Minimul M38 Travel Backpack Review (ULTIMATE Digital Nomad Pack?)

[@Nomads.Nation]

🔥 Check out my bag on Kickstarter! 👉🏼 go.nomadsnation.com/fyro-t22

[@AronConsuelo]

This is actually considered one of the best travel backpack (with that capacity) I've seen in your reviews, in my opinion. That magnetic handle is also quite neat!

[@Nomads.Nation]

Agreed, and that handle is so clutch, I can’t believe no one thought of it before lol

[@mumenrider677]

Great first bag for a new company! 38L is very large for a bag to not have load lifters, but that's just my personal preference. Cotopaxi has larger bags that also don't have load lifters as far as I know, and many other companies as well.

[@Nomads.Nation]

agreed! and yes that is correct, great call on Cotopaxi, it's not a given for a bag this size, but I also understand why people want it

[@Stoneucf]

Just picked one up using the NN link. It charges you for shipping under $250 (the bag cost after pre-order and NN dicsount is $249.99) so I added the packable tote ($13, think of it that you're getting it for free since shipping was $19 to US).

[@Nomads.Nation]

Awesome to hear!

[@davidsando6991]

I must say I love the color coming through on the back panel and shoulder straps! Definitely understand that it would be controversial but I'm all for it!

[@semzip8558]

Definitely helps to differentiate the bag from the loads of other cordora black bags for sure!

[@Nomads.Nation]

For sure! There’s so many bags out there now that new brands gotta stick out any way they can - I think it’s a cool design move that will help distinguish the bag 💪🏻

[@Dmassimini7]

Your resident nomatic fan boy is back to say that i love the design of this bag and it does some really cool stuff, but i still feel like the nomatic travel pack’s organization and versatility is unmatched for digital nomads. Or at least for myself as a digital nomad. Just got back from Disney and even my wife commented on how organized my bag looked and how quickly i could find things.

[@Nomads.Nation]

super organized for sure, if you love pockets, you'll love Nomatic

[@semzip8558]

Love how well considered the whole design is for its specific use case. Beautiful bag.

[@Nomads.Nation]

It’s a beast, im super impressed

[@jasecola]

This looks like a great new contender in the travel bag space. I'm digging it. However, for me, I've gotta have those load lifters on bags this size. Don't use a sternum strap or hip belt every, but I really love what load lifters do for carrying a heavier bag around.

[@bebexpink]

what's your favorite ones that feature load lifters?

[@semzip8558]

Didn’t notice the lack of load lifters on this comment but that would also be a dealbreaker for me on a bag this size

[@Nomads.Nation]

I get that, load lifters are def something I prefer on a bag this size. But fwiw it’s still extremely comfortable without them

[@jasecola]

@@bebexpink I'm currently using the Tortuga Travel Pack Lite. I'm liking it a lot. I've also used a Tortuga Setout 35L and Aer Travel Pack 3 and am a big fan of both of those.

[@BagMe.]

In my opinion, "load liters" do not lift loads and unless they are on a hiking pack where they are connected to the bag at a higher point than the shoulders, they do nothing to lift loads. Even in those cases, I always called them "upper stabiliser straps". A 38 litre bag that is comfortable and is designed with the right shape, does not need load lifters. In the end, whether the straps are tight or loose, you still carry the weight over the top of your shoulders...

[@arlencarlson]

I think that is the way a Pakt travel backpack opens too. Obviously Pakt has way more options for opening though.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Many travel bags open like this, Pakt, Bellroy Lite series, etc.

[@elanthys]

For a first product it is impressive, well thought out and with some nifty features like the dedicated keyboard sleeve in the laptop compartment! Gotta say the lack of load lifters at this size would be a deal breaker for me if I were on the market, once you try them you can’t do without. Love the color scheme though, pretty unique and the minimal vibe is totally right up my alley. So, not for me but I dig it!

[@Nomads.Nation]

agreed all around but I will say the bag was shockingly comfortable even without the load lifters (but I get why you prefer them - I do as well)

[@BagMe.]

Load lifters have no advantage on this bag... The bag is super comfy and adding load lifters would only have marketing value and no functional value.

[@yediydeyah78]

I love the lining (kind of reminds me of the lining color for the Fyro T22 😉). I wish the Minimul M38 had just a bit more structure to it. I know it's a travel backpack and is meant to have a little "give" to allow for a full packout, but a little bit of structure would help it maintain a nice aesthetic. I do wish that there was a bit more room in the tech compartment (which I know would have cut into the room for the main compartment). It's always a nail biter for me seeing tech compartments on laptop bags being shallow. And having a bag that large and not having load lifters and an included waist strap is inexcusable (IMHO) 😂 Great review (as usual) Aaron!

[@Nomads.Nation]

cheers! I do love the look of a structured bag, but it comes at the cost of so much extra weight, which for me isn't worth it anymore

[@BagMe.]

Load lifters on this bag serve no significant functional purpose. It would only be inexcusable not to have them if we wanted to play marking games :)

[@arlencarlson]

Like how Minimul, in their website description states: "Carry-on compliant (not a "personal item")". Answers the question that many of us consider.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Depends on the airline though, you can fit this under the seat of some non-budget airlines me thinks

[@arlencarlson]

@@Nomads.Nation I agree...based on dimensions it should fit. Tempted to participate in their pre-order. May have to reanalyze some of the review videos.

[@arlencarlson]

@@Nomads.Nation Seems the FAQ covers that possibility too.

