Better Than Filson? Bradley Mountain's 20-OZ Canvas Backpack Review

[@alvinkoeswanto8622]

After you point out about this company being very small, the price tag makes a lot of sense. It's difficult to produce a high quality bag when the company has just 4 people working in there.

[@beardwilliams]

I used to work at Bradley Mountain part time, off an on for a couple years. I can 100% attest to the fact that Tyler and his current employees are SUPER good dudes and they work their asses off every day to make sure every cut and stitch is perfect. Thanks for showcasing their work! I actually have the roll top Biographer backpack, and it has a single stud closure like your Wilder. I used it most while I worked at Bradley Mountain going to college, and it worked great as an every day commuter bag. It held my smaller 13" laptop fine, as well as a few books, calculator, and some school supplies.

[@asmodeuskingofdemons]

How would one go about applying to work at such a small firm?

[@beardwilliams]

@@asmodeuskingofdemons Nowadays, I'm not sure. My best friend went to college with Tyler and I met him through my friend. He said he needed help getting started, so I offered to help when I could. It was pretty informal at the time, just Tyler and I in his garage. His business is WAY bigger now compared to what it was in 2012-2014 when I worked there, with multiple full time employees now. If you live in the San Diego area, I'm sure it couldn't hurt to reach out and ask if he's considering taking on any more employees right now.

[@asmodeuskingofdemons]

@@beardwilliams I actually live in Britain, was just curious. Thanks for replying

[@danielbadger2641]

@@asmodeuskingofdemons not to take away from B, but I asked a few times when I lived in San Diego. It’s a high skill business, and the employees work there full time. At this point, I theorize that if Tyler were to take on another employee, it could potential mean having to pay the rest of the team less. This is all pure speculation though. The store is also no longer the original location, I think it is different now.

[@Paul-up3pb]

I just received my Wilder backpack. In the words of the legendary late, great NY Yankee’s player & announcer, Phil Rizzuto …. “Holy cow!!” I’m a very particular person / customer, and I’ll never apologize for that. When I buy something, I always think if I were to make the item myself, how would I make it differently or better? Rarely there are times when I think to myself … this is EXACTLY how I would make it. This is one of those times. The backpack is sweet!! It’s exactly what I would make …. if I could make a backpack. (Hell, even the cloth cotton bag it came in is sweet.) The KZbinr, Stridewise, was spot on about this pack! Thank you Stridewise & BradleyMountain ! You get what you pay for.

[@garyseims8027]

I bought this bag based off of your review and I absolutely love it! The quality is second to none. I’ve have had it for a couple of weeks, using it as a work briefcase and have had a bunch of compliments. I also used it for a hike and it was able to carry a bunch of stuff and was extremely comfortable. Great bag and don’t be turned off by the price. Worth every penny and your supporting a small American company.

[@cleniad]

Hey man. Just wanted to say a big thanks for your review on Bradley Mountain's Wilder man. I purchased the 10 Year edition after numerous research, and I have to say, it is worth every penny! Keep up the good work dude!

[@Stridewise]

YES dude this video didn't get many views and sometimes i feel like i'm just shouting into the wind with these but I still use mine and love and love that I helped you get a forever bag

[@livestrong3943]

You should try out the GORUCK Heritage GR1 beat waxed canvas bag out there made in USA

[@lauraweiss7875]

I made my own leather and 20oz waxed canvas bag. It is fully lined with 8oz waxed canvas, has a full padded laptop sleeve, padded deerskin edged leather straps and has internal zipper pockets. Cost me about $150 to make. I’ve been carrying it to work, on trips and day hiking for four years.

[@ImmaculateRap]

Awesome video. Picked up a Filson bag after seeing your video on it after returning a frost River roll top arrowhead bag. I do love these thicker canvas bags and the older world look but I’ll admit I ended up switching to the journeyman because the “one giant pocket” style on the inside just felt less convenient for day to day use. Stuff slides to the bottom, no dividers or zip pockets inside etc. It’s a beautiful bag but I still think the journeyman beats it for versatility as an EDC bag. Keep the videos comin!

