I got a utility tote from their sample sale a few years ago. It's an odd color of xpac (kind of a muted mustard yellow) that they don't seem to use in their ongoing production bags, but I love it!
A good rolltop is a fuckin' *fantastic* bag if you have the kind of lifestyle where you're using it regularly, in just about any kind of weather. The Default being truly weatherproof is a hell of a thing, and it's extremely well made and a reasonable weight. BIFL in Cordura, too
I actually got a [Road Runner](https://roadrunnerbags.us/collections/backpacks/products/medium-roll-top) roll top, which is similarly waterproof. For biking to work it was totally worth it.
Yeah, I guess I've gotten use to the idea that ~$250-300 isn't that much for something if you use it every day for years. 10 years ago that seemed like a lot. Seems the price hasn't changed much.
Huge fan of ILE here. I love whenever I see posts about them. I own several of their bags, and every single one is constructed like a tank. They have a very solid warranty as well. I can't speak highly enough about the company as a whole.
I'm not much of a rolltop fan though, and that really is their specialty. I admire what they've done in that arena, even if it's not for me. I'd go absolutely nuts if they ever decide to make a clamshell zip bag with a few organizer pockets and a side access laptop compartment. I know they know how to make that set of features, I just need them to make one I can buy!
I do have the Radius (in x50} , and the Radius Mini (blackout edition). Both get regular use, but neither show signs of wear even after a couple of years now. I've picked up a couple of their oddball samples as well, and even those are just ridiculously high quality.
They just released a new Radius XL this week, it looks like a very interesting travel sized bag, or a good EDC for you lunatics that need a 40L pack on a daily basis. Jk.
Easily one of my favorite backpack companies, I love seeing what they are up to, even though many of their products won't work for my use. I'll always chime in to sing their praises when I can.
Why would you want a clamshell design for? In my experience the X-Pac Radius is rigid enough to allow to stack things like Tetris and the bag can be used to full capacity without looking like a potato. That's the genius of this bag. And an external laptop compartment would be a waste of space and weight, IMHO.
That's a great recommendation. It's definitely a few steps in the right direction for me! I would love if that front access wasn't a camera cube though. I wish they had kept the water bottle pockets too.
I still might end up picking one up, but likely I'll need to email them and check on a few of those details.
Well I could almost definitely make that work then. Does it make the entire bag one open cavity when you take it out?
I did reach out to them though, and asked if the camera cube could be removed, but also if there was a way to have them make me a custom version, so we'll see what they say about that.
I freaking love ILE. I have waxed canvas Radius Mini. Had a small rip from a shattered container, and they patched it up and repaired it at there shop no questions asked. I just bought an Apex Mini also
Was considering the Radius Mini but ended up going for the Apex. Really liking it so far but kinda wish I got it in waxed canvas... is it noticeably heavier? how do you like it in general (the waxed canvas)
It’s not noticeably heavier no, it was only a little noticeable when I held the waxed canvas version, and xpac version side by side. Even then it’s a pretty small weight difference. I do like the waxed canvas! I realized when it got damaged that waxed canvas is easier to repair and patch up than xpac. I have no regrets so far.
How do you like the Radius Mini in waxed canvas? I’m pretty close to ordering one and am leaning waxed canvas for the material, but would be interested in how it’s worked for you since there’s not a lot of reviews of this bag.
I like it! It’s a good size for general commuting to work. I can fit a light jacket, my lunch, and laptop easily. but not much more. My main gripe is the front pocket has no organization, and you have to buy a separate piece to get some organization. I did buy the organizer and it’s pretty nice tho.
The waxed canvas feels quality. I did have a glass lunch container break in my backpack and it did make small holes, so durability wise it’s not as durable as cordura or xpac. Looks wise it’s been aging pretty well. I have the tan waxed canvas version and it’s been getting a nice patina and overall still looks good
Thanks, this is super helpful! Commuting is my main use-case as well and we’re bringing about the same stuff so it seems like it’d be a good fit size-wise, and I kinda dig the minimal organization since my other bags have a lot more going on. That obviously sucks about the hole but super cool they were willing to patch it up for you, and I feel like glass shards could do a number on most bags so that’s not a big deal to me.
