Great comparison! Not sure I've ever heard a reviewer mention the footprint of clamshell bags as a negative (or at all), but that's definitely something that matters to me so I'm glad you pointed it out. Expandable volume is a huge selling point too.
I’m 5’10 so I went with the 21 L. Fits everything I need for the day. Tools I use for work and gym clothes and a geo press waterbottle. The black 500d has a ridiculously bright orange liner that is fantastic.
It orange lined inside he main compartment, the front zip pocket, and one of the side pockets (the one with the organizer, but the stretch part is gray) the other side pocket (water bottle) is orange on inside and stretchy gray on the other. The laptop compartment is also bright orange. Under the lid, the mesh for the top pocket is also orange but the pocket itself is black on my version. I have been using it for about a month and it has replaced my 26L GR2 because of the quick access.
Dude they both seem great. Seems like the M23 is kinda more flexible in different situations and the GR1 is more rugged and heavy duty. also seems like the 21L M23 can bag the same stuff as the 26L GR1 but pack smaller when you need it to.
Nice! My pleasure! You get the 21L or 26L? I just noticed they’ve got the 26L in Cordura now. I’m really tempted to grab one but I don’t need another M23!
Excellent comparison! I've tried all three versions of the M23 and both sizes. I sold my Robic and returned the waxed canvas. I currently have the 21L 500D, and I think that's the one I'm going to keep. I also have a 1000/210 and a Heritage 26L GR1, but going to sell the 1000/210 GR1. Probably. For me, the M23 will be a teacher bag, travel, and for when I don't want to take the Heritage. My only complaints with the 21L M23 are the laptop compartment is a tight fit for a 15 inch MacBook Air and if I put the laptop inside, it interferes with the side water bottle pocket. The 500D M23 is about the same price a 500D Bullet Laptop, and less than the Robic versions. I can live with the laptop inside the bag.
Thanks! I’m partial to the 26L and I want to give the 500D a shot, but not in the spear shrapnel. I don’t understand that color way. Maybe it looks better in person? In the end, I’m thinking I’ll probably sell the ROBIC, and keep the dark oak 26L M23. I’ll never sell my 1000/210 GR1 and I’ve been on the fence for a while on a heritage GR1. Next time the 26L slate are in stock though, I think I’m going to grab one.
@@Pack_roam I brought the GR1 with me on Spring Break. I changed my mind about selling it. It was like new when I bought it and paid the same for it as the M23. It’s too versatile. Packed my clothes and stuff it, and it’s the beach bag I also brought the M23, because I need to so some work stuff.
@@Duanewrites how well does the 26L GR1 work as a personal item? I sometimes "two bag" with a carry-on suitcase and worry that at 20" it would be too long for under the seat.
Great comparison! Not sure I've ever heard a reviewer mention the footprint of clamshell bags as a negative (or at all), but that's definitely something that matters to me so I'm glad you pointed it out. Expandable volume is a huge selling point too.
Thanks! It matters to me too, and I’m surprised it doesn’t come up more as a factor.
I’m 5’10 so I went with the 21 L. Fits everything I need for the day. Tools I use for work and gym clothes and a geo press waterbottle. The black 500d has a ridiculously bright orange liner that is fantastic.
Bright orange liner? Now I want one even more.
It orange lined inside he main compartment, the front zip pocket, and one of the side pockets (the one with the organizer, but the stretch part is gray) the other side pocket (water bottle) is orange on inside and stretchy gray on the other. The laptop compartment is also bright orange. Under the lid, the mesh for the top pocket is also orange but the pocket itself is black on my version. I have been using it for about a month and it has replaced my 26L GR2 because of the quick access.
Dude they both seem great. Seems like the M23 is kinda more flexible in different situations and the GR1 is more rugged and heavy duty. also seems like the 21L M23 can bag the same stuff as the 26L GR1 but pack smaller when you need it to.
They are! And you nailed it.
Thank you for the review. It was helpful for a decision. Went with the M23 500d version. I like the expandability and organization/access.
Nice! My pleasure! You get the 21L or 26L? I just noticed they’ve got the 26L in Cordura now. I’m really tempted to grab one but I don’t need another M23!
Excellent comparison! I've tried all three versions of the M23 and both sizes. I sold my Robic and returned the waxed canvas. I currently have the 21L 500D, and I think that's the one I'm going to keep. I also have a 1000/210 and a Heritage 26L GR1, but going to sell the 1000/210 GR1. Probably.
For me, the M23 will be a teacher bag, travel, and for when I don't want to take the Heritage. My only complaints with the 21L M23 are the laptop compartment is a tight fit for a 15 inch MacBook Air and if I put the laptop inside, it interferes with the side water bottle pocket.
The 500D M23 is about the same price a 500D Bullet Laptop, and less than the Robic versions. I can live with the laptop inside the bag.
Thanks! I’m partial to the 26L and I want to give the 500D a shot, but not in the spear shrapnel. I don’t understand that color way. Maybe it looks better in person? In the end, I’m thinking I’ll probably sell the ROBIC, and keep the dark oak 26L M23. I’ll never sell my 1000/210 GR1 and I’ve been on the fence for a while on a heritage GR1. Next time the 26L slate are in stock though, I think I’m going to grab one.
@@Pack_roam I brought the GR1 with me on Spring Break. I changed my mind about selling it. It was like new when I bought it and paid the same for it as the M23. It’s too versatile. Packed my clothes and stuff it, and it’s the beach bag
I also brought the M23, because I need to so some work stuff.
That it doesn't fit the 15" in the 21 while it does in the gr1 is the only thing that annoys me.
@@Duanewrites how well does the 26L GR1 work as a personal item? I sometimes "two bag" with a carry-on suitcase and worry that at 20" it would be too long for under the seat.
@@Kdub780 I’ve never tried it. I’ve read on some FB sites that it will fit under the seat, but might also stick out because of its length.
Awesome video! 🙌The all-black looks sick!
Thank you 🙌 The all black is definitely a good look.
Excellent comparison between the bags.
Thank you! Glad you liked it.
Good job!!! (Just too dark. You need more lighting)
Copy that. Thanks for the feedback!
Excellent review! Helped me make my decision.
Awesome! Glad to hear it! What did you decide?
@@Pack_roam went with the M23 in dark oak 👍🏻 great channel!
@@czapa2478 Thanks and excellent choice! LOVE my dark oak M23. I’ve got a few bags I need to test for review but all I want to carry is the M23!
Great video and comparison!
Thanks! Glad you liked it.
Love your videos man. Keep it up 👊
Thank you! That means a lot to me. I really appreciate your support 👊
Great review. Thanks for the useful info
@@DaemonViews thanks for watching!
Did you ever say what size these were?
I think I did? It’s the 26L version of both bags.
He never did say tbh
Great review
Thanks! I appreciate the feedback.
Is the material around the M23 top opening also robic nylon or a different material?
Shroud material is 210D ROBIC.
Great video! Which would you choose out of the two?
Thanks! Right now, personally, I’m picking the M23. You leaning towards one or the other?
@@Pack_roam I actually ended up getting the m23 in waxed canvas, dark oak 21L. I absolutely love it!
@@StevenMakesVids Awesome! Love the waxed canvas M23! I’ve got the 26L.