[@joekkl]

Excellent comment right here. 👍👍

[@StAustin101]

Have you looked at Frost River packs or Duluth Pack? My wife bought me the large and medium safari duffles from Duluth Pack about 10 years ago and those are great bags to stuff for a long road trip or relocation move.

[@Stridewise]

I'd really like to do Frost River and Duluth Pack, they're next on the list! as far as nice/fancy ones go I'm really interested in this one too lmleathergoods.com/collections/bags/products/the-keystone-rucksack

[@pipesmcgee9270]

Looks like the lid won't keep the rain out.

[@mikemagures4979]

Yes I would consider getting it or the film thank you for your review.

[@damianseals]

One bag I would really like to see you review is the Builford Classic, it uses the Martexin Waxed Canvas and has similar styling to this bag. Even a comparison between the two would be really nice, as there are no videos about the Builford Classic on KZbin and it's also $100 dollars cheaper. Although, at the time of writing this comment, they seem to be out of stock on their website.

[@a.b.2723]

I heard the Filson bag is no longer made in the USA.

[@Stridewise]

yup, it's not! at least they avoided a price increase

[@aravindvinayakan]

I'm eyeing the 10 Year Edition but holy guacamole, IT'S A VERY PRETTY PENNY! Thanks as always for a great review :)

[@joshuwa3953]

Bag is amazing , any other American made companies to support ?

[@XA-lm5oz]

You should look into GoRuck! They moved some of the manufacturing over seas, but over all its a great company. The founder is an ex Army Green Beret and he does his best to keep politics out of the brand which I, as a Democrat, appreciate so much.

[@ImmaculateRap]

Frost river makes very similar bags for even better prices they’re fantastic

[@denofearthundertheeverlast5138]

Well, I've changed my mind about expensive packs, they're about the same price as a intermediate priced guitar like a Epiphone or the like, so I really cant say no, I've started saving for either the Frost River Isle Royale Jr. or the Bradly mountain Wilder, I like the BMW, its the perfect size, a .little bigger than the SOG ninja day pack and the Frost river IR without it being expanded fully at least, but I dont like how short the flap is its like if you wanted to put a blanket under the lid then everything would be exposed. I think if they would make it 6in longer and just fold it under the flap that way if we need it all we would have to do is unfold it to gain a little extra length to cover the opening would be great, but I think oits a deal breaker for me as is. So I'll probably get the FR IR, or the Alder Stream Expedition pack.

[@cleniad]

Exactly. I had bought a watch for exactly the same price, but it took me a much longer time to settle for the same price for a backpack. I mean, it all boils down to utility and how much we like it.

[@Ives1776]

If they made a smaller version of this I'd jump on it. Their Muir bag is probably what I'd get but it misses the mark in a few areas just like their biographer bag does.

[@MissRenee_X]

Could you do a video on the smaller canvas bags for us? Please and thank you kindly.

[@nunuabiznus]

I just ordered the 10 year anniversary version. Im very excited about it.

[@Stridewise]

I've been looking at it too!

[@flimtok]

I got the Forest Green one, and it’s the best backpack ever!

[@cleniad]

@@flimtok Same here!! I think it will last for at least a decade and a half. Or two!

[@steven_quist]

Well automatically you just got yourself a new subscriber! Love this type of content and it absolutely means the work to me that you understand to the root (veg tan leather joke) about the quality and ethics of how and where things are made. Also, I would appreciate it immensely if you could point me in the direction of where you got the brown leather jacket you where wearing when showing yourself wearing the backpack? Not the fur collar, I’m talking about the normal collared one! Thank you in advance!

[@starskymedia]

What leather jacket were you wearing in the opening clip in the rain?

[@ameeraiman3415]

Could u please review Ezra Arthur keystone rucksack

[@OscarRios]

Do you have any inside info if they are coming with a version 2 of this bag.

[@blitzsteinaaron]

There are two Color’s on the site which one is this?

[@wagz54]

Great review and cool bag. I have a briefcase from Vermilyea Pelle. It’s made of 17 oz Japanese canvas and horween leather. It’s super nice!

[@DT-vc7hd]

Once those holes open up, won't the straps have a tendency to pull out when snagged, etc?

