Panda Pack

I had my eye on this bag for months but I always felt the price was a little steep. This 2.0 version and green color made me pull the trigger and give it a try. After having it in person I have to say this bag is beautiful throughout. The design is very minimal and subtle but this bag is built like a tank. You can tell it will last for many years. The mandarin material feels nice in person and shimmers a bit under certain light. The zippers feel rugged and they glide so smoothly. I also think the size of this bag at 25L is perfect and versatile. The back cushion could be a little more plush and breathable but I’m not sure if a beathable cushioned mesh would have the same level of durability. Overall, I think this is a very solid bag. If you want to buy a minimal edc bag that can do it all for many years to come, this is it. If you could get this on sale I wouldn’t hesitate to grab it.

I am impressed so far (mostly). Solid design, hardware seems good except for the black buttons/rivets, the first time I used the backpack one og the buttons chipped the black paint off revealing a copper colored metal underneath. I expected better quality hardwear for the price.

I usually travel with my messenger bag that has a 13-15l capacity, but after my recent international trips, that capacity was no longer enough. The Panda seemed like a fine choice and after the 2.0 version was announced, I pulled the trigger, and I am happy with my purchase.

I already have the Duration and have been able to test the first edition of Panda, thanks to my friend, and can confirm that the 2.0 improvements are more than welcome. The new false bottom is excellent and the taller side pockets fit the regular food store 500-600ml bottles more comfortably, which is much appreciated.

The denser back & shoulder padding and the refined shaping make the Panda much more comfortable to carry. I would still like to see even more padding & comfort added to the shoulder pads, but we are on the right track. Also, the stronger mesh fabric inside the main pocket was a great upgrade too.

The forest color looks amazing and as a pleasant surprise, the inner 3XD material color is Earth. It’s a great choice and together with the black zippers & the main green forest color, it gives the backpack a very pleasant nature & earthy aesthetic that fits in both business, travel & EDC environment perfectly. I really hope to see these 2.0 upgrades in their other backpacks as well.

One criticism I have is that the backpack’s false bottom kind of protrudes little bit from the bottom. While standing, this tilts the backpack more forward and therefore doesn’t stand on its own as firmly & evenly as the previous version or the other Pioneer backpacks. Especially if you don’t have anything in the lower front pocket. If you don’t, I have encountered a few situations where the front lower pockets lower area kind of gives in and as a result the backpack topples to the ground from the front. I would still take this false bottom protection over the previous model, but I hope they can fix/adjust this protrusion or the bottoms structure in the future iterations.

Also, if the future versions would come with a strap end organizer and a sternum strap or an official way to attach one, that would great. They would just make the Panda even more versatile & comfortable to carry. (I personally have used Tom Bihn’s strap keepers, and they work nicely with the Panda).

Overall, I would give the Panda 2.0 a solid 4/5. If the above-mentioned suggestions & fixes are made, then we have a solid 5/5 winner in our hands!
It's an expensive backpack, but I have no problem with spending more money on a well-made gear that is going to last a long time. Especially under heavy usage. The Panda certainly feels like one and the provided Million Mile Guarantee warranty only solidifies this to me. Highly recommended and looking forward to what other travel bags Pioneer has potentially coming in the future!