Osprey Nebula 32L Commuter Laptop Backpack Review - Worth it in 2023?

[@chaoticaasimar]

Danny, your reviews are the best. I actually have this bag and it hasn’t let me down on my weekend trips and international travels. Thank you for reviewing it. Have a wonderful day!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for the support! Glad to hear you have enjoyed using the bag a lot!:)

[@MrDiPY]

Anyone else enjoy watching reviews of bags they already own, or is it just me??

[@brochg]

Always! I have been loving this pack for months! I bought it at a local outdoors store. Their "Backpack Expert" recommended it to me, and it fit like a glove.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I definitely do the same! I feel like I’ve learned a lot from hearing how others use their bags and it gives me ideas to try out :)

[@MrDiPY]

@@dannypacks haha, glad it's not just me then. One of these years I'll make it over to the US as it feels that's where all the backpack and EDC action is. The UK has very few outdoor stores or any stores specialising in backpacks, it's quite frustrating!

[@AThirstyPhilosopher]

I do this all the time. Usually prevents me from buying another bag because I remember why I love the one I already have!

[@oleksandrhr3949]

I have two nebulas :D

[@brochg]

Thank you for the great review, Danny! I have been carrying a Nebula for several months, and it carries a lot smaller than I expected for a 32L bag. It doesn't scream "I'm on operator, operating operationally," and I can easily carry a pair of 32oz hydroflask bottles.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and glad to hear the bag has been working out well!

[@pinoyastronaut]

It was because of your Osprey Proxima 30 review video, that I chose the Proxima over this Nebula and the North Face Recon! The Proxima has been a great travel and edc bag for both domestic and international flights.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad to hear the próxima has been working out well!:)

[@Hamilkar32]

Great bag. A little bit lacking of organization, but very good overall. And compassion straps are very useful. I really came to appreciate them after I got this bag. Thanks for the review.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the bag has been working out well!

[@AThirstyPhilosopher]

I really dig the aesthetic of this space-themed line of bags from Osprey. The colour options are rad too. Not sure I have a need for any of them, but I appreciate the creativity and how each has its own unique features.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and thats a good point, nice to see some variety in the bag world!

[@CheeseballQuartet]

Can you do a comparison between the Nebula and the Tropos? They look really similar

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for the suggestion! I haven’t had a chance to try the tropos just yet but will keep an eye out for a chance to grab one!

[@Duanewrites]

Another solid review. I had the 34L version for several years. I thought it was a little big for EDC, but I used it for travel and a teacher's bag. I had zero complaints. I picked up a 26L GR1 and that's now my favorite bag. I donated the Nebula to a homelss veterns group, so it will continue to be useful.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for sharing your experience with the bag! Definitely great upgrade to the gr1 and awesome to hear the older bag went to a good cause!

[@chelseymattingly6031]

What is the GR1? I’m looking for bag for every day, hiking and travel?

[@Duanewrites]

@@chelseymattingly6031 GR1 is GORUCK's standard backpack.

[@askroller]

The handle is great. And it feels nice, not bending the backpack. Can be held by two hands. Though, takes time to get used to the position

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for sharing your experience with the bag!:)

[@future6627]

Кстати, никто не говорит, но в этом рюкзаке есть дырка под гидратор. Под ручкой есть клапан, прямо в отсек с ноутбуком. Проблема в том, что под серьезным дождем, лучше одевать накидку на рюкзак, иначе есть все шансы попадания влаги на ваш любимый ноутбук. Таким образом можно в отвек для ноутбука положить гидратор, вывести трубку через отверсите под клапаном (под ручкой) и пропустить ее через петлю на любой из лямок рюкзака. Ни в одном обзоре нет упоминания этого функционала.

[@maxim11]

Вроде сказал на 10:54

[@Nyxio_]

Thanks a lot, I learnt a lot about my new bag 😊 gonna be using it for office+gym after office. I had to take two bags but now this bag has a lot of space so I will be able to fit all my stuff in one bag. Definitely a good investment I think :)

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and glad to hear the bag is working out well so far!:)

[@Devlinate]

This is exactly my plan too, just got it from the store. Cant wait to get rid of the double bag setup!

[@PhilRuybal]

Great video man! I just got a recon and saw this after the fact and im yore if i want the nebula now lol. Thanks for making it harder to choose lol

[@davidklatzko]

Got my nebula in rei this past summer. Was looking for a pack to fit my yeti daytripper lunchbox in, and this seemed perfect. Plus I liked the bags aesthetic. I’ve since used it to pack for a multi day road trip, bike rides and more. (The front mesh is just enough to fit my bike helmet 🔥). The only thingsI think could be improved are the by the shoulder straps. The way it feels on the back of my neck feels like a yoke or something. And the chest buckle strap doesn’t have an elastic band/loop to hold the hanging strap. If you have a small chest it kinda just hangs there. Other than that it’s just a very nicely organized and balanced design. I’d give it an 8.5/10. Doesn’t feel completely flawless, but it’s pretty close.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for sharing your experience the bag! Great to hear it’s working out well so far!

