Able Carry Max Review Introduction
Able Carry is a brand that has flown under my radar for a while, but I recently decided to dive deeper into their offerings, and I’m glad I did. Today, I’ll be reviewing the Able Carry Max backpack, their largest travel-focused option. While it’s not the biggest travel backpack on the market, it certainly packs a punch for those who need versatility and function. Based in Hong Kong, Able Carry might not be a household name for everyone, but they’re quickly making waves in the world of travel gear. I had the chance to put the Max through its paces on a couple of trips, and I’m excited to share my thoughts.
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Able Carry Max Overview
Able Carry approached the design of their Max backpack with a focus on durability, practicality, and efficient storage. It’s a 30L travel-centric backpack, though the main compartment offers 25L of usable space. The materials and design reflect a minimalist “everything you need, nothing you don’t” philosophy, similar to brands like Aer.
The Max backpack is built with premium materials including VX21 X-Pac, 1000D Cordura, and 420D Ripstop Nylon for the interior. These materials are renowned for their durability and water resistance, with X-Pac originally used in sail-making due to its toughness. Here’s a breakdown of the key specs:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Materials | VX21 X-Pac, 1000D Cordura, 420D Ripstop Nylon (interior) |
| Weight | 3.8 lbs |
| Dimensions | 52cm (20.5in) H x 32cm (12.5in) W x 20cm (8in) D |
| Capacity | 30L total, 25L usable in the main compartment |
| Price | $279 USD |
| Color Options | Black, Blue, Olive Green |
At $279, the price is standard for high-quality bags made with these materials. It’s comparable to brands like Aer and still more affordable than some competitors like Minaal and Tortuga. I’m reviewing the black version, but all the color options look great and would have been a solid choice.
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Able Carry Max Features
The Able Carry Max embodies a “less is more” philosophy, offering everything you need without unnecessary features or gimmicks. This trend is becoming more popular in the travel bag market, and it’s one that I personally appreciate. The features included are well-considered and practical, ensuring that you get what you need without any flashy add-ons.
Let’s take a look at some key features of the Able Carry Max:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Quick-Access Front Pocket | Vertically opening front pocket with a stretch internal pocket and key leash for quick access essentials. |
| Side Slash Pocket | Ideal for items like a phone or earbuds case for quick reach. |
| Hideaway Water Bottle Pocket | Slim zippered pocket for a water bottle, ideal for slimmer bottles. |
| Internal Pouches | Two internal pouches on the main flap and a stretch slip pocket on the sidewall inside the main compartment. |
| Laptop & Tablet Sleeve | Padded laptop sleeve with an additional slot for a tablet or eReader, plus an organizational pocket for small tech items. |
| Grab Handles | Top and side grab handles made from durable seatbelt material, similar to what Chrome Industries uses. |
| Luggage Pass-Through | Convenient luggage pass-through on the back, discreet but functional for travel. |
| Padded Shoulder Straps | Comfortable, well-padded straps for ease of carrying during extended trips. |
| YKK Zippers | High-quality YKK zippers throughout, with YKK Aquaguard for the laptop sleeve, and lockable zippers on the main and laptop compartments. |
| Magnetic Sternum Strap | Sternum strap with magnetic clasps, adding convenience and comfort. |
| Bag Stability | The bag stands upright on its own, which is a practical feature for many travelers. |
With its array of pockets and organizational features, the Able Carry Max ensures that everything has its place. The water bottle pocket is discreet, and the laptop sleeve is well-protected. The magnetic sternum strap is a nice touch, and the seatbelt material handles are both durable and comfortable. Overall, the bag strikes a great balance between simplicity and functionality, making it an ideal travel companion.
Pros
- Top-Quality Materials: The combination of VX21 X-Pac and 1000D Cordura provides excellent durability and water resistance. These materials are known for their toughness, making the bag well-suited for long-term use.
- Smart Organization: The bag offers multiple pockets, including a vertical front pocket, a side slash pocket, and internal pouches. These options make it easy to organize your gear. You can use a tech pouch, like the Aer Slim Pouch, which fits perfectly in the front pocket.
- Sleek and Minimalist Design: The bag has a streamlined appearance, avoiding a bulky look and maintaining minimal branding, which is ideal for those who prefer a low-key style. The black, blue, and olive color options all look sleek, with the black being particularly versatile.
- Comfortable Carry: The padded shoulder straps are designed for comfort, even during extended wear. The padding and contouring provide excellent support, making it easy to carry heavier loads. The luggage pass-through is also a practical addition for travel, allowing you to easily attach the bag to rolling luggage.
