I am so glad that you have confirmed that the sound from the straps isn't as bad with this material. I am still waiting on my CTB26 to arrive and i was wondering.
@@NuTypeNova it always comes down to the strength of the pocket. My opinion on the Evergoods bags and plates is they’ll work for sure but because it wasn’t specifically designed for it the long term durability won’t be the same as the GORUCK pockets
Thanks for the quick overview! Mine came today in the mail, so looking forward to see if does suit me as it did you. Also, great to see another Lems Trailhead user. They're great! I'm on the Mercury Sunset.
Do you think this bag would feel too big for EDC? I currently have the CPL 24 and love it. However, I am looking for a better option for EDC/one bag travel. Great video as always, JB
I actually rucked with the Pheonix 2! I did about 35# total weight. It did well, I just preferred having wider straps for rucking. My only issue with the bag is really that the bag narrows in the main compartment as it goes from top to bottom. I used it as a personal bag on a recent trip and I couldn't pack my stuff well because of the narrowing (trying to pack size 12 hikers). Thanks for the review though! I was wondering what you thought about it's rucking potential. Lol
Wish they had maintained the same luggage pass-through from the CTB35 on this. It had better functionality and kept the backpack straps neatly tucked in behind the handle of your roller bag.
So I want to buy a backpack for short trips, let's say for me 24-30L is fine for anything up to 4/5days. There are many possibilities and I'm wondering what to choose. I think about Evergoods CPL both 28 and 24 v3; Able Carry Max, Bellroy transit backpack and now also Evergoods CTB 26. Any advice from a more experienced group? How does CPL v3 compare to the new CTB in terms of feeling and capacity? PS I do watch all the reviews, great job!
Thanks for watching! You picked some great ones to consider. Really tough call. The AC Max is amazing. So is the CTB26. Those would be my first two choices. As for how the new CTB compares to the latest CPL…very similar “feel” but the CTB is my fav of those two because the pocket configuration
Disagree on the capacity of the bag compared to the GR2. I have both and the CTB26 definitely holds more, same holds true for the CTB35 vs the GR240L. I've traveled with both many times and the CTB3 holds more, packs better, and is more comfortable. That front pocket on the GR2 bags becomes really virtually useless when the main compartment is packed full, it takes up more space from the overall space than the additional pockets add.
That’s fair. I normally pack that main compartment on the GR2 very full and tight. Then live out of the front. I only store an iPad in the slash pocket. Thanks for the great point!!
@@MH_6160 I wasn’t actually referring to the slant pocket on the very front. I mean the first section of the clamshell on the GR2’s. For travel, I find it just takes up space and provides limited, unnecessary organization. When you pack the main clamshell opening full, you can actually fit very little in the front clamshell area. One large cavernous clamshell area is much better for that usage.
@@chrisholland8226 Well, yes I imagine the CTB 35 holds more. 26 vs 26 the GR2 is better able to handle two large camera cubes + items in the secondary section vs the CTB 26. I don’t haul clothes or soft items in these bags, maybe that’s where the single section shines.
Great video JB! Been waiting for yours to pull the trigger or not. Question for you is about the straps. I’ve mostly had GR bags and they always fit great. I had a EG PLC20 and loved it but the straps just seemed to slip off and I always had to use the sternum strap. Would you say the CTB/CPLs being bigger bags do a better job of staying on the shoulders? Thanks again and enjoy that beautiful Georgia weather!
Hmmmm, that’s an interesting question. They are a bit slick so I used the sternum strap. I also wouldn’t say they feel any wider compared to a GR1 so I think you’d just have to try it out.
Killer review, thanks for putting it up! A couple questions if I may. 1) For the water bottle pockets, with a 32oz. Nalgene, does it push in on the main compartments space/capacity or do they grow/expand outward? 2) Killer sunglasses! What are they? Thanks!!!
So the bottle pockets are elastic so they expand. They don’t technically impede the internal volume but bigger bottles definitely push a little more on the internal cavity. The sunglasses are from Blender
Great video JB, can I mention something though, that background music you have running now is so distracting, it is continually pulling my off what you are saying. Your videos are much better without any music at all playing while you are describing and showing bags.
