u/TheBagdadReport

I am excited to be testing out the new lineup from Matador. I was kind of iffy about it at first, but after getting the bags in hand, I am all on board with the new launch!

First of all, RIP Globerider 35 kangaroo pocket😩😞😢
That was my all time favorite feature on a pack! But, the new global travel bag does look better in my opinion, and it has really cool features. Comfortable as f#ck!
I will be testing and doing deep dive reviews into these products.

I will say this too; the new juniper colorway is amazing! The photos do not do it justice!

I have a 15% off code in the link below. Go get you a discount!

Matador - https://get.aspr.app/SH1yOa

Please share your thoughts and opinions. I’d love to hear what you guys think!

What are your thoughts on the Citta and CTB? How do you think they compare? Do you prefer one over the other?
I’d love to hear your thoughts.

If you want to get a close up look at the Fyro Citta and the Evergoods CTB20 for comparisons, I made a video to see some side by sides.

https://youtu.be/vjUwMbWyoco?is=I3IhNQTcBiBf0Wmz

I have detailed reviews on the Fyro Citta and the CTB if you want an in depth look at each one.

Fyro Citta
https://www.reddit.com/r/ManyBaggers/s/TvUl4Ljp1v

CTB
https://www.reddit.com/r/ManyBaggers/s/yN3jZ0CJU2

Fyro website
http://fyro.co/CHAD

Follow me on Instagram: @bagdadreport

Subscribe on YouTube: thebagdadreport

Today, I’m discussing the ULA Cicada. I’ve tested this bag over the past couple of months, using it as an everyday carry, a dad bag, a two-night travel bag, and most recently, a day hiking pack. It works better in some situations than others, but it definitely stands out. My only regret is waiting so long to try it. I am going to discuss my likes and dislikes and hopefully give you enough information to decide if the Cicada is for you. The link to my video review is listed below. I appreciate a like and a subscribe:)
 
ULA is a company out of Logan, Utah. All products are designed and manufactured right there in Utah. The owner, Peter Longobardi, is about as nice as they come. He personally answers customer service questions and talks directly with the customers. For me, customer service is a big deal and ULA has you covered. If you are looking for a company that listens to and interacts with their customers, look no further. I bought a 400TX ultra Cicada Muse and a 0426 Bespoke Cicada in the epx 400 ecopak. I could not be happier.
 
Specs and Features
Let’s dive into the specs of the ULA Cicada. The 400tx ultra version comes in at a stunning 28.2 oz. That is light folks! The measurements are as follows:
18” x 11” x 5”. The volume of the Cicada is 22L. The main compartment is 20L with the front pocket being 1L and the bottle pockets being .5L each. This pack comes in a few different fabrics; X50, 400TX, and my Bespoke 0426 is epx 400 ecopak.

I will go ahead and list the features from the website so you can see what all is packed into this bad boy.
Luggage Pass-through Sleeve
Carry-On Compliant
Exterior Accessible Padded Laptop Sleeve w/ False Bottom
FOUR Quick-access Exterior Pockets: 2 Small + 1 Large + Hidden Passport Pocket
2 Interior Static Mesh Zippered Pockets
Exterior UltraStretch™ Mesh Side Pockets
Backpanel UltraStretch™ Mesh Sleeve
Pen Holder
Padded Haul Loop
Breathable Mesh Back Panel
ULA Signature S-Straps
Removable + Adjustable Sternum Strap
1″ Fixed Hipbelt Attachment Loops (Hipbelt Sold Separately.)
Standard YKK Zippers
 
The main compartment of the bag is pretty simple. The inside is wide open with one ultrastretch tablet pocket and two internal ultrastretch bottle pockets. I will point out, if you are using the external bottle pocket, you will not be able to use the internal pocket as they share space. On the inside of the front panel, there are two pockets. The top being the smaller of the two but uses an ultrastretch material. This pocket also has a gusset allowing for its own volume. The bottom mesh pocket is for thinner items but also has a small gusset for “some” volume. There is also a pen slot on the top of the panel, which is a nice touch. The #8 zippers are so buttery smooth! I also like that the zippers are not aqua guard. I like the satisfying smooth zip for this pack.
 
Front Compartment
The front compartment on the Cicada is really cool! If the bag is facing you, there is one long vertical pocket on the right side and two smaller vertical pockets on the left side. Fo me, I consider all three of these pockets as quick access pockets (qap.) The right pocket is one large dump pocket. There is no internal organization. On the left side, the top pocket is the larger of the two. The bottom pocket is great for storing small gear. When I use this pack as my edc, I usually have my mouse in the bottom pocket and my over the ear Bose quiet comfort head phones in the top pocket. The zippers look like #5 to me, but it is hard to tell with my poor little eyes.
 
Top of Pack
On the top of the pack, you have the traditional wide ULA handle. It is cross and bar tacked so it will never come off. There is foam padding to make it comfortable to carry. They have placed it in the center of the bag making for a proportioned look. There is also a top loading zipper for the laptop compartment. Now the top of the laptop compartment is open, but it does have the feel of a completely dedicated laptop compartment. I believe it is designed to fit a 15” laptop. There is a false bottom so you can feel your tech is secure. These are also some nice #8 zippers with the paracord pulls.
 
Back Panel and Harness
The back panel is an ultrastretch mesh sleeve. I find this panel to be extremely comfortable. Not only that, is breathable too. Damn near every backpack is going to be hot if you wear it long enough, but this one is better than most. Because the panel is a sleeve, it doubles as a luggage pass through. This is an important feature for me. I do rather a vertical stand, but the fact that it has one is good enough for me. There is also a hidden passport pocket which is a cool added feature. The harness is ULA’s signature “S” straps, which are EXTREMELY comfortable. There is a magnetic sternum strap that is removable. There are also some daisy chain webbing on the straps for extra latch points. I do not want to understate the comfort of this pack. It is a main stay in the Bagdad top 5 most comfortable bags.
 
Dad Bag Loadout
This bag is unique as it can be used in several different environments. I don’t want to use the dreaded most overused word “endgame bag,” but it conquers a lot! As a dad of a 9- and 10-year-old, my dad bag consists of a day at the ballpark, gym, or cheer competition. For my loadout to the ballpark, I have my two yeti 26oz bottles, one for beer and one for water. I have a portable ryobi battery operated fan, first aid kit, snacks, a glove, extra shirt, towel, and my essentials. I live in south Louisiana, it’s f’ing hot! All of this fits comfortably in the Cicada. Again, with this harness system, all this gear does not put any strain on my back. As far as dads with younger children and babies, this is the ultimate diaper bag. You can be that dad walking around with the nest looking diaper bag on the planet. Screw spending an extra $150+ on a diaper bag when your Cicada can do the job and you don’t look like a douchebag. The front compartments have space for your diapers, wipes, burp towels, etc. The inside pockets have compartments for extra clothes and toys. The internal bottle pockets make for perfect baby bottle storage. There are many ways you can configure this pack to work for your needs.
 
Who is this pack for
The Cicada is the ultimate edc bag. It looks professional with a sleek design. It has exceptional padding for tech protection with compartments to store your daily carry items. Next, you have light travel. This bag can easily carry two packing cubes plus your essentials for a long weekend trip. It also is a perfect personal item on a plane. I have used mine on several trips. It fits under the seat perfectly. The Cicada is also a great light hiking bag. I recently took it on a day hike and it was phenomenal. The light weight and breathability are gamechangers on the trail. Lastly, a dad bag. I just went into detail of how incredible this works as a dad bag. So, who is this for? I’d say everyone. It fits so many needs. Whether you use them all or not, the Cicada’s versatility allows you to get 2-3 bags in one!
 
Cheers
The weight! For the size, this is about as good of a ratio you can get.
The comfort! Saying this bag is comfortable is an understatement. Let’s just call it a top 5 comfortable bag on the market and call it a day.
Materials. With ULA, you are getting premium materials that are hand sewn right here in the USA.
 
Jeers
No dangle stoppers. I mean, what are we doing here? It is 2026 and the backpack community is bigger than ever. We want dangle stoppers. This needs to be standard on every bag ever made. Lol. Now there are other companies, cough cough Evergoods, Go Ruck that don’t have them either, so ULA isn’t the only one, but come on Pete, let’s stop the dangle buddy!!
Magnetic sternum straps are not my favorite. I don’t like how they connect to each other when the bag is not being worn. Ugh! However, there is a fix for this. The Cicada has webbing on the straps, so you can tuck the sternum strap into the webbing to stow it and keep it from connecting.
Lastly, keeping these bags clean can be a challenge. The technical fabrics are great for weather protection and abrasion resistance, but they do mark up pretty easily and take a little elbow grease to clean. The ecopak and ultra are the ones I am mainly speaking to because I own them. The X50 is probably a little easier to clean but can also be subjectable to lint.

Conclusion
This bag is Bagdad approved! There are some bags that are fun to use, then there are bags that are FUN to use… This pack checks just about every box I can think of for my use cases. There are a few things that I would like to change, but no bag out there is perfect. ULA is a company with great people that listens to the community. There is just something about “when you contact a company and the owner responds” that makes you feel important and loved. ULA knocked this guy out of the park, and I look forward to testing more of their gear! As always, thanks for reading! Please follow me on Instagram and youtube as it helps me keep this shindig going😊 Links are provided below.
 
Full Disclosure: I am not in any way paid for my review or opinions from ULA. I purchased these bags myself with a small welcome discount. The information in my review is solely my opinions. No ai robots were used or harmed for this review😉
Carry on!

YouTube video review: ULA Cicada

Follow me on instagram: @bagdadreport
Subscribe on YouTube: @thebagdadreport

The Switchblade is badass. It just works for me. I call it the “Dragon Slayer” because it is the bag that made me sell my Mystery Ranch Dragons. Same size and silhouette, just more functional AND half the price.

I’d love to hear what you guys think of this pack! No wrong answers here 😎

My son wanted to hop on a video with me to chime in. Posted below. Let him know how he did😉

Check out my son joining me on YouTube 🤙

https://youtu.be/P6hWbPm\_q44?is=xDkBXqaP\_cfu4JN6

For the best price:
https://eberlestock.com/THEBAGDADREPORT
10% off Code: THEBAGDADREPORT

Instagram: @bagdadreport

My full Reddit review

https://www.reddit.com/r/ManyBaggers/s/Pcz2s5aoLA

I was able to custom make these guys and they came out even more incredible than I ever could have imagined. I’m keeping the one with the black webbing and selling the all orange pack. Shoot me a message if you are interested. I will be doing a full review soon!

Follow me on Instagram: @bagdadreport

Subscribe on YouTube: thebagdadreport

What up guys? I just got in the new WPT (Weather Proof Travel) bags. The shoulder tote is 20L and the duffle is 35L.

Right now, I am using the shoulder tote for all of my camera and video equipment. It fits pretty damn good and it’s actually more comfortable than using a larger backpack.

The duffle will of course be used for travel, but my son recently started catching in baseball so I put all the catching gear in there last night and it fits with plenty of room to spare.

What I really love about Black Ember is the Embertex material. If you ready or watch any of my stuff, you know I love this stuff. I posted a quick video and I will be reviewing both of these guys after I get a chance to use the sh!t out of them. Let me know your thoughts on Black Ember as a brand and products you like or dislike. Thanks for reading as always. Carry on!

https://youtu.be/FUQu8s5s7Io?is=kJiBIDfU\_6Hdbu2h

Follow me on Instagram: @bagdadreport

Subscribe on YouTube: thebagdadreport

There are tons of water bottle pockets out there. Which ones do you like? Which ones do you not like?

I included some photos of some of the most popular backpacks out there. Which ones do you like? Which ones drive you crazy? What are some others that kick @ss?

