EVERGOODS CIVIC Bookbag 22L (CB22) Review

The Civic Bookbag 22L stylistically moves EVERGOODS in a different direction; however, many of the features we’ve come to know and love about the brand, from the harness system to the limited organization, transfer to this iteration. Will it work as well here, or will we be disappointed? Let’s dive in and find out!

External Components

This pack employs 840D Ballistic Nylon 6 as the primary external material, which is par for the course for EVERGOODS, at least at the time of writing. This fabric is highly durable, sleek, and isn’t too heavy. It’s not lightweight; however, it doesn’t feel as thick as other packs that look similar, like something from Aer.

The closures on this pack utilize YKK zippers, another staple from EVERGOODS and, honestly, any company that’s super serious about zipper quality. They’re easy to open and close, and the main compartment has small loops to assist your efforts. When a pack uses YKK zippers, we know it’s on the path to getting a good rating from Pack Hacker.

The plastic hardware, including the sternum strap buckle, is from Duraflex. While we don’t speak as highly of Duraflex as we do YKK, that says more about the latter’s quality than anything negative about the former. Duraflex makes top-notch gear, and this use case is proof of that. Adjustments are easy, the buckle is snappy, and everything feels durable.

The pack has a top handle, which makes it easy to grab and go, especially if you’re riding public transit or have the pack stored in your car. There is an attachment loop on either side, too, so you can add things here, like a carabiner or strap. There’s no side handle, which we’re used to seeing from EVERGOODS, though on a pack of this size, we don’t miss it.

Per usual, the EVERGOODS logo is on the front of this pack. If you aren’t familiar, their logo often materializes as a square hook-and-loop fastener with a diagonal line. Without additions, it looks unique. If you don’t like it, add a hook-and-loop fastener-backed patch here, adding a bit of flair to an otherwise sleek and subdued pack.

This pack is designed to be a daily backpack. It lacks a water bottle pocket, which some users might be accustomed to for this pack style. EVERGOODS packs of a similar capacity, like the CTB 20L, include one, which makes the omission feel odd. Still, there’s enough space to stow a bottle inside, so keep that in mind.

Fit Notes

The harness system on this pack is very similar to other EVERGOODS packs we’ve tested, which is positive.

The back panel is well-padded, dense, and comfortable. It’s also well-aerated, which we’re always impressed with from EVERGOODS. At first glance, you wouldn’t think this all-black backpack would breathe well, but it keeps things chilled on the city streets, the classroom, or the trail.

The shoulder straps are curved to conform to your body and are similarly padded and aerated. They’re comfortable, easy to adjust, and wearable all day long.

The sternum strap is on a ladder, which makes micro-adjustments more challenging but stops it from sliding around when you don’t want it to. Additionally, you can remove it entirely, which is handy for a pack of this size. Not all users always want a sternum strap, especially on a 22-liter pack. We used it throughout most of our testing; however, we understand it wasn’t always necessary.

There’s no hip belt here, but did you expect there to be? It handles fine without one.

The pack feels larger than you’d expect a 22 liter bag to; however, it’s comfortable and easy to load with gear.

Inside The Pack

When we first saw images of this pack online, we thought the front pocket looked a little goofy. In person, it doesn’t appear to protrude as much. Still, it’s a different look than we’re used to from EVERGOODS. The pocket has a key leash that flops out like a tongue, which is handy for opening your door without taking the keys off. Plus, it’s red, so it’s easy to see.

There are two medium and one small pockets here, so you can organize your everyday carry gear and keep your pants pockets decluttered. The compartment has enough depth to stow a pair of over-ear headphones, so long as they aren’t super thick. The more you stow here, the more the pocket pops out from the bag’s body. This impacts aesthetic more than anything.

The top pocket lacks organization but is a solid place to stow your phone, wallet, or sunglasses for quick access. This pocket is an EVERGOODS staple and incredibly handy for stowing gear you use frequently.

There isn’t much going on inside the main compartment; however, that’s a key part of EVERGOODS bags that we dig. Because there isn’t a ton of segmentation, you can stow larger items and use devices like packing cubes or a tech pouch. This makes finding gear inside the daypack easier.

We’ve been able to stow a camera cube here or awkward-shaped items like a GoPro with a tripod attached to it without issue. At 22 liters, you can’t overstuff the pack much; however, for the capacity, you can fit a lot of gear here.

A zippered pocket on the top of the lid side is handy for smaller gear you don’t want roaming around the main compartment alone. A mesh pocket on the back wall also works for a laptop. There’s no other organization, and you can fit pretty large items here: packing cubes, a small camera cube, a large jacket, etc.

Overall, the EVERGOODS Civic Bookbag 22L performs well and is a solid, casual edition to the brand’s family of bags. It also works as a small carry on or a personal item.