Alpaka Bravo Sling Max V2 Review (Is this the best laptop sling?)

[@Nomads.Nation]

Do you want to help me build a game-changing backpack? 👉🏼 nomadsnation.com/building-a-backpack

[@markymark7619]

@@Nomads.Nation sorry..NO, I’m more a sling bag user.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@markymark7619 cool 👍

[@StriderEsq]

I got the Limited Edition of this bag with Xpac and blood orange Interior. Its my favorite EDC for roaming around the City. I do agree also that the zippers are load, but the bag is just so fun to carry.

[@Nomads.Nation]

awesome to hear!

[@evgeniydeus8137]

Yep, just yesterday got mine delivered)

[@bradlamrs]

Been using it for the past month or so, any chance you find a solution to reduce the noise of the zippers?boss had been complaining while traveling together 😂 otherwise really great bag

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@bradlamrstell ur boss they are too noisy 😉 And no, the zips are the way they are. Waterproof zips are always a bit louder than the non PU zips

[@evgeniydeus8137]

@@bradlamrs The only nondestructive thing that I can think of is to wrap pullers in a heat shrink tube. In theory it should reduce jingliness significally)

[@cgazlan]

I always wear this sling on the back... And I love the blueeeee

[@Nomads.Nation]

Nice!

[@Lead_Foot]

I like the vivid interior colors. Makes it a very high contrast background to make it easy to spot things even in lower light conditions.

[@Nomads.Nation]

agreed! It's just the particular shade of blue I'm not as sure about

[@CigarLawyerLife]

I have had this bag since it came out and love it. The hi viz blue interior is great and a nice change from orange and grey. The bag carries both my 14” MacBook Pro and my 12.9” iPad Pro. The magnetic key chain and s also great.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Awesome to hear! I def think it’s a great bag for the right person/packout

[@danmt87]

Hey are you able to fit your Ipad pro 12.9 in the back compartment or you need to put it in the main one? Thanks!

[@SnapScaper]

@@danmt87 I bought it a while ago. This thing can fit a lot. The iPad fits in the back and could still squeeze in field notes or a thin planner. Solid pack overall but I dislike the jingle on the zippers, which drove me insane when I was pulling stuff out before a doctor's appointment 😅. And they jingle even louder because of the restricted access which makes you really dig around.

[@arcticblue248]

I'm a big guy at above 400 lbs and I got the Bravo Sling Max as I supported their Kickstarter project back in the days and is very very happy with this bag, I bought this exstension strap they have at the store and with the stabilizer strap that also can be bought to the bag it makes a very sturdy bag to have, and easy to take on and of, and with my size the bag is very comfortable to wear and I think it is the first and only bag I have had that fitted me like this, all the other bags I had to Macgyver to get better fit. Because I love their style and gear I have bought lots of other stuff as well, and other bags from them, I have the phonecase that you can have on your strap so its easy to access and other things. All in all I honestly love it, and in a world where we are many who are fat ... (large size) we also want to have some stuff and its nice to see that some companies do notice us and make us cloths that fits and bags for that matter.

[@Nomads.Nation]

💪

[@TheLimhammett]

The alternatives section of the video is seriously underrated ❤

[@Nomads.Nation]

that's awesome to hear, thank you! we are very proud of that section and put a ton of thought into making sure the alternatives are closely associated with the pack we are reviewing, while also bringing something new to the table

[@mktzmi2850]

As someone who owns the original Bravo Max (non v2) that I backed from the kickstarter and it's my ultimate EDC, a few differences from the v2 but all in all the same, but as someone who travels with a tablet almost ALL the time this is the perfect size. The blue interior lining is something you don't really notice much after a while if you love blue. But if you don't like the colour, they have the colours iirc. I also have the normal Bravo X sling (non max) quite a significant size difference there. And I also have a Peak Design Sling 10L. All of which I switch in between depending on what I'm doing, where I'm going and how much or how big the items I'm bringing. As a person who carries a beefy tablet all the time, 10L is the ideal size for EDC for me.