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Photo line up from left to right: Black Ember Citadel H2, CTactical CT21+, Fyro Citta 25L, ULA Cicada Bespoke, Evergoods CTB26, Mystery Ranch Front 2.0, and Aer CPP2. (Not pictured: any Go Ruck bag ever!) 😜

Follow me on Instagram: @bagdadreport

Subscribe on YouTube: thebagdadreport

I had a lot of requests to compare the new Citta to the CPP2. I made a short video with the two side by side. The link is below. I threw it together quick, and I hope this helps! Thanks guys!

https://youtu.be/0rkuAMbTyrU?is=5qsT4g1\_3vLo7654

The Citta Backpack is Live! http://fyro.co/CHAD

This is my most anticipated review yet. Today, we are looking at the Fyro Citta backpack. The Citta backpack is made by a company called Fyro. Fyro is a young company started by Aaron Radcliffe from Nomads Nation. If you haven’t seen his reviews, do yourself a favor and subscribe to his YouTube channel. He is one of the best reviewers out there! He is a true visionary in our community. After the successful launch of the Tenax 22, Fyro followed up with the Citta slings line and the Levo travel backpack. I have separate reviews on the Levo and the Citta slings. Please check it out when you get a chance. Citta means “city” in Italian. In American, it means “badass backpack”.  Aaron set out to try to make the “Endgame” backpack while emphasizing comfort and premium materials. And yes, he did just that.
Full disclosure, these bags were sent to me to test out for several months to provide thorough honest feedback. I am not paid for my reviews in any way. The links I provide do help my review platform and channel. If you enjoy my reviews or find them helpful, I ask you please to use my link😊
 
About the Citta:
Let’s talk about the specifics of this bag. First of all, it comes in two sizes, 18L and 25L. They are exactly the same bag and layout. Size is the only difference. The 18L comes in two colors, Iron (black) and Sage (light green) and is made of 330D Polycarbonate Kodra Nylon. The 25L comes in black VX42 X-Pac only. It is GORGEOUS! The bags feature #8 & #5 YKK reverse coil zippers (best in the world), and the hardware is from Woojin, which is one of the best in the game. The 18L comes in at 2.3 lbs and the 25L slightly more at 2.5 lbs. Let’s get real, any bag 2.5 lbs or under is light, especially when you know how much this pack brings to the table. The interior is made of 100D Honeycomb Ripstop in a beautiful copper/clay color that pops well. Okay Chad, how much does it cost?
The 18L in polycarbonate Kodra nylon goes for $229 and the 25L in VX-42 X-Pac is listed for $299.
I will discuss what you get for these prices. I usually will fuss a little at bag companies for their pricing, but in this case, these packs are so damn worth it!
 
Features:
On to the features. Again, when I discuss the features, it refers to both sizes as they have the exact same layout. Before we get into the compartments, this is the best standing backpack I have seen in a while. Empty or full, it stands like a champ! Such an awesome feature! Its stands better than the Aer CPP2, the ULA Cicada, the Evergoods CTB, and many more. The only bag that rivals it to me is the CT21+ and that is a custom-made bag, so it doesn’t count. Lol. This is something I never used to care about, but now it is one of the most important factors for me. If I am paying for a premium bag, I do not want to be laying it face down on the concrete or dirt! No way bro! Just think about it, dads, if the bag does not stand up, your beer could spill! I bet that got your attention.😊
 
Front Compartment:
The front of the bag has a nice clean look similar to the Levo. It’s not busy. It just looks “premium.” The front admin compartment is a half zip and has two #8 zippers. Once flipped open, the back side of the front panel has a zippered stretchy mesh pocket. On the back side is the admin panel. There are two zippered pockets and one slip pocket. The first zipper pocket goes along the whole back panel and is about wrist deep. There is also another small stretchy mesh pocket along with a soft stretchy elastic slip pocket. The depth of this compartment goes all the way down to the bottom of the bag. This offers so many possibilities. It’s like having a kangaroo pocket but enclosed in a premium way. Fyro also offers a detachable key leash that you can clip in different compartments.
 
Main Compartment:
On to the main compartment. This is a full clamshell opening with two #8 RC YKK zippers. On the inside of the front panel are two zippered pockets. The top pocket is made of the super soft stretchy mesh material. The bottom pocket is made of the 100D honeycomb material (same as interior lining.) On the inside, there is one premium stretch fabric to store your tablet. There is also a slot to hold a pen. Other than that, this is a pretty simple compartment. That is by design. These days, most people have tech pouches to keep their gear organized and this compartment gives you free reign to pack your gear the way you want.
 
Top/Sides/QAP:
Before we get to the back panel and comfort, let’s talk about the top and sides, and most importantly, the quick access pockets. Top quick access pocket on 25L is 9’ wide and 4.5’ deep. It has a velvet microfiber lining which makes it ideal for your sunglasses or phone. This is one of the larger top qap’s I have seen. It is perfect! Looking at the bag from the front, on the right side is a vertically zipped quick access pocket. The opening on this pocket on the 25L is 9”! There is a ton of room here for smaller flatter items such as a wallet or phone. Right next to this pocket is another quick access pocket that lays flat behind the back panel. This is strictly for things like passports or wallets. Its flat but has an opening of 8”. On the other side of the bag is a super-premium water bottle pocket. It’s the same beautiful durable stretch material used on the tablet sleeve. This will hold most water bottles. There is also a Hypalon latch point right above the water bottle pocket for securing your gear. This bag has so many cool features. I think they thought of everything.
 
Tech Compartment:
The tech compartment is across the top of the bag. This is one of the best tech compartments you will ever find. It has double bonded Lycra padding on both sides making for a completely protected laptop. There is a false bottom suspending your laptop to where it will never bang the ground. There is a good inch of clearance here. The best idea ever, there is a zippered pocket inside perfect for your charger or mouse. It is connected to the padding creating this padded shelf like space. I honestly just throw my mouse there and when I open the compartment to get my computer out, my mouse is right there on top. Genius!!! There is one handle on the top of this bag. It is attached to the back panel making it easy for carrying as well as hanging the bag. It is nicely padded with a faux leather type covering that feels really nice and looks sophisticated.
 
Back Panel/Straps/Comfort:
As if this pack isn’t badass enough, the comfort of the back panel and straps takes this bag to a level no one else has ever been to. The S-curve wireframe ensures the bag contours to your body and carries lighter than its weight suggests. The straps have neo-Lycra shoulder lining with marshmallow-soft padding. There is a removable sternum strap with a magnetic connection. The back panel has double-bonded Lycra cushioning that is absolutely incredible. This is like having a cloud on your back! This is a bold statement to make because I typically don’t like to speak in absolutes, but this is the most comfortable backpack in the world! There is a new “S” tier and there is only one on it, the Fyro Citta. This is a miracle from the backpack gods! Yeah, yeah, Aer and Able Carry are comfortable as heck, but a new bar has been set and its f’ing HIGH. In dad terms: game, set, match; check mate; ballgame; goooaaalll! LFG!!! You get the picture😉
Lastly, there is a luggage pass though that is horizontal across the back panel which makes for a vertical stand. Well done Fyro!
 
Dad Bag Info:
Now my favorite part. Can this be used as a dad bag? You bet you’re a$$ it can! Not only does it do it well, it will make your other dad bag its b!tch! lmao. Now my kids are 9 and 10, so they are a little more grown. My dad bag loadout usually consists of two 26oz yeti ramblers (for beer), a personal ryobi fan with battery, a small first aid kit in a Evergoods cap1, umbrella, and a small towel. Plus, my personal items such as wallet, phone, and sunglasses. Now that is a ballpark loadout that works perfectly for me and the Citta 25 handles this like a champ.
For dads with younger kids, this pack also kicks a$$ as a baby/diaper bag. Yes, I do test it for that. Ha. In the main compartment you have pockets for wipes and diapers. There is plenty of room to have your bottle setup in here. This will only take up half the space, so you have plenty of room for some of your own personal items as well. You can use the laptop compartment as a spot to keep a folding changing pad. The front compartment has so much room, you can easily have your baby blanket or a few toys. Bottom line, it just works. This bag is the ultimate EDC. It is a great 2–3-day travel bag. And it is a phenomenal dad bag. So, when they say endgame pack, this truly is because it conquers 3 needs with one premium bag!
One thing I think would be a cool feature, now this is the Bagdad coming out in me, is to have a kangaroo pocket on the front. It totally does not go with the flow of this bag, but maybe it’s an option for a future collab……. Aaron, are you listening??? The “Fyro Dad Bag!” What?!?!?! lol.
 
The Fit:
I have tested both sizes of the Citta backpack. For me personally, I find the 18L to be too small for me and actually looks kind of silly on my back. For reference, I am 5’9” & 210lbs. My wife, who is 5’5”ish and under 150lbs loves the 18L! My 10-year-old son has officially claimed the 18L pack though. It fits him perfectly. A little big, but he fills it quick. iPad, baseball gloves, baseball cards, nee doh’s, basketball jerseys, our cavapoo Joey Burrow, you name it. lol
The 25L is my jam! It is the perfect fit for me. What I love most is that even though the bag is 25L, it does not feel like a 25L bag. It does not feel big on your back at all. If you could imagine what a cloud would feel like on your back, this is it. Now Aaron did a volume test on both packs, and they hold what they say they do. So whatever size your body is, one of these will work for you.
 
Cons:
The Endgame backpack is as close to perfect as they get, but there are a few things I didn’t like. First, the zipper tracks are right next to each other. It is difficult to know which compartment you are opening. Now, I understand it’s like this for a reason. In order to get this many features and compartments, the zippers cannot go anywhere else. After I do my review on YouTube, I will be changing a zipper pull or two, so I know which compartment I am opening. The sternum strap. Ugh, magnets suck as sternum strap connectors. They always connect when I’m not wearing the bag. A lot of people like them, me I’m not a fan, but they do look more premium than a traditional clasp. Next is the dangle stoppers. If you know Aaron, he WILL have dangle stoppers! But these are a plastic sliding piece. I find them to ride up very easily because the webbing is that super silky slick seatbelt material. I prefer a good piece of nylon with a tight fit to prevent sliding. I know… First world problems, right?!?! LFG! lmao
 
 
Conclusion:
After reviewing close to one hundred bags, the Citta backpack is the most recommendable bag I have ever come across. As God as my witness, the comfort of this pack pushes the laws of physics. If you value comfort, invest in the Citta. The word “Endgame” gets tossed around a lot, but here is where it actually applies. EDC, light travel, and dad bag, you have THREE fully functional uses. Not many packs can pull off being great at two things, much less three!
I am happy to answer any questions or help you in any way to decide if this is for you. If you would like to make a purchase, please use my link below. Thank you for reading! I’d love to hear some feedback.
Carry on Bagdads!
 
Fyro Website: http://fyro.co/CHAD
Follow me on Instagram: @bagdadreport
Subscribe on YouTube: thebagdadreport

The Citta Backpack is Live! http://fyro.co/CHAD

This is my most anticipated review yet. Today, we are looking at the Fyro Citta backpack. The Citta backpack is made by a company called Fyro. Fyro is a young company started by Aaron Radcliffe from Nomads Nation. If you haven’t seen his reviews, do yourself a favor and subscribe to his YouTube channel. He is one of the best reviewers out there! He is a true visionary in our community. After the successful launch of the Tenax 22, Fyro followed up with the Citta slings line and the Levo travel backpack. I have separate reviews on the Levo and the Citta slings. Please check it out when you get a chance. Citta means “city” in Italian. In American, it means “badass backpack”.  Aaron set out to try to make the “Endgame” backpack while emphasizing comfort and premium materials. And yes, he did just that.
Full disclosure, these bags were sent to me to test out for several months to provide thorough honest feedback. I am not paid for my reviews in any way. The links I provide do help my review platform and channel. If you enjoy my reviews or find them helpful, I ask you please to use my link😊
 
About the Citta:
Let’s talk about the specifics of this bag. First of all, it comes in two sizes, 18L and 25L. They are exactly the same bag and layout. Size is the only difference. The 18L comes in two colors, Iron (black) and Sage (light green) and is made of 330D Polycarbonate Kodra Nylon. The 25L comes in black VX42 X-Pac only. It is GORGEOUS! The bags feature #8 & #5 YKK reverse coil zippers (best in the world), and the hardware is from Woojin, which is one of the best in the game. The 18L comes in at 2.3 lbs and the 25L slightly more at 2.5 lbs. Let’s get real, any bag 2.5 lbs or under is light, especially when you know how much this pack brings to the table. The interior is made of 100D Honeycomb Ripstop in a beautiful copper/clay color that pops well. Okay Chad, how much does it cost?
The 18L in polycarbonate Kodra nylon goes for $229 and the 25L in VX-42 X-Pac is listed for $299.
I will discuss what you get for these prices. I usually will fuss a little at bag companies for their pricing, but in this case, these packs are so damn worth it!
 
