So I couldn't help it and ended up getting an Ego as well, with Plum and Burnt Orange stripes. I hope these pics will help people like myself who were wondering if they would look ridic with a bag this big.
Verdict? I think it's a great bag that can be carried by smaller folks with the QAM strap done up properly. I'm 115#, 5'3". Main compartment had my SE and two books that are 1000+ pages each. Flap compartment had my EDC pouches, 3 pens, wallet, and coin wallet. (To answer @luvdabags' question, yes, an SE can fit in the flap compartment.) In other words, it was pretty heavy, but not very bulky. I highly recommend the QAM strap as you can carry the bag high on your back, which will both lessen shoulder strain and, for the smaller people, make the bag look smaller. And while it's kinda troublesome, you can switch shoulders with the QAM strap. I haven't loaded it up with my usual school stuff yet, but I did do a test pack with a horizontal 4Z Cache and found that it sucked up a lot of space in the main compartment. The space in the main compartment all comes out without my Cache, though. (Yeah, I
cannot wait to get a smaller lappy!) Will post a school-day load photo soon.
FYI Ego owners, if you're looking for a new stripe, Hannah says they have a few camo ones lying about. (Can't wait to get mine. Love camo! And if you have colourful stripes that you don't want, let me know! Missed the boat on the Cayenne one... le sigh.)
Looks massive like this:
Looks big because photo was taken from below.
But it generally looks okay when strapped up properly.
