What do I want when I want a new bag

just decide to buy a backpack(two shoulder strap) for cycling recently 'canuse the weather is cooling down and my shoulders need rest.

decide path

basic requirements

first decisions

• search for brands like chrome, burton, timbuk
• focus a lot on the appearance of the bag, want it to be a bit colorful and stylish
• have a few options from burton
• search merchants like amazon, moosejaw, mountainsteals, taobao
• search the net for ranks
• then search for brands mentioned in ranks like osprey, thule, patagonia
• rethink about what factor is important, feels like those bags are not so much difference with my decathlon one
• then become not so sure on what I want

second thought

• focus more on why and what for
• then feels like the burton tote pack seems like only needed one, all others are quite functional alike
• can't find a good color online
• then rethink why would someone want a tote with 26L storage

second thought(part 2)

• focus on cycling backpack
• then osprey radail should be the only reasonalbe option
• but feels not so stylish about it
• then feels like I also want the bag to be able to be used when travelling
• rethink

second thought(part 3)

• I really like the look of the patagonia blackhole 25L
• but there's not much functionally special for me than the decathlon one
• seems not very good for ventilation either
• rethink

rule of thumbs for worthy stuff

• (me)use often
• operational efficiency
• top quality
• aesthetic design is a plus

what is required?

• ultra durable
• large
• efficient
• a bit ventilation

third thought

• rolltop bags

• rolltop with a buckle in the middle? (no)

• rolltop with two buckles on the sides? (yes)

• chrome (urban ex 2.0) rolltop 30L with two buckle and no zipper at all

  • no zipper means durability
  • buckles should be changeable
  • padding and strap seems sturdy
  • daisy chain could be useful

other options

• black diamond street creek rolltop - nowhere buy, not sure about the RT design
• patagoing planing 30L - nowhere buy, the elastic mesh pocket for wet stuff is fine but not very appealling
• topo designs mountain roll top

brands cheked

• rapha
• black diamond
• chrome
• patagonia
• osprey
• timbuk2
• topo designs
• burton
• https://www.mysteryranch.com/
• https://www.redoxx.com/
• https://blackember.com/
• https://www.aersf.com/
• https://blahol.com/?lang=en&v=7516fd43adaa
• mission workshop
• https://www.homeofmillican.com/collections/smith-the-roll-pack-25l
• atd1 (this one actually quite good)
• https://shimodadesigns.com/action-x/

updates 2022

I did bought the Chrome urban rolltop 30L. But I returned it because:

• It's basically just a big pocket(which is not the issue) with no strucutre on it so it gets really flat when empty and looks really big even on my back. Also there's basially no bottom platform to stand for
• The rolltop part(which I normally just keep it entirely open) are too long, so if I want to reach sth, I can not just reach into the bag but need to bring the rolltop flap upright first then can I reach my arm inside.
• The fabric is too rigid - this is actually quite a big problem, becuase the bag thus felt cheap and plasticy
• The buckle is not smooth - important, buckle means quality. Even it is duraflex buckle, I believe it's not the top quality ones.