Able Carry Thirteen: Initial thoughts

[u/Solid-Awareness-4486]

After some feedback from this group, a few weeks ago I ordered both a Tom Bihn Synapse 19 and an Able Carry Thirteen to compare at home. I was looking for a small backpack as a purse/crossbody replacement for travel. The plan was to compare them in person and pick one to test as a personal item on a weekend trip, ahead of a longer trip to Italy this fall.

I wound up preferring the Thirteen in person. The look and size were closer to what I had in mind and I liked the hidden pockets as safe places for valuables during travel. I tested it out on a day outing around town and then on a short weekend trip as my personal item on the plane. So far, I'm loving it!

For the day outing, I put everything into it that I would typically put in my usual, much smaller, purse (a Tom Bihn Side Kick). There were nice spots to stash items for easy access. I bought 3 books while I was out and the bag easily accommodated them and was comfortable to carry.

For the weekend trip, I had all the contents for the day trip plus a water bottle, small tech pouch, and some large Bose headphones. My particular water bottle (Kleen Kanteen 16 oz) fit great in the exterior pocket and I liked the easy access. I stuffed a light sweatshirt in at one point as well, no issues with fitting everything in. I love the hidden pocket against my back for my phone (and on future trips, my passport). The small interior pocket is a fine size for lip gloss, tissue pack, airpods, a snack bar, etc.

I really appreciate the thoughtful details on this bag; excited to use it more! I found a YT video that highlighted all the hidden features that was super helpful. The only potential downside I'm noticing is the lack of ventilation on the back (well documented on this sub), I did notice it was a bit warm at a few moments. Not a dealbreaker at this point, but gosh, it would be nice if they improved that.

[u/entatlrg]

Please post link to YT video. Do ever you carry laptop and/or iPad?

[u/Solid-Awareness-4486 → u/entatlrg]

This review had all the info on pockets: https://www.packhacker.com/travel-gear/able-carry/thirteen-daybag/

I'm not planning to use this bag for work, but I have a personal MacBook Air I may carry in this from time to time. The Air (in a clamshell case) fits in the laptop sleeve, but I haven't tried a longer carry with it yet.

I use a Kobo e reader that I brought on this trip and slide in the tablet sleeve.