Evergoods Panel Loader Classic (PLC20) Quick Look Review- I really wanted to like it

[@supotrois]

I'm sorry that the PLC20 didn't work for you! I really think this is a hit or miss bag for a lot of people. Personally, the CPL24 and CHZ22 did not work for me - was not comfortable and looked silly while wearing (I'm pretty tall, so that's probably why). I was really reluctant to try out the PLC20, but it was a homerun. I can fit all of my gear - 2021 16" MBP, 11" iPad Pro, two notebooks, an umbrella, and 4 cubes in the main cavity. I put a change of clothes for the climbing gym/crag in the front pocket. I guess I'm rambling, but this bag really might be a fit for someone reading this comment!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for sharing your experience with the bags! Even though the bag didn’t work out for me I agree it could be a really nice option for many especially if something like the chz didn’t work out :)

[@supotrois]

@@dannypacks Definitely! It feels like a perfect hybrid of the CHZ/CPL, for me at least. However, I feel reluctant to treat the PLC as an outdoorsy type of bag.

[@PackingLess]

I wish Evergoods made lighterweight versions of their bags. Even this 20L one is over 1kg (2.2lbs) and all their other ones are heavier still.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching Dean and definitely a good point! I was surprised the bag was that weight considering it’s size

[@MrJed_s]

Agreed, I would have thought the 420D from the mountain line to be a no-brainer for a smaller bag like this. Not sure how much difference it would make though, may still be over a kilo.

[@shiveringisles3509]

@@MrJed_s 1680D is just slightly heavier than the later 840d versions of PLC20, their CPL16 and CTB20 are over 1kg too because of the more complex structure and organization built in. Only the MPL22 came close to being lightest of all at 850g with 420d. I wish to see something lightweight and smaller than 20L from them too, one that forgoes the laptop compartment for edc, that would help keep weight and size down a lot, at most a sleeve for a hydration bladder would do.

[@The_Distance_111]

Nice, honest review. I ordered one as well. My first Evergoods purchase (I have talked myself out of the CPL and CHZ bags several times). The quick access pocket is smaller than an anticipated (reminds me of the TAD Axiom 24 pocket). Also the shoulder straps and overall fit doesn’t work well for me. It does have a nice streamlined look and quality materials. I really like the color and feel of the interior fabric they use.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and definitely some great points! The fit and the quick access pocket weren’t quite what I was hoping for, if you liked this the CPL and CHZ may be worth checking out, I feel like they are both a little bit better and are just really solid all purpose bags!

[@ddot9182]

Thanks for the review. When you had the back did you experience the straps slipping without the sternum strap? Thats only thing from keeping me from buying the bag

[@jonmnelson]

Interesting take. It seems you liked the bag except for the internal laptop sleeve, the lack of an external water bottle pocket, and maybe the size? I just received mine and am debating whether to keep it, mostly because I have too many bags already, but the laptop sleeve doesn’t bother me, and I can carry a water bottle inside, as I do with my GR1 and Rucker. I find the bag small but reasonably spacious for my needs. I’m thinking of this as a personal item on a plane to carry my cameras and then serve as a day bag at my destination. I’m not sure I love the straps, but otherwise it seems pretty nice. I appreciate your honest review and thoughts.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for the feedback on the video! I agree it’s a pretty solid bag overall, good build quality and some nice ideas, I think compared to both the cpl and chz I was underwhelmed (like you said: no water bottle pockets, laptop sleeve issues, and the size were my main concerns. The capacity can hold enough it just felt tight to wear it and I also was sad the straps don’t have the contouring on the shoulders that their other bags do). I agree tho that there are workarounds for those issues and they may not bother some people and it that case the bag may still be a good option to consider if you’re looking for something simple

[@jonmnelson]

@@dannypacks This is my first Evergoods bag so I don’t know what their other straps feel like. I can’t decide if I like these ones or not. Otherwise I do like it overall. Might have to give the CHZ 22 a try.

[@noctilucent7396]

I also have a gr1 and looking for something that doesn't make my back sweat and looks a little less military. Did you decide on keeping it just got mine and I'm comparing the goruck and plc20. Goruck imo has superior build quality overall but eveegoods has more comfort.. hmm

[@ES-yc1tp]

was waiting for your video. i like you did some recommendations in the end.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video and recommendations were helpful!:)

[@gamma8gear]

I watched the video a few times and im still left wondering what you didn't like about it'? Maybe the size but you have mentioned your love for other smaller bags you have reviewed. So what are the reasons you returned it? I do think the cpl24 looks great and I have a similar frame to yours.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! I think there’s a few different things that affected my experience with the bag. First, as you mentioned, the size felt a little small for me, there are other 20l bags that I enjoy using and it was able to hold a decent amount but something about the harness just didn’t quite fit as comfortably as I would have liked. Speaking of the harness, I wasn’t crazy about the changes as I am a big fan of the normal evergoods harness with the contouring on the shoulders. I didn’t like the laptop sleeve implementation, in general I prefer to have a separate compartment for easier access when the main compartment is full. The organization also felt off compared to the chz and the CPL (the top quick access felt really tight and the large front compartment was an interesting idea, but I still prefer the admin type organization that was added to the v2 of the CPL). And I also wasn’t crazy about the shape the bag could take if it wasn’t packed out completely. And probably the biggest issue I had (and maybe it’s unfair because I’m comparing too much with the CPL and CHZ) is that it felt like the bag combines many of the aspects I don’t like about the previous bags together. I wish the CPL had water bottle pockets or that the CHZ had a separate laptop compartment and this bag went in the opposite direction (clamshell style bag with laptop sleeve in the main compartment and no water bottle pockets). Overall I’m a big evergoods fan and I don’t think the bag is bad, just not for me

[@emrahzeren9235]

Hi Danny, will you make a video about Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 16L?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! Im definitely interested in trying it out, will have to see if I can get my hands on one!

