Evergoods Panel Loader Classic 20L Review (Brutally honest!)

[@Nomads.Nation]

What do you think? Is the lack of a water bottle holder on the exterior a deal-breaker?

[@kaochao2356]

Honestly? Water bottle pockets are what I refer to as my "Super Lazy" pockets. Aside from water bottles, I just throw crap in them. Napkins, straws, occasionally wrapped up "take-out" utensils, maybe a turkey pesto sub, etc. Sure, you can use quick access pockets, but there’s an extra step of unzipping the pockets to get to your stuff. With deep, well-made, super-lazy pockets, you have ultra-quick access to all of your un-important essentials... without having to go through the effort of unzipping anything. Water bottle pockets are one of God’s greatest creations, right up there with air conditioning.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@F L it's def more convenient and safer, but I don't think it's shallow not to include it. Many people don't really care so it's just catering to a different audience rather than yourself. But I agree, I'd prefer a water bottle holder on the outside 10/10 times

[@unfi6798]

@@Nomads.Nation Totally agree with AR with bottle holder on the outside catering for a different & wider audience. Then again there are folks who are quite hygienically inclined so putting your water container inside the pack is an ideal location. Some backpack do have internal bottle holder, most peiople just expect it on the outside while assuming that inside side pocket is for other things. Precautions & Preferences. Cater your carrier to what you're carrying (EDC) & any spare room is for those unplanned encounters, like from Mags to Books or "Hey KC, could you pick something up for dinner on your way home"? etc. We use low end packs for its versitility on our daily usage. It works & as good as the high end stuff. As AR would say, it's catering for a different audience.! Triple Cowabunga matey.!

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@unfi6798 love that synopsis! And great call about ppl who are more on the hygienic side - I hadn't thought of that!

[@RebeccaSmith77]

This bag was suggested to me for EDC because I'm 5'2", have a shorter torso, and dislike bags that are typically longer than 17-18" (that is even pushing it on length for me). However, I'm a diehard water bottle carrier, and I have not made up my mind on whether or not the lack of outside water bottle pocket is a deal-breaker for me or not. I really dislike carrying a water bottle inside my bag because, not only is it inconvenient, but I also worry about leaking. Other than lack of exterior water bottle pocket, and lack of standing on its own (it does stand up on its own if it's packed, tho, right?), it could work for me. Thanks for this, and ESPECIALLY for the alternative suggestions because now I'm going to checkout the Minaal 3.0!

[@raestera]

Hey Nomads Nation! I've got a suggestion. When you're showing the exterior of the bag, I would pack the bag full of 20L (in this case) of stuff. It could just be random hoodies or something to give it the structure. It looks better that way and is more stable. Some bags that might not stand on their own could do so when packed out. In the case of some bags it even functions better. Like the Boundary Supply Errant. The Fidlock closing on the top compartment of that bag is annoying if there's nothing packed in the top portion but it's easy and satisfying if the top is full. I'd also show the expansion of a bag too with it packed out. Sometimes when reviewers show the expansion and say it doesn't look nice forget that it looks/functions slightly better when packed full. I never know what the Prima System's Fidlock strap expansion actually looked like until I bought it myself and packed it full. Couldn't find a single pic of it on the internet (I found it was only 30L when fully extended)

[@Nomads.Nation]

Great suggestion! Will def consider :)

[@wickedtime]

The passion time and care that is put into each of these videos, but also the entire channel as an entity is something you should truly be proud of. I have watched just a few of your videos, but the fact that you not only are so in depth with the bag, but also follow up with precise reasoning as who this is for, and alternatives based on different needs is perfect. You are truly a master of the craft, and you've earned a sub from me. Well done. :)

[@Nomads.Nation]

Damn dude - thanks so much for your kind words! We are a new channel but we are growing fast thanks to support like this. Be sure to check out our Building a Backpack project on the homepage of our channel - it’s gonna be a wild ride!

[@drive-channel1834]

Yup, Aaron @ Nomads Nation is great.

[@normang663]

I have this bag. I like it but doesnt get that much time in the rotation because of the lack of water bottle hodler. If only they had one on one side in the big dump pocket up front. Other than that, this bag is amazing. The 1680 is just indestructable. Looks brand new still after following me to multiple trips domestically and internationally.

