Evergoods CPL 24 and CTB 20/26
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some advice from people who have experience with the Evergoods CPL24 and the CTB20 / CTB26.
I’m searching for an everyday carry backpack mainly for work and daily commuting. My typical carry includes:
* iPad and sometimes 16”inch mb pro
* glasses
* cables and tech accessories
* power bank
* AirPods
* lunch box
* 1L water bottle inside Citadel
* other small everyday essentials
Right now I’m using a Black Ember Citadel 25L (2019 version). Capacity-wise, it’s actually been pretty good for me overall. Most of the time I still have a bit of extra room, but every now and then I do end up using the full capacity. After about 7 years of daily use it’s getting pretty worn out, so I’m thinking about replacing it with an Evergoods bag.
I could also see myself using the new bag for short work trips of a few days, although I always travel with a carry-on suitcase as well. Right now, my Citadel can work as my only bag if I’m away for just one night.
I’m also unsure whether I’d want to use it as a travel backpack for personal trips and vacations. For those trips, I currently use a Shimoda Explorer 30L because I often carry camera gear, including a Leica SL2 mirrorless and 2–3 lenses. The Shimoda works really well for longer trips and carrying everything together, but sometimes it also feels a bit too large.
Part of me is wondering if a slightly smaller backpack could cover more situations — maybe something where I could occasionally carry the camera setup without the laptop, just the mirrorless and an extra lens or two. I’m not sure if the Evergoods bags would work well for that kind of mixed use.
What I’m mainly trying to figure out is:
* Which one works best as a work/EDC bag?
* Is the CTB26 too large for everyday use?
* Does the CTB20 get tight once loaded with tech + lunch?
* How does the CPL24 compare in real daily use versus the CTB line?
* Which one transitions better between EDC and occasional travel?
* Would any of them realistically work for light camera carry as well?
I’d really appreciate any feedback from people who’ve used these bags long term.
Thanks!