Bellroy Venture Ready Pack 26L Review (Bellroy's best new bag?)

[@Nomads.Nation]

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[@sereneturmoil]

Having owned this bag for about two months and used it as an EDC bag for work, motorcycle rides/runarounds/day trips and a two and a half week trip to Europe this is defitinely meant to be an all purpose bag. After significant use I can say this bag defitinely packs out way more than you'd think, has enough built-in organization (hidden side pocket was great for passports, wallets and/or phone when traveling) offset by open volume and is generally a well thought out design. However, when heavily loaded the straps do not provide enough padding, the back panel does not provide enough ventilation (weight plus warm weather will cause a very sweaty back) but is quite comfortable and the straps constantly self loosen (the metal hardware and slippery strap material was a very poor design/material choice). I think with some second generation revisions to the bag Bellroy will have an absolute winner on their hands.

[@Nomads.Nation]

agreed its a winner, and great point - given the build it's def an amazing all purpose bag

[@Mezsky]

As a fellow motorcycle rider, I appreciate your input. I own a Kriega backpack but not enough compartmentalization for me. Wish Kriega and Bellroy will do a collab project.

[@winchester9432]

What a great review! I could not agree more with your opinions on this pack. This is one to consider, or maybe I'll wait for V2.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thanks so much!

[@apatrid4727]

V2 is out now. Don't know what's changed besides it now has a luggage pass-through on the back.

[@en2ec]

Great review! I just came across your channel looking for reviews of this backpack. I have seen many backpack reviewers, and I really like your straightforward approach and professional delivery.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thanks so much! If you have any questions, let me know 💪🏻

[@mytrung]

stretchy water bottle holder is a must. This one will just slide out if you don't have it clipped on or a bottle with a perfect fit

[@Nomads.Nation]

fo sho!

[@sll0824]

Best backpack I have got so far. Lightweight and able to pack loads of stuff without looking bulky.

[@Nomads.Nation]

its so good

[@kennethh8540]

Despite the good design and build, I have to bypass every bellroy pack due to their insistence to not include a luggage strap ☹️

[@Nomads.Nation]

Yea it’s a big loss on their end, I don’t know why they don’t add them

[@JujuForTheWin]

The new Via backpack has one!

[@sereneturmoil]

This is defitinely not a focused travel backpack so the omission of a luggage strap is understandable. Having owned this bag for about two months and used it as an EDC bag for work, motorcycle rides/runarounds/day trips and a two and a half week trip to Europe this is defitinely meant to be an all purpose bag.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@sereneturmoil it would still be nice to have one

[@kennethh8540]

@@JujuForTheWin really? Didn't see any mention on it on their website? AFAIK only their transit plus has it

[@miscipsakitsune4667]

Hi the con 3 : internal pocket. (mouse or charger) I use the venture pack classique, mouse is on the left pocket and there is a right internal pocket for my laptop charger. So i open from the top grap my laptop, my mouse, charger.. keyboard from the tablet sleeve and headphone from the meshed pocket that open from the top . The long external with key holder is for my foldable laptop stand Basically 1 pocket = 1 item For information the green material of bellroy is not water resistant so this backpack don't come in green color

[@Nomads.Nation]

thanks for your comment!

[@Vordigon1]

Yaaay, bulgaria has been mentioned! 💪💪🇧🇬 Sorry for the flooding, it happens from time to time.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Still loved my time there ❤️🇧🇬

[@TheLimey1664]

3 year warranty dissent show great confidence in their products, not when many of the competition offer lifetime.

[@Nomads.Nation]

It’s definitely a point of controversy in the community

[@benitoguison]

It looks a lot less structured than I initially thought. The design overall looks superb but the floppiness is something I’m not a big fan of. But if I ever find this in any type of sale I’ll be lining up for it 😂

[@Nomads.Nation]

lack of structure keeps the bag significantly lighter and malleable so it can pack more stuff. But yes, non-structured bags don't look quite as professional

[@dougalprowse8208]

On sale now.

[@adriancharles]

I like a bright, colourful interior. Orange. Dandelion yellow. 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@Nomads.Nation]

can't argue with that!

[@SJ_shinkansen]

You should go crazy with experimenting… like what if you try fitting Peak Design medium camera cube inside? With this you combine all three major features, light bag amazing look and carrying camera equipments

[@Nomads.Nation]

Good suggestion!

[@flyingelbowdrop]

Great video. I’ve watched literally every video on this bag and I’m thankful you just posted this. My Bellroy Venture Ready arrives today. I’m hoping it packs out as well as my Fjallraven Ulvo 30, which is the best one-bag travel bag I’ve ever used. Hopefully the 26 liters feels like more as you noted. The Bellroy is stupid expensive, so I’m going to really nitpick it in person before I decide if I want to keep it.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Pricey for sure - please let us know what you think of the bag after testing it out for a few days 🙏🏽

[@rasga6598]

how do you like your bellroy venture ?

