You are doing phenomenal reviews. I am sure your subscriber count will skyrocket! I especially appreciate that you are reviewing unicorn/grail bags that most people have a super difficult time getting their hands on!
@@TheMountainborn I was heavily eyeing the packt/chase reeves collab... Also would be interested on your opinion on cpl 28. My kit is dialed in for my v1 24 as my "almost everything" bag, but I'm curious about the 28 because I'm a larger frame fella. I don't typically aim for the hard-to-get bags, usually they cost too much and are hard to justify... I've got kids to feed. Ha
(Another) great review! 👏 I esp. like the shorter, finishing segments when you compare it w/ other somewhat similar bags. You nailed the two main pain points of this bag
Thank you so much Kim - I wish I had more messengers that were similar to the Khan to give people more options! 😅 Regarding the two pain points of the Khan - absolutely. FWIW, I was on the fence about also mentioning a third pain point in the noisiness of the Dyneema fabric - I have a few different pieces of DCF gear so I'm used to it but a lot of people would also list that as a downside of the bag.
@@TheMountainborn (The noise: yes indeed.) BTW: Have you tried the Vertx EDC Satchel messenger? A few YT backpack reviewers have pointed out Vertx Gamut backpack as an underrated bag which I somewhat agree with. But IMO, the EDC Satchel is the best/least worst messenger out there. Sadly, it’s no longer in production, while the Gamut backpack got an update on the internal mesh pockets. If the Vertx EDC Satchel had gotten the same updates, instead of being discontinued altogether, it would’ve increased its margin as the least worst messenger. I’d be interested to see you take a look at it and hearing your thoughts, as I’m both a passionate user and designer of backpacks.
The Courier 15 is actually one of my favorite messengers - it's part of Arcteryx's LEAF (Law Enforcement/Armed Forces) line so not directly sold to consumers by Arcteryx but you can find some distributors who will sell it to you. It's a bit expensive but super sexy and pretty functional if you can kit it out with the right kind of Velcro pouches. The main advantages in my opinion are the sexy minimalist design, robust materials, lightweight (if you remove the inner laptop backing you can actually roll it up super small), and customizability thanks to the inner Velcro panel. Arcteryx also makes the Granville Courier 16 messenger bag which is available as part of their standard consumer line and has a lot of the same design cues as the Leaf Courier 15 so worth checking out if you like this one! (I the Granville Courier 16 is to the Leaf Courier 15 what the Granville 16 Backpack is to the Veilance Nomin).
Thank you Jelery! Regarding the laptop compartment - I know right!? 😓 I was really disappointed in that - I can't understand the thinking that had to go into looking at the initial pre-production sample, seeing that lazy, floppy laptop section and going "yup, ship it". That, and the buckles are what keep this bag, in my opinion, just "pretty good" instead of "amazing."
I have the Genghis and I am in agreement with your complaints. My main computing device is the 11” iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard, which fits perfectly in the front pocket closest to the main compartment. I use the “laptop” compartment as a divider to separate my items instead, which seems to work well. Despite the flaws I still love the bag. It feels great when worn and looks the part. I’m now using it as my daily.
Hi Player1 - thanks for sharing your experience!! And agree that despite its functional flaws, the Khan is an amazing looking / feeling bag. Out of curiousity, what do you think about the recent Carryology x Bedouin "Sharky" collaboration?
@@TheMountainborn I was a few seconds late adding it to my bag. I’m still gutted as I think it looks absolutely stunning. Looks like a mash-up between the Genghis and the Delireis, both of which I own. If they do a second run, I will try again for sure.
I completely miffed at how I’ve only just stumbled into your channel. You have some quality content, keep going. Also I’m glad I skipped this bag, looked high quality but I wasn’t a fan at some of the choices they made. Looks like the MW Khyte VX is an all-around better messenger bag.
Awww thank you so much for the kind words, and welcome to the channel! The Khyte VX looks great - do you own it by any chance? I've been testing out the Mission Workshop Transit duffle at the moment and have been pretty pleased so was thinking about picking up a second piece - the Khyte was on the short list. Would love to hear your thoughts about it if you happen to own it! And yes, I love the materials and build of the Bedouin Carryology Khan but feature/usability wise there were some choices that made it hard to use. Right now it sits on my shelf looking pretty as a collection piece, sadly. 😅
@@TheMountainborn I have a vid on the Khyte, feel free to browse my channel 👍🏼. I’ll be keeping on eye for your stuff. You kinda sound like TheLockPickingLawyer btw.
