Even with only three other backpacks to their name, Able Carry has carved out a niche for themselves in the market thanks to their use of technical materials crafted into unique and eye-catching designs. Recently, they released their second Kickstarter for their most ambitious backpack yet, the Max backpack. It aims to combine the bag you use for work and the one you use for travel in a single, consolidated experience. With a campaign fully funded in six hours, we take a look at what makes the Max a strong contender for your next do-it-all everyday and everywhere backpack.
The first thing to notice about the Max is how unnoticeable it is— it features a sleek design with a low-profile that won’t draw any unwanted attention whether you’re on a commute for errands or in an unfamiliar locale while traveling. Even the color options maintain a stylish look without adding unnecessary flair. The backpack’s construction features a potent mix of different high-quality fabrics and hardware that make it more than capable to stand up to the wear and tear of EDC: the outer shell is made out of lightweight yet durable VX21/X42 X-Pac and the base of the bag features tough 1000D CORDURA nylon for extra protection when setting the bag down. The entire bag features 420D ripstop lining as well as bar tack stitching for added reinforcement. It also features lockable YKK zippers and DWR coating on everything for water resistance. The bag measures 20.5“ x 12.5” and a capacity of 30 liters (enough to fit an entire basketball in the main compartment), to hit a sweet spot of size and functionality for any user.
The core of the Max is its two-compartment design, one meant to carry all your work gear, and a main compartment meant for anything else that you might want to carry on your trip. The work compartment features a dedicated and suspended laptop sleeve that that protects up to a 16“ laptop from bumps and scrapes if you set your backpack down a little too hard. You can find elastic dividers on this compartment as well, so you have room for all your devices, chargers, and cables. And, thanks to it’s full length zipper that goes completely around the bag, you have easy access to your work gear even when the bag is packed. The main compartment is a 22-25L space where you can store whatever else you might need for a long day or trip. It features a 90% clamshell opening so you can pack and unpack your stuff with ease, or stack packing and organizing pouches as needed. It also features small zip pockets on the front flap for smaller clothing or essentials.
The Max also features five specialized external pockets for even more versatility. A quick-access top pocket to keep your small and important essentials secure and within reach, a unique zippered water bottle compartment that integrates seamlessly into the bag’s interior, a front pocket that comes with a key lash, a side pocket with another lash point, and a secret pocket for sensitive gear. The Max also comes with hook-points all throughout its body, so you attach and expand your carrying options.
Able put as much thought into comfort as they did design for the Max. You get padded shoulder straps in an A-Frame for support from top to bottom, with an option for a sternum strap with a magnetic lock for heavier loads. The back panel comes padded with closed-cell foam and features a breathable air channel for all-day comfort. Other carry options include a top handle so you can have a comfortable grip in tight spaces, a luggage passthrough that also acts as a grab handle and even a suspension hook so your bag never actually has to touch the floor if you have to make a pit stop.
Do it all and carry it all with Able Carry’s Max backpack, which you can check out at the fully funded Kickstarter campaign at the link below.
