So today is new bag day! My Sympl Commuter XPac 20 Liter bag just arrived and it looks even better in person imho! Obviously not much to say yet on long term use, tag is even still on it, but wanted to share with you some first impressions and pictures.
First of all, it looks gorgeous, no getting around it. The inner lining color choice is also brilliant and the different fabrics for the different purposes are really well thought out.
Everything feels quality, easy to access and for the amount of organization that is built in, not that heavy! I don’t need tech cases with this bag, it has its own!
Also really like the improvements compared to the non-limited non-xpac variant, such as the ring above the bottle holder and the clearly superior new location of the key leash.
Bu the way, that back panel, so much more comfortable and softer than you would be lead to believe from the online pictures. That part was really a gamble to me but glad it turned out way better than I originally feared. Also really like the straps, very comfy and the wide placement on the bag is much appreciated. Don’t understand why some bag makes pit them close to eachother. That becomes a problem in winter time with winter jackets etc. So thank you Sympl for not forgetting about cold times :)
P.s. I’m assuming the 1/200 label means it is one of 200, not that it’s the first one. It’s written on the packing bag and the removable labels like that too.
Pictures are with the bag still empty and I JUST took it from the box.
That’s a really beautiful bag. Tight design, premium materials, top notch stitching. It’s a pity it’s not likely to age well.
Why is it not likely to age well?
Referring to the waterproof zipper coating like Aquaguard. Though I've only seen pics of the AER Aquaguard zips peeling.
I’m also guessing this is aimed at the aquaguards but I’ve only seen that with Aer and always from a specific climate (hot and wet). I live in the Netherlands so this is both a necessity for me (rains so much) and does not match the edge case climate conditions that COULD cause it. Also it seems to always be the same pictures so how big is that problem really?
I’m very happy with them so far, also on other bags / pouches.
The zippers and the Xpac itself won’t look great after a few years.
Such a shame the top pocket hangs down and covers the three mesh pockets at the top of the main compartment. That spoils one of my favourite features.
The hidden airtag pocket is more hidden this way though!
That interior colour is just 🤌 Love that more brands are going away from neon orange for x pac bags.
Yeah me too, the coyote interior in the evergoods xpac pouches for example also looks really nice. I prefer the fabric choices here with Sympl though.
How does the water bottle holder work for you? I’ve seen some complaints about it not fitting well for standard 20-24oz bottles
Not working well, meaning? Too loose? Too low? Too tight? What were you hearing? :)
This version has the d-ring right above it you could use to secure the bottle if it’s one that’s a little thin. Thing is, with every water bottle, make it tight and a big bottle doesn’t fit, make it fit a big bottle and now the small ones are loose.
With the zipper closed, you can fit slim bottles and (selfie) sticks etc. With zipper opened, it handles bigger bottles. The bottlles/objects in the middle of that are then in the grey in between, might wanna open zipper and secure via d-ring on those.
Not sure what you heard but hope this answers ;)
thanks! I think this user showed that small bottles would fall out if unzipped but doesnt' fit when zipped.
https://youtu.be/qOkgl6jP0sM?si=npy95H6BdedKWQ-Q
Yeah so that bottle is like in between thin and big. But his version is the ballistic nylon which doesnt have the d-ring above it like the xpac does. I can secure it with that if needed. Do feel like its extra loose on his? Hard to gauge without holding it.
It seems very loose. I tried to clip around the 5:11 mark
https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxxbviLDF6kMw1Kxh2AkBmQq3MvQUzeZf6?si=y8mUDjSL0drlFd9s
Love the design. I would have purchased if it were 24l.
Can imagine, my Able Carry Max EDC (also in xpac) already covers that space though :)
So that top pocket is new? Or was it just moved from the regular version?
New
Ugh. I wish the quick access pocket was on the right side.
I have to get used to that too yeah haha
Really debating picking one up but worried about the VX21... If this was VX42, I would be all in with no hesitation.
Vx21 is lighter and less stiff. Do you truly need the extra resistance vx42 brings? VX21 is already very very tough. That is the question you need to ask yourself.
Just noticed the label says Hyper Limited Drop 001, but do you guys think this means they will be launching Drop 002 for the 24L as well?
https://preview.redd.it/1kyr6f3w039g1.jpeg?width=1572&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=41743c4f36289ba86372877c91fca635494df8db
Really nice design here with smart features. Personally that lining colour makes it a hard pass for me. Longer term it won't wear well.
Ohhhh I really love it :) but to each their own right ;)