The loose straps are due to the strap material, not the buckle. I had the Tokyo Totepack with the seatbelt material straps-like the one on the Apex. I received a replacement due to a pull tab issue, and the new bag had the new strap material-like the one on the Venture. My old Totepack's straps were fine and never came loose while the new Totepack needs to be adjusted almost every time I put it on.
3/4" (20mm) Webbing Ending Clip Adjust Keeper Buckle Connect Quick Slip Keeper for Molle Webbing Tactical Backpack Belt. These keep the straps from coming loose on the Venture. I was disappointed that they came loose so easily, but these saved the day.
I wish the venture line kept the back mesh they use on the chimera. And if they made the aqua guards Matte instead of glossy. I also wish the sternum strap was removable, and wish the straps had the option to go a little longer
@@PackHacker2 refinement and minimal, not so much simple. They had the magnets and zippers down, so the hook is very fiddly in comparison. As demonstrated, the other magnets on the Apex are superfluous at best, and a poorly executed solution at worst. Also, I'm sure to some (crazies) the external mesh water bottle pockets are an eyesore but they're much more practical than the interior ones and don't eat up any volume.
With the new Chimera, Belroy collaboration with Carryology, it’s a Venture with a better quality close to the Apex one. Could be nice if Pack Hacker could review the Chimera against the Venture 😉
I believe the mesh pocket in the Apex is diagonal because it follows the natural movement of your hand.
Been using the apex since launch. No damage, nearly no indication of wear. Can be improved but quality perfect.
Thanks for the insight, Brett!
-Eric
The loose straps are due to the strap material, not the buckle.
I had the Tokyo Totepack with the seatbelt material straps-like the one on the Apex. I received a replacement due to a pull tab issue, and the new bag had the new strap material-like the one on the Venture. My old Totepack's straps were fine and never came loose while the new Totepack needs to be adjusted almost every time I put it on.
Thanks for your insight, Tammy! Is that the only difference you noticed?
-Eric
I don't know if it helps, but November 2022 and Venture does not have any issues with the straps... Just tested.
3/4" (20mm) Webbing Ending Clip Adjust Keeper Buckle Connect Quick Slip Keeper for Molle Webbing Tactical Backpack Belt. These keep the straps from coming loose on the Venture. I was disappointed that they came loose so easily, but these saved the day.
I'm guessing that they're both too expensive for my budget! But I may be able to save up for the venture
Apart from price, what do you dig about the Venture? 🧐
-Eric
I wish the venture line kept the back mesh they use on the chimera. And if they made the aqua guards Matte instead of glossy. I also wish the sternum strap was removable, and wish the straps had the option to go a little longer
The sternum strap is removable, slide it all the way up and it will pop right off
Love my apex bag, but the zipper pocket has become a problem!!
Super useful, thanks for the review. Venture seems to be a better deal.
Thanks for watching, Michal!
-Eric
About the pen holder. The Apex leather loops inside double up as pen holders.
Great video Tom 👏
Thanks for watching 😃
-Eric
These are hard to sell when Melbourne exists though. It's just simpler and uncomplicated.
What do you like better about the Melbourne? Is it just simplicity? 🧐
-Eric
@@PackHacker2 refinement and minimal, not so much simple. They had the magnets and zippers down, so the hook is very fiddly in comparison. As demonstrated, the other magnets on the Apex are superfluous at best, and a poorly executed solution at worst. Also, I'm sure to some (crazies) the external mesh water bottle pockets are an eyesore but they're much more practical than the interior ones and don't eat up any volume.
Thanks for the insight, as always, Paul! We really appreciate it 😃
-Eric
What water bottle do you use? i don’t find the ones I use on the venture go in too easily
That’s a 21 oz Hydro Flask Bottle 😃
-Eric
Given the price difference, the Venture is hand-down the best choice.
With the new Chimera, Belroy collaboration with Carryology, it’s a Venture with a better quality close to the Apex one.
Could be nice if Pack Hacker could review the Chimera against the Venture 😉
Thanks for the suggestion 😀 I’ll pass it along!
-Eric
I swear Packhacker is just a Bellroy fanboy channel now.
..luckily, so am I!
We review a wide variety of gear, including but not limited to that from Bellroy 😃
-Eric
What’s the jacket ur wearing with the apex bag on the thumbnail?
That’s the Western Rise AirLoft Hooded Jacket! 😃 More info: packhacker.com/travel-gear/western-rise/airloft-hooded-jacket/
-Eric
Peak Design copycat?
You do know flap top bags exist even before Peak Design was created, right?
Other than being a flap top, looks and operates completely differently.