I have the 26L version, and I love it. It’s my work-edc-gym-weekend bag, and it’s great at that. I’d assume the 20L version is the same, just smaller. Not a huge fan of the shiny finish on the zippers, the matte one on the black color looks nicer I think. I also wish the side pocket (on both versions) would have some sort of organization in it. Maybe a meshed pocket inside?
Review right on time for Black Friday 😄 Surprisingly, very small dimension difference between 20L and 26L, but I'm leaning to 20L. I need a companion for my carry-on suitcase while traveling by plain and nice light backpack when I'm on destination, exploring the city or whatever I explore.
I’ve been using this for 3 months. I love it simply because it fits me (5’2” lady; sternum strap doesn’t interfere with the girls 😉)and carries what I need. There is definitely room for improvement; H20 pocket could be more functional, side pocket could have a sleeve so phone doesn’t hang out with keys, not including the tote was a MISS (why Bellroy???) and maybe a flat pocket with vertical zip on the front of the bag. Despite this, I am very happy with this pack. Honestly, as a petit woman it is very hard to find a functional and comfortable backpack.
Top compartment with central divider is great decision, Bo Isomono's favorite Bellroy Venture Hip pack has one too and it is a awesome feature organizes stuff in a minimal yet efficent way. I think details you mentioned also showed that intention of Bellroy. Also nice how you showed that headphones fit. I think that is a differentiator and what is Bellroy known for minimal yet balanced organisation with toughtfullness. Many times is compared with Aer but Aer's approach to organisation is different is much more substantial but I would say less flexible, with more defined purpose of each compartment. Which is totaly fine and nice that we have option for all tastes, right.
I'd hate that divider. LOL As for the headphones, I think this is the same as the Aer City Pack Pro admin pocket - the headphones will fit, but you won't have any room for anything else. Maybe tissues, but that would be about it. No hand sanitizer, etc, other things you might be accessing frequently.
As someone coming from Venture 22L I like that front portion od the bag is different material as Bellroy Venture ripstop material with heavy use gets some give and becomes more baggy. Hoewer this front material is probably similar to baida nylon which is harder and probably keeps its shape long term
Thanks for the amazing video! Is it possible for you to make a Nomatic Travel Pack 20L review again? I like your old review of that video, but I want to see if your opinion has changed and if you still recommend the backpack to the same people. I also recently bought the backpack and want a more relevant review. This is just a request, but if you do, that would mean the world to me! Thanks, Aaron! (Love your videos by the way!)
I’ve used it as a daily carry for 6 months, and I love this bag. Definitely too small for one bag travel, except for 1 night. Comfy, compact, gorgeous looking, the only downside is that the buckles for the shoulder straps tend to be too loose, so you need to readjust frequently
@@comeatime-rg2yl Do they hold that well? The Bellroy buckles are not that bad, but with heavier load the the straps come loose. I am looking for an alternative and didn't know that repair buckles exist...
Im in Australia right now, I need a back pack for traveling (not a carry on size), so far is my favourite, it costs 160 usd during Black Friday (25% off)
The Venture Ready Pack 20L looks good, but I'll probably be picking up the Aer City Pack Pro Ultra over this. Though I am curious to hear your thoughts on this versus the Transit Workpack Pro 22L; do you think one is better than the other for a hybrid EDC/travel bag?
That top handle reminds me of the the handle on the Peak Design 30L travem bag. One cool thing about that design is that it can function as a "vertical" passthrough luggage holder. Aaron, can you give it a try and let us know if it works inthat way too. Its a cool "hidden" feature if it does 😉
I have their Transit Workpack Pro bag, love it! amazing but one thing I must say, their quick access pockets are great but they put the zip too far back it needs to be more to the middle for the perfect swing and open technique haha
@@Nomads.Nation You are absolutely correct! much more secure where it is, thanks for all of your videos! Purchased my bag for my upcoming UK trip thanks to all of your reviews !
I'm on the fence between this one and the transit workpack V2. Looking for a good 18-20L bag for work and struggling a bit. This one seems almost perfect, but the gloss is sadly a miss. Thanks for the review!
i have this one in 26L. I personally wanted something without its own dedicated laptop pocket. Others do want that. Also love the usability and ease of the top pocket. It has its own space and even fits a pair of over the ear headphones. The transit one could be better for work, especially if you want a separate area to bring lunch or change of clothes/shoes if you go to the gym.