[@Nimargb]

Thanks Danny, Can you do Osprey Parsec next please?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for the suggestion! I’ll have to see if I can get one to test out!:)

[@thebadhombre9917]

THANK YOU! I had this pack but I upgraded to a mystery ranch 2 day assault.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! The Mystery Ranch bag is definitely a great alternative to this one!

[@PhilRuybal]

Sorry if I missed when you said it, but do the compression straps bug you that you have to undo them to get to all of the pockets, or find that they get in the way?

[@lucapitea7783]

Great video! I just bought the nebula I’m super happy with it! On the same range check out also the Fjallraven Skule 28

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! Good call with the Skule 28, definitely a solid alternative

[@MrSweenzo]

I got this bag and returned it for the Quasar bc I liked the size better. I'm 6', 220 and it just felt like too much bag to lug around daily. Loved the look of it though and thankfully the Quasar looks almost the same.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and the Quasar is definitely a great alternative for this one!

[@raduilieart]

The handle is placed there because it’s not only a handle, but an over-luggage strap, to carry it on top of your travel troller.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and good call out!:)

[@ninjashhh8344]

That looks like a solid bag. If it had a better carry system like the North Face Surge/Recon I would definitely think about grabbing it. The NF harness system setup is the most comfortable I've felt for shoulders/neck out of many well known 28-32L backpacks I tried.......Just gotta grab a dark marker to color(hide) that huge NF logo (they also NEED a luggage pass through on the NF bags and this bag should have one too).

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! The north face harness is definitely tough to beat and I agree both should really have the luggage pass through for a travel focused bag

[@wwh980]

Great video! It would have been great if you would have compared it to the Lowe Alpine Phase 32 as it seems pretty similar but I can't really find a lot of good videos on that one!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for the suggestion!

[@FlorisVanLent]

Thanks for the well laid out review! I was really enthusiastic until I saw that opening for the bladder hose right above the laptop compartment, doesn't that seriously compromise waterproofness during even moderate rain?

[@sagnier]

I just got this bag new and there’s one really annoying revision from the previous version I also own - the stretchy pocket on the front only really works if the compression straps are clipped in. And having them clipped in means that if you want to get into the main compartment of the bag that’s two clips to undo in addition to the main zip(s). If those straps aren’t clipped in then the top of the pocket and the straps flap around. It’s kinda stupid.

[@juanalonsopuentescampos8847]

Great video, as usual. Is the chest belt removable?

[@thechrisdo]

Yes, as he mentioned in the video

[@Billy4theWin11]

Between this and the Surge, which one would you pick and why? I am currently between the two for school and want to flex it for travel/outdoors. For school, I'll be carrying a laptop, tablet, and a journal or two.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! I think either will work well for those use cases and it will come down to harness and organizational preferences. For me I would lean towards the surge because I like the organization it offers and I prefer the laptop compartment on it

[@Max_Bu12]

Nice vid Danny! I am currently looking for a personal item travel bag, preferably a rolltop with a clamshell opening to make packing easier and give me more flexibility. Besides the attitude supply and PRVKE, any others I should consider? Thanks!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! The prvke is definitely one of my go to for a roll top, might be worth checking out the modern dayfarer backpack or the boundary supply errant pro

[@ilikechrisbrown]

Super late comment here, but I'm curious: I'm deciding between the Surge and this Nebula. Need something comfortable for wearing around at tech conferences all day but also is easy to throw on my roller carry-on for walking through airports. Most of what I pack is tech - cables, chargers, a steam deck, two laptops (16 inch and 13 inch), and sometimes a switch too if my wife is with me. Which bag do you think could pull all that off better? Thank you!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! Both bags are really solid as far as comfort / tech protection and organization. Neither had a trolley strap unfortunately but you can potentially add one using a third party strap. Between the two I do prefer the harness and laptop protection of the surge but both should work well

[@ilikechrisbrown]

​@@dannypacks Thanks Danny! Appreciate the quick reply on an older video. Love the content, easily earned a new subscriber :) Keep up the great work!

[@supasizefries]

What case is that for your Mavic Mini? Thanks.