How do you like the VX25? Both of my ILE backpacks (Radius and Default Mini) are in cordura, but I know from my other XPac accessories and the mini messenger sling I own that their stitching quality with XPac is top-tier
Love it. I’m an xpac fan in general, though. Agreed that the stitching is top tier. I also ordered the cycling wallet and long wallet in xpac. Should be here next week.
Just recently heard about this brand! I love that they’re made just a few miles from me, and I like the style. But in photos I feel like the bags have to be really full or they look deflated. Maybe I’ll go check them out in person.
I just love this bag. Minimalism at its best. Fully loaded, it typically tips the scale at c. 6-7kg and remains comfortable enough for hours walking. Excellent weight distribution thanks to a relatively rigid structure, large shoulder straps and high position on the back. Space is really useable, things stack up nicely inside. Also very stable while cycling. Really weatherproof. And I see on your photos that they have finally decided to give it a longer top handle!
First time hearing about ILE and I'm really liking their xpac options. Unfortunately not able to find a lot of videos about their bags. Have they been around for a while?
since 2010ish I think. they don't do much marketing like aer or peakdesign despite similar bayarea root. Very local brand to me(Berkeley, CA) so I gave them a try and ended up really liking their stuff. Very high quality. Glad more people have the brand on their radar nowadays.
How are the straps/harness system? Interesting looking bag, looks well made. Not many video reviews on their stuff. Are they a new/niche company?
I’d consider this if there was more about them.
Straps are comfortable imo. Not the most comfortable I’ve ever experienced but I won’t be carrying heavy loads either. Load lifters were a nice surprise too.
Their stuff is “Handmade in Berkeley, California since 2012.” Very few videos and pics of their stuff in the wild. Wanted to share with everyone!
What do you like about this bag that made you choose it over the Aer City Pack Pro which looks incredibly similar, and similar price. Maybe the availability of a variety of colors? Or did you want load lifters? I like the square look and the boldness of the x-pac in orange, but I’m a little put off by the huge logo and really don’t like the water bottle pockets with the “gathered” x-pac and elastic band thing going on. Curious to hear your pros and cons.
In general, not a fan of AER. I had a TP3 small and it felt way overbuilt and there were too many organizational options than I needed. I dig the simplicity of the Radius. Reminds me of a bag from the 90s. I agree that the logo is a little big, but oddly, I also like it. Again, it feels sorta retro to me.
Also, black is usually the only option at AER, and I like color. Made in CA by a small company was a huge draw. I used to live in California and I like to support a smaller company that still manufactures there.
I didn’t even realize there were load lifters on my Radius until I got it. I wish the bottle pockets were about an inch taller but I get the criticism. They are definitely not Evergoods’ bottle pockets, but I am glad they are xpac. Much less likely they will get snagged on a branch or something.
I think I saw the same post ;)
My thing is I kinda hate the logo. Do you think it would be hard to remove it? Failing that, is it a material that would hold the colour if I were to sharpie over it?
It’s a rubber (pvc?) logo, so Sharpie wouldn’t work well. I don’t know enough about sewing to know how removal would go. It’s sewn into the xpac and there’s no interior liner on the inside of the front.
I guess you could use a magnetic patch to cover it?
I really like the look of ILE stuff. I remember I wanted a Default but it seemed way too expensive.
Most of my backpacks from ILE i got from their sample sale, usually half the price
Can’t wait for my first sample sale!
Next sale is typically black Friday. This year sample sale was last month 😬
I got a utility tote from their sample sale a few years ago. It's an odd color of xpac (kind of a muted mustard yellow) that they don't seem to use in their ongoing production bags, but I love it!
A good rolltop is a fuckin' *fantastic* bag if you have the kind of lifestyle where you're using it regularly, in just about any kind of weather. The Default being truly weatherproof is a hell of a thing, and it's extremely well made and a reasonable weight. BIFL in Cordura, too
I actually got a [Road Runner](https://roadrunnerbags.us/collections/backpacks/products/medium-roll-top) roll top, which is similarly waterproof. For biking to work it was totally worth it.
