When I initially purchased the bag, there weren't many reviews on this updated version 2.2. The issue with trying to buy things overseas is the shipping and duty tax. A lot of companies are charging a lot, but Sympl is one of the few companies that offered reasonable shipping. The backpack has all of the high quality hardware you'd expect. The layout is very thoughtful with the admin pocket, front slip pocket, top pocket and laptop compartment. The straps are comfortable and the back panel is firm. I find that the capacity lends well to hybrid carry, with the 24L version. I'm able to fit enough clothes toiletry and tech for a weekend trip. If organized more, I probably could use it for a week trip. There's also a bit of flexibility with attachment points. I've added a few D-Rings to the shoulder straps to attach my airpods and other miscellaneous pouches. I personally don't use water bottles, but it's big enough to fit most if not all sizes. The side pocket I use for an umbrella, as it can rain here in the Philippines. The only changes I would make is to make the key leash moveable to other parts of the bag and to possibly add a sleeve within the laptop compartment for a tablet. Overall, I find this backpack can accommodate a lot of users. Right now, it's my current Goldilocks backpack.

I love my 24L Commuter bag in ballistic nylon. I'm a collegiate strength coach, and this bag can pack a punch. I don't have an office so I'm often carting what could be a whole office of tech from my apartment to work every day, and the internal organization makes it a fun and adaptable process. Lots of praise for the front tech pocket and the mesh in the laptop compartment. Since I have to carry shoes or clothes to and from work, the space in the main compartment makes this bag unbeatable. Lastly, I don't always have a place to put my bag, but the self-standing was a must-have for me. 9/10 self standing, sometimes it still falls over its it's not loaded in the main compartment,

However, there are some features that I believe can be improved. I know no bag will ever be 100% perfect for an individual, but this is just some food for thought. I wish the key leash was movable. Keys are an "on the go" item while I use that top compartment as a "sit and work" space. Additionally, the magnetic latch was cool, but it was too bulky and long. I ended up cutting it out with pliers. I use a carabiner to clip my keys on a latch point on the shoulder straps, and I put them on the nylon in that tech compartment if I'm sitting for a while. Still, I wish there were more internal latch points.

The top zippered pocket in the main compartment has a TIGHT zipper! It almost hurts to use. I try to keep flat or infrequently used things in there.

For those with the 24L, the quick access pocket is just kinda hanging in the main compartment. It blocks the small pockets in the back. I would prefer it either have its own depth or have a velcro or magnet that could be used to fold it up if you don't need it. I do love having a drop pocket though.

I'm sure some people like having two water bottle pockets, but I often wish the innie water bottle pocket was a quick access side pocket or side panel with pockets. Something similar to the side panel on the Modern Dayfarer V2. This would be a wonderful place for a key leash

I still love this bag, and it is the closest I've come to a perfect bag for me. The comfort is unmatched, interacting with the handles and shoulder straps is great, and the organization is a dream. My suggestions are just based on how I've used the bag these past 6 months.

This is seriously the nicest backpack I've ever owned. The materials are premium, the organization is thoughtfully designed, and the carbonate looks sleek and professional. Shipping was insanely fast. Seriously, my order was sent 16 MINUTES after I placed it. That said, I'm giving it four out of five stars for two reasons:

1) The laptop compartment extends deep enough to fit a laptop, as pictured, with two smaller pockets in the same section. However, the gap between the laptop sleeve and the two small pockets doesn't extend to the bottom of the bag. It's sewn shut, functioning like an admin pocket. This is very different than how most laptop bags function and none of the images provided by Sympl show this. I was expecting to be able to fit my tablet in the same section, but it's just not possible.

2) The sternum strap isn't long enough to accommodate some body types, especially women. I full expect to have to wear a sternum strap higher than most men do in order to accommodate my anatomy, but even at the maximum length, this is either pulling the straps uncomfortably into the sides of my chest or I have to wear it high enough that it's resting on my collarbone, which is neither comfortable nor supportive. It's really disappointing that for a $260 backpack, an extra two inches of nylon strap makes such a massive difference in comfort. If you're a woman or a fuller figured man, you probably won't be able to use the sternum strap comfortably.

I've never "known" backpacks until I "met" the X-Pac Commuter 20", and I have "kn"owned many, many backpacks. It should absolutely be the gold standard EDC. Worth every penny I spent on it. It finally checks all the boxes: enough pockets and compartments, aesthetically pleasing, perfectly sized, and spacious without being bulky.
Love it. Love it. Love it!

5 stars even thought I returned it. And the easy return definitely adds to my positive experience with Sympl all around. The two deal breakers for me, that I thought would be fine are the one external bottle pocket and the small (for me) admin pocket. I worked with the 2nd internal bottle pocket for a a while it was just not convenient to throw a travel coffee cup in there, or moving my bottle to the inside pocket when I wanted to carry a tripod or umbrella in the exterior bottle pocket. The admin pocket got too full too quick for me and was tough to close, that is my primary dumping ground so I switched to a bag with a generous front admin pocket and two water bottle holders.

However, I am super impressed with all the rest of the features of the bag and the Sumpl experience. The carry comfort, how well it self stands, the look and feel of it. I've just gotten into premium bags and I fear I may have an addiction now chasing the perfect bag. I imagine this will not be my last Sympl purchase and I can see myself coming back for other types of bags or the future EDC offerings they might come up with.