Features:
On to the features. Again, when I discuss the features, it refers to both sizes as they have the exact same layout. Before we get into the compartments, this is the best standing backpack I have seen in a while. Empty or full, it stands like a champ! Such an awesome feature! Its stands better than the Aer CPP2, the ULA Cicada, the Evergoods CTB, and many more. The only bag that rivals it to me is the CT21+ and that is a custom-made bag, so it doesn’t count. Lol. This is something I never used to care about, but now it is one of the most important factors for me. If I am paying for a premium bag, I do not want to be laying it face down on the concrete or dirt! No way bro! Just think about it, dads, if the bag does not stand up, your beer could spill! I bet that got your attention.😊
 
Front Compartment:
The front of the bag has a nice clean look similar to the Levo. It’s not busy. It just looks “premium.” The front admin compartment is a half zip and has two #8 zippers. Once flipped open, the back side of the front panel has a zippered stretchy mesh pocket. On the back side is the admin panel. There are two zippered pockets and one slip pocket. The first zipper pocket goes along the whole back panel and is about wrist deep. There is also another small stretchy mesh pocket along with a soft stretchy elastic slip pocket. The depth of this compartment goes all the way down to the bottom of the bag. This offers so many possibilities. It’s like having a kangaroo pocket but enclosed in a premium way. Fyro also offers a detachable key leash that you can clip in different compartments.
 
Main Compartment:
On to the main compartment. This is a full clamshell opening with two #8 RC YKK zippers. On the inside of the front panel are two zippered pockets. The top pocket is made of the super soft stretchy mesh material. The bottom pocket is made of the 100D honeycomb material (same as interior lining.) On the inside, there is one premium stretch fabric to store your tablet. There is also a slot to hold a pen. Other than that, this is a pretty simple compartment. That is by design. These days, most people have tech pouches to keep their gear organized and this compartment gives you free reign to pack your gear the way you want.
 
Top/Sides/QAP:
Before we get to the back panel and comfort, let’s talk about the top and sides, and most importantly, the quick access pockets. Top quick access pocket on 25L is 9’ wide and 4.5’ deep. It has a velvet microfiber lining which makes it ideal for your sunglasses or phone. This is one of the larger top qap’s I have seen. It is perfect! Looking at the bag from the front, on the right side is a vertically zipped quick access pocket. The opening on this pocket on the 25L is 9”! There is a ton of room here for smaller flatter items such as a wallet or phone. Right next to this pocket is another quick access pocket that lays flat behind the back panel. This is strictly for things like passports or wallets. Its flat but has an opening of 8”. On the other side of the bag is a super-premium water bottle pocket. It’s the same beautiful durable stretch material used on the tablet sleeve. This will hold most water bottles. There is also a Hypalon latch point right above the water bottle pocket for securing your gear. This bag has so many cool features. I think they thought of everything.
 
Tech Compartment:
The tech compartment is across the top of the bag. This is one of the best tech compartments you will ever find. It has double bonded Lycra padding on both sides making for a completely protected laptop. There is a false bottom suspending your laptop to where it will never bang the ground. There is a good inch of clearance here. The best idea ever, there is a zippered pocket inside perfect for your charger or mouse. It is connected to the padding creating this padded shelf like space. I honestly just throw my mouse there and when I open the compartment to get my computer out, my mouse is right there on top. Genius!!! There is one handle on the top of this bag. It is attached to the back panel making it easy for carrying as well as hanging the bag. It is nicely padded with a faux leather type covering that feels really nice and looks sophisticated.
 
Back Panel/Straps/Comfort:
As if this pack isn’t badass enough, the comfort of the back panel and straps takes this bag to a level no one else has ever been to. The S-curve wireframe ensures the bag contours to your body and carries lighter than its weight suggests. The straps have neo-Lycra shoulder lining with marshmallow-soft padding. There is a removable sternum strap with a magnetic connection. The back panel has double-bonded Lycra cushioning that is absolutely incredible. This is like having a cloud on your back! This is a bold statement to make because I typically don’t like to speak in absolutes, but this is the most comfortable backpack in the world! There is a new “S” tier and there is only one on it, the Fyro Citta. This is a miracle from the backpack gods! Yeah, yeah, Aer and Able Carry are comfortable as heck, but a new bar has been set and its f’ing HIGH. In dad terms: game, set, match; check mate; ballgame; goooaaalll! LFG!!! You get the picture😉
Lastly, there is a luggage pass though that is horizontal across the back panel which makes for a vertical stand. Well done Fyro!
 
Dad Bag Info:
Now my favorite part. Can this be used as a dad bag? You bet you’re a$$ it can! Not only does it do it well, it will make your other dad bag its b!tch! lmao. Now my kids are 9 and 10, so they are a little more grown. My dad bag loadout usually consists of two 26oz yeti ramblers (for beer), a personal ryobi fan with battery, a small first aid kit in a Evergoods cap1, umbrella, and a small towel. Plus, my personal items such as wallet, phone, and sunglasses. Now that is a ballpark loadout that works perfectly for me and the Citta 25 handles this like a champ.
For dads with younger kids, this pack also kicks a$$ as a baby/diaper bag. Yes, I do test it for that. Ha. In the main compartment you have pockets for wipes and diapers. There is plenty of room to have your bottle setup in here. This will only take up half the space, so you have plenty of room for some of your own personal items as well. You can use the laptop compartment as a spot to keep a folding changing pad. The front compartment has so much room, you can easily have your baby blanket or a few toys. Bottom line, it just works. This bag is the ultimate EDC. It is a great 2–3-day travel bag. And it is a phenomenal dad bag. So, when they say endgame pack, this truly is because it conquers 3 needs with one premium bag!
One thing I think would be a cool feature, now this is the Bagdad coming out in me, is to have a kangaroo pocket on the front. It totally does not go with the flow of this bag, but maybe it’s an option for a future collab……. Aaron, are you listening??? The “Fyro Dad Bag!” What?!?!?! lol.
 
The Fit:
I have tested both sizes of the Citta backpack. For me personally, I find the 18L to be too small for me and actually looks kind of silly on my back. For reference, I am 5’9” & 210lbs. My wife, who is 5’5”ish and under 150lbs loves the 18L! My 10-year-old son has officially claimed the 18L pack though. It fits him perfectly. A little big, but he fills it quick. iPad, baseball gloves, baseball cards, nee doh’s, basketball jerseys, our cavapoo Joey Burrow, you name it. lol
The 25L is my jam! It is the perfect fit for me. What I love most is that even though the bag is 25L, it does not feel like a 25L bag. It does not feel big on your back at all. If you could imagine what a cloud would feel like on your back, this is it. Now Aaron did a volume test on both packs, and they hold what they say they do. So whatever size your body is, one of these will work for you.
 
Cons:
The Endgame backpack is as close to perfect as they get, but there are a few things I didn’t like. First, the zipper tracks are right next to each other. It is difficult to know which compartment you are opening. Now, I understand it’s like this for a reason. In order to get this many features and compartments, the zippers cannot go anywhere else. After I do my review on YouTube, I will be changing a zipper pull or two, so I know which compartment I am opening. The sternum strap. Ugh, magnets suck as sternum strap connectors. They always connect when I’m not wearing the bag. A lot of people like them, me I’m not a fan, but they do look more premium than a traditional clasp. Next is the dangle stoppers. If you know Aaron, he WILL have dangle stoppers! But these are a plastic sliding piece. I find them to ride up very easily because the webbing is that super silky slick seatbelt material. I prefer a good piece of nylon with a tight fit to prevent sliding. I know… First world problems, right?!?! LFG! lmao
 
 
Conclusion:
After reviewing close to one hundred bags, the Citta backpack is the most recommendable bag I have ever come across. As God as my witness, the comfort of this pack pushes the laws of physics. If you value comfort, invest in the Citta. The word “Endgame” gets tossed around a lot, but here is where it actually applies. EDC, light travel, and dad bag, you have THREE fully functional uses. Not many packs can pull off being great at two things, much less three!
I am happy to answer any questions or help you in any way to decide if this is for you. If you would like to make a purchase, please use my link below. Thank you for reading! I’d love to hear some feedback.
Carry on Bagdads!
 
Fyro Website: http://fyro.co/CHAD
Follow me on Instagram: @bagdadreport
Subscribe on YouTube: thebagdadreport

https://youtu.be/2x7W7PXdS\_w?feature=shared

The Citta Backpack is Live! http://fyro.co/CHAD

This is my most anticipated review yet. Today, we are looking at the Fyro Citta backpack. The Citta backpack is made by a company called Fyro. Fyro is a young company started by Aaron Radcliffe from Nomads Nation. If you haven’t seen his reviews, do yourself a favor and subscribe to his YouTube channel. He is one of the best reviewers out there! He is a true visionary in our community. After the successful launch of the Tenax 22, Fyro followed up with the Citta slings line and the Levo travel backpack. I have separate reviews on the Levo and the Citta slings. Please check it out when you get a chance. Citta means “city” in Italian. In American, it means “badass backpack”.  Aaron set out to try to make the “Endgame” backpack while emphasizing comfort and premium materials. And yes, he did just that.
Full disclosure, these bags were sent to me to test out for several months to provide thorough honest feedback. I am not paid for my reviews in any way. The links I provide do help my review platform and channel. If you enjoy my reviews or find them helpful, I ask you please to use my link😊
 
About the Citta:
Let’s talk about the specifics of this bag. First of all, it comes in two sizes, 18L and 25L. They are exactly the same bag and layout. Size is the only difference. The 18L comes in two colors, Iron (black) and Sage (light green) and is made of 330D Polycarbonate Kodra Nylon. The 25L comes in black VX42 X-Pac only. It is GORGEOUS! The bags feature #8 & #5 YKK reverse coil zippers (best in the world), and the hardware is from Woojin, which is one of the best in the game. The 18L comes in at 2.3 lbs and the 25L slightly more at 2.5 lbs. Let’s get real, any bag 2.5 lbs or under is light, especially when you know how much this pack brings to the table. The interior is made of 100D Honeycomb Ripstop in a beautiful copper/clay color that pops well. Okay Chad, how much does it cost?
The 18L in polycarbonate Kodra nylon goes for $229 and the 25L in VX-42 X-Pac is listed for $299.
I will discuss what you get for these prices. I usually will fuss a little at bag companies for their pricing, but in this case, these packs are so damn worth it!
 
Features:
On to the features. Again, when I discuss the features, it refers to both sizes as they have the exact same layout. Before we get into the compartments, this is the best standing backpack I have seen in a while. Empty or full, it stands like a champ! Such an awesome feature! Its stands better than the Aer CPP2, the ULA Cicada, the Evergoods CTB, and many more. The only bag that rivals it to me is the CT21+ and that is a custom-made bag, so it doesn’t count. Lol. This is something I never used to care about, but now it is one of the most important factors for me. If I am paying for a premium bag, I do not want to be laying it face down on the concrete or dirt! No way bro! Just think about it, dads, if the bag does not stand up, your beer could spill! I bet that got your attention.😊
 
Front Compartment:
The front of the bag has a nice clean look similar to the Levo. It’s not busy. It just looks “premium.” The front admin compartment is a half zip and has two #8 zippers. Once flipped open, the back side of the front panel has a zippered stretchy mesh pocket. On the back side is the admin panel. There are two zippered pockets and one slip pocket. The first zipper pocket goes along the whole back panel and is about wrist deep. There is also another small stretchy mesh pocket along with a soft stretchy elastic slip pocket. The depth of this compartment goes all the way down to the bottom of the bag. This offers so many possibilities. It’s like having a kangaroo pocket but enclosed in a premium way. Fyro also offers a detachable key leash that you can clip in different compartments.
 