[@Nomads.Nation]

an amazing bag for sure, that lack of a water bottle holder doesn't bother me but I get it's an issue for many ppl

[@mylesmartin1055]

Hey Bro! Shoutout to Evergoods design: the ventilation on the back panel is better than just the diagonal crevices - the material of the actual panels (underneath the polyester) is a highly breathable mesh foam stuff. Evergoods has some great info on their design process for this new back panel. Have you noticed a difference between this bag’s breathability and prior Evergoods bags?

[@Nomads.Nation]

A sliiiiight difference, but an improvement nonetheless. It’s a super comfy bag - no doubt about that

[@georgebrown8493]

The navy blue colour is amazing, I don’t think I could buy any other backpack brand Evergoods is just top quality

[@Nomads.Nation]

I’m so in love with the color and materials. It’s unassuming while still having a bit of panash to it 🤌🏼

[@branjobu96]

Just in time! I’ve been wanting to hear your thoughts on this bag. Been thinking of getting that or the able carry 20l. So tough!

[@Nomads.Nation]

Damn that’s a tough one but I’d give the slight edge to Able Carry

[@ddd7864]

I really, really, really hope you do a review on the Ltt Backpack, it looks like they did a fantastic job on it and I would love to see you put it to the test and compare it to other bags

[@Nomads.Nation]

Me too! It’s not pretty looking by any means but the functionality looks awesome. I’ve reached out to them to try and get a sample - let’s hope they get back to me

[@ddd7864]

@@Nomads.Nation that is great to hear! I also just signed up for you email notifications for the bag your making- really excited to see where that leads!

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@ddd7864 thanks dude! It’s gonna be a crazy journey, I’m stoked you are joining :)

[@fabricehelyan9401]

Hi, thanks for your nice review. I use this bag for some weeks as my new daily carry. Great backpack, I love it. Near to be perfect for me. First, it stands on its own when packed. I Iove the huge front pocket : very versatile ! Put a scarf, an umbrella, a rain jacket, a water bottle... Love the sleek look, the conception and materials. But I have cons : First, the staps are not so comfortable as they slip off my shoulders either in one shoulder mode as in two shoulders mode ! I’m not an alien LOL, it’s because of the breathable slippy material and (did you noticed) that the two straps attachement are wide spaced : 10 cm between the straps. I have to clip the sternum stap to have a very comfortable carry (and I hate that). Second, the quick top pocket is too small. I would have prefer the same size of deepness as the CHZ26. Third, the two inner mesh pockets are great and well placed, but I would have prefer a 1 cm more in high. I’ve also added elastics to avoid the jiggling experience !

[@Nomads.Nation]

Hey Fabrice, thanks for your comment! I didn’t notice that about the straps but everyone has different body sizes so it’s hard for a backpack to be a universal fit

[@fabricehelyan9401]

I’m 5.61ft and 68kg, athletic... so I don’t know... the new fabric of the shoulder straps I guess. Does any one else have noticed this issue ?

[@fabcol1888]

Keep up the great work! would love to see your videos in 4k

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thanks dude! Some of our shots are in 4k but not the whole review 💪🏾

[@CeeMKE]

Great video, Love the bag. Really like the front stash pocket. I don’t care about water bottle pockets I have zero problems putting my thermos inside my bags, but the front pocket on this bag looks like it can easily handle my 40 oz bottle. But I HATE the dangling straps. I’d definitely have to put velcro strips to act as keepers on those straps. NO DANGLE lol

[@Nomads.Nation]

NEVER DANGLE! But yea, easy fix on Amazon (I just feel it should be taken care of by the brand themselves)

[@jerrybao1934]

I do trust my water bottle, but my umbrella? Not so much, especially after using it and then having to put inside the bag since there is no water bottle pocket on the side.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@jerrybao1934 solid point.

[@todaysgrailtomorrowsbeater]

This was just rereleased finally, I bought it immediately as well as a CPL24 to go with it!!

