The Chrome Ivan goes up against Mission Workshop’s Vandal
Here’s a new category for Carryology, where we’ll help you chose between two of the best options in a particular segment of the carry market.
We’re kicking it off with ‘bike oriented backpacks’ for those looking for a great backpack to ride with that is versatile enough to move between work and play…
For our first Head to Head, we are revisiting two of your favourite posts, to help you chose a backpack for hauling your life around on a daily basis. We’re putting the Chrome Ivan (also called the Pawn and Sultan in different sizes) up against the Mission Workshop Vandal (smaller size is called the Rambler).
You should click here to view this poster in full size as a PDF.
Did you click the link to see the higher resolution PDF? Go on, click here.
For our full reviews of these packs, please checkout the Chrome Ivan Road Test and the Mission Workshop Vandal Road Test posts.
Bags: The Vandal was kindly provided to us by Mission Workshop. The Chrome was bought with our own funds.
Any feedback? Anything you’d like to see us do differently? Please let us know in the comments.
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Im considering the Ivan just for Training. Everytime I have Ju Jitsu Practice my stuff is sweaty and I need a BIG Bagpack. The Ivan seemed like the obvious choice as I am really satisfied with the Chrome Metropolis’ build quality.
It’s also just nice to have the Chrome because over here in Germany, basicly nobody knows about the Bag.
Problem is that the Ivan isn’t really cheap easy to get around here, I’m not even sure you can get it directly in here or have to import it from the UK.
But I gotta wonder, do you get these Bags for review or do you actually buy all those Bags you review?
Thanks Dean, you can’t really go wrong with either bag.
Regarding purchasing them, international postage is a real bugger with bags. It gets crazy expensive to ship them over country borders, so I hear your pain.
Chrome lists their stockists by country, and there’s several down there for Germany. Have a play at http://www.chromebagsstore.com/retaillocations/index/search/ and you should hopefully find a suitable store.
Regarding where we get our bags and carry gear, it’s a mix of us buying them and brands supplying them. We always list when the brand has given us the bag in the original reviews, and I’ve now added a note to this summary to make sure it’s clear here as well.
I ordered from Chrome bags, twice, and had them delivered to Paris. The shipping was $60/Fed Ex. I bought 2 bags and some other stuff but the shipping was still a large chunk of it.
I bought an Ivan when I lived in the states and still have it. It’s my favorite backpack but in the Metro here its too bulky for me to use everyday.When there is barely anything in the bag it is very thin. There isn’t a ton of space so when you fill it up it gets very round. Almost like having a burrito on your back. I have pushed and knocked over people before from turning around. I wind up taking it off and carrying it by the top but it rolls around too much to not keep a hand on it, again like a burrito. It is hands down my favorite bag. I just wish it was bigger and the pockets on the back were a little more secure. They are barely big enough to hold anything though so I don’t really use them. I am looking at the brigadier now, it seems like a nice mix of duffle and backpack but it doesn’t look as good as the Ivan, stylewise.
Also strangely, while I was walking along the champs elysee I walked by, and stopped to stare at, someone who had the same exact chrome bag, color and all. A grey Vega from chrome. That was the first time outside of the US I saw someone with the same bag.
Haha, the Burrito! That’s totally how to describe the Ivan as you load it with more stuff. And it’s a great point about trying to navigate crowds with a deep backpack.
Oh and to maybe add a question:
Ivan vs The Boris, which to go?
I haven’t played with the Boris in real life, but it looks like a backpack that suits traveling better than daily pursuits. When a bag optimised for horizontal access (think laid out on a hotel bed), it works better for accessing in private spaces. The Ivan is essentially a vertical layout, so works better when accessed on the ground beside your desk kind of thing.
Does that help?
The Mission Workshop is US made, which counts for something in my book.
A sturdy backpack is more than the materials it is made from, though I will agree that the MW bag is stocked on zippers.
Haha, now we’re getting to some tricky ground with countries of origin. I’ll just mention this to make sure we all keep a really open mind…
Many of the very best bag pattern makers and craftsfolk in the whole world are in Asia. The issue is that many of the cheapest are also there, and so they tend to all be tarnished with the ‘cheap’ brush.
It was the same for Japan and cars, before Toyota and Lexus taught the world about quality.
I’ve seen some terrible US made bags, and some amazing ones. I guess it’s up to sites like ours to try and help work out which is which, regardless of where it’s made.
And so I love your last sentence John, as a sturdy backpack is indeed more than the materials it’s made from. There is some serious love that goes into a great backpack, and we want to see more of it from all over the world
For what it’s worth, Chrome bags are also US made.
