The entire compartments and pockets apart, the GlobeRider has one final trick up its sleeve, and it’d simply be my favourite. Whereas a bag’s straps could make or break its carrying expertise, they could be a large ache, particularly while you cram your bag right into a packed trunk or overhead bin, as unfastened straps prefer to snag on something round them. The workforce at Matador considered this precise state of affairs and included gated G-hooks on the finish of the strap, permitting you to rapidly unhook them and stow them away behind the again panel. Whereas I haven’t seen an official identify for this, I prefer to name it “briefcase” mode. Nonetheless, tucking the straps behind this panel exposes a flaw to me: the chest strap is completely affixed to the straps. I’d enterprise to say that most individuals would by no means complain about this, however as somebody who likes to swap their chest strap for one thing with a magnetic Fidlock, I’m pressured to maintain the inventory strap, or bodily reduce it off, completely altering this bag.
How do I plan to make use of this pack?
Should you’ve flown recently, you’ve most certainly heard these dreaded phrases: “It is a full flight, overhead house can be restricted.” As somebody who usually flies with digicam tools in a hard-sided Nanuk case, the considered my gear being forcibly checked underneath the airplane fills me with terror. Nonetheless, at the same time as overhead house is filling up and curler baggage are pressured to be checked, it appears to me that backpacks and duffle baggage escape a few of this scrutiny because of their smooth sides and talent to be crammed into remaining bin house, a private idea that I’ve wished to check for a while. Whereas testing this idea requires a flight (or a number of), I additionally wished to place this bag by way of the paces in my EDC, proper right here in NYC.
Whereas Matador markets this bag for journey, it’s a comparable measurement to the pack I’ve been utilizing for EDC, so I additionally wished to check how nicely this pack would work for day by day use. As somebody who carries a 30ish-liter bag, the GlobeRider gives me with an extra 5 liters of house and a really totally different structure from the Tom Bihn I’ve been utilizing. Before everything, the built-in, fastened harness together with the straps are very comfy, even when loaded down. The interior laptop computer compartment safely and securely holds both of my laptops (one for work, one private), and the big foremost compartment primarily swallows my picture package, cell video package, and small private first support package. Because of the entrance admin pocket, I’ve an exquisite place to retailer an additional pen, our strap altering multi-tool, and even an inline bit-bar screw driver. That final one may appear a bit odd, however you’d be shocked how usually I discover a unfastened screw on a wobbly chair, or must tighten down a tripod plate. Regardless of being on the bigger facet of packs I’ve carried, the multitude of handles made it simple to carry on a packed subway automobile. In its normal configuration, my package is a stroll within the park for the GlobeRider, and there’s loads of room to spare, which allowed me to search out an important secondary use for this pack: hauling groceries.
Since shifting to town, my companion and I’ve develop into extra reliant on supply companies for giant, bulk orders, however we’ve discovered that we regularly must complement with a bi-weekly run to Dealer Joe’s for issues like pasta, meat, and produce. Because the GlobeRider was designed to hold numerous clothes, which may be fairly heavy, it additionally does a superb job bringing dwelling groceries. The clam-shell entry on the primary compartment permits for straightforward entry, simply don’t overlook to pack the bag in such a way that received’t crush your bread or eggs. Who would have recognized that enjoying Tetris as a child would show to be a helpful talent in any case? When absolutely loaded, I’ll admit that the pack generally is a little uncomfortable for those who’re not utilizing the hip belt. Utilizing a hip belt may not look hip, however man, does it assist, and my again actually likes it once I use it.
All through my metropolis testing, I discovered myself caught in a number of rain showers (with and with out an umbrella), however I didn’t discover any water intrusion. This pack may not be absolutely waterproof, but it surely hasn’t let me down both.
