Evergoods CTB26 Review (Is this the best one bag travel pack??)

[@Nomads.Nation]

🔥 Check out my bag on Kickstarter! 👉🏼 go.nomadsnation.com/fyro-t22

[@pao_banaag]

The channel onebagtravels does a bag capacity test with packing peanuts, that could be a cool thing to add to your reviews. It'd be closer to an objective test of capacity for all these bags. Stay golden, bag bro 👊

[@Nomads.Nation]

thanks mate! something we are considering doing for future reviews when we have the capacity 💪

[@StandAloneState]

When we have the “capacity”, nice one 😂

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@StandAloneState i wish I did that on purpose 😂

[@thatchanguy]

Yup. Got the green one and it beats GR2 26L and 34L. Taken mine all around the world and it is perfect for one bag travel.

[@Nomads.Nation]

hell yes 💪

[@kamb8860]

This is my go-to-travel-backpack every time - alas mine is the Phoenix 2. I travel the world using this bag & I can echo all the pros you have reviewed. Pleasantly enjoying all the capabilities & capacities the bag offers. Hands down the best to-date bag for my travel lifestyle. Capacity feels larger than 26L. I’m 165cm standing and did not feel the “stabbing” to my lumbar. Great! My only wish for this bag is improving the top and side handles to enable comfy carries in that modes. As always, I do enjoy your great review. And have a great success in your Fryo. Me from Malaysia, Kam

[@koekhow]

Second me from Malaysia too!

[@KelvinHew7]

You can improve the top and side handles and doing a cobra wrap by Paracord. I have the CTB26 in OD Green and hands down best travel bag. From Kuala Lumpur

[@franciscoferod1998]

I’m 5’8” and the CTB26 does dig into my lumbar area. I removed the frame and problem solved. It doesn’t happen with the CTB35 since is longer and sits comfortably on my butt😂

[@kamb8860]

@@KelvinHew7 - thank you for the suggestion

[@gmgryan]

I’ve been using this bag non stop the last few years, this year even bought my 13 yo son and he went one bag to Europe this summer in it. This bags great on its own but imo its real super power is as a personal item combined with a smaller roller. The side access laptop, slash picked for quick access, and the interior picked is side access too for things you don’t always need but might want to find without looking. Great bag, dozens tried and this one is by far my favorite.

[@Nomads.Nation]

you are not alone, this is one of the best bags on the market

[@paraagshah4153]

Even the horizontally and vertically oriented pockets on the inside of the front panel have been designed for quick access, relatively speaking. Just have to open the main zipper a bit and not all the way in either orientation to access them.

[@Nomads.Nation]

true dat!

[@richardwong864]

Love my CTB Phoenix 2, it is definitely my favourite travel backpack.

[@Nomads.Nation]

so jelly you got one

[@reach745]

Yo! Thank you for fitting in a 17-inch laptop!! T_T Very thankful really. You're the only bag youtube content creator that did it.

[@Nomads.Nation]

so glad it's helpful!

[@jeffone]

I have the X-Pac version of this bag. I love it. I go between it and Peak Designs Travel Backpack 30. My heart goes with Evergoods but the compression/expanded capacity of the Peak Designs pack sometimes wins the battle in trying to fit under the seat. Evergoods can be a tad thick. This depends greatly, of course, on how you pack it.

[@Nomads.Nation]

agreed!

[@Jasondranoff]

I have a PD 30l how's the size comparison? EG seems to make bags larger that the stated capacity do you feel the PD 30 l is a lot bigger than this bag?

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@Jasondranoff don't have the bags with me so can't say for sure but my gut is that they'd pack around the same...

[@MCA_117]

I have been using it for 7 day trips. You can really fit so much in it. Im always amazed at how easy it is to live out of it. Def recommend

[@Nomads.Nation]

incredible capacity for sure

[@Aewsam]

My favorite backpack brand! Good review Aaron as always 👌 Get well soon bro!

[@Nomads.Nation]

ha thanks mate!!

[@bani_niba]

The horizontal orientation of everything (front pocket, laptop compartment, luggage pass-thru) makes it a better EDC bag in my opinion. The side access is for on body access when you are carrying the bag. For my type of travel (long haul plane trips), top access is more important - with the bag underneath the plane seat or in overhead bin, a top oriented admin compartment, laptop access and quick access pockets are what makes a more useful bag during the plane ride. That's why I use Aer TP3-S 28L as my personal item. I feel an Evergoods CTB 20L (or 22L) would be a killer EDC bag.

[@Nojistic]

It does exist! Hoping they review here

[@bani_niba]

@@Nojistic Yes, I know the CTB 20L exists. I think that bag is a great EDC.

[@Nomads.Nation]

hoping to review the CTB 20 soon!