Subscribed. More and more, I find Carryology's collabs to be rushed and not well-considered at all. I think the monetary gain from these collabs is vastly outweighing the commitment to produce a quality, well-designed bag.
This doesn't really make sense in context to the bag. This is an already existing design. It's just a different fabric. The collaboration is there to highlight the designer, not design a new bag from scratch. All bags have flaws and are not perfect. This is in line with all of Bedouin's bags which have things I may not agree with, but still enjoy them for what they are.
That is a great looking messenger! Do you have any bags from Beruf Baggage? I really like the look of their stuff but there’s almost no information available outside of Japan.
Hi Alexander - oh wow I have never heard of them! They look like they have some cool stuff - if I pick one up I'll try to at least make a quick overview of it for you :) Any one of them that catches your eye in particular?
@@TheMountainborn hey Mountain! That would be awesome if you do come across any of them. The Urban Explorer 20 looks the most interesting to me. Seems like it comes in a range of different materials too. The UC 2 Way backpack also looks pretty neat. Keep up the great work dude!
Gosh, I love your reviews! How would you compare (which do you prefer) regular messenger Bedouin Ghengis - W51 x H30 x D15 - to Trakke Wee Lug (now available with Cobra buckles in a limited run) - 30 x 54 x 17...Also trying to decide if either will swallow me - female, 130 lbs, 5'6., 17" torso" I am very into function, comfort (also driven to aesthetic....like Evergoods). Will not be using for biking/w/laptop P.S. My Bairn Cobra buckles are also chipping.
Hi See Change! Wow great question. So to be completely honest, based on your description I feel like both of these are going to be fairly large bags on you, but the Wee Lug more so (that's actually one reason why I haven't picked up the Wee Lug myself, I have a feeling it's just going to be too big). Since I don't own the Wee Lug I can't directly compare the experience of that bag to the Ghengis but I will say that I really enjoy Trakke's stuff overall and I find it be of very high quality, albeit a little heavy (due to the material) and if you like a sort of "traditional" asthetic with a modern touch then they're probably one of the best on the market. The normal buckles are a pain in the butt to use but as you noted, they just recently did a run of cobra buckles which might help alleviate some of that pain. Based on your measurements I was wondering - what do you think about the Trakke Bairn? I actually have done a video review of that one and found it to be a great slightly smaller messenger that worked really well for me. Unless you're planning on carrying tons of stuff/bulky stuff and/or you have a huge laptop, you might want to check out the Bairn - it might be an interesting choice to consider (it only fits up to a 13" inch-ish laptop though). Regarding the Bedouin Foundry Ghengis - well, I've shared my thoughts on the collab version in this video, but since you asked which I prefer, I will say that asthetically I find the Bedouin Foundry Ghengis to be a really beautiful bag. So if I had to rank the three bags mentioned here in order of my preference it would be: 1. Trakke Bairn - all around great size, good functionality, great usability (except the accursed buckles) 2. Bedouin Khan (≈ Ghengis) - just a gorgeous, beautiful bag, like how it rides on the body. Some downsides about the buckles and the overly-flappy laptop pocket. 3. Trakke Wee Lug - I think it looks great but is probably too big for me. It seems really heavy (1.4kg!?) for a messenger. I hope this helps!
@@TheMountainborn I wouldn't have missed your Trakke Bairn review for the world. You're one of the few who have reviewed it (and you did a darn great job, as usual). I love the size of that bag. I don't carry my (13") laptop in it. It's a heavy bag as it is (but as it softens it feels like it gets a little lighter. Nuts? Probably). I know it makes it heavier, but I love the Cobra buckles. I think you're right about the Wee. I think "Wee" need something in between the size of the Bairn and the Wee... The Bedouin seems like a happy medium. Pretty bag with some cons...like everything else. I wish Trakke would add webbing for keys/key fob in every bag as standard, a place for pen, an extra pocket here and there. I, too, tried to attach my keys to the ring on the inside zipper pull. I'm leaving them there until it breaks. If not, I'll never find them. ...P.S. Trakke introduced new buckles that are supposed to be less finicky....On a totally different note: are you going to review the new Evergoods CTB35? Hope so! Thanks soooooo much for writing!
