EVERGOODS CIVIC Half Zip 26L (V3) Review

The new CIVIC Half Zip 26L has a separate laptop compartment, a new lid pocket, and new organization in the main compartment compared to the previous model. Though we commend those additions, are they worth upgrading if you have the older version of the bag? Let’s dive in and find out!

External Components

The primary pack material is 840D ballistic nylon 6, which is incredibly durable, looks sleek, and isn’t very heavy despite being rugged and water-resistant. We’ve seen this fabric from EVERGOODS for years, and it’s one of our favorite pack materials on modern backpacks. It lasts ages without showing signs of wear and can look professional when needed, though it doesn’t look out of place in the city or hanging out with friends, either.

The zippers are from YKK, which we view as the best brand in the business. Seriously, YKK zippers are always a green flag when testing a bag from a new brand, as we know that they value high-quality hardware. EVERGOODS almost always uses YKK, and that says a lot about their dedication to making packs that last.

Duraflex has a reputation similar to YKK, though it isn’t as high on a pedestal. That isn’t a knock at Duraflex; we just really like YKK zippers. The buckles and plastic hardware work as you’d expect and don’t get in your way, which is all we can expect from such hardware!

The EVERGOODS logo is unchanged on this pack from previous iterations—it’s a square hook-and-loop fastener with a diagonal line through it. You can leave it as is for minimalism, or add a patch for personalization. We dig both options, though some folks at Pack Hacker HQ think the look of the plain fastener is a little odd.

The pack has two water bottle pockets crafted from stretchy mesh. They can handle larger bottles, though it’s more challenging to fit big models in the pockets when the bag is fully packed. Still, their inclusion is appreciated. In addition to water bottles, we’ve stowed small travel tripods here, like the Manfrotto PIXI EVO 2-Section Mini Tripod.

The pack has a top handle, which makes it easy to grab the bag and go in a jiffy, but there’s no side handle, which some users may dislike. Other EVERGOODS packs have this feature, though it isn’t necessarily missed much on a pack of this size. There’s no luggage pass-through, a feature included on the CIVIC Travel Bag models. Again, for this pack specifically, we don’t miss it much.

Fit Notes

The harness system is very similar to other EVERGOODS travel backpacks and daypacks we’ve tested in the past, which is a good thing.

The back panel is well-padded and features stellar aeration. A frame sheet on the back wall of the laptop compartment adds structure to the carry but isn’t removable. The aeration keeps things cool, even for a dark backpack in the sun. Though the padding isn’t very cushioned, it’s dense and keeps your back comfortable, even after hours of use.

The shoulder straps are curved to conform to your body. We’ve noticed they’re more comfortable on a masculine frame than a feminine body type, but your mileage may vary. The straps are well-padded and aerated, similar to the back panel.

The sternum strap is on a ladder, so you can’t make micro-adjustments, but the strap won’t slide too far on accident, either. It’s pretty easy to switch ladder positions, but we’ve found that once you find the sweet spot, you won’t have to change it often.

The harness system is simple but comfortable. The padding isn’t super thick, but the density ensures long-term comfort, making this a pack you can wear all day long, whether commuting around the city or traveling across the country.

Inside The Pack

The front pocket is a large open area with a red key leash, which is handy and easy to see thanks to its contrast with the grey liner. Though it might seem odd, this pocket reminds us of a dolphin’s head. There’s a lot of space above the mouth, which can be hard to use adequately because you can’t pack upward. Still, like a dolphin’s large brain, there’s a lot to think about. You can fit large over-ear headphones, a rain jacket, and other bigger gear here.

We dig the addition of a laptop compartment, as you can grab your laptop without having to sort through other gear. It’s raised, so your computer won’t rest on the floor, and the frame sheet and back panel padding add extra protection. Additionally, you can use this space for a water bladder, and there are hose pass-throughs on either shoulder strap so that you can stay hydrated on your trek.

The main compartment holds most of this pack’s storage, including the pack’s new organization.

The back wall has a zippered pocket on the top, which is quite small and works well for little gear you don’t want to get lost in the rest of the space below.

A stretchy mesh pocket below that works well for an additional laptop or your primary computer if you have something else in the dedicated laptop compartment. You can also stow a tablet, book, or other semi-flat items here. It’s a versatile pocket and doesn’t take up much room if you aren’t using it, which we dig.

On the lid side, there’s another small zippered pocket similar to the one on the back wall. It’s a solid place to lock down smaller gear, adding some organization to the large main compartment. Additionally, a patch here says what the bag is and gives information on materials and how to wash it.

Because the main compartment is so large, we recommend packing cubes and a tech pouch to keep your gear organized.

Overall, we dig the new additions to the CIVIC Half Zip 26L. The pack is still incredibly versatile, but the additions make it easier to keep your gear organized. It’s just as comfortable as other EVERGOODS packs that we’ve tested, and the materials have held up similarly well, too.

It might not be worth upgrading if you’re happy with your first-generation CIVIC Half Zip 26L. That said, if you had to choose between the two, the new version makes packing and staying organized easier without monopolizing space, and we’re here for it.