Evergoods CHZ 22L - A Review

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT

I purchased the Evergoods CHZ 22L about a few months ago, intending to use it as my daily all-around backpack. Here is my review of it.

As I mentioned in my previous review, of the Minaal Carry-on backpack: I don’t have access to good backpacks. I’m left at the mercy of paying big taxes and shipping fees, and hope to like the product. With the Evergoods CHZ, I must admit, I’m disappointed.

Intended use

As a preparation for my nomading in Central America (read about my first destination Costa Rica, I decided to get an all-around backpack. A backpack that will be good for carrying a laptop to a co-working space; one that is good to go to the gym with; one I can hike with. Oh, and I wanted one that is relatively packable, as during flight, I carry the Minaal Carry-on, and pack this backpack inside my checked luggage.

What I like

I like the fact that the Evergoods CHZ is a good, all-around backpack. It’s roomy enough for the use-cases I’ve mentioned above. I appreciate the fact that it has two water bottle sleeves, which means I can throw in a snack when hiking, or a tripod when doing some insta content.

It also feels well-built, and I’m not afraid to take it to hikes with me. Evergoods claim that it’s water-repellent, but I didn’t have the chance to test it. Under light rain, it performed well, and kept my stuff dry. And its neutral look helps it fit in any environment.

What I don’t like

Unfortunately, the list of dislikes is bigger.

I really dislike the shoulder straps. They are very tough, and painful on the shoulders. I read other people saying that they break in, but I was wearing it daily for more than 4 months, and mine are still tough.

Next, the laptop sleeve. The Minaal is very big for day-to-day use, so I was looking at a backpack that is good to travel daily with a laptop. I knew before that the laptop sleeve in the CHZ is not awesome. But I didn’t expect it to be that disappointing. It’s very hard to get the laptop in and out, when the small pocket is full. And I usually carry my glasses/sunglasses in the top pocket, so it’s always full.

The laptop sleeve fits both 16” and 14” MacBook Pro, but as I said, I’m disappointed with sleeve. In my next backpack, I’ll be looking for a dedicated laptop compartment, like in the Minaal.

Conclusion

Overall, I find the Evergoods to be too painful for my needs. During long day hikes, when I carry a lot of water and clothes, I tend to develop shoulder pain.

As for the laptop compartment, I think that the Evergoods CPL has a better design, since it has a dedicated laptop compartment. However, if it has the same straps as the CHZ then I’m not sure either of them would have been a good choice for me.

Short Review - Minaal Carry-on 3.0

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 23:00:00 GMT

One year ago, I purchased the Minaal Carry-on 3.0 as my carry-on backpack. Here is my short review of it.

Intended use

I purchased the backpack in order to replace the traditional carry-on trolley. I find backpacks to be nicer for navigation around the airport, as they allow you to have your hands free. I was looking for a spacious backpack that can house some clothes, as well as electronics such as laptop.

Please note: I don’t one-bag. In most of the cases, I take a standard suitcase with me, in addition to a carry-on. So this review is not from a point-of-view of someone who is one-bagging.

Where and how I used it

I used the Minaal Carry-on on two different occasions. The first time I use it, was when I was nomading in The Netherlands (you can read about it here, and here. The second time—is right now. I use the backpack while nomading in Central America (you can read about my first destination Costa Rica.

What I like about it

I must admit, I’m in love with this backpack. It’s super comfortable, and relatively roomy (more on that later).

I like the fact that it has a dedicated laptop sleeve. It really helps with airport security, as you don’t have to empty, and repack it, every time you want to take the laptop out. The laptop sleeve has a unique adjustable design, and I was able to fit a 16” MacBook Pro, and a 14” MacBook Pro, and it felt very secure in there. Moreover, the sleeve can house small electronics such as Bluetooth keyboard, external hard drive, laptop stand, etc. I call it: the electronics compartment. I also appreciate the secret back pocket, where you can store cash and passport without worrying that people behind you might steal it.

The backpack and the straps are very comfortable. It’s among one of the most comfortable backpacks I ever used. I also appreciate that you can clip the sternum strap, so it won’t dangle when you walk.

What I don’t like about it

First, the size. It is standard carry-on size, but I have a feeling that it’s smaller than say an American Tourister carry-on trolley. It’s not a big deal for me, and I assume Minaal wanted to fit as many airline guidelines, as possible. I have never been asked by airport stuff to measure the backpack.

The main compartment has some organization pockets, but I rarely use them. Once again, my use case is not one-bagging, so I usually carry my electronics and some clothes inside the backpack. If you one-bag, you might find the organization pockets useful.

I like the water bottle sleeve, but I really wish it had two of them. This would have been useful for carrying a tripod, for example.

Conclusion

I, usually don’t have access to trying backpacks before purchase. My only approach is pay a lot for shipping, and hope I like it. In the case with Minaal — I love it.

I find it to be a prefect travel backpack, and very comfortable. I would also recommend you to get the hip-belt, as it might get a bit heavy (I like to suffer, so I don’t take the backpack off my back while standing in lines).

And when storing it, you can remove the hip-belt completely, and stow away the shoulder straps so, it becomes like a small suitcase. In summary, I’m very happy I got that backpack.

Dmitry Kudryavtsev

Evergoods CHZ 22L - A Review

Intended use

What I like

What I don’t like

Conclusion

Short Review - Minaal Carry-on 3.0

Intended use

Where and how I used it

What I like about it

What I don’t like about it

Conclusion