Bellroy Apex Backpack - First Impressions [2020]

Here's my first impressions on Bellroy's most ambitious, AND most expensive backpack. Clean design, great materials, and amazing build. They surprised me with this one.
You can find the pack here: bellroy.com/pr...
#BellroyApex #Bellroy

[@HumorousMaximus]

UPDATE: Bellroy has updated their warranty for the Apex to 10 years. It’s much better than 3 but falls way short compared to other brands in my stable.

[@Tony16610]

I also have this bag and have been debating on whether or not to keep it. I saw Chase's video as well and if Bellroy comes out and says they'll offer a 10+ year warranty on this bag, then I may keep it. Three years is an absolute joke.

[@fredrik_g]

What other brands are you referring to?

[@HumorousMaximus]

Triple Aught Designs, Tom Bihn, Northface, LBB (limited), Mission Workshop, Chrome Industries, Evergoods.

[@fredrik_g]

HumorousMaximus Thank you - are any package from them in perticular you would recomend checking out?

[@HumorousMaximus]

They’re all worth checking out, depending on your needs. I have videos for all of them. Knock yourself out.

[@pinkybunyi4982]

Thanks for this detailed initial review. I hope you’re as impressed with this bag now as you were two years ago. I’ll wait for an update on this bag. 😊

[@HumorousMaximus]

I’ve said this on a few other replies, not sure if you’ve already seen this but the bag has been sitting in the corner of my office since I bought it. I do plan to make a follow up video on expensive bags in general but I won’t have a long-term review for this bag.

[@imlazy77]

I had the same initial thoughts as you. I love Bellroy, but thought this bag was overpriced AF. But now that people are getting their hands on it, and seeing how everything seems to be very well thought out, I think the price tag very well justifies it.

[@mikeespineli5288]

Wow really impressed with all the details. Every aspect seems considered.

[@jrrichards9392]

Fit and finish seems great. And colors are awesome. I just not a fan of the top loaders, shape, price and closing mechanism.

[@dogtownheroes]

Just got this today, thanks to your review. Absolutely love it!

[@HumorousMaximus]

Good stuff. Hope it works out for you.

[@donjr.m]

Nice video man. I seen a few videos about this bag. Your review is A+. You’ve swayed my thoughts, now I’m really leaning towards getting this bag. The only problem that’s holding me back is the 3 year warranty :( I could see the materials are premium, lifetime warranty shouldn’t be an issue. Maybe a black color way apex would be nice too. Don’t get me wrong, the current color scheme is killer.

[@michaeln1906]

The warranty is now 10 years according to Bellroy's website

[@td7663]

By far one of KZbin’s best bag reviewers. Bo ismono can retire. You’re on Chase Reeves level. His style is different than yours. You’re more straight to the point and I love it. Keep doing you

[@nte2336]

this is the video i'm waiting for!! will wait for long term in 2 months

[@HumorousMaximus]

Hate to break it to you, but it may be much longer than 2 months. Once things normalize and I can commute again, I still have 2 other bags to test out. MW Khyte and Evergoods Half Zip. Stick around though!

[@nte2336]

@@HumorousMaximus will stick around for sure i'm deciding between this and the axiom24

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

Having the Bell-Roy Classic Back pack in premium edition and the Bell-Roy Transit pack, I’m trying to do the grown up thing and say I don’t need this one. But the review you did, and Chase make me have that crack addiction scratch at wanting to get my fix. Damm it, great review by the way I subscribed and look forward to others....Now to see how this fits into my line up or does it?

[@HumorousMaximus]

Welcome to my world, haha. I hate that I keep spending money on stuff like this but there I go combing the web looking for cool new bags. Thanks for watching!

[@utubetole]

$450USD... that’s steep for an EDC. Any plans to do a run through of the Mystery Ranch x Carryology Assaul?

[@HumorousMaximus]

I do want to try something of theirs but they just haven’t made something I’m looking for. I have mixed feelings about Carryology’s latest collaboration.

[@utubetole]

HumorousMaximus can I ask what feelings do you have about their latest Collab? I’m interested in this bag as an upgrade to my north Face Kaban.

[@HumorousMaximus]

It’s mostly that massive bright-orange logo sitting front and center. It’s tacky’s up the bag a bit, I think. I’m also not the biggest fan of narrow and tall bags.

[@Colourisedspoon]

I am here for the keyboard! What is it? And the keycaps too

[@HumorousMaximus]

MassDrop Alt with MaxKey keycaps.

[@mendoza0656]

The bag looks great! I'm a big fan of Bellroy and own a few of their bags. Hesitant due to the price though. You should do a load out video to show how much you can stuff in it. Anyways, thanks for video.

[@HumorousMaximus]

I’ll save that for the review... or maybe it’s own video now that we’re all stuck at home 🤔. I’ll see if I can squeeze in some free time to do it.

[@_krakra_]

HumorousMaximus really interested how comfy straps are under heavy load.

[@Sundawg102]

Really liked the backpack and then I saw the price wowzers... Great review, maybe if it was $150 or so I would get it.

