The Newly Updated Osprey Tropos: 27 Things you need to know!!! Best Travel / Large EDC Backpack?

[@shannon-ts5mn]

Brief and explict. Expected a review of tropos 32 for a long time. Thanks a lot!

[@DesmondCheng]

no problemo!

[@BallinHD365]

Returned my north face surge for the Tropos 32 thanks to your video! It was a much needed change that better fit to my school / work / traveling / hiking needs 👍🏼

[@DesmondCheng]

awesome, happy to help!

[@obiwan7840]

It’s also way better quality. I have the surge and while it is a goodlooking pack, it’s not up to the quality I’d expect fron North face. You can’t put weight on it or the straps start to rip apart (whats the point of a 32 liter backpack if you cant load it up). TNF is not what it used tobe and hasnt been for a few years now. I have an osprey quasar 28 (among other packs) from 2019 and I love it although it doesnt carry as much stuff as Id like. My next pack is definetily gonna be an osprey. You made the right choice.

[@EveryD1]

Excellent review! I'm also upgrading from the previous model and trying to decide between this and the Nebula.

[@DesmondCheng]

tropos for sure!

[@EveryD1]

@@DesmondCheng Actually, I'm also looking into the Radial. Doing a bit of bike commuting and it seems to offer the same benefits of the Tropos with some added cycling features. Going to REI to check it out.

[@DesmondCheng]

@@EveryD1 nice happy shopping!

[@digital-activity]

no! new front pocket is VERY cool. it's huge and handy!

[@DesmondCheng]

ur right, its growing on me! i dont mind it at all now =)

[@shaurabhsingh]

Ya, because of the added space, it is easy to put a thin jacket, wet cloths, slippers, etc. The straps helps to put larger items there and then secure it.

[@DesmondCheng]

@@shaurabhsingh i never thought about putting larger items in there, ill give it a try!

[@newagain9964]

@@shaurabhsinghmeh. it becomes near unusable if u have anything in mesh pocket and u don’t fasten compression strap. They could have made alt fasten point so it doesn’t come over main zips.

[@DundieBernard]

Great review thanks a lot! I love the new tropos, only downside I see is the mandatory compression straps/dependent mesh pocket but you do get used to it especially if you hike or bike a lot, those straps are quite useful.

[@DesmondCheng]

yeah ive gotten use to it and still love this bag!

[@yusefcabrera]

I have this bag and I love it! It's my go-to backpack for travel..

[@DesmondCheng]

love it!

[@newagain9964]

Because it has 0% chance of fitting under planes seat, moving to maybe/prob not list. 😕. Other than that, I’d buy Today.

[@1sachiara]

Thanks fir the detailed walkthrough and comparison!

[@DesmondCheng]

no problem!

[@catchacoolbreeze]

Great vid. I have the former model. The lack of double zips drive me crazy. That parsec looks like a "big" 26 liter. I need a slightly larger vertx edc ready in the osprey design - perfect edc.

[@DesmondCheng]

thanks! i also love vertx bags! i love my readypack 2.0 =). But i've been using the tropos mostly! I jsut released a Tropos vs Parsec video! Here is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3vPinSrr7arrZY

[@jays1594]

You nailed this review. Subbed

[@DesmondCheng]

Thanks! Stay tuned as I'll have a comparison between this one and the Osprey Radial coming out soon!

[@auntie_Slayer]

I have the second version of the tropos. The second generation tropos was the best one. The upper compression straps being able to stow away was a nice feature. I dont like the see-through stash pocket on the new one. The only thing the bag on the right needs was the 600d on the bottom and double zippers on the "admin" pocket. Totally agree with your assessment of the bags.

[@DesmondCheng]

thanks!

[@newagain9964]

Thought this was 2nd ver. Is it 3rd?

[@auntie_Slayer]

​@newagain9964 The one on the left is the pathetic 3rd version, the one on the right is the 2nd OG version.

[@newagain9964]

@@auntie_Slayer I want to buy it. But with compression strap/mesh pocket situation and has no chance of going under plane seat (it seems), I’m out.

[@auntie_Slayer]

@newagain9964 it also has a wire harness built into the bag so it won't bend or fold. I took mine on a United Airlines flight from DC to Arizona a few years ago. For what it's worth, it barely fit under the seat.

