Alpha One Niner Whitley Backpack review (Worth the extra weight?)

[@Nomads.Nation]

Do you want to see the backpack that I'm making? 👉🏼 nomadsnation.com/building-a-backpack

[@nritchie]

Ive had this bag now, the xpac ver, for 6months+ and its my absolute favourite. I'm 5'5 and it's a perfect size for me. Very comfortable to wear and perfect for me for edc/work and travel. Very roomy for its capacity

[@Nomads.Nation]

its truly a great bag

[@patrickphanthanusorn8803]

I own yhe black camo version and it ended my backapck search (I own 6 others). I didnt realize it was 3 pounds. It doesnt feel that way to me. I carry my 17 inch laptop in it and thats the main weight I feel. It will fit in the laptop sleeve but its too thick for quick access and just slightly yoo wide for that extra access zipper. I throw my tablet in the back jnstead and use the main compartment for my laptop with one pouch in the back. The front organization has allowed me to remove all other pouches and it stores everything nicely. I love the frame sheet in it because it lets the bag keep its shape when packed out or not. I have used this on several trips and i just leave my laptop and charger at home. This fits my packing cube, dop kit, camera case, and small extras i bring on trips quite nicely. And it stands on its own. I love this bag but im also curious about the Fyro 😁 for that 5 liter expansion.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Agreed that it kinda feels lighter than it's actual weight! Fyro bag updates coming soon 💪

[@Duanewrites]

Another solid review! I have a pre-owned VX version of the Whitley. Mine does stand, if the front isn't overstuffed. I removed the front frame sheet thing and created an organized dump pocket. The top zipper access to the laptop slleve is great for laptops, but not so great for a 12.9 iPadPro with a Magic Keyboard case. It is comfortable to carry (I'm 6'3) the water bottle holders are narrow, but my 26oz bottle fits nicely in the now dump pocket. I use mostly when I'm teaching or don't feel like carrying a GORUCK bag. The newest version made some changes: The front divider is thinner and lighter, wider access to laptop sleeve, the sleeve goes to the top of the bag, and possibly some other stuff.

[@Nomads.Nation]

thanks dude!

[@delayedsignal3439]

Well thought-out backpack. Like the 2 water bottle pockets -umbrella/water bottle. I like how messy and full it can be packed yet the material holds it all in neatly when closed. Love the interior colour.

[@Nomads.Nation]

me too, very very very solid bag

[@jonuiuc]

I got an evade 1.5 in 420D and it still feels heavy. I was always wondering about this one, cause I was very pre-occupied with have a separate laptop section, but in practice, this extra zipper they have works just as well and probably saves a little weight and thickness. I really like it.

[@Nomads.Nation]

yea I think it's a good solution

[@fabriziogargiulo7435]

I like the two water bottle for the same reason of you umbrella and wb. For the organization i love the minimalist backpack but i love the organization like this that i can use for put all of the little (or not thing ) in the right spot or the space (in the bottom like you do with the headphone) for put a tech pouch or a windproof jacket

[@Nomads.Nation]

oh yea, tons of great organization. I don't personally need two water bottle holders, but I'm never mad about having them lol

[@jonathanli430]

I have been using this bag for about 4 weeks now and I absolutely love it

[@Nomads.Nation]

Awesome to hear you're loving it!

[@fabriziogargiulo7435]

Theres one thing that i hate of this backpack (or in all of my goruck) there is no quick access safe on the top near my neck) . Something like the aer or bellroy style

[@Nomads.Nation]

yea this is a very good point. This bag did not take quick access into consideration

[@Golaso99]

By default I am more drawn to bags with external water bottle pockets, but there is something to be said about how that can mess up the look of the bag and make it look like a bit of a jetpack! Keeping your bottles inside the main compartment retains the original look of the bag, but it does run the risk of leaking on your other gear... and it takes up space inside, and can make it awkward to fit other pouches in.

[@Nomads.Nation]

pros and cons for sure

[@n2boston]

It looks like they updated it: removable logo (now Velcro) and taller laptop sleeve (to make it almost a separate compartment effectively) makes me wonder I should trade in my City Pack Pro for one 🤔

[@Nomads.Nation]

good to know!