[@Nomads.Nation]

I saw - super exciting! It's on sale at a great price right now as well

[@todaysgrailtomorrowsbeater]

Got it in my hands, it’s amazing.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@todaysgrailtomorrowsbeaterglad you like!

[@thisistotallyfine]

How would you compare this to the Able Carry daily backpack? I’ve used AER day pack, AER city pack, Bellroy Classic, Black Ember Shadow, and Able Carry definitely is my favourite

[@Nomads.Nation]

They have a lot of similarities but I would def give the edge to Able Carry due to that pocket on the front and a bit better ventilation

[@webbryan1]

You forgot to mention pet hairs and dust no longer sticks on the plc 20.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Great points!

[@ejf071189]

When do you mainly find a backpack being able to stand up on its own useful?

[@raestera]

It's really annoying when it falls over with your stuff in it like that

[@andreigolovik3047]

Whenever you set it down. You can tilt and support it with your leg, sure, but self-standing is super convenient. The slight decrease of comfort due to the weight being shifted down isn't a huge factor for a commute/work/school bag.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Yea I’m gonna say if a backpack can stand up by itself it’s getting huge brownie points from me

[@kaochao2356]

I need water bottle holders on BOTH sides... Haha! If I WERE to get another Evergoods bag (aside from my CTB35, which is my permanent travel bag), it would be the Civic Half Zip 22L. Sadly, that item is currently out of stock...

[@Nomads.Nation]

Supply chains are a bitch right now, hopefully it’ll be back in stock soon

[@kaochao2356]

@@Nomads.Nation Hmmmm... funny how they just restocked it, just as I was mentioning it on this post... must be fate... I used your KZbin link to get to the Evergoods site. Then from there, searched for the CHZ22, and purchased it. I wonder if you will still get credit for it since I used your link, despite not ordering the same item you reviewed...

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@kaochao2356 Thanks for that dude! And yes, we should still get credit for the purchase. Affiliate links work for any product bought, not just the one reviewed.

[@Mcknockout777]

Hi there, great video. What is the brand of your camera cube?

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thanks! Which part of the video?

[@ernestbonanza]

the three bags you mentioned as alternatives are twice the price of this one, man, please consider the price range when making suggestions. I think able carry daybreaker 2 is a much more acceptable alternative to this product.

[@Nomads.Nation]

appreciate your feedback!

[@routchenko]

Would love to see your review of the TropicFeel Shell

[@Nomads.Nation]

Me too! Should be happening in the next few months

[@tuckertech]

Its nice but too small for my EDC; I just got my Able Carry Max today and I am excited to see if it works for me.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Nice! I love that bag, please keep us posted how you like it

[@tuckertech]

@@Nomads.Nation Will do! Also? That weird side pocket on the Able Carry? Makes for a great umbrella holder.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@tuckertech Absolutely! I could use one of those now as there is a typhoon in Hong Kong lol

[@zeus01504]

Couple of things: - Evergoods needs more Navy, not everyone is an Urban Ninja - The Panel Loader Classic could have easily been a 24L, or another version - Their allergic reaction to no external water bottle holder is frustrating - They’ve got great pass through shoulder straps, just include them in every bag

[@Nomads.Nation]

As for the first two points, it's tough for smaller companies like this to make tons of versions of bags. Their factories have MOQs in the thousands, which is costly

[@zeus01504]

@@Nomads.Nation It’s got to be commercially viable, I hear you. At the end of the day they’re trying to target the largest group of consumers with the best products. Smaller companies can also be more agile in what they do and how they do it. Evergoods have had really small runs of the CPL in Marine Blue, Red and now Burnt Orange. So they can make it work when they want to.

[@shiveringisles3509]

Well this is supposed to be a sleek metro bag, so no outdoorsy stuff is the idea I get from them. It looks sleek, clean without the extra fluff on the outside. If you want all that goodies there's the Half Zip and Panel Loaders for you and are bigger.

[@nellatrab]

I'm with you on the need 4 my EDC to stand on it's own...especially when it costs near a couple hundred bucks...water bottle pocket is moot for me, I usually just throw a beer inside ;-)

[@Nomads.Nation]

It usually doesn’t matter to most people but it’s CRUCIAL for me. Maybe we are just weird lol

[@nelmak8368]

With Bellroy Transit Workpack compare about comfortable, which one recommend?