[@michaelkeaton32]

I like my Osprey Scarab 24, but I got it in blue, and I can't wear it in uniform. I was looking to get a black bag, and I was considering the Patagonia Black Hole 32 or the North Face Recon. I'm actually traveling as I write this, and I saw a guy at the airport with the Nebula. Never knew about this bag. I want something that's big enough to carry my stuff to/from work and for travel, and it must be black to wear in uniform. I think I might go with the Nebula since I like my Scarab. Thanks for the video!!!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! This is definitely a solid alternative to the black hole and recon packs

[@Ali-nl5xv]

What is your opinion about Osprey Tropos 32 ? Do you think it is better than Nebula32 for travel ?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! Definitely a tough choice as they seem really similar. I haven’t had a chance to try out the tropos yet but it seems like the harness is a little more breathable / comfortable? I also like that it has a more standard top loading laptop compartment be the lay flat one on the nebula

[@gibreezy]

Just bought this one today, I think I got the newer model, the old ones said 16 in the new ones for 17 in laptops.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I hope you enjoy using the bag a lot!:)

[@gibreezy]

@@dannypacks I returned it! The design was terrible, I hated the zippers they got stuck so much and the straps at the top are not very thought out

[@BryanR-gz8jf]

@@gibreezy I also returned it!

[@gibreezy]

@@BryanR-gz8jf terrible design

[@johnnyguzman2519]

what osprey backpan line do you recommend? im a college student who carries a mac and travel when i can

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! They have a couple great options for those uses, I am personally a fan of this one and the próxima

[@HeberNeg]

Does it fit under the seat of a plane when fully packed? (I'm looking for a personal item bag for my clothing)

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! It might be a little close depending on the airline, but I think it could work on some of the larger airlines

[@CzechCzar]

oooof! Nebula vs proxima is a hard choice!!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I agree! I would maybe lean slightly towards the próxima due to its pocket layout but it’s really close

[@Kihera-zd8re]

Do you think this bag can be used as a weekend travelbag?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and good question! For me I think it definitely has enough space for a weekend but that will depend on packing style and the types of things you might need for a particular weekend :)

[@louismiguel8432]

what do u think shud I buy this or proxima

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! Both are really solid overall, the nebula feels a little sturdier, but I prefer the layout of the próxima

[@ryangjewell]

How does this compare to the Tropos 32?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! I haven’t had a chance to use the tropos, but have seen it in stores and it looks like a great alternative although fairly similar. I feel like I prefer the harness and the laptop implementation on the tropos but that’s just based on initial impressions

[@KY-re3go]

Does this have a suitcase luggage passthrough?

[@shabuchan3132]

No

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! Like the other comment said, no luggage pass through on this one

[@DougieL]

I just bought this bag and then found your review and I am now happy about my purchase. Handy for ED and also handy for a weekend away, plane travel and a hike. Plus another area where this is very suitable for is a day out with the family, with kids in tow. Ticking boxes! A great and very sturdy review; have yourself a pleasant month!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and glad to hear the bag is working out well so far!:)

[@andriyurenov7215]

How does it behave in the rain?

[@DougieL]

@@andriyurenov7215 I haven't used it in wet weather yet. If it was bucketing down I would pop a pack cover on it. All the best!

[@tijah857]

No luggage strap 😢

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I agree, would have been a great addition to the bag!

[@thiagogregory1]

Is it water resistant?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and yes I would say they are water resistant (but not waterproof)

[@matthewcampos1774]

This is how the Nebula should have been made when Osprey decided to redesign all their bags in 2016 to have a more sleek/city look and less of a clearly outdoors look

[@SoleilNoir7]

The older one is definitely better.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! Sadly I didn’t have a chance to try that version, but this seems to be the feedback many have an recent versions of bags from some of the mainstream bags

[@Cancun26]

👌

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching!:)

[@sagnier]

Oh my God and they’ve moved two very useful pockets from the main to the rear compartment! And now they’re much less useful. Argh!! Why osprey why? I should really have watched this video more thoroughly earlier on..

[@Vara91391]

screw this, after hours of watching reviews, I'm buying this crap

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! Hope you enjoy using the bag a lot!:)

[@worldtoday9244]

Osprey have made less durable materials on this new version of the nebula. I still use the old version, a lot stronger and durable. I would not buy the new version of the nebula

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for sharing your experience with the bags!

[@beck4218]

The TNF looks like they copied the Brain Bag.

[@alabastardmasterson]

Recycled materials are dogshit. We are all dumber for buying anything using these subpar products

[@marynarkw]

Absolutely horrible review. Regarding backpack, laptop compartment has a very slim zipper and if it' gets broken you are in a serious problem. Secondly they made a whole for hose in the laptop compartment - that stupidity is beyond understanding. If you travel during heavy rain the warer will come through it. The backpack is design the way that you will not be able to take things very quickly out.

[@happyguardian2000]

This or patagonia refugio 30?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! For me I would lean towards this one as it has additional organization / padding but if you want a simpler and lighter bag the Refugio would be good

[@GoetheCronshaw]

Love your attitude about this bag and not caring about what people will say. kislux You are right keep your head up and no your priorities.