@aalokshah8655 thanks for the input! I actually liked the previous version of the Workpack better - they removed the quick access side pocket and the sunglasses pocket in the new version, which this bag has. I am a little concerned about the lack of a separate laptop pocket, as I sometimes carry more than one laptop. Traveling for Thanksgiving, I have two work computers and my personal in my Aer TP3 small, but it is too big for my typical trip to work. I'd consider the city pack pro, but that also seems a bit big. At work, the max I see myself carrying is two laptops, my charger pouch, a jacket, and lunch.
The incase tracks 18L is also on the list. It gives Aer vibes, but also doesn't have a separate laptop compartment, and the water bottle pockets seem a little shallow
I wanted u to recommend some edc and travel backpack( the higher the amount of suggestion the better)But i want water bottle holder, and around 20 to 24
Your best video by far. Always plz test all Laptop sizes. Most reviews just test 14’ MacBooks and call it a day. Annoying. Nice review. This 20’ is in my wish list now. 👍
watch my review on the Synik 30 and you'll have all my thoughts, just in a slightly bigger package. I prefer this bag cuz I'd never be seen dead wearing a Synik, but that's just cuz it's not my style lol. Functionally speaking, Synik wins over this bag I think
Regarding a previous message and your wallet, I’ve seen how many things you leave in a backpack yes you do need to keep your wallet in your pocket! lol Regarding this backpack and the shiny gloss, I think gloss is better left for lips.
@@JoshuaJEnriquez im sure it will! Just don't expect it to keep you stuff dry in a monsoon, but light rain for a few minutes at a time = should be good
I still confuse within this and bellroy workpack pro 22L, I like this bronze color and the inside but I also like the separate laptop compartment & bottle compartment on workpack pro, and there is no one that review the white stone color 😢
im not a fan of aer’s aesthetic. But to each their own. This is overpriced. I got lucky that i jumped on the first gen 26l for 160 when it was on sale. Only difference is a luggage pass through, which in my case doesn’t really matter.
@@Nomads.NationAgree. The Aer City Pack Pro (probably the greatest work backpack of all time and already iconic) is $170, yet far outperforms this Bellroy bag in features. But Bellroy slings does the aesthetics better imo.
This is a fantastic bag. I just used the 26L on a trip. I have a ton of packs, including Tom Bihn Synik in both sizes. This one is my favorite.
love it!
the sign on the inside of the main compartment can be used to hide an airtag. It even has a little flap so the tag doesnt slip back out
for sure!
I have the 26L version, and I love it. It’s my work-edc-gym-weekend bag, and it’s great at that.
I’d assume the 20L version is the same, just smaller.
Not a huge fan of the shiny finish on the zippers, the matte one on the black color looks nicer I think. I also wish the side pocket (on both versions) would have some sort of organization in it. Maybe a meshed pocket inside?
Agreed on the glossy zips
Review right on time for Black Friday 😄 Surprisingly, very small dimension difference between 20L and 26L, but I'm leaning to 20L. I need a companion for my carry-on suitcase while traveling by plain and nice light backpack when I'm on destination, exploring the city or whatever I explore.
+1
glad to hear the review was helpful!
@@Nomads.Nation 30% Black Friday discount from the Bellroy's newsletter was also helpful 😁
Nailed the review, as always! Those fabrics...!!
thanks so much!!
I’ve been using this for 3 months. I love it simply because it fits me (5’2” lady; sternum strap doesn’t interfere with the girls 😉)and carries what I need. There is definitely room for improvement; H20 pocket could be more functional, side pocket could have a sleeve so phone doesn’t hang out with keys, not including the tote was a MISS (why Bellroy???) and maybe a flat pocket with vertical zip on the front of the bag. Despite this, I am very happy with this pack. Honestly, as a petit woman it is very hard to find a functional and comfortable backpack.
so awesome to hear, thanks for sharing!
