Affordable EDC - Monoprice Form Tech Backpack - Battle Round 6
I didn't set out to do a series on bags less than $100, but as chance would have it, that's exactly what happened. I recently reviewed the Brown Buffalo Conceal which I got new on Ebay for $40.
Serendipitously, I stumbled upon these bags by Monoprice. As a reader of the Reddit sub-reddit called "manybaggers" I come across posts about backpack, slings, messengers, etc, of a huge array. Some catch the eye because of their unique design or cutting edge materials. Others because of their price point. This backpack, from online retailer Monoprice, warranted a look because of its low cost.
Now, just being cheap does not automatically mean I am interested. The thing that made this backpack, and its sister backpack, the "Work", was because of the vendor. I have been a customer of Monoprice for a long time, knowing they were a solid cheap choice for cables and other generic accessories. Others know them for their speakers and headphones.
So, I figured that the cost, plus their reputation, made the bags worth a look. The easy return policy also made it painless choice.
At first look, it wasn't going to win any beauty contests. It is fairly sleek but plain. It's all black, with minimal branding and nothing too notable about it.
The hardware is solid though, with YKK Aquaguard zippers all around. The outer shell is a nice Cordura-esque nylon.
The straps are a bit uncomfortable, and are stiff and straight. I didn't love the ergonomics. There are no sternal straps. There are also no load lifters or hip belts to spread the load. There is no back panel to help spread the load either.
For outer organization, there are 3 small quick access pockets. There are two soft lined ones, one on the front and the other on the top. There is a third, more secure one on the back panel, under the foam padding. It is for flat objects like a passport or money.
The secondary large compartment opens halfway for security and has some nice organization if that's your thing. It's lined in a crinkly sounding ripstop nylon that doesn't feel the greatest.
The main compartment opens clamshell style and allows full access to the voluminous interior. It also houses the laptop and tablet slots. Both are located closest to the wearers back. The laptop slot is lined with a velvety soft material for protection. You do have to be careful because the laptop can hit the ground if you put the pack down heavily.
Overall, it's a very serviceable bag made with nice components at a reasonable price. I copped mine for $50, but I just saw that they raised the price to $90. At that price, there are several other bags worth a look.
Monoprice does say the bags come with a lifetime guarantee though, so that's worth something.
I compared this bag to my Brown Buffalo Conceal and my Aer Flight Pack 2. I really like the Brown Buffalo's innovative design and extra features. If I had the extra money, I'd prefer it, but at $300, it's a big difference to pay.
The Aer at $160 also costs more, and has a few more features such as being able to convert from briefcase, to messenger, to backpack. Some of the hardware is a bit better as well.
I reviewed the Work model in a previous video.
Brown Buffalo Review
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Aer Flight Pack 2 Review
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Monoprice Form Work Backpack
• $50! Monoprice Form "Work" Backpack - EDC...
Monoprice Form Tech Backpack
https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_i...
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