Ok, good feedback. Ever since I’ve moved to a new editing software I can’t zero in on the right volume. I’ll take a look at this one particularly and try to level it out. Thanks!!
Hey nice video! Got a question. In your experience, does this pack as much as the CPL28, or does the 2 liters really make that big of a difference(like in packing cubes)? And is the material really durable?
Good question. I’m gonna say it’s pretty close, BUT I also don’t currently have a CPL in my hand to compare. Personally I think it’s more about the pocket layout instead of the volume. I think the material choice is good here.
@@JBOutside1 thanks for the answer! Yeah, if the difference is minimal I’m thinking of going CTB for water bottle pockets and front pocket. Gonna see who knows to decide. Thank you so much
ACK! My worst nightmare if I had to really choose and get rid of one of them. I was actually just thinking about this and maybe making a 26L shootout video...so I'll give you the cop-out answer: it depends! Which is actually true!
@@JBOutside1 one last question…looking for an evergoods bag for edc, day hikes, and weekend travel (or ultralight extended travel). Ctb26 vs cpl24…which wins? Or maybe mpl22? Thank you!
@@JBOutside1 haha same, that thing looks badass…even the regular fabric version seems amazing. Your review of it really makes me consider, thanks again for the responses!
Does the CTB26 have a hole on the top corner of the main compartment where you can route the water bladder hose if you choose to put the water bladder in the main compartment?
FYI for others... I'm fairly certain that while there is no hole in the main compartment... there is a passthrough from the laptop compartment. (I do not have any experience with this bag, but that was my understanding)
@@kroosbell I have both. The CTB26 is quite a bit deeper than the CPL24 v3. It makes packing in the main compartment easier. Other dimensions are about the same. Materials wise, the 420D is a slicker material but really not much different in my opinion. Feels slightly lighter weight but honestly they’re more similar than they are different.
@@ghas4151Just wondering if you’ve taken either of them on a plane? How well do they fit under the seat in front of you? Trying to decide between the two bags. Like the water bottle pockets, but not sure I need as much space as the CTB26 has.
Really I only use my Rucker for rucking. I’ve used rucking to test out the heavy weight or long term comfort of the bags. While they’ll all carry a plate somewhere or sandbags…they’re not really designed for that kind of internal abuse.
Thanks for the video. I am wondering if this bag would also work for day hikes? I'd like to try one bag for rucking (about 20#), travel (personal item with laptop) and day hiking. What's your opinion on this being a do-all three bag since you seem to do all of the above? I'd swap out what I carry depending on the activity, but is the carry suitable for hiking on wooded trails?
Great video! I have the CPL28. I keep hearing the CTB26 main compartment is technically bigger, is that true? I like my CPL28 but I really like the idea of a bottle pocket and the front pocket for additional storage. It might be worth mentioning that I’m kind of a bigger guy, 6’3” 260lbs. Any thoughts?
I don’t have a CPL28 to compare but that sounds about right. The size of the CTB is the sweet spot. Bottle pockets are clutch. I don’t think it will wear any differently for you. Compared to the CPL.
@@JBOutside1 fantastic! Thanks for the quick reply. How about the 420D vs 840D? I don’t recall, but is that the same material as the inside of the CPL? I don’t think I have any good references for the differences.
I also want to mention that I really like your version of bloopers at the end of your videos, great way to end the video.
Thanks!! 🤣
I am so glad that you have confirmed that the sound from the straps isn't as bad with this material. I am still waiting on my CTB26 to arrive and i was wondering.
Definitely better! 👊🏻
And here I was indecisive about getting the CHZ 26 or the CPL 24 lol. This bag just threw it's hat in the ring. Thanks JB!
No problem! 👊🏻
@@JBOutside1update: I received my ctb26 and I love it. Curious as to how well it’ll hold up with a 20lb plate…🤔
@@NuTypeNova it always comes down to the strength of the pocket. My opinion on the Evergoods bags and plates is they’ll work for sure but because it wasn’t specifically designed for it the long term durability won’t be the same as the GORUCK pockets
That bag fits you very well, nice review and definitely a contender as a Phoenix slayer.
