Post by thcone on Oct 15, 2013 5:35:46 GMT -8
These are just some initial thoughts and a few pictures. I haven't really carried it enough to give an honest opinion. At some point, I'll add to this.
For years, I've EDCed a Jumbo. I picked this up for those times when I might want or need a bigger "messenger" style bag. The Envoy is, of course, much bigger than the Jumbo. While I think either would work in an urban or office setting, I certainly wouldn't take the Envoy into the woods or on casual walks/tours, which I regularly do with my Jumbo. I do not, however hike with the Jumbo. I never carry a laptop in a bag, but if I did, I can easily see where the Envoy would be fantastic. The Jumbo sized bags are not even capable of that.
Anyway, here is a photo of the size difference between the Envoy and the Jumbo. The size disparity between the two would be more stark if the Envoy's side water pouches were deployed. Also, I think this bag would really benefit from the same removable/adjustable dividers as are found in the Javelin's main compartment. I know you can get that inner bag, but who really wants to have to buy a bag for the inside of another bag? In my opinion, the best feature of the Envoy is that you can access the main compartment without lifting the flap. Some other messenger bags have this feature as well, and I can see where this feature would be very helpful in any number circumstances. One in particular comes to mind.
Here is a picture of the Envoy on an ACU blouse and one of those Condor soft shell jackets in foliage. I hope that helps clarify just how "foliage" Vanquest's foliage is. To my eye, it very closely matches the foliage green in the blouse. But, that's been laundered a million times, so...
The quality on my sample is very good. Not perfect, but very, very good. All of these CQ issues I'm about to mention are very minor and not are structural in nature. I'm basically nitpicking here. To be fair, I've seen far, far worse on better known brands. None of these would prevent me from buying another Vanquest bag. With that said, all three of the 4" velcro strips in the Envoy are coyote, not foliage, like all the other smaller velcro in the bag. Not a big deal, I guess that they just ran out of the foliage and pressed on with what they had. The stitching is 99% perfect and even on the bag and there are very few loose ends.
Well, that's all I've got for y'all ATM. I'll report back after the bag sees some action.
Oh, one more thing, I picked this up at the other places forum store. Great price, great service.
For years, I've EDCed a Jumbo. I picked this up for those times when I might want or need a bigger "messenger" style bag. The Envoy is, of course, much bigger than the Jumbo. While I think either would work in an urban or office setting, I certainly wouldn't take the Envoy into the woods or on casual walks/tours, which I regularly do with my Jumbo. I do not, however hike with the Jumbo. I never carry a laptop in a bag, but if I did, I can easily see where the Envoy would be fantastic. The Jumbo sized bags are not even capable of that.
Anyway, here is a photo of the size difference between the Envoy and the Jumbo. The size disparity between the two would be more stark if the Envoy's side water pouches were deployed. Also, I think this bag would really benefit from the same removable/adjustable dividers as are found in the Javelin's main compartment. I know you can get that inner bag, but who really wants to have to buy a bag for the inside of another bag? In my opinion, the best feature of the Envoy is that you can access the main compartment without lifting the flap. Some other messenger bags have this feature as well, and I can see where this feature would be very helpful in any number circumstances. One in particular comes to mind.
Here is a picture of the Envoy on an ACU blouse and one of those Condor soft shell jackets in foliage. I hope that helps clarify just how "foliage" Vanquest's foliage is. To my eye, it very closely matches the foliage green in the blouse. But, that's been laundered a million times, so...
The quality on my sample is very good. Not perfect, but very, very good. All of these CQ issues I'm about to mention are very minor and not are structural in nature. I'm basically nitpicking here. To be fair, I've seen far, far worse on better known brands. None of these would prevent me from buying another Vanquest bag. With that said, all three of the 4" velcro strips in the Envoy are coyote, not foliage, like all the other smaller velcro in the bag. Not a big deal, I guess that they just ran out of the foliage and pressed on with what they had. The stitching is 99% perfect and even on the bag and there are very few loose ends.
Well, that's all I've got for y'all ATM. I'll report back after the bag sees some action.
Oh, one more thing, I picked this up at the other places forum store. Great price, great service.