Nailed It.
I needed to upgrade my mobile office setup, after a change in lifestyle and the need to travel frequently for the first time in 5 years. The technology has evolved (of course) and now I carry a second monitor, an incredible compact keyboard, spare battery pack capable of powering my Lenovo Carbon X1... and my array of other electronics (sat phone, headphones, etc).
I've been a pack/bag/luggage guy for decades, with a background in mountaineering but also wildland fire and 30 years of business travel globally. I've got a method, and it was time to upgrade and revise. I wanted to 'two strap' it to avoid problems with my back after years of slinging it, and wanted a single bag that met 'personal item' size requirements (I often have a carryon with clothes). A setup my criteria with about 12 variables, including weight, durability of material, interior sizes (my 2nd monitor is unusually large but light), and other factors made significant by my prior experience.
Over 45 bags made it into my spreadsheet. The Max Backpack had a few close competitors with a similar rank in my analysis, but with a few subtle differences that nudged it to the front: reinforced stitching at key load and wear points, waaay understated branding, and "structure" so it would appear the same whether the main compartment was empty or full.
I pulled the trigger, and as far as I'm concerned, Able nailed it. Now that I've used it for a week on a trip, I'm delighted with a few unexpected benefits: the water…