Road Tested | Mission Workshop Vandal | Part 2
Mid test summary
So I’ve been using the Vandal for well over a month now, with both daily ritual and interstate trips covered. It’s a great pack, and is holding up well to the abuse.
The Mission Workshop guys were awesome in sending us this pack, and also in agreeing that we shouldn’t hold back. So I want to cover both the highlights, and the areas that I think could be improved.
As always, this is an honest review of both the good and the not as good. We’re just lucky that the pack is mostly good… really good.
-
Highlights:
Water-resistance: A pretty severe afternoon downpour and I shared some intimate time together, and the Vandal did not let a single drop in. I had all of my tech inside, and it came through unscathed. The coated fabric also means that the bag outer resists water-logging, remaining light and quickly drying.
Capacity: The MW guys have found a great compromise with this format. In regular configuration, the pack is about the right size for a trip or gear-filled daily commute. But when you need it to, the Vandal will grow like the Hulk, swallowing whole cities in its wake. Why does this matter? Have you ever tried to bike home your weekly shopping? I can finally stop dangling bags from my handlebars.
Elastic closure: The main elastic closure is awesome. It serves as a quick lock-down for the roll top (if you can’t be bothered rolling), but more impressively, it lets you tuck a helmet, jacket, or even a Baby Bjorn behind it, providing quick access without issues. The elasticity also means you rarely need to adjust it, with it stretching to fit most needs.
Semi-rigid back: This is a bit of a compromise… If you want your waist belt to take any real load, you need your pack to have some rigidity and structure (otherwise the load cannot be ‘lifted’ from your hips). The Vandal has a semi-rigid back panel that achieves this (making it better for hauling heavy loads). The downside to this is that if you bend your back a fair bit when riding, the pack does not bend with you as much. It’s fine, just not super fine.
Waist belt: Speaking of hips, the waist belt is great. Wide, well structured with high density foam, and removable. I used it when traveling, then removed it when riding/commuting (it can lock your bending a little on the bike).
Look: Yeah, I’m still a sucker for a good-looking pack. Roll-tops just look more grown-up and better, and the Vandal is probably the most evolved roll-top of any. The fabric was a little techie for my initial taste, but it has really grown on me when I see the upsides to its water-resistance and reflectiveness (visibility at night is pretty important).
-
Lowlights:
Delicates pocket: There really is nowhere great for your sunglasses or delicates. A good delicates pocket should be set high on the bag, preferably nearer the back (least likely spot to get crushed). I got around the lack of one by carrying a padded pouch in one of the other sections.
Section length: All the sections in the Vandal go right to the base. This means that items all drop to the bottom, start to get jammed, and then you fill in above them. With a small tweak, the front section could finish just above the front zip pockets (becoming a delicates section), the next section could finish an inch or two above the floor (to work better as a suspended laptop pocket), and the expansion and rear sections could remain floor to ceiling.
Modules needed: Because the bag spoils us for choice with sections, it is a little limited with pockets. I ended up needing some modules (I wish I had a simpler life). I put in a padded pouch for a small camera and sunnies, a laptop sleeve for my 17″ MacBook, and another case for all my tech cables.
-
Best suited to:
Commuters: This bag let’s you live on your bike, responding to any impulse and taking everything you need with you. There are not many bags that do that.
Adventure seekers: This thing can roll with any mission, adjusting and responding as you need it to.
Experienced bag users: I wasn’t sure whether to put this in or not, but the Vandal is a reasonably complicated pack. There are a lot of configurations, sections, and inter-relationships of space, so you need a bit of nous to get your head around it. Having said that, when you do, you get rewarded with an amazingly flexible tool.
-
Not suited to:
Tech fiends: There is still an under-supply of pocketing if you carry a heap of tech. You can get around this with good inserts, but make sure you plan for that.
-
Any niggles?
None: It’s a really well-made pack, with good componentry and quality fabrics. On a personal take, I would swap the common airmesh for something less scratchy on bare skin (almost all bags have this though) and upsize some of the zips, but that would bring other compromises.
-
And breakages/issues?
None.
-
Any envy for a similar bag?
Not really: Roll-tops are just starting to find their feet in the backpack game. The most similar packs are from Chrome, T-Level and Sag. But of all these, the Vandal is my new favorite. It just seems to have pushed the ideas further.
-
Conclusion
This really is a great pack – one that innovates in a bunch of ways. While it’s been built with a cyclist in mind, it will still work great for climbers, surfers, dungeon masters and any number of adventure seekers as their go-to backpack.