[@Nomads.Nation]

💯

[@CrispyTuckley]

Another great review, Aaron--I own and love this bag. I like the blue interior. I have so many orange interiors.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thanks dude ! And yes the blue interior is def unique and refreshing in many ways

[@LukeHartley]

I love the bright orange interior. I’ve found it creates great contrast for the items I put in the bag. Super easy to find things.

[@Nomads.Nation]

for sure!

[@proodscot]

Blue is great for a work bag - bolder than grey but understated enough and provides the required contrast.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Good point!

[@osivkos]

Just ordered and waiting for it ! Can't wait to test drive ! Love the blue 👌

[@Nomads.Nation]

+1 for the blue!

[@osivkos]

💪

[@zZKableZz]

You can Fit a steam deck with the Jsaux case and cover AND an Ipad pro m2 11 inch. As well as power banks and other things. Great sling

[@Nomads.Nation]

thanks for that!

[@balotv4317]

I think the blue color is fine, but I prefer the orange internal color, and maybe the green exterior, but I think that's a limited edition version of this bag

[@Nomads.Nation]

Love me a green exterior

[@JeffDonath-i8e]

I’m digging the blue. Better than the flaming orange

[@Nomads.Nation]

Nice!

[@mannykhan7752]

Great review. This is exactly what I'm looking for.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ikedewinter1213]

Thing I like the most is the price to quality ratio for what you get it's a real deal

[@Nomads.Nation]

agreed, Alpaka is bringing a lot of value to the table

[@brndzdg]

Just saw your video and I have had the Bravo Sling Max during their Kickstarter period. Got the blue interior, which is really nice, and a lot of HUB accessories. It is currently my favorite EDC sling even if it's a bit bigger than other slings (I tend to bring a lot of stuff). Fits my laptop, tablet, umbrella, power banks, and some other essentials easily. One issue is the wear and tear on the YKK zippers' rubber starting to peel. I think it is quite common to these kinds of aqua guard zippers though. Hope that I can get a future iteration of the Bravo Sling Max if ever I need to retire my current one.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Awesome to hear, thank you!

[@GreginLA18]

Thank you excellent. Bravo! It’s like a ginormous fanny pack. I don’t mind the blue. It’s much better than some other companies that I’ve seen that puts a bright orange inside the bag. Would I have liked a darker shade of blue inside perhaps yes, but I guess when it’s in the dark room, you can see inside the bag better and that’s probably the main purpose why it’s so bright so you don’t have to shine a flash to see what’s in there.

[@Nomads.Nation]

exactly

[@Snowcap-CrewBear]

It's too bad they don't offer the Bravo Max V2 in an OD/Blaze Orange colorway..If they did, I fear I would be picking one up! 🙁

[@Nomads.Nation]

🧡

[@markymark7619]

I’ve had this bag for over a year it’s a great bag but sometimes I need more than 10L so I have a couple sing bags for when I need a bit more space.

[@Nomads.Nation]

💪🏻

[@YACKon]

I'm planning a one-year trip around the globe and this sling does everything I need. It carries and laptop and my think notebook and it can double as a day pack. I'm not crazy about the blue color but the orange is that is shown on the Alpaka site is my style. I'm 6-3 so the size is not a problem. The only thing I don't like about your video is the Miami Heat t-shirt. ;-) (Go Celts.)

[@Nomads.Nation]

The only way this sling would be better is if the interior colors were red and white with a Miami Heat logo inside it (go Heat)

[@jonuiuc]

One thing I never liked much about the alpaka straps that have the padding sewn on, is that I can't get the "short" side short enough. I'd like to have that end higher on my back (like on a chrome, defy, or greenrroom shoulder bag/sling) but as you show, unless you wear it lower down your back there is too much length and the padded part ends up over your chest. Pity this one has the magnetic shoulder mounts, if it had big 1.5" g hooks the DSPTCH padded strap could be subbed in. Thats what I used on my Alpaka tech brief when I had it, the strap that came with that had the same issue.