The Mission Workshop also had some kinda awesome style to it, but the higher price point really is annoying. But it just seems to fit more than the Ivan.
My problem is that most german resellers for Chrome Bags only have the messenger Bags for sale. So its hard to get the Backpacks of Chrome around here, even in Germany in general.
For the first time since I own my Chrome Metropolis, someone actually felt the need to push that shiny red button though, so that is good.
I am definitly going to try and get the Ivan here, though I am fcking sick (sorry my language) about it costing 80 $ more here than in the US.
Wtf is up with that Chrome yo
I’ll get a touch geeky here, because it really is interesting watching prices between countries. Having tried to work that through with brands before, there’s actually a bit of a labyrinth you need to negotiate.
Sometimes there’s more middle-people who each need a cut for importing, duties, warehousing and marketing, sometimes it’s really expensive freight, but often it’s just currency fluctuations. You can’t keep jumping prices up and down in a country, but currencies do jump up and down all the time, making prices seem different between countries.
Sorry, that was getting a little geeky with it. It still sucks.
I have a Rambler and a Chrome Dually (not roll top and much smaller than the Ivan), and I think it’s worth noting that body size matters. As a woman with a small torso and small shoulders, the Rambler just does not distribute weight that well when heavy–I think it’s because of the depth of the pack. I don’t have the waist belt, but the Chrome Dually is a much better biking backpack for a smaller person, heavy loads feel way better in it. But, the straps get really sweaty.
All around I prefer Da Kine’s woman specific biking packs (for comfort–still wish they were made in the USA), but I know that’s not really the audience here. I just wish there was a little more info about how all these amazing utility packs perform on a smaller individual!
AS,
awesome comments. We totally hear you on body size.
We would love to find more reviewers with a petite frame, as most of us are big and clunky guys. If you know of any bag nuts without the bulk, please let us know…
And DaKine have some awesome bags. We have covered a couple of them, but really should review a few more. Perhaps it’s time we make a post on Bags For Not As Big People. Is it the Girls Amp backpack you have? Do you rate it? We’ll start looking for some good options,
Ando
Well I’m only 5’6″ too (I hope thats converted right, 1.68 meters) and even the Chrome Metropolis looks like I could use it as a tent if needed.
The Chrome Dually looks cute to be honest, but I am really looking into something that may just swallow a Bus if needed.
Make sure you check out the Mission Workshop Rambler (the smaller version of the Vandal). It’s still a ‘medium’ sized pack, but it has that amazing expanding ability that very few bags can manage: http://www.missionworkshop.com/products/bags/backpacks/roll_top/medium_rambler.php
There are a few shots on the site of smaller people wearing it for context.
I’d have to agree with the negatives of the Vandal, though I have not tried the Ivan. Namely, that the expandable section is awkward when using it compressed. On the plus side, I love being able to take EVERYTHING on a bike. I’m sure they the next generation of Vandals will be infinitely better though, as you say.
I find it super comfortable to ride, even when loaded and the bag is very functional for getting in and out of bike lockers with a BOgear lovehandle on the hipbelt. Though I must admit, I am a little on the broad shouldered side.
The bag I was comparing the Vandal to was actually BO gears new backpack, the chunky toad – but it wasn’t available by the time uni started so I forked out the extra moolah to get a Vandal shipped to Melbourne. So far, I’d say it hasn’t been a bad decision…
Congratulations on a great comparison though.
Cheers for that feedback. One of our Queensland contributors (Johnson) loves the BO gear stuff, so we’ll try and get a review together for the Chunky Toad soon. I don’t think it will be as progressive as the MW, but it does look interesting.
So I’ve been considering these two bags for about a month now and was glad to get your take. I just came upon a new gem… the Warsaw, also by Chrome. Have you seen it? If so what do you think?
The Warsaw is a really wide pack. It’s basically a messenger with backpack straps.
That means it can fit big items, but you tend to bump into things when navigating crowded areas or tight spaces.
I prefer the front organizing on the Warsaw, but as an allround pack, it has such a huge presence, sitting really wide on your back, that I think I’d prefer the Ivan.
If however you live in the country or stay out of tight and crowded spaces, the Warsaw might be your thing…
Does that help?
I bought a Vandal a while back, mostly based on the reviews from this site and a couple others. I guess i’ve had it for a little over 3 months and use it for bike commuting (20 miles/day) and general every day use. I’m barely 5’7″ and it seems pretty big on me but not too bad. The separate sections is the main reason I chose it over the Ivan, but I also like that it’s not as wide.
