The Day Bag XL is a great standalone bag for the seasoned airline traveler, even if that wasn't the original intention (Cancha specializes in raquet bags). The water-resistant nature, subdued and utilitarian appearance, pocketing and segmentation is perfect - especially for (in my case) military folks who tend to use common inserts they move from bag to bag. Some features I truly appreciated:
- The material is light and easy to clean. The bag doesn't add much weight; if you carry a lot, you won't be adding much to it. Easily wiped off with a germ-wipe or soap & water after sitting underneath an airplane seat - priceless. The slightly stiffened sidewall of the bag is also very much appreciated - not just for the appearance, but for function.
- No handle on top, but a loop. The loop on top is great for a carabiner, or in my case a "Heroclip" that allows me to hang it off the handle of my suitcase for ease as I walk around the airport... or the magazine rack on the airline seat which keeps most of the surface off the floor.
- Laptop sleeve is great - just enough segmenting. Keeps it from flopping around with my other stuff.
- Spacious outer pouch. The inside volume somehow doesn't diminish the remaining space of the outer pouch on the front. Genius design!
- Shoulder straps are awesome. So many companies get this wrong. Not only did you get fitment right for someone who has a larger chest than waist (cutting them to flare out), you made them **completely removable** to change the carry options. Thank you thank you thank you for that. You can carry as a backpack, as a sling bag, or switch to briefcase mode with the handle on the side.
- Stands up when sitting, better than any well-trained puppy. The bottom is so thin that it should fall over but inexplicably does not. Another genius design point!
No one asked me, but what I'd add (it's great as-is; there's definitely nothing to subtract):
- Another loop on top to balance the one already there;
- Velcro (or other) closure for top pockets on the inside flap; when top-loading they work great, but any other time when you open it clamshell style, things fly out - almost makes the pouches unusable. Maybe a zipper like you have for the lower one that runs the length of the lid.
- a few of those laser-cut attachment points perhaps on the front of the bag, for the smaller Day Bag or other such add; that might not work with the thinnness of the current lid/closure flap, but something to consider if you come out with an even more (purposely intended - this works really well as-is by the way) standalone Day Bag XL. Stiffen the lid a bit, add attachments and call it the Day Bag XL Hiking. I've seen your hiking offering and it was just a bit too big for me.
If you look at the pictures, I engineered a few of my own upgrades that you could offer as options. The sternum strap now has a Fidlock buckle (I like the ease of magnets); I added some velcro for identification markers (might be a military thing but they come in handy): I wrapped up loose straps to avoid hanging or catching on things, something you can do with small elastic bands or some other commercial solution; replaced zipper pulls with shock-cord, makes them easier to grab if your hands are wet/have something on them, it's cold or anything else that reduces manual dexterity.
Great bag. I can't help but add my own comments about improvements, but if you are looking for about 15L of carry-on capacity for your personal gear, and can build your own insert/means for segmenting and packing contents, get this bag. This is my 11th attempt to find a great solution and think I'm now settled.