Bellroy Apex Raven Review ($450 USD for this bag? 🤔 😮 )

[@Nomads.Nation]

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

[@AvishayGor]

So from my experience: Good: - luxurious materials, every interaction was a charm - lots of storage - infound it very comfortable Cons - loses its shape way too much for my taste - side zippers were a pain - top handle is a joke functionally compared to more proper solutions - sternum strap, while minimal looking (and that’s the official reason for that sternum btw), had no dangle stopper and was loose too easily - the metal clasp was a painful interaction everytime. Requires 2 hands - does not stand at all unless packed correctly. Pro tip: put a camera cube and you will get more organisation, structure and self standing ability. A 250$ bag wrapped in 450$ materials. I should also mention i sold mine. Great review

[@Nomads.Nation]

"A 250$ bag wrapped in 450$ materials." - I wish I used this line in my review 😂

[@JINNY-dl5yk]

well said, great review.

[@IdhamIdris]

I have this pack. And I would not describe it as a luxury car like a Rolls Royce. It's similar to a concept car model, where the designs and elements in the concept car touches all their product lines. This is why you can see after the release of the Apex, they had bags like Venture Backpack with similar openings, or their sling's zippers influenced by the zips in the Apex, or the Melbourne and Oslo backpack with the same kind of shape/silhouette, or the top pocket of the Venture Ready pack that shares a similar design of that internal pocket of the Apex. So as most concept cars, the Apex is not very practical, and after using this bag, I'll say it's fussy and requires a lot of thought when using it. It's not a rough and ready pack like a Goruck Bullet or a urban ready work pack like the Evergoods CPL24. But you just kind of need to appreciate the bag for what it is.

[@Nomads.Nation]

well said

[@mohammedfaiisal]

What would you say is the Rolls Royce of bags?

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@mohammedfaiisal this contends. Tumi is up there as well as a brand.

[@zoamel8066]

⁠​⁠@@Nomads.Nationwhy do you and other bag reviewers never review tumi products

[@MrSobakaforte]

For what it's worth I found the straps on this bag one of the most comfortable I've ever used. They are thin, but extremely wide which is the best option in my view for load distribution

[@rolandmost]

The same is true for the back panel!

[@Nomads.Nation]

great to know! I appreciate that

[@bellroy_official]

So glad to hear that, thanks for the feedback! 🙏

[@jcpalermo2576]

I got this bag when it originally came out and blue was the only color available. I’ve one bagged the Apex on 3, week long trips. Couple quick thoughts… first, it’s definitely gotten easier to use (opening and closing) and more comfortable over time. The second, it’s surprising how much stuff you can fit in this bag. It does a great job of swallowing packing cubes. Being able to adjust the top flap is also a boon. It looks like Bellroy may have improved the magnets on the top of the bag that attach the flaps to the admin/beaver tail section. On mine, if I place the magnets together they will attract, but they don’t hold and frankly, I forget they’re even there. Dope bag though, would definitely recommend if you have the scadoots.

[@Nomads.Nation]

thanks JC!

[@joecarroll8286]

I really like the hook closure on these and the way the main compartment opens, but the frumpy top flap just makes it look cheap IMO. Or maybe "unfinished" is a better word? It's like everything is slick and classy and then you've got these weird lopsided Dumbo ears up top.

[@Nomads.Nation]

lol I get you, it's definitely a backpack form that comes with a bit of quirkiness

[@JordanAppleby]

This crinkle material seems like it's similar to the AER GO 2. Love that material

[@Nomads.Nation]

yup, this material is quite the trend right now. Cote & Ciel are using the fabric as well

[@wks4689]

Heard Bellroy discontinued this backpack? Snagged one secondhand, and wow, the back panel's way more comfy and breathable than my Evergoods and GR bags. Plus, that Baida nylon is seriously anti dust and water-resistant. Took it to a dusty workshop, and not a speck of dust! And the opening and closing mechanism? So satisfying! Love that leather feel every time.