Definitely a contender. Side by side 🤔
Thanks for the quick overview! Mine came today in the mail, so looking forward to see if does suit me as it did you. Also, great to see another Lems Trailhead user. They're great! I'm on the Mercury Sunset.
Awesome! I think you'll love it. Love those Lems!
@@JBOutside1 cheers! I'm sure I would.
Do you think this bag would feel too big for EDC? I currently have the CPL 24 and love it. However, I am looking for a better option for EDC/one bag travel. Great video as always, JB
This one would be great for that. Feels ‘about’ the same as the CPL24 to me
@@JBOutside1Perfect! I’ve been wondering this as well. Gonna try out the Griffin version for daily EDC. 🙏🏼
I actually rucked with the Pheonix 2! I did about 35# total weight. It did well, I just preferred having wider straps for rucking. My only issue with the bag is really that the bag narrows in the main compartment as it goes from top to bottom. I used it as a personal bag on a recent trip and I couldn't pack my stuff well because of the narrowing (trying to pack size 12 hikers).
Thanks for the review though! I was wondering what you thought about it's rucking potential. Lol
The geometry is a little different. Luckily my shoes are a bit smaller 😜
I did not like how the main compartment looks where it narrows. Thats what made it a dealbreaker for me, the look.
Wish they had maintained the same luggage pass-through from the CTB35 on this. It had better functionality and kept the backpack straps neatly tucked in behind the handle of your roller bag.
Oh! I’ll go look at that.
Love the review. Does the water bottle pocket eat into the main compartment? Thanks.
There's elastic to minimize it but it does slightly
Fantastic review. Great looking bag👌🏽 Nice carabiner too bro.... what brand is that?
amzn.to/3LAtLnL
@@JBOutside1 Thanks 👍🏽
Hey JB, what carabiner do you use there? Looks really cool. Thanks
Shows out of stock but here's the link: amzn.to/43TFGV7
CTB26 or GR1 26L (Heritage or Slick) for 2-4 day travel? I’m indifferent regarding water bottle holders if that helps.
98% personal preference...but slight edge to CTB in my book
So I want to buy a backpack for short trips, let's say for me 24-30L is fine for anything up to 4/5days. There are many possibilities and I'm wondering what to choose. I think about Evergoods CPL both 28 and 24 v3; Able Carry Max, Bellroy transit backpack and now also Evergoods CTB 26. Any advice from a more experienced group? How does CPL v3 compare to the new CTB in terms of feeling and capacity?
PS I do watch all the reviews, great job!
Thanks for watching! You picked some great ones to consider. Really tough call. The AC Max is amazing. So is the CTB26. Those would be my first two choices. As for how the new CTB compares to the latest CPL…very similar “feel” but the CTB is my fav of those two because the pocket configuration
@@JBOutside1do you actually feel a difference in the 2 Liters between the CPL 28 and CTB 26? Or is it almost non-existent?
@@manueldelgado5336 probably close enough
@@JBOutside1 thanks!
Disagree on the capacity of the bag compared to the GR2. I have both and the CTB26 definitely holds more, same holds true for the CTB35 vs the GR240L. I've traveled with both many times and the CTB3 holds more, packs better, and is more comfortable. That front pocket on the GR2 bags becomes really virtually useless when the main compartment is packed full, it takes up more space from the overall space than the additional pockets add.
That’s fair. I normally pack that main compartment on the GR2 very full and tight. Then live out of the front. I only store an iPad in the slash pocket. Thanks for the great point!!
Facts, that front pocket on the GoRuck is literally useless other than paperwork if you are packed out.
@@MH_6160 I wasn’t actually referring to the slant pocket on the very front. I mean the first section of the clamshell on the GR2’s. For travel, I find it just takes up space and provides limited, unnecessary organization. When you pack the main clamshell opening full, you can actually fit very little in the front clamshell area. One large cavernous clamshell area is much better for that usage.