Expansion and versatility are perhaps its biggest trump cards, but water-resistance, comfort and great looks all help.
While we found a few small things that in our eyes might be improved, we also acknowledge that these are things that are mostly about broadening its appeal – getting it more suitable to the laptop and tech wielding crowd (which many commuters now are).
Good stuff Mission Workshop, this is a big step forwards.
-
Postscript:
We have had several crew saying that they are trying to choose between this pack and a Chrome roll-top. The major difference that we see is that the Chrome perhaps pips the Vandal for a fashion look, while the Vandal wins from a performance and technical stand-point. We’ll review the Chrome soon for more insights…
They are definitely conceived from the same parents though, so you can’t go too wrong with either.
Subscribe via RSS Feed
Johnson has got in touch to share a neat organiser that would be right at home in the front section of the Vandal. Check out http://www.usoutdoorstore.com/outlet/sea-line-urban-backpack-organizer.html for a basic organiser option.
Or just dig up a pencil case, toiletry bag, or some other sort of organiser (like the stuff from a brand like Eagle Creek http://www.eaglecreek.com/accessories/accessories_packing_solutions/ )
I’m really interested to see this bag directly compared to the Chrome Ivan or Sultan. The material and craftsmanship definitely looks a lot nicer and more refined, albeit more technical.
When I return from my current trip, I’ll snap a couple of shots of the two bags side by side (and add them to the post), as many of our community are weighing up between those two backpacks.
The Chrome’s polyester fabric is more matte, giving it a more ‘clothing like’ look. When you add the metal pocket closures, the Chrome does have a pretty dapper look going on.
The MW has the external fabric coating that improves water shedding, and lighter weight plastic buckles, with the net result that it looks more ‘tech’.
If looks really matter, IMHO the darker grey for the MW is the better looking colourway, but the lighter grey is better for bike visibility.
Ahhh, just buy them all!
Just a few follow ups with the Vandal Backpack review.
1. When the main cargo compartment is zipped up for it unexpanded size, would a standard water/sports bottle fit between the gusset and the zip? And are the gussets waterproof too?
2. Would the higher of the two front folding sections fit a Crumpler 15″ School Hymm laptop case? Height: 27 cm / 10.6 inches – Depth: 5 cm / 1.9 inches. http://www.crumpler.com/AU/Laptop-Bags/Laptop-Carrying-Cases/School-Hymn-M.html?SKU=SH0206A
Johnson,
another of our Carryologists has the bag at the moment, so let me give an initial answer, and then I’ll follow up in a fortnight when I get it back.
1. There’s no great spot to carry a water bottle with this pack. The space b/w the gusset and the zip will fit one high up, but not low down where you would most like to position it. Still, it does fit higher up, so that’s something.
2. When I get the pack back, I’ll measure the opening to see if your laptop case will fit. I can get my 17″ MacBook in with a neoprene sleeve around it, but that’s a reasonably tight fit.
Johnson, I’ve checked, and the Crumpler School Hymm should just fit the hanging pocket section. I had about a thumb’s gap around those dimensions when I tried them in it. Just don’t go down in size to the Rambler pack for your laptop, because that won’t fit the zip pockets on that.
I just picked up a Rambler from the MW guys on a visit to London.
Putting it through some distance/storage/cargo/Irish weather tests at the moment and I’ll be sure to post my findings here as soon as I gather them.
Initial thoughts: Very comfy on and off the bike, easy on the eyes, but not so much on the wallet! Also, as stated, there is a distinct lack of organisation pockets, though this is common in cargo/waterproof bags and means less weight and potential water leakage…
The Rambler (the Vandal’s smaller sibling) just has a really friendly feel to it. That slightly smaller size seems to take away some of the intimidation factor.
Definitely keep us posted with how it wears in…
I bought a Chrome bag in SF, but that was before I went to MW. The guys at MW seem like really nice, down to Earth people. They were super friendly, but unfortunately, the place was a little messy are they were preparing for an art exhibit. Not that I minded…
I’m very happy with my Chrome Soyuz – the way it looks and its nice slim design – but I think having a bag that expands like a mother-bitch like the Vandal or Rambler would have been handy on numerous occasions so far. Oh well, if anything, its keeping me from buying too much on my travels.
The Soyuz is a great looking slim pack. We’ll be interested to hear how you go.
Pingback: Road Tested | Chrome Ivan roll-top Part 1&2 – Carryology
Actually all 3 bags reference here were designed by the same person. Mission Workshop was founded by the original Chrome owners/designers. The MW bag is an evolution of their previous designs.
