It was a difficult decision but I eventually settled on keeping the Isopack rather than the Expedition 500. Both bags seem very well made and quite useful. They also have many of the same features as they are meant to satisfy the same customer needs so it really all comes down to what you are needing in the particulars. For instance, if you are more concerned with branding then you may go with the Expedition as it is by a more well known/popular brand. If you are looking for a lot of space or need depth in the main compartment like I do then you will likely chose the Isobag as it's main compartment is deeper and a bit more roomy than the Expedition. If you are looking for a bag that comes with all the extras then you may want to go with the Expedition. Should you need to keep your meals cool for 12 hours or longer then you will likely go with the Isopack... its all about priorities. I made my choice because I loved the following about the Isopack:
- lighter bag
- meal area was open and held slightly more
- ice packs were not gel and had a longer chill time
- less compartmentalization of the pockets meant there was more storage space
- easily replaced containers OR I could use my own
- roomier main compartment that can store more
- SureLock containers
- included drawstring bag and supplement container (and in some cases shaker bottle)
- shorter bag (I'm short... enough said)
- meal area did not collapse when empty
- very nice padding on the back and straps
- labels (I know I said I liked the lack of compartmentalization but the organizer fiend in me loves those labels nevertheless!)
I wanted to offer a quick comparison chart between the two bags as the last piece of this series. If you have any questions about the bags just let me know and I will do my best to answer them!
| Isobag | Expedition 500 | |
| Dimensions | 14 in x 10 in x 21 in | 12 in x 12 in x 20 in |
| Weight | 5 lbs | 9 lbs |
| Supplement Container | Not Included | Included |
| Drawstring Bag | Not Included | Included |
| Chest Strap | Included | Included |
| Meal Area | 12x8x6 in., holds 4-38/28 oz or 6-16 oz/12 oz | removable rack, hold 5 SureLock containers |
| Meal Area Opens | two openings on the sides | one opening on the front |
| Meal Area Stability | partially collapses when empty | does not collapse when empty |
| Containers | 2- 12 oz,2- 16 oz,2- 28 oz, 2- 38 oz | 5 SureLock containers |
| Ice Packs | 2 large Isobricks | 2 small gel ice packs and one large gel ice pack |
| Chill Time | 12-16 hours | 8+ hours |
| Water Bottle Storage | 2 mesh side pockets | 2 zip closed pockets |
| Padded Back | Good | Best |
| Laptop Area | lined, will fit 17" laptop and tablet | lined, will fit 17" laptop and tablet |
| Storage Pockets | unlabeled, non-item specific | labeled, item specific |
| Main Compartment | largest, no divisions | large but divided by meal compartment |
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