To be honest i wasn't too interested in the Umlindi when I first saw it. I'm not in to top access bags much, mostly because I'm lazy and don't like pulling everything out to get at something. But this last winter I found myself wanting just a little more room than my Tara gave me so I picked up an Umlindi and a pals pocket this week. I put all my stuff I want quick access to in the pocket, and can have it in the bag as a pullout or docked to the outside if I need a little more room. What I am liking about this setup is now if I decide to take another pack, the pocket can be switched over and be used the same way. It took my pea brain a minute to figure out the compression system on the Umlindi, but it is really functional for using a compression panel. I have only been out for a short walk with the dogs but it was comfortable. With water and a few things I only had 15lbs in it. My kit bag, with a pistol and my binos was close to ten. An overnighter would be very easy to do, but mostly this will be used for whatever I need a smaller bag for at the time. It may even get pressed into service as a diaper bag soon.