[@Nomads.Nation]

I’ve heard those DSPTCH shoulder straps are great… or is it Defy I’m thinking of? 🤔

[@jonuiuc]

@@Nomads.Nation Its probably the DEFY strap you heard about. The defy straps are probably the best ones I've tried. The DSPTCH strap just happened to use the same G-Hooks as the alpaka.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@jonuiuc that's right, I've heard a lot about that strap haha. I haven't reviewed anything by either DEFY or DSPTCH - hoping to soon

[@backslashio]

Really like this bag (don't own it), can easily fit a giant iPad Pro, a water bottle & some other gear without requiring the usual backpack. I do wish it had some kind of compression system to reduce the "bulk" and I don't like how Alpaka implements the straps for their addons whether you want them or not - kinda stuck with it and loses some style points. I'd say its almost the perfect bag for study/someone who just needs to carry tech gear yet perhaps not an everyday sling.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Good points!

[@toddcastaldi6536]

Alpaka’s black & orange is my jam, so I’d have to go with the limited edition version. I’m with you, I’m not feeling the blue interior.

[@Nomads.Nation]

I like the idea of the blue, but the implementation just didn’t work for me - but others seem to love it, so it’s just a taste thing

[@jerrywilliams408]

Just received the X-Pac version today. Can't wait to put this to the test.

[@Nomads.Nation]

keep us posted!

[@amymoore6218]

I absolutely love this blue interior!!

[@Nomads.Nation]

Good to know!

[@willp1653]

My Xpac version came in a few days ago. I'm debating returning it. While it is orange inside I actually wouldn't mind the blue (its different). The problem is the...beef. I'm more plant focused and yeah, everything just feels a tad too thicc. That top compartment not unzipping all the way is not great too. I wanted a minimal laptop/tech bag for coffee shop visits so the Bellroy Via Workbag (briefcase) still fits the idea very nicely if not a tad boring. Maybe I will check out the Aer alternative you mentioned though.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thicc has its pros - lots more padding/protection for tech gear/camera gear/steam deck. But it also feels…. thicc lol

[@j.b.1903]

I saw a review of a bag from a company called Monarc that they simply call “the Sling.” I thought it looked really intriguing as a minimal laptop tech bag that doesn’t tip over into a backpack - I probably would have picked it up if I hadn’t just bought a Tomtoc bag that is very similar and fills that same role (it’s not a type of bag I need very often, I’m usually fine carrying a larger EDC backpack). So I can’t vouch for it personally, but if you want a sling that fits a laptop and keeps the size minimal while also having a lot of pro features, I’d recommend giving that Monarc bag a look. Edit: Just saw that Aaron did a review of this bag six months ago! Maybe just watch that. 😂

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@j.b.1903 great call, I've reviewed it, great sling

[@unfi6798]

Is there a word for someone who feel disturb with danglers & jingle zippers.? Blue is cool. Great presentation mate. Also love the t-shirt, Perth Heat is doing well. Cheers AR & Team.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Go Heat!

[@TheLimhammett]

Hey Aaron. Thanks to your review, I’ve finally bought this sling. I kinda appreciate your detailed review especially about the zippers jingling. Initially, I thought you were just being nitpicky but oh boy, the zippers jinggling does get annoying after sometime 😂

[@Nomads.Nation]

It’s a bit nitpicky but also true haha

[@atNguyen-yt8ey]

I have been using one since early 2022. A great bag for me, easily packed with all of my daily essentials. Just for reference, I work as a software engineer, so my essentials include a laptop (14inch Macbook) + charger, ipad mini, some pens and a small notebook, a power bank, wallet and keys. Sometimes I bring my Nintedo Switch too.