[@bluekhaki5818]

They made it lighter too. I think about 2.5 lbs for the XPac according to people in reddit who weighed it after purchase.

[@2wcp]

It still baffles me how a bag of this size could weight 1.6kgs and I was hoping you would explain the reason behind this. This is an almost perfect backpack but the weight is unacceptable to me 😢

[@Nomads.Nation]

Lots of materials + lots of padding = lots of weight. It’s definitely a heavy one

[@BA9010-cncrd]

This is a bit of a late reply, but I recently ordered this, and although its described as heavy, it feels lighter than some of my backpacks (and is very comfortable to wear)

[@tonyg3091]

1.6 kg is heavy? What world are we living in? 😂😂

[@ProVisionOman]

@tonyg3091 heard of carry on weight restrictions? 😂😂😂😂

[@ekasism]

​@@tonyg3091 it is heavy when by itself its almost 30% as heavy as airlines allow to bring with you. And yes, airlines are starting to check the weight on your backpack again.

[@nitiutomoe]

sitting here watching your review with my Whitley next to me.. Just need to mention that I had to change the main compartment's zipper pull, just because I often mistaken it for the admin panel's zipper. Front admin is a bit too much organization for me as EDC, because I'm a tech pouch guy throughout, but I can imagine for minimalist tech org, it'll be perfect. Another note: laptop can be tough to get out when you fully pack out the bag.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Great call on the laptop being difficult to remove - I’ll mention that in future review where bags have this feature

[@kerk6428]

I really, really like the two bottle pockets. Usually one bolds a water bottle, and the other my tripod/kleenex/umbrella. This quick access works very well for me. For this bag, I also like how the tech part goes all the way down to the bottom of the bag. I also usually prefer standalone laptop compartment, but I can make it work. My only hesitation is the weight. If it is about 2.5lbs for this size, it'd be almost the perfect bag for me

[@Nomads.Nation]

All things considered though.... it's a really impressive bag

[@FiLtheThriL]

The double access on the main would be cool if it didn't double the susceptibility to the weather. Now your stuff gets wet twice as fast. Love this bag otherwise. Thanks for the upload.

[@Nomads.Nation]

interesting point! I think some PU coated zips would have greatly helped with this

[@Brian_Lau]

I like having two external water bottle holders for water bottles, wet umbrellas, quick access to small items etc. It would be preferable if they stay flush with the silhouette of the bag when not in use and maybe have zippers to secure quick access items.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thanks for your comment! And agreed that flush = better

[@Brian_Lau]

What’s your opinion on this vs the bellroy transit 20L?

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@Brian_Lau very different bags and a very vague question. If you ask me something specific and I'd be happy to help 💪

[@Brian_Lau]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@Nomads.NationGood point. Looking for EDC for work with extra room (sneakers, gym clothes, towel, lunch, water bottle, coffee, umbrella) but with small profile for commuting to work. The bellroy is lighter, more aesthetic (to me), better water resistance due to the zippers, but no outer water bottle pocket for wet umbrellas and less breathable back panel and straps. The Whitley looks more comfortable, has more choices in materials, outer water bottle pockets, but is heavy and looks a brick 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@Brian_Lau you can't go wrong with either, you just gotta weigh the pros and cons (there's no such thing as a perfect bag haha). Have you thought about the Bellroy Transit Workpack (kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmmro4mspq6dnpI) - it has basically all the benefits of the Transit 20L but with a innie/outtie water bottle pocket. Also check out the Able Carry Daily Backpack Plus (ablecarry.com/products/daily-plus?variant=44265629909304) - could be a good middle option

[@MrJenssen]

If I didn't already have the Aer 14L pack (City pack? Something like that), I would definitely have gone for this one. 20L is smooth, I feel like Aer's 14L pack is sometimes a tad too small. Having two water bottle pockets is also a plus.

[@Nomads.Nation]

yea 14L feels so great/light..., but it gets real tight real fast. That's the beauty of 20L for EDC - it's usually not fully packed, but when you need that exra space it's always there

[@LokGop]

I do Not have a watterbottleholder on my black ember Forge backpack and it has Not Been a big deal for me. Especially Now that i am Using the A5 memobottle.