[@Stridewise]

I still use it regularly and that hasn't happened, no. Note that you can fasten each strap onto two different studs and run it through a ring, so it's very secure. I have other bags like Cravar that I use every day and they're fastened with just one stud and they've never come out. I get why you'd think that though

[@DT-vc7hd]

@@Stridewise I'm on the hunt for the perfect balance of function vs form in a hertiage backpack for extensive European travel (mostly historic villages and low impact hiking). Would love to see them come up with a design that fits that perfectly. As it stands, this pack is a bit too big and heavy.

[@mattblair2224]

Can of beer, good man, another great review.

[@_bats_]

I don't see why they couldn't add a drawstring to the opening at the top. That way you could cinch the top closed so that the flap totally covers it for more security and better rainproofing. I have a cheapo canvas backpack that has this and it's super useful. That said, this might be my favorite backpack you've yet reviewed, and it might take a lot for me not to pull the trigger on this one!

[@rustyshackleford17]

Welcome to the world of US-made heritage bags. You'll drive yourself crazy why most of them have commonsense design choices absent from them but the Chinese sweat shop includes them. It's probably because the target market really don't "use" the bags as a functional item instead of a fashion accessory.

[@OhhKheNhaYhu]

👍

[@chukzombi]

its pretty nice and the Filson tote that i have costs 450 dollars anyway and its not nearly as versatile or roomy.

[@anthonium.]

Have you heard of Bexar Land Pack backpack? I think it'd make for a great review supporting small company in Texas!

[@jean-sebastienturgeon5861]

Have you looked into Duluth packs yet?

[@gnomersy1087]

Got a similarly styled bag off of Etsy from a maker in Vietnam before I really knew anything about "heritage" bags. I just liked the idea of something more professional than a Jansport. As far as ethics and treatment of workers I honestly couldn't say because I don't know, nor am I inclined toward the nationalist spin "made in America" buzzword that is pretty common in heritage style from what I can tell but I find the style of both the one I got and this one pretty appealing and honestly I'm more than a little jealous that this bag has a water bottle pocket because that's the one thing I really wish mine had. Also the shoulder straps on this one look really good. On the other hand the one I have has a cinch top and a larger top flap that should make it a bit more waterproof it was also priced a lot more approachable-y for someone who really hadn't and probably still can't afford much in the way of middle to high end luxury goods. On the whole I'm probably not likely to buy this bag but aesthetically I'm a big fan and I think it's a nice dressed up casual style bag. Like if you could get away with wearing a polo and jeans to your job I think you could get away with using this as your everyday bag.

[@pelv3027]

Please review NBDN denim

[@philfernandez9939]

Loved your review - I’m thinking of getting the bag but want to make sure it doesn’t look too big on me (I’m 5’-6”). For scale how tall are you?

[@Stridewise]

I'm 6 feet

[@philfernandez9939]

Thanks!

[@alexsherel3344]

Looks about as bulletproof as you can get while STILL being crazy functional.

[@pineapplesideways3820]

Can you support a Australian company like Rossi boots like Rossi ripple, and legendary mulga boots

[@hsientsay]

I bought their Muir bag after seeing this review….I got one on sale but when it arrived it had a lot of lint and weird smell…I can’t return the bag because they don’t do returns on sale items. Do u have recommendation for cleaning lint off the bag? Kinda disappointed

[@Starinthesky826]

The smell is probably just the canvas and leather. Lint, just brush it off or get one of those sticky rollers for pet hair etc. Canvas can be wiped with a damp rag also.

[@johnwen8810]

This bag is gorgeous...and that heavy waxed canvas alone makes it a temptation. I understand how you would benchmark this bag against the Filson. In terms of price, materials and craftsmanship, both sort of occupy the same space. That said, from a pure practicality/functionality standpoint, I think the Pack Animal Rally Bag that you recently reviewed actually offers better value for the money. Although we still don't know if the Rally Bag can keep up over time in terms of durability, I can't help but feel that for this bag and Filson's, what you're paying for is panache...

[@AlexanderMason1]

What leather jacket is this? At 7:54

[@Voyagersk9]

Beautiful pack!! Wow!