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@rasga6598 curious as well

[@flyingelbowdrop]

@@Nomads.Nation Ended up returning it. I really liked the organization dividers in the top access pocket, but as I tested it while it was lying down to simulate it being under an airplane seat, small items fell out. On top of that, I was a bit put off with Bellroy’s limited warranty. Three years is a little weak for such an expensive bag. I just bought the Evergoods CPL28 and HZ26. Can’t wait to test them out when they arrive next week.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@flyingelbowdrop great to know! Evergoods 'practical lifetime' warranty is a bit vague, but should hopefully be better than 3 years

[@todaysgrailtomorrowsbeater]

internal pocket I put a battery,a flashlight, and a flask full of liquid, all fit together like a glove and are more or less quickly available

[@Nomads.Nation]

Nice!

[@ItsRainingDonkeys]

Im in LOVE with that 270 degree zipper. I need that bag!!! But the capacity is too small. U guys have any recommendatio. With that design but bigger

[@Nomads.Nation]

not that I can think of...

[@Mattx38]

Hi Aaron. Could you tell more about the packing cubes you use ? Thanx and I wanted to congrat you for the really great job you do to share your passion.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thanks so much! Currently I’m rocking the Tortuga Packing cubes - very robust and durable

[@jonuiuc]

Ah great, I wanted to hear your take, I can't think of the advantages of this type of design vs belloy's own Transit line (clamshell plus separate laptop compartment). I guess maybe having a separate laptop compartment is less space efficient? It does seem softer and less structured than say the Transit 28L. The zipper profile sorta reminds me of my own Wandrd Duo.

[@Nomads.Nation]

it just feels lighter/more minimalist versus a larger(ish) Transit. But at the end of the day Bellroy has so many bags that they are starting to overlap a bit lol

[@brianc7646]

Any plans to review the new 20L version of this pack? Curious how it would work as an EDC and personal item bag!

[@Nomads.Nation]

Not on the radar yet but will try!

[@KamilleN16]

oh hey.. using safety wing on my trip next week!

[@Nomads.Nation]

So awesome to hear! I truly love their services, it’s why I agreed to do a partnership with them

[@georgesmith8241]

The logo came off entirely on my Venture Sling 6L lol. I kinda miss the logo but there's something nice about the minimal look with no logo.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Many people want that anonymous look - and you got it

[@stararisto007]

I may have to give another go at Bellroy with this Venture backpack. I bought and returned the Transit Workpack (older version?). I actually loved the shoulder straps! It contours to my body/chest. It was more comfortable than Aer's travel pack small 2 (way too bulky). So maybe women would like those straps more than men??? Reasons for the returns: 1. Water bottle pocket! The side pocket ate into the volume of the pack and did not easily fit a skinny water bottle. Completely deal breaker for me. 2. Zipper difficulty of opening/closing. The pack was curved, so not a nice route for zippers... 3. Shoulder straps do loosen, have to tighten every now and then. 4. Useless front pocket (flat pocket) 5. Back panel may not be great for warm weather. Didn't use it long enough to know. I liked the Transit workpack looks and size that I could have dealt with #2-5, but not #1... Anyways, will see if I do end up getting this Venture...

[@Nomads.Nation]

If you do be sure to let us know what you think of it. You have pretty high standards 😜

[@detectivejonesw]

Bro the rain in Bulgaria can go from 0 to 100 real quick. I was there a few weeks ago in Veliko Tarnovo trying to hitchhike out in nice weather. Within 20 minutes it started storming, and my sign got destroyed by the rain. Crazy

[@Nomads.Nation]

Yea I learned this the hard way haha

[@maven22]

​@@Nomads.Nation What sign? How will this bag hold up in the rain?

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@maven22 not sure what sign. This bag will hold up brilliantly in the rain - very weather resistant

[@williamstephenson7942]

Hey Aaron, love your channel - watching all your videos. Any chance you'd give me your thoughts on the best in class backpack for this sort of outdoors/rugged but functional laptop-carry style backpacks? Eager to hear your thoughts.

[@Nomads.Nation]

thanks dude! I've only hiked like 6 times in my life and I camped once so I'm NOT an expert in outdoors, but I would say Mystery Ranch, Evergoods, and Osprey are the 3 brands I see mentioned most when it comes to this kind of cross over gear.

[@JujuForTheWin]

Aaron, can you comment on the difference between Midnight and Nightsky colours? Did you ever get to see them side by side? Im slowly saving to get this bag but I keep flip-flopping between the two😅. Love the review!

