REMOTE EQUIPMENT CHARLIE25: REVIEW
CHARLIE 25 hiding in plain sight.
FOREWORD
Remote Equipment remains a relatively small and unknown brand for many outside of the community of diehard carry geeks and enthusiasts. CHARLIE 25 is the third bag from the company (following ALPHA31 released in 2018 and BRAVO18 in 2019) and it is launched as a Kickstarter campaign on July 15th with the target release in February 2021.
When I opened the box and took the CHARLIE out the first thing that came to my mind was “Authenticity”. Owning previous Remote Equipment products I immediately recognized key signature features (impeccable craftsmanship, beautiful stitching, similar to BRAVO cinch on top of the bag, etc) and laser focus to “make high-performance gear that can still travel to the office.” It’s quite remarkable how Remote Equipment manages to create the bags that fully embody the core principles and values of the brand, and CHARLIE is no exception.
I have to confess, reviewing CHARLIE was quite a challenge. On one hand, I am very fortunate to own both ALPHA and BRAVO, so I am in a unique position to see the path Remote Equipment followed in the past few years and how the product line evolved with time, with many innovations carried over from one bag to another.
On another hand, when playing with CHARLIE for the first couple of days, I was almost anxious because I felt that I need to review not one bag but three. Allow me to elaborate.
ALPHA is a roll-top bag that expands from 31 to 34L (I would personally argue that it expands from 20L to 34L - you can read my review in August to understand where I am coming from)
BRAVO is a universal utility bucket with many carry modes, but apart from switching the straps into different positions the bag stays the same. My full review is also at your disposal at https://wanderingdots.me/blog/remote-equipment-bravo-18-review
CHARLIE is a different beast altogether. Challenging everything they know, Remote Equipment decided to dip their toes into modularity and enhanced versatility making CHARLIE the first configurable bag in their product line.
Note that at the time of this review I have not seen the official presentation of the bag and I don’t know how Remote Equipment positions CHARLIE and its use cases. Therefore, this review is very much my personal experience, flying a bit blind, and figuring out this unique bag on the go.
Loaded up. The red accent on the top cinch adds a lot of character to CHARLIE.
After using CHARLIE for a month I identified the following configurations:
MAXIMUM (top brain + fully expanded + externally mounted org pouches)
OPTIMUM (top brain + slightly compressed)
MINIMUM (just the compressed bag, no frills. Almost like BRAVO18 but with full-scale harness system)
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty and see if CHARLIE can live up to the legendary status of its predecessors.
Urban or out in the wild. CHARLIE is adventure-ready.
ABOUT THE BAG
* PRICE: $269 MSRP ($229 KS special price, backpack only)
* DIMENSIONS: 21” x 11” x 6.5” (53 x 28 x 17 cm)
* WEIGHT: 992g (without pouches)
* CAPACITY: 25L* (expandable to 30+ liters)*
* RELEASE DATE: Q1 2021
In essence, CHARLIE is a 25L top-loading backpack that also features a zip in the middle for easy access to the content of the bag. The primary fabric of the bag is Dimension Polyant VX21, additionally, SPECTRA GRIDSTOP is used for the top cinch (BRAVO18 users would feel right at home using that cinch for top access). 2 org pouches can be attached externally and a removable top flap called the top brain.
On paper, nothing is outstanding.
Even the smallest detail on CHARLIE comes together to create a product that’s better than the sum of its parts.
- We have already seen the bags with the center zipper (for example Boundary Supply Prima or Adidas Future Rolltop)
- VX21 is creeping into more bags and can even be found in sub-$100 backpacks.
- External mods/attachments are heavily featured on Mission Workshop Arkiv bags or excellent Black Ember Modular backpacks (I reviewed WPRT at https://wanderingdots.me/blog/black-ember-wprt-modular-review)
- Removable top flap? I admit, this is the first for me but I would not call it a game-changer.
So what makes CHARLIE unique? In one word - the execution.
