So I got the v1 during their campaign on Kickstarter. Great bag but suffers a bit from the over-compartmentalisation Alpaka tends to do. Finally got around to removing the panel by picking the threads down both sides which was easier than I expected. Doesn't affect the stitching along the horizontal gussets. This panel was removed from their v2 model and makes the space much more usable.
I had the Black Ember TKS with that accordion design. It's really hard to get stuff in and close the bag properly. Sold it not long after.
I Like it
And here I am wishing I had bought one of the original ones.
Other than the camo XPac of the v1, I think the v2 is better with the new handle and the extra space. The panel piece does make it harder to get slightly bulkier stuff in.
I balked because of the price (what can I say, I'm cheap), but the Kodra v1 was a strong contender for me. I had already planned how I was going to load it up once I found a random stash of cash lying around and could justify buying it. The v1 layout was a nice middle ground between truly over-compartmentalized offerings (looking at you, Peak Design Tech Pouch) and an empty bag with no organization. The v2's missing divider just moves it a notch in the direction of the latter. (and they still didn't fix the location of the pen loop)
I will say that a couple of the exterior features on the v2 are nice, though the D-ring seems a bit superfluous. I was kinda annoyed when they ditched the Kodra as a fabric option, but the ECOPAK looks like it might be a decent alternative.
I'm with you on the pen loop and D ring. I always take notice whenever Alpaka does a Kickstarter as the pricing is always fantastic. I got the Bravo sling from their campaign too.
Damn son that’s been thrown a few time round the ringer. Does it need a wash or a mf upgrade lol Sick you’re getting usage out of it.
Also is there a v2 I think mine which I recently got also has this middle piece - mixed emotions with it as I use it very little but when I do I like it.
Oh it's not that bad. This is the dark camo version so it looks kinda grungy compared with the black XPAC. You can checked out their site to see if yours is a v1 or v2.
Did the same, more space
I have v2 and was glad they simplified it. The peak design tech bag just didn't work for me. Too much going on