[@microvizart]

I've seen and touched both colour way. They're the exact same material, but well, one is black and another is sort of dark blueish navy. Not sure how else to describe it. I went with the black for more office friendly aesthetic.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Yes they are the exact same materials just different colors. Can’t go wrong with either but I think that night sky looks really classy

[@JujuForTheWin]

@@Nomads.Nation Finally got it in Midnight navy. It's perfect for me!

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@JujuForTheWin awesome to hear!

[@JordanAppleby]

Just picked one up in a sale for £145. Thought that was a great price

[@JordanAppleby]

Though, I could only get the Bronze colour for that price. Something different I guess

[@Nomads.Nation]

Good price!

[@henrykpiatek4760]

Venture Ready Pack 20L or Tokyo Totepack 20 l, which one to choose? I

[@Nomads.Nation]

Venture

[@SaugataBandyopadhyay]

Great review! Thanks a lot!. Just a question. Apart from the size difference, how much does it differ from the 20-litre venture ready backpack? Are the features the same? I wonder if the 26 litres will be a little too big for me? Hence, the question. Thank you!

[@Nomads.Nation]

thanks so much! I haven't reviewed the 20 liter so I can't say for sure - might be a good idea to ask Bellroy customer support. Be sure to let us know what they say

[@nizamialickolli8603]

Good review, but as alternative, Aer day pack small is bit too big as everyday carry bag,compare to the Bellroy, what is your opinion

[@Nomads.Nation]

the Day Pack is too big? It's 15L

[@nizamialickolli8603]

@@Nomads.Nation Hi meant travel pack small

[@Nomads.Nation]

ah yes@@nizamialickolli8603 too big in my opinion, unless you carry a LOT of gear. This would be a better EDC (but still big in my opinion)

[@avs040288]

Could you do some reviews on Tropicfeels bags? Thanks

[@Nomads.Nation]

Hive review coming in a few weeks!

[@rasix86]

To be honest, I didn't like this bag at all. The curved zippers are a nightmare to use because on every curve they get stuck. Everything inside is so flat, it feels way less than 26L. The straps are also curved which looks kind of odd, imho. And what really surprised me: It's so heavy compared to my AER city pro. It looks much lighter than it actually is...

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thanks for your feedback! I'm pretty sure this bag is lighter than the Aer City Pack Pro by .2 lbs, but I agree that Aer bags have more padding so they feel more comfortable bc of it

[@HungryYett]

Hey which backpack would work to carry a 1 gallon insulated water bottle? Looking for something to carry everyday

[@Nomads.Nation]

really any bag as long as you understand you will be carrying it in the main compartment. I don't know any bags that can accommodate a 1-gal water bottle on the side pocket.

[@HungryYett]

@@Nomads.Nation yeah I’m planning on putting it in the main compartment. I’m just not sure what size bag I need. Any chance you’d know?

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@HungryYett I do not know for sure, but I'd guess that you'll be find for most backpacks over 18 liters. What I would recommend doing is finding 2-3 'dream bags', and reaching out to the brand directly. In the email give them the dimensions of your water bottle holder, and they'll let you know whether or not it will fit. If you don't like the process, then stop being a crazy person and carrying around a gallon of water ;)

[@unfi6798]

Dark & Stormy Bellro..!

[@Nomads.Nation]

All day! 🤠

[@tialyx]

What are your thoughts on the 20L variant of this bag? I'm debating between the 20L and 26L bag for a carry on backpack for flights.

[@Nomads.Nation]

I haven’t reviewed the 20L so can’t say for sure. If you are one-bagging then 20 liters might be a tight fit (but still very doable), but if it’s paired with a suitcase it should be fine for most everyone

[@georgesmith8241]

With the man bun you kinda look like Alex Telles (a footballer).

[@Nomads.Nation]

He must be a handsome dude 😉

[@sandiarms4719]

No trolley sleeve? Too bad

[@Nomads.Nation]

agreed

[@Mr6OvO9_TTV]

I honestly prefer the Evergoods CHZ 26L

[@Nomads.Nation]

Good to know! Great bag

[@BrianWaldram]

I’m trying to find a pack primarily for travel but secondary use is EDC. I typically carry a small rolling suitcase as my larger carry on, so this would be used as a personal carry item under the seat. Thoughts if this would be good for that use case? If not, other recommendations appreciated.

[@BrianWaldram]

To add to this, I would like this personal carry item to fit a bit of overflow from the small roller. Maybe a jacket or pair of shoes, toiletry bag, iPad, large headphones, etc. Thanks

[@Nomads.Nation]

its an amazing pack for your use case, but the lack of a luggage passthrough strap on the bag could be a deal-breaker.

