It’s such an easy way to add to the storage capacity of any bag without adding any bulk - why wouldn’t you use it? Plus it’s not just for drinks - it’s by far the best way to store an umbrella so you don’t get the main pack wet and dirty.
I see high-end brands like Evergoods that are supposed to be the kings of ergonomics and quick-access efficiency, yet they remove one of the most staple and convenient quick access items you can have - I just don’t understand it.
For those who may be considering these packs. I wasn’t able to find much reviews prior to the purchase so I thought it nice to share my 2 cents.
👍 pocket placements are 👌👌👌 👍 easily accessed what I needed with one hand, usage just seems to flow ergonomically 👍 the accordion style side expansion lets you open up the bag to access every pocket and sleeve without fear or anything falling out 👍 uses a strap adjustment system with a similar concept to the timbuk2 messenger bag I came from 👍 available attachments for small clips or carabiners
👎 the strap is narrow (to be clear, it’s not uncomfortable, it just doesn’t seem to hit that sweet spot but not a deal breaker. I’m just nitpicking based on personal preference coming from a strap that’s twice as wide with significant padding) 👎 the strap adjustment has a tendency to slip when moving briskly (it’s a smooth easy pull to readjust so again not a deal breaker, for now)
This summer, I stumbled upon an unexpected win: having my kids handle their own pool gear.
After my daughter got a cut one day, I treated it using my “boo boo kit”. Inspired, she wanted her own, and by the next incident, she had her kit ready and took care of herself. Talk about quick learning!
My daughter also started packing her own snacks, leading to fewer “I’m hungry” moments and her enjoying snacks she chose herself.
My son took the lead in deciding which toys to bring to the pool. It was refreshing to witness him make choices without the fuss of possibly leaving behind his favorite toy of the week.
Interestingly, my wife was a bit skeptical about the whole individual bag idea initially. But, seeing its benefits, she too picked up a backpack by mid-summer, joining the rest of us.
The highlight? No longer having the entire family’s pool gear spread across mine and my wife’s shoulders. The weight and responsibility got distributed, making our trips …
The Daily Plus’s lovely x-pac blue color: a bit drizzle in the morning in San Francisco, then nice & sunny in Sausalito.
I’m a huge fan of the Porter Yoshida brand so was over the moon when I stumbled upon this classic in a Kyoto thrift shop. It’s become an incredible flight companion: it weighs so little, can pack plenty and expand generously, and can be carried by hand, over the shoulder, or as a backpack. The nylon material is also super, okay in rain, sun, wherever, and never makes your back feel hot when wearing it.
I am doing 3 months (at least) in the Balkans. This isn’t my first long trip, but it is my first where I won’t be in the same place for like a month at a time. I’ll be moving around every couple days and weeks around the Balkans.
The difficulty comes from that I am doing a 2-week long backpacking trip in the beginning of the trip called The Peaks of the Balkans. It’s in the mountains and can get cold. I’ve done a lot of wilderness backpacking before but this is more like tea-houses and guest houses. I have a tour booked so I have a guaranteed bed each night, but it’s gonna be mid September and temperatures drop a lot and most places don’t have central heating. And I’ve already read every single word every written about the PotB trail, it’s really not that mature of a backpacking trail and so it’s hard to find good info on it.
However, after I finally got everything packed, the bag was 18.5 pounds before water. Am I overpacking clothes?
Gear: * rain coat * puffer jacket * hat * …
Heading to Peru and Bolivia tomorrow for three weeks on my first solo one bag trip. A mix of hiking, mountain bike riding, and sandboarding while taking in the Amazon, Inca Trail, and other sites.
Tried to keep myself to a single bag but the different climates and a desire to use my everyday backpack on the trails led to a blend of three bags into one.
Managed to squeeze my clothes into a 22L Camelbak Mule which I’ll be taking on hikes, rides and day trips, and the rest slotted around the pockets of a 35L Cotopaxi Alpa with plenty of space to spare. I could almost squeeze everything into the Camelbak but wanted room for souvenirs and don’t want to check an additional bag on the flight home.
Also taking a small sling to keep essentials close on flights and bus trips which fits into the front pocket of the Alpa or bottom of the Mule when not being slung.
Packing List:
cotopaxi allpa 28l
Two shorts 🩳, three shirts 👕, three sets socks/underwear 🩲, running shirt and shorts, lounge shorts and shirt, basic toiletries, larger over ear headphones 🎧, laptop 💻, glasses 🕶️ and sunglasses 😎, extra phone and phone size charger, water bottle, and a book. Plenty of room to spare, lots of organizations, claim shell design is great for keeping cloths folded and not wrinkled. And fun colors.
Including clothes/shoes I’ll wear on the plane, total weight is 16.4lbs. Swipe for the list of stuff and weight of each item. So excited for this trip!
We officially have all of the Cotopaxi bags we need (… a statement that is mostly as a reminder/admonishment for myself)
Sagebrush doesn’t look anywhere as good to me. I don’t mind Olive Territory but I only see that on Injected Linen. Can we bring back that beautiful Dust Olive?
Emotional armor in the form of a zippered hoodie. High density cotton on the outside for serious structure and form. Soft merino terry on the inside for all the warmth and natural performance merino brings. Compact cut with articulated two-piece sleeves and a chunky two-way YKK #8 Vislon zipper.
Now available in Coraleyes, Sage, Anthracite, Dark Navy and Black
A shanked-up cardigan meets sweatshirt. A softer jacket, a harder sweater, a dressed up sweatshirt. This can be all three, plus it combines a dense cotton exterior with a soft merino terry inside to make an emotional armor with a whole lot of wearable range.
Now available in Coraleyes, Sage, Anthracite, Dark Navy and Black
Ultrafine Merino Cut Three T-Shirt
An overflowing and near perfect t-shirt made with Ultrapure Mackenzie Merino Jersey, nature’s finest performance fabric. Beautifully soft and remarkably dry to the touch, merino’s hygroscopic properties help cool you in the heat and insulate you in the cool. Cut Three is our overflow cut, long and off the shoulder.