Backpack with a lot of potential - Evergoods CHZ22 Civic Half Zip backpack.

Good review dude. I was having issues with the back panel as well and figured out that you can remove it by folding it in half length ways and it'll come out with some persuasion. There will be minor bend marks but they flatten out over a day but I added a Tom Bihn frame sheet to mine which increased the comfort dramatically.

I’ve considered this bag since it was similar to my Arc’teryx Mantis 26l but I think I’ll stick with my Mantis since it has very similar features except the Mantis is actually a clam shell opening.

I do really hate how it digs into my lower bag. Main reason I never use mine.

I know I am late to this video. Thank you. I thought I was nuts. The pack digs into my back too, making it very uncomfortable. I was hoping I could remove the frame sheet or put in another one (I would have no idea how). Nope. I can't even get my hand in to add some foam. I thought it would be a good fit as the bag is 18" in length, and should fit my 17" torso, but it's either too long or the bottom is too rigid. It actually bows out on me. If you found a hack, please let me know (I see one below). I love the aesthetics of their bags but it's not meant for staring at, it's meant for wearing as my back keeps trying to tell me.

I just got one of these as well and I don't like the straps or the way it carries either. I don't like how it forces you to carry the bag high on your back, I'm 6'3 and I feel like a toddler going to my first day of kindergarten. The straps are too short to wear it lower otherwise the webbing will rub under your armpits and then as you said, the back panel won't let it form to your back. I did a lot of research before pulling the trigger and I think I wanted to believe the hype instead of trusting my instincts. Don't get me wrong, the bag is superbly made with top materials and a lot of design effort has gone into it, but I guess its just not for me. A couple of smaller pockets/sleeves internally for organisation wouldn't have gone astray and some different padding on the back to aid with ventilation to stop sweaty backs would be nice. I guess though because the bag sits so high it avoids lower back sweat... For those who own it, does the bags loosen up with time and become more comfortable..?

Blackout GA-2100 and a black Evergoods bag, not a bad combo ;) Also bummer that the framesheet isn't replaceable (also kind of weird since it has velcro?), I took mine out the CPL24 and I like it a bit better. Was seriously considering the CHZ, but the limited main opening and quick access blocking laptop compartment killed it for me (not to mention shipping costs on the EG website to Australia—oh man)

Would you ever try to take out the frame sheet and see if that enhances the comfort of the bag?

Which are those better bags in your opinion?