[@TheTrixman123]

Any chance yall will the newest version of this bag on a review video?

[@Nomads.Nation]

you mean the Venture Travel 26L Backpack?

[@TheTrixman123]

@@Nomads.Nation yea they made 20l and a 26L any chance yall review the 20L? lol pls

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@TheTrixman123hopefully! But probably not anytime soon just to be transparent

[@TheTrixman123]

@@Nomads.Nation I respect it 🫡 thanks

[@fernandoreynosoarce7349]

Hey Aaron, really nice video, do you think this bag can be used as work/edc backpack? I like it but also I like Aer city pack pro. Hard to decide, your toughts? Thanks!

[@Nomads.Nation]

absolutely can be! I think it's a bit big for my use, but if you carry a lot of gear then you'll make it work. Very hard to choose between this and ACPP. If you want lighter/minimalist, go with Bellroy. If you want more comfort/features, ACPP all day

[@narnialad1]

Hey Aaron, could you compare and offer advice between this pack and the Bellroy Transit 28 L? I have a large gift certificate for Bellroy to burn through. I am thinking to use as both a new EDC and an occasional one bag travel. Much thanks!

[@Nomads.Nation]

I’d love to help but I’ll need some more details. If not, based on your brief description I’d say go with the 26L as it’s smaller and therefore better for EDC

[@narnialad1]

@@Nomads.Nation Wow Aaron, thanks for the quick reply. I am wanting that one pack to rule them all. In an EDC, it would easily be nearly every day, laptop, office, change of clothes, etc. Travel some 2-3 day weekend car trips, 4-7(3-5 day)road trips domestic and into Canada, I live in Vermont, every year, all pretty casual wear with 1 dress shirt likely and maybe 1 extra set of shoes occasionally. 4-5 air trips likely all domestic maybe one to an island in a year ranging from 7-8 days mostly one bag minimalist packing, occasionally when needing more variety, using a larger likely 35 liter and which ever smaller, likely Bellroy Venture or Transit 28. I am not totally locked into it needing to be Bellroy, just have a $200 gift certificate to use for Bellroy. Your input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@narnialad1you got the right idea and I think either of these Bellroy will suit your needs. The only question is which one do you like more OR which size is better for your needs. For me, I do week-long trips on my 20L EDC no problemo, but others might need more space. Guy feeling - I’d say go with the 26L as it’ll be better for EDC and you’ll also challenge yourself to pack less (which is always a fun game)

[@narnialad1]

@@Nomads.Nation much thanks!

[@e3vL1]

Water bottle holder is not good. It's way too tight and dig into interior contents

[@Nomads.Nation]

It was fine for me, but I don’t carry a huge water bottle

[@DJa1004]

Can you please review the Rab Depot 28 backpack? Please?

[@Nomads.Nation]

never heard of it, I'll check it out

[@DJa1004]

@@Nomads.Nation Thank you so much for replying. It's from Rab Equipment/ Lowe Alpine. It comes in 22L, 25L (roll top variant) and 28L. I own the 28L and would love your opinion and thoughts on it.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@DJa1004 cool! It's very unlikely that I'll review it soon, but I'll put it on our wish list and hopefully the stars align and I can review it at a later point in time :)

[@DJa1004]

@@Nomads.Nation Thank you so much!

[@falaxie]

Can the handle double as luggage passthrough?

[@Nomads.Nation]

Not really, imo

[@domdev00]

What is the down jacket?

[@Nomads.Nation]

just a cheap one from Uniqlo, very comfy though

[@thisistotallyfine]

Dang this is crazy overpriced. I suggest checking out the Matador Beast 18L or 28L if you're looking at lightweight packable backpacks.

[@kris6994]

Ok, but who said that Bellroy Venture Ready is in category of packable backpacks?

[@jonuiuc]

As an aside I got Matador’s new Refraction packable backpack, and it’s way smaller than expected, no way it’s 16 liters it’s more like 10 or 12, they must be counting the max stretch on the water bottle pockets like the ULA Dragonfly. And I thought Bellroy padded their liter sizing estimates.

[@Nomads.Nation]

agreed with @kris6994 that this really isn't a packable bag... at all

[@SiXiS4]

if it was 120 i would actually look into it, overpriced smh

[@Nomads.Nation]

While I don’t totally agree, I can see that perspective

[@Foolio77]

@nomads.nation Could the side pocket hold a compact firearm? The side pocket at the 7:30 mark.

[@Nomads.Nation]

no idea lol, I live in Hong Kong, guns are very illegal here. Maybe reach out to Bellroy customer support - please let us know what they say!