[@Nomads.Nation]

yes it is discontinued unfortunately, I agree its quite comfortable

[@theeverydaytechie]

The backpack is nice and obviously has bellroy quality, but the "ear flaps" are kind of a turn off. In those regards, the Peak Design one is a much sleeker bag and also looks more comfortable to wear. For the price/quality, I think the Bellroy is just too expensive... Nice video Aaron, thanks for the insights!

[@Nomads.Nation]

thanks so much! I agree that PD is more sleek, but I don't think this bag is trying to be sleek. Bellroy always has a little quirkiness to their design language, so I think they wanted to bring that to this bag as well... even at a such a high price point

[@sekirokun210]

Recently went to Japan with the Peak Design EDC and I must say, they kinda don't feel comfortable with the straps, even though I didn't really decked out the bag. The bag itself also is kinda heavy too lol. Shoulders been aching since the first day of the trip 😂

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@sekirokun210 its a common complaint for PD bags

[@Jramos516]

Maaaaaan. Such a great review man. Honestly just seeing the price I would’ve never considered it. But seeing this in depth review is beyond helpful to open up a persons perspective. Well done as always my friend.

[@Nomads.Nation]

That’s my goal - so glad you liked!

[@ghas4151]

Just got my Apex Raven and to my surprise they updated the key leash material in the side pocket. Seems to be a lot more robust with no chance of it getting caught in the zipper. So far I’m really enjoying this bag. It’s a step above anything I have tried when it comes to materials. Nothing feels cheap.

[@Nomads.Nation]

It’s the most premium feeling bag I’ve ever used. Insane fabrics

[@mohammedfaiisal]

⁠let's see if your back pack can top it in terms of comfort

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@mohammedfaiisal it will 💪

[@mohammedfaiisal]

any updates on the release month and price range roughly?@@Nomads.Nation

[@adriancharles]

I think the closure system is not quite ready. The materials are fascinating, but bags a couple years old are showing more/ uglier wear than I’d want at this price point. But the use of leather on this bag is wonderful. The straps are some of the most beautiful that I’ve ever seen.

[@Nomads.Nation]

They are stunning for sure

[@brucedelacruz9973]

Loved this review! Speaking of “luxury bags”, would you ever review some of the Tumi backpacks?

[@Nomads.Nation]

id love to! hopefully soon, just gotta figure out how to get my hands on one and which model to target

[@allanrscott1130]

I agree! Kind of got roped in to the Tumi world and its so darn $$$$ but world class.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@allanrscott1130I’ve heard great things about

[@JrKinabalu]

Alternative to Apex- Peak Design everyday backpack, pgytech onego, boundary supply and the closest and cheapest of them all is Mark Ryden backpack.

[@Nomads.Nation]

💯

[@solvdev]

YES FINALLY - your bellroy fan. Ibr Im not buying this due to the price, but I loved watching the review anyway - thanks for getting this xD. Have a good one Aaron.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Glad you liked dude!

[@trompitrompas9289]

Nice vid, these last 2 weeks I was looking forward to buy the bellroy apex or the ATD1 backpack, I really investigated which of those would I like more. Finally I got to the conclusion that both are beautifull backpacks, but the problem is that the apex has those huge 2 wings, which made me finally decide of buying the ATD1 which arrives next monday. And lastly, what is your opinion about ATD Supply?

[@Nomads.Nation]

haven't reviewed anything by them yet, but heard great things. Please let me know what you think about the bag after testing it for a few days :)

[@juri991]

i just wish they have a smaller version, i am 5'1 and that looks like 3/4 of my total size i might get lost.

[@Nomads.Nation]

its def a larger bag, especially for EDC

[@ericfallabel9201]

$450 for a Bellroy product just seems crazy. "Expensive" isn't the same thing as "premium" Isn't crinkle nylon what Aer uses on their $90 Go bags?

[@Nomads.Nation]

yes, but Bellroy's feels significantly nicer than Aer's (or maybe I was just under the spell of the Raven)

[@machtmer]

Gotta admit, I do like this bag. It decidedly isn’t what I would wear in the middle of January in Minnesota, or for airline travel. But it would be a joy to use for work or taking to meetings.

