Able Carry Daily Plus vs Max EDC - Which Is Better?
Out of all the Able Carry backpacks we have tested, the Daily Plus and Max EDC stand out as the most deserving of a comparison. Both bags are similar in size, share many of the same pockets, and were designed as a go-to everyday backpack for those on the move. Yet despite their similarities, each backpack takes a unique approach to daily cayrry.
The Daily Plus is designed to be the ultimate laptop backpack, with a focus on quick access and daily organization. On the other hand, the Max EDC comes with travel-oriented features, making it versatile enough for both daily use and short trips. But which one is the better choice for you? Let’s break it down.
Video Review
Quick Specs
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|---|---|---|
| Volume | 21L | 26L |
| Materials | X-Pac | X-Pac, 1000D Cordura Nylon |
| Dimensions | 19.3” x 11.4” x 7.5” | 19.6” x 11.8” x 7.5” |
| Weight | 2.64 lbs | 3.4 lbs |
| Laptop Storage | 16" Laptop Sleeve | 17" Laptop Compartment |
| Chest Strap | Yes | Yes |
| Hip Belt | No | Optional add-on |
| Price |
Able Carry Daily Plus vs Max EDC - Model Height 5'6"
Size and Comfort Features
Although the Daily Plus is the smaller bag, we found that the size difference isn’t all that dramatic. The Max EDC is slightly bulkier and a bit wider, but unless you’re constantly squeezing through crowded spaces, the size difference won’t be a deal-breaker.
Both backpacks feature Able Carry’s cushioned shoulder straps, with near-identical air mesh padding that feels soft and supportive. They also both come with an adjustable and removable magnetic sternum strap for extra stability when carrying heavier loads.
Where the two bags really start to differ is in their back panel designs. The Daily Plus offers a heavily cushioned back panel with deep air channels—perfect for those prone to sweating during warm weather commutes. In contrast, the Max EDC trades some breathability for two rows of padding to make room for a luggage sleeve, a feature the Daily Plus lacks.
Daily Plus vs Max EDC - the Daily Plus is missing a luggage sleeve
But here’s where the Max EDC pulls ahead with some sneaky hidden features. First, it includes a hidden passthrough for an optional hip belt, offering extra support when carrying heavier loads—something the Daily Plus doesn’t have. And second, the Max EDC has a small hidden pocket in each shoulder strap, perfectly sized for a public transit card or small essentials. These handy little additions are missing from the Daily Plus.
Exterior Pocket Breakdown
Each backpack comes loaded with pockets for organization. Both the Daily Plus and Max EDC have a hidden security pocket on the back panel, which can be used to stash essentials like a passport, wallet, and phone.
Daily Plus vs Max EDC - Both backpacks have a hidden back pocket
Each backpack will also hook you up with an internal side water bottle pocket. Able Carry says they fit up to 32oz bottles, but we found that could fit a 40oz Hydro Flask bottle just fine. As long as your water bottle isn't and doesn't exceed 3.55" (9 cm) in diameter or have any protruding handles then it should fit.
Able Carry Daily Plus vs Max EDC - similar sized side water bottle pockets
Where the Max EDC pulls ahead is with an extra quick access pocket on the other side of the bag, which we found perfect for carrying a small travel umbrella. It also features a detachable key leash that you can move between multiple lash points throughout the bag. This little detail quickly became a favorite of ours during testing—you’d be surprised how convenient it is to have your keys exactly where you want them.
Able Carry Max EDC - side pocket is missing on the Daily Plus
Front Compartment: Daily Essentials vs Bulky Gear
Now, let’s talk about the front compartments, where we see the first huge difference between these two Able Carry backpacks.
The Daily Plus is all about quick access. Its front compartment features a side-opening zipper, making it easy to swing the bag around and grab what you need on the go. Inside, you’ll find multiple smaller pockets for organization, a lash point for your key leash, and just enough space for daily life essentials like pouches and large headphones.