[@alexbaca8705]

Wonder how much it weighs. I really wish there was a cross of modern and old school that’s light, durable, doesn’t scream techy, doesn’t scream frontiersman like the one on the video. Though this pack looks great like you said can’t really take it everywhere as it’ll look out of place. Something more in the lines of the Filson pack just better designed, bigger for a weekend trip, the straps and padding comfortable, breathable. An all rounder. 1 backpack. I’ve owned frost river, Buffalo Jackson, even nut sacs canvas pack and ended up getting rid of them. Not due to quality, just haven’t found the one. Since I travel a lot last year got the aer travel 2 due to hearing, watching multiple rave reviews which is not even canvas but something with that type of aesthetic, waxed canvas somehow figure weight reduction without compromising structure integrity and function would be the shit. F it I’m gonna design, make my own.

[@KI.765]

Why do I have to be a poor person with taste for things like this? My only negative observation outside the cost, is it looks like it could use a bigger flap.

[@Stridewise]

Yeah it’s not designed for avoiding pickpockets

[@FRMCBlack]

It's a short 'o' in Rochdale like rock

[@Stridewise]

My mum is British and I still messed that up

[@starskymedia]

Surely the weight is a drawback if you are going to use this for day hikes etc

[@nikhilsrl]

This bag is clearly meant for the rough outdoors. So not having a padded laptop sleeve is not really a negative.

[@Stridewise]

I guess I’d wonder why there’s a sleeve at all if not padded? For maps or something? But I try to frame the cons as potential cons only, it’s up to you if they matter

[@nikhilsrl]

@@Stridewise Agreed.

[@tomc.1983]

I was very very close to buying the Journeyman (based partially on your review of it) until I saw this one. There’s a whole lot to like about the Wilder that I just didn’t see in the Filson. Looking forward to using the Wilder until it’s passed on to the next generation. 👍🏻

[@yewcookies]

This thing is clearly NOT for the rough outdoors. Without some sort of sinch closure on the top and a cover for the water bottle pouch this thing would fill up like a bucket if you were out in the rain. Kinda seems like the worst of both. Not really a good laptop bag, definitely not a good rucksack for the backcountry. 🤷‍♂️

[@unboundcycling4288]

One of the best bags i saw

[@Stridewise]

I use it a lot!

[@Zofer-1920]

Wait, Bradley Mountain is from my hometown?!?!

[@Stridewise]

It sure is Zofer

[@daniellogansa8101]

You should do a review of that old ass BIFL laptop 😂. Mine is still usable after almost ten years, just need to do a minor repair

[@Stridewise]

that's so funny you're not the first person. to say that! i just paid a guy to replace the hard drive so it's kind of a new computer now, it's a Theseus's ship type thing lol

[@jun-fanlee6918]

Frost River Isle Royal is nicer than both.

[@OhhKheNhaYhu]

The problem with this backpack is that the main pocket could not be secured with a padlock.

[@Stridewise]

Excellent point

[@BrosephRussell]

That is a sweet Rucksack

[@Stridewise]

I actually use it a lot!

[@Biggun454]

Wait ...it does not close at the top properly at all...Filson for me. No way I’d. Walk thru an airport with the top so accessible

[@jinkerbird]

Ok Nick, you flip a two sided coin. On one side is the Bradley Mountain and the other side is Pack Animal, what's your call?

[@gilbertramirez3173]

Freaking awesome

[@gusandrianos]

And I thought my bellroy backpack was a pretty penny

[@lousassle7509]

1:57 that’s what she said

[@Stridewise]

I wish I could say I didn't spit laughing on my computer screen from this comment

[@PsychoLama2023]

I would rather be trapped in the trunk of a Buick having to shave a bobcats butthole with a wooden spoon. Before I spent 600 bucks buying a canvas backpack.

[@shaunpixel]

Between the two, I think I’d go with the Journeyman

[@Stridewise]

It is more versatile, for sure

[@60zeller]

Why in the hell do all of these bags have a laptop sleeve. I’m not in college anymore, and I’m not going to Starbucks to work on my screenplay

[@Stridewise]

because most people travel with a laptop. especially now we're in a post pandemic WFH world. plus the laptop sleeve holds a magazine or files. what why does this make you so mad? bradley mountain's isn't even padded or anything it takes up zero space

[@jannismahler2518]

Typo alert. It's Filson not Flison

[@Stridewise]

Haha Flison is their evil doppelganger. Thanks for the heads up Jannis!