[@michaelreed649]

Ugh, why couldn't you find something Horrible about it! I love the look but my wife will kill me if I get it. I was hoping you would tell me that it Sucks. Great review as always.

[@MrJed_s]

If they've used the same seat-belty strap and matte metal buckle for the harness as their Transit bag, the straps will probably loosen by themselves all the time like they do with the Transit. You're welcome ;)

[@HumorousMaximus]

Long term review should help bubble up any underlying issues. The thin sternum strap and fine leather loops for the slide hook are the things I’m going to keep my eye on.

[@michaelreed649]

@@MrJed_s Thank you Jed. LOL I needed that.

[@michaelreed649]

@@HumorousMaximus I will be glad to watch that long term review, however long it might take to review during the pandemic.

[@Ken-dm5xt]

Would love to hear a follow up on this after many months of use. It's a very expensive bag so I’m sure a lot of people would like to hear about long term use.

[@HumorousMaximus]

I plan to whenever I actually start commuting again. Been working from home since March, none of my bags have been used in months.

[@Ken-dm5xt]

@@HumorousMaximus Makes sense. Feels like it was so long ago where it's normal and safe to commute. But either way, thanks for this thorough first impression video.

[@angelocirillo]

Great review!

[@jaygray91]

The price is extremely ridiculous, bit when you took us around the bag showing the construction of the bag, that's where all the cost shine through. Ain't no way to have that seamless kind of look for cheap. Closest I can think of having this seamlessness and would be having crazy construction process would be Cote&ciel bags.

[@rptempmail1]

hi thanks for yet another awesome review. i am interested in this bag but i need to carry a small compact umbrella for rainy days. can you please indicate if it would fit in any of the side external pockets? thanks again!

[@HumorousMaximus]

Anything that’s 14”-15” could work, IF you use the last loop available. Anything larger than that would stick out too far and the flap would be unable to reach the leather loops.

[@rptempmail1]

@@HumorousMaximus many thanks for your response and please keep up your excellent reviews!

[@TonicLime1]

Is it comfortable to wear for commuting?

[@HumorousMaximus]

There’s not much commuting happening these days. I did wear it briefly fully packed out and it was really comfortable... for those few minutes. Made a video about it, feel free to check it out in my channel.

[@davidzaitz6628]

When you use the rolltop expansion - how big do you think it gets - packed out heavily is it still comfortable? If it comfortably went to 30 - 35L I would strongly consider it

[@HumorousMaximus]

Somethings incoming that should help answer that 😉.

[@vjPulp]

How do you feel about having the water bottle INSIDE of the bag? Other than it's not very accessible, it would bother me to have water potentially leaking onto my tech...

[@HumorousMaximus]

Not worried about leaking, I use bottles that don’t sweat. Having an internal bottle pocket is not my favorite thing about it. It was definitely a trade off.

[@chrisadams4904]

$450 USD and $699 AUD... sorry the design and material doesn't cut it for that price

[@quietlives]

1.4kg for only 26L. This is definitely not acceptable. Tom Bihn Synapse 25 has 0.832 kg for 25L.

[@HumorousMaximus]

Both great bags. The Apex has genuine leather and extra materials for the integrated laptop compartment. This isn’t something I’d count as a negative.

[@jankel4452]

Agree. I would buy it today if it was anything under 0.8kg

[@_krakra_]

How do you like baida nylon? My copy producing white marks over the material and it looks like patina which usually wax canvas produce.

[@HumorousMaximus]

I was told to expect the Baida Nylon to patina with use, and that it’s not abrasion. Just due to the crinkle finish. Basically the more you use it the more it will show.

[@j0404t]

How do you think the hook will hold up over the years? I'm concerned because closure of the bag relies on that 1 hook. But be just psychological, but i feel a zipper would distribute wear better?

[@HumorousMaximus]

The hook will be totally fine, its a solid piece of hardware. If anything, the fine leather loops would likely wear before anything else does. Lifetime warranty would’ve been nice.

[@j0404t]

@@HumorousMaximus thx. for that price, i'll only buy if it's lifetime warranty.

[@_krakra_]

Any update from using it ?

[@HumorousMaximus]

Nope. Haven’t commuted to work since March of 2020 and no idea when I’ll commute again.

[@kevinlitam3466]

What kind of keyboard was that again?

[@HumorousMaximus]

MassDrop Alt with MaxKey key caps. 👌🏼

[@JRodizAwesome]

Will you be riding with this bag on?

[@HumorousMaximus]

That’s the plan, just not sure when that’ll be.

[@intrinsicimagery]

This video made me have a heart attack. I thought the speakers on the right side of my backpack blew. ALSO: I’d kick my own ass before i paid $450 bucks for a backpack. We are gonna be in the house for another six months.

[@HumorousMaximus]

Shoulder mounted camera wasn’t a good idea, I didn’t have time to try and reshoot it. Thanks for watching though. 👍🏼

[@kervinzamora7438]

@@HumorousMaximus I disagree with you. I liked this angle because I can see what you see and the image is clear. Maybe a better mic or position of it is the solution.