I also agree with your negatives on the Vandal for the most part. I went with the digi-camo version, so it’s not so shiny looking, but the pocket situation took some getting used to. To get around some of the shortcomings and make it more useable, I ended up buying some travel pouches to put my small stuff in because the front pockets are just too tiny for most things. Fill the pouches up and toss them in.. seems to work ok. I also added some carabiner clips to the little loops on the inner zip area to clip my keys to, so I don’t have them in my pocket digging into my thigh when riding.
One other complaint is the lack of a decent place for a u-lock. I know you can strap it in with the elastic band like on their site, but there are two problems I’ve had with that. One is when i’m mashing on the pedals up a hill, the swinging motion kept knocking my light that I have attached on the back off. The other thing is when you unclip the strap, out comes the lock then you have to figure out a place to put it. Not really a big deal honestly, but slightly annoying. Now I just put the lock inside the bag’s roll pocket. The inner frame keeps it from digging in my back. Again, not really a big deal, just a minor complaint.
Overall, i’m happy with the bag. Especially when I need to expand it. A couple weeks ago, I stopped on the way home for a case of beer. I had my work clothes, bike tools, locks, laptop, small camera, and a 12 pack of beer, bottles too, with room to spare. Not that it was a comfortable 4 miles from the store, but it was doable.. heh, heh.
Yeeewwwww!!!! Great comments bhop. Insightful and right on the money.
We’ll make sure the guys at Mission Workshop give them a look over. Thanks heaps for sharing!
Love your reviews on the chrome and the mission workshop, and now i have a really hard time choosing between the both of them.
Judging from my commuting and life i decided to get the smaller version, so its still down to the chrome pawn and the mission workshop rambler.
Well currently im in Singapore and theres only 1 shop selling the bags.. and the price difference between the 2 bags is approx. 100 plus more..
I have decided to get a backpack because after using my old messenger bag(Crumplur) and after getting a new MBP
, i realize that putting my 13 inch MBP in the bag and carrying it around, its actually quite a chore. In the next month or so im moving over to australia to study there for a long time.. so im kinda aiming for a new bag for uni.. I dont think i will be cycling much there but i will be taking the tram and the bus.. Im around 5′ 9″ so im asking for your help…
money issue shouldnt be a problem but dang.. the price difference is huge!! and probably im a student so having such a big bag ( Mission Workshop) should be quite redundent? Looks wise Pawn kinda stands out more??
CHROME PAWN OR MISSION WORKSHOP RAMBLER???
Help…..
I own the Ivan as I mentioned above. It’s a great looking pack empty but its pretty cumbersome full. It’s maxes out pretty easily and since its like an envelope it doesn’t handle square or thick objects well. I am a big chrome fan but I would say go with the Rambler. It looks nice as a small backpack and it opens up into a larger bag for groceries or larger boxes that would be to big to put in the pawn. I have to use a different bag than my Ivan if I know I am going to fill it up.
I vote Rambler
thanks for your vote! hoping for more votes!
By the way regarding the way Chrome and Mission workshop was made, it is true that the Chrome Ivan/Pawn is designed in such a way that its flat.. like you said putting squares or thick objects certainly makes chrome pawn/ivan looks weird.. but i dont think that i will be putting such objects in the bag haha..
i love the functionality of the rambler compared to pawn really.. but aesthetic wise.. pawn wins hands down.. thats what i believe in.. so im still wondering whether to go for looks or functionality.. but 100 bucks diff is really alot..
thanks for the tip beaver!!
Remember I have the Ivan, so its bigger than the pawn and I still have problems with everyday things. Unexpected things. The other day at work I had my laptop, 13″ mbp, a jacket and a shoebox. It was too hot to wear the jacket so I stuffed it into my Ivan, along with the laptop and the shoebox. It barely fit in the Ivan properly and I had to try really hard.
I know you won’t carry shoeboxes everyday but picking up a six pack or some groceries or a camera or any other random objects happen enough, to me, to warrant a bag that can handle it. I live in Paris and use the Metro only or Velib bike rental. Your everyday life, unless you have a car, is going to wind up going into a bag. That’s where I think the Rambler makes more sense. The way I see it the Rambler looks slim but if you need it to expand it can. To me that edges out the looks category. The rambler doesn’t look terrible but I agree the pawn looks a little better. Not enough though to write off the rambler, though.
Think of travel too. You can probably use the Rambler for traveling too. Flying wherever drivingwherever, not having to have more than one bag. The one you already use everyday.
