ULA Dragonfly 36L. My Favorite Travel Bag Got Bigger And Better!

[@modembuddy]

I must have been watching your first Dragonfly video when you uploaded this one answering my question on the comparison between the two. Again, great stuff!

[@UnPackD]

I was excited to see the new size and features! And as someone with an older version, I had a lot of questions about the new bigger bag. Glad I was able to review and test this one, 6 liters is a big difference and you really don’t know that until you have the bag in hand and load it up. Thanks for stopping by and checking out my videos!

[@eanotsport]

Best video I've seen on this bag, and I've done so much research on it. Although, I ultimately went with a different bag, your video showed me everything that no one else showed which goes to show just how informative you present. Thank you and keep going, you got yourself a subscriber friend!

[@UnPackD]

@@eanotsport thank you so much for the kind words, I’m still working on being comfortable in front of the camera but I appreciate the encouragement very much. 🙏🏽

[@t1dan_]

Interested in this vs the Mini MLC 30L. This 36L seems a lot more comparable in size to the Mini MLC than the 30L Dragonfly.

[@UnPackD]

@@t1dan_ Onebagtravels has a good comparison video. It’s the 30L in the video but the 36L DF is essentially the same just taller and a half inch deeper. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4Dalqp7haZsocksi=xqxpuPq1SgtVVr_b

[@Pezable]

I loved this review so much! I love how you stated some extra details that other reviews did not. I have a couple questions though, what size was your Hero Clip that you packed inside the very top outside pocket in this video? Also, the big front stretchy outside pocket that's underneath the para cord, what type of material is the inside liner made of for both walls? Is it water resistant? Thank you!

[@UnPackD]

@@Pezable Hi! Thanks for the kind words. I carry a medium hero clip for backpacks (as shown here). I found it’s the perfect size for backpacks because the large is comically to big. I do use a small when carrying a larger sling like a 5L but really don’t use it often tbh. On the newer Dragonfly ultra bags, there is ultra material behind the front stretch pocket. I know it older models (like my 30L) they used a less water resistant nylon backing. I think after several complaints, the newer bags have ultra as a backing which significantly increases the water resistance.

[@Pezable]

@UnPackD Thank you for the response! You're sealing the deal for me to get this backpack. (: Another question: Are all the exterior zippers AquaGuard? Are all the exteriors YKK? And another random question: Did you ever use the Sea to Summit Lightweight dry bag to clean clothes in (no window)? I can't decide between getting an 8L one or the 13L one for cleaning my clothes in. I'm going to pack moderate-light for my clothes and was wondering what your experience was using dry bags for cleaning clothes and which sizes of the dry bags worked best for you (if you did that before). Thank you again. (:

[@UnPackD]

@@Pezable ULA does use YKK zippers on their bags. On the Ultra Dragonfly’s they are YKK Aquaguard zippers. Back when I bought mine, only the Ultra Versions had Aquaguards. I’m not sure if that’s changed but they did list them on the product page before. I don’t really use dry bags for laundry. I either just go to a nearby laundromat or like my most recent trip through South America, I made sure my accommodations had a washer and dryer when booking and planning my trip. I take washing soap sheets so I don’t have to pack extra liquids. Onebagtravels has 2 videos about washing clothes while traveling, I’ll link those below. Hopefully those could provide you some insight. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5ymcoqhhbx-n7ssi=HU-1TnaE36NwJMNT kzbin.info/www/bejne/jobHZZZoppqjmLc

[@barondavis5692]

Check out the LiteAF multiday pack. It’s more of a backpack but could be used as a travel bag.

[@UnPackD]

@@barondavis5692 I googled that bag, definitely not my style of bag but I could see it being a travel beast

[@HH-ur5gd]

Love the personal item sizer addition! Would be cool to see a carry on sizer too! Hope all your review videos include it. Great channel man!

[@UnPackD]

Thanks for watching! I’m thinking about remaking the box in plexiglass because this wood one is heavy, I might a carry on size one while I’m at. Appreciate the feedback 🙏🏽

[@kimberlyc4948]

I love this detailed review, and I appreciate the realistic pack-out. Thank you!!

[@UnPackD]

Thank you! I'm glad people are finding the load outs useful.

[@AA-17-]

I have both bags and with the 36l I feel ULA pushed beyond the limits of the shoulder straps that work well on 30l.

[@UnPackD]

@@AA-17- good point, I feel like anything past 20lbs exceeds the straps capability on both sizes. I STILL haven’t tried the hip belt to see if that changes my opinion. Have you tried the hip belt?

