Check out my NEWEST backpack sample! (Building a Backpack EP8)

What do you think of the bag so far? Let me know below! 👇

Where can I buy that bag?

add a velcro patch and youre golden mate

Honnêtement le sac doit pas être trop grand et polyvalent pas que pour un ordinateur portable… combien de pouce d’ailleurs dedans ?
La légèreté une priorité un combo de l’alpaka du able carry 13 litre et du belroy ultra light 18 litres
Je sais c’est pas évident peut-être que 19 litres c’est l’idéal entre sac de travail et du week-end, 2 en 1 au lieu d’acheter 2 sacs comme je l’ai fait

i wish there was a more colorful version!!

I like it. Water bottle holder is a must for me in a travel bag. Waterproofing is also very important as the lady thing one needs is electronics or documents getting wet/damaged. Look forward to this bag

So far so good, loving it keep up the good work

I hate exposed water bottle holders, oh did I tell you about how I feel about water bottle holders I don't like looking at them they look like little flaps wings if you know what I mean😂

need the water bottle holder, love the idea of adding a tab for easy open access, high vis fabric on the inner sling would be nice. yes on the padded handle.

As a photographer, my primary concern is how a pack performs in the field as far as 1) accommodating a "reasonable" field kit of gear (this will obviously vary depending on individual needs/preferences, but will include at least one camera body, several lenses, batteries, filters, etc.); 2) gear security, both from the standpoint of damage protection (shock/water-proof) and theft-deterrence; 3) quick access for things like lens/battery changes, without having to completely remove the pack (preferably via side access, forming a "ledge" so as to minimize the likelihood of dropping precious parts, but there are other options); and of course, the ability to store at least some peripheral items (possibly a laptop, but more likely things such as wallet, keys, phone, water bottle--of course).

Bottom line: there are obviously many features required to make a pack suitable for various users, and these things vary greatly depending on the user, which is why it's so difficult to make a "one-size-fits-all" (literally and figuratively) pack. I know it's difficult to develop even one product, much less multiple ones simultaneously, so as much as I'd like to see a more photo-centric product, perhaps your focus at this point needs to be more in line with the needs of a wider audience (although some photo-centric features wouldn't compromise the utility of a pack for other users). Also, obviously you're quite away down the development road on this more general-purpose pack. If you'd like to consider a more photo-centric bag in the future, I'd be happy to share my experience (as a photographer with a BFA in Industrial Design) to offer some feedback in the form of brainstorming, prototype testing, etc. In any case, I wish you luck in this daunting task--you obviously have a great positive attitude and enthusiasm, which will definitely help you succeed! I've considered trying to develop my own bag (as of course, there is no perfect bag out there--I've contacted multiple manufacturers with suggestions but have yet to see results), so I admire your willingness to take this on!

Having the sunglasses within the same pocket as keys really freaks me out, is there any thought into making a better protected option for potentially expensive sunglasses?

Luggage pass through is critical. The thin band often is a challenge if the the bag is filled up. Any thought on improving that feature?

Nice! Have you considered adding a separate quick access laptop compartment btw?

going back to this video and still not sure about the bottle holder. When I am on the go, I want it to be there. I like that about my Knack backpack original zipping into the bag with or without the bottle. I like the overall look of the bag!

love love love this water bottle holder. if i follow correctly with the no bottom portion, i'd stick my puffer or rain jacket in the part that goes through. really vastly prefer it on my R though (if carrying one strap, it's on my R, like most R handers).

I like your water bottle solution, I wouldn’t even mind if it was permanently there. I don’t think also there’s any issue with it being too tight, I think that’s great. I also like a lot that it can seem to handle a lot of sizes of bottles and still hold them in place.

I dont always carry a water bottle but sometimes an umbrella instead. Would the bag fit under the seat as a personal item on a European Airline?

Great concept! I am still looking for the perfect EDC bag and this looks promising! I would recommend making the bottle holder on both sides:
a) Many people use it for a water bottle and coffee mug to the office
b) When going on a city trip you can use the second thanks to your solution also to add other gear like a tripod or even walking sticks.