I think I just convinced myself haha. I was just watching the videos for the Rambler and Vandal and I think I am going to get one. Probably the Vandal.
Haha damn u just make me look at rambler in a different way.. Actually I decided to get the pawn.. But after listening to u now I’m stuck between the both again! Haha.. Shall reconsider.. I didn’t know that the shape of the chrome bags really made alot of difference..I swear the rambler looks smaller at first, but when I expand the bag boom! It’s huge!!! Oh man oh man..
I picked up the Vandal today. So far I am liking it more than my Ivan…. If you have any specific questions or things you want to know about either let me know! They are the same backpacks, essentially, as their smaller bretheren.
Dunno if html is supported in the comments, if not here is the direct link
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iucBkXZTZFSaaTliBROOiDm3s1qobxsw29BUJWd8blA?feat=directlink
From Backpacks/Bags
So, how is it for buying groceries ?
Is it worth the extra cash compared to the Ivan ?
Hi Beaver thanks for the upload! the Ivan really look huge there!! compared to the Vandal even though the Vandal can fit more stuff inside! im not planning to get the bigger version but the smaller version which is either the Rambler or the Pawn..
but so far after your views and after research.. im more towards the Rambler now hahaha.. but is it true that the mission workshop bags have a certain structure at the bag which helps to stabilize the bag making it easier to carry things?
I can’t reply to your comments directly but I can reply to my last post.
@Dean After i bought it I went to a store and bought a wall clock and some other boxey type things. Not groceries but still really cumbersome square things, which the Ivan doesn’t handle well. The Vandal swallowed them no prblem and I almost forgot I was carrying anything.When I got home I packed them all into the Ivan and it didn’t hold them nearly as well. I’m guessing for grocereies, based on this, the Vandal wins. The Ivan is more like a tube, there is a lot of wasted space when you start cramming things in there, and it gets really really tight. That tightness always worries me when I have electronics. I’m worried things like wacom tablets, computers will snap from being pulled on the outsides by the pag and pushed from the center by the objects inside. I gave up on useing it for grocery shopping because most things are odd shaped boxes and the Ivan handles that poorly. I’m grocery shopping tomorrow and I will see how much I can cram in there.
@Gabriel It seems like the Vandal/rambler have a different purpose than the Ivan/Pawn. The Ivan feels like a duffle bag strapped to your back. The Vandal feels like a backpack. On the Vandal/Rambler the rolltop compart is small,thin, and flexible. You can actually turn the waterproof rolltop part inside out, its like a lining. This would be useful for cleaning out the bag. The ivan is just one huge pocket. When you load the Ivan all the way up it almost becomes impossible to use the pockets on the Ivan because there is so much tension on the bag when its full. Putting chargers in or pulling them out when you have the main comparment stuffed is a nightmare, not to mention that the Pawn/Ivan pockets don’t zip, which I hate.
If the pawn or Ivan had the same expandable cargo pocket They would be the same bag almost. The Vandal seems to fit higher on the back and the cargo part of the bag is smaller at the bottom and larger at the top, so if you are hunched over on a bike the weight will be on you instead of pulling off of you. When you are walking I don’t think it makes much of a difference. They both feel really sturdy and strong. I prefer the black canvas of the Ivan to the material of the Vandal but the added utility wins out in the end.
What an awesome bag collection beaver!
How do your Hard Graft bags go? We’ve been eyeing those for way too long now…
@ando
The Quality on both are pretty amazing. They have flaws but I can completely overlook them because of how I feel about them. They have that quality that a car or child might have where they may be slow or a pain in the ass sometimes but you love them anyway.
The 2Unfold is great as a laptop/document shoulder bag assuming you don’t have more than those two things. I’ve never had to use it in the other 2 modes, backpack and briefcase, but its satisfying knowing those are options. I’ll highlight some of the bad stuff. It doesn’t fit a 17″ or 15″ MBP in the folded shoulder bag position, which I think is a big issue, not for me since I have a 13″, but it’s a question I get a lot from friends who want one. The front pockets use magnets as a latch. If you were to turn your bag upside down things could spill out, but it’s not a hard use bag so I can overlook that. Lastly, and this is my biggest issue, it hangs high on the torso. I like my bags to sit by my hip and it hangs high under the arm and has more of a purse feel, to me. I’m not super tall or anything. I am trying to resolve now by getting it extended. I don’t use it a lot because of that, which is a shame. I emailed Hard Graft and got a response asking what length I would need but it ended there. Those guys/gals are cool and busy, I’m sure, so it was nice enough to respond asking haha.