Top compartment with central divider is great decision, Bo Isomono's favorite Bellroy Venture Hip pack has one too and it is a awesome feature organizes stuff in a minimal yet efficent way. I think details you mentioned also showed that intention of Bellroy. Also nice how you showed that headphones fit. I think that is a differentiator and what is Bellroy known for minimal yet balanced organisation with toughtfullness. Many times is compared with Aer but Aer's approach to organisation is different is much more substantial but I would say less flexible, with more defined purpose of each compartment. Which is totaly fine and nice that we have option for all tastes, right.
well said 👏
I'd hate that divider. LOL As for the headphones, I think this is the same as the Aer City Pack Pro admin pocket - the headphones will fit, but you won't have any room for anything else. Maybe tissues, but that would be about it. No hand sanitizer, etc, other things you might be accessing frequently.
As someone coming from Venture 22L I like that front portion od the bag is different material as Bellroy Venture ripstop material with heavy use gets some give and becomes more baggy. Hoewer this front material is probably similar to baida nylon which is harder and probably keeps its shape long term
good points!
Thanks for the amazing video! Is it possible for you to make a Nomatic Travel Pack 20L review again? I like your old review of that video, but I want to see if your opinion has changed and if you still recommend the backpack to the same people. I also recently bought the backpack and want a more relevant review. This is just a request, but if you do, that would mean the world to me! Thanks, Aaron! (Love your videos by the way!)
love this idea and we'll totally try!
Wanted a lighter weight edc bag and considered this, the aer go and the daybreaker 2.
Ended up going with the able carry.
love the Daybreaker, super underrated pack
Will you guys cover the Transit Workpack New Second Edition? I would like to see the difference from the old one and the new one.
Yup! Should be live in a few weeks
@Nomads.Nation cool thanks.
I’ve used it as a daily carry for 6 months, and I love this bag. Definitely too small for one bag travel, except for 1 night. Comfy, compact, gorgeous looking, the only downside is that the buckles for the shoulder straps tend to be too loose, so you need to readjust frequently
Good to know the buckle issue still occurs - thanks for sharing!
There is always a easy fix with Sea to summit Field Repair buckles... they hold 100% tryed and tested on retired Venture Backpack 22l
@@comeatime-rg2yl Do they hold that well? The Bellroy buckles are not that bad, but with heavier load the the straps come loose. I am looking for an alternative and didn't know that repair buckles exist...
@@romain_vd 100%
@@comeatime-rg2yl thanks !
Im in Australia right now, I need a back pack for traveling (not a carry on size), so far is my favourite, it costs 160 usd during Black Friday (25% off)
Sounds like a great deal!
The Venture Ready Pack 20L looks good, but I'll probably be picking up the Aer City Pack Pro Ultra over this. Though I am curious to hear your thoughts on this versus the Transit Workpack Pro 22L; do you think one is better than the other for a hybrid EDC/travel bag?
I much prefer the Transit Workpack Pro22L - more comfy and an aesthetic I like more
That top handle reminds me of the the handle on the Peak Design 30L travem bag. One cool thing about that design is that it can function as a "vertical" passthrough luggage holder. Aaron, can you give it a try and let us know if it works inthat way too. Its a cool "hidden" feature if it does 😉
great point! Unfortunately I am traveling right now so can't check but I'll try and remember for next time I'm at the studio
I have their Transit Workpack Pro bag, love it! amazing but one thing I must say, their quick access pockets are great but they put the zip too far back it needs to be more to the middle for the perfect swing and open technique haha
agree its not a great quick access pocket while wearing the bag, but also its def not designed to be haha
@@Nomads.Nation You are absolutely correct! much more secure where it is, thanks for all of your videos! Purchased my bag for my upcoming UK trip thanks to all of your reviews !
@@Kizpossible so glad to hear, hope you enjoy your trip! 🇬🇧
Can you do a review of backpacks with the vertical luggage pass through? I just wanna know what's out there. Really excited for my T22!
we've got that on our to do list actually!
Love this bag except for the shiny aquaguard zippers, why won't they use the matte zippers
yea not my fav design choice either
I'm on the fence between this one and the transit workpack V2. Looking for a good 18-20L bag for work and struggling a bit. This one seems almost perfect, but the gloss is sadly a miss. Thanks for the review!
i have this one in 26L. I personally wanted something without its own dedicated laptop pocket. Others do want that. Also love the usability and ease of the top pocket. It has its own space and even fits a pair of over the ear headphones. The transit one could be better for work, especially if you want a separate area to bring lunch or change of clothes/shoes if you go to the gym.