[@b3kind69]

Bought and will be returning the Synik 26 since it was too small. Then went back and forth between the CTB26 and the AC max EDC and pulled the trigger on AC. Plz do a vid on that next! My use case was something that can fit laptop, wide lunch bag, and gym clothes but fit my petite body. Also would appreciate measurement of the internal depth as that was the main limiting factor for most bags for me and no one is doing that on yt! Love your vids Aaron!

[@b3kind69]

Also to add, I have bought and returned 4 bags: north face recon, 2 gregory bags, the TB s26. Im very particular and plan to use this bag every day for the rest of my life! Hopefully my search is over with AC. Also would appreciate a review of the CTB20!

[@Nomads.Nation]

thanks mate!! we are hoping to do a AC Max review whenever we can get our hands on one, can we borrow yours? 😂

[@angus004004]

how to choose for CTB26 , able Carry Max EDC and venture travel 26l, I see all the review but still hard to select one :(

[@Nomads.Nation]

can't go wrong with any of them - go with your gut 💪

[@MartinLeschinski]

I recently recieved it and love everything about it.

[@Nomads.Nation]

its amazing for sure

[@antoinem8464]

Hey, some particular request here : is the main compartment large/wide enough to fit good old vinyls with cover flat ?

[@Nomads.Nation]

no idea unfortunately, ask Evergoods customer support and do let us know what they say!

[@antoinem8464]

@Nomads.Nation I'll do that, thanks anyway !

[@joejoeshabadoo]

How does this compare to the Able Carry Max EDC are far as comfort?

[@Nomads.Nation]

haven't tested the AC Max EDC yet so can't say for sure

[@michaelklein23]

First con isn't really a con if it doesn't apply for you, apparently mostly affects guys over 6' Third con is probably only applicable to the standard 420d version 1. From someone who's carried it daily including multiple airline trips for well over a year now the biggest con are the straps, they could definitely be more comfortable as it can get really heavy. Possibly slightly thicker, wider straps and softer padding. Not really an issue when carried for a short while. 2. The laptop compartment eats too much space from the main compartment, for those that carry two laptops for whatever reason it should be fine but I can't think of how to best utilise the extra space where a water bladder is supposed to be placed. Not really a con but would have liked a side handle on both sides and the handles could been a little padded. The water bottle pockets could be a little more stretchy, find it difficult to use when main compartment is fully packed out. If all of the above are fixed in a ctb26 v2 it would probably be end game for myself anyway. Very versatile pack. I would have picked up the ctb35 as well exclusively for travel but can't imagine even more weight with the current harness system. I have the phx2 version btw and have been battling not to get the griffin since it came out. Hope I haven't deterred anyone from getting it I actually think it's great but these are the details I would like changed to make it perfect

[@Nomads.Nation]

thanks for sharing!

[@ANumberOfNames_PoGo]

Got the xpac version and love it. Except the small frontpocket how its made. In heavy rain the pocket is sooked and it got even aquaguard zippers. That pocket need something covering the zipper.

[@Nomads.Nation]

that's interesting, thank you for sharing

[@ATTACKM4N]

Great review on what is probably my all time favorite travel backpack. So much so that I own two of them (one in xpac and one from the recent Carryology collab in waxed canvas). You hit the nail on the head with the capacity. I am shocked how much I can fit. It honestly seems like it invents space to fit your carry. I find it holds more than bags that are larger, such as the TP3S, as that bag in particular will have every pocket fighting with one another for space. A note on the “back digging” issue. From what I’ve read it seems like the proper way to wear EG packs is to adjust it each time you put it on. That’s to say, you essentially pull the straps to make it high and tight and then release them when you want to take it off. Probably why there are no strap keepers on by default. One downside is the fabric option, I am really not a fan of the 420d. I almost wish they used the heavier 840d found on their CPL series. Maybe it’s the coating they spray on it but I find it’s very susceptible to acquiring a sort of “sheen” from pulling the bag out from under a plane seat or having it rub up against things. It’s not so much an abrasion or damage but just something I noticed. It’s part of the reason I ended up selling my original CTB26 and picking up one in Xpac and recently waxed canvas. I honestly can’t recommend this bag enough. It’s so great at what it does like most Evergoods products. They just don’t miss with their releases.

[@Nomads.Nation]

agreed on all your points except not missing on their releases.. the Elements line is a bit controversial

[@patrickestalane9040]

Advertised as 26L, same with the Alpaka Elements Backpack Pro, but can fit way more items inside.

[@Nomads.Nation]

yea Alpaka Elements feels more like 24L and this feels more like 28L

[@christiansimmons630]

Give me pockets, pockets everywhere! The more the merrier! I’m looking at you gomatic travel bag and black ember forge! 😂

[@Nomads.Nation]

pockets pockets pockets pockets pockets 🎶

[@lukesalik8411]

Given how much you've celebrated the Able Carry Max and Thirteen, I'm surprised you haven't reviewed their MAX EDC yet. I'm super interested in how you think it compares, and I selfishly wished you'd get a review out before I'm finished with the trial period of mine 😆. I've got a week left, and I ordered the Aer Travel Pack 3 Small to compare with each other. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

[@Nomads.Nation]

if I could find a Max I'd review it. Able Carry hasn't sent us any and they are sold out 🤷‍♀️

[@alexchen99]

this bag is the GOAT imho

[@Nomads.Nation]

🐐

[@bikerob1231]

Can you still use the one side bottle access when using the side handle? I looks like it would limit the handle access. I still prefer the Ablecarry EDC bag in XPac because of its superior water resistance. Great review as always.