[@AA-17-]

@@UnPackD not in a real world test. I always want the option for a hip belt but I don't reach for them often. I suspect ULA will look to upgrade the straps on both sizes over time.

[@UnPackD]

@@AA-17- hopefully, I’m adding load lifters to the wish list.

[@JJfreshOfficial]

Nice review! Just ordered one!

[@UnPackD]

Congrats! I think you’ll enjoy it. I’m still surprised how lightweight it is whenever I grab it for a trip. Using heavier bags for EDC really makes the difference noticeable.

[@CrazyCranker]

Excellent review and a well earned new sub. Only additional thing I would like to see added to the review is, a two block neighborhood comfort test walk-around with your loadout.

[@UnPackD]

@@CrazyCranker hi! I have EXTENSIVE experience with particular bag and maybe I failed to mention the comfort. Overall it’s very comfortable but I’d say limited to about 20lbs. Anything over that it starts to become uncomfortable. I believe ULA says 25lbs is the limit, even on this bigger one. I put everything through a few weeks of testing before making a video, pretty much why I’m limited to one video a week. I definitely appreciate the feedback, especially since I’m learning this whole KZbin thing. Thanks for the sub and welcome! 🙏🏽

[@paachi]

Good video John. You say you dont have editing, filing or presenting skills. But what you have is a good understanding of real life usecases and how people use their products. Not kidding when I say this, I get exactly the information I am looking for in your videos. Comprehensive without a ton of BS thrown in. Continue doing the good work. And oh please lose the back ground music. :)

[@UnPackD]

Thank you for saying that, I’m learning everything from google and KZbin tutorials for the backend stuff that I forget about what I actually bring to the table. The background music is definitely getting the axe, I initially added to add some filler because the room I record in has a bit of an echo. Probably look for something else and keep it to just the intro and outro. Appreciate the feedback, exactly the kind of things I need to help me make better videos.

[@dennisvun8863]

Well done. Very good review and comparison. Keep it up.

[@UnPackD]

Thank you!🙏🏽

[@danielcorry4136]

Great review! Love my 30L. And this looks just as good, just with more capacity.

[@UnPackD]

Yes with some good updates!

[@BiggDeli]

I always appreciate your loadouts including a pair of shoes-not many reviewers (not for this bag specifically, but in general) account for their onebag to have a second pair of shoes, so it's awesome to see you include that. Great review, as always! EDIT: Any plans to review the new Cotopaxi Allpa bags?

[@UnPackD]

Cotopaxi is supposed to come out with some new/updated bags very soon I think this week or next, I’ll keep an eye out! And the PD shoe pouch is pretty awesome, I was worried my size 12’s wouldn’t fit but they did. Appreciate the recommendation on that, good looking out.

[@BiggDeli]

@@UnPackD Got you! And the updated 28s, 35s, and 42s are live on their site! They have a new 20L variant, too.

[@LeeceTorrez]

Thanks John, and great review!

[@UnPackD]

Thank you!

[@bryanfunk4151]

I’m here. Thanks. I’m glad I didn’t get the larger version. Way too big for my frame and intended purpose.

[@UnPackD]

Yeah it’s kinda crazy how much 6L added to the overall size.

[@bSJwkC]

Can you start adding a comfort component to your reviews, major thing I want to know is, is this thing comfortable fully loaded for varying distance walks. I heard the 30L digs into your shoulders after a while, how about this one?

[@UnPackD]

Hi! I include a comfort component in my latest videos, I’m new to KZbin and I’m learning as I go lol. I can confirm, if you’re carrying more than 20lbs there will be an element of dig into the shoulders. ULA says max load is 25lbs for the bag. One thing i haven’t tried is using a hip belt. I imagine the hip belt will reduce the shoulder load but I haven’t tested it just yet. I also believe both the 30 and the 36 could really benefit with the addition of load lifters in the future. Thanks for the feedback.

[@bSJwkC]

@@UnPackD Thanks for the info and you're doing great for being so new to KZbin!

[@ZUCChinishrIMP]

Surprised it didn't fit into the sizer, I can squish my 30L Dragonfly into a

[@UnPackD]

If you under pack and wrestle it a little I’m sure you can squeeze it in there but this pack is 20.5” tall and the sizer box is 18” so if you pack it like I had, that’s a no go. Also depending on the gate agent, if you have to wrestle it in they may not let it pass. The 30L will fit (I have a KZbin short coming to show that) but I think that’s about as big as you can go.