[@Nomads.Nation]

awesome to hear!

[@AutoYoung]

I own this bag and love the blue. It’s great. I’m missing the issue with it…

[@Nomads.Nation]

No issue at all, just a taste preference

[@AutoYoung]

@@Nomads.Nation I think issue was the wrong term. But I just meant from a bag standpoint being high visibility on the inside it does the job…

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@AutoYoung agreed! Very functional

[@bryanfunk4151]

I had this. It was a great design. I had hoped to use it for a personal travel bag for travel. It was too small for that use.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Could be a great personal travel bag, just depends on how much gear you have

[@kaci0098]

It seems that the padding kf the shoulder strap stays on chest instead of shoulder?? Is it adjustable?

[@GiantEagle610]

I agree with the “beefiness” description. Mine is Alpaka Bravo Sling Pro V2 which is the smaller brother and only 6 Litres. I feel like Winnie the Pooh when I hang the sling in front of me

[@Nomads.Nation]

😂

[@robert.sec2]

Wish I'd been able to grab the limited green version of this one, with the orange interior. I don't know what it is about that blue that makes it feel so wrong; like, it's bright, so it's functional, helping you see you gear. It's a nice compliment to the grey. It's a pretty blue. But for whatever reason, when I see pictures, I'm like, yeah, that's one of the worst design choices you could have made here. In practice, extremely garish.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Totally agree. In theory it should work, but in practice it just doesn’t imo

[@TLhike]

Lot of companies are going to magnetic straps & closures but having fam members w medical devices rare earth mags are a no go!! Hope aer keeps the old school duraflex for future. Great review tho luv channel!!

[@Nomads.Nation]

never thought of that before, thanks for sharing!

[@TLhike]

I know its a small minority but its a concern. Good luck on FYRO looks really cool! Cant wait for sling as well! Peace

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@TLhike cheers!

[@JamesDerousselle]

Would this be good for a digital nomad? I’m heading to Bangkok in Feb 2024

[@Nomads.Nation]

If you want a messenger for sure! But I always prefer a backpack for comfort

[@JamesDerousselle]

@@Nomads.Nation yo respect bruh. Your content is so dope. I’m soaking it all in as I plan to be out of the US all 2024.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@JamesDerousselle thanks dude! Glad you found it helpful and best of luck with your epic travels 💪

[@morganbowden3005]

Blue interior is okay and it is a good looking shade of blue. However I think orange or gray interior would have made the bag feel more premium.

[@Nomads.Nation]

I agree. I like the idea of the blue, but in implementation it’s just… not really working for me

[@evgeniydeus8137]

I'm a big dude, 186 cm and quite wide, and for me the default strap is too short. Good thing Alpaka sells an extended version of that strap. Bad thing it's extra $30 out of my pocket...

[@Nomads.Nation]

Not ideal, but better than nothing

[@evgeniydeus8137]

@@Nomads.NationYeah, otherwise I would've been bummed. With light closes the shortness of the strap is okay, barely acceptable, but the winter is coming and with winter jacket it gets downright uncomfortable - tested it today.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@evgeniydeus8137winter is coming

[@georgeseriani2482]

No blue my bravo sling max v2 is mcb with a blaze orange interor use it everyday made with xpac X50!!

[@Nomads.Nation]

Nice!

[@teddytjhie2457]

Aaron, you should review the new Black Ember Grip Sling!

[@Nomads.Nation]

It’s in my possession! Hoping to get a review live in early 2024

[@lumilikha]

Does it stand on its own?

[@Nomads.Nation]

Not very well, no

[@PalmBeachDog]

I was interested in a review of this bag. But all it really did was remind me of how much I love my Aer Travel sling 2.

[@Nomads.Nation]

The Travel Sling feels a lot bigger but also is more comfortable imo

[@kphshot4710]

would it fit a 15inch laptop?

