Been using this pack over the weekend in Portland for my birthday getaway. Just what I needed. Figured I needed an appropriate bag for travel, but also decided to spoil myself...and I made the right decision. Got it in foliage, since it's nice and clean-and just good for bag colors. Still much more discreet than any other pack.
Very small still-but just a tiny bit larger than my TT Essential and feels quite a bit smaller than the ROP-and about half the weight with 500D rather than 1000. Full middle zip is nice, and also quick. Extremely fat, too. Easily holds 2 large bottles. Lots of straps and webbing for compression, pack to pack/ pack-vest attachment, thick mid full zip, lightweight.
First thing I did was organize all the webbing as much as possible using some creativity. Had the tarainsert delivered at the same time, and did a trial run with random pouches thrown on for all the travel gear.
Shoulder harness is the best thing ever. IMO, all packs should have it. Don't even want to take it off..Thick back padding is another added bonus. The horizontal stitching helps it keep it's shape.
Not many pics yet, but there will be more info later.
That's a cool setup. The Vertx panels are interesting, as well. Never seen them before. Does the tarainsert actually fit in the Essential? Specs say so, but will it actually fit.