Using the center zip is a fun and easy way to access your contents, no matter how deep you stuff it inside :)
When looking at CHARLIE “under a microscope”, it’s easy to be amazed by the immaculate attention to detail and the numerous quality of life features mostly ignored by other bag manufacturers. Each element of the bag was carefully dissected, challenged, and improved. The sternum strap, water bottle pockets, top cinch, harness system and so much more were pushed to the limit of usability, durability, and comfort.
Let's dissect this bag together.
Rebuilt from scratch. The harness on CHARLIE is some of the most comfortable I have come across.
QUALITY & COMFORT
The materials used on the bag are some of the best on the market.
VX21 is the main fabric and has outstanding weather resistance. The water beads off the surface without penetrating even under high pressure. The only way in is through the seams, but they are reinforced and reduce the risk of leakage. The bag is easy to clean thanks to the VX21 being almost “slippery” to a point that no dirt or dust seeps in. Sure, the dust is visible (as with all black bags), but it’s cleaned effortlessly with a wet towel or a quick splash of water.
VX42 - to my knowledge, even more durable VX42 will be featured on the bottom of the pack. My pre-production sample seem to have a regular VX21.
210d SPECTRA GRIDSTOP is a welcomed addition, not only because it looks very much in line with the blacked-out aesthetic of the bag, but it is also extremely durable, tear-resistant, and water-repellent.
VX07 - is used for high-visibility white liner. I wish this was a default on most of the bags. Not only does it help to find your gear inside the bag, but more importantly it does not absorb any moisture in case of accidental leakage inside the bag. Consequently, it’s also stain resistant.
Signature nylon/spandex fabric similar to the one first used on ALPHA. On CHARLIE it is used for the waterbottle pockets, back panel, laptop and tablet sleeve inside, etc. Extremely abrasion resistant, pleasant to the touch and just a pure joy to use.
To sum up the fabric choices (and without going too technical) - both VX and SPECTRA fabrics are made specifically for high tear strength and abrasion resistance while minimizing overall weight.
Signature cinch-top closure is simple and fun solution that made BRAVO18 my favourite go-to bag. Happy to see it make a return on CHARLIE.
The hardware is mostly plastic but the best there is (ITW NEXUS, DURAFLEX, NIFCO), hitting the right balance between weight and durability. As much as I like the tactile feel of metal hardware, it does add up weight and also annoying jingling noise. I came to appreciate quality plastic hardware and, if weight is the main consideration, I would choose plastic over metal any day.
Every seam, stitch, and the material used - is oozing quality and very deliberate synergy to achieve the durable yet light backpack that can easily last a couple of lifetimes.
Fully assembled CHARLIE - with top brain and org pouches attached externally. A force to be reckoned with.
Alright, so the bag is made extremely well, but what about the comfort and carrying experience?
Remote Equipment already proved to be wizards with the harness on ALPHA. The easiest solution would be to repurpose it for CHARLIE, have a universal “platform” and call it a day. But this is not the way of Remote Equipment.
The harness system has been designed from the ground up. The ergonomic shoulder straps offer nice rigidity and a generous amount of padding. In its MINIMUM configuration, CHARLIE feels featherlight as if you are only carrying the harness, while the “bucket” used for storage is weightless.
It’s hard to mistake CHARLIE for another pack. As with all RE products it has a unique look and personality.
The back panel consists of three padded rectangular panels covered by a signature tear-resistant fabric. Covering the padded panels with something different than gentle mesh is an ingenious solution. It has worked exceptionally well on ALPHA and I will be surprised if this does not become an industry standard at some point. I am already having flashbacks of all my previous perfectly fine bags that had the mesh on the straps and back panel fail first, and unfortunately, fail rather quickly.
The frame sheet is stiff and rigid.
Carrying CHARLIE with any load is a joy thanks to carefully considered combo of well-padded straps and back panel.
Carrying experience of all CHARLIE configurations (MAXIMUM, OPTIMUM, MINIMUM) is just superb regardless of the load or expansion.