Would love that!

I hope you patent that water bottle holder because it's genius

Love the out of the box creative water bottle holder. I love that it can hold a larger capacity water bottle because so few backpacks do so without weird cords sticking out. This pack would be perfect if you added another water bottle set up on the other side of the pack. I leave the house with 2 bottles everyday; one for coffee and one for water. I take my backpack to work then events after. So having to option of carrying two large water bottles would be a rare pack, indeed.

I had finally decided on the Aer Pro Pack 24L...until you decided to build a bag with your friends (us). I'm holding tight until you are complete cause I think you are building the perfect bag for us. Not everyone but a 21 to 24L bag is going to be worth the wait. It will be difficult cause my ogio has surpassed my expectations but i'm ready for a new bag and excited to see your final design. Good lucj aaron, we are with you.

I’m so excited for this bag. It looks sick. I love the water bottle pocket idea. I like to have them, but I don’t always need them. Great work!!!

I'm super curious about the water bottle holder. I'm kind of a camel so I walk around with a pretty thick 1L bottle and I gotta say, I don't find a lot of bags that fit it comfortably without the elastic stretching out in a few months from how tight it is, so just seeing the pocket hold on to that 1.5L got my attention. Really hope you can figure out how to make removable! It'll also give an Extra pocket for ppl who don't lug around big bottles

Looks great. I need to see more, but vertical front pockets concern me a little. Will things fall out if it accidentally becomes unzipped? And in the past, bags with flaps start to bug after awhile. Will the flap always flap back to position, or can it stay open? The bottle holder sounds like an interesting option and I'm curious to see more! I can see the issues with the holder not being attached to the bag and if you are in a rush, "missing" the mesh opening and putting in the space between the holder and the bag, and then it falls out of the opening at the bottom.
I'm also curious to see the waxed canvas version.

Sometimes I need to travel with two laptops (one personal, one for work), will the laptop pocket be wide enough to fit 2 laptops?

Hello a suggestion I would like some straps at the bottom you can attach a jacket or yoga mat/tripod

Looks good! Love the idea of keeping it light but with some structure. My favorite part is the ventilated back padding. Perfect for tropical countries! My only request is to have locking options for the zippers to make it theft resistant.

Love the bag !!! I would put more molle inside

I can’t wait for this modularized water bottle holder! Looking forward!

Very cool idea! I don't know why, but I feel that in the end it will be something like Nomatic Navigator with better materials. I think it would be better to do a bottle holder like the Nomatic Navigator L15 last edition.

I NEED that bag in waxed canvas! My favorite part is the front sling/pocket thing. I call that the airplane pocket. All the junk in my pockets while going thru airport security goes in there so I don't have to use a bin. There's so much room, I love it!

I dig the water bottle pocket and would be ok with buying replacements when it wear out as long as it's cost effective.

This is an amazing bag, might pick one up if the waxed canvas and self standing. Also I wish it had no branding either

What a nice "project"!
Congratulations! I'll fill up the survey right now!

Magnets on the straps, so they stay in place when not in use. It would be perfect 👌🏽

Thank you for sharing your journey with us! I've spent countless hours engrossed in your reviews while searching for the perfect travel and everyday bag, and I find myself in agreement with most of your critiques. It's incredibly satisfying to hear that you're incorporating all that feedback into crafting the ultimate bag. Regarding the water bottle holder, I completely share your sentiment about disliking the protruding appearance of a large, flappy pocket on the side, so it's fantastic to learn that it can be tucked away. While I appreciate the pass-through feature, I'd want to ensure that smaller bottles won't slip through and that larger ones can still fit. My concern lies in whether I can still utilize the water bottle holder when the bag is expanded. Also, whens will it be able to see a finalized bad and potentially order. Looking to get my hands on one.

I was just thinking today... Are there any little loops or anchor points on the bag? For like, key clips and carabineers and the like? I know there's something like that inside the hatch, but if Im not sure I see anything on the outside of the bag. (I'm probably in the minority, but I also like decorating my bags with little charms and stuff.) I'd really rather not clip things to the zipper pulls.