Main Compartment:
On to the main compartment. This is a full clamshell opening with two #8 RC YKK zippers. On the inside of the front panel are two zippered pockets. The top pocket is made of the super soft stretchy mesh material. The bottom pocket is made of the 100D honeycomb material (same as interior lining.) On the inside, there is one premium stretch fabric to store your tablet. There is also a slot to hold a pen. Other than that, this is a pretty simple compartment. That is by design. These days, most people have tech pouches to keep their gear organized and this compartment gives you free reign to pack your gear the way you want.
 
Top/Sides/QAP:
Before we get to the back panel and comfort, let’s talk about the top and sides, and most importantly, the quick access pockets. Top quick access pocket on 25L is 9’ wide and 4.5’ deep. It has a velvet microfiber lining which makes it ideal for your sunglasses or phone. This is one of the larger top qap’s I have seen. It is perfect! Looking at the bag from the front, on the right side is a vertically zipped quick access pocket. The opening on this pocket on the 25L is 9”! There is a ton of room here for smaller flatter items such as a wallet or phone. Right next to this pocket is another quick access pocket that lays flat behind the back panel. This is strictly for things like passports or wallets. Its flat but has an opening of 8”. On the other side of the bag is a super-premium water bottle pocket. It’s the same beautiful durable stretch material used on the tablet sleeve. This will hold most water bottles. There is also a Hypalon latch point right above the water bottle pocket for securing your gear. This bag has so many cool features. I think they thought of everything.
 
Tech Compartment:
The tech compartment is across the top of the bag. This is one of the best tech compartments you will ever find. It has double bonded Lycra padding on both sides making for a completely protected laptop. There is a false bottom suspending your laptop to where it will never bang the ground. There is a good inch of clearance here. The best idea ever, there is a zippered pocket inside perfect for your charger or mouse. It is connected to the padding creating this padded shelf like space. I honestly just throw my mouse there and when I open the compartment to get my computer out, my mouse is right there on top. Genius!!! There is one handle on the top of this bag. It is attached to the back panel making it easy for carrying as well as hanging the bag. It is nicely padded with a faux leather type covering that feels really nice and looks sophisticated.
 
Back Panel/Straps/Comfort:
As if this pack isn’t badass enough, the comfort of the back panel and straps takes this bag to a level no one else has ever been to. The S-curve wireframe ensures the bag contours to your body and carries lighter than its weight suggests. The straps have neo-Lycra shoulder lining with marshmallow-soft padding. There is a removable sternum strap with a magnetic connection. The back panel has double-bonded Lycra cushioning that is absolutely incredible. This is like having a cloud on your back! This is a bold statement to make because I typically don’t like to speak in absolutes, but this is the most comfortable backpack in the world! There is a new “S” tier and there is only one on it, the Fyro Citta. This is a miracle from the backpack gods! Yeah, yeah, Aer and Able Carry are comfortable as heck, but a new bar has been set and its f’ing HIGH. In dad terms: game, set, match; check mate; ballgame; goooaaalll! LFG!!! You get the picture😉
Lastly, there is a luggage pass though that is horizontal across the back panel which makes for a vertical stand. Well done Fyro!
 
Dad Bag Info:
Now my favorite part. Can this be used as a dad bag? You bet you’re a$$ it can! Not only does it do it well, it will make your other dad bag its b!tch! lmao. Now my kids are 9 and 10, so they are a little more grown. My dad bag loadout usually consists of two 26oz yeti ramblers (for beer), a personal ryobi fan with battery, a small first aid kit in a Evergoods cap1, umbrella, and a small towel. Plus, my personal items such as wallet, phone, and sunglasses. Now that is a ballpark loadout that works perfectly for me and the Citta 25 handles this like a champ.
For dads with younger kids, this pack also kicks a$$ as a baby/diaper bag. Yes, I do test it for that. Ha. In the main compartment you have pockets for wipes and diapers. There is plenty of room to have your bottle setup in here. This will only take up half the space, so you have plenty of room for some of your own personal items as well. You can use the laptop compartment as a spot to keep a folding changing pad. The front compartment has so much room, you can easily have your baby blanket or a few toys. Bottom line, it just works. This bag is the ultimate EDC. It is a great 2–3-day travel bag. And it is a phenomenal dad bag. So, when they say endgame pack, this truly is because it conquers 3 needs with one premium bag!
One thing I think would be a cool feature, now this is the Bagdad coming out in me, is to have a kangaroo pocket on the front. It totally does not go with the flow of this bag, but maybe it’s an option for a future collab……. Aaron, are you listening??? The “Fyro Dad Bag!” What?!?!?! lol.
 
The Fit:
I have tested both sizes of the Citta backpack. For me personally, I find the 18L to be too small for me and actually looks kind of silly on my back. For reference, I am 5’9” & 210lbs. My wife, who is 5’5”ish and under 150lbs loves the 18L! My 10-year-old son has officially claimed the 18L pack though. It fits him perfectly. A little big, but he fills it quick. iPad, baseball gloves, baseball cards, nee doh’s, basketball jerseys, our cavapoo Joey Burrow, you name it. lol
The 25L is my jam! It is the perfect fit for me. What I love most is that even though the bag is 25L, it does not feel like a 25L bag. It does not feel big on your back at all. If you could imagine what a cloud would feel like on your back, this is it. Now Aaron did a volume test on both packs, and they hold what they say they do. So whatever size your body is, one of these will work for you.
 
Cons:
The Endgame backpack is as close to perfect as they get, but there are a few things I didn’t like. First, the zipper tracks are right next to each other. It is difficult to know which compartment you are opening. Now, I understand it’s like this for a reason. In order to get this many features and compartments, the zippers cannot go anywhere else. After I do my review on YouTube, I will be changing a zipper pull or two, so I know which compartment I am opening. The sternum strap. Ugh, magnets suck as sternum strap connectors. They always connect when I’m not wearing the bag. A lot of people like them, me I’m not a fan, but they do look more premium than a traditional clasp. Next is the dangle stoppers. If you know Aaron, he WILL have dangle stoppers! But these are a plastic sliding piece. I find them to ride up very easily because the webbing is that super silky slick seatbelt material. I prefer a good piece of nylon with a tight fit to prevent sliding. I know… First world problems, right?!?! LFG! lmao
 
 
Conclusion:
After reviewing close to one hundred bags, the Citta backpack is the most recommendable bag I have ever come across. As God as my witness, the comfort of this pack pushes the laws of physics. If you value comfort, invest in the Citta. The word “Endgame” gets tossed around a lot, but here is where it actually applies. EDC, light travel, and dad bag, you have THREE fully functional uses. Not many packs can pull off being great at two things, much less three!
I am happy to answer any questions or help you in any way to decide if this is for you. If you would like to make a purchase, please use my link below. Thank you for reading! I’d love to hear some feedback.
Carry on Bagdads!
 
Fyro Website: http://fyro.co/CHAD
Follow me on Instagram: @bagdadreport
Subscribe on YouTube: thebagdadreport

https://youtu.be/2x7W7PXdS\_w?feature=shared

Rankings are fun! I have been testing a lot of bags this year. I actually use and test them for at least 3 weeks to get a good feel for what the bags can do, how they feel, and how they wear over time. The Bagdad rankings are simply my opinions of what I am using and giving me the best experiences.

This is probably the most objective category as backpack comfort mostly depends on the person and their body type. But this category is one of the most fun debates in the backpack community.

What say you? Agree? Disagree? Hit me up and let me know your top bags. Learn me something new. 😎

1. Fyro Citta/Levo
2. Evergoods MPL22
3. Able Carry Max EDC
4. Aer CPP2
5. Black Ember Citadel H2 25L

Honorable Mention: ULA Cicada, Alpargali All Day Backpack, Boundary Supply Errant Pro, Evergoods CTB26

Special Comfort Award - C Tactical CT21 Plus (with “S” straps)
This bag would be pushing for the top spot on this list, but since it’s a custom bag, I wanted to list it separately. OMG, these “S” straps on this pack are amazing. They are so similar to the straps on the Fyro Citta. If you have the opportunity to get into one of these group buys, do yourself a favor and pick up this CT21+. CTactical is an amazing company making some amazing products.

Top 5 Most Comfortable Bags

Fyro Levo/Citta Backpack - The Citta backpack comes out in July. If you are thinking of getting a new backpack, I would think about waiting. Fyro took things to a new level with the Citta backpack! I cannot stress enough how awesome and comfortable this pack is. The Levo travel bag is currently out. Most comfortable travel bag period. I have my full review linked below. My review of the Citta will be released in July when the bag officially launches. If you’d like to make a purchase, please use my link below as it helps me to keep bringing detailed reviews to you guys:)

Fyro Website: http://fyro.co/CHAD

Levo Review: https://www.reddit.com/r/ManyBaggers/s/EldRZTusSn

The Evergoods MPL22 - This is a special bag for me. It is the most comfortable dad bag/day bag on the planet. I wish all Evergoods bags were as comfortable as this guy. It’s the perfect size with just enough organization. It just works. There probably isn’t a more recommendable bag than the MPL that I have used. There is a new 210D version just released that looks to be every bit as bada$$ as the 410D and ultra Kludde. Go get one, and thank me later;) My full review is linked below.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Nomads_Nation/s/niWU7bKbw4

Able Carry Max EDC - IYKYK. This is a no brainer. If you have ever put this backpack on, you more than likely fell in love. This backpack is one quick access pocket away from being the most perfect bag ever. The wide chunky straps are an absolute treat. The quality in Able Carry bags is unmatched in this price range. The materials are absolutely beautiful and scream luxury. My review is linked below.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Nomads_Nation/s/r4eW7AGJqi

Aer CPP2 - Another no brainer here. Aer is universally known as a bada$$ bag company. When you see an Aer bag, you know it. The straps and back panel are some of the best in the world. Aer and Able Carry are a toss up as Aer also has the wide chunkalicious shoulder straps. Aer also changed their luggage pass through for a vertical stand on the CPP2. Awesome touch. This is a backpack you could wear all day and never feel discomfort. My review is linked below.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Nomads_Nation/s/9y9pHy335O

Black Ember Citadel H2 Max 25L - This is the new kid on the block. This is my new favorite dad bag as it topped the charts in my Top 10 dad bags. This pack is simple in terms of the harness system and foam back panel. Sometimes simple is best and I think they killed it with this one. This is the bag I use the most. I cannot put it down! That says a lot as I have so many to choose from. Seriously, if you have not checked this bag out yet, do yourself a favor and look it up. My full review is listed below. If you would like to make a purchase, please use my link below as it helps me to keep bringing detailed review to you guys:)

https://blackember.com/?rfsn=9133250.7bf754

https://www.reddit.com/r/ManyBaggers/s/MFq1rDVcn4

Follow me on Instagram: @bagdadreport

Subscribe on YouTube: thebagdadreport

Rankings are fun! I have been testing a lot of bags this year. I actually use and test them for at least 3 weeks to get a good feel for what the bags can do, how they feel, and how they wear over time. The Bagdad rankings are simply my opinions of what I am using and giving me the best experiences.

This is probably the most objective category as backpack comfort mostly depends on the person and their body type. But this category is one of the most fun debates in the backpack community.

What say you? Agree? Disagree? Hit me up and let me know your top bags. Learn me something new. 😎

1. Fyro Citta/Levo
2. Evergoods MPL22
3. Able Carry Max EDC
4. Aer CPP2
5. Black Ember Citadel H2 25L

Honorable Mention: ULA Cicada, Alpargali All Day Backpack, Boundary Supply Errant Pro, Evergoods CTB26

Special Comfort Award - C Tactical CT21 Plus (with “S” straps)
This bag would be pushing for the top spot on this list, but since it’s a custom bag, I wanted to list it separately. OMG, these “S” straps on this pack are amazing. They are so similar to the straps on the Fyro Citta. If you have the opportunity to get into one of these group buys, do yourself a favor and pick up this CT21+. CTactical is an amazing company making some amazing products.