[@Nomads.Nation]

Don’t have one so can’t say - please reach out to Alpaka customer support and let us know what they say 🙏🏽

[@kevy1247]

Same inner color tone to Thule bags

[@Nomads.Nation]

Good to know!

[@crazycrazysnakeman]

Just watched the go sling review and you said the interior was too dark. You don’t like this one either

[@windeljrgarciano28]

I share the same view as him. I have the go sling mini. But really wish there's another interior colour. For this, the blue just doesn't work out for me. Hahaha

[@Nomads.Nation]

Both get the job done - but dark interiors are too dark and this blue looks a bit cheap to me. I’m usually a fan of gray or cream interiors, or orange sometimes

[@proodscot]

Is not the best - not big enough for a laptop. I have a 13 inch laptop and found I had to empty large items from the bag to get the laptop out. Shame because I love the form factor. I replaced it with an Aer travel sling.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Yea the space is pretty compromised/tight. A laptop will fit, but getting out can be a struggle

[@peachypound6108]

The blue is supposed to be for high visibility

[@Nomads.Nation]

Agreed, I just don’t think it looks great.

[@GenuineArticle71]

@ 3:22 "super controversial blue color" -really??

[@Nomads.Nation]

in the small Carry Community, yes. In the larger world in general, absolutely not. 😂

[@GenuineArticle71]

@@Nomads.Nation Although i'm an owner of this bag and never use it for a host of reason not covered in this video, using as a tech' bag the blue makes it easy to see gear as most action cameras, batteries, etc are made black.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@GenuineArticle71 agreed! It's not the functionality of the blue, but the specific hue of blue that is controversial. Many people are not fans (check the comments)

[@jeffkogler1170]

I love the blue. It's actually a bit richer than the colour I see on the video on my laptop. I purchased on sale this morning. I have other Alpaka bags and like the brand.

[@georgeseriani2482]

I never notice the jingle

[@Nomads.Nation]

I’m OCD lol

[@wick3dheathen]

that sling looks like a lunch pale your parents take to an amusement park XD

[@Nomads.Nation]

lol you're not wrong

[@algergonzalez]

Now we know why they used this type of bag. Seems to be a great buy.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@algergonzalez 💯

[@AgnesRiley]

It's pronounced as "phow'. Meanwhile the "pho" is pronounced as 'fa'. :-D

[@Nomads.Nation]

true dat

[@Soupie62]

Never mind laptops - my tablet is a Tab S8 Ultra, at 8.3" x 12.9". That size eliminates a LOT of bag options.

[@Nomads.Nation]

fo sho!

[@tonyc1688aable]

Honest opinion, to me this is an ugly bag……😅 I saw your other video and went to bought an aer day sling 3 max. Great buy.

[@Nomads.Nation]

glad to help!

[@eitanlahyani1]

Hospital blue! That’s a heavy NO mate ;)

[@Nomads.Nation]

Not my favorite either lol

[@cheesun124]

That's huge, that's not a sling, LOL

[@Nomads.Nation]

yea more like a messenger lol

[@matteugenio]

Aaron, you described this sling extremely accurately - BEEFY 🥩

[@Nomads.Nation]

🐮

[@321southtube]

It's blue. If you don't like it... don't get it. Lighten up. If you want to shell out mucho so everyone can have the interior color, they must have then drop more to get that. It's blue...deal with it or move on.

[@Nomads.Nation]

word

[@boshuawin7800]

This is not a sling. This is a messenger bag

[@Nomads.Nation]

bring it up with Alpaka and their naming conventions lol

[@KFG721]

Faux = “fo” 😊

[@Nomads.Nation]

fo sho

[@norseworx]

Dude that blue material is awful - Fyro AVOID please and thank you lol

[@Nomads.Nation]

Yea not my cup of tea either lol

[@jemfalor]

this is too big for a sling bag

[@Nomads.Nation]

technically its more like a sling/messenger fusion, but I agree, I'd much rather wear a small backpack