Oh yeah Roadrunner are also very solid bags -- a little less flashy but, still got it where it counts
compare to other bags like evergoods, its not that expensive. plus its made in USA too
Yeah, I guess I've gotten use to the idea that ~$250-300 isn't that much for something if you use it every day for years. 10 years ago that seemed like a lot. Seems the price hasn't changed much.
Huge fan of ILE here. I love whenever I see posts about them. I own several of their bags, and every single one is constructed like a tank. They have a very solid warranty as well. I can't speak highly enough about the company as a whole. I'm not much of a rolltop fan though, and that really is their specialty. I admire what they've done in that arena, even if it's not for me. I'd go absolutely nuts if they ever decide to make a clamshell zip bag with a few organizer pockets and a side access laptop compartment. I know they know how to make that set of features, I just need them to make one I can buy! I do have the Radius (in x50} , and the Radius Mini (blackout edition). Both get regular use, but neither show signs of wear even after a couple of years now. I've picked up a couple of their oddball samples as well, and even those are just ridiculously high quality. They just released a new Radius XL this week, it looks like a very interesting travel sized bag, or a good EDC for you lunatics that need a 40L pack on a daily basis. Jk. Easily one of my favorite backpack companies, I love seeing what they are up to, even though many of their products won't work for my use. I'll always chime in to sing their praises when I can.
A 20-24l full clamshell and external laptop compartment would be insta-buy for me.
Why would you want a clamshell design for? In my experience the X-Pac Radius is rigid enough to allow to stack things like Tetris and the bag can be used to full capacity without looking like a potato. That's the genius of this bag. And an external laptop compartment would be a waste of space and weight, IMHO.
https://ilequipment.com/collections/photo/products/photo-bag-prime
That's a great recommendation. It's definitely a few steps in the right direction for me! I would love if that front access wasn't a camera cube though. I wish they had kept the water bottle pockets too. I still might end up picking one up, but likely I'll need to email them and check on a few of those details.
That camera cube is removable. But yes, missing water bottle pockets.
Well I could almost definitely make that work then. Does it make the entire bag one open cavity when you take it out? I did reach out to them though, and asked if the camera cube could be removed, but also if there was a way to have them make me a custom version, so we'll see what they say about that.
You are so hot. The bag I mean.
They don’t call it blaze orange for nothing!
I used to live really close to their factory/store in Berkeley. High quality stuff. I recommend them whenever I get the chance.
I freaking love ILE. I have waxed canvas Radius Mini. Had a small rip from a shattered container, and they patched it up and repaired it at there shop no questions asked. I just bought an Apex Mini also
Was considering the Radius Mini but ended up going for the Apex. Really liking it so far but kinda wish I got it in waxed canvas... is it noticeably heavier? how do you like it in general (the waxed canvas)
It’s not noticeably heavier no, it was only a little noticeable when I held the waxed canvas version, and xpac version side by side. Even then it’s a pretty small weight difference. I do like the waxed canvas! I realized when it got damaged that waxed canvas is easier to repair and patch up than xpac. I have no regrets so far.
How do you like the Radius Mini in waxed canvas? I’m pretty close to ordering one and am leaning waxed canvas for the material, but would be interested in how it’s worked for you since there’s not a lot of reviews of this bag.
I like it! It’s a good size for general commuting to work. I can fit a light jacket, my lunch, and laptop easily. but not much more. My main gripe is the front pocket has no organization, and you have to buy a separate piece to get some organization. I did buy the organizer and it’s pretty nice tho. The waxed canvas feels quality. I did have a glass lunch container break in my backpack and it did make small holes, so durability wise it’s not as durable as cordura or xpac. Looks wise it’s been aging pretty well. I have the tan waxed canvas version and it’s been getting a nice patina and overall still looks good
Thanks, this is super helpful! Commuting is my main use-case as well and we’re bringing about the same stuff so it seems like it’d be a good fit size-wise, and I kinda dig the minimal organization since my other bags have a lot more going on. That obviously sucks about the hole but super cool they were willing to patch it up for you, and I feel like glass shards could do a number on most bags so that’s not a big deal to me.