The 3 Fold is awesome and very clever. There is satisfaction in transforming it. I have only one gripe with it. It needs a proper shoulder strap. I used on a trip recently as my primary bag and I had it loaded. By the end of the trip my arm was going to fall off. You can arrange the straps to make one but its doesn’t sit well on your shoulder. If I could justify it I would by another one and use them as a travel combo, overnight bag for one an laptop bag for the over. The laptop bag mode on the 3Fold actually fits a 15″ but still not a 17″. It is massive though when in laptop bag mode, and it still sits kind of high but I find it less problematic because of the larger unpurse like size.
I’m waiting for them to make full zip accsessory/utility pouches, like the ones chrome makes.
http://www.chromebagsstore.com/bags/accessories/utility-pouch.html
I don’t use the 2Unfold a lot and I would be willing to send it your way if you wanna road test it/review it. You’d be doing me a favor since I haven’t worn it enough to break it in. The only issue may be that I am in Europe. I should be back in the states, briefly, this summer maybe so there us a chance I could send it then more easily. Something to think about!
Or go with the Metropolis, I’m a student and I use my metropolis and it’s awesome.
Except for the idiots who like that shiny red button.
im feeling more vibe from backpacks than messenger bags right now!
I really wish they would add a tiny snap or something to the button. It happened to me a few weeks ago,even after I explained that pushing it would send my bag and laptop falling to the ground.
ouch… that must have hurt..
@beaver i decided.. Rambler it is! but honestly i love the chrome material than the mission workshop haha.. guess its worth the price to get a rambler!
You guys rock. This has been a really enjoyable comment stream.
It has also helped us realise that we probably should do a Pawn vs Rambler Head to Head. I think the Mission Workshop Rambler would win that battle, because as Beaver points out, there is way more ability to swallow unexpected items, which matters more in a smaller backpack.
So Gabriel, given your needs, we think you’ve had some great advice and made the right call
yay do a pawn vs rambler woohoo! u cant find that online really u can mostly find ivan vs vandal..
and yes what beaver has pointed out all the pros and cons and after thorough research and views by beaver.. i can say that rambler really wins!
hey cheers man! im really enjoying this website esp with my recent mad interest in backpacks! we have to thank beaver for his personal views too i think he really helped me made the right choice!
@beaver
hey! i saw your bag collection carryology posted on twitter! haha awesome collection! i wanna ask u which is your favourite bag among your collection!!
I’m not seeing my reply show up, damn
My replys arent showing up
Dang, sorry about that. WordPress was spamming you along with all those nice offers we get for greater sexual prowess and delightful SEO. But if it’s any consolation, one of mine was spammed as well!
Hmmm… it changes. I really find myself going back and forth from overkill to underkill. Pouches and pockets galore to just one main compartment. Giant backpacks like the Ivan to the little Chrome Utility Bag.
Ok I could ramble for hours but…
Most loved is the Hard Graft 3 Fold in overnighter/duffle form, but it doesn’t get a lot of daily use.
Most used/my favorite EDC kinda bag is the Chrome Citizen/Metropolis. It’s stylish and capable but I rarely need that much bag for my day to day, if I don’t lie to myself.
Most practical is the smaller Chrome utility bag. I can fit an Ipad, a MBP 13″, the charger, and a few other things in there if I need to. Plus it has a great pouch on the back that I keep my iphone and wallet in. Day to day this bag is perfect. I just don’t like the square shape. I should have gone with Chrome Utility one size up.
The other bags are:
Tad Gear FastPack. This bag got me arrested an an airport. I left a weapon inside of the flashlight pouch which is practically hidden. So it was a big deal. I love the way it looks but I rarely need it.
Maxpedition something or other. I bought it right before I bought the smaller chrome bag. It suffers from overdesign and it sticks out way more than I thought it would, especially in Paris. There are times when its ok, depending on what I am wearing but then when I go to use it… the pockets and pouches and inner pockets in the inner pouches give me a headache. I spend a day going through it for stuff I may have left in there after using it.
The Ivan. Which I love and use when it rains, and for travel. I’ve talked anough about it. It’s going to go on the sidelines for awhile now I think, thanks to the Vandal.
The hard Graft 2 Unfold. I want to use this bag like I used the smaller chrome bag but it sits too high on my hip for me to feel comfortable. If I fix that problem then I think this would be my daily bag. It’s so perty.
wow haha ur really a bag person! anyways yea i looked at Hard Graft 3 Fold and it looks uber cool! i dont mind having 1 of that but i think judging from my lifestyle it wont be suitable for me..
