Able Carry Max EDC Review

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Details

• Price $280 at ablecarry.com
  

  Use code ALEXKWA at checkout for $10 off.

• Material X-Pac VX21 + Cordura 1000D Nylon
• Capacity 26 L / 1587 cubic inches
• Weight 3.42 lbs / 1.55 kg
• Dimensions 19.7" (w) x 11.8" (h) x 7.5" (d) / 500 (w) x 300 (h) x 190 (d) mm

Overview

Over the years, I've moved from a staunch one-bagger to a roller luggage and everyday carry backpack kinda traveler. This was mostly because I shifted my travel style to slow travel, where I would spend longer periods in a single location, doing less.

I did a month in Thailand recently where I would leave my luggage at a friend's place in Bangkok and travel to other parts of the country for 2-4 day trips with the backpack. And that backpack was the Able Carry Max EDC.

If you haven't read my Able Carry Max Backpack review, you should as the Max EDC adopts the winning formula into a smaller package.

Style

I've tested a plethora of backpack brands over the years, and the top two in the style department are Aer and Able Carry. This has shifted in the past months and I feel Aer is too corporate. Aer's design is classy and timeless but lacks the edge and heart that I see in Able Carry's backpacks. That little extra something is the reason why I like brands like Outlier.

As such, the Able Carry Max EDC has become my daily bag, overtaking the Aer Pro Pack that was previously in its place. Able Carry has, impressively, maintained a consistent style across most of their products since its inception. I chose the black one in X-pac which looks sleek and clean. Yet when you have the chance to observe it closely, contains details and lines that give it that sprinkle of edginess.

With a 6-foot frame built on ramen and tonkatsu, I was able to confidently rock the larger Able Carry Max Backpack as a daily carry. I imagine not all could do the same. The Max EDC is a much more palatable size for most and is the just-right size for me.

The all-black materials bring together the array of pockets of access, like the slanted quick access zipper on the front, and water bottle pocket on the wearer's left. When looking straight on, you can see the entirety of the main compartment zipper that goes around the bag. They have managed to keep the color consistent on the other colors as well, except the Desert Brown version, whose hardware looks like they are in a different natural tone.

The bag looks great for both corporate and casual situations, making it a versatile bag for travel where you never know what kind of situation you'll encounter.

Material

Choosing the right backpack is all about the materials—kind of like picking pizza toppings (I’m a pineapple-on-pizza person, by the way). Chef Able Carry has put together a solid mix of VX21, 1000D Cordura, and 420D ripstop.

VX21 is an advanced fabric designed for demanding conditions. This composite blend of nylon and polyester strikes a balance between lightweight properties and high tensile strength, making it highly durable. Its sailcloth construction features a 200D nylon face with a waterproof polyester backing, enhancing tear and abrasion resistance while providing a significant water barrier.

The fabric also undergoes a coating process to improve its hydrophobic properties, facilitating water beading and quick drying. This durability makes it suitable for a range of applications, from outdoor activities to urban use, while its UV resistance adds to its longevity.

1000D Cordura is strategically used on the base of the bag for its excellent abrasion resistance. This fabric is tough enough to handle scrapes and scuffs, especially when placed on the ground. It's a preferred choice for brands like GORUCK, known for durability in rugged conditions.

Lastly, the 420D ripstop lining offers lightweight durability. Its woven structure helps prevent tears, allowing you to pack your gear with confidence.

Overall, this backpack combines durability, water resistance, and lightweight performance. If you’ve owned another Able Carry bag before, you’ll know that this winning formula of material choice will not let you down.

Usage

The organization of the Max EDC mimics that of the Max quite closely.

Quick Access Pocket

The front quick-access compartment is generous in size. It's easy to access and I tend to throw everything I use throughout the day into here. When it's time to reach for what you need, you can swing the bag to the front over one shoulder, and the contents will naturally be spread across the entire length, making it easy to separate what you need.

