I bought this new version to replace the original, but returned it because the overall design is inferior. With the new version, the notebook compartment crowds into the rest of the bag, making it incredibly difficult to remove a notebook if something else is taking up space in the main compartment (i.e. a camera). This was never a problem with the original version. In addition, the accessory pocket (near the latches) is much larger in the original and opens in an upside-down U-shape to make it easier to access what's inside; plus, the lack of top zipper access to the main compartment means you always need to unlatch the bag to access anything inside. Lastly, the flap on the new version doesn't easily tuck away. In the original, you can tuck the flap into the notebook compartment to make it easier to quickly grab a camera and switch lenses while photographing an event.

The V2 messenger changed the design quite significantly, especially if you compare the refinements from the V1 to V2 backpacks. Overall these changes mean the V2 messenger is a pretty different bag to the V1. It's a conventional design which tries to distinguish itself with other elements. The main change is that you have to use the mag-latch to access the bag contents because both the laptop zip compartment and main compartment top-zips have been removed. I'm curious about why they did this as the quick access top zip was a headline feature for the V1. You mentioned the shift of the laptop compartment into the main bag area already. Arguably the hook strap attachment system is more versatile and lightweight than the dedicated tripod sleeve permanently built into the V1, I'm less bothered by that. Given this is the same price as the 20L Zip backpack, is there really enough here to opt for the smaller messenger bag? If you just want a shoulder bag and like PD the sling bags seem to offer more value for money. I guess the style is still cool. I'm pretty ambivalent about this redesign as a former V1 user. I opted for the Zip backpack instead of the V2 messenger.

I own the original version, the rubber on strap gets sticky after few years, while the fake leather on strap connection points and zippers all age badly and peeled off/breaks. Good to see the new ones no longer have those material.

what ?

@@eddysaturday MAYBE THEY SHOULD MAKE A WATER BOTTLE HOLDER THAT CAN ATTACH TO THE CAMERA CLIP (ON EITHER SIDE). ;-)

I prefer the internal pocket for the laptop. But overall, if you still have a functional version of the original, there isn't anything ground-breaking with this to warrant upgrading.

For real

Yes, because I do have it. You can look at Tenba DNA 13 also. I have both bags.

@@jc.baptiste I ended up getting the messenger and the middle sized sling. I don't go out with my camera as much as I'd like to but the sling is great with the capture clip when I know I am going out for pictures and the messenger is good for when I want to bring it but idk if I want to use it.