Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2021
I love bags. All kinds. I have too many, but I always want more. UNFORTUNATELY, this pack has kind of spoiled me for the rest of time. Because it's perfect. I got this through Amazon's Vine program, on a whim, cause it was a cool looking pack. I've had it for almost half a year now, and have used it multiple times, desperately trying to find something I don't like about it. But I just end up finding something else I DO like...
So, first I'll say this isn't the bag to take into the wilderness. You certainly COULD, but it's not designed for that and there are better suited "outdoor packs" (waterproofing, sleeping bag straps, etc.) for the outdoors. If you're someone who wants to take all their clothes and the kitchen sink on a 5 day vacation, then you're beyond the scope of a single bag. Other than that, this is the bag you want. I'm going to deep-dive into the bag below but the "tl:dr" version is, "Yes. You should get this bag."
This is the 30 liter version of the Osprey Porter, which is roomy enough for up to a 5 day trip. If I pack only clothes and toiletries I have plenty of space. If you want to include your laptop/tablet and some business goods, then maybe 3-4 days, depending on the clothing. This is such a versatile bag, you can tailor it however you want.
First off, there's the outer shell. The back and the two side walls are a semi-rigid, padded, water-resistant fabric covered shell. They call it "StraightJacket Protection." When empty the bag collapses down to just a few inches thick. The side walls open up, one side with two straps ending in side-release buckles. The other side has two locations for the other side of the buckle. The first are at the base of the other wall (for full-collapse or a half-full pack). These are sewn into a little pocket so the buckle isn't flapping around when not in use. The other two are at the end of the other wall for when the pack is full (or when you want to add another pack. More on that later...). These walls help keep the pack compact and protect your contents from the rigors of travel. I first thought these were a gimmick, but after tossing this pack around I don't know why more bags don't have these. The walls and the straps hold ALL the storage areas in a loving, secure embrace. There's nothing to snag or accidentally open and it would be very difficult for someone to access your belongings because they'd have to open the outer shell before even being able to unzip one of the pouches.
The smallest pouch, on the outermost part of the bag, is side-zipped. I like that they made this pouch expandable. The outer corners are stitched so the bag will expand outward as you fill this pouch. That way it doesn't take away from the next storage areas. This is a good place for quick access items OR for socks/underclothes/towels and smaller items of that sort.
The next pouch doesn't have a lot of open space, but it makes up for that with organization. This central pouch has two zips with easy-to-use finger-loop pulls. It zips about half way down on each side, but the storage space runs the length of the bag. There is a mesh open pouch for quick access items. I like to put my portable charger there. It fits perfectly and is easy to access on the go. There are two more open pouches, one pen sized (guess what I put there) and another a good size for a wallet or passport or some other item around that size. Above that is a zippered pouch for small-er, flat-er items. I like putting my charging cables and plug-in charging adapters in here, along with other smaller items like gum and a small first aid kit, etc. The main area of this section is big enough to fit a couple of 13" laptops, just to give you an idea. I like putting some wipies, my toiletries, medicines and other non-clothing goods here. Leaving the zips at the top gives you easy access when the bag is down, and I can place the zips to one side to have them protected from the side-walls while traveling.
The interior compartment, and main compartment is the largest and meant for the bulk of your stuff. There are larger zips, which can be locked, and they zip down the entire length of the bag. The interior is a large, open space with one side having a zipped pouch and the other side having a mesh zipped pouch. These two are great for underclothes or ties, belts, etc. The main area is where all my clothes go. I can easily pack 4 full outfits in this space. Not a full suit, mind you, but I only really use this for vacations/personal trips. The top area has a pouch which is accessed from the outside in another single zipper at the top of the bag. This is optional, but can help with organization.
The inner material is a nylon-style material which has a pattern of their logo subtly added. All the zips, zippers, pulls, seams, stitching are perfect. Straight, high-quality, no live edges or fray spots. Meticulously crafted.
Once you load up the bag and strap in the "StraightJacket," you have options. There is a large handle at the top of the bag, which is stitched seamlessly, fabric-covered and padded so it's comfortable to hold. The left side has another handle of this sort, smaller but equally as comfortable. This is typically how i prefer to carry this pack. At the top, by the seam of the large top handle and the bottom by the seam there are a few slits that have a stitched loop for attaching an optional (and sold separately) shoulder sling. I've never really needed it but it's nice to have the option. Finally, you can pull out the straps from the concealed side and top and wear this like a backpack. There is a zippered opening that hides the shoulder straps and a few slits at the bottom for the waist strap. It converts back and forth quickly, even when the bag is full, which is good. The straps aren't an afterthought either. They're fully padded and formed to fit. There is a chest strap which is adjustable up or down on these slides AND the buckle also has a whistle integrated into it. Amazing. The waist strap is padded as well on the sides where the straps connect. It wraps around and connects with a larger buckle. Everything is easily adjustable with pulls and the high quality straps slide easily but hold strong. If you don't want to use the straps they store away and don't bulge or leave anything dangling around. Again, meticulous attention to detail here. All the stitching is perfect. Everything is reinforced that needs to be. The seams and slits are all stitched clean so it all looks like one piece when put away.
To the side of the back area is a lockable, corner zip storage area with padding on both sides. This is intended to store a laptop or tablet. It's probably one out of two or three "laptop sleeves" that I would feel comfortable actually putting my laptop in. Plenty of support on all sides, and it's lockable. Again, it would fit a 13" laptop or smaller.
Finally, there is one more detail I'd like to mention. You can actually attach a smaller pack to this pack inside the "StraightJacket" straps to carry them all at once. I got a small Daylite sling, but you can use one of the fuller-sized Daylight packs if you want. There are 4 reinforced cord loops on the corners of the front of the pack to attach. I use two with the sling, which secures it just fine. This is great because I can have my "hotel room" stuff in the Porter (clothes, toiletries, electronics, etc.) and have the sling hold my "going out" stuff (phone, camera, first aid pouch, hat, sunscreen, tickets, etc.). That way I can secure my main bag and just detatch the stuff I need to take with me. A great idea I've used a few times already. (I bought the Daylight sling specifically to do this.)
Amazing. The details in the fabric. The subtle logo pattern on the inside. The perfectly stitched seams and numerous little pockets and slits for all the carry options. This whole bag screams quality and it's extremely functional and adaptable for just about any way you want to travel. You can pack for a weekend or a full week. You can attach a portable sling for destination carry. You can carry it like a brieface, suitcase or backpack. It's simply perfect. I probably will still end up getting other packs, but honestly this is the one I reach for every time. 10/10. Highly recommended. Why haven't you clicked buy already?
