Imagine this scene: your flight is arriving late, your connecting flight is leaving in less than an hour, and you just found out your next flight is all the way at the other end of the airport.  Know what would make this situation much more manageable? A travel backpack, specifically the Evergoods Civic Half Zip 22L (CHZ22).   

I can tell you from experience that running through an airport, dodging people, and trying to find your gate with a roller bag is a challenge. Honestly, on my last trip, I landed in Minneapolis and I had about 25 minutes to make it off the plane and all the way to the other end of the airport (F gates to A gates if you know the airport). Having a backpack instead of a roller bag saved me.  

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What Makes the Evergoods Civic Half Zip 22L Stand Out?

Designed with Accessibility in Mind

The CHZ22 is designed for the type of traveler who likes organization but doesn’t love a ton of compartments. The beauty of the CHZ22 is that it has a large, lightly colored, compartment, with a built-in laptop pocket, so everything is right there. The designer spent a long time making sure the zippers could be easily opened with one hand, and allow you complete access without worrying about the entire thing spilling.  It’s pretty handy if you ask me.

If you are a woman solo traveling, this backpack should be on your radar, it’s great to have your hands available to hold coffee and look up directions.  

Compact Yet Capacious

With a volume of 22L and dimensions that hit the sweet spot between bulkiness and insufficiency (18 x 8 x 11 inches), the CHZ22 is a masterclass in balancing size and space. It’s big enough to hold all your essentials yet small enough to pass as a personal item, making it ideal for those who prefer to travel light and fast.

The compact size also makes the CHZ22 an excellent choice for women. This bag won’t make you feel like the bag you are carrying on your back is larger than you are.

Pockets

You might be thinking that the lack of compartments means that the CHZ22 doesn’t have adequate organization, but I can assure you that is not the case.  

There is a convenient external pocket with a built-in key leash to keep track of your keys, and also two external side pockets for water bottles, or coffee thermoses- this is basically the best pocket a bag can have.  Inside the CHZ22 there is a security pocket for valuables and a mesh pocket for any other small items you want to keep in a convenient spot. 

Built to Last

Materials Matter

Let’s talk about what the CHZ22 is made of—because it’s impressive. The shell features custom-developed 840d ballistic nylon with a durable water-repellent finish.  I’ve looked up ballistic nylon before, and I will spare you the boring details, just know that it’s tough. 

What does all of this mean for you? Come rain, hail, or shine, this backpack laughs in the face of adverse weather and airplane floors. The 420d HT nylon lining enhances durability and the lighter coloring provides visibility inside the backpack.

Comfort Comes First

The CHZ22 is designed to feel like an extension of your body, making it comfortable to carry. How you might be asking? Thanks to its integrated harness, contoured back panel, and contoured, padded shoulder straps. Add to that the bias-cut panels that ensure that the backpack moves with you.  

More Than Just a Backpack

Style and Personalization

The Civic Half Zip 22L has a minimalist, sleek design making it a stylish bag. While the backpack only comes in black, Evergoods offers Hi-Vis Patches and colorful zipper pulls, allowing you to customize it to fit your tastes.  

Eco-Friendly Innovations

In today’s world, every little effort toward sustainability counts. The CHZ22 steps up with its solution-dyed textile, reducing water waste and ensuring a smaller environmental footprint.

Is the CHZ22 Right for You?

Pros and Cons

Before you make your decision, let’s weigh the pros and cons. 

The CHZ22 offers incredible organization, an intuitive layout, and excellent laptop carry capacity. The lifetime warranty is also a major plus, though I am fairly confident in that ballistic nylon.

However, its 22L capacity might not suffice for those who need a bit more room. Luckily, a 26L version is also available for those who need extra space.

What Are Customers Saying?

Overall, customers seem to be really happy with their purchase of the CHZ22:

• Adjustability and Comfort: One reviewer appreciates the adjustable chest straps, which allow for a secure yet comfortable fit. This feature is particularly beneficial for women, as it accommodates different body types and sizes. Additionally, the reviewer noted that the backpack is well-proportioned and doesn’t overwhelm a smaller frame, making it a good choice for shorter women.

• Weight Distribution and Ergonomics: The pack is praised for its excellent weight distribution. Even when fully packed, it remains balanced, with no undue strain on the shoulders or discomfort in the lower back. This aspect is crucial for travelers who carry their backpacks for extended periods.

• Durability and Design: The materials and craftsmanship of the backpack indicate that it is built to last. The design is simple yet practical, focusing on usability rather than unnecessary features, which is perfect for travelers who prefer efficiency over frills.

• Versatility and Size: The CHZ22 is highlighted as versatile enough to be part of an Everyday Carry (EDC) rotation, suitable for different uses from daily commuting to weekend trips. The size is also a perfect fit for those who need a compact yet spacious bag.

• General Praise for Evergoods: The brand is repeatedly praised for the quality and design of its bags, suggesting that an investment in an Evergoods backpack is likely a wise choice for serious travelers looking for reliability and style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Go-To Travel Backpack

For me, the CHZ22’s true beauty lies in its simplicity, it does its job incredibly well, and you don’t have to think about it a ton.  

The comfort of this bag stands out for me, the ability to not have a backache after a long day of travel is amazing. Add that to all of its features and I definitely think the CHZ22 should be considered if you are looking for a new travel backpack.

With its robust build, thoughtful design, and style versatility, the Civic Half Zip 22L stands out as a top contender in the travel backpack market, especially for women who value both efficiency and style.