> wish Trakke would add webbing for keys/key fob in every bag as standard, a place for pen, an extra pocket here and there. I, too, tried to attach my keys to the ring on the inside zipper pull. I'm leaving them there until it breaks. If not, I'll never find them ME TOO! One really weird thing for me is how there seems to be some companies that make just amazing bags, but then they always get all weird and cheap out on the keychain which brings the whole thing down a notch (besides Trakke, I'm looking at you Bellroy!) It's like....why? > .On a totally different note: are you going to review the new Evergoods CTB35? Hope so! I wish I could post images here on TH-cam comments because it is currently sitting next to me fully loaded from a recent trip 😉 Thoughts so far: It's a biiiiiig boy, heavy and very broad (width wise). Feels almost too broad for me (and I'm not a skinny boy either) but I'm still getting to grips with it (only been one trip so far). Back mesh is nice - I enjoyed it on the MHP3.5 but on the CTB35 is where I think the benefits are really starting to shine - it's nice to have a back padding solution that isn't either a flat panel of the same material as the body or else pilling-prone air mesh. I feel like the space devoted to the laptop compartment is still far too much though I'm still learning how to properly pack this bag in a way that works well. Fold away wings stow better than I expected but I still wish they were fully removable since I think they're superfluous and add a fair amount of weight to an already heavy bag. I don't like metal stays in travel bags (especially because I don't like to use waist belts for anything other than proper backpacking/hiking scenarios) and I don't think the one on the CTB35 is going to change my mind. CAP1 is ... interesting. I am still coming to grips with it and how best to use it. I don't agree with all the design decisions on it (at least right now) but I still think I'm going to like it in the end - I've copped 2, and am thinking about picking up one more. However, I think there are quite a few more versatile pouches out there. I wish it secured with something other than magnets - magnets just don't have good lateral-plane attachment ability regardless of how expensive they say these are - the pouch can "slide open" (the magnets slide open against each other) if stuffed fully and tossed in a bag. I know they claim the magnet track lets it have some degree of adjustability depending on how full the pouch is, but it's a fairly small capacity pouch yet physically quite large in dimension so I don't imagine most people will carry this unless it's fairly filled out, meaning in most cases I imagine this pouch will be carried near full - also again, there's just not that much "leeway" for adjustment of closure. I do like that the pouch has a decent amount of capacity to swallow bulkier things (I stuffed a Sony GP-VPT2BT along with an Xperia Pro-I, Sony vlog monitor, 2 Rode wireless Go mics, a SmallRig M160 LED light and associated rigging/cables in one and it somehow all fit. I was seriously impressed). One missed opportunity I think is the lack of any way to attach a strap to the CAP1 in a way that makes sense (i.e. a grommet holes one in each corners etc.) - I know with the single hand strap on the centre back it's intended to be hand-carried like a clutch, that's cool I can rock a clutch but if there were a way to add a strap to this and make it an EDC pouch that shifts easily into a makeshift sling when needed - that would greatly increase the usability in my opinion. Anyway, more to come!
@@TheMountainborn Darn, I wish I could see you wearing the CTB35. Can't wait for your review! I think it might swallow me. Yet, every time I put it on, it looks a little smaller...It's a sleek bag. I am gaga for the Evergoods aesthetic and was so excited about this launch thinking my travel woes would be solved. It is a biiiiiiiiiig boy - long and wide, maybe too much so for this 5'6" fragile (hardly) woman. I wish it were more adjustable for different frames (I wish all bags were). I know Evergoods would cringe, but I would like load lifters. I was impressed at how invisible the belt becomes once you sneak each side through its tunnel…I could never wear the bag without the belt so, for me, it's like the need for webbing inside Trakke bags for keys. If I took the belt off, there is a strong likelihood I would lose it - like my keys. If I had my druthers, I would have liked zipper pockets on the belt. As long as the belt is tethered to the bag, I found the stowaway system to be an elegant solution. The design improvements, in terms of comfort, are on full display, especially on the lower back material/padding. The bottom of my CHZ22 and CPL24 jab me (likely because the bottom of the bags are too stiff or maybe it’s the frame sheet or maybe it’s too long for my frame, or, or, or…. Not this baby. Super comfortable. I think they nailed it (at least the bottom half). Re: the laptop compartment: there's a lot of extra room. People might like that. I would have preferred only what’s needed for my laptop in order to tighten up the bag and lower the weight. Does it need compression straps? Hmmmm. I like the additional stash pockets on the outside. There is a lot of organization on the outside but it’s very clean. Don’t expect I’ll be able to swing that baby around to get to the main pocket while the bag is on me. I’d have to do some weight training…I hope they carry over the design improvements to other redesigns they are planning. I wish a 30L version was on the horizon. I wish, I wish, I wish… Re: Cap 1: I am not at one with the magnets and would have preferred a different closure with more give. Sadly, I think they’re both going back. I do keep putting the darn bag on and taking it off, trying to talk myself into a 20.5” long being able to love my 17” torso. But my back is saying, “Back off.” It's hard to say goodbye.