@aalokshah8655 thanks for the input! I actually liked the previous version of the Workpack better - they removed the quick access side pocket and the sunglasses pocket in the new version, which this bag has. I am a little concerned about the lack of a separate laptop pocket, as I sometimes carry more than one laptop. Traveling for Thanksgiving, I have two work computers and my personal in my Aer TP3 small, but it is too big for my typical trip to work. I'd consider the city pack pro, but that also seems a bit big. At work, the max I see myself carrying is two laptops, my charger pouch, a jacket, and lunch.
The incase tracks 18L is also on the list. It gives Aer vibes, but also doesn't have a separate laptop compartment, and the water bottle pockets seem a little shallow
be sure to let us know which one you pick!
Please review Tomtoc's backpacks! They seem like a great deal!
on it 🫡
I wanted u to recommend some edc and travel backpack( the higher the amount of suggestion the better)But i want water bottle holder, and around 20 to 24
Be sure to check out our 'Roundups" which will have hundreds of recommendations - th-cam.com/video/9z4Yub5Qqiw/w-d-xo.html
Your best video by far. Always plz test all Laptop sizes. Most reviews just test 14’ MacBooks and call it a day. Annoying. Nice review. This 20’ is in my wish list now. 👍
thanks so much!!
I really thought hard between this one and Synik 26 for EDC purposes and with later. I would really like to hear your thought Aron on S26!
watch my review on the Synik 30 and you'll have all my thoughts, just in a slightly bigger package. I prefer this bag cuz I'd never be seen dead wearing a Synik, but that's just cuz it's not my style lol. Functionally speaking, Synik wins over this bag I think
Hey Aaron. If you had to pick one manufacturer’s ecosystem to buy into, what would it be- Bellroy or Peak Design?
Bellroy
@ interesting! Not the answer I was expecting!
@@milokirk4985 PD ecosystem is great for photographers
On the spec sheet it sounds like the perfect backpack that i have been searching for, but price is so hard to swallow.
that's what Black Friday deals are for
@ does make it a bit better, I guess that’s what you pay for a 20l pack as light as this without compromising on structure.
Regarding a previous message and your wallet, I’ve seen how many things you leave in a backpack yes you do need to keep your wallet in your pocket! lol Regarding this backpack and the shiny gloss, I think gloss is better left for lips.
cheers!
Damn, i already bought the Aer City Pack Pro Ultra yesterday.
I prefer the CPP, so I think you made the right choice
@@Nomads.Nation oh great gosh, thats a relief. Hope the bag will serve me well here in rainy Asia
@@JoshuaJEnriquez im sure it will! Just don't expect it to keep you stuff dry in a monsoon, but light rain for a few minutes at a time = should be good
can u compare all the bellroy backpacks pleasee
there are like hundreds of them 😂
I still confuse within this and bellroy workpack pro 22L, I like this bronze color and the inside but I also like the separate laptop compartment & bottle compartment on workpack pro, and there is no one that review the white stone color 😢
don't get the stone, it'll get dirty so fast. I prefer the Workpack Pro
@Nomads.Nation I had bellroy venture sling 6L green ranger color and love it, but I don't think I like the olive green on workpack pro it's too dark 😔
Horizontal luggage passthrough is a bit odd. Normally the passthrough in most bags accommodate the quick access pocket
I'd say most bags have horizontal LPT, no matter the orientation of their pockets
Oh hell to the no. With that kind of price tag, I would rather get Aer backpack anytime of day especially during Black Friday.
yea Aer def bringing more value to the table
They know there is a big market for smaller bags. This is way overpriced. Leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Just like Go ruck.
I agree its not the best value bag in the world, but if you check the comments there's clearly a market as many ppl are stoked about it
This backpack does not live up to its price point. The Bellroy Transit is better. Aer as a brand is better.
I prefer Aer backpacks as well, but I prefer Bellroy slings all day
im not a fan of aer’s aesthetic. But to each their own. This is overpriced. I got lucky that i jumped on the first gen 26l for 160 when it was on sale. Only difference is a luggage pass through, which in my case doesn’t really matter.
@@Nomads.NationAgree. The Aer City Pack Pro (probably the greatest work backpack of all time and already iconic) is $170, yet far outperforms this Bellroy bag in features. But Bellroy slings does the aesthetics better imo.
@@aalokshah8655 💯