There is a zippered compartment within the quick-access pocket for some extra organization.

Main Compartment

The main compartment has some nice internal organization as well.

There is a long sleeve with a slanted opening. It looks great for an umbrella or a water bottle if you are a dual-wielder. There is a little loop on the opening to allow you to widen it easily.

There is a sleeve on the back of the compartment. It fits my 12.9-inch iPad Pro, with a Magic Keyboard and MOFT cover, well. However, I find it hard to access once your main compartment is full of stuff. I usually just dump my iPad in front of all the contents so I can take it in and out easier. Alternatively, I would just use the laptop compartment, so I didn't find this sleeve particularly useful.

On the flap side, there is a zippered pocket on the top and a larger mesh one on the bottom. I find that the quick access compartment has more than enough space for my smaller accessories that I didn't use. As I switch between backpacks often, over-organizing each backpack makes me forget where I place something. It's easiest for me to just decide on one or two compartments and commit.

Another thing worth noting is that the padded zippered pocket in the laptop compartment uses the space in the main compartment, although the capacity loss is negligible.

Laptop Compartment

The laptop compartment fits my 16-inch Macbook Pro well. At times, I put my Macbook Pro and iPad Pro in here. It is not a comfortable fit as the iPad doesn't drop into the bottom of the compartment, but the return in easy access of both devices especially during airport security makes it acceptable.

There is a zipper to access the back padding which makes it easy to replace if it deteriorates.

At the top of the compartment is a padded pocket. This is great for smaller electronics and I use it quite often to put my Nitecore NB20000 and Sony WF-1000XM4. I sometimes prefer this pocket to the quick-access because the contents are much better laid out and don't move around, preventing scratches when bumping with the other stuff.

Hidden Pocket

Above the shoulder straps, there is a hidden pocket. This is a generously sized, flat pocket. It can comfortably hold your passport and money; it fits my entire hand. This is my default place for my valuables. There is no way a pickpocket can get into them without you knowing.

This hidden pocket is right at the top of the back, so I thought you might feel bulky items. Thankfully, the padding at that part of the back was thick and I wasn't able to feel the buldge even with my Sony WF-1000XM4.

Water Bottle Pocket

There is a pocket for a water bottle or umbrella. Many backpacks design this as an open pocket, but frankly, I am not too keen on my water bottle, which I put my mouth to a few times a day, being exposed to polluted air all day.

This pocket on the Max EDC is zippered, which completely covers its contents from sight. While I love the aesthetics of this, it does cause condensation to occur if you have cold drinks in your bottle. The same goes for wet umbrellas which will make the insides clammy. Just remember to open it up each night to air it out and you'll be fine.

This pocket uses the space of the main compartment and could fit quite a large bottle. The larger the bottle, of course, leaves you with less space in the main compartment.

Other details

One detail that speaks to me is the toilet door hook. It allows you to hang your bag on the hook behind the toilet door. Most bags would have you hang it on the top handle, but this can damage the padding of the handle.

The loop on the Max EDC is a smaller one compared to the handle, which is more durable and conspicuous. I hang my backpacks to organize them, so this is especially useful for me.

There is a side handle as well which makes it easy to grab when you put it down sideways.

Shifting to a roller luggage and backpack combo in recent years to accommodate my slow travel style, the luggage passthrough is a nice touch. You'll have to tuck the shoulder straps behind the luggage handles or it'll get in the way of you grabbing the handle.

The sternum strap features a hook that goes around some loops. Sounds easy to come off but the loops are hidden and it doesn't really come off unless you want it to. I thought this is a brilliant implementation to get the balance between ease of adjustment, security of staying on, and minimalistic aesthetics.

Conclusion

I spent a full month in Thailand with this bag and I love it. I dare say it is one of my favorite everyday carry backpacks right now. The ease of organization, durability, and style are just the right combination for my lifestyle.

I thought the carry-on Max was great, but the Max EDC surpassed my expectations.

Additional Images

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