as a weekender in a pinch, and it has nice clean lines and great fabric/color choices.

[@joshfenn]

I’ll have to check that one out, thanks for the rec!

[@wzot]

Aer Go pack 2 is my "daily driver". Carries my laptop and everything I need. Alternatively the Fit pack - somewhat more padded and better for the gym. :)

[@joshfenn]

Both great choices too! AER has been pretty consistently great for me over the years.

[@cosmicowl42069]

the Bellroy Classic is also a great option. IMO it looks a lot nicer for professional settings.

[@joshfenn]

For sure! I think the city pack fits the bill for office use as well, but Bellroy has some great options for work

[@nizamialickolli8603]

I think bellroy lite day pack better option extra 2 litres

[@jimkirkwood1488]

Love that Aer city pack and totally agree about the way they organize that back or front compartment. Everybody seems to have the same basic design of that compartment. I will offer up my Osprey Halo LE pack. I have read it is a 15L but it holds a lot more than that....I thought it was an 18L. But what is in a number honestly.... Well 3ltrs.. Ha! Good video as always Josh.

[@joshfenn]

I really enjoyed the Osprey pack I tried recently when I had them on as a sponsor! In the past I hadn’t given them much thought outside of outdoor use but they seem to really be stepping up their game, I was really impressed.

[@ReallyGhey]

Great video just what I was looking for

[@joshfenn]

Glad to hear it, thanks for the support!

[@ReallyGhey]

@@joshfenn the first one looks like the one I'd choose. Comprehensive review as usual, good work man!

[@vpr5555]

Planning a trip to Disney World over New Years week, do you think any of these bags would be suitable to use at the parks? Wouldn't be touting a laptop around, but likely will have different layers of clothing since Florida weather in Dec/Jan can be all over the place. Only 2 people (no baby/toddler). I bought an Alpha One Niner Chio-X that I plan to take, but if I find it's too small, I'd like to take a backup option that is slightly larger. Light weight, comfortable, breathable back, compact, not something that has a lot of depth (makes it hard to navigate crowds) but also fits Disney's bag size restrictions. Anything larger than 24" long x 15" wide x 18" high (61 cm x 38 cm x 46 cm) are not allowed in any theme park or water park. If there is another bag you think would do well not included in this video, I'd also be open to that. Thanks!

[@joshfenn]

I’d want to make sure and double check the dimensions vs Disney’s requirements but most of these should work well what you need. I’d probably go with the able carry 13 if you only need a bit more space, and the Bellroy or AER Go as second options with more room? Most small bags won’t have really substantial back ventilation but the AER city pack is probably the strongest in that regard. The Pakt is thin but probably to space limited for what you’ll need. Hope this helps, have fun on your trip!

[@carrioncrow8191]

I can keep my eyes off of the Tom Bihn options. I feel like his designs are what I would do. Don’t love the price, but materials and complexity add up quick with backpacks. They are also made in the USA which gives me some feeling of patriotism, lol

[@joshfenn]

Still have to try some Tom Bihn bags sometime! Haven’t had the chance but I’ve heard nothing but good things.

[@mikej243]

I hated how the Synik looked until I got one in hand and wore it. It drapes so well on my back, and I found use for every pocket regardless of activity - photography, climbing, travelling… I don’t need another bag because it does everything. I’m a believer now.

[@Illmatic07]

Must they be hideous though?

[@Scarywoody]

Great video. I really like the 18l-20l size.

[@joshfenn]

Me too! Great sweet spot if you don’t need to carry a ton.

[@arlencarlson]

Interesting…own an Aer Go 2, have an Able Carry Max (can testify to the quality in that line), and have one of the Pakt bags on order. Truly they all have their use cases for me.

[@joshfenn]

They definitely do! I know I’m super spoiled getting review samples but I usually assume most folks will try and get one ‘do everything’ type of bag so I will keep that in mind sometimes. Sounds like you’ve got great taste though! Haha.

[@IgorGordeev]

My favorite EDC backpack is Crumpler The Yee Ross. I've been using it for about 10 years, it looks like new. Unfortunately they stopped producing this model. That's why I bought Able Carry Daily plus. The backpack is excellent, but I would like the straps to be softer. Because of them, the backpack is not so convenient to take off and put on.

[@joshfenn]

It’s always a tough decision with the straps, soft foam is nice at first but wears out faster, firmer will usually soften over time and have better longevity. Too bad they stopped making your old favorite!

[@enriquediaz7547]

The Tom bihn bags are really nice & capacious. Easy to blend in an urban environment & great for travel (Synik 30 & Pilot, for example)

[@joshfenn]

Still need to check some of those out, haven’t had the chance yet but they seem so well loved I need to get on it soon.

[@danielbothman3511]

their design aesthetic is just. soooo dated. I do love my aeronaut45 but I wish I hadn't bought the synapse 19.

