【Ending the Struggle of Business Trip Bags】How I Found the Perfect Bag in the MNL City Pack

Hello everyone. This is Ryogu (@ryog_gadgets).

I recently wrote an article about the gadgets I took on a business trip and some areas for improvement. I'm happy to see that people are still reading it even after some time has passed.

In that article, I mentioned a business backpack I was curious about called the "MNL City Pack", and since it has arrived, I'd like to introduce it to you today.

1. I had so many issues with my backpack during business trips

As I wrote in my previous article, I didn't have a proper backpack, so I used a camping rucksack for my business trips.

The capacity wasn't an issue, but since it lacked padded storage to protect my PC and enough pockets for gadgets, I had to pack everything into one pouch, which made retrieving items extremely difficult. (Also, the shoulder strap came off when I went out for drinks. Even though it's for camping...)

Also, I didn't have a suitable bag for short trips within driving distance or for the occasional commute to the office, which was inconvenient.

If I'm going on a trip for two nights or more, I take a suitcase, and since a PC is essential for commuting, I would appreciate having PC protection for that as well.

And, I wanted something functional and durable that I could use for a long time. Might as well, right?

With that background, I chose the MNL City Pack.

2. What is the MNL City Pack?

What is the MNL City Pack

It is a backpack co-produced by ELECOM, known for PC peripherals, and the bag-focused YouTuber Ryuk. It's a masterpiece packed with the dedication of Ryuk, who has tried over 200 bags (though it seems there was a lot of back-and-forth).

This time, I purchased the CORDURA Ballistic version. Why? Because the regular model was sold out (I wonder if they won't sell it anymore). Also, its high durability was a major appeal.

CORDURA Ballistic

Ballistic nylon was originally used for bulletproof vests. It is resistant to tearing and abrasion, making it the perfect material for a bag. I want to use it not only for business trips but also for daily commutes (though I only go to the office occasionally) and short trips, so I chose something that is as tough as possible and at a price point I could justify.

Ryuk | The Bag Guy

A bag-focused YouTuber who has tested and reviewed over 200 bags. Ever since I started watching his channel through the gadget-related algorithm, he has been a YouTuber who stimulates my desire to buy things in a way that isn't very kind to my wallet (I respect him, though).

3. Product Review: Exterior

Let's take a look at the exterior right away.

As I mentioned in the previous section, it uses CORDURA Ballistic fabric, which looks durable just by looking at it.

Good points I noticed while looking at the exterior

• Simple and minimalist design

With a black-based, streamlined design, it fits in well with both business and casual styles. The logo is subtle, and the overall appearance is understated.​

• Self-standing design

It stands up easily even when empty, which is convenient for business settings.​⁠

• Ease of access

There are many pockets accessible from the outside, so it seems like it will be helpful for situations where you want to take things out while wearing it or by slipping one shoulder strap off and bringing it to the front.

4. Product Review: Interior

Now that we've looked at the outside, let's take a look at the inside.

Good points I noticed while touching the interior

• Practical pocket layout

Every pocket has a clear purpose, and there is no wasted space. The design prioritizes usability, including the front, sides, and back.

• Safety of PC storage

It can store laptops up to 15.6 inches, and it offers high protection with cushioning and water-resistant zippers.

• Attention to detail found everywhere

When I tried putting things inside, I felt there were many parts where I thought, 'Ah, this must be the reasoning behind this,' or 'That's well thought out,' and I felt that the experience Ryuk-san has gained from looking at over 200 bags was well reflected.

5. It's good, but... points of concern

I might find more as I actually use it, but for now, I'll write down the points that concern me. I'll say this in advance: I am a complete amateur when it comes to bags.

The capacity is surprisingly small

Since it's been a while since I bought a backpack, maybe they're all like this, but I felt that it might not hold as much as I thought.

When looking at the backpack from top to bottom, there is a pocket accessible from the outside and a pocket accessible from the inside at the top, which is designed to prevent items from settling at the bottom due to gravity, but the keyboard I'm currently using didn't fit in either...

The biggest factor is that the keyboard is huge, but I'll need to think about how to carry it. Or maybe buy a compact keyboard.

The belt adjusters are complex

I think this will be fine once I get used to it, but there are two adjusters on the shoulder straps, and it is designed so that the excess strap doesn't dangle.

This itself is really great, but I didn't know how to use it until I watched a video on how to use it properly.

Summary

This time, I introduced Elecom's "MNL City Pack".

It's convenient not only for business trips but also for short trips and commuting to the office.

Amazon Prime Day is over, but this product wasn't on sale to begin with, so I think you'll be happy whenever you buy it.

If you are interested, please consider it.

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