[@arlencarlson]

@@UnPackDYes, when I saw another reviewer compare this against a smaller GoRuck GR1, I realized, that this sizer test is too extreme for my decision making process. I am sure underpacked this bag would work as a personal item for a great majority of people. Most backpacks I use for personal items probably would never survive the sizer test either, and I am quite fine.

[@UnPackD]

@@arlencarlson yeah lots of variables at play, like airline, gate agent and what country your flying. This is more of and FYI and gauge for yourself kinda test. You’re absolutely right though, I’ve used bags that didn’t fit in this sizer as a “personal item” many times. Especially here in the US.

[@JDKCABARET]

Do you think it would fit in the personal item sizer if it was slightly under packed?

[@UnPackD]

@@JDKCABARET yeah I think so but the frame sheet it taller so you would have kind have squish that in there to. The 6 extra liters is pretty noticeable and most of the volume coming from the added length

[@Ali4451_]

Well done. Great review

[@UnPackD]

@@Ali4451_ thanks for stopping by and watching!

[@Uncle_Red]

Could you squeeze it into the personal item box?

[@UnPackD]

@@Uncle_Red if you under pack, yes but will still take some effort as the frame sheet is 2in bigger than the box. But yes technically you can

[@Uncle_Red]

@UnPackD , thanks!

[@UnPackD]

@ anytime!

[@dawnmcelligott1334]

Great video! I like the minimalist vibe. To channel our inner NN - dangle? how is the dangle on the straps?

[@UnPackD]

Hi Dawn! No strap keepers in sight, I had to make my own for my 30L. The dangle on the compression strap was driving me crazy for a aesthetics standpoint

[@dawnmcelligott1334]

@@UnPackD Aaron would be proud that you made your own! 😆

[@julesbarcelonarules]

Atlas had load lifters, I think? I do wonder on a bag of this size whether it's necessary. I'm partial to lifters to dial in the fit though. Just so it doesn't feel like it's pulling me backwards. You managed to fit quite a bit in the bag! I'll have to go back to the Buddy 30 to compare the load out as I think the 36L Dragonfly is about 30L in the main compartment (listed as 26L on the site). Good review! Keep it up 👏

[@UnPackD]

The Atlas did have load lifters! I completely forgot to mention load lifters on things I would like to see on the next update. I wish my 30L had them too because the pack does want to pull away from my back.

[@julesbarcelonarules]

@UnPackD maybe v3 in a few years haha. Or eventually they might open custom orders again for the Dragonfly. I really feel like 30L and above should have load lifters if it's intended for travel or outdoor activities.

[@UnPackD]

I reached out to them long ago about adding load lifters and of course got shot down lol

[@julesbarcelonarules]

@@UnPackD so have I 😂🙅🏻‍♀️

[@newagain9964]

I can accept no luggage pass thru, but no load lifters..on a 36L bag is a fail. To bad. I would have bought it today.

[@jonuiuc]

Good job my man.

[@UnPackD]

Thank you! Glad you were able to check the video out!

[@zclaus9642]

comment for new creators

[@UnPackD]

@@zclaus9642 🫡

[@aramyth]

I want the Dragonfly but the straps are just a bit weird for women. 😢

[@UnPackD]

@@aramyth hmmm the S- curved straps are supposed to be woman friendly according to the ULA strap guide video but I can’t speak on that

[@askabl]

Hey John, just a quick thought: I am a bag enthusiast, and always wanted to do my own reviews. Any chance you can use a partner to help out? I can write scripts and shoot b-roll - also I can bring my bag collection to the table, which is about 20 high-quality bags. The thing is, we're physically separated- I live in Germany. In any case, I just. wanted to offer my help - it would be cool to do this with a pal, not just on my own. I am asking for nothing money-wise. I just wanna express my bag-enthusiasm. So what do you think? (by the way: just ordered my own Bannoch Pro, they restocked yesterday ... ;-)

[@UnPackD]

Hi! Congrats on scoring a BP! Still my favorite release so far this year. I’m still trying to get my bearings around YT but shoot me a email so we can chat! Unpackdwithjohn@gmail

[@PanaMaJwaaRd]

Hope not sold out by next week

[@ZUCChinishrIMP]

They don't sell out immediately anymore.

[@UnPackD]

Still in stock at the moment and they’ve been ramping up production to meet demand! A lot easier to get one nowadays.