Chrome really have alot of nice useful bags.. but those are mainly messenger bags which i kinda lost interest too now..
interesting view about the Tad Gear Fastpack haha.
i also looked at T-Level Infinity Roll-top Backpack which is in the same genre as the Pawn and Rambler. Looks really good too but i feel that the big T-Level print is kinda turn off haha
mine my grammer btw haha im just too excited typing and i cant wait to get my hands on the rambler black!
anyways i got another personal view from chromehead @ http://www.hardwarezone.com.sg “edited”
Chromehead:
“I am using the black pawn. am around 170 and, fit i think its just nice, ivan is too big
cons
its heavy when empty
the matte black attracts lint so its hard to make it look clean
straps are minimally padded and lined with useless airmesh
the metal hook closures are a pain in the ass to close with one hand. if people were to unhook and steal something you wont realize it
straps are wider than usual, may not be comfortable for some when the edges restrict your shoulders. can make your chest look small
when bag is swollen with stuff, the straps will put pressure your shoulders like stomach in chest out
waist and sternum straps are useless
bag is wide as f*** and looks coc* when its close to empty. and the rolled portion sticks out quite a lot to jab into people
items in the zipper pocket and front 2 pockets are hard to extract when main compartment is swollen because it pushes out on those flat compartments (disadvantage of flat design)
looks less bling than the chrome metropolis, understated yet unique.
does not eat my t-shirts like the metropolis as back panel is padded. the padding is pretty useless though to lets say increase air-flow.
velcro closure is noisy as hell but the durabilty of the velcro with prolonged use is commendable. some of my velcro on other stuff start to fail even before half a year.
pros
main compartment is really waterfarkingproof, the zipped portion that has a flap should be also. front 2 hook closures im not that sure although my stuff in there didn get wet before in a rain.
cordura is durable, i didnt baby this bag. its on the floor everywhere i’ve been
looks very stylish
if i feel the need to clean it, just need to bring it into the shower then hang dry
volume depends on you, can roll all the way then velcro or just velcro without rolling or even dont velcro at all to carry long items.
looks less bling than the chrome metropolis, understated yet unique.
does not eat my t-shirts like the metropolis as back panel is padded with something else(cordura rubbing on cotton = gone). the padding is pretty useless on increasing air-flow.
made in the USAAAAAAAAAA”
That’s neat to see how similar his gripes are with ours (see our original Road Test at http://www.carryology.com/2010/08/15/road-tested-chrome-ivan-roll-top-part-12/).
And there’s a few extra niggles he listed that we tend to agree with. I like this ‘Chromehead’, he seems to know his stuff!
yea i’ve read your road test ivan billions of times ( just kidding but quite a number) and looking at “chromehead” personal view i realize there are actually very similar main complaints about the chrome ivan..
he also added this “you may want to check out chrome marathon. it looks good to me, looks to be more functional, cheaper, more compact but is not made in usa.
rambler is great you want a slim bag but need extra volume occasionally. i think if you top up additional 100+ you can get a visvim backpack, around 500+ in hk
considering the pawn is already close to 300, if you dont mind tech brands i think you can get an arcteryx miura 20 or arro 22. capacity is around the same, in the daypack range.”
If I were to pay more for comfort, design, and accessibility, I would.. and Rambler is the definite winner!
P.S. to see the thread i was referring to at hardwarezone.. its http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/showthread.php?t=2777024&page=31
mind our language.. thats Singlish (Singaporean English)
any of you guys use T-level infinity roll-top backpacks?
What did you go with? I am using the Vandal everyday. It’s incredibly thin empty and when I need it to be it’s huge… check this out.
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RwKTuXnVmYQhqtiHlQQS_jm3s1qobxsw29BUJWd8blA?feat=directlink
If I carry some bungy cords in it I can probably get a lot more in there.
I decided not to use the Vandal or Chrome already. I went down to the only supplier of the bags in Singapore, and the supplier was damn rude and that made me quite pissed. Im now looking at COTEetCIEL rucksack or HASSO bagpack or QWESTION office bag.
anyways thanks for all the info guys!
Those are pretty classy. I’m digging the CoteEtCiel bag and the hasso bag. I get overly aware of how studenty I look wearing a backpack and from what I can tell the CoteEtCiel bag is classy enough to strip some of the studentny vibe away from wearing a backpack.
