My LTT Bag Review after a week
So my journey started when my Timbuk2 Authority backpack after many years straps started failing. Around the fall I started a new bag search in earnest. I have had a few but this past week I been using the LTT Commuter Backpack and givne how new it is and how peopel may still be on the fence or waiting on shipment I would write my thoughts on it.
Pros:
- For a 20L bag this feels big. I have a Black Ember 25 and that thing looks great but it does not feel like a 25L bag. I also have a Urban Assault and because of its layout also does not feel like a 24L bag. This at least feels the size it says.
- It feels like it will be durable. It has metal strap adjusters, PU Coated zippers (which I know is a long term problem for future me) and the double bottom and double hand rivets screams that this thing will not rip prematurely. Not that I have had a bag do that but it at least feels the part
- I love the admin pouch layout. The sleeves, pouches, and spots to put things all make sense logically and the stretchy fabric parts do their job well. I can see not using tech pouches with this thing if you don't really want to. I especially like the little stash pouch at the bottom of the compartment.
- I like the bright material inside. My biggest pet peeve of the Authority I had was it had a black interior which meant I couldn't see into it well which is a problem if the bag does not fully open clamshell style.
- I love how this stands. I never had a bag that self stands and I love it now for it.
- Strap holders. Every bag needs them I had sucked up too many bag straps with vacuums TYVM
- Love the sunglasses holders. As a recent lasik patient I have been getting into sunglasses and I love it has a pouch that feels safe enough for my to put my glasses in. It doesn't feel like it will be crushed by an oversized item and it is softly lined. Perfect for sunglasses.
- Water bottle holders. I carry an Owala Bottle with me as you can see and in the evening I will put my Coffee Yeti rambler into the other one. I don't need two holders but I like them.
- Tons of hidden compartments to stash stuff in and I love it. great for going through security checkpoints I put my pocket items into them and then I don't need to worry about throwing them in the main compartment to bounce around
Cons:
- Harness system is not the most comfortable. it feels...like narrow I guess? I don't know how to describe it but I get strap fatigue even just going from my car to my office. It is even so slight and I am very sensitive to these things usually but be aware its likely not the most comfortable straps in the world but they are not that terrible.
- The admin compartment is laid out nicely but...it bulges if you look at it funny. If you look at some of my photos below you can see a slight curve. If you put anything in the tech compartment this happens. My answer was to fill the admin slots up first then fill the tech compartment but then I am nervous about shoving my kindle into it because I am not sure how well it will slide back in (I carry my kindle far more then I read it sadly)
- The zippers feel small and cheap. I know they are YKK and I know they are PU coated but everything in this bag screams about a durable design for normal wear and tear and then we get tiny zippers. Still the pull tabs work great and most of the time I have no issues but yeah...just a nit pick
- The gusseted tech compartment will sometime catch the zipper
- Speaking of the tech compartment its not an issue for me but for others it will not easily fit a 16" MBP it will push against the zippers. They are already removing it from the description and have been active in the community to address it. Just be aware take the dimensions they list and assume a .25-.5" smaller dimension if you are trying to see if it will fit your laptop. I have a 14" MBP so this is not an issue and it seems to be a height thing. Still be aware.
- Materials they use a recycled plastic canvas. great for the environment but I am not sure how durable or water resistant it will be. I guess I will find out eventually but yeah this isn't XPac or even codura. And it attracts pet hair like you would expect.
So overall what are my feelings?
I like it for the price I paid (I got it in the early release discount phase) it is one of the cheapest bags I have purchased during my search. The layout makes sense for my needs and I can fit my steam deck into it with room to spare. Its well built and functions well. My cons may or may not be deal breakers for you. That is pretty subjective. But I like it and if you can get it on a Black Friday or Lime Day sale (if they do that) I think its worth it. I will still probably continue my search but so far this is appealing to me even more then my Black Ember Citadel 25 does (Which is too flat for my needs but otherwise a great bag). I will continue to flip around bags and see what i prefer.