[@Nomads.Nation]

This is comfier me thinks

[@johnvaldez4044]

How does this compare to Black Ember Shadow 22? For minimal office use?

[@Nomads.Nation]

great question - I'd say they are fairly similar in a lot of general ways. Specifically I would boil it down to organization. If you want a ton of pockets and ways to organize your gear, then Black Ember wins. If you are looking for a more minimalist experience, then go with Evergoods (you can't go wrong with either).

[@jessicaho19]

Any plans to review the CHZ22/26 V2? Would love to see it!

[@Nomads.Nation]

Not in the immediate plans but hopefully soon!

[@mbertone7]

Love this bag, don’t even care about the lack of a water bottle holder

[@Nomads.Nation]

It's an amazing bag that looks great and feels even better. But not everyone will agree about the water bottle holder lol

[@mbertone7]

@@Nomads.Nation that’s the beautiful thing about this bag though. No water bottle holder means more sleek and streamlined. It’s going to and from work, maybe in a car where you can stash your water bottle in the cup holder. It has a surprisingly large amount of storage for such a small bag. And the back panel and straps are very comfortable with a cool new feel because of the new material. I chose this over the aer city pack thanks to your review on how tight that bag can be. Thanks again for the great job and keep it up.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@mbertone7 for sure! I didn't care about a water bottle holder on my pack for years but now I prefer one on the outside. Having said that, when I do have one on the outside I miss the sleek and streamlined feel of a pack like this. Pros and cons!

[@Naz_Vibes]

Would love to see this compared to the Aer pro pack 20l. Any chance?

[@Nomads.Nation]

in a video, no chance as each video costs us $500 USD+ to make and versus videos just don't perform very well. But if you have any questions in particular I'd be happy to answer :)

[@Naz_Vibes]

Thanks for clarifying. The PLC20 looks like an amazing bag as does the PP20. Putting aside price, if you could choose one of these for overnight travel (2 days max), which would it be. Typical overnight carry stuff including laptop. I have a 30l back pack already so really just looking at the overnighter pack

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@Naz_Vibes APP20 imo

[@arlencarlson]

Would you say this could be a packable daypack? Or is it too bulky?

[@Nomads.Nation]

Technically it’s “packable”, but nowhere near as packable as other bags. If you are looking for a packable pack I’d recommend checking out the Aer Go Pack 2 or Nomatic collapsible daypack

[@gamma8gear]

That top storage is not a tiny little thing. I once fit 3 iphones, a knife, a harmonica, chapstick, and a microfiber cloth.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Nice!

[@dawnmcelligott1334]

Hi y’a! Glad you did the review, I have to say nice looking bag but no water bottle holder is a deal breaker. I also don’t care for the zipper pulls and the dangling of the excess straps. It’s a great looking bag but there are better options for me. Thanks!

[@Nomads.Nation]

Glad you found the review helpful :)

[@rosstin23]

Hey mate, can you review Lander Commuter Bag?

[@Nomads.Nation]

Great suggestion!

[@ChimaobiSPE]

Hello, what is your recommendation for a sturdy, 40+ litre backpack that isn't a travel pack. I just need a lot of space to carry a 15" laptop, iPad pro 12.9", 50 oz waterbottle (and another 17 oz flask, preferably on the outside bottle holder), 3 large university textbooks, a large lunch box (2-3 meals per day), a large men's lab coat, a pair of gym clothes, a pair of running shoes, and a preferably the backpack should be waterproof. Thanks in advanced, looking forward to your recommendation/s.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Basically all backpacks in the 40L range are travel packs, but you might want to check out the WANDRD PRVKE 41, Nomatic Travel Pack and Tortuga Outbreaker

[@ChimaobiSPE]

@@Nomads.Nation Thanks a lot, I'll take a look at these.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@ChimaobiSPE we’ve done reviews on them all - be sure to check them out

[@ChimaobiSPE]

@@Nomads.Nation I'm watching them right now, so far I really like the tortuga.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@ChimaobiSPE one of my all time faves!

