I have a question for the people that own this bag. I'm currently trying to decide between the 22 and 27 liter models and I was wondering whether people felt that this bag was awkward to carry when it wasn't fully loaded. Can it be compressed? For the OP, does it feel too tall at all? (we are about the same height is why I'm asking)

When using my Freight messenger bag, it felt fairly unwieldy at times. While I liked that I could fill it up with lots of groceries and whatnot, I didn't like that it was a pain in the butt to bring into a bar or any place that is crowded, which is everywhere in NYC, even when I didn't have much inside the bag

So I'm leaning towards the 22 L bag. My experience bicycle touring seems to have taught me that I carry too much when I have the opportunity to carry it, so maybe it's best to cut that option off at the beginning.

Thanks for any help.