Yeah, Bart and Mark are pretty talented cats. Looking forwards to seeing their ideas continue to evolve…
Alright, so I’m 5’1. I’m also pretty set on getting a roll-top. But I guess by definition roll-top bags are pretty big.
Anyway, would the Rambler be too big for a really small person on her fixie?
Keilani (amazing name by the way… your folks had some taste),
we’ve pinged the guys at MW a note to see if they have any images of suitably sized models wearing their Rambler.
In the meantime, we found this shot of a vertically challenged Japanese charger sporting one next to a Vandal wearer: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bluelug/4849530192/
To us, slightly oversize bags are like oversize watches… kinda cool if you have the attitude to pull it off.
We’ll see if the MW guys have any images that are a little more ‘calibrated’…
Well, that was quick! Thanks on all counts.
Pingback: Cycling backpacks
Having a pretty hard time chosing here.
I’m looking for a bag that covers my entire back, I’m 6 foot and have a quite a wide stature (rugby player), so the obvious choice would be the ivan?
But, I really prefer the vandals layout and versatility, and I think it would be a much better bag for my needs. Would it fit across broader shoulders?
Help!
Gosh, late replies. So sorry Will.
Both bags are pretty big. While the Ivan is broader, neither will look silly small on you, so I’d go the one that seems to have better functionality for you.
Pingback: Head to Head | Bike Oriented Backpacks – Carryology
This is why I got the Vandal…
(That is an ancient Crumpler Seedy Three crammed on top of it..)
http://blog.spencerpage.com.au/post/8552372925/this-is-why-i-buy-messenger-bags-they-swallow
It was brilliant for my recent canadian holiday. I wanted a small bag around cities when I was riding around, but something that could carry all my shit inbetween cities. How? The Vandal’s secret portal to another world of storage.
Good stuff.
So I’ve had my Chrome Ivan for a little over six months now and I love it. I’ve taken it everywhere from Vegas (loaded down with ice and boos), to Mexico on a 3 day cruise, camping up near mammoth (it even fit in the carry on space when crambed full of shit on the plane ride home which surprised me), packed it with my wetsuit, fins, towel and a dive mask and snorkle at the beach and it even maintained an extra bag of ice for a bbq for a couple hours that we had nowhere else to put.
I just saw some kid at school the other day with a Vandal and when i checked it out more online i was blown away by how much more it could handle and by a couple of key design features lacking on the Ivan. Mainly the fact that you can adjust where the pack sits on your back when loaded down with those adjustment staps on the shoulder pads and that it seems like it would sit nicer on your back because of the frame, where as when the Ivan is loaded up it has a tendency to buldge into your back and can make it sit on your back a bit awkardly and a little uncomfortably but nothing too serious).
My main questions in looking at this bag as a possible upgrade or alternative to my Ivan are 1) are all of the compartments tarp lined and able to carry ice / insulate etc. like on the Ivan and 2) When completely full and expanded (i doubt it would but) would this thing be allowed onto a plane as a carry on item?
Nick,
stoked you’ve been enjoying the Ivan.
There is no doubt that the Vandal is a better load carrier than the Ivan (I’m figuring you’ve found our Head to Head post on these bags: http://www.carryology.com/2011/03/28/head-to-head-bike-backpacks/ ).
When fully extended, it can swallow a mountain so you’re not going to be getting it through carry-on baggage in max extension, but you can just remove stuff until the belly is slim enough. So yeah, it makes a great plane travel pack.
Those straps don’t offer much height adjustment, so don’t bank too much on that. However if the Ivan fits you for height, the Vandal will as well, and there’s a much better waist strap for sharing the load.
Then for using it as an ice-box, it’s only the main roll-top section that would work for that, but it’s not like you need multiple sections with ice so long as that main one can fit it all.
Pingback: Carry Wishlists :: Ando – Carryology
Thanks for the great review. If you have the chance, my only request would be to see a comparison of the Vandal to Chrome’s Kirov and / or Warsaw (or even better, a whole review dedicated to either bag). Both seem to be trying to fill a similar niche, and there doesn’t seem to have been too many people who have reviewed either bag. Keep up the great work.
Regards,
Kaiser
Do any of our bag shop readers have both?
Guys?
Any help out there?