[@Nomads.Nation]

membottles; saving backpacks with no waterbottle holders for 5 years lol

[@Bob-t4f7z]

Vanquest has something similar with the Addax 18 and 25. Same color inside and same kind of administration panel. Did you ever tested this backpack? and what is your opinion?

[@Nomads.Nation]

Haven’t tested it, hoping to soon

[@machtmer]

Very interesting. Particularly given the price and materials/design; compelling value proposition. I like the overall design language. Some nits: I really don’t understand using non-PU zips if one is going to use XPac; I too would prefer the tech compartment to be separate (and to have a PU zip if literally nothing else does); also, I can envision a scenario where a fully loaded pack falls off from a suitcase by way of the Velcro on the luggage strap giving way. But very impressive given price!

[@Nomads.Nation]

Agreed - it’s a very solid value proposition!

[@SAFiW0RLD]

Thanks for the review i really love the bag, and as an aer fan, the bag just 1 step away from being the best bag ever for me i would put this bag in 1st place if it had side zip pocket instead of bottle packet for keys, and waterproof zip for laptop compartment ps. i hope your next bag will full my wishes 😂

[@Nomads.Nation]

My bag will have a zip pocket for keys and a waterproof laptop compartment 🙌

[@nolainnogain]

Would you take this over the Aer City Pack/pro? Which do you find more comfortable?

[@Nomads.Nation]

I think Aer is the most comfortable - super padded shoulders straps and back panel

[@davidjoseph4459]

My Shimoda camera backpack gives dual access to the laptop. It’s actually a great feature. But I agree with the other comment about potential weather leakage.

[@Nomads.Nation]

💯

[@adamtager]

Any chance of an update on this, comparing the Whitley to the new Aer Pro Pack 20L? I see them sharing a similar use case and I'm so torn between them...

[@Nomads.Nation]

No chance on a comparison video (unless you wanna pay us for it 😜), but I’m happy to answer any questions you might have 💪🏻

[@adamtager]

@@Nomads.Nation Ha! I’m looking for an EDC bag, currently have the EG CHZ 22, but I think it’s just a little big for everyday. Plus, no organization. Use case for me something to take back and forth to work with space for a laptop, lunchbox, water bottle, and random office accessories like papers and pens, etc. I like the look of the new Pro Pack, there’s a separate laptop compartment and it’s a lower price point, but I don’t love how the top bulges when the front pocket is full. Also skeptical of how close the shoulder straps are to each other, some reviewers noted that. Also don’t know if I need the valet pocket or if it will just take up space. For the A19, shouldn’t have the bulge problem since the front pocket goes all the way down, but there’s no separate laptop pocket (although the access point is clever) and it’s more expensive. Also love the orange interior. Thoughts for my EDC? If only the City Pack Pro came in 20/22L…

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@adamtager you can’t go wrong with either, but I’d lean towards the Aer Pro personally. The budge and shoulder straps were not a problem in my experience. But you can’t go wrong with either!

[@CountCocofang]

Absolutely love the inside color and the front opening. But that this thing can't stand well on its own is a total dealbreaker.

[@Nomads.Nation]

I love a self-standing bag as well, but in Alpha's defense 95% of bags cannot self stand

[@CountCocofang]

@@Nomads.Nation That just means I won't buy 95% of bags. All they need is a solid bottom. Could even make a flippable solution. But a bag that you can't put anywhere because it's constantly falling over is just horrible for me.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@CountCocofang agreed its not my preference either, but most people don't really mind it. Plus a bag that self-stands has to be super boxy on the bottom, which doesn't look as nice and makes the bag much bulkier, so I get why most people don't require it (us not included lol)

[@ampzentertainment468]

Amazing review, my question is where did you get that small tripod from? I've been looking for something similar for a while now

