I have just returned from my second trip with the Synapse 25 and still thinking its not 100% perfect for me.
I love the bag/looks/material, and realize 3-4 week trips with a 25 liter bag isn’t bad, and Ive certainly improved over the years. However, I’m not minimal enough, and would like a little extra room, so everything isn’t so tightly packed on my return - Perhaps 30 ish liter bag?.
Also, I have got it into my head, that if a backpack opened ‘clamshell’, it would be easier to access stuff, instead of pulling everything out of the bottom of the rucksack.
I did have an interesting thought that I could pack the S25 so its flat and put packing cubes in that way, but still hankering on another bag, just a bit larger.
I bought 2 bags on sale : - To test pack & return if not suitable:-
Eagle Wayfinder 30 liter - not clamshell, but could pack it so its flat, it fits everything in that I unpacked from the S25, but not much extra room spare. It’s grey/black, slim looking & comfy.
Eagle Creek Nebula 34 litre, like the organization and believe EC is well respected/quality, but think its a bit hiking looking bag (that it is). Both bags are relatively cheap, both on sale - $50 (UKP).
Also, considering ordering a EC Porter 30, which is a clamshell design.
However, I love TB bags, and wondering if anyone else has had this dilemma re wanting a slightly larger bag at approx 30 liters in a clamshell design, did they buy another bag/different style.
Really wanting backpack straps, so not sure about an Aeronaut- I have a Western Flyer, but only used it once.
Has anyone else had this dilemma?
TIA
Jaffa