Let us know what you pick.
yea now i think i shall go for class and not functionality since im just a student i dont cycle around and probably the chrome/MW dont suit my lifestyle. im leaning more towards the COTEetCIEL rucksack now so probably will get it early next month when my payday arrives at the end of this month
will let u know! thanks beaver for all your help! i feel bad discussing so much about it but in the end i chose neither of them! haha.
cheers man!
Wow, that really sucks. It’s such a pity when all the work brands do to make good carry can still be undone by a silly retailer at the end of the chain.
well i dont mind buying the rambler if i really need it. probably when i move to aussie i will get it there.. but not so soon in singapore because that is the only retailer.. and he is well known for his cocky-ness
I’m not sure what bungy cords are but I meant to say Bungee chords…cords… damnit.
As an Aussie, Bungy cords sounds alright to me.
Speaking of, I wish more bags would allow for some MOLLE attachment options. You could get really creative with bags like the Pawn/Ivan that don’t have compression straps but plenty of room for ‘off the bag’ storage options.
I like Brisbane Outdoor Gears backpack – it’s not as tall as the Rambler/Pawn, but similar volume. (It’s squarer). Also has heaps of external attachment options, including a poster roll-bungee-cord thing. Tis pretty rad.
http://bogear.com.au/chunkytoad.html
Go BrisVegas!
Nice bags for specific needs. Good to see some forward-thinking, eco and socially conscious designers from Australia.
A slight ‘ouch’ on the price tag though. I guess we need to pay for good, home-grown product.
So Gabriel, did you end up buying the COTEetCIEL? That is a very nice rucksack however…
If not, you should definitely consider the T-Level Challenger. I just bought mine from here: http://www.wherehouse.co.kr/shop/shopdetail.html?branduid=22037&xcode=083&mcode=002&scode=001&type=Y&search=&sort=order
The Charcoal colourway keeps it casually classy as I still wear a tie to work even though I commute by bike.
I was considering a stack of ‘medium-sized’ backpacks including the Pawn and Vandal. The Pawn seems great for ‘flatter’ documents but i’m iffy on security (easy for pickpockets) with the outer pockets. The Rambler looks sick but is out of my price range. Both lack any real efforts with back ventilation (although that’s a debate in itself)…
So far it has been a dream. Expands to a lot more than 32L (I’d guess up to 40L judging by other packs I’ve played with), compresses well when empty, straps that can be adjusted to custom attach anything external, side pocket to laptop and main area (didn’t expect that, very useful), customisable shoulder straps that are super comfy, great weight distribution on your back when carrying heavy loads and cycling, plenty of stash pockets… I could keep going on and on but then you’ll probably think I work for T-Level!
The build quality of this bag is on another level. I considered the ‘tech’ backpack route but the quality of this bag surpasses many of the ‘brand’ names that I got my hands on. I can see why T-Level bags get sold out quickly in different parts of the world!
First, I wanna give props for putting together such an awesome website. Good to know I’m not the only bag nerd on the interwebz who appreciates the ‘fashion’ and functionality of these necessary items
Like Gabriel, I’ve played with the idea of The Pawn/Ivan vs The Rambler/Vandal. Without seeing either in person I prefer the Rambler due to it’s greater variety options and narrower profile.
I haven’t really got the budget for The Rambler so I’ve decided to go for another bag: The Timbuk2 Pheonix. I know many consider Timbuk2 to be less core and slightly ‘soccer mum-ish’ but this bag is ticking many of my boxes for someone who makes multiple, daily, short bike commutes between 2 campuses in the hustle-n-bustle of Shanghai:
- Dedicated, external padded laptop pocket: check
- Side entry so I don’t scare other colleagues with the sound of ripping velcro: check
- Accessible smaller external zip pockets: check
- Internal pocket/organizer within the main storage area: check
- Compression options for days when I’m not lugging gym gear: check
I’m yet to receive my Pheonix but one area I think the bag could do with some improvement is the ventilation against the back. Granted if you’re gonna sweat, you’re gonna sweat but some air flow is better than none.
The Pheonix, Pawn/Ivan and Rambler/Vandal could do with better airflow tech against the back. This is where the T-Level bags come into play. If they were available and within my budget they would be my bag of choice.
Another vote for a T-Level bag review.
And how about an Air-flow tech write-up? I’m sure there would be interesting opinions for and against.
Keep up the great work, consider me a fan of the Carryologist.
Great comments. Digging them.
Yeah, back ventilation is such a hard area. If your goal is to avoid a sweaty shirt back, then you just want a couple of small point contacts to keep it off your shirt and back. The issue with any form of airmesh/mesh/most systems is that even if they allow some airflow through the system, they then pin your shirt to your back so it gets sweaty regardless.
