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The Shadow has built-in organizations very similar to the TKS.Laptop access is strictly from the main compartment, unlike the dedicated laptop compartment accessed from the top of the R2.This in stark contrast to the R2 which looks the same regardless of the load, thanks to the built-in structure of the bag. The fabric is much softer which also means that the bag can look very different empty and full. The fabric and structure of the bag are very different.The shape of the bag is more streamlined with rounded corners and easier on the eye compared to the more ‘boxy’ look of the R2.The top and side grab handles are permanently attached.

The front pocket has much more dimension and is therefore way more usable compared to the flat pocket on the R2.Unlike the R2 however the Shadow 26 has a few key differences:

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They have similar capacity (26 vs 25L), full clamshell opening, a nearly identical harness system and both occupy the niche of EDC bags. It makes sense to compare the Shadow 26 to the R2. With the Shadow however you get the bag and you are set. After all, modularity means that to fully spec out the bag you need to invest considerably in the ecosystem of accessories and mods. Despite it being a departure from the previous direction, many will welcome this change. Unlike previous BE backpacks (WPRT, R2, Forge) which in some way or another were modular (even the minimal versions offered a degree of customization thanks to the rich ecosystem of accessories designed in-house) the Shadow is essentially “what you see is what you get”. Featuring the same sleek, clean silhouette and offering one of the best water resistances in the industry, thanks to the innovative fabrics and bonding process used.

Upon taking the bag out, it immediately and unmistakably felt like a Black Ember product. * DIMENSIONS: 19 x 12 x 7.5 in (483x305x191)Īs all Black Ember products, the Shadow 26 came in a stylish black, reusable soft bag secured by drawstring.

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Unlike previous Black Ember offerings, the Shadow is not modular so if you want a customizable bag or hope to reuse existing mods and accessories the Shadow might disappoint.

If you need dedicated access to your laptop you might not enjoy the need to get into the main compartment to get your gear.

Black Ember’s design and aesthetics might not work for everyone.

Those who want a durable, long-lasting bag backed by a lifetime warranty.

Anyone looking for a waterproof bag and who values the peace of mind of having the contents dry no matter the weather.

Minimalists seeking a simple and practical backpack.

This mainly as an EDC in an urban environment, basically as a mobile office.ĭoes the Shadow 26 live up to expectations? How is it different from previous Black Ember offerings (such as the similarly sized R2 with 25L capacity)? And most importantly, should you consider the Shadow for your EDC?

I was fortunate enough to review the WaterProofRollTop (WPRT article) as well as the TechKitSling (TKS article) which both left me impressed and very intrigued to see what else Black Ember would release in the future.Įnter The Shadow (comes in 22L and 26L), their latest backpack that was, once again, funded using Kickstarter (raising almost 30000% of its original goal) and currently on preorder at their website ( ).īlack Ember was kind enough to provide me with the 26L version of the bag, which was tested over the course of 8 weeks. They’re a small innovative team based in San-Francisco that has been pushing the boundaries of what everyday carry (EDC) can be for urban dwellers and beyond. Right off the bat I have to admit that I am partial to Black Ember products.

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