[@rilkeanheart]

i have this bag, just took it to japan for a week. i love it, including the stuff pocket on the back. DO NOT change it. i like it for quick stash/retrieval capability, especially in the airplane cabin or general transit. i don't have to mess with a zipper and seeing things helps me get to what i need fast. if you care about looks that much, get the peak design travel bag, which i also have and love.

[@DesmondCheng]

thanks for ur input! yeah the front stash pocket is slightly growing on me... haha

[@KevinBrowne14]

Nice comparison, Desy! I really love my previous-gen Tropos and keep coming back to it -- even over my A19 Stealth Cobra and my CPL Phoenix, among others. I agree that the new compression straps/stash pocket boondoggle might be a deal breaker. One thing I do hate that it seems like they've kept is the key leash -- mine almost never keeps my key ring hooked and I usually have to go digging around for my keys.

[@DesmondCheng]

oh yes the key lease needs improvement, forgot to mention that! I've been using hte bag a bit more and the compression straps isn't too big of a deal. I can still access all 3 zippers without undoing the compression straps and I dont find it being a hinderance from not being able to open it all the way. its wide enough!

[@HamSupZhai]

I suppose they made the front stash pocket on the new bag see through so you could easily grab what you want straight away without having to dig around and feel around.

[@DesmondCheng]

makes sense... but looks ugly! lol

[@newagain9964]

See thru is least of problems with mesh pocket.

[@mootoo4762]

Great review!! Good to see all the differences. I've been using the very original Tropos for years and love it, but now needing to upgrade. Whether to get the new Tropos or look elsewhere? The kickstand feature is just so damn useful, so probably another Tropos for me, although I totally agree with the downgrades that you mentioned. Your reviews are excellent btw, very thorough and not just stating the obvious like so many reviewers out there.

[@DesmondCheng]

thanks, means a lot! YEah get the new tropos haha, its grown on me!

[@Allantherocker]

Hey Desy! Stumbling upon this late but super informative video thanks! Do you happen to know how the Tropos differs from the Nebula, except the kick stand?

[@DesmondCheng]

kick stand and air mesh back panel are the 2 main things!

[@th29inchbgyellowtaxi]

Very thorough and well presented, Desy! I am a current Tropos owner and I really like it. I especially use the split back pocket, so it’s interesting to hear your misgivings about that. I will wait to check one out instore before I dive in and upgrade. It’s a shame about that flaw because I think the Tropos is the best travel/day-to-day backpack I’ve owned in many years. Thank you from Sydney, Australia. 🦘

[@thuemoes]

Can you review the Osprey Radial?

[@DesmondCheng]

would love to! its been on my radar but havent had a chance to get one =)

[@Qjemuse]

Thanks for the walkthrough. With the thinner shoulder scraps now... Do you find the older one more comfortable with a heavier load? And yes that front mesh connecting to the scrap and buckles look way too annoying

[@DesmondCheng]

no problem! as for the straps, i haven't had to carry a heavy load for a long time yet. so i cant really say for sure. but so far just carrying a medium load, it has been fine, no big complaints!

[@lottvelasquez7418]

I use the new nebula very similar to this. Same brand but like $100 cheaper. The nebula also has a better laptop compartment and tablet pocket, both 32L.

[@DesmondCheng]

noice!

[@robertdratwia]

Question: How is it traveling by plane with the Tropos as a personal item? I’m not referring to carry-on luggage, but in addition to it, like a small personal item. Airlines usually have separate size limits for both. Have you had any issues with airlines over this? Also, does the metal frame in the harness system make it difficult to fit the bag into the maximum size tester for personal items? maybe its possible to remove the metal frame to be able to squeeze the bag smaller?

[@DesmondCheng]

So of the two flights I have been on with this bag, no one has bothered me about size or anything. I think it really just depends on the agent letting you on the plane! Some might be super anal, some might not!

[@robertdratwia]

@@DesmondCheng Makes sense. Thanks for your quick reply. Appreciate it.

[@vanderslagmulders]

Great review, thanks.

[@DesmondCheng]

you are welcome!

[@flacoloops24]

The nebula has the exact same mesh flaw, I returned it the next day!

[@DesmondCheng]

the bag has been growing on me, i dont mind it at all =)

[@willyonamountain]

Thanks for the good review. I have an old nebula from about 10 years ago that i really like, but they kinda downgraded that line it seems. I think this tropos might be a good replacement.

[@fullsleevetats]

The new Tropos looks identical to the Nebula, but has a kickstand and the AirSpeed back. Other than that, they're identical. It also means you can't use it for under-seat airplane carry-on due to the rigid kickstand, where the Nebula fits under the seat perfectly well.