[@Nomads.Nation]

cheers! I got it at some random local market in Vietnam but it's basically something like this - www.amazon.com/Tvache-Selfie-Stick-Tripod-Lightweight/dp/B08FH679WJ/ref=sxin_14_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.96232a40-8dad-410b-aa59-aa3d5b2415c7%3Aamzn1.sym.96232a40-8dad-410b-aa59-aa3d5b2415c7&crid=2952WW7RWEZ9H&cv_ct_cx=huawei+tripod&keywords=huawei+tripod&pd_rd_i=B08FH679WJ&pd_rd_r=f7384bf0-08dc-49dc-9d62-0cc058196781&pd_rd_w=K0x8s&pd_rd_wg=CGkVq&pf_rd_p=96232a40-8dad-410b-aa59-aa3d5b2415c7&pf_rd_r=6XYH76B5RP5QS4K2RXDT&qid=1704592353&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=hyawei+trip%2Caps%2C383&sr=1-2-364cf978-ce2a-480a-9bb0-bdb96faa0f61-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&psc=1

[@vitenp]

do you know a pack that can stand on it own without being full and also has its own laptop compartment?

[@Nomads.Nation]

The bag I’m making will! But aside from that, no I cant think of one (at least that can stand by itself even when not packed out)

[@r3toun]

Don't know if you ever wore it different, but that hairstyle is bomb on you!

[@Nomads.Nation]

ha thanks, but I cut it - wayyy too much maintenance and bad hair days lol

[@r3toun]

@@Nomads.Nation Just another victim of convenience, i feel you on that! Shaved my head when i started balding, best thing i ever did.

[@e.m.a.g876]

Perfect review as usual. I already own the Air City pack Pro and in the market for a smaller addition, do you think they are too close in specs? (since you mentioned the Are as alternative)

[@Nomads.Nation]

thanks dude! These are definitely pretty close... but they feel/carry diffferently enough, so if you have the disposable income, I'd say give it a shot

[@e.m.a.g876]

@@Nomads.Nation thanks for taking time answering. :)

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@e.m.a.g876 always!

[@bani_niba]

Too heavy for a smaller backpack. Otherwise, some nice features. I like 2 waterbottle pockets - I often carry two bottles, one for me and another for my SO.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Heavy for sure, but not a deal breaker for me. It’s so durable and it’s got a great build.

[@FelixHuray]

What city are you in?

[@Nomads.Nation]

Hong kong 🇭🇰

[@everyweekcarry]

Love the name, but they spelled it wrong. I want to love this bag. The organization is perfect. Love two water bottle holders (I never carry two, but love the symmetry and use the second for dumping a phone as you go through security checkpoints). Just don't love how boxy it is. And should definitely stand on its own.

[@Nomads.Nation]

its a bit boxey for sure, but not a deal-breaker for me

[@ShelleyE]

this looks like organizational bliss!

[@Nomads.Nation]

It truly is haha

[@bee-anca236]

Bag has great qualities for sure. I’m just a super stickler about having my laptop in its own zipper. I do love how they tried to give an option to the main compartment, but just imaging what I have in there…it still could be difficult to get to the laptop/tablet. *also weird there’s no protective coating on that zip tho I also never needed two water bottle holders - but do like options to store shit on the side with expandable or secure options 😊

[@bee-anca236]

Nvm of course you caught that lol

[@Nomads.Nation]

Caught it! Two water bottle holders is one of those things where I’m like ‘I don’t need that!’ But when I have it holy moly can they be useful 😂

[@christianbearden28]

I need about 28 liters. Ugh

[@Nomads.Nation]

So close but so far

[@unfi6798]

A19er - Cowabunga.!

[@Nomads.Nation]

It’s a classic!

[@arlencarlson]

That's heavy for a mere 20L backpack!

[@Nomads.Nation]

It is, but not a deal-breaker necessarily if you think the other features can help neutralize it imo

[@fredperry9235]

Too heavy

[@Nomads.Nation]

it is quite heavy

[@fredperry9235]

@@Nomads.Nation I have an awesome Timbuktu backpack but it's just too heavy for everyday use. Good for travelling. Being Aussie I really like Crumpler

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@fredperry9235 love Crumpler's look, I haven't checked one out personally yet

[@fredperry9235]

@@Nomads.Nation You really should. Bellroy is another Melbourne brand that's popular but I don't personally own one. Crumpler is more popular here in Australia. Great videos!! Keep up the good work

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@fredperry9235 cheers dude!