I HAVE BOTH!!! The Warsaw and the Vandal, that is. I have used both extensively and, to be honest, there are pluses and minuses to both that make them roughly the same in my mind. I’ve noticed that, like the Ivan, apparently, the Warsaw has a tendency to bulge a bit. However, I consider this just as annoying as how high the Vandal sits on my back – really annoying to look over my shoulders on my bike. I certainly haven’t been able to choose a victor in terms of carrying capacity – at some point, the extra 10 litres that the Vandal can carry becomes moot. This was especially brought to bear when I realized that filling the Vandal’s expandable pack will severely limit its other pockets’ carrying capacities. While the rolltop portion seems useful, it’s also rather narrow and has been best suited for my clothes, more than anything. Similarly, as the Warsaw fills up it tends to bulge – as previously stated – and also becomes a sort of tetris-like game of “how best to fill my pack.”
They both have really useful internal and external pockets and I have yet to experience any water leakage from either. The Vandal’s expanded pack leaked a little bit, but that’s only because I followed suit with a review I read and wore it in the shower. I love how much can be put into either, but I will say that the Warsaw tends to handle heavier loads a bit better, for my taste.
In terms of weight, when both have been loaded to capacity and I hop on my bike, they’re about the same in terms of weight distribution. The Warsaw sits low and wide, while the Vandal sits high and narrow. I like both fits as they both distribute the weight comfortably for long periods of time. Also, while the Vandal does expand, it can become a tad annoying to use once expanded. The Warsaw expands, but can be tightened down quite a bit to make a larger load into a tight little package.
Looks wise, I really have to hand it to Chrome. The Warsaw looks MUCH cooler than the Vandal, in my opinion. I was lucky enough to snag a limited edition brown Warsaw, but was forced to by a black Vandal, which scares me on a visibility level. The Warsaw’s closing clasp/ribbon has a reflecting strand in it that seems to bring me comfort.
All-in-all, considering that they’re the same price, both have incredible warranties, and are both fantastically massive, I’d say if you’re forced to choose between them, just flip a coin. Either way, you’ll have an incredible pack.
Rad feedback Al. Super informed and on the money. Thanks loads for contributing!
Thanks so much for the advice!
architecture student soon to be studying in Germany for 5 months and need bag for:
-taking weekend trips (one week max)
-grocery shopping
-hauling materials/books between class and room
seems missionworkshop bags are more ideal for traveling but am still puzzled about the size.
note: I am 5’4″ 110lbs
sould Rambler or Vandal be better?
opinions please?
Yeah, I think at 5’4″ a Rambler is definitely going to look more in proportion, and it’s still heaps of room for stuff.
For my money, the only reason I’d go a Vandal if I were you is if you haul a 17″ Macbook. Other than that, I say go the Rambler.
I forgot to mention i’ll also be hauling around a dslr camera in its own bag- I assume that would fit in the expanded portion of the rambler?
Thanks again!
Yeah, so long as it’s not a Canon 500mm L Series lens you’re hauling, you should be fine.
For carrying your photo gear as well as clothing/gear for a long weekend, check out our newest bag!
ILEquipment.com/Prime
Pingback: Road Test | Mission Workshop VX Rucksack | Carryology
Hey guys,
First of all I love the website. I am having a hard time deciding on a new pack. I am a photographer, a student, musician and outdoor enthusiast. I love the expandability and durability of the Mission Workshop pack but I worry about the lack of organization. I am working full time and going to school in Austin, Texas. I need to be able to bring a DSLR a lens or two and a flash a 15′ laptop, school books and a few other essentials. I am also a musician; I play the Accordion, banjo and Ukulele and may need to haul an instrument around on my bike. Is the Vandal the right bag for me or is there another bag that you would suggest. Thanks,
Carlo
Firat up, thanks for appreciating.
The Vandal can work for you if you supplement it with a couple of organizing pouches. But for sure there are other options to consider.
The main issue you’ll have is accessing camera gear quickly and easily. If you are up for exploring camera packs, check out: http://www.bagexposure.com/ They scan lots of options which are more purpose built for image shooters.
If you want to avoid camera specific stuff, check out something like a Camelbak Tri-zip: http://www.carryology.com/2012/02/17/carry-geeking-tri-zips/ The full access makes getting in and out way easier, and there’s plenty of versatile load carrying options.