Top 5 Most Comfortable Bags

Fyro Levo/Citta Backpack - The Citta backpack comes out in July. If you are thinking of getting a new backpack, I would think about waiting. Fyro took things to a new level with the Citta backpack! I cannot stress enough how awesome and comfortable this pack is. The Levo travel bag is currently out. Most comfortable travel bag period. I have my full review linked below. My review of the Citta will be released in July when the bag officially launches. If you’d like to make a purchase, please use my link below as it helps me to keep bringing detailed reviews to you guys:)

Fyro Website: http://fyro.co/CHAD

Levo Review: https://www.reddit.com/r/ManyBaggers/s/EldRZTusSn

The Evergoods MPL22 - This is a special bag for me. It is the most comfortable dad bag/day bag on the planet. I wish all Evergoods bags were as comfortable as this guy. It’s the perfect size with just enough organization. It just works. There probably isn’t a more recommendable bag than the MPL that I have used. There is a new 210D version just released that looks to be every bit as bada$$ as the 410D and ultra Kludde. Go get one, and thank me later;) My full review is linked below.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Nomads_Nation/s/niWU7bKbw4

Able Carry Max EDC - IYKYK. This is a no brainer. If you have ever put this backpack on, you more than likely fell in love. This backpack is one quick access pocket away from being the most perfect bag ever. The wide chunky straps are an absolute treat. The quality in Able Carry bags is unmatched in this price range. The materials are absolutely beautiful and scream luxury. My review is linked below.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Nomads_Nation/s/r4eW7AGJqi

Aer CPP2 - Another no brainer here. Aer is universally known as a bada$$ bag company. When you see an Aer bag, you know it. The straps and back panel are some of the best in the world. Aer and Able Carry are a toss up as Aer also has the wide chunkalicious shoulder straps. Aer also changed their luggage pass through for a vertical stand on the CPP2. Awesome touch. This is a backpack you could wear all day and never feel discomfort. My review is linked below.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Nomads_Nation/s/9y9pHy335O

Black Ember Citadel H2 Max 25L - This is the new kid on the block. This is my new favorite dad bag as it topped the charts in my Top 10 dad bags. This pack is simple in terms of the harness system and foam back panel. Sometimes simple is best and I think they killed it with this one. This is the bag I use the most. I cannot put it down! That says a lot as I have so many to choose from. Seriously, if you have not checked this bag out yet, do yourself a favor and look it up. My full review is listed below. If you would like to make a purchase, please use my link below as it helps me to keep bringing detailed review to you guys:)

https://blackember.com/?rfsn=9133250.7bf754

https://www.reddit.com/r/ManyBaggers/s/MFq1rDVcn4

Follow me on Instagram: @bagdadreport

Subscribe on YouTube: thebagdadreport

I have been testing this pack for about 5 weeks now. For 5 weeks, I have been absolutely floored! I want to start this off by saying this will be a very positive review as this is one of the best products I have ever tested. Every now and then there is a product that just resonates with you. This is one of those for me. As a backpack reviewer, I keep an open mind and try to appreciate each product for what it is and what it is trying to accomplish. The Black Ember H2 accomplishes everything it’s trying to do and more. Let’s dive into the H2 and what it has to offer.

Black Ember is a California based company. All of their products are designed there. They offer urban gear with a look and materials that are unique to anything you have used before. Let’s start with the specs of the pack. This is a 25L bag. The measurements are 20’ x 12” x 8”. This bag feels smaller than 25L. I would say it holds close to the 25L it states, but the bag carries smaller. The H2 can hold up to a 16” laptop and a 11” tablet. This guy self stands like a champ!

Let’s talk about the best part of this bag, the materials. The H2 is made of Black Ember’s exclusive fabric called EMBERTEX 1220x600 Nylon 6. Ok, this is the best fabric I have ever used. This shit is incredible. The touch, feel, and durability is unlike any other material I have ever seen. All zippers are YKK aquaguard. They have laser cut hypalon pull tabs as well as hypalon zipper garages. This is a very cool feature. The zippers have a very satisfying pull to them. It’s firm but smooth. Like I said, a very satisfying zip. There are also theft deterrent locking zipper pulls. I do not use this feature. Im sure this is useful for some people, but a pain in the ass for me. The bag utilizes fidlock magnetic hardware as well as T6 aircraft-grade anodized aluminum laser etched hardware. These are quality materials with a premium feel. I cannot stress enough how badass this EMBERTEX nylon 6 is! I also have the regular Citadel R3 I am testing and it has the same material. I will be writing a separate review for the R3 in the next few weeks and also comparing the two bags as they are pretty similar, but have some very distinct differences.

Now on to the layout and functionality of the pack. On the front of the pack there is a quick access pocket. This pocket has a padded divider in the middle. There is also a fidlock magnetic key ring. Black Ember’s implementation of this key ring is one of the best in the game. Actually, I have not found one better. This front pocket has very decent depth to it. It also has independent volume which is nice so that it doesn’t eat into the main compartment. Now the main compartment can eat into this if it is completely overloaded, which is the case with any backpack. This is on of my favorite quick access pockets as its easy to get things out of it and it has plenty of space.

The next compartment is a horizontal zipper across the front. This compartment has some of its on volume as well. This is a spot where you can fit your tablet if you wanted to, but also big enough to put some over the ear headphones. For the dads with young kids, diapers and wipes are perfect for this pocket. Most pockets like this on backpacks are not very useable, but this one is. It is easy to get items in and out of it. On the bottom of the pockets there are laser cut outs to be able to attach compression straps on the bottom of the pack. I personally have not used these yet, but they look badass. I have the orange ones and they look so good. It adds a lot of character to the bag. More importantly, these allow you to carry items compressed in the straps like a jacket or a blanket.

Let’s talk about the laptop compartment real quick. This guy is pretty simple. Simple is good. You can fit up to a 16” laptop. On the top of the of the compartment is a sleeve for a tablet up to 11”. I love this compartment. It is unique and so easy to use. There is excellent protection for your laptop and your tablet. If you are not carrying any tech with you, this is a compartment you could use for kid/baby items.

On to the back panel and straps. The straps have some semi firm foam in them that I find very comfortable. They have hypalon tabs to attach gear. The sternum strap is a pretty basic fidlock magnet. I really don’t like the magnetic sternum straps because they always attach themselves. That is one thing I would change, but it is completely removable. The back panel is a nice firm foam with air holes all over the foam. This allows for extra airflow to pass through. Let’s be honest damn near all backpacks are hot when you wear them for a long time. I do find this one to be on the cooler side. There is also a channel down the middle to allow for more airflow. There is also a strap for a luggage pass through. It’s for a horizontal sit, which is not ideal, but hey we can live with that. Lastly, the straps have attached dangle stoppers! And they might be the best ones I have ever seen! There is a piece of elastic attached to the bottom of the webbing to always have it connected. These work amazingly. Other bag makers need to take notice of how Black Ember does this. Absolute genius!

Finally on to the main compartment. This is a half zip bag. I normally turn my nose up to half zip bags, but I gave this one a shot. Best decision I ever made about a backpack. When you unzip the top flips over to provide an easy look into the bag. It is so easy to pack your gear and get to it as needed. As a ball park dad bag, I pack my battery operated fan, a yeti bottle for beer, a Turtlebox ranger speaker, and an extra glove. Now this pack has two badass water bottle pockets that can handle any size water bottles, but the people at the gates of these ball parks don’t want you to really bring in yeti bottle of beer, so I have to put them on the inside for entry… 😉
On the inside of the front panel is a top pocket for quick access items. I personally use this as a place to store my sunglasses case. Under that there is another mesh pocket that goes deep to the bottom of the bag. I think the design of this is pretty cool as it plays into the flip of the top to allow for easy access.
On the back of the compartment there is a sleeve to store documents, tablets, diapers, wipes, etc. Just an FYI, this is not a stretchy pocket. This is all for the main compartment. I have to say the way this is designed, this is my favorite compartment in all backpacks.

This bag is as close to perfect as they get, but there are a few things I Karen about😜 The foam padding in the straps could be a little softer. I wish the bottle pockets were a little taller, but being a half zip, that pretty much makes that impossible… I would also like to have seen a couple of latch points to be able to clip things to. And lastly, the sternum strap was not a magnetic connection. I personally like buckles better, but this is the preference for a lot of people out there. Not big items by any means, but Karen needs to Karen right?

Overall, this backpack has exceeded every expectation and then some. I could not be happier with this purchase. I am absolutely in love with this pack. The H2 has just made its way to the top spot in my Bagdad Top 10 rankings! The Evergoods MPL Kludde has held that spot for over 8 months and now the H2 has taken the throne. From the design, the comfort, and most of all, the materials, this pack is now Bagdad royalty! Again, the EMBERTEX nylon 6 has this satisfying feel to it that just makes you want to smile and rub it. Haha. This is easily the most recommendable backpack on the market for me.

There are several ways to put this bad boy to use. Of course this is an excellent option as an edc backpack. It checks every box I need for an edc. You can use it for light travel as well. I use it as a personal item on flights, but I always have a Briggs and Riley carry on roller. The best use case of this bag is you guessed it, a “Dad Bag”. This bag is absolutely f’ing perfect for a dad bag. I use the shit out of this pack at the ball park. I have some photos to show some of my loadouts.

If you would like to make a purchase, please use the link below as it helps me to keep bringing detailed reviews to you guys!

https://blackember.com/?rfsn=9133250.7bf754

Follow me on Instagram: @bagdadreport

YouTube: @thebagdadreport

I have been testing this pack for about 5 weeks now. For 5 weeks, I have been absolutely floored! I want to start this off by saying this will be a very positive review as this is one of the best products I have ever tested. Every now and then there is a product that just resonates with you. This is one of those for me. As a backpack reviewer, I keep an open mind and try to appreciate each product for what it is and what it is trying to accomplish. The Black Ember H2 accomplishes everything it’s trying to do and more. Let’s dive into the H2 and what it has to offer.

Black Ember is a California based company. All of their products are designed there. They offer urban gear with a look and materials that are unique to anything you have used before. Let’s start with the specs of the pack. This is a 25L bag. The measurements are 20’ x 12” x 8”. This bag feels smaller than 25L. I would say it holds close to the 25L it states, but the bag carries smaller. The H2 can hold up to a 16” laptop and a 11” tablet. This guy self stands like a champ!

Let’s talk about the best part of this bag, the materials. The H2 is made of Black Ember’s exclusive fabric called EMBERTEX 1220x600 Nylon 6. Ok, this is the best fabric I have ever used. This shit is incredible. The touch, feel, and durability is unlike any other material I have ever seen. All zippers are YKK aquaguard. They have laser cut hypalon pull tabs as well as hypalon zipper garages. This is a very cool feature. The zippers have a very satisfying pull to them. It’s firm but smooth. Like I said, a very satisfying zip. There are also theft deterrent locking zipper pulls. I do not use this feature. Im sure this is useful for some people, but a pain in the ass for me. The bag utilizes fidlock magnetic hardware as well as T6 aircraft-grade anodized aluminum laser etched hardware. These are quality materials with a premium feel. I cannot stress enough how badass this EMBERTEX nylon 6 is! I also have the regular Citadel R3 I am testing and it has the same material. I will be writing a separate review for the R3 in the next few weeks and also comparing the two bags as they are pretty similar, but have some very distinct differences.

Now on to the layout and functionality of the pack. On the front of the pack there is a quick access pocket. This pocket has a padded divider in the middle. There is also a fidlock magnetic key ring. Black Ember’s implementation of this key ring is one of the best in the game. Actually, I have not found one better. This front pocket has very decent depth to it. It also has independent volume which is nice so that it doesn’t eat into the main compartment. Now the main compartment can eat into this if it is completely overloaded, which is the case with any backpack. This is on of my favorite quick access pockets as its easy to get things out of it and it has plenty of space.