- Closeable Water Bottle Pocket: The water bottle pocket is zippered, offering versatility for those who don’t always carry a water bottle. It can be used for other items, adding to the bag’s flexibility.
- High-Quality Hardware: The bag features YKK zippers, including Aquaguard for the laptop sleeve. The zippers are lockable, adding a layer of security for your gear. The seatbelt material used for the handles is durable and comfortable to the touch.
- Stands Upright: One underrated feature is that the bag stands upright on its own, making it easier to load and unload your items when you’re on the go.
Cons
- Limited Usable Space: Despite its 30L capacity, only 25L is usable in the main compartment, with some volume taken up by the front pocket and laptop compartment. For extended trips or travelers who carry bulkier items (e.g., dress shoes or a camera), this could be a limitation. Those needing more space might want to consider bags with at least 35L capacity.
- No Dedicated Space for a Laptop Brick: While the bag offers great organizational features for small tech items, there isn’t a good spot for a larger laptop charging brick. This could be an issue for those using older laptops that require bulkier chargers.
- Price: At $279, the Able Carry Max is priced competitively for its material and build quality, but it’s still an investment. For budget-conscious travelers, this could be a factor to consider.
- “Crinkly” Material: X-Pac fabric, while highly durable, has a slightly crinkly texture that might not appeal to everyone. It’s not a dealbreaker, but something to be aware of if you prefer smoother fabrics.
Improvement Requests for the Able Carry Max Backpack
While the Able Carry Max excels in many areas, there are a few minor tweaks that could elevate the backpack further. The company aims for a minimalist travel bag that can double as an EDC (Everyday Carry) if necessary. However, here are some improvement requests to make it even better:
- Main Zipper with Aquaguard:
The laptop compartment features a YKK Aquaguard zipper, which adds a level of water resistance. However, it would be great to see this feature extended to the main compartment zipper. While not a dealbreaker, the added water protection would be a welcomed improvement for travelers who encounter rain or need extra durability. - Upgrade Sternum Strap Buckle:
The magnets on the sternum strap are a nice touch, but replacing the plastic buckle with a metal one would make it feel more premium. Given the price point of the bag, this would align with expectations for higher-end materials. - Expansion or Larger Version:
While the 30L size works well for short trips, an option to expand the capacity or introduce a 34-40L version would provide more versatility for longer trips. Expansion options could make this bag more suitable for travelers who need that extra space for extended journeys.
Packing the Able Carry Max Backpack
When packing the Able Carry Max, it’s clear that the bag’s space is optimized for short trips or ultra-minimalist travel. Here’s a typical packing list for a 2-3 day trip, but with smart planning (e.g., laundry during travel), it could be used for longer durations. Packing cubes are highly recommended for maximizing the internal space. Here you go cube bag visits
- Clothing:
- Two button-down shirts
- One wool-cashmere vest (for a dressier occasion)
- One pair of jeans (packed in a large packing cube)
- Two Capilene Cool t-shirts
- Two Airism undershirts
- Two pairs of Darn Tough socks
- Five pairs of underwear
- One pair of dressy oxfords
- One ultralight Veilance windbreaker
- Tech & Miscellaneous:
- MacBook Air M1 in the laptop sleeve
- Aer Slim Pouch (Tech essentials like cables, chargers)
- Aer Split Kit (Toiletries)
Using packing cubes for the clothes makes a significant difference in terms of organization and space efficiency. You can pack compactly while keeping everything in order.
Conclusion
The Able Carry Max offers a great blend of durability, minimalist design, and efficient organization, making it an excellent choice for short trips or minimalist travelers. The bag’s thoughtful features and premium materials like X-Pac and Cordura ensure long-lasting performance. While it may have some minor areas for improvement, like offering more usable space and upgraded components, the overall quality and versatility make it a top contender in the travel backpack category.
FAQs
Can the Able Carry Max fit under an airplane seat?
Yes, the Able Carry Max's compact size allows it to fit under most airplane seats, especially for short domestic flights. However, it’s best suited for overhead bin storage on longer international flights due to its bulkier profile when fully packed.
Is the bag suitable for everyday carry (EDC)?
While the Able Carry Max is primarily designed as a travel backpack, it can be used as an Everyday Carry bag, especially if you carry more than the average amount of gear for work or school.
What is the weight of the Able Carry Max?
The backpack weighs 3.8 lbs (1.72 kg), which is on the heavier side for backpacks in this category. However, the weight is justified by the robust materials and padding for comfort.
Does the backpack have enough space for a weekend trip?
Yes, the Able Carry Max has enough space for a weekend trip, especially if you pack light. Using packing cubes and minimalist gear will help optimize the available space.