Embracer Group-owned CRKD just lately launched a backpack, the $99.99 Vortex 1.0. Throughout a current trip, I swapped it instead of my go-to for the previous eight or so years, the 20-liter Peak Design Everyday backpack, which CRKD has totally cribbed the look of. Nevertheless, the Vortex has handheld gaming pockets, which helps it stand out, particularly at this value.
I typically like utilizing the Peak Design backpack, besides that bringing it on holidays signifies that I’ve to go away my handheld(s) at residence. It’s not large sufficient to accommodate even the unique Swap as soon as issues are stuffed into its aspect pockets. The Vortex 1.0, alternatively, let me deliver each my Swap 2 and Steam Deck, due to its two devoted handheld sleeves. It’s additionally wider and taller, which suggests its high zipper compartment can maintain a 16-inch laptop computer and a pill.
Regardless of its similarities with the Peak Design On a regular basis backpack, there are little particulars the Vortex ought to have (however didn’t) try to duplicate, like having a number of handles that allow you to carry it both vertically or horizontally, or having velcro-equipped cabinets that allow you to tweak the peak and width of every compartment.
The Vortex 1.0 is a 3rd of the price of the 30-liter Everyday backpack, making it a very good worth for avid gamers who don’t need to flip packing right into a recreation of Tetris. However its supplies and shoulder strap padding don’t really feel as sturdy or breathable in comparison with my Peak Design bag, which nonetheless seems to be and operates in like-new situation after almost a decade. In different phrases, the Vortex can’t compete toe-to-toe in a few of the most vital methods with the backpack that it’s attempting to clone.
Pictures by Cameron Faulkner / The Verge