THE TRAVELER 34L by HELDCLOSELY : REVIEW
A Minimalist’s Dream for One-Bag Travel?
FOREWORD
The world of messenger bags often feels like a compromise: either you get rugged utility that looks like it's fresh off a bike courier's back, or something sleek and stylish that crumbles at the first hint of a downpour. Enter the Held Closely The Traveler Ultra200X. This isn't just a messenger bag; it's a statement. A declaration that you can be both prepared for anything and impeccably understated. Designed for the nomadic spirit who values every ounce and every inch of space, this bag aims to be the silent, yet incredibly capable, companion on any journey, from a quick city hop to an international odyssey.
WHO IT SUITS
"The Traveler" is an absolute dream for the ultralight minimalist traveler who wants a singular bag that can adapt. Its expandable nature makes it perfect for those who need the extra capacity for a few days but want to maintain a slim profile for daily carry. It also caters to those who value cutting-edge materials and impeccable, almost obsessive, attention to detail in their gear. Anyone who moves between diverse environments – from urban commutes to regional flights – will appreciate its chameleon-like adaptability.
WHO IT DOESN’T
If you’re someone who prefers the traditional structure of a backpack for heavy loads, a messenger bag, by its nature, distributes weight differently, which might not be for you. It's certainly not a budget option, placing it firmly in the premium gear category. Those who crave a multitude of external quick-access pockets might find its minimalist exterior a bit too clean.
ABOUT THE BAG
"The Traveler" is a highly versatile messenger bag designed by Held Closely, boasting an expandable volume from a lean 24 liters to a generous 34 liters. Its core is built around the innovative Ultra200X fabric, making it incredibly lightweight yet exceptionally durable and weatherproof. It features a thoughtful array of internal and external pockets, designed for efficient access and discreet security, including a hidden AirTag pocket for peace of mind.
Dimensions: 21.5” x 4.5” x 13” (closed), 21.5” x 9.5” x 13” (expanded)
Volume: 24L (closed) to 34L (expanded)
Weight: 15.2 oz
Strap Length: Adjustable from 18” to 38”
COMFORT
For a messenger bag, comfort is paramount, and "The Traveler" delivers surprisingly well. The single shoulder strap, while substantial, is engineered to distribute weight effectively, especially when worn cross-body. While it's a messenger and not a backpack, the strap length offers ample adjustability, allowing for various carry styles to find your sweet spot. Even when expanded to its full 34L, the bag manages to hug the body relatively well, preventing excessive bouncing, which is often a pitfall of larger messenger bags. The lack of excessive padding means it stays streamlined, yet the strap doesn't dig in, even with a decent load.
The comfort however take a big hit as soon as the laptop is involved - it feels like having a wooden board against the body and the joy of the bag “hugging” the body is totally gone. Personally, I preferred the bag for my everyday carry whenever laptop was not involved.
DESIGN & FEATURES
Held Closely has clearly thought through every aspect of "The Traveler." The defining feature is its expansion zipper, transforming the bag from a slim 24L to a more robust 34L with surprising ease and a clean aesthetic – no awkward bulges. On the exterior, there's a large zippered front pocket and an UltraStretch stuff pocket secured by a magnetic Fidlock snap, perfect for items you need to grab quickly.
Internally, the organization is intuitive. You'll find a full-width zippered pocket, two smaller, deep zippered pockets (ideal for charging bricks or small tech), and another UltraStretch stuff pocket that securely cradles the included accessory pouch. The inclusion of a hidden AirTag pocket and two discrete key loops speaks volumes about the thoughtful, travel-focused design for peace of mind. All exterior zippers are now waterproof, a V1.1 update, further enhancing its weather resistance.
MATERIALS & ORGANIZATION
The cornerstone of "The Traveler" is its Ultra200X fabric from Challenge Sailcloth. This isn't just marketing fluff; it's a truly remarkable material. It’s a 200d Ultra PE woven and laminated to a recycled, waterproof RUV film, offering an astonishing strength-to-weight ratio. It's incredibly light (15.2oz for the bag itself), yet boasts tear strength and abrasion resistance that far exceed typical fabrics. This translates to a bag that feels almost ethereal, yet you know it can take a beating. The YKK waterproof zippers complement this, ensuring your contents stay dry.
Organization, as mentioned, is subtly brilliant. The expansion means you don't always carry the extra volume, which is a huge win for daily use. The internal pockets, while not excessive in number, are strategically placed and sized. The included accessory pouch is a nice touch, further aiding in modular organization. The overall feel is one of precision and durability, where every material choice serves a purpose.
WHAT’S HOT
Ultra200X Fabric: Truly next-level durability and lightness with excellent weather resistance.
Seamless Volume Expansion: Effortlessly shifts from 24L to 34L without looking bulky or awkward.
Smart Internal Organization: Thoughtful pocket placement, including a hidden AirTag pocket and key loops.
Waterproof Zippers: Enhanced weather protection for electronics and essentials.
Minimalist Aesthetic: Looks good in any setting, from urban exploration to airport lounges.
Magnetic Fidlock Snap: Quick and satisfying closure for the front stretch pocket.
WHAT’S NOT
Premium Price Point: This is a significant investment, putting it out of reach for some.
Single Shoulder Carry Limitation: While comfortable for a messenger, heavy, prolonged loads might still benefit from a backpack's two-strap system.
Distinct technical look won’t work with every outfit and potentially limit the versatility of the bag when it comes to styling.
VERDICT
The Held Closely "The Traveler" isn't just a messenger bag; it's a meticulously engineered piece of minimalist art designed for the modern nomad. It embodies the ethos of "less is more" while still offering surprising versatility and robust protection. The use of Ultra200X elevates it to a class of its own, providing unparalleled strength-to-weight. Yes, the price tag is substantial, and it might not suit every carry style, but for those who demand the absolute best in lightweight durability, smart organization, and understated style, "The Traveler" is a bag that truly lives up to its name – ready for any journey, holding close what matters most.