[@emrahzeren9235]

@@dannypacks thanks a lot

[@Jimbo397]

I hope they make a smaller version of the ctb 35

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I agree! Seems like a great direction for the CPL to move towards!

[@visito.r]

Thanks for the great video! What size and material is the Ghost Whale pouch you showed?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! That is the small size in ballistic nylon for the ghost whale pouch :)

[@mtlreiner]

General layout is also similar to Mystery Ranch Prizefighter.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and that’s a good point! I had t thought about it that way but there is a lot of similarity

[@dandiaz19934]

Making a small 20L bag fully clamshell and making it so it stands up on its own just looks like it makes it really cramped. This bag feels like an experimental in-between. I say all this as a big fan of the companys bags and a CPL28L owner.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I agree the bag definitely felt a little cramped, interesting ideas but still much prefer both the CPL and CHZ bags

[@rev.dennisp.sepulveda5965]

Would you compare this bag to the CPL16, just released?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and great question! I haven’t had a chance to try out the CPl16 but in general it seems like a better version of this one due to the additional organization?

[@rev.dennisp.sepulveda5965]

@@dannypacks when I saw the laptop pocket, you comment from the PLC20 review video echoed in my mind. Now I'm wondering if I shell out the $$$ for the CPL16. The laptop compartment and the smaller volume are a plus for me. (The smaller volume keeps me from over packing for EDC.

[@kodessa]

after being pampered by the water bottle pockets on the CHZ22 -- I cannot go back.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I agree! Really would have loved to see a panel loading bag with those water bottle pockets

[@Dane._]

@@dannypacks ggggggggggggg

[@alexandretestoni]

Hi Danny, I want to buy a CHZ 22, water bottle pockets is a deal beak to me. Do you think the new version is coming soon? People say the CHZ exterior material is a dust magnet, is much more than a regular black backpack? I don’t have pets, but the dirt looking bother me.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! Unfortunately I haven’t heard if they will be releasing a new chz soon:( the bag does attract a fair bit of hair (I have a dog with white hair so i have to clean it fairly often, but mostly on the bottom) although that will be the case with many 500d nylon bags. If you like the layout of the bag, a few alternatives that might be worth checking out are the Patagonia black hole pack 25L and the Trobadour pioneer pack, both which do a good job of staying clean

[@_krakra_]

If you have to keep one for your use case scenarios or personal opinion: this or tb paragon?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! I prefer the size and the aesthetic of the paragon, but I prefer the back panel and laptop protection on this one, hope that helps a bit :)

[@erichanson5628]

Thanks Danny!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching!:)

[@Andorski]

Didn't know you rode a Onewheel! Float on. 🤙

[@dannypacks]

I love it!! So much fun!:)

[@714SNF]

thx again for the great review

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful!:)

[@davidjoseph4459]

I felt disappointed looking at this bag. I am glad I watched your video. It pointed out a lot of shortcomings I completely agree with. Evergoods needs to replace their CPL28. They eliminated it. Disappointed. I want mid sized bags that I can use for minimal travel or everyday carry. Wrong direction from Evergoods. Thanks for the honest review.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for the feedback on the video! I’m glad it was helpful and I agree the CPL28 should be brought back, it would be awesome if they update it with some of the features that the CTB35 has!

[@Andorski]

I'm hoping they make a 25L and 30L bag. When they had the CPL and CHZ lines their bags were 22 (CHZ), 24 (CPL), 26 (CHZ), and 28 (CPL) liters. Now the CTB and PLC cover 35 and 20 liters. If they get rid of the CHZ and CPL lines then they can make a 25L and 30L bag, making their main line of bags cover a good spread of sizes going from 20, 25, 30, to 35 liters.

[@jgsk78]

Add laptop zip and one water bottle pocket and you can reach so much wider audience...

[@Smurfed]

No side water bottle pockets is a no go for me. It’s such a great utility for easy access to obviously a water bottle, umbrella, tripod, light jacket.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I agree those would have been great to see, I don’t know why that’s becoming such a rare feature on modern bags

[@zerofivetwelve]

I think PLC20 is better looking on your back. Maybe it just me. 😊

[@n2boston]

Would’ve been perfect if they had just put water bottle pockets on this. They easily could’ve

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I agree water bottle pockets would have been a nice addition!

[@dgyoungs]

Hell no. Would just ruin the streamlined look

[@KarlHeindel]

Really? You buy the bag, test it for two weeks, make a video review an KZbin and then send it back? This is definitely not ok in my opinion.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! I definitely understand and appreciate your opinion, I wanted to share a bit more about my process and clarify my perspective with this video specifically. In general I keep the majority of the bags I review which is a mixture of review units provided by companies and bags I purchase myself (my house and garage are definitely a crazy mess of bags). For the bags I purchase I test them over a few weeks and take them outdoors so I don’t return them, but I do resell some of them (typically at a small loss, but I can recover enough to fund future purchases) or I give them away to friends / family / coworkers / goodwill. For the PLC, I knew as soon as I loaded it with a few items that the bag wasn’t going to be a good fit which is why I left the tags on and didn’t take it through my normal testing process or outdoors or anything like that so I could return the bag in a resellable condition and get some money back to put towards other bags that will hopefully be released in the future (crossing my fingers for a CHZ with that new back panel and laptop section). I hoped showing my load out and sharing my thoughts on how it compared to other evergoods bags I’ve used might still be valuable to anyone considering a purchase. Hope that helps clarify a bit and thank you again for watching!