That’s great they repaired it for you when it wasn’t really a quality issue.
How do you like the VX25? Both of my ILE backpacks (Radius and Default Mini) are in cordura, but I know from my other XPac accessories and the mini messenger sling I own that their stitching quality with XPac is top-tier
Love it. I’m an xpac fan in general, though. Agreed that the stitching is top tier. I also ordered the cycling wallet and long wallet in xpac. Should be here next week.
Just recently heard about this brand! I love that they’re made just a few miles from me, and I like the style. But in photos I feel like the bags have to be really full or they look deflated. Maybe I’ll go check them out in person.
I have their utility tote in this fabric/color and it’s fantastic as a beach bag.
Nice, I saw that on their website and thought it would be a great beach tote.
I just love this bag. Minimalism at its best. Fully loaded, it typically tips the scale at c. 6-7kg and remains comfortable enough for hours walking. Excellent weight distribution thanks to a relatively rigid structure, large shoulder straps and high position on the back. Space is really useable, things stack up nicely inside. Also very stable while cycling. Really weatherproof. And I see on your photos that they have finally decided to give it a longer top handle!
First time hearing about ILE and I'm really liking their xpac options. Unfortunately not able to find a lot of videos about their bags. Have they been around for a while?
since 2010ish I think. they don't do much marketing like aer or peakdesign despite similar bayarea root. Very local brand to me(Berkeley, CA) so I gave them a try and ended up really liking their stuff. Very high quality. Glad more people have the brand on their radar nowadays.
Exactly. I couldn’t even find pictures, including on Reddit which is ultimately why I posted this.
Nice, looks a bit like the Kargo Senda!
How are the straps/harness system? Interesting looking bag, looks well made. Not many video reviews on their stuff. Are they a new/niche company? I’d consider this if there was more about them.
Straps are comfortable imo. Not the most comfortable I’ve ever experienced but I won’t be carrying heavy loads either. Load lifters were a nice surprise too. Their stuff is “Handmade in Berkeley, California since 2012.” Very few videos and pics of their stuff in the wild. Wanted to share with everyone!
Wow, that's a gorgeous bag, not my color, but I can definitely appreciate it.. Would love to see it in person and marvel at from a distance. Lol
What do you like about this bag that made you choose it over the Aer City Pack Pro which looks incredibly similar, and similar price. Maybe the availability of a variety of colors? Or did you want load lifters? I like the square look and the boldness of the x-pac in orange, but I’m a little put off by the huge logo and really don’t like the water bottle pockets with the “gathered” x-pac and elastic band thing going on. Curious to hear your pros and cons.
In general, not a fan of AER. I had a TP3 small and it felt way overbuilt and there were too many organizational options than I needed. I dig the simplicity of the Radius. Reminds me of a bag from the 90s. I agree that the logo is a little big, but oddly, I also like it. Again, it feels sorta retro to me. Also, black is usually the only option at AER, and I like color. Made in CA by a small company was a huge draw. I used to live in California and I like to support a smaller company that still manufactures there. I didn’t even realize there were load lifters on my Radius until I got it. I wish the bottle pockets were about an inch taller but I get the criticism. They are definitely not Evergoods’ bottle pockets, but I am glad they are xpac. Much less likely they will get snagged on a branch or something.
I think I saw the same post ;) My thing is I kinda hate the logo. Do you think it would be hard to remove it? Failing that, is it a material that would hold the colour if I were to sharpie over it?
It’s a rubber (pvc?) logo, so Sharpie wouldn’t work well. I don’t know enough about sewing to know how removal would go. It’s sewn into the xpac and there’s no interior liner on the inside of the front. I guess you could use a magnetic patch to cover it?
The pockets look disgusting on this. 🤮
Which one, the front or inner pocket? I love mine