[@Nomads.Nation]

its gorgeous, no doubt about that

[@orlandobryant]

Comfort is subjective....i have both the aer city pack and this apex. Both are very comfortable.

[@Nomads.Nation]

100% - my sister and I argue about this all the time lol. She likes thinner shoulder straps, I like bulkier shoulder straps

[@e3vL1]

For some reason the top flap looks way too wide than it should be

[@Nomads.Nation]

its definitely quite wide lol

[@jaredweiman2987]

Don't wanna sound like a snob, but $450 is chump change in the bag and luggage world. Designer stuff starts in the thousands and even bespoke leather work like Frank Clegg is at least $1,200. Value is relative, I guess. But this is easily worth what you'd pay for a GR2.

[@Nomads.Nation]

for sure! I've seen luggage go for 5k+. But luxury is different from premium (as to where luxury is pure status and premium gives you more value for your money - think Rolls Royce vs BMW) - I would argue that this bag is on the high end of premium for bags.

[@jaredweiman2987]

@@Nomads.Nation Fair enough. I suppose we'd be comparing two different markets. $500 is certainly in the upper range for EDC. Still wild that old ladies will drop twenty bands on an alligator purse that wouldn't even fit my iPad Mini lmao In any case, I have an Apex on the way.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@jaredweiman2987 so true on the purses, the luxury game is wild. I'd love to know your thoughts on the Apex after testing for a few weeks

[@evgeniydeus8137]

$450 and Bellroy stll saves on straps padding...)

[@Nomads.Nation]

judging by the comments, it seems to be a very comfy bag

[@KarlHeindel]

The price is Rolls Royce, but not the Quality. There was a sale a few month ago, they sold the other colorway for 289 EUR, normally 389,00 EUR. And now they increased the price to 495,00 EUR, that's not acceptable. And some say, that the closing straps on the front will become frayed (I'm not sure, of this is the correct word?). And don't you see that? it's not straight if you close it, it looks oblique.

[@Nomads.Nation]

agreed its not always straight, but front-flap-bags like this never are, it's all a part of that business-casual aesthetic in my opinion

[@kleemyberlin6444]

One more con: internal water bottle holder. I'll never get why they do that. It´s super risky. Form should follow function. I love their products tho.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Ah let the great water bottle holder debate.... BEGIN! The community is pretty torn on this - half prefer external water bottle holders, but the other half just want a sexy bag 😂

[@kleemyberlin6444]

Wow! Such a ton of work you brought out already. I highly appreciate it! But no review about water bottles yet, as far as I could see. Maybe such a vid could make me change the team? Who knows 🙂 Sexy bag? Not sexy anymore after tea or coffee ruined the inside. I can tell from experience 😒@@Nomads.Nation

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@kleemyberlin6444 good point! haha

[@sglatitude]

3:59 well, I am proud of using Aer Travel Pack 3 small for daily office use including meeting. Yea, no doubt the only person with big backpack, but I am more into rugged (not flimsy) and utilitarian backpack without sacrificing comfort on shoulder when carrying 8kg load. Aer is the “Rolls Royce” backpack for me. Speaking of which, we are still waiting for the Fyro backpack official launch. Perfect holiday gift 🎁 Hope there’s special pricing for early adopter of Nomad Nation followers🤫😁

[@Nomads.Nation]

Of course! NN early adopters will get first access for the Kickstarter (which will have the lowest price the bag will ever be), and we’re also gonna do some epic giveaways and other incentives for the community 💪🏻 💪🏻

[@sglatitude]

This is awesome. Hope the delivery fee is kept minimal especially for buyers in Asia region 🤭

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@sglatitude we’ll do our best! It will depend a lot on each countries importing policies though

[@dawnmcelligott1334]

I’m a huge Bellroy fan, that is my first EDC. I give them credit for producing bags that can meet a wide range of prices from basic to luxury. Having said that….I wouldn’t spend the money on that particular pack