Wow, this was very eye opening as your other reviews! I think this bag was 395? Indeed the materials explain the price point but your demonstrations of cumbersome access is a major, major deal breaker!! For that price point it should not be that cumbersome and floppy lap top compartments 🤦🏽♂️! You can say that the sleek look is definitely deceiving! Thanks Mountain for your thorough reviews, please do a review on your cap 2👍🏽👍🏽👊🏽👊🏽
Hi Steven! Yes, it is definitely a pricy bag and I completely agree - the flaws were really annoying. I do love the external look of the bag so it will still see some occasional use in my monthly rotations but everytime I use it I am a little sad at these things that keep it from truly being great :( I will do a review of my CAP2 soon! I'm trying to put together an EDC-pouch review video one of these days :)
I'm also a "bagaholic" and a Carryology reader, but time to time I saw those "Collaborations" (X Trakke, Mystery Ranch, James Brand,...), I just saw the cash grab. Ridiculous prices with so many disappointments.
I completely get where you're coming from. I have a few different Carryology collabs (Mystery Ranch Assault Pack, Bedouin Khan II, James Brand Rover, Orbit Key Hydra, etc.) and I have some pretty mixed feelings about all of them - but the general overriding sense is that "yeah.. these are somewhat overpriced." It depends though - some like the Mystery Ranch Carryology Assault Pack I actually thought was a very solid pack that was significantly improved over the standard 2DAP, well worth the retail asking price in my opinion (though the after market prices though were stupid). On the other end of the spectrum we have things like the orbit key Hydra which was a piece of overpriced junk, and in the middle lie things like the TJB Rover capsule - fairly well designed and made but with flaws and undeniably expensive for what you get and the Khan II - great materials but some pretty glaring flaws that make the eye watering price that much harder to swallow. Bags are my hobby and I try to approach them with that mindset and budget but I'm curious to see how the Carryology collaborations continue to evolve. For me, I don't mind spending money if the end product truly deliver - what I want out of a carryology collab with any brand is an impeccably designed extremely-well-thought out product that marries the DNA of the collab brand with the deep insights and best-in-class design input that a true carry-dedicated enthusiast site can bring to the table - for this, I would gladly pay money. On the other hand, what I don't want (and what I think Carryology needs to be careful not to veer towards) is exactly what you described - "ridiculous ... cash grabs with so many disappointments" . When loyal readers and bagaholics such as yourself (or me) start walking away with the feeling that they're basically slapping a logo and swapping a couple of colours/materials on something and jacking the price, that's a fast road to disappointment and trouble. As I write this, the recent debate in the outdoor community vis-a-vie the reaction to the Arcterxy x Palace (or various "street artist") collabs comes to mind. A lot of people label the resistance to these extremely expensive "collabs" as a type of gatekeeping by the outdoor community which may be true to a certain extent, but what resonates the most with me is that the bulk of the criticism of the collabs seem to be centred around the fact that these are essentially just palette swaps of existing models, or someone... spray painting graffiti on a bog-standard jacket and then doubling the price. And I think that type of criticism resonates with me - much as with the Gucci x TNF collabs, it just seems like a superficially-executed, disappointing cash grab with no depth. But maybe this comes back to what different groups of people want out of "collaborations" - I guess at least for bags, you and I are more interested in meaningful, deep functional changes and a well thought out orthogonal merging of the different brand DNA and lineage. But other people may be interested more in the external appearance or branding of a collaboration and that alone is worth the cost to them. And I think it's tempting for folks in the former group to want to dismiss those in the latter group but then I remember that I once spent several weeks seriously trying to source* a super-limited edition Leica M10-P "Ghost Edition" for Hodinkee collaboration despite its ridiculous price simply because.... I liked that it was grey. No functional difference over a standard M10, nothing special about the lens. Just liked that it was grey. So I guess I can't throw stones when I live in a glass house either. (* fortunately I came to my senses before I was able to find one to buy) Anyway, I don't know where I'm going with this comment so perhaps I'll wrap it up here :)
Totally understand - Dyneema is quite a loud material so the noise is somewhat unavoidable :(. On the one hand, listening to the video I feel that the sound as it comes across on the video is probably louder than it is in real life (since it is being picked up and amplified by the mic) but on the other hand, the bag is actually quieter now after a few weeks worth of use than when I first got it - it is quite loud out of the box. FWIW I don't think it's that big of a deal when walking around outside, in a shop, etc. - it's just not that noticeable compared to the noise of a city/outdoors. But if you're in a library or quiet place the noise is definitely noticeable. Sadly, the price we pay for high tech materials 😅 If you like this bag's style and design, but hate the noise, you can also check out the regular Genghis line of messenger bags by Bedouin Foundry. They maintain the same design aesthetic in terms of shape and design, but are made out of quieter organic materials.