The comfort is also ensured by allowing the user to quickly adjust both strap length and the position of the bag thanks to load lifters. A detailed touch was to add the loops at the end of the webbing on both shoulder straps and load lifters making adjustments on the fly effortless and intuitive.
The sternum strap itself is not quite standard but very similar to the one on ALPHA. It has an elastic portion on the strap that improves mobility and does not restrict breathing. Honestly, all sternum straps should be designed this way.
A bonus - the male buckle also has a whistle (mountain gear/outdoor equipment DNA right there).
The way the sternum strap buckle is attached to the strap feels like a small downgrade compared to ALPHA which had the female part of the sternum strap buckle fixed on the shoulder strap making it very easy to close the buckle. CHARLIE’s female buckle is attached to the webbing that moves, taking a tad more effort to “catch” and close the buckle. Nothing major, but noticeable after using ALPHA. In fairness, non-ALPHA users would not even notice this.
There is also a simple but practical removable waist strap. I have not needed to use it even when the pack was fully loaded, but many would find it very handy.
Half-full. Empty. Packed to the brim - CHARLIE looks good in all scenarios.
To conclude the comfort aspect of CHARLIE - it might have ruined most bags for me (ALPHA is still holding its ground) and it will be a tough act to follow for all my future bags. What’s great is that I can easily take this bag for a daily commute, to my next short business trip, to the beach, or on the next hike. The combination of materials and comfort almost pushes you to go outside and do things. Very few pieces of gear in my life inspired that feeling and I am glad to be surprised by CHARLIE.
“So it’s all perfect?” You might ask in disbelief. Not really.
The weight distribution of the bag (and a small slope at the bottom) does not allow CHARLIE to stand on its own. I know many people for whom this is a huge issue. I am not among them. Moreover, most of the bags I owned in the past 10 years did not stand on their own and it rarely bothered me.
Also, the synthetic fabric against your back should prepare you to sweat during those hot summer days. This should not come as a surprise and CHARLIE doesn’t have a portable air conditioner to cool your back, so don’t expect any miracles in this department. Your back will sweat when wearing CHARLIE, it’s just a reality.
Adventuring is effortless when CHARLIE is keeping me company.
ORGANIZATION
At first glance, CHARLIE does not seem to have much organization, but after you start playing with it you realize how many excellent solutions were implemented.
Let’s start with the simplest configuration - **MINIMUM**.
CHARLIE opened up. High-visibility VX07 liner makes a big difference.
Provided by Remote Equipment.
Externally:
- 2 deep, stretchy water bottle pockets. That’s all.
Internally:
- laptop sleeve (fits my MBP 16 just fine) that can also double down as a water bladder pocket (yes, CHARLIE is absolutely hydration ready)
- tablet sleeve
- 2 wide mesh pockets close to the top opening
- 2 concealed side pockets secured with Velcro strips. The pockets go all the way to the bottom of the bag and help segment the internal volume into three nice compartments to better organize your gear. When not in use they hide away and there is no flapping mess inside. Genius. One downsize with these side pockets - when full they make inserting large water bottles a bit more difficult, but still possible.
There are 2 compression straps on each side of the bag - they can be used to compress the bag for minimal carry and they also used as “rails” to attach org pouches.
Moving on to the **OPTIMUM**.
CHARLIE + Top Brain = Excellent protection from the elements, more volume and organization when needed.
Provided by Remote Equipment.
The configuration is expanded by the so-called Top Brain which is essentially a removable top flap that has 2 compartments:
- the top quick access (I love how the zipper is easily opened with one hand! It’s not stiff and does not require much effort) which has a very generous amount of volume and can fit a ton. A bonus - it has a key ring conveniently attached to red webbing - easy to store your keys and long enough to quickly open the door and throw them back. I appreciate how the red strap can be twisted many times. Many bags give you a key clip, but you always need to remove the keys to use them. Not the CHARLIE, though.