[@Nomads.Nation]

can't argue with that

[@jamotto1569]

Bellroy must have seen how Tom Bihn prices their stuff and wanted to get in on that action.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Yea those TB bags are getting pricey

[@ShielmonoOfficial]

Despite the price , I am definitely considering getting this bag. My lady unpractical Lemaire croissant bag cost 3x more. Alright. Self justification done. 😂

[@Nomads.Nation]

Unfortunately it’s been discontinued but you might be able to find it on a 2nd hand market like Carryology Classified or the NN Marketplace

[@MrPhilbautista]

I was sooooo close to picking one up but, DAMN, that price 😞😖🤯

[@Nomads.Nation]

yea its a tough pill to swallow

[@mbasdinkci]

I have it. It is stiff. Looks weird when empty. Big but not functional. A little bit heavy. And as a company you spent but not normally sell and make money out of concept cars. So it was a mistake to buy it.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Hope you can find a better one!

[@bjoernpunkt]

My top 1 backpack for almost 2 years. Love everything about this badboy. Edit: Just watched the video to the end. First thing which comes to mind, this badboy is by far the most comfortable backpack I ever owned , number 2, you can‘t compare this one to the MD, srsly, you also shouldn‘t compare a Volkswagen Golf to a S-Class Mercedes Benz - so that is not an alternativ imho, not even close and I have both of them ;)

[@Nomads.Nation]

good to know about the comfort! What would you have chosen for an alternative instead?

[@bee-anca236]

Why is the raven $100 more 😳

[@Nomads.Nation]

I think it has more leather but not 100% sure

[@jonuiuc]

I don't think I use a backpack enough to justify the splurge. My most expensive bag is a Waterfield Bolt brief, and I use that everyday for the work commute. Most pricey bag I have is a Tenba DNA and thats specialized for camera travel. Seems neat though, I'd prbably need more of a product story to justify it to myself (made in a small workshop by hand etc., some sort of unique method or materials, thats sort of thing). Design is interesting but its similar to a few other things, the big premium seems to be the leather.

[@Nomads.Nation]

leather + those internal materials, in my opinion

[@castgameforchubby810]

This bag remind me the Modern dayfarer!

[@Nomads.Nation]

similar form for sure!

[@sglatitude]

US$450 price for Bellroy is TGH. With that kind of money and comfort, I will rather spend on Aer X-pack, or Sympl weekender backpack. Not THULE backpack please as I hate when manufacturer paste their brand big AF unless they pay me for being their brand ambassador 😂

[@Nomads.Nation]

Yea big logos are a no go for me

[@_nihongo_jouzu_]

Great job with the review.. but nope, its too expensive and the materials aren't that premium, if most of the bag was leather then maybe it's worth it. That sternum strap is a joke, this is a brand that gives thought on their products.. they're prolly laughing at the people who paid full price for the bag.

[@Nomads.Nation]

bellroy seems to be pretty jazzed about the bag

[@tonihorsley3323]

I would buy this if it had a luggage pass through sleeve on the back. That is the deal breaker for me.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Yea kinda a head scratcher that they didn’t include that

[@Chansiufat]

很用心製作的頻道，期待能在香港街頭碰上你們，萬分支持🫡

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thank you 🇭🇰

[@venom5809]

That price is a hard no for me plus Peak Design is better.

[@Nomads.Nation]

respect

[@dreamboxx]

NOT 450 BUT Apex Backpack €495 EUR (Duties and taxes included)

[@Nomads.Nation]

😬

[@adriancharles]

Man. Too many issues for the price.

[@Nomads.Nation]

no bag is perfect, but also can't disagree lol

[@unfi6798]

Too much too late. Just like the Raven NFL. Nevertheless there's always folks who prefer brand names than mileage. Cowabunga.!

[@Nomads.Nation]

poor Ravens

[@bee-anca236]

Too frumpy floppy frumpy for my taste.

[@Nomads.Nation]

The dreadful three-F’s lol