[@mfinresearch6462]

Cool video. I don't hear much about the Pakt bag. Thanks for putting it on my radar! I think at 15L the lines between picking a large sling and a small backpack are blurred. I feel like this bag lets you make the decision as you need it. Did you like it more as a cross body or a small backpack?

[@joshfenn]

I usually end up using both straps, mostly just for personal preference. I think if you’re used to a crossbody backpack type of carry it should work great for that too but I’m generally more comfortable with both straps

[@tdg0101]

Good reviews thanks

[@joshfenn]

Thanks for the support!

[@dave.in.oregon]

Great video as usual. Just bought a Tom Bihn Synik 30 (yes, I have a bag obsession) for travel and was looking at the Bellroy Lite Ready Pack to pack inside for a day pack when I get to my destination, but the AER Go Pack 2 is certainly an option as well. These day packs, while unstructured, still appear more structured than the Matador FreeFly 16 that I've taken on vacations and more "business appropriate" when heading into the office. Question: Which one lays flatter? and what size laptop did you put inside them? (the Bellroy stats appear thinner than a Macbook Pro 13")

[@joshfenn]

Both bags are equally thin I’d say? While empty they’re both essentially just a couple layers of thin fabric with really minimal padding, seems really tough to measure but I’m sure it’d be splitting hairs. I put my 2018 15” MacBook in for the b-roll shots so I doubt you’d have an issue with your 13”.

[@apistosig4173]

I bought my Outgear backpak in 1986 - have had it repaired twice - what do you want need in an EDC other than reliability? ? ?

[@joshfenn]

Certain features/layouts can be important depending on needs but durability and repairability are definitely top priority. Glad it’s held up so well for you all of these years!

[@john1023va]

I have the Aer Daypack 2 as my EDC. For overseas traveling, I use my Aer Travel 3 small. I'm looking for something in between these bags as a weekend travel pack. I narrowed it down to a couple of bags, Able Carry Daily plus and the Aer Pro pack 20L or 24L. I'm curious to see which of these you would recommend.

[@joshfenn]

I haven’t tried the pro pack so I can’t speak to it very well, but I absolutely love the daily plus. Two of my favorite bag brands, I’m sure you wouldn’t go wrong with either.

[@HarveySpectre1]

curious to know which option you ended up going with as currently I'm going though the same debate

[@fabrizioleonardocuccu8495]

Hey! Great fan of your channel and of your shirt! Can I ask the brand?

[@joshfenn]

Thanks so much! Just checked and I think both are discontinued. The tee is an old filson pioneer graphic tee and the shirt jacket is from Relwen. Out of stock but still found the Huckberry link where I got it: prf.hn/l/20ylQgy

[@fabrizioleonardocuccu8495]

Thank you!@@joshfenn

[@jbbourbon178]

Which packs flatter? The Pakt 15L or the Aer Go Pack 2???

[@joshfenn]

When empty the go pack probably packs a bit smaller since the fabric is much thinner. The Pakt 15L is a much flatter design though for when it’s loaded up

[@luiseduardoacevesgonzalez2228]

what about synapse19? You think these are much better than it?

[@joshfenn]

Haven’t tried it, but just recently got some Tom Bihn gear I’ve been extremely happy with. I actually want to make an updated version of this sometime, got a few fresh small bags I’ve been really liking in addition to these

[@kickass626]

What flannel are you wearing ?

[@joshfenn]

It was from Relwen, their brushed mohair shirt jacket. Out of stock now unfortunately but if they ever do a re-release it’s amazing

[@TM-vg4mx]

aer go or bellboy lite?

[@joshfenn]

Both really great! The Bellroy will be a bit more water resistant with the zippers but otherwise they’re somewhat similar aside from the difference in fabric feel. Aer go is a bit softer/crinkly and the Bellroy is a little more shell-like

[@TM-vg4mx]

@@joshfenn thank you

[@aswaltan8962]

I'm watching.

[@joshfenn]

Appreciate the support!

[@adam-jm1gq]

How tall are you? Just trying to gauge the sizing

[@joshfenn]

I’m 5’11”, happy to help with other sizing questions if you need also

[@adam-jm1gq]

@joshfenn thanks for the reply! I'm 5'8 really looking for anything around 15L decent quality and not too long so it rides high

[@joshfenn]

All of these should fit the bill fairly well in those aspects! I tend to prefer to wear my backpacks a bit higher, the adjustable straps are always helpful. Not to confuse things further, but i just got my hands on the able carry thirteen bag as well that could be a good contender. Still testing but it feels like a small version of the daily plus I featured in this video.

[@adam-jm1gq]

@joshfenn great shout thank you! I'll definitely take a look, got yourself a sub!

[@TM-vg4mx]

aer go or bellboy lite?

[@nizamialickolli8603]

Have both, Aer Go is the go