Weird, I have both, and find the opposite to be true. The GR2 holds more. Period. I pack the bags with camera cubes, and the GR2 simply holds more.
@@chrisholland8226 Well, yes I imagine the CTB 35 holds more. 26 vs 26 the GR2 is better able to handle two large camera cubes + items in the secondary section vs the CTB 26. I don’t haul clothes or soft items in these bags, maybe that’s where the single section shines.
Great video JB! Been waiting for yours to pull the trigger or not. Question for you is about the straps. I’ve mostly had GR bags and they always fit great. I had a EG PLC20 and loved it but the straps just seemed to slip off and I always had to use the sternum strap. Would you say the CTB/CPLs being bigger bags do a better job of staying on the shoulders? Thanks again and enjoy that beautiful Georgia weather!
Hmmmm, that’s an interesting question. They are a bit slick so I used the sternum strap. I also wouldn’t say they feel any wider compared to a GR1 so I think you’d just have to try it out.
@@JBOutside1 thank you sir! Think I will!
Killer review, thanks for putting it up! A couple questions if I may.
1) For the water bottle pockets, with a 32oz. Nalgene, does it push in on the main compartments space/capacity or do they grow/expand outward?
2) Killer sunglasses! What are they?
Thanks!!!
So the bottle pockets are elastic so they expand. They don’t technically impede the internal volume but bigger bottles definitely push a little more on the internal cavity. The sunglasses are from Blender
@@JBOutside1 Excellent. Thank you!!
Great video JB, can I mention something though, that background music you have running now is so distracting, it is continually pulling my off what you are saying. Your videos are much better without any music at all playing while you are describing and showing bags.
Ok, good feedback. Ever since I’ve moved to a new editing software I can’t zero in on the right volume. I’ll take a look at this one particularly and try to level it out. Thanks!!
Yea I don’t mind the music, but volume was too high.
Looking at the GoRuck cube you posted, what size and version was that? Looks like the flat 10L?
10L Full
Would this be a good dad bag? I’m concerned that the material wouldn’t hold up under more rough conditions like biking, hiking.
This will work for sure. The material is pretty tough for day to day use
Hey nice video! Got a question. In your experience, does this pack as much as the CPL28, or does the 2 liters really make that big of a difference(like in packing cubes)? And is the material really durable?
Good question. I’m gonna say it’s pretty close, BUT I also don’t currently have a CPL in my hand to compare. Personally I think it’s more about the pocket layout instead of the volume. I think the material choice is good here.
@@JBOutside1 thanks for the answer! Yeah, if the difference is minimal I’m thinking of going CTB for water bottle pockets and front pocket. Gonna see who knows to decide. Thank you so much
Which would you prefer, GR2 26l or the CTB 26?
ACK! My worst nightmare if I had to really choose and get rid of one of them. I was actually just thinking about this and maybe making a 26L shootout video...so I'll give you the cop-out answer: it depends! Which is actually true!
@@JBOutside1 I understand. Thanks for the reply!
Wondering if you have any thoughts on this rad bag vs the Tom Binh Synik 22…can’t decide between these two. Thanks!
Sorry, haven’t handled a Synik
@@JBOutside1 thanks for the response, appreciate it!
@@JBOutside1 one last question…looking for an evergoods bag for edc, day hikes, and weekend travel (or ultralight extended travel). Ctb26 vs cpl24…which wins? Or maybe mpl22? Thank you!
I LOVE the MPL22 in ECOPAK
@@JBOutside1 haha same, that thing looks badass…even the regular fabric version seems amazing. Your review of it really makes me consider, thanks again for the responses!
would u be able to post photos on body compared to a gr1 26L and plc 20 if you have time?
It’ll be a few days. Off on a work trip!
Does the CTB26 have a hole on the top corner of the main compartment where you can route the water bladder hose if you choose to put the water bladder in the main compartment?
No hole. You’d have to rout through the zipper opening
Damn. Thanks for checking that out for me.