Able Carry Daily Plus vs Max EDC front compartments
The Max EDC takes a completely different approach with its front compartment, which opens like a mini-duffel bag. This design makes packing bulkier items, such as shoes or a change of clothes, a breeze, effectively doubling as a shoe compartment. In fact, we found that it can comfortably fit up to a men’s size 12 US running shoe. If you’re someone who juggles gym gear, shoes, or other bulky items, this feature is going to be a game-changer. Inside, you’ll find another lash point for your key leash and a slim zippered pocket perfect for a sunglasses case, though the compartment doesn’t offer much additional organization.
In our tests, we found the front compartment of the Max EDC far better suited for handling bulkier items, while the Daily Plus front compartment is ideal for organizing smaller, everyday essentials, giving you quick access to what you need most.
Laptop Storage: Organized vs Easy Access
The Max EDC features an external laptop compartment that can accommodate laptops up to 17 inches. This design makes it incredibly convenient to access your device without needing to open the main compartment. It also includes a zippered accessory pocket for chargers and smaller tech items, which expands into the main compartment as you add more items.
Able Carry Daily Plus vs Max EDC laptop storage comparison
The Daily Plus, on the other hand, keeps its laptop sleeve inside the main compartment and fits laptops up to 16 inches. This is where the Daily Plus really starts to shine! In addition to the laptop sleeve, it includes stretchy sleeves for items like a tablet, chargers, and other tech accessories. Able Carry also integrates pen slots that work great for holding a stylus like the Apple Pencil, creating a complete tech station where all your essential devices are easily accessible from one spot.
Like all Able Carry backpacks, both the Daily Plus and Max EDC offer excellent laptop protection with a generous false bottom, keeping your tech safe from drops. However, the Daily Plus takes it a step further with a floating laptop sleeve design that positions your laptop and tablet in the center of the bag, providing extra cushioning and protection on all sides.
What Fits Inside Each Backpack?
The Daily Plus offers 21 liters of storage, while the Max EDC provides 26 liters. While this may not seem like a huge difference, a closer look at the shape of each bag reveals how they handle packing. The Daily Plus has a subtle teardrop shape, with a wider bottom that tapers slightly toward the top. In contrast, the Max EDC has a more boxy design, featuring a clamshell-style main compartment zipper that opens more like a traditional travel bag.
Able Carry Daily Plus vs Max EDC - Leftover packing space once the internal and water bottle pockets are filled.
If you’re packing light, the Daily Plus will comfortably hold notebooks, books, or even a pair of shoes and a change of clothes. However, as you start filling the internal pockets and use the external water bottle pocket, the open space quickly shrinks. Once packed, the Daily Plus feels like the smaller bag, with enough room for an overnight stay but not enough room for bulkier gear.
Able Carry Daily Plus vs Able Carry Max EDC both packed with a 12" foam roller, t-shirt, hoodie and pants for a workout.
The Max EDC, with its extra five liters, gives you noticeably more room. Its deeper main compartment is perfect for packing cubes on a weekend trip or carrying gym clothes along with a 12" foam roller for workouts. Even with the internal pockets and water bottle pocket fully packed, the Max EDC still leaves plenty of open space for additional gear - making it a better option if you need to carry more than just the basics.
Daily Plus vs MAX EDC: How to Choose?
Able Carry Daily Plus
Able Carry Max EDC
So, what did our testing reveal?
Choose the Daily Plus if you’re all about tech organization and need a daily backpack for everyday essentials. It’s incredibly well-organized, with easy access items like sunglasses, water bottle and tech. Where the Daily Plus shines is with simplified fast access - meaning you can just open one compartment and all of your items are right there and ready to go.
Choose the Max EDC if you’re looking for a backpack that can handle bulkier items, and travel. The extra space in the large duffel-style front pocket and it's deep main compartment gives you extra room for items like shoes, travel packing cubes and even camera cubes and photo equipment. It’s versatile enough for both daily carry and short trips, making it a solid all-rounder.
More Helpful Resources
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Able Carry Thirteen Daypack Review - A review of Able Carry’s smallest backpack
Best Clamshell Backpacks - More laptop and travel backpacks like the Max EDC
Best Urban Backpacks - We test and review the best everyday backpacks for city carry
More Backpack Comparisons - We compare backpacks from The North Face, Patagonia and more to help you make the best choice.
