Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L Review

Likes

Laptop protection: The Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L absolutely hits it out of the park when it comes to protection. We loved this pack's side-entry zippered compartment. It's solely designed for laptops, is surrounded in padding, and has a designated sleeve and securing strap.

We liked that this pack is very water-resistant. It also boasts an internal frame and a dense 840-denier, ballistic-nylon shell (similar to the material used in soft-sided luggage).

Unrolling a paper towel to line our pack before our water tests.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

We hosed down the entire exterior, making sure to also douse the zippers.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

Not a drop made its way inside.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

We loved the sturdiness and the look of this pack's ballistic-nylon shell.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

We also loved its high-grade zippers.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

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We also loved this model's super comfy shoulder straps and backside panel. Both are encased in high-quality foam and are designed for comfort. Even when loaded to the hilt, most of our testers felt the Evergoods remained balanced and reasonably comfortable.

Additionally, this pack sports a comfortable, oversized briefcase handle so it can be carried by hand. It also nicely doubles as a luggage strap, though it's not necessarily meant for that.

Carrying our Evergoods like a briefcase. This was a great option for short trips up a staircase, getting off the train, or heading to the car.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

Showing how the briefcase handle doubles as a luggage strap. We also liked that the Evergoods sits horizontally on the carry-on.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

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Dislikes

Our list of negatives was very short and somewhat nitpicky. The obvious frontrunner is the price of the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L. But like we've already said, you'll get your money's worth, especially in quality and durability. That all aside, we do know that some of our larger users felt the Evergoods was a little tight. This pack is very sturdy, which also makes it a little more rigid. So, if you have particularly wide shoulders, you may want to lightly test drive this bag around the house to get a good feel for how it hangs on your body.

Showing how the Evergoods sits a little tighter on wider shoulders.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

For most body types, the Evergoods molds well into the upper body.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

The pack itself is roomy and sits nicely against the back. But, it can be tighter across the shoulders if you have a bigger frame.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

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As is often the case with more rugged zippers, the ones on the Civic Panel Loader can be a bit sticky and not as smooth as we would like. This makes access a bit annoying at times. The hardcore durability may also just be more than most people need, so unless you know you are hard on your gear, the premium materials (and the price that comes with them) might be overkill for you.

What Other Laptop Backpacks Should You Consider?

This bag was good, but ultimately beat out by several options that were either better performing, more affordable, or both. If a well-structured, high-quality bag is what you're after, the Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe offers laptop protection just as great and is about $100 less. You could also consider the Nomatic Navigator 15 or Troubadour Apex Backpack. Each is well-made and offers its own unique slant on a modern laptop bag. The Aer Tech Brief is a briefcase-to-messenger style bag that works great if you pack light.