You are doing phenomenal reviews. I am sure your subscriber count will skyrocket! I especially appreciate that you are reviewing unicorn/grail bags that most people have a super difficult time getting their hands on!
Carson thank you so much for the kind words! I really appreciate it :)
Is there any unicorn/grail bag in particular that you'd like for me to review?
@@TheMountainborn I was heavily eyeing the packt/chase reeves collab... Also would be interested on your opinion on cpl 28. My kit is dialed in for my v1 24 as my "almost everything" bag, but I'm curious about the 28 because I'm a larger frame fella. I don't typically aim for the hard-to-get bags, usually they cost too much and are hard to justify... I've got kids to feed. Ha
I have been watching your videos and you deserve so much more subscribers! Keep up the good work Mountain :)
Brian, thank you so much for the kind words - I really appreciate it! I'll keep at it! 💪☺️
(Another) great review! 👏 I esp. like the shorter, finishing segments when you compare it w/ other somewhat similar bags. You nailed the two main pain points of this bag
Thank you so much Kim - I wish I had more messengers that were similar to the Khan to give people more options! 😅
Regarding the two pain points of the Khan - absolutely. FWIW, I was on the fence about also mentioning a third pain point in the noisiness of the Dyneema fabric - I have a few different pieces of DCF gear so I'm used to it but a lot of people would also list that as a downside of the bag.
@@TheMountainborn (The noise: yes indeed.) BTW: Have you tried the Vertx EDC Satchel messenger? A few YT backpack reviewers have pointed out Vertx Gamut backpack as an underrated bag which I somewhat agree with.
But IMO, the EDC Satchel is the best/least worst messenger out there. Sadly, it’s no longer in production, while the Gamut backpack got an update on the internal mesh pockets. If the Vertx EDC Satchel had gotten the same updates, instead of being discontinued altogether, it would’ve increased its margin as the least worst messenger.
I’d be interested to see you take a look at it and hearing your thoughts, as I’m both a passionate user and designer of backpacks.
This is a great review! Thank you very much
My pleasure! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!!
My pleasure - I’m so happy you found it useful!! ☺️
I’ve never seen ‘that’ arcteryx messenger, bag damn that looked good!
The Courier 15 is actually one of my favorite messengers - it's part of Arcteryx's LEAF (Law Enforcement/Armed Forces) line so not directly sold to consumers by Arcteryx but you can find some distributors who will sell it to you. It's a bit expensive but super sexy and pretty functional if you can kit it out with the right kind of Velcro pouches. The main advantages in my opinion are the sexy minimalist design, robust materials, lightweight (if you remove the inner laptop backing you can actually roll it up super small), and customizability thanks to the inner Velcro panel.
Arcteryx also makes the Granville Courier 16 messenger bag which is available as part of their standard consumer line and has a lot of the same design cues as the Leaf Courier 15 so worth checking out if you like this one! (I the Granville Courier 16 is to the Leaf Courier 15 what the Granville 16 Backpack is to the Veilance Nomin).
Great review. That laptop compartment tho. From the vid, that looked like the main compartment.
Thank you Jelery! Regarding the laptop compartment - I know right!? 😓 I was really disappointed in that - I can't understand the thinking that had to go into looking at the initial pre-production sample, seeing that lazy, floppy laptop section and going "yup, ship it". That, and the buckles are what keep this bag, in my opinion, just "pretty good" instead of "amazing."
I have the Genghis and I am in agreement with your complaints.
My main computing device is the 11” iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard, which fits perfectly in the front pocket closest to the main compartment. I use the “laptop” compartment as a divider to separate my items instead, which seems to work well.