[@Nomads.Nation]

it's still usable, but definitely compromised. Thanks so much!

[@daisuke7110]

For a strict travel only bag with no need for laptop, less pockets is better, even better without the laptop compartment and instead contribute the laptop litre into the main section, so u can pack more into it

[@Nomads.Nation]

💪

[@TB_4]

I might be in the minority on this but this bag is a head scratcher for me. It’s a 26L “travel bag” but it’s designed with features (horizontal front panel pocket and side access laptop compartment) as if it’s a smaller EDC bag. Maybe it’s me but that just doesn’t make any sense and I wouldn’t want to be frequently swinging a packed out 26L backpack to the side, to access my gear. Makes more sense with the 20L version of this backpack. Also, the price tag just doesn’t justify what you get with this bag. There’s plenty of comparable bags on the market that provide equal or more value at lower price points.

[@Nomads.Nation]

I see what you are saying. I think for many its a great 2-in-1 that can do both EDC and light travels. The price point isn't cheap, but Evergoods materials/fabrics/construction/warranty is all exceptional, so for many its worth the extra investment

[@houserhythm]

The bottle pockets are not the same - the one on the side w/o handle is slightly larger, because there's no zipper for the laptop compartment, so it goes all the way to the back panel.

[@Nomads.Nation]

thanks for pointing that out! but they are basically the same imo

[@jonuiuc]

The Ctb line is my fave evergoods backpack design, but I still don’t love its looks, something about the shape and high riding depth bother me. I’m not super into the one sided vertical external pocket. I more into standing access, vs side swinging I guess.

[@Nomads.Nation]

for EDC I'm all about side swinging, but for travel bags, nah

[@PotatoSpudRucking]

what do you think of the EWS22 :D

[@Nomads.Nation]

it looks very interesting and extremely niche - hoping we can get one in our hands to test soon!

[@jouwenlee7829]

Everytime I see this brand, can't help but reminded that is the same creater of Goruck bag.

[@Nomads.Nation]

yup, def some overlap between them

[@CubicleJ0ckey]

The biggest downside for me with Evergoods backpacks are how they look. Really bulbous and very top heavy. I had a phoenix CPL, but sold it and kept using my Aer TP3s

[@Nomads.Nation]

top heavy for sure, this one especially

[@flighttech4630]

I really wanted to love this bag. very high quality, brilliant design, but... it was very uncomfortable unfortunately I had to let it go

[@Nomads.Nation]

yea I think EG bags are comfy but not everyone agrees

[@brdscapes]

I feel like I watched this recently. Is this a reupload? 😅

[@brdscapes]

nevermind. it was the ctl24 6 days ago.

[@Nomads.Nation]

thanks for following!!

[@aramyth]

I don’t think the nomads nation link has ever given me the best price. 😅

[@Nomads.Nation]

thanks for sharing! where would you get a better price for this bag?

[@eitanlahyani1]

Easy my next bag. Convince me otherwise.

[@Nomads.Nation]

wont lol

[@j.i.370]

Boa tarde, penso que você tem muitos seguidores na Europa, sendo assim seria do interesse que quando põe no ecran as medidas em polegadas, também coloca se as medidas em centímetros 👍

[@Nomads.Nation]

we always do, do we not?

[@plentyobass]

The DWR is a water repellant finish that is applied to the fabric to help water to run off of the bag instead of absorbing into the fabric making the bag heavier from the weight of the absorbed water. According to the specs on their website, on THIS bag the LINER has a PU coating, which protects the items inside the bag from outside wetness. This allows any moisture to pass outward through the outer fabric and drip off the bag. You didn't mention this PU coated liner, and then slammed this bag on it's lack of weather resistance.

[@Nomads.Nation]

"slammed" is a strong word lol, but great point on the PU liner! It's still not an extremely weather resistant bag though 💪

[@ChandanKumar-g7z6i]

Hello sir

[@Nomads.Nation]

👋

[@tacticalpencil]

Shame on evergoods not sending you a ctb20 to review so i can bash it😢

[@tacticalpencil]

Oh btw show mystery ranch some love before they are gone. Review a rip ruck 15 or rip ruck 24😢 Yeti made a statement about phasing them out after the purchase of MR😭

[@Nomads.Nation]

yea looks like MR might be going bye bye

[@turner02]

jansport more better

[@Nomads.Nation]

Love me a Jansport, but there’s no way it’s better than an Evergoods (except for value/price ofc)