BLACK EMBER FORGE MAX IN BLACK REVIEW (updated)

[@bani_niba]

It's quite helpful to hear about the possible QA issues at Black Ember. It's rare to see honest reviews on YT. Most of the other reviewers just rave about the bag. Keep up It up!

[@CityTrekker]

Glad it's helpful! That's the whole point.

[@JayWing9]

Love the redo of the video, you sound much more natural and the few chase reeves tid bits felt more like a homage this time around as opposed to a primary personality. Clean editing. Briefcase and shoulder mode is great for looking more formal in a work setting, switching to backpack allows for comfort, a Japanese inspired carry

[@mrjh8467]

This is a comprehensive coverage of the bag. Thanks. You answered questions that I had after watching a couple of other videos 👍

[@CityTrekker]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tuna_mayo_sandwich]

10:13 FINALLY I found a review of this bag where you can really see how it is done.

[@AllDumplingNoRice]

This review helped a ton in my decision making. Can't wait for the review of the peak design bag!

[@CityTrekker]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nathanlim2433]

I rarely comment on videos, but i would like to thank City Trekker for the review. As I had almost made the purchase of the Forge Max, till I saw your review. It is a great product of a bag, but it may not be worth the $295 price tag. Would consider it another time during a sales though.

[@CityTrekker]

You are very welcome.

[@knchewiemeng1931]

I hope Black Ember would finally take notes and release an updated version addressing users’ concerns… it’s been long enough

[@Brandon-0028]

Great videos man. Nice work! It's funny that you gave a couple nods to Chase in this video. I've been intrigued with this bag since it was on Kickstarter.

[@CityTrekker]

Thanks!

[@FD-dh2fu]

Great review. If you had to choose a brand and a particular backpack what would it be? I picked up a DSPTCH RUCKPACK made in the USA. But after a while it’s painful to wear. Thanks again.

[@markusalan2862]

Thank you dude - this was super helpful!!

[@CityTrekker]

Good! Glad to hear that. That's the whole point of this channel.

Best review of this bag I've seen. Thanks for that. I wonder what daily waterproof backpack you would recommend for commuting to work on a motorbike.

[@CityTrekker]

Thanks! Good question. The Arc'teryx Veilance Nomin would be great. Most of the Black Ember bags like the WPRT or their new Shadow pack.

[@admingeneral6532]

AER flight pack is a 3 way that includes water bottle holders, but in brief case mode the water bottle is on the bottom so carrying your water bottle works much better in back pack mode. Other expandable 3 ways include a chrome (discontinued i believe) with no water bottle, a Tumi with no water bottle holder. It is kind of frustrating but the AER is probably the best (I have all 3 but just immediately discounted this one due to the price and no water bottle) AS an update to this, Black Ember DOES have an add on water bottle...

[@kg4lod]

The AER3 is awful if you want a 3 way. It's basically the worst of both worlds (vertical v. horizontal carry). The AER3 has all pockets/organizers oriented vertically and many lack elastic closure so things fall out inside the bag if you carry it in the other 2 modes. The front zipper is vertical (when non-backpack) so things fall out of the bag entirely when you open it. The main zippers don't fully clamshell in non-backpack mode. The shoulder sling attach points are diagonal across the side face so the bag hangs weird. Etc etc... The Forge doesn't have any of these problems.

[@Drod0272]

Great video, and like the issues that you point out with the bag. A bag at this pricepoint should not have the issues you pointed out.

[@CityTrekker]

Thanks Dave!

[@amalmohan6982]

Hey great review! Can you confirm if the Peak Design tech pouch and small camera cube will fit in this bag without expansion?

[@CityTrekker]

I don't know. I don't have the bag anymore. I sold it right after this review.

[@linyouteo1023]

Thanks for the great review! Been considering this. By the way, they need to use Velcro because magnets alone won't be able to hold the flaps in place when they are under shear stress.

[@sohrubjoshi5189]

What camera gear you are packing in here ?

[@CityTrekker]

Peak Design 3L Everyday Sling with a LUMIX G85 and some lenses.

[@cashcashhsac]

Very thorough review. For $300 they need to pay close attention on quality

[@batdude811]

The lack of a drinking bottle pocket or area is a huge negative. Was it supposed to have one in the first place bearing in mind it's a 3 way bag and because of that, it's not possible to position it without tipping it up in one of the modes.