Continued Discipline Testing: Per week of Touring – Atlanta and Anchorage
As I returned from San Francisco firstly of Could, my thoughts switched into planning mode for an upcoming week-long journey to Blade Present and ultimately Anchorage, Alaska. This multi-city journey would current a singular problem for me, as Atlanta was anticipating highs within the 80s, and mornings in Alaska could be within the 40s. As my lodging in Anchorage had laundry within the unit, I knew that I might get away with a minimal variety of shirts, however I’d want shorts for the beginning of my journey, together with pants and a jacket for the again finish. Regardless of the scale of the GlobeRider, I knew I’d be checking a suitcase for these new EDC pickups at Blade, so I threw within the towel on attempting to “one bag” it, and put a few of my clothes into the checked bag, permitting ample house for my digicam and equipment.
Whereas I wasn’t capable of make the most of the GlobeRider as a real “one bag” journey package like I wished, it labored completely as a part of my general journey package. Whereas a Nomatic laptop computer bag carried my in-flight necessities, the GlobeRider carried the majority of my gear. The wide-open foremost compartment safely held my digicam dice, video package, toiletries, a few of my clothes, and a COOP journey pillow, with out ever feeling crowded and overstuffed whereas the interior pockets on the “lid” of the clamshell opening have been excellent for organizing the majority of my cords and chargers, and the exterior water bottle pocket held my Yeti 26oz bottle with ease. Since I had a smaller, under-seat bag, I didn’t must get inside my pack for many of my flights, supplied I remembered to seize my water bottle.
Realizing that it might probably be years earlier than we returned to Alaska, my companion and I wished to get out of town for a day and see the attractive Alaska Wilderness we’ve heard a lot about. By means of a day journey on the Alaska Railroad, we have been capable of go to a number of extra cities, even the small city of Whittier, which is barely accessible by land by way of a tunnel that’s shared by trains and automobiles, and solely in a single course at a time.
The spotlight of this tour, and this complete journey, was the Spencer Glacier Whistle Cease. Upon reserving, we initially deliberate to hike out to the glacier, however later switched to a Spencer Iceberg and Placer River Float. With the practice journey and float taking on the higher a part of a day, we loaded out the GlobeRider with jackets, meals, an enormous energy financial institution, and naturally, my trusty digicam. With the primary practice journey full, we set out with some new mates at Chugach Adventures to get an up-close view of Spencer Glacier, floating icebergs, and float again down the Placer River. As house on the raft was restricted, I left the GlobeRider behind and solely introduced my digicam. Regardless of the Placer River being comparatively calm, we encountered a number of rapids that gave us a number of minor sprays and left some water on the backside of our raft. I’m positive it might have been nice, however I’d somewhat have a dry bag and good reminiscences any day, and sure, I took my digicam alongside for the journey.
Last Ideas
Throughout my time with the GlobeRider, all through small cafes, crowded subway automobiles, full flights, and even on a number of strolling trails, it by no means felt misplaced, though it’s bigger than I usually wanted. Whereas the gear I have a tendency to hold may be cumbersome and cumbersome, the spacious foremost compartment all the time had sufficient house for something I wished to pack, and sometimes had extra accessible for these unplanned detours and purchases alongside the best way. Wanting ahead to future journey plans, I genuinely consider that I might make the most of the GlobeRider for “one-bag” journey, and I’m desperate to make a journey the place I can achieve this, even when it’s only a weekend journey again to Kentucky. Pairing this bag with a superb set of packing cubes, like the three piece set from Matador, will help you manage and absolutely make the most of the bigger foremost compartment.
With a retail worth of $290, the GlobeRider isn’t low-cost by any means, however I by no means felt prefer it was overpriced. Each the supplies and the design of this bag really feel very nicely thought out, and I really feel assured this bag will stand as much as numerous journeys and adventures. The GlobeRider collection may need been designed for journey, however I’ve discovered the 35 does an important job adapting to on a regular basis use, and no matter you may throw at it.
Whereas the GlobeRider35 is offered from choose retailers, all three colours are at present offered out (for a 3rd time) on Matador’s website. That stated, I’ve been informed {that a} restock is on the best way in mid/late July, simply in time for these final minute summer time adventures.
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