The next compartment is a horizontal zipper across the front. This compartment has some of its on volume as well. This is a spot where you can fit your tablet if you wanted to, but also big enough to put some over the ear headphones. For the dads with young kids, diapers and wipes are perfect for this pocket. Most pockets like this on backpacks are not very useable, but this one is. It is easy to get items in and out of it. On the bottom of the pockets there are laser cut outs to be able to attach compression straps on the bottom of the pack. I personally have not used these yet, but they look badass. I have the orange ones and they look so good. It adds a lot of character to the bag. More importantly, these allow you to carry items compressed in the straps like a jacket or a blanket.

Let’s talk about the laptop compartment real quick. This guy is pretty simple. Simple is good. You can fit up to a 16” laptop. On the top of the of the compartment is a sleeve for a tablet up to 11”. I love this compartment. It is unique and so easy to use. There is excellent protection for your laptop and your tablet. If you are not carrying any tech with you, this is a compartment you could use for kid/baby items.

On to the back panel and straps. The straps have some semi firm foam in them that I find very comfortable. They have hypalon tabs to attach gear. The sternum strap is a pretty basic fidlock magnet. I really don’t like the magnetic sternum straps because they always attach themselves. That is one thing I would change, but it is completely removable. The back panel is a nice firm foam with air holes all over the foam. This allows for extra airflow to pass through. Let’s be honest damn near all backpacks are hot when you wear them for a long time. I do find this one to be on the cooler side. There is also a channel down the middle to allow for more airflow. There is also a strap for a luggage pass through. It’s for a horizontal sit, which is not ideal, but hey we can live with that. Lastly, the straps have attached dangle stoppers! And they might be the best ones I have ever seen! There is a piece of elastic attached to the bottom of the webbing to always have it connected. These work amazingly. Other bag makers need to take notice of how Black Ember does this. Absolute genius!

Finally on to the main compartment. This is a half zip bag. I normally turn my nose up to half zip bags, but I gave this one a shot. Best decision I ever made about a backpack. When you unzip the top flips over to provide an easy look into the bag. It is so easy to pack your gear and get to it as needed. As a ball park dad bag, I pack my battery operated fan, a yeti bottle for beer, a Turtlebox ranger speaker, and an extra glove. Now this pack has two badass water bottle pockets that can handle any size water bottles, but the people at the gates of these ball parks don’t want you to really bring in yeti bottle of beer, so I have to put them on the inside for entry… 😉
On the inside of the front panel is a top pocket for quick access items. I personally use this as a place to store my sunglasses case. Under that there is another mesh pocket that goes deep to the bottom of the bag. I think the design of this is pretty cool as it plays into the flip of the top to allow for easy access.
On the back of the compartment there is a sleeve to store documents, tablets, diapers, wipes, etc. Just an FYI, this is not a stretchy pocket. This is all for the main compartment. I have to say the way this is designed, this is my favorite compartment in all backpacks.

This bag is as close to perfect as they get, but there are a few things I Karen about😜 The foam padding in the straps could be a little softer. I wish the bottle pockets were a little taller, but being a half zip, that pretty much makes that impossible… I would also like to have seen a couple of latch points to be able to clip things to. And lastly, the sternum strap was not a magnetic connection. I personally like buckles better, but this is the preference for a lot of people out there. Not big items by any means, but Karen needs to Karen right?

Overall, this backpack has exceeded every expectation and then some. I could not be happier with this purchase. I am absolutely in love with this pack. The H2 has just made its way to the top spot in my Bagdad Top 10 rankings! The Evergoods MPL Kludde has held that spot for over 8 months and now the H2 has taken the throne. From the design, the comfort, and most of all, the materials, this pack is now Bagdad royalty! Again, the EMBERTEX nylon 6 has this satisfying feel to it that just makes you want to smile and rub it. Haha. This is easily the most recommendable backpack on the market for me.

There are several ways to put this bad boy to use. Of course this is an excellent option as an edc backpack. It checks every box I need for an edc. You can use it for light travel as well. I use it as a personal item on flights, but I always have a Briggs and Riley carry on roller. The best use case of this bag is you guessed it, a “Dad Bag”. This bag is absolutely f’ing perfect for a dad bag. I use the shit out of this pack at the ball park. I have some photos to show some of my loadouts.

If you would like to make a purchase, please use the link below as it helps me to keep bringing detailed reviews to you guys!

https://blackember.com/?rfsn=9133250.7bf754

Follow me on Instagram: @bagdadreport

YouTube: @thebagdadreport

The CTB20 is a cult favorite by many people in the bag community. The CTB is a Bagdad masterpiece. This 20 liter bag packs a punch of one of the big boys. It offers the most and best quick access of any backpack out in the wild. Kevin and the Evergoods team are frickin’ wizards at creating the most functional bags on the planet. Their unique designs are gorgeous. The materials are some of the best in the world. Evergoods uses exclusively designed solution dyed nylons in 210D, 420D, and 840D. If I could only have 10 backpacks for the rest of my life, 9 of them would be made of Evergood’s 840D and 420D. The CTB line utilizes the 420D nylon. I cannot stress enough how great this fabric is. Now Evergoods offer’s this pack in x-pac as well. I have both and love both. The best part about the 420D is the ability to be able to allow really full loads. It feels like it just stretches to fit around anything you are carrying. The bag utilizes # 10 and # 8 zippers. All zippers are all YKK RC. Let me make it a point to say these zippers are badass. These are one of my favorites. Not buttery smooth like Able Carry but just a VERY satisfying secure zip.

Evergoods is a company from Bozeman, Montana. All of their bags are designed in Montana and made in Vietnam. And boy are they made good! Their crossover designs are made to be able to go from the trails to the office. No one does that better than EG.

Evergoods has redefined what quick access pockets mean! The CTB20 is one of their all time best sellers. The CTB comes in 3 sizes: 20L, 26L, and 35L. The bag’s name is the “civic travel bag” but it is far from just a travel bag. It is my ultimate EDC bag and a badass dad bag! It is currently number 7 in the Bagdad top 10 rankings. There is a huge debate on the CTB vs the CPL. I am CTB all day and twice on Sunday. The CTB offers more pockets and stands on its on MUCH better. The QAP’s on this bag are f’ing amazing. This is a 20L backpack. It will hold a full 20L plus some.

Let’s dive into the compartments and what makes this pack so great. First we have the front quick access pocket. This pocket uses a # 8 zipper and offers about a palm deep quick access. This pocket is where i throw my phone, AirPods, and wallet when I am just around town or dad bagging it. This pocket is deceptively large especially on the CTB26.

Next compartment is a vertical zippered pocket on the front of the pack. This pocket is genius. Inside there is 2 slip pockets and a zipper mesh pocket for some internal organization. Also much more room to add all types of things. For you dads with younger kids, this is a great spot for diapers or wipes too. The key leash is also inside this pocket. This compartment also has its own volume. It’s not much, but it does not eat into other compartments. Evergoods does this better than anyone.

The yoke pocket is one of my favorite pockets on any pack. Evergoods designs the harness system in a way that allows for a pocket to strategically be at the top of the pack. This pocket has some depth to it. It could fit a half cap in it. I personally use this as a spot for my sunglasses. Again, this is a pocket that has its own volume. Genius!

The laptop compartment is pretty cool. There is a vertical zipper along the backside of the pack. There are spots to hold your laptop as well as a tablet or notebooks. There is a Velcro nylon strap in bright red that secures your laptop in the sleeve. They make it red so it is easy to see so you wont forget about securing the machine before you zip up the compartment. I believe on the 20L bag it can fit up to a 16” laptop.

The main compartment is badass. It is a full clamshell open. On the inside front panel, there is an opaque zipper pocket. This is the perfect spot for your wallet, phone, or other important items. On the bottom of the panel is a mesh zippered pocket. To be honest, I just do not use this pocket very much. It could be perfect for items you want out of site out of mind. For dads, this is another spot for maybe a few bottle for babies, or some toys for the kiddos.
On the back side of the compartment is another sleeve for a tablet. This is a nice stretchy sleeve that gives you flexibility. This can also be used to house a water bladder. The rest of the compartment is wide open for however you want to pack it out. What is so cool about this pack is, you can overpack the sh!t out of it and the damn thing will always close! Like I mentioned before, the materials and layout of this bag makes it capable of carrying extra volume. With these #10 YKK zippers with the rc dwr finish are frickin amazing. It is secure as F! For me, going to the ballpark, this bag can carry everything I need. At least 2 Yeti 26oz bottles, a ryobi battery operated fan, a sling, a cap1, cap .5, and a rain jacket.

The back panel is unique as it sports Evergoods’ 3D spacer mesh. I find it super comfortable. It’s not too padded and just enough padding. It is also separated from the pack to double as the luggage pass through. Now most of the time I prefer a vertical stand, but in the case of Evergoods layout, the horizontal lay is perfect. This allows you to access the front pocket, the main compartment, and the laptop compartment. This is very well thought out.
The shoulder straps are unlike any other. I find them extremely comfortable. They form to my body perfectly. The y ev50 padding and provide great comfort. I kind of wish they were a tab wider, but they work. One each strap, there is a sleeve for a water bladder hose to pass through. Very intuitive on their part! My biggest complaint is the same complaint I have for all Evergoods bags; there are no dangle stoppers! At this stage in the game, I think they do it just to make us ask why… lol. Of course I ad my own to each bag.

Evergoods does something better than anyone else on the planet. Their water bottle pockets! OMG, they are the best. They are made from a 4-way stretch woven expandable fabric. I mean this when I say, I have not found a water bottle that doesn’t fit in these pockets. They are straight up the best in the game. They can handle anything you can throw in there. I actually use one a lot of the time to drop my phone in there for quick access.

Many people know by now Evergoods’ harness system is not for everyone. There are many complaints of the back of the pack digging into their backs. It is a real thing. Luckily for me, this is no issue. I have absolutely zero back digging. This is for all of their packs. I think the harness system is one of the most comfortable in the backpack world, but this will completely dependent on your body type and how you wear your backpack. Evergoods packs are meant to be worn high and tight, which is how I wear them. If you have never tried it, you need to give it a shot. Their products are too good not to. They also have a lifetime warranty. Their customer service is excellent and is great at getting your issues solved quickly. A plus in this department.

Another thing I would like to see different is more “mirrored” versions of the pack. I am a right shoulder slinger so it is kind of awkward for me to swing the pack around on my left shoulder. I have gotten use to it of course, but it’s not natural. They have made mirror versions before, wish we could see more.

I also wish Evergoods would dabble in some more color options. Every now and then there are some special edition drops, but I would love to see more colors.

This pack is in the Bagdad Top 10 Dad Bags for a reason. The CTB20L and 26L are probably the most functional dad bags out there. There are compartments for anything you need to carry and are built to withstand the elements. They also look great to carry in the office. I use one as my EDC all the time! And of course, it works well as a travel bag as the name suggests. This is a true 3 purpose backpack. EDC, travel, and dad bag. You get what you pay for with this one. This is a highly recommended backpack by many, and I am one of those people. This pack is Bagdad approved and I encourage you to try it if you have not. You wont be sorry.

As always, thank you for reading. Please follow me on instagram and subscribe to my YouTube channel as I am getting that launched. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Carry on!

Instagram: @bagdadreport

YouTube: TheBagdadReport

The CTB20 is a cult favorite by many people in the bag community. The CTB is a Bagdad masterpiece. This 20 liter bag packs a punch of one of the big boys. It offers the most and best quick access of any backpack out in the wild. Kevin and the Evergoods team are frickin’ wizards at creating the most functional bags on the planet. Their unique designs are gorgeous. The materials are some of the best in the world. Evergoods uses exclusively designed solution dyed nylons in 210D, 420D, and 840D. If I could only have 10 backpacks for the rest of my life, 9 of them would be made of Evergood’s 840D and 420D. The CTB line utilizes the 420D nylon. I cannot stress enough how great this fabric is. Now Evergoods offer’s this pack in x-pac as well. I have both and love both. The best part about the 420D is the ability to be able to allow really full loads. It feels like it just stretches to fit around anything you are carrying. The bag utilizes # 10 and # 8 zippers. All zippers are all YKK RC. Let me make it a point to say these zippers are badass. These are one of my favorites. Not buttery smooth like Able Carry but just a VERY satisfying secure zip.