[@mrjh8467]

I didn't notice a luggage strap, is there one? Any solutions to this?

[@HumorousMaximus]

No luggage pass through on this one.

[@mrjh8467]

@@HumorousMaximus oh no. Can you suggest any solutions to this other than a rope with hooks? I fly 2-3 times (long haul, connecting flights) per year so would important.

[@HumorousMaximus]

I got nothing, travel isn’t part of my daily life. It’s not a problem I spend time thinking about solving, I don’t even own one of those roller-luggage things.

[@mrjh8467]

@@HumorousMaximus thanks for the quick answers.

[@kennethlow6619]

What keyboard is that ?

[@HumorousMaximus]

MassDrop Alt, with MaxKey keycaps.

[@darthenx2585]

Hey bud whats your favorite bag either messenger or backpack for everyday use currently.

[@HumorousMaximus]

I don’t know if I have a favorite, my highest rating is the Tom Bihn Synik. I’ll use the most recent bag I’ve purchased, which can change every few months. I was using the MW Khyte before things went to hell.

[@darthenx2585]

@@HumorousMaximus i see. I furgured you had found a favorite by now. Other than doing the normal testing, I figured you had found a favorite. I bought the Synick 30 because of your review and its been really great. The only thing is it feels like the opening to insert the laptop is too small and lightly scratches the laptop if not careful.

[@joenyc]

@@darthenx2585 agree--the laptop pocket is a bit small

[@darthenx2585]

@@joenyc yes it was my biggest disappointment. For the size of the bag, it could be 3 mm wider and it would be good

[@HumorousMaximus]

As you can probably tell with all the bags I’ve purchased. I’m pretty much never fully satisfied with a bag. With every purchase I try and make sure it’s as good, if not better than the one I just bought. It’s an expensive, and slightly unhealthy obsession.

[@joenyc]

what are your thoughts on the 3 year warranty offered by bellroy on this bag?

[@HumorousMaximus]

It’s BS at this price, lifetime should’ve been a given. Forgot to mention that in the video.

[@joenyc]

@@HumorousMaximus i really hope the quality of the baida nylon will long outlast the warranty. the other thing making me hesitate on purchasing this $450 bag is no luggage pass-through and/or doesn't seem like it can stand up vertically on its own. either way, great first impressions. really looking forward to the long term review!

[@HumorousMaximus]

Chase just put out a video, mentions the warranty situation. I’ll pin a comment.

[@SandraOrtmann1976]

I really hope these magnets at the opening do not wear through the material over time...and dingli-danglies. Hmmm...at that price? No. Sure I could do something about that. Here we see again that no bag in this world is perfect.

[@j0404t]

concerned as well

[@HumorousMaximus]

I’ll bring it up if it turns about to be an issue for my long term review. Thanks for watching!

[@rosstin23]

Is there a Bellroy store here in the Philippines? :(

[@HumorousMaximus]

No idea.

[@rosstin23]

@@HumorousMaximus thanks for the reply :)

[@thescanner1204]

Bellroy products are available here: Urban Traveller Vertis North & Greenbelt 5, Alter Ego Shangrila, Digital Walker - Shangrila, Glorietta, Mall of Asia & Rockwell, Rustan's Makati.

[@rosstin23]

@@thescanner1204 thank you so much!!

[@MrJed_s]

$450 dollar bag and they still don't do anything to manage the harness straps? Honestly if you truly wanted to scrutinize this bag, that would have been a good place to start. The way you glossed over it didn't really seem like blowing it up to the size of a planet. But I guess it bothers some people more than others.

[@HumorousMaximus]

That’s fair. I didn’t see it as a huge oversight. Although now that I think about it, their fluff video did briefly show the excess strap being held in place by something. That’s some misleading junk right there. This one - kzbin.info/www/bejne/faCwhamqiNCWhtE, @12 seconds.

[@WtfYoutube_YouSuck]

Alright, you love it...I love it. But let's be real, I'm a 356 day a week bike commuter...rain, snow, sleet is gonna fuck this bag up. It's too night for someone like me. I run an x-pac Prima with a rain fly for torrential downpours. The prima doesn't have great quick access pockets/organization, but it's a beast I can beat up, and I can get 100% water protection on it. I could see a super techy guy who drives everywhere and lives in San Diego where it never rains finding it suitable. *cough* (you know who) *cough*. It would look great sitting in a Mercedes. But for me, I don't want everything to look ultra tactical...but I do require a rugged build that can handle getting trashed and dirty, as I use it as a daily driver. I love luxury luggage/wallets...hell, I got the Apex Wallet coming in the mail tomorrow...I just can't see myself getting a luxury backpack in my current use case.

[@HumorousMaximus]

Big fan of the Prima, I think it’s Boundary’s best bag. Apex definitely isn’t for everyone, I can appreciate that now. I commute by bike as often as I can, and will intentionally ride in the rain when I want to stress test a bag. I don’t deliberately roll around in the mud, but I also don’t baby my bags. Stick around for the long term review