Is the Bellroy Apex too Big?

[@Brandon-0028]

I've been on the cusp of pulling the trigger on this for a year and I think you just convinced me. It's such a beautiful bag and exudes quality. It's so helpful to see load outs for volume comparison. I would wager that this expands to 30L with how much you fit in there.

[@ofthetraveler]

I am glad to hear it, Brandon! Yeah, this thing can pack a ton of stuff. I’ve gone on four and five day trips with just the Apex. Packs a lot, but then contracts and looks baller as hell as a basic day pack. Whenever you get it and use it for a bit, please feel free to drop me a note on how your experience has been. Are you thinking of getting the Onyx or the Raven?

[@Brandon-0028]

@@ofthetraveler Hey G. Thanks for the note. Once I clear out the small pile of carry goods in my office on ebay I'll pull the trigger. Definitely soon and Definitely Onyx, the steel blue colorway. I've been a Mission Workshop fan for years and it's time to change it up. I'll let you know. Otherwise. see you on Carryology Classifieds ! Have a great night.

[@trompitrompas9289]

Thanks for the review! I would really apreciate if you could do a long term review about the apex, just to know if it ages well before getting this beautiful backpack. I also read a comment where you mentioned de ATD1, funny how lit I am between buying the apex or the ATD1. And if you had the ATD1 it would be cool a idea for a review.

[@ofthetraveler]

That’s a great idea. I don’t have an ATD1 anymore, but I have thought about working on an updated review of the Apex.

[@trompitrompas9289]

@@ofthetraveler And just to know, has it aged well your Apex?

[@ofthetraveler]

@@trompitrompas9289 on the contrary, this thing has barely aged. Aside from some very small white patina in two spots where the top flap folds over, this bag virtually looks like the day I got it. It’s crazy.

[@jackchn23]

Thanks for the review! It does look a little bulky up top. I think if Bellroy tapered the top, it would have made the bag look a little more streamlined.

[@ofthetraveler]

I actually asked the founder of Bellroy about this, he mentioned that the Apex is for those who prefer a pack that has “presence.” I get the notion, it’s not in your face, but as the same time the pack doesn’t just fade into the background like so many other bags out there. Personally, I don’t mind the “presence” it’s *just* enough within my comfort zone before I feel like I’m calling attention to myself.

[@seechangenyc280]

I know I'm late to the party....Have you found Bellroy straps comfy? I have never worn any of their packs. I am looking for comfy (and clean) and something that fits my female, 5'6" short torso (can only go 18" long). Don't say Evergoods. I adore the aesthetic but the harness just doesn't work for me and all EG bags dig into my lower back. If not, one of their bags would be on my back. I like bags that ride high. I carry a laptop. I carry a lot because I'm out all day. and comfort is king....can't go less than 21L. Believe it or not, the Tom Bihn Synapse 19/Synik 22 have come the closest to working for me functionally. Lately, I find the bag (likely because I'm overloading it) pulls me back. I can't get it high enough on my back. I wish all bags had load lifters, they would help. Getting the right fit has been tough. If you have thoughts, I'm all ears. Many thanks. I enjoy your channel (and very much appreciate it when you put the bags on).

[@ofthetraveler]

Hey! Thanks for reaching out. I agree that more bags need load lifters, as I love bags that ride high. With the Bellroy Apex specifically, I've one-bag traveled with this thing fully-loaded, and even without load lifters, it's one of the most comfortable bags I own, if not the most comfortable. There's magic in those straps and back panel. So if you chafe at the Apex price, I imagine the new Venture bags would be pretty good. Another alternative that may catch your eye is the brand-new version of the Attitude Supply ATD1. Also, I love the harness of the Heimplanet bags, both their Motion Series and Transit Series. I didn't own it for terribly long, but I remember how outright comfortable the Mission Workshop Rhake was. I took it on a 12-mile hike, and I'd forgotten it was on my back. Best of luck, if you have any questions, let me know - I'd love to hear what you end up with.

[@seechangenyc280]

@@ofthetravelerThat was really nice of you to write back. Great thoughts! You've given me something to think about. If I knew a bag was going to be super comfortable (functional and sleek - so vain) I'd spill the bucks.

[@RussellZeien]

Appreciate your making this video, it was helpful. Do you have a link to the mentioned upcoming changes to the apex?

[@ofthetraveler]

My pleasure. It’s on the Apex site. It’s the new Raven color. There is a difference to the fabric between the two colors in that the onyx develops patina and is easily wiped down, whereas the Raven is a bit softer. bellroy.com/products/apex-backpack/baida_nylon/raven#slide-0

[@RussellZeien]

@@ofthetraveler Oh, thank you! Is the fabric the only difference between the two bags, or are there other changes?

[@ofthetraveler]

@@RussellZeien Based on the Q&A with the founder of Bellroy, it’s just a change to the exterior fabric and color, different color on the leather shoulder straps, and different accent colors on the inside. So aside from the softer fabric, it’s mostly an aesthetic change.

[@tuesdayrock]

What’s that blue Dopp kit? Tried to google but no results!

[@ofthetraveler]

www.dmadebags.com/ Mine is the Ecodopp. If you hurry you may be able to pre-order for his next production run. He opened it up yesterday. He’s in such high demand that he’s lately been taking pre-orders, then closing the shop until the orders are done. He’s an artist and a craftsman.

[@jcpalermo2576]

Love my Apex! I’m 5’-7” 190 and I don’t think it’s too big either.

[@ofthetraveler]

Love my Apex. I’d love to get the new iteration because of the change to the fabric, it sounds like it’s softer than the OG Baida, but not as easily wiped-down, and no patina - which isn’t a bad thing.

[@jcpalermo2576]

@@ofthetraveler I haven’t done any research on the new Apex, but I’m definitely interested in seeing what the new hype is. Granted, I won’t be getting it, but still, it’s fun to know what’s out there.

[@_krakra_]

@@ofthetraveler from where are you getting info that bag have different material???? To me it looks all the same expect color

[@ofthetraveler]

@@_krakra_ The founder of Bellroy held a Q&A a week before the launch of the new colorway, he went into detail behind the new fabric and why the Raven is different from the Onyx. It’s a small difference, but the result is that the Raven doesn’t patina and is a little softer than the Onyx. As a result though, the Raven isn’t as wipe-down friendly or as abrasion resistant - that last bit is marginal though.

[@lazarosolorzanojr3703]

@@ofthetraveler just sold my Onyx and got the Raven and the difference is quite significant. Def prefer the Raven as it doesn’t have Patina as you stated. Thanks for adding that bit of info !!!