Evergoods is a company from Bozeman, Montana. All of their bags are designed in Montana and made in Vietnam. And boy are they made good! Their crossover designs are made to be able to go from the trails to the office. No one does that better than EG.

Evergoods has redefined what quick access pockets mean! The CTB20 is one of their all time best sellers. The CTB comes in 3 sizes: 20L, 26L, and 35L. The bag’s name is the “civic travel bag” but it is far from just a travel bag. It is my ultimate EDC bag and a badass dad bag! It is currently number 7 in the Bagdad top 10 rankings. There is a huge debate on the CTB vs the CPL. I am CTB all day and twice on Sunday. The CTB offers more pockets and stands on its on MUCH better. The QAP’s on this bag are f’ing amazing. This is a 20L backpack. It will hold a full 20L plus some.

Let’s dive into the compartments and what makes this pack so great. First we have the front quick access pocket. This pocket uses a # 8 zipper and offers about a palm deep quick access. This pocket is where i throw my phone, AirPods, and wallet when I am just around town or dad bagging it. This pocket is deceptively large especially on the CTB26.

Next compartment is a vertical zippered pocket on the front of the pack. This pocket is genius. Inside there is 2 slip pockets and a zipper mesh pocket for some internal organization. Also much more room to add all types of things. For you dads with younger kids, this is a great spot for diapers or wipes too. The key leash is also inside this pocket. This compartment also has its own volume. It’s not much, but it does not eat into other compartments. Evergoods does this better than anyone.

The yoke pocket is one of my favorite pockets on any pack. Evergoods designs the harness system in a way that allows for a pocket to strategically be at the top of the pack. This pocket has some depth to it. It could fit a half cap in it. I personally use this as a spot for my sunglasses. Again, this is a pocket that has its own volume. Genius!

The laptop compartment is pretty cool. There is a vertical zipper along the backside of the pack. There are spots to hold your laptop as well as a tablet or notebooks. There is a Velcro nylon strap in bright red that secures your laptop in the sleeve. They make it red so it is easy to see so you wont forget about securing the machine before you zip up the compartment. I believe on the 20L bag it can fit up to a 16” laptop.

The main compartment is badass. It is a full clamshell open. On the inside front panel, there is an opaque zipper pocket. This is the perfect spot for your wallet, phone, or other important items. On the bottom of the panel is a mesh zippered pocket. To be honest, I just do not use this pocket very much. It could be perfect for items you want out of site out of mind. For dads, this is another spot for maybe a few bottle for babies, or some toys for the kiddos.
On the back side of the compartment is another sleeve for a tablet. This is a nice stretchy sleeve that gives you flexibility. This can also be used to house a water bladder. The rest of the compartment is wide open for however you want to pack it out. What is so cool about this pack is, you can overpack the sh!t out of it and the damn thing will always close! Like I mentioned before, the materials and layout of this bag makes it capable of carrying extra volume. With these #10 YKK zippers with the rc dwr finish are frickin amazing. It is secure as F! For me, going to the ballpark, this bag can carry everything I need. At least 2 Yeti 26oz bottles, a ryobi battery operated fan, a sling, a cap1, cap .5, and a rain jacket.

The back panel is unique as it sports Evergoods’ 3D spacer mesh. I find it super comfortable. It’s not too padded and just enough padding. It is also separated from the pack to double as the luggage pass through. Now most of the time I prefer a vertical stand, but in the case of Evergoods layout, the horizontal lay is perfect. This allows you to access the front pocket, the main compartment, and the laptop compartment. This is very well thought out.
The shoulder straps are unlike any other. I find them extremely comfortable. They form to my body perfectly. The y ev50 padding and provide great comfort. I kind of wish they were a tab wider, but they work. One each strap, there is a sleeve for a water bladder hose to pass through. Very intuitive on their part! My biggest complaint is the same complaint I have for all Evergoods bags; there are no dangle stoppers! At this stage in the game, I think they do it just to make us ask why… lol. Of course I ad my own to each bag.

Evergoods does something better than anyone else on the planet. Their water bottle pockets! OMG, they are the best. They are made from a 4-way stretch woven expandable fabric. I mean this when I say, I have not found a water bottle that doesn’t fit in these pockets. They are straight up the best in the game. They can handle anything you can throw in there. I actually use one a lot of the time to drop my phone in there for quick access.

Many people know by now Evergoods’ harness system is not for everyone. There are many complaints of the back of the pack digging into their backs. It is a real thing. Luckily for me, this is no issue. I have absolutely zero back digging. This is for all of their packs. I think the harness system is one of the most comfortable in the backpack world, but this will completely dependent on your body type and how you wear your backpack. Evergoods packs are meant to be worn high and tight, which is how I wear them. If you have never tried it, you need to give it a shot. Their products are too good not to. They also have a lifetime warranty. Their customer service is excellent and is great at getting your issues solved quickly. A plus in this department.

Another thing I would like to see different is more “mirrored” versions of the pack. I am a right shoulder slinger so it is kind of awkward for me to swing the pack around on my left shoulder. I have gotten use to it of course, but it’s not natural. They have made mirror versions before, wish we could see more.

I also wish Evergoods would dabble in some more color options. Every now and then there are some special edition drops, but I would love to see more colors.

This pack is in the Bagdad Top 10 Dad Bags for a reason. The CTB20L and 26L are probably the most functional dad bags out there. There are compartments for anything you need to carry and are built to withstand the elements. They also look great to carry in the office. I use one as my EDC all the time! And of course, it works well as a travel bag as the name suggests. This is a true 3 purpose backpack. EDC, travel, and dad bag. You get what you pay for with this one. This is a highly recommended backpack by many, and I am one of those people. This pack is Bagdad approved and I encourage you to try it if you have not. You wont be sorry.

As always, thank you for reading. Please follow me on instagram and subscribe to my YouTube channel as I am getting that launched. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Carry on!

Instagram: @bagdadreport

YouTube: TheBagdadReport

The CTB20 is a cult favorite by many people in the bag community. The CTB is a Bagdad masterpiece. This 20 liter bag packs a punch of one of the big boys. It offers the most and best quick access of any backpack out in the wild. Kevin and the Evergoods team are frickin’ wizards at creating the most functional bags on the planet. Their unique designs are gorgeous. The materials are some of the best in the world. Evergoods uses exclusively designed solution dyed nylons in 210D, 420D, and 840D. If I could only have 10 backpacks for the rest of my life, 9 of them would be made of Evergood’s 840D and 420D. The CTB line utilizes the 420D nylon. I cannot stress enough how great this fabric is. Now Evergoods offer’s this pack in x-pac as well. I have both and love both. The best part about the 420D is the ability to be able to allow really full loads. It feels like it just stretches to fit around anything you are carrying. The bag utilizes # 10 and # 8 zippers. All zippers are all YKK RC. Let me make it a point to say these zippers are badass. These are one of my favorites. Not buttery smooth like Able Carry but just a VERY satisfying secure zip.

Evergoods is a company from Bozeman, Montana. All of their bags are designed in Montana and made in Vietnam. And boy are they made good! Their crossover designs are made to be able to go from the trails to the office. No one does that better than EG.

Evergoods has redefined what quick access pockets mean! The CTB20 is one of their all time best sellers. The CTB comes in 3 sizes: 20L, 26L, and 35L. The bag’s name is the “civic travel bag” but it is far from just a travel bag. It is my ultimate EDC bag and a badass dad bag! It is currently number 7 in the Bagdad top 10 rankings. There is a huge debate on the CTB vs the CPL. I am CTB all day and twice on Sunday. The CTB offers more pockets and stands on its on MUCH better. The QAP’s on this bag are f’ing amazing. This is a 20L backpack. It will hold a full 20L plus some.

Let’s dive into the compartments and what makes this pack so great. First we have the front quick access pocket. This pocket uses a # 8 zipper and offers about a palm deep quick access. This pocket is where i throw my phone, AirPods, and wallet when I am just around town or dad bagging it. This pocket is deceptively large especially on the CTB26.

Next compartment is a vertical zippered pocket on the front of the pack. This pocket is genius. Inside there is 2 slip pockets and a zipper mesh pocket for some internal organization. Also much more room to add all types of things. For you dads with younger kids, this is a great spot for diapers or wipes too. The key leash is also inside this pocket. This compartment also has its own volume. It’s not much, but it does not eat into other compartments. Evergoods does this better than anyone.

The yoke pocket is one of my favorite pockets on any pack. Evergoods designs the harness system in a way that allows for a pocket to strategically be at the top of the pack. This pocket has some depth to it. It could fit a half cap in it. I personally use this as a spot for my sunglasses. Again, this is a pocket that has its own volume. Genius!

The laptop compartment is pretty cool. There is a vertical zipper along the backside of the pack. There are spots to hold your laptop as well as a tablet or notebooks. There is a Velcro nylon strap in bright red that secures your laptop in the sleeve. They make it red so it is easy to see so you wont forget about securing the machine before you zip up the compartment. I believe on the 20L bag it can fit up to a 16” laptop.

The main compartment is badass. It is a full clamshell open. On the inside front panel, there is an opaque zipper pocket. This is the perfect spot for your wallet, phone, or other important items. On the bottom of the panel is a mesh zippered pocket. To be honest, I just do not use this pocket very much. It could be perfect for items you want out of site out of mind. For dads, this is another spot for maybe a few bottle for babies, or some toys for the kiddos.
On the back side of the compartment is another sleeve for a tablet. This is a nice stretchy sleeve that gives you flexibility. This can also be used to house a water bladder. The rest of the compartment is wide open for however you want to pack it out. What is so cool about this pack is, you can overpack the sh!t out of it and the damn thing will always close! Like I mentioned before, the materials and layout of this bag makes it capable of carrying extra volume. With these #10 YKK zippers with the rc dwr finish are frickin amazing. It is secure as F! For me, going to the ballpark, this bag can carry everything I need. At least 2 Yeti 26oz bottles, a ryobi battery operated fan, a sling, a cap1, cap .5, and a rain jacket.

The back panel is unique as it sports Evergoods’ 3D spacer mesh. I find it super comfortable. It’s not too padded and just enough padding. It is also separated from the pack to double as the luggage pass through. Now most of the time I prefer a vertical stand, but in the case of Evergoods layout, the horizontal lay is perfect. This allows you to access the front pocket, the main compartment, and the laptop compartment. This is very well thought out.
The shoulder straps are unlike any other. I find them extremely comfortable. They form to my body perfectly. The y ev50 padding and provide great comfort. I kind of wish they were a tab wider, but they work. One each strap, there is a sleeve for a water bladder hose to pass through. Very intuitive on their part! My biggest complaint is the same complaint I have for all Evergoods bags; there are no dangle stoppers! At this stage in the game, I think they do it just to make us ask why… lol. Of course I ad my own to each bag.

Evergoods does something better than anyone else on the planet. Their water bottle pockets! OMG, they are the best. They are made from a 4-way stretch woven expandable fabric. I mean this when I say, I have not found a water bottle that doesn’t fit in these pockets. They are straight up the best in the game. They can handle anything you can throw in there. I actually use one a lot of the time to drop my phone in there for quick access.

Many people know by now Evergoods’ harness system is not for everyone. There are many complaints of the back of the pack digging into their backs. It is a real thing. Luckily for me, this is no issue. I have absolutely zero back digging. This is for all of their packs. I think the harness system is one of the most comfortable in the backpack world, but this will completely dependent on your body type and how you wear your backpack. Evergoods packs are meant to be worn high and tight, which is how I wear them. If you have never tried it, you need to give it a shot. Their products are too good not to. They also have a lifetime warranty. Their customer service is excellent and is great at getting your issues solved quickly. A plus in this department.

