Evergoods CHZ22 (Civic Half Zip) V2 Review - Is it Worth It?

[@matthewhendricks396]

For me, these bags have finally hit near perfect with the new material. Their designs are so thoughtful but I had a personal issue with the sheer amount of dust, hair, and dirt the old material picks up. Evergoods has killed it in their relatively short existence with their designs, transparency with customers and improvements with the new versions.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m definitely a fan of the new material as well, was impressed how clean it stayed compared to the original!

[@mikerathmell6271]

Thanks Danny nice review. I have the first version of this bag and love it. I don't think the flaws you mention will stop existing owners updating. I recognise your job is to critique but most will not mind the trade off of a bigger top pocket for phone and sunglasses with a little restriction in being able to access their laptop when bag is completely full. I doubt most people will carry the bag as full as you most of the time unless they are on a significant journey. This bag is also great if you are carrying a camera as you don't have to worry about the bag opening completely up on you. You know your camera will not just fall out like it would with a clamshell.

[@mikerathmell6271]

PS I do like your idea of a separate laptop compartment though. Maybe Evergoods could do a pro version of this bag. 🙂

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and glad to hear the first version has been working out well for you! Overall I still think it’s a really solid bag and agree there’s some benefits to having the top loader

[@jddunn1780]

Thanks for the thorough review, as always. I’ve been researching bags for a few weeks and am looking for a bag that I can use alone for short (3-5 days) trips or as a companion to a roller carry on. I had no idea of all the brands and options! I’ve been a Timbuk2 fan for many years and use the Alcatraz pack as my daily. I finally decided to get the CHZ26. The reduced weight was a major factor; the CHZ22 weighs 12-16 oz less than similar packs with extra zippers and laptop compartments. I do not plan to travel with a laptop often, if ever. I also like that I can squish it under the seat when not fully loaded. I am worried about the possibility of it digging into my back. I will be sure to test this immediately and then return if I have this problem.

[@CE-si8up]

Great review as always. Good callout on the laptop, as the real test is always when the bag is packed. Might be a hassle at airports.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and that’s a good point on the laptop being particularly tricky while traveling!

[@zooner7256]

Great review. I’ve had this bag for a couple of months now and when I’ve used it, it’s been extremely comfortable. I haven’t taken it out on a hike yet, but may get to do so later this week.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the bag has been working well for you so far!

[@zooner7256]

@S.R what sort of use case are you talking about?

[@zooner7256]

@S.R the new fabric is very different from the old version. I’ve worn mine outside a few times and slightly rainy, windy conditions and cleaned up easily.

[@zooner7256]

@S.R it’s a great pack. I actually have 21 in slate one black. I think I’m gonna sell the black one.

[@mtlreiner]

This looks similar to the Fjallraven Ulvo 23 Zip. My one nit with that bag is I wish it had a small top drop-in pouch. I find those more useful than the bigger pouch on the front. After packing out, that front pouch is really only useful for flat stuff, IMO, so I usually just stuff receipts in there.

[@seechangenyc280]

Nice review! Love the aesthetic, as usual. Well-built, good features. I don't know if it was intentional or I got a bag from a bad batch but the straps were longer and I ran out of cord, which meant I couldn't raise the bag high enough and also meant the reinforced bottom's hard edge digs into my back...I, too, prefer the CPL24 (though I miss the CHZ22 external water bottle pockets). I like a separate laptop compartment and the bag's front external pocket. Strangely, the CPL24 seems shorter and a better fit for my short frame (it also digs into my back but I just got a new frame sheet with a stay to see if it fixes the problem. I wish I could remove the CHZ frame sheet (can't) so I could try a similar solution. (I wonder why it's not removable?) Personally, I didn't notice much difference in comfort with the new back panel (though I love their excitement about it). The one thing I did notice is the bottom is stiffer...It's hard when you fall hard for an aesthetic and do everything possible to make a bag fit...My TB Synapse19/Synik22 are my daily drivers and they work really well, no adjustments, or fussing necessary. But I keep longing for EG....Looking forward to your review of their CTB26. Cheers.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and that’s sad to hear many are running into the issue of the bag digging into the lower back. I’ve been lucky with evergoods bags so far and definitely understand that feeling of loving the look of a bag and it not being quite what you’re hoping for. Glad to hear the synik is working well, really love that line of bags such an awesome pocket layout and quality!

[@AMFisher2]

Bellroy just dropped a new Venture, and the pouch/pocket on the lid has the zipper in the middle, as you suggest here!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and that’s awesome to hear! I took a quick look at the site and it looks great, definitely hoping to test it out!:)

[@ev6377]

thanks danny! would you be able to review the new mpl22 too?😊

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! That one’s definitely on my list to review this year!