[@Minimulco]

​@@arlencarlson Hey there, Aaron is spot on re the airline seat. It really depends - For example, if you're traveling in Vietnam - For Vietnam Airlines, it'll fit perfectly well with some legroom. But will most definitely be a tight squeeze for you on say Bamboo Airlines or VietJet (both budget airlines in Vietnam). However, it fits nicely under the seat with budget airline Jetstar in Australia. And no probs with Singapore Airlines. We can say this from testing on these airlines. And in reference to the carry-on compliant vs personal item in description, that's to make clear that the bag has been sized specifically for carry-on, which means you can always then wear an additional sling bag as a your personal item. Hope that clarifies.

[@christopherragland5264]

Been on the lookout for this bag for months. Glad to see that it's shaping up to be a great bag. Looks a little over built for a travel bag. Wonder how it will hold up as an EDC combo.

[@Nomads.Nation]

its an incredible bag but holy moly that's gonna be a big ass EDC lol

[@BagMe.]

It needs to be noted that this bag shines for people like me who do not want to carry a tech pouch... If you want to add more product into your carry system by adding a tech pouch, then the pockets in this bag will make less sense. If you want to be a bit more minimalistic and not carry the extra cost and weight of a tech pouch, then this bag will do the job nicely...

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@BagMe. for sure, this system cuts down on weight and costs

[@christopherragland5264]

@@Nomads.Nation I'm a Firefighter and I work for an airline part-time. So my EDC is usually travel ready.

[@e3vL1]

The flap or fabric hinge for the book style opening is a bit thin, small/short. Makes both compartments seem floppy and hassle to deal with

[@Nomads.Nation]

floppy, a bit, but wasn't a hassle in my experience

[@semzip8558]

I prefer floppy and lightweight over sturdy and heavy personally

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@semzip8558 that's the trade off for sure. more structure = more weight

[@TheScuzzy]

Did you get your hands on the new Alpaka Metro Backpack Pro, will there be a review of it?

[@Nomads.Nation]

yup, will be live in a few days

[@frostsmoke]

Where's the dangle stopper on the sternum strap?

[@Nomads.Nation]

doesn't have one 😬

[@NightShift_EDC]

I think this bag is awesome!

[@Nomads.Nation]

Agreed! Very impressive first product

[@e3vL1]

Magnetic handle seems odd. Good when carrying, but when hanging on a hook it seems to have an unnecessary sag to it?

[@Nomads.Nation]

sag when hanging on a hook? not sure what you mean...

[@e3vL1]

@@Nomads.Nation the extra side fabric attached to the handle make the backpack have a droppy appearance when hanging as opposed to a handle that's tight to the backpack

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@e3vL1 interesting take, my retort would be that it gives you a lot more space to grab the handle and makes it more maneuverable, but to each their own!

[@e3vL1]

@@Nomads.Nation yeah it's a trade off depending on use case. I personally use a hook at work and home when taking out bulky contents from my bag. Feel like the extended handle will cause the bag to sway and make it an inconvenience I can see an easier quick grab with more hand room when on the go

[@capnkillbot]

I can’t unsee the back panel mesh as fishnet leggings

[@Nomads.Nation]

😉

[@ArturKSMR]

Will it fit MSI Katana 17.3? If not what will?

[@Nomads.Nation]

I'd recommend reaching out to the brands themselves to ask them, be sure to let us know what they say!

[@unfi6798]

Most country in Asia has the Manga system with their books. It is also a name for some fruit. Cowabunga.!

[@Nomads.Nation]

🤠

[@bebexpink]

good news: website says the laptop area would fit a 17" laptop. bad news: doesn't ship until december so no good for me 😭

[@Nomads.Nation]

Good news! And yea it’s currently on pre-order, but you can’t get $50 off if you pick one up now

[@PotatoSpudRucking]

cool lots of innovative ideas but for me way too much organisation for a travel bag, i hope they make a lite version of this in a smaller size (30ish) which is truly ‘minimul’ 😂

[@Nomads.Nation]

lite 30L version would be so sick

[@tedjh]

Love the organization but who wants to carry around a "mobile workstation" that large? Would love to see a manufacturer make the back tech compartment removable and becomes a work bag/daybag.

[@semzip8558]

I carry a daypack so it’s pretty cool to see a backpack that essentially doubles as my desk storage in a hotel so I know exactly where everything is and I can just grab only what I need for the day rather than carry my whole tech pouch around.

[@Nomads.Nation]

its def more niche, but I know many work/travelers who want a mobile work station (myself included haha)

[@bani_niba]

Is the playback speed been set to faster than normal? Aaron's speech seems especially fast in this video. Anyways, I don't like the tech compartment, not for the many pockets. But rather I would worry that putting so many non-flat items (like a semi-round mice) next to screens can increase the likelihood of cracking those screens. I would rather have those pockets in a separate compartment that is not pressing against my laptop nor tablet. Some good features - I really like a front compartment that can fit a jacket; the ability to self stand.

[@Nomads.Nation]

great feedback! and no I don't think the video was sped up I just had more caffiene that day lol

[@firstlineofsurvival5318]

What is the largest sling bag you can buy? I am talking like 50 liters or so. Go ahead and laugh. Just looking for the largest sling bag out there. Thanks.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Aer Travel Sling at around 15 liters I think. If you want larger then just get a duffel haha

[@Meh-ru3ex]

"Miami Heat" of the fabric means "the best"? hmm debatable...🤔

[@Nomads.Nation]

Go Heat! 😉🔥

[@MarkKram-m1l]

Ew lol it looks huge on you. I’ve found carrying more than what fits in a 25L is uncomfortable.

[@Nomads.Nation]

you should see a 45L on me lol