[@DesmondCheng]

it will fit under the seat, the kickstand expands and compresses based on what you have in the bag. BUT it is a very tall bag so its going to eat into your leg room. This tropos is definitely more of an overhead cabin bag

[@ghanirakbar]

does the back panel also works as a luggage pass through? curious...

[@DesmondCheng]

negative!

It looks quite a lot like the Osprey Nebula am I wrong? could you share your thoughts on that comparison?

[@DesmondCheng]

yes similar! nebula does not have the airmesh back panel, and does not have a kickstand!

[@jknight526]

Did u indicate the bag capacity? I didn’t hear or see where you mention liters/volume.

[@DesmondCheng]

the tropos is 32L

[@ashwinoashwin]

I ordered mine a few days back. The grey one dropped in price & I immediately jumped on it. I just can't understand why on earth would the clip the mesh pockets with buckles! I have had the momentum 36 , the radial 34, the escapist and none of the had the mesh panel clipped to anything. This such a horrible design error. Well I still got it because after living with the kickstand on the radial for 7 years, i doubt i can ever go back :) But if anyone from osprey is reading this - pls for heaven sake don't screw around the simple design of the mesh pocket - just stitch to the front panel!

[@DesmondCheng]

we just have to wait a few more years until they come out with the redesign lol

[@ashwinoashwin]

@@DesmondCheng a redesign for a complete unnecessary redesign :) they just had to pull up their design files from radial to see what to do with the mesh and they bungled it up 😂😂

[@mikeyw5908]

Are they both waterproof?

[@DesmondCheng]

no, just weather resistant

[@jeshu8372]

Due to the interior size and design this backpack is 99% similar to various The North Face models. Personally I don't like this design, it looks like something that someone who practices climbing would use. I have a 32 liter Billabong backpack, the finish and materials do not seem to last 5-10 years but the design and compartments seem much better to me, I am looking for a 38-40 liter Billabong or Quicksilver backpack, I have seen some great models but It is difficult to get them here in Spain. These brands are very focused on surfing so these backpacks are somewhat water resistant although I always find it advisable to buy an external cover. Greetings.

[@DesmondCheng]

nice ill have to check out those packs!

[@mikej243]

Hello climber here, pockets are useless and bad for climbing, nobody would carry something like this on a wall. Would much prefer one single top load to carry bulk and that’s it, smaller thing can just be clipped to a safety harness. Happy Sending!

[@DesmondCheng]

thanks for the input !! good to know! @@mikej243

[@newagain9964]

@@mikej243pockets/intricate admin panels are only useful in work/commute backpacks. Sux they’re infiltrating TRAVEL bags.

[@rajendrabareto8065]

When I lived in India I hated sweating. But now when I lived in Europe I now understand sweating is so necessary 😂 except the odor that can be taken care of

[@DesmondCheng]

=D

[@TheWantCheesebro]

Only thing that keeps me from buying these bags are the compression straps

[@DesmondCheng]

i know! hopefully they can update this in the next year or two to change that!

[@BearHandsGaming]

not waterproof or water resistant?

[@DesmondCheng]

its probably ok in light rain! but no, its not fully waterproof

[@davidy4837]

The title makes it seem like it’s a 27 L backpack lol

[@DesmondCheng]

sorry for the confusion!

[@dfgdfg_]

You can hear the money people taking all the joy out of the designs as they progress.

[@OccupiedMuffins]

The fact that it’s see through and just an open flap is crazy. That’s asking for someone to steal some shit and makes it essentially a junk pocket with almost always wasted space

[@DesmondCheng]

its grown on me, its not bad, very handy for like wet wipes and snacks!

[@flacoloops24]

The new bag is such a disappointment! So hard to get to main compartment

[@DesmondCheng]

ive been using this bag more and more, and its actually not that bad! u can still access the bag without undoing those straps =)

[@newagain9964]

@@DesmondChengbut the bag won’t fully zip open tho. Means u have to remove stuff to get other stuff.

[@DesmondCheng]

@@newagain9964 true... but that would be similar to other bags too that only open from the top!

[@newagain9964]

@@DesmondCheng yeah. I don’t do top loading bags. Unless a 15L or less day back type.

[@DesmondCheng]

@@newagain9964 AER city pack pro opens up all the way =)

[@up.to.mountains]

What a downgrade, so sad.