- The mesh pocket on the inside, conveniently accessed when the flap is open. Bonus points for using mesh here - not only does it add dimension thanks to the stretchy properties of the fabric but more importantly adds visibility to the contents of the pocket.
It serves as:
- Further protection from the elements. The cinch top of CHARLIE does have a small hole even when fully cinched. This is similar to BRAVO and could let the water in. With the top brain installed the cinched part is fully covered enhancing water/weather resistance.
- Further expansion of the bag. It adds around 5L of volume AND additional organization/quick access pocket.
The top brain looks almost like a big fanny pack and I would not be surprised if some CHARLIE users start wearing it separately by adding a custom-made waist strap.
And last but not least - **MAXIMUM** configuration.
CHARLIE taken to the limit.
Provided by Remote Equipment.
2 pouches can be attached externally to the sides of the bag adding more total volume and allowing even more organization.
Each pouch is around 2.5L in capacity, built exceptionally well, and has a clamshell opening. The organization is impressive for such a compact size:
- 1 external pocket with a softly padded back
- 2 smaller mesh pockets
- 1 large zippered mesh pocket
- 3 rows of loops that can be used to attach cables, pens, toothbrush, etc
Each pouch has external attachment loops on both front and back of the pouch (so you can attach them either way), as well as a bigger loop on the bottom for quick grabs. The zipper pulls are also my favorite - Korean WooJin plastic loops that are silent and big enough to fit a finger even when wearing gloves.
Honestly, the pouches are so thoughtfully designed that they can rival many backpacks :)
These org pouches can be used for tech organization, Dopp kit, etc, and it is up to you whether to attach them externally or just throw them inside the bag (both fit well in the hidden side pockets).
Note that when attached externally the pouches do cover the water bottle pockets, but you can always attach one pouch and use the water bottle pocket that remains accessible (this way you also keep the weight distribution optimal with a water bottle and the pouch balancing each other out) Keep in mind that these org pouches are add-ons ($55 for both) and do not come with the bag out of the box. I personally highly recommend picking them up. They work brilliantly on the bag, in the bag, and as a standalone organizers.
Stock picture of Org Pouches in different configurations.
Provided by Remote Equipment.
On top of the org pouches mounted externally you can attach any gear using generously placed daisy chain and 2 bungees that come with each CHARLIE out of the box. Axe, bluetooth speaker, bike light, etc - CHARLIE has you covered.
To sum up - you can pick and mix CHARLIE configurations (adding one pouch, or both, with or without the top brain, external attachments, etc) making this bag very versatile and just fun to use. Adding mods to your carry solution is easy. Making the mods work seamlessly with your bag while enhancing the user experience - that is the real challenge and Remote Equipment nailed it. Almost.
There is one thing about these configurations that could be better - the attachment. To secure the top brain and side pouches you need to insert the plastic hooks in the loops on the bag. Putting the hook on is easy assuming you have decent lighting conditions. Taking the hook off is unfortunately a different story. You have to twist and remove the hook at a certain angle and the attachment loops are quite tight making the whole process inconvenient, to say the least. I definitely would not want to do this in the dark or while wearing gloves.
I have zero concerns about the durability of the current solution, but usability is frankly not great and I wish the attachment solution was revisited and improved. Not a big issue if you don’t undo the hooks very often. Magnets could do wonders here.
For reference, my active carry on full display.
RE CHARLIE 25, Top Brain, 2 org pouches, Source Storm 3L water bladder, Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket, an envelope with Top Secret documents, Haglofs bucket hat, Face mask, Avalon Kendall Sunglasses, Brown Buffalo Pencil Case, Kindle Voyage, iPad 2020, Driving materials :)
WHAT’S HOT
- High level of customization - the pack can be worn with brain bag, with two attachments, compressed, expanded, with or without external attachments, etc.
- Supremely comfortable to carry. The straps and back panel offer outstanding comfort regardless of the weight you carry.