[@PaulAndBiscuit]

In 10 years the Filson will be worth double what you paid, the Bradley Mountain will be worth 20% of what you paid. Filson forever, unfailing goods ❤

[@degeneratemii9032]

Every time u buy a Filson product 40% of the price is for the Filson name alone....

[@Stridewise]

And the price increases!

[@degeneratemii9032]

@@Stridewise I was considering getting RIPSTOP NYLON 32L Filson backpack.. sells for $195 without a waist strap... How do you sell a 32 L bag at a $195 price point without a waist strap? oh yeah u slap the Filson Branding on it

[@denofearthundertheeverlast5138]

Yeah too expensive for me I wouldn't pay over $200

[@Stridewise]

You might like Frost River. Or this Filson knockoff dhgate.com/product/backpack-retro-waterproof-oil-wax-canvas/776536756.html?skuid=1007436961708503048

[@supernotfunnyman]

Beautiful backpack for sure. But that price isn't. Great choices out there for packs under $100. I'd rather make my own hands down, then spend that kind of $$$ on a backpack.

[@davidkean6985]

Come on bro. Wanna see and Thursday vs a Grant Stone Diesel!! 200 bucks vs say 340. Does the diesel measure up??? And before we go further, I like a specific diesel, looks wise, more than the Thursday. But, 140 is not enough for looks. My favored Diesels are the Crimson and Dark Walnut. And, I love, love, love... your channel. And OK, I am not a city guy. I live in Truckee, CA, a ski resort town in the Sierra Nevada mountains. I am 61, and, like a lot of people, my bikes and skis are worth more than my Subaru!! And when I buy, I buy quality. Patagonia and Arc"Teryx when I can. My best hiking boots ever were Meindl. Cost....Mid 200's. My last two pairs of ski boots were Scarpa and Salomon at 800 each. I have three pairs of custom orthotics, a super high arch, and wear 8.5 E. But, one foot is really a 9. I want a pair of casual, mountain dressy, good traction boots for my ski town. And I want to look good! I wear really nice jackets like Filson, Barbour, and a real navy Pea Coat from 1960, along with wool or linen blazers when I can. For pants it is mostly jeans and chinos, and, cotton dress shirts that I get at thrift shops. And, the color I need would be dark brown. Do the showdown Stridewise, I need your help.

[@StolenAlias]

Dude, just get the Grant Stone.

[@spinfish99]

OMG mate. You really need to do some work instead of prancing around Brooklyn so your fingers don't get hurt opening and closing your pack :-)

[@spinfish99]

But I am a subscriber and love your reviews.

[@Stridewise]

It was freezing cold and raining and the leather was thick and half frozen my reaction was FINE BRO ILL FIGHT YOU

[@spinfish99]

@@Stridewise I love that you're bringing new brands like this Bradley Mountain to our attention. Keep going. I'll keep watching. Cheers from Switzerland.

[@Stridewise]

@@spinfish99 thanks to you my man!! That made me day

[@People_R_Foolish]

I don't agree with your choices. Thicker waxed canvas means heavier. That leads to carry fatigue quicker along with pain. So that is a turn off. A light back, is the choice of anyone that actually uses it long term. I can't stand the leather straps. I don't want the hassle of two when I want to get into it. I agree with person below, a drawstring or zipper and one clasp to close flap.

[@PaulAndBiscuit]

Geez, if you don’t want thick canvas and leather but a plastic backpack like everyone else. These bags are for looks, not functionality! Downvote!

[@DavesClinic]

Lol

[@GRB102]

It looks I'm the only one here not to be impressed with this bag. It looks to impractical for a real outdoor use.

[@1970rsc]

TERRIBLE bag - those HUGE metal rivets INSIDE the laptop section will scratch up your laptop after a few minutes of use. Luckily I had a $10 cover on my macbook that got all scratched up instead. Returned the bag after 15 minutes of ownership. this product is poorly designed by people who don't use laptops.

[@stevejette2329]

Do you really need a big bag yo go to Starbucks ?

[@Stridewise]

No, but like, I don’t just go to Starbucks