Despite the flaws I still love the bag. It feels great when worn and looks the part. I’m now using it as my daily.
Hi Player1 - thanks for sharing your experience!! And agree that despite its functional flaws, the Khan is an amazing looking / feeling bag.
Out of curiousity, what do you think about the recent Carryology x Bedouin "Sharky" collaboration?
@@TheMountainborn I was a few seconds late adding it to my bag. I’m still gutted as I think it looks absolutely stunning. Looks like a mash-up between the Genghis and the Delireis, both of which I own. If they do a second run, I will try again for sure.
Your reviews should end up on the Carryology Website :D.
Awww thank you so much my friend! (^^)
I completely miffed at how I’ve only just stumbled into your channel. You have some quality content, keep going.
Also I’m glad I skipped this bag, looked high quality but I wasn’t a fan at some of the choices they made. Looks like the MW Khyte VX is an all-around better messenger bag.
Awww thank you so much for the kind words, and welcome to the channel!
The Khyte VX looks great - do you own it by any chance? I've been testing out the Mission Workshop Transit duffle at the moment and have been pretty pleased so was thinking about picking up a second piece - the Khyte was on the short list. Would love to hear your thoughts about it if you happen to own it!
And yes, I love the materials and build of the Bedouin Carryology Khan but feature/usability wise there were some choices that made it hard to use. Right now it sits on my shelf looking pretty as a collection piece, sadly. 😅
@@TheMountainborn I have a vid on the Khyte, feel free to browse my channel 👍🏼. I’ll be keeping on eye for your stuff. You kinda sound like TheLockPickingLawyer btw.
Subscribed.
More and more, I find Carryology's collabs to be rushed and not well-considered at all. I think the monetary gain from these collabs is vastly outweighing the commitment to produce a quality, well-designed bag.
This doesn't really make sense in context to the bag. This is an already existing design. It's just a different fabric. The collaboration is there to highlight the designer, not design a new bag from scratch. All bags have flaws and are not perfect. This is in line with all of Bedouin's bags which have things I may not agree with, but still enjoy them for what they are.
That is a great looking messenger! Do you have any bags from Beruf Baggage? I really like the look of their stuff but there’s almost no information available outside of Japan.
Hi Alexander - oh wow I have never heard of them! They look like they have some cool stuff - if I pick one up I'll try to at least make a quick overview of it for you :)
Any one of them that catches your eye in particular?
@@TheMountainborn hey Mountain! That would be awesome if you do come across any of them. The Urban Explorer 20 looks the most interesting to me. Seems like it comes in a range of different materials too.
The UC 2 Way backpack also looks pretty neat. Keep up the great work dude!
Gosh, I love your reviews! How would you compare (which do you prefer) regular messenger Bedouin Ghengis - W51 x H30 x D15 - to Trakke Wee Lug (now available with Cobra buckles in a limited run) - 30 x 54 x 17...Also trying to decide if either will swallow me - female, 130 lbs, 5'6., 17" torso" I am very into function, comfort (also driven to aesthetic....like Evergoods). Will not be using for biking/w/laptop P.S. My Bairn Cobra buckles are also chipping.
Hi See Change!
Wow great question. So to be completely honest, based on your description I feel like both of these are going to be fairly large bags on you, but the Wee Lug more so (that's actually one reason why I haven't picked up the Wee Lug myself, I have a feeling it's just going to be too big).
Since I don't own the Wee Lug I can't directly compare the experience of that bag to the Ghengis but I will say that I really enjoy Trakke's stuff overall and I find it be of very high quality, albeit a little heavy (due to the material) and if you like a sort of "traditional" asthetic with a modern touch then they're probably one of the best on the market. The normal buckles are a pain in the butt to use but as you noted, they just recently did a run of cobra buckles which might help alleviate some of that pain.
Based on your measurements I was wondering - what do you think about the Trakke Bairn? I actually have done a video review of that one and found it to be a great slightly smaller messenger that worked really well for me. Unless you're planning on carrying tons of stuff/bulky stuff and/or you have a huge laptop, you might want to check out the Bairn - it might be an interesting choice to consider (it only fits up to a 13" inch-ish laptop though).
Regarding the Bedouin Foundry Ghengis - well, I've shared my thoughts on the collab version in this video, but since you asked which I prefer, I will say that asthetically I find the Bedouin Foundry Ghengis to be a really beautiful bag.
So if I had to rank the three bags mentioned here in order of my preference