- Very light for the size. Hitting the sweet spot between the durability and weight.
- Exceptional build quality - all seams, stitching, materials, in general, are second to none.
- The high-visibility liner on the inside - always a plus. Unfortunately ignored by many bag-makers.
- Deep, stretchy water bottle pockets that don’t get in the way when not used.
- Hydration ready with 2 convenient pass-throughs allowing to use the hydration tube on either left or right shoulder.
- The zippers are all silky smooth, not stiff at all, and have excellent zipper pulls across the board. Joy to use. And Aquaguard of course.
- Org pouches are masterfully implemented. They are easily some of the best I have ever used - spacious, lightweight, durable with multiple external attachment points, thoughtful organization. They deserve a separate review :) If sold separately they could easily be a $50 per pouch. Special KS pricing is $55 for 2 which is a steal for what they offer.
After using the bag for a while I can say that CHARLIE is definitely going places.
WHAT’S NOT
- No external access to the laptop compartment. Also, I found that putting the laptop back in the full bag can be a bit difficult, prompting me to readjust the contents to make room for the laptop. If the bag is used as an adventure pack first and foremost - laptop access is not a big issue. However, if you plan to use CHARLIE as your office EDC - how easy it is to get the laptop in and out matters.
- Top brain is somewhat awkward to use and I found myself readjusting it to look good. When installed, the center zip is not immediately accessible (Which could be mitigated by having the dual zip)
- The bag is dangly. The versatility of the bag does come with a trade-off - many straps around the bag and at the same time no strap keepers (intentionally to allow quick adjustments on the fly). In general, the bag has a lot of things going on the outside with all the straps and loops to manage - not everyone’s cup of tea.
- The bag does not stand on its own.
- The hooks to attach the pouches and the top brain need some getting used to (attached easily, detaching is a different story requiring a certain angle and a twist to come undone). The only part of the bag I wish was revisited for final production, ideally replaced with magnetic buckles or any other solution that works effortlessly.
Fun fact - CHARLIE makes a good accessory for a portrait photo.
WRAP-UP
Remote Equipment is an excellent example of a company that is micro ambitious. It focuses on perfecting even the smallest aspects of the product that result in a bag that may look simple but is an absolute joy to use every minute of every day. I cannot imagine many manufacturers who would obsess over perfecting the water bottle pockets, sternum strap, or the process of adjusting the bag on your back - every interaction has been meticulously considered, weighed it, challenged, and improved.
Some can argue that ALPHA31 became a cult bag mainly because of its rarity. After all, it’s only human nature to crave and idealize the things we cannot have. With the launch of BRAVO18 (first as part of the Prototype program and then as a mainstream product) Remote Equipment quickly reminded everyone that it's not a one-trick-pony and that it does not rely on ALPHA to be an exceptional brand.
Now, with the upcoming release of CHARLIE 25, it has become easier to judge the track record and make some conclusions. For the third time in a row, Remote Equipment proves that it is a true sleeping giant. A brand that consistently delivers such unique, supremely comfortable, and functional products cannot stay in the shadows for too long. Winning a lot of hearts of bag enthusiasts, I sincerely think that it’s just a matter of time until Remote Equipment products become the new default option for anyone who seeks an excellent, supremely comfortable, insanely reliable bag that can adapt to many scenarios and not be hanging on the wall for that specific niche use case.
I found CHARLIE to be more geared towards outdoor adventures and in that role it shines. As an office/city bag - access to the laptop does make it less convenient.
To sum up: if you are looking for an outstanding hybrid bag that could do well on the trail and still be carried to the office; if you are exhausted from constantly switching bags; if you want the high-performance, no BS backpack that delivers the best the industry can offer - consider CHARLIE as your trusty partner in crime.
Disclaimer
The bag was provided as a sample for review purposes, the content of this review was not shared with Remote Equipment before publishing. My goal is to share an honest, unbiased review that is not tailored to keep the brand happy.
Good boy CHARLIE. A trusty companion.