You can move the main compartment zipper more forward in order to fit a proper water bottle holder plus a padded handle

This bag looks super sleek! I'm actually looking for a bag that I can travel with, and ALSO put some baby stuff in. Will there be a larger size of this bag one day? It's hard to find a bag that can expand, be durable, have all those compartments. Ideally it would be a 25L expandable to 32-35L as well. Wondering if that could be a future project?!

Hey I don’t know if you’re still reading comments this advanced into 2024, but as someone who lives in place with tons of pickpockets, the sling part needs a bit of extra security, as it seems it’s kinda easy to just open it and take some stuff, i cannot tell you the solution, but i hope you guys can address it

Is it on kickstarter and what price on release

I love this bag so far - thing is, it's a huge bag for a small sized person. Possible to also design that sleek backpack into a smaller one and without the compartment for the laptop. The quick access is excellent with the water bottle design - we wheel dad for physio therapy & out for meals etc... both mum & dad are in their early 80s so backpacks are good for me. I see so many that look & are bulky, i tried them on & i look like the bag is swallowing me up - imagine the bag is pushing my dad on his wheelchair

I like the bag and would love to get on a waiting list to purchase one. For the top handle you could consider one like maxipedition used it is by far my favorite. Otherwise keep up the great work.

Dude this is so cool, legitimately. The whole concept of building a bag with viewers. I spend hours and hours watching review videos, and for better or worse, spend months before making a purchase. A couple years back I settled on eBags Slim Junior and it is remarkable, just a bit snug. The cable garage concept is fire. Anyways, thanks for sharing the passion and I look forward to reviewing and contributing in any way I can!

Love it!!! I need one!

Super cool bag but I think a lot of these functions are situational. The core features have to be perfect and it looks like you have them almost nailed down. Material, comfort, and style. Some Companies sell $100 shopping bags with zero functionality based on those things alone.

Removable water bottle is awesome, maybe a strong magnetic connection for quick removal and the option to deploy internally. Cost per unit goes up dramatically.

The sustainability idea of replaceable parts in a bag is amazing. Unique I would say to the backpack industry.

Expansion is great but at the cost of a solid carry handle. Maybe consider a side carry handle to make it more carry-on friendly. That and a pass through strap.

Front pocket design is interesting and is the stand out feature for me. I have yet to try a zipper system like this which has ample access without sacrificing esthetics . Tri zips are awkward but dump pockets lack organization.

If executed well, I see it as the unique feature that identifies your brand !

I agree that high visibility interior colors throughout the bag is a must. Along with more magnets ! But all the PU coatings, extra panels, and magnetic hardware will start to add up. This would fit into the high end market but you may want the bag to be accessible at a moderate price point.

Very excited for your project and hope to get one of the first runs. All my opinions are just an opinions, and you seem to have a strong team working with you.

Have fun, make awesome stuff!

Also one tip. Do not go with that spring loaded keychain solution. They ALWAYS break. Will cause you headaches

I would use the same lining inside the backpack for the front sling section. It’s too dark in there

The water bottle holder is creative, but I dont think it would hold my yeti well. I would think some sort of o-ring attachment or several could be added like on the tom bihn bags. One or two on the side could be added with some sort of sturdy clip or whatnot could be attached that could attach to either the handle or around the water bottle somehow so for harder bumps and shakes it wouldn't cause the bottle to come out. I don't know if I'm explaining it well, but something like that I think would be beneficial.

Like the professional look and the front sling is cool. I just saw on another video that the front pocket is lockable. NICE!!

Water bottle solution!!
What if it comes out from extension?
If no water bottle, zip all the extension
If water bottle, half open extension at the side and BOOM! Water bottle holder
If fully extended, no surprise, there is… you guessed it! WATER BOTTLE HOLDER

make it like a mole attachment with multiple options. supply a basick water bottle attachment with the option to get a different option