In the coming months we’ll review a few fun camera bag hacks (you can buy inserts to hack an existing bag), or just scan all those links and see if anything grabs your fancy
Thank you for the suggestions,
I have a hulking camera bag that I bring on assignments so I am looking for non-camera specific bag that I can adapt to carry just my essential camera gear. I am traveling a lot and putting my bags through wet, dirty and sharp places.. (mostly rock climbing with some mountain biking and kayaking). I am a little picky and am not attracted to the ‘tactical’ look of some of the durable bags with military origins. Do you have any other suggestions for backpacks that have the bike friendly, commuter aesthetic but could also stand up to my lifestyle and carry needs? I look forward to reading the posts on camera bag hacks. Thanks for your help,
Carlo
It ain’t cheap, but ILE take a Mission Workshop sort of aesthetic and pimp it as a camera bag: http://ilequipment.com/store/
Or Camelbak have started building the Tri-zip opening into more of their recreational backpacks, including some neat winter packs: http://www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recreation/Packs/2011-Pit-Boss.aspx
The Tri-zip works well with bulky and weird inserts, so it’s a nice bonus.
Or Goruck don’t really show their tactical origins, and give you multiple size options for fitting an insert system just right: http://www.goruck.com/
Do any of those work?
Do you feel that I should opt for one of those instead of the Mission Workshop because of the organization it offers? I do like the Go Ruck but am having trouble justifying the price!
The downside for Mission Workshop with cameras is that many of the ‘tube’ roll top main sections make it hard to get at bulky camera stuff. That’s where something like the Tri-zip opening is great, as you can zip down to get at things below that bulky dSLR lump.
A good way to choose a pack is to start with the most demanding aspects of what you will use it for. Is tear- resistance when stumbling around climbs the most important (go a cPU coated river pack)? Or dunk-proofness when transferring between boats more vital (go a submersion proof roll-top)? Or is easy access to camera stuff in the daily grind more important (now you need more zip access, which reduces water-proofness)?
If you can start with the most demanding parts of your routine, it will make life easier to chose the right pack.
Reading those adventures again, I’m actually thinking you’d be better off with a proper adventure pack that still has good zip access. A few good ones are:
http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/patagonia-stormfront-pack-backpack?p=49152-0-950
http://www.simmsfishing.com/site/dry_creek_day_pack.html
or if you like the roll-top:
http://www.simmsfishing.com/site/dry_creek_rolltop_backpack.html
I know it feels odd buying a fishing pack, but Simms really are great value for what you are getting.
Hey Carryology. Y’all are the best… i’ve been on this site every night for the past week looking up reviews of the best roll-tops. I’ve seen just about every video and read just about every review of the Chrome Ivan (and the smaller Pawn), Mission Workshop Rambler, and the new Timbuk2 Especial Tres. The only one I’ve seen and examined in person was the Timbuk2.
I’m looking for a new backpack and I know I definitely want a rolltop… now the question is… which one?! They all seem so good and look so good that I just can’t decide. The prices are all kinda similar so that isn’t really helping me either. As for what I would use it for… I commute on my bike and I almost always bring my 15″ MBP with me. I would like a bag that with decent organization as well as balance and good back support since I do ride a TON each day… Waterproofing is important as well, but they all seem to be quite waterproof. I know that all three bags are great bags for my use but which do you think would be the best? Is there anything I should know about that will steer me away from a certain bag?
Some help from those with lots of experience with these backpacks would be greatly appreciated! and seriously, great website… i love it.
Thanks Paul. Nice to hear appreciation, as all the crew put in lots of time on it.
The main question we’d ask is do you ride a lot with your laptop in the pack? If so, that changes things, as laptops suck when hard against your back (they stop you bending properly).
If you do, I’d steer away from the Tres (where it’s against your back), and the smaller Rambler (where it would also be). You could upsize to a MW Vandal or Chrome Ivan (where it can go in the front pocket), but they are both pretty big packs, so if you’re under 5’10″ or so they might overpower your stature
Haha, let us know with that info, and we can then try to target things in a little more.
Thank you for the great review. I read your blog every week.
I am about to purchase to Rambler but I’ve been unable to find a bag in my country to test it for myself.
I have a fat Thinkpad which is about the same size as two 15″ Macbook Pros. I tried it on a Sanction rucksack (the store near my house only has the Sanction!) and it fit snugly. Do you think it will fit the Rambler?
I’m a pretty short person at 5′ – 5″, do you think it will be too big for my body?
I would really appreciate some advice as I cannot seem to find this bag in my country (yet)!
Love your blog!
I think it will fit in the roll-top section of the Rambler, but I’m not positive. It definitely won’t fit in the front pocket, as only a 13″ Apple or smaller can fit there.
That does meant that the main use section will be taken up with your laptop, which is a little annoying, but you can still use the expandable middle section for all your other bits.
Size-wise, I think it should look OK