Another thing I would like to see different is more “mirrored” versions of the pack. I am a right shoulder slinger so it is kind of awkward for me to swing the pack around on my left shoulder. I have gotten use to it of course, but it’s not natural. They have made mirror versions before, wish we could see more.

I also wish Evergoods would dabble in some more color options. Every now and then there are some special edition drops, but I would love to see more colors.

This pack is in the Bagdad Top 10 Dad Bags for a reason. The CTB20L and 26L are probably the most functional dad bags out there. There are compartments for anything you need to carry and are built to withstand the elements. They also look great to carry in the office. I use one as my EDC all the time! And of course, it works well as a travel bag as the name suggests. This is a true 3 purpose backpack. EDC, travel, and dad bag. You get what you pay for with this one. This is a highly recommended backpack by many, and I am one of those people. This pack is Bagdad approved and I encourage you to try it if you have not. You wont be sorry.

As always, thank you for reading. Please follow me on instagram and subscribe to my YouTube channel as I am getting that launched. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Carry on!

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Rankings are fun! I have been testing a lot of bags this year. I actually use and test them for at least 3 weeks to get a good feel for what the bags can do, how they feel, and how they wear over time. The Bagdad rankings are simply my opinions of what I am using and giving me the best experiences.

What say you? Agree? Disagree? Hit me up and let me know your top bags.

Dad Bags

1. Black Ember Citadel H2 25L
2. Evergoods MPL22 Kludde
3. Eberlestock Switchblade
4. Mystery Ranch Unicorn
5. Able Carry Max EDC
6. C Tactical CT21+
7. Evergoods CTB20/CTB26
8. Yeti Bozeman/Ranchero
9. Go Ruck M23
10. Matador Globerider35

Black Ember Citadel H2 25L - This bag has climbed the charts quick! I actually have not posted my review on this one yet, but it is coming soon. Why is it so badass? The look, the comfort, the functionality, and most of all, the materials. The EMBERTEX 1220x600 Nylon 6 is my new favorite material. This new material is incredible and not enough people are talking about it! The bag stands perfectly which is a huge plus at the ballpark. It took a lot to overtake the Kludde and a lot of yall know how much i love the Kludde. Review coming soon.

Evergoods MPL22 Kludde - What can I say? This is just perfection when it comes to the dad bag/day pack. Seriously one of the most comfortable bags on the planet! I should also mention the regular MPL22 here as well as it is just a tad different. If you want a comfortable bag that is light and just looks badass, then this is your jam. They just released the bag in their new 210D fabric. I have not got my hands on one yet, but the 420D and Ultra are 10/10! My full review is linked below.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Nomads_Nation/s/gWE2sl7K0E

Eberlestock Switchblade - This is one of my new favs! I call it the “Dragon Slayer” Why? Because it closely resembles the Mystery Ranch x Carryology collab “The Dragon” The difference here is the Switchblade has so much organization and functionality. There is a place for everything. It has a cool back panel and harness system. This bag needs to be taken seriously! This bag is long term comfy with tons of room without being a huge bag. I have a link to the site and a discount code below if you are interested. My full review is also linked below.

https://www.reddit.com/r/ManyBaggers/s/

Pcz2s5aoLAhttps://eberlestock.comTHEBAGDADREPORT

10% off Code: THEBAGDADREPORT

Mystery Ranch Unicorn 2.0 - I dont think I need to say much here. IYKYK. The best collab ever! The Unicorn introduced me to the tri-zip, which I now LOVE. This bag is made extremely well. It’s comfortable as hell. I love it so much I have 3 of them: multicam, orange, and olive. Had the black and traded it. I will get me another one one day;) I currently do not have a full review on this one, but I will be getting to it soon. Quick post on it listed below. If you’d like to know anything about it, feel free to hit me up.

https://www.reddit.com/r/ManyBaggers/s/wkfEY7SSix

Able Carry Max EDC - Top two all time most comfortable bags ever! And it is a looker. I have this guy in beautiful navy x-pac. I had the brown and traded it, but it was gorgeous too. The materials are premium and just beautiful. The thick chunky straps are worth the price of admission. I find this bag holds up well and the zippers, oh the zippers… are just buttery perfection! I could literally run that zipper all day. So satisfying! My old review is linked below. I will have a new one coming soon.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Nomads_Nation/s/9mbjhHZa4Z

C Tactical CT21+ w/ Kangaroo pocket - I dont not have a full review on this guy yet, but this bag is frickin badass! I have it in dyneema, my now second favorite fabric ever to EMBERTEX. This guy is comfortable as shit! I am actually traveling right now as I am writing this and I have this bag with me. CTactical prices their bag very reasonable. The shipping can get a little expensive, but I am telling you, it’s f’ing worth it! Only downside for me is it can feel pretty big at times. The kangaroo pocket is a Dad Bag miracle. Being able to quickly stuff your kid’s crap in it, is priceless! Review coming soon.

Evergoods CTB20/CTB26 - Another legend. IYKYK. I listed both sizes because they both offer dad bag excellence at the size you need. I’ll start by saying most people either love it or hate it. Some have issues with the harness system stabbing in the back. Not for me. It is absolutely perfect for me. This is the bag that set the standard for functionality as well as quick access. Let’s go through the badassness here. You have the top yoke pocket, the front quick access pocket, the vertical admin pocket, and the best water bottle pockets on planet Earth. I am a huge fan of the 420D nylon. I have the CTB20 in olive and one in xpac. I have a CTB26 in coyote. I wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world. My full review of the CTB26 is linked below.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Nomads_Nation/s/Vb39E1pPoD

Yeti Bozeman/Ranchero
Yes a yeti bag. They aren’t shitty either. They are actually pretty badass. First off, put a patch over the damn yeti branding. lol. The tri-zip is back. Tri-zips take a little getting use to, but they are actually pretty convenient. The tuff skin nylon provides extreme durability. This bag also stands like a champ! The Bozeman has the mystery ranch futura harness which is super comfortable and easily a popular all time favorite by many. The ranchero harness is different, but damn well might be even a little bit more comfortable… Seriously. These bags have been a joy to use and perfect for days at the ballpark. Big water bottle pockets are amazing and these are just that. Full review on these guys is coming soon.

Go Ruck M23
This bag is cool. It looks cool. I am not a fan of top loaders, but the side entry into the main compartment is super easy to access your contents inside the bag. I am a fan of the side quick access pocket as well as the other side with a bottle pocket. You can pack a bunch in this guy and as most of you know, Go Ruck bags are pretty comfortable. Now the M23 is not sold anymore, but they have preorders for the new M26 up right now. Very similar layout as the M23 was the most popular of the M series so far. Full review linked below.

https://www.reddit.com/r/ManyBaggers/s/BRhFEhChtC

Matador Globerider 35L
Coming in at number 10 is the Matador Globerider 35L. This is the guy you want to take if you need to carry a lot of stuff. Maybe a long day at the park with the kids, or you may be going on a day trip and need that extra dad room. This bag is beautiful. And the best part, it has a kangaroo pocket! So clutch. This is a popular travel bag, but it also makes a great dad bag if you need the extra space. Especially if you have multiple kiddos you are trying to keep up with. My full description is linked below.

https://www.reddit.com/r/ManyBaggers/comments/1s9598a/matador_globerider_35l_the_best_looking_travel/

Just missing the cut:
Boundary Supply Errant Pro

Exciting new bags that will soon shake this list up:

1. ULA Cicada
2. Testing both right now. Look out! Badass is being redefined!

**Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy this list. I would love to hear your feedback and your top bags.

Please follow me on instagram: @bagdadreport

I finally got around to trying out The Brown Buffalo Conceal backpack in 21L. I have been a long time admirer from afar, but I finally got my hands on one. There are some very cool things about this pack and there are some things that really make me scratch my head. I’ll breakdown the pack and my thoughts as I was testing it out.

The Brown Buffalo is a company based out of California.

This pack is built out of 1050D Cordura ballistic nylon. And it is some tough sh!t. This thing just feels and screams premium. There is nothing that is going to phase this fabric. This is an abrasion resistant material with DWR coating added to it as well. The bag comes in weighing just under 3 lbs. It’s not the lightest bag in the world, but like I said, this thing is built to last. All zippers are YKK, which is no shocker. Nothing but the best was used on this bag. The zippers are also aqua guarded. Between the zippers and the badass cordura material, this thing is pretty water resistant. There is nothing questioning the quality of the build of this pack, but there are some features that are a little controversial.

Let’s start by discussing the compartments and features of the bag. There is a large vertical pocket on the front of the pack. Perfect for right shoulder swingers! Finally! Take note Evergoods… It has a #5 YKK zipper that opens up to a large front compartment. This compartment has a hook and loop Velcro backing. There is absolutely no internal organization. The Brown Buffalo does sell hook and loop modular accessories. There is a key leash here, but nothing else. Ok, why in the world would I want to spend $250-$300 for a backpack that I have to buy more shit for? For that much, shouldn’t it come complete? Ugh. This really frustrates me. So unless you spend the extra money to buy the modular admin panels, anything you put in this large pocket will just go to the bottom. This is an awesome compartment that fails miserably without spending extra money.

Next, we have the main compartment. It has two big #10 YKK zippers with a clamshell opening for the main compartment. The interior is beautiful bright orange x-pac material. I do love me some orange. On the inside panel there is some interesting organization. There is a large mesh zipped pocket on the top of the panel. Perfect for all types of items bulky or flat… Below this pocket is two large slip/dump pockets. They are large enough to fit any size water bottles. Even a Nalgene bottle can fit with no problem. On the back panel, there is just hook and loop Velcro all along the back wall. So what is that for? You guessed it. You have to purchase your laptop sleeve to secure to this panel. Seriously? Again, an incomplete compartment.

The last compartment is a vertical zip along the back panel. On the inside, it has more hook and loop Velcro. If you conceal carry, this is awesome. Lots of room for different size weapons. You could also fit a laptop in this compartment if you want to use it for that. There is enough padding to protect your computer or tablet here.

Let’s discuss back panel and comfort. It offers an ergonomic Harness System: Apex 3D spacer-mesh applied on the back and underside of the shoulder straps. This is VERY comfortable. I’ll say it again, this is a very comfortable backpack. I was super impressed! The straps are wide and chunky! Just like I love them. This allows for heavier loads and the straps not eating into your shoulders. There is an adjustable and removable sternum strap. There is also a d-ring on each one for attaching more gear.
The grab handle is on the middle of the top main compartment. It’s pretty large for an easy grab, but can also look a little silly in my opinion. There are no other handles on this pack. There are some laser cut pieces of hypalon on the sides of the pack to attach more modular accessories. More sh!t to purchase… Oh, and there is a horizontal luggage pass through for a vertical stand!!! Awesome touch!

There is also no water bottles pockets. Of course there are the two large dump pockets in the main compartment, but if you use them for water bottles, you have used all of the internal organization… This bag is built so well, I just feel like they missed big time with this. I mean Go Ruck GR1’s have more organization than this. A lot more… I could see myself using this as an edc backpack, but it just doesn’t work as a dad bag. There is almost zero organization, and if you want it, you have to purchase it. Here’s my thing, if you spend $250+ on a backpack, you should not HAVE to purchase the organization for it. Add on accessories, sure no problem, but this is a situation where you have no choice. This is one of the best built backpacks I have ever used. It is beautiful. The materials are premium. The shape is unique and is super sleek. This pack is very popular and an all time best seller. I can definitely see why. For me, a working dad, I just can’t justify buying a bag at a premium price, then have to buy the organization for it separately.

This bag works for a lot of people. It is not an all time best seller for nothing. I honestly don’t think you can find a bag that has better materials or better quality. But for me functionality has to be there and this one didn’t really do it for me. And that is ok, because this is a slam dunk for a ton of people out there. I really hope this helps you decide if this is a pack you would like to give a go. Thanks as always for reading.
Carry on!

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