FYI for others... I'm fairly certain that while there is no hole in the main compartment... there is a passthrough from the laptop compartment. (I do not have any experience with this bag, but that was my understanding)
@@wtwhtalmh that’s true. There’s a pass through in the shoulder straps from the laptop compartment
Great video!
However, you should of compared it to the CTB35.
Yeah, I didn’t realize the CTB was so different
Thoughts on this bag versus the Alpha one niner Evade?
This one has a much cleaner exterior and far less “tactical” compared to the EVADE. Closer to the Whitley.
How would you compare the shape of it to the cpl24 v3?
Very similar “shape” 🤷🏼♂️
@@JBOutside1 I know it's subjective but do you prefer the 420D of the CTB26 or the 840D of the CPL24 V3?
@@kroosbell I have both. The CTB26 is quite a bit deeper than the CPL24 v3. It makes packing in the main compartment easier.
Other dimensions are about the same.
Materials wise, the 420D is a slicker material but really not much different in my opinion. Feels slightly lighter weight but honestly they’re more similar than they are different.
@@ghas4151Just wondering if you’ve taken either of them on a plane? How well do they fit under the seat in front of you? Trying to decide between the two bags. Like the water bottle pockets, but not sure I need as much space as the CTB26 has.
How does the material seem to do with pet hair?
I haven't noticed anything unusual
Good job … but better than the Phoenix 2, bud?
Haha, subjective decision of course 😁
How is the framesheet (aluminum stay like CTB35?) And back dig between the Phoenix)
No change to the frame sheet from previous. It’s adequate. Yes there’s an aluminum bar in the side.
So no bar *in* the frame sheet like in it’s 35L bigger brother?
Thanks in advance!
@@Squatification no. There’s not in the frame sheet. I wasn’t aware of the one in the 35.
@@JBOutside1 ok thank you
What are those sunglasses?
Blenders
The new one looks a bit wider than the Phoenix, would you agree? Is the new one noticeably lighter than the Phoenix?
Left today in a trip…I’ll definitely check that out side-by-side
What other bags did you use to ruck with?
Really I only use my Rucker for rucking. I’ve used rucking to test out the heavy weight or long term comfort of the bags. While they’ll all carry a plate somewhere or sandbags…they’re not really designed for that kind of internal abuse.
Can you tell a difference in weight between the two? (CTB26 Vs CTB26 Phx)
Yes. And the scale agrees. PHX2 weights 3.8 lbs. Standard weighs 3.4 lbs.
@@JBOutside1 thanks man 🤙🏽
Can it withstand heavy downpour?
No bag will really. But this one, without protected zippers would leak after a bit.
Thanks for the video. I am wondering if this bag would also work for day hikes? I'd like to try one bag for rucking (about 20#), travel (personal item with laptop) and day hiking. What's your opinion on this being a do-all three bag since you seem to do all of the above? I'd swap out what I carry depending on the activity, but is the carry suitable for hiking on wooded trails?
This would be perfect for that. I did a similar deal with the PLC20 for a while and it held up great
Great video!
I have the CPL28. I keep hearing the CTB26 main compartment is technically bigger, is that true? I like my CPL28 but I really like the idea of a bottle pocket and the front pocket for additional storage. It might be worth mentioning that I’m kind of a bigger guy, 6’3” 260lbs.
Any thoughts?
I don’t have a CPL28 to compare but that sounds about right. The size of the CTB is the sweet spot. Bottle pockets are clutch. I don’t think it will wear any differently for you. Compared to the CPL.
@@JBOutside1 fantastic! Thanks for the quick reply. How about the 420D vs 840D? I don’t recall, but is that the same material as the inside of the CPL? I don’t think I have any good references for the differences.
@@dc345601 different feel but not bad. No problem with either.
What shoes were those?
prf.hn/l/eOoyeGE
Lems Trailhead Sneaker... link below
i want to get into rucking and love the reviews of the rucker 4.0 point can’t afford it, can you gift me one ? 😅
Sorry, mine are fully employed at the moment. But any backpack will do for just starting