[@CityTrekker]

They ended up adding an attachable water bottle pocket. It was a pain.

[@roseforeuropa]

You were good to call them out every time something was misaligned and not symmetrical. I don't expect perfection, but for $300 I expect the asymmetry to not be so blatantly obvious from a distance.

[@CityTrekker]

Indeed. QC matters.

[@veronicasporabenini]

I just bought a new Forge since I was happy with an older backpack of them, but instead if the model shown in pictures, which was in a gummy fabric finish like the other one I use, it came completely different. I asked to exchange it since it is not compliant to the sales page images, and they said they changed the fabric and that’s it. But if you buy on line you trust the pics and its not fair to send a different product. I loved my old one I gave my boyfriend and now I am just disappointed. Its not right to be sent a different product and be ignored, like it was my fault for their mistakes. I am not happy, feels like a scam. If you change the product, just SHOOT NEW PICS. Is it that difficult? Don’t blame a client that trusts your pics, please. Its sad and helps no one.

[@CityTrekker]

Aww sorry that happened to you. I'd say to just return it.

[@mindtheyoutubegap]

Any chance you can do a review between the Black Ember R2 Minimal vs AER Travel Pack 2 X-PAC?

[@CityTrekker]

Not a comparison video, but we will be reviewing the AER travel pack in XPAC.

[@anthonycastillo2255]

You mentioned the peak design taken to Asia, how was it? I saw someone have it while I was traveling in vietnam and it looked really cool. I myself like messgenger mode while traveling so I'm very interested in the forge

[@CityTrekker]

It was great. Peak Design Travel Pack is currently my favorite travel pack, largely due to the 30-35-45L compression options. Hopefully the shoulder straps and 5L compression snaps improve on V2, but still, it’s a great pack.

[@SonyDjuana]

I think having a multi-function bag will sacrifice the backpack experience for example. If you really want a backpack, you should get a bag that meant for it.

[@gedz89]

Great in-depth video and thanks for highlighting the negatives. I had an idea of the things I liked already so it was nice to get an idea of potential negatives. The quality control issues are probably the biggest concern to me considering the price. Have you reached out to Black Ember regarding this issue? I am also interested if other people have had a similar experience.

[@anthonycastillo2255]

Haven't seen anyone mention the negative of the handle. I liked that.

[@gedz89]

@@anthonycastillo2255 Agreed. I like the form factor of this bag as potential work/everyday/travel bag. But the negatives at this price point are making me a bit hesitant. I'll hold off and see if any deals pop up.

[@anthonycastillo2255]

@@gedz89 I just got one on ebay for $175 ship included. Felt that was a reasonable price.

[@gedz89]

@@anthonycastillo2255 nice price. I'll have a look on ebay. I'm in the UK so not sure what stock will be like. I've been looking at some stores here and in Europe to minimise import costs as well.

[@anthonycastillo2255]

@@gedz89 hopefully you can get your hands on one. As something thats a bit similar but not as fancy have you checked out the cotopaxi nazca or allpa 28?

[@davidnevins8839]

Nice video man! 🙂 keep up the good work.

[@yiorkis401]

Keep reviewing Adam 👏

[@sietepesos5535]

Thanks for the review! However, its not just a normal backpack.

[@CityTrekker]

True. True.

[@batdude811]

He just wanted a backpack. He got a 3 way bag.

[@CityTrekker]

If it did all three ways well I’d be happy with it.

[@batdude811]

@@CityTrekker I think one flaw in the bag is the size when its on your back it seems to stick out a mile. Turn round and send someone flying across the room.

[@fwrg1]

I thought I bought a forge20 backpack and I got a "portfolio measure" the measurements are very bad for a day-to-day backpack. When ordering the size change to the normal forge backpack, I was rejected and offered; in short 5 months to solve the problem, it turns out that the wait with arrival delays of more than 2 months is not enough to have a more friendly treatment. the quality is indisputable. but if they call themselves a small company. It will take a lot of work for them to become a great company "in every way."

[@TheOtherChef]

you need timestamps

[@russellmaynard5127]

Good review of the pros and cons and workings of the bag. Nice job there. But the attempted humour needs to go. It's not funny, cringe worthy really, and it is making the whole review much longer than it needs.

[@CityTrekker]

Thanks for the input. I just started doing these videos so hopefully they get better. My humor may not though...ha.

[@kkkkkkk3896]

@@CityTrekkerdon’t change for nobody