[@MaFia4DvD4aRaB]

dear hello, Kindly please I need your advice for the best ever backpack around the market with carry-on dimensions of 55x40 cm without laptop carry pockets to save more space for clothes I tried to make my decision through your great videos but honestly, I got lost because there is a lot of choices which made me confused about picking anyone. kindly advise based on your great experience, I was thinking about peak design 45L, especially because I travel with a camera and 70-200 lens too, but found it too narrow from the inside to fit a lot of clothes because it contains laptop part which I don't need to save more space for clothes. also thinking about Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack 45l but found it contains a laptop too which I need its space for more cloths KIndly advice, thanks in advance

[@Nomads.Nation]

Hey mate, unfortunately I haven’t reviewed a single bag that doesn’t have a laptop compartment. Sorry I can’t help more!

[@MaFia4DvD4aRaB]

@@Nomads.Nation no problem dear. So what is the Widest bag you can advice with minimal laptop space at that dimensions?

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@MaFia4DvD4aRaB I don’t really measure dimensions, but I think the Outbreaker is a great choice

[@MaFia4DvD4aRaB]

@@Nomads.Nation thanks alot dear, What if we decided to choose between it and wandrd hexad? Which one wins in term of Widest interior space that takes more staff on it, and exact of "No hassle carry on travel" with no arguments with boarding guys

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@MaFia4DvD4aRaB Boarding guys vary from airline to airline so it's impossible to say. You have to research the airline(s) you fly with most and see what their policies are. I think the Hexad is a great choice as it's not as bulky/wide so therefore easier to carry on

[@jaydeeahr5842]

Can you review the new SYMPL Travel backpack pls. tnx

[@Nomads.Nation]

Just took a look at it it’s a very nice looking travel pack. I’ll reach out to them :)

[@jaydeeahr5842]

@@Nomads.Nation yessir.

[@Chambros703]

Should do a little more research on the bags you're reviewing, they have a video all about this back panel. This is their new mesh back panel which greatly increases the breathability. This is the same back panel as their CTB35, MHP, CPL V3's. I think its best in class and a total Gamechanger.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thanks for your input Josh! It didn’t feel super breathable to me in my experience though. I wore it for a while after I shot this review and I still wish it had more ventilation

[@peterwong3420]

Evergoods build awesome look of backpack but always have some issues when people are using it. The materials problem are fixed. (good bye nylon 6) But the top pocket will push out ever i just have flat items, thats why so less brand will do the same design on there bags if the bag will really hug your body. (you can see Aer will never do that.) Maybe version 4 will come the perfect design out for evergoods everyday using product.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Good points Peter. This is my current fav Evergoods bag but it’s still not gonna replace my current EDC

[@novemberfox109]

@@Nomads.Nation what is your go to EDC at the moment?

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@novemberfox109 i go back and forth between a few. Check out ‘My 7 Favorite bags’ - published a few weeks ago

[@castgameforchubby810]

Most ever comfortable bag on your back??

[@Nomads.Nation]

Dang. Great question. Probably any EDC backpack from Aer

[@Mattzerfyer]

What's up with the spicy comments on this video 😂

[@Nomads.Nation]

Ugh freaking spam. Just deleted them all, hopefully they stay away !! 😂

[@carnivorewitch]

This was the most erotic bag review I’ve ever seen 😅

[@Nomads.Nation]

Wow - EROTIC you say?? I freaking love that 😂. More erotic reviews coming your way 😉

[@boyarai2319]

Worst design bag pack ever.

[@Nomads.Nation]

harsh words, I quite like it

[@unfi6798]

Hi AR.! Whenever promoting an item, always focus on the delivery. Vision your end result beyond the horizon. Avoid all distraction so your viewers & listeners would conteplate on investing what your are slinging. People will always "watch" & listen before actrion. What's with the t-shirt mate.! Good luck..!

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thanks for the wisdom! And i made that shirt myself - one of my fav quotes!

[@panda1412.]

Looks like cheap ass bag 😂

[@Nomads.Nation]

its quite expensive and it considered by many to be one of the best in the world! But beauty is def in the eye of the beholder