If your goal is to keep cooler, then the systems help allow perspiration to evaporate from your biggest bit of surface area, so they can be good.
We’re keen to hear how the Pheonix goes. It’s quite a cute backpack in the right colorways, and great value to boot. If you’re up for a review, we’re digging your insights, so you should get in touch and talk about sharing
“cute backpack in the right colourways” haha
Yeah, not too keen on the Timbuk2 colour swatches so black it ‘was’ going to be. That’s right, I did say ‘was’. With the help of Google Translate and Taobao.com (the Chinese nemesis to eBay) I’ve decided to buy the T-Level Challenger instead
I’m a fan of clean lines and well thought-out compartments. I love me some good external straps to attach jackets, skateboards, boxing gloves and other random gear. And yes, there’s a decent effort to manage airflow which includes air-mesh… haters gonna hate!! haha
I’d love to do a review on it but Jamie at FXFWD has put up an excellent review + stop motion animation here: http://fxdfwd.co.uk/?page_id=1149
Yeah, that vid is super rad.
The actual review maybe doesn’t have heaps of insights into the use, niggles, who it best suits, and how dope you feel wearing it. You could even think about doing a review then linking or embedding that stop motion vid?
Haha, we’re just enjoying your comments Bleek, and thinking it would be neat to get you involved with some posts
The official website can’t seems to work well, the images doesn’t load up. Is there a way to know the address for the dealer of Mission Workshop’s products in Singapore? Thanks in advance!
I think it is:
Fall Factor
Block 125, Bukit Merah Lane 1
Singapore
+65 6273 0141
yea it seems that fall factor is the only shop dealer for missionworkshop and chrome i believe. i had a very bad experience at fall factor. Never going there anymore. the owner was very rude.
aww crap. Wanted to give it a try until you said the owner was very rude. Can’t help it, singaporean’s service attitude is the worst.
Hi Gabriel,
Care to share if you bought the Rambler? Have similar experience at Fall Factor over the weekend, but must admit was “love at first sight” when I saw the Rambler.
Any idea if it will be cheaper if I get it in Japan or Hong Kong?
Hi SC, sorry i didnt buy the rambler, in the end i bought a CoteetCiel backpack and regretted hahah. Yea even though fall factor is the only place selling MW bags (im not sure whether are there new shops taking in MW), i will never enter that place anymore. horrible attitude. Erm im not sure about japan/HK but i know Australia might be abit cheaper. but im not sure about the shipping though. if ur looking at the rambler i suggest u look at the new fitzroy backpacks. i think they look better haha.
good luck!!
Hi !
Great review beetwen those two backpacks,
but now i’m having a hard time beetwen the Warsaw from Chrome and the Vandal from Mission workshop. They have the same price (279 vandal + 34$ for the waistbelt and 280$ for the warsaw plus the shipping fees.
I’m looking for a bag that i can use everyday and for everything ( travelling, commuting, groceries..) so i’m ready to spend some money.
I can’t decide beetwen the warsaw and the vandal, they’ve got great aspects but also some bad points :
-The vandal doesnt have external pockets, have too many zippers and the airflow on the back is really poor for that price the waist belt isnt included ! I saw that the vandal was initially at~ 230-250$ and now 279 ! wow they’ve got popular isnt it ?
-The warsaw is bulky when its full, cant close up correctly when its full ,too wide and the shipping fees are really expensive, Chrome takes 65$ for shipping worlwide and MW take 45$ they both use Fedex…
Anyway i think those bags are really nice and well built ( made in usa) but i really cant decide beetwen those two,..
Anyone can help me to choose beetwen those two or have any other suggestion ?
Thanks a lot
For me, the Warsaw is just a bit odd. Really squat dimensions, which means it gets a little awkward.
Maybe check out the MW Fitzroy. Really good value.
Hi there!
Nice reviews between the 2 bagpack.
Am researching for one. And seems that chrome and mission workshop keep appearing under the best bagpack category.
Really good quality bag made. But am looking for alternative choices and made the best bet.
How about bagjack skidcat? Have anyone review on that yet?
I love bagjack for its quality and the ideas put into the construction of the bag.
Owned the acronym messenger bag for yrs and still doing me good.
Let me know if you heard of any good things about them.
Clarence
We recently reviewed their Next Level messenger if you’d like general thoughts on the brand and one of their products…
Bagjack are awesome. Strong quality and some excellent designs. We’ve just had trouble getting our hands on them, as their distribution is limited outside of Europe.