[@juancmoravergara]

How is this bag for a weekend travel ? Or as a personal item + a carry on? Awesome review!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! Works pretty well for weekend travel as it can hold a surprising amount. The size also works for carry on travel, the only thing I wouldn’t be crazy about for that is that it would likely be tough to get the laptop in and out quickly while going through security and there’s no luggage passthrough

[@normang663]

I love evergoods much more than able carry. Same built quality but more intuitive and lighter. However, i can only commenet about this specific model, I am 5’8”, this bag wdig into your lower back uncomfortably, I tried to tighten the straps, it only sits just right after I really tighten it and then became uncomfortable to put on and off. CHZ22 better for taller people But again, can pack a ton for a a22l, great side pockets and just nice bag iverall

[@pleindejaune2]

Can you look at the Fjallraven Skule 28? I would like to know what your option is of the bag.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for the suggestion! I’ll have to see if I can get one to test out, from looking at it it looks like a solid alternative to something like the north face Borealis or Patagonia Refugio

[@zul7724]

Is it possible to fit a liter and a half bottle of water in the side compartment?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! I believe evergoods has said the max it can hold up to is 1 liter, even that might feel a little tight in the compartment imo

[@stevengarcia8428]

Does the new fabric hold its shape better than the previous? The previous was a little floppy for the ChZ

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! I do think the new version holds its shape a little better but it’s still not a super rigid bag overall

[@j_crust4582]

I wish this bag has bottom gear straps and side compression straps

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! Would definitely be curious to see evergoods take on a bag with more compression options

[@reythegooner]

Hi, is the chest strap removeable ?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and yes you should be able to remove the sternum strap

[@Ken-rw8os]

Is there a good option to carry rock climbing shoes outside of the bag? I prefer to not carry those inside the bag due to the smell coming off them.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! For this bag you could clip the bag to the attachment loops near the handle with a carabiner

[@n2boston]

Interesting you compared it to city pack vs city pack pro. If you had to chose between CHZ and City Pack Pro, which would you go with?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! To me the city pack pro is a little more similar to the CPL24 as they both have a clamshell opening and are a similar size whereas the city pack is a top loading back like this one. Between the cpl, chz and the city pack pro I would go with the city pack pro as I like the harness a bit better, it has a better laptop compartment and the fact that it has a luggage passthrough is a nice bonus

[@HarimaKenji22]

This is the v3 right?

[@mikerathmell6271]

Pretty sure the latest version which is here is V2. What Danny was suggesting was some further improvements for the next iteration of the bag ....... V3.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! This is the V2 of the CHZ (evergoods does have a v3 of the CPL24 however)

[@alanlamm5904]

Exactly what model is that Anker charger, Danny?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! The anker items I have in this video are the nano II 735 charger and the 622 MagGo foldable wireless portable charger and I’ve included links to both in the description below if you want to check them out :)

[@alanlamm5904]

@@dannypacks Thank you, Danny!!!

[@nitinkalariya]

I am sold if they had a seperate laptop compartment as travelling in airport is a big problem

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I agree, would be an awesome addition to have a separate laptop sleeve to make it easier to access

[@PanaMaJwaaRd]

Does this stand up straight? Does anyone know? If it doesnt, it LITERALLY defeats whole purpose of working out of it, half zipped.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! It can stand up straight but I have found it to be inconsistent unfortunately and it feels like the half zip doesn’t come low enough to help the bag stand up in the same way their cap2 pouch does which would have been nice

[@pmw5485]

the way top pocket eats in the main compartment and preventing taking out of anything in that back sleeve and I suppose some small items actually in the main compartment too is a fail design to me. Cant believe evergoods team will think this is acceptable

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and this is definitely the biggest issue I have with the bag, hope they can come up with a creative solution in a future version

[@fakeplastic31]

Its very easy to grab the top handle and slightly bend the bag and frame backwards to allow anything in the slip pocket to slide out straight.

[@MattViral]

As fakeplastic31 mentioned, it’s really not hard. I daily carry two 14” laptops so the sleeve is really stuffed right and it’s not difficult at all for me to get a laptop out. Just bend back the top of the back with one hand, and pull the laptop out with the other, it takes almost no pressure to pull back and it becomes basically wide open. Great review as always Danny!!

[@ghas4151]

Would’ve been perfect if they designed the top quick access pocket like they did on the CPL. It’s in an outside section, that connects the back panel to the top of the straps. This would then make access to the laptop compartment a lot easier.

[@Two_Names]

Ah, didn't call out one of the bigger issues folks have with it: the duckbill. The large top lid pouch and it's dedicated volume naturally create a crease below the fold point of the half zip, causing the top pouch to jut out a little bit and creating a sort of pinch point in the main pouch, especially if the bag isn't fully packed out. Due to the style of the yoke pouch, a Whitley style top laptop access isn't really possible, which sucks. It would need something like am Arktype Jetpack 22L's style of laptop access. I'd love to see a CHZ with a Jetpack or even Bellroy Transit Workpack style exterior admin pocket below the 'hinge' point of the outside lid (could style for a basic splash pouch too), a reduced top lid pouch to reduce the bag's tendency to fold in on itself, and a Jetpack style laptop storage and access. It's such a good bag but misses in a few areas that make it a more contentious bag when it could otherwise be a home run.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and good point on the duck bill! Definitely had that issue with the v1 and still notice it here as well and with other bags that this type of layout (Patagonia black hole in particular stands out). Thank you for the suggestion on the jet pack as well, I haven’t had a chance to check it out but seems like a pretty cool bag!

[@DoddGodfery-m4p]

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[@LiCamano-u5z]

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[@DorisPerkins-u9f]

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[@UlyssesSean]

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[@MacMillanRenee-c8p]

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[@PhoKingU2Nite]

Great review. $200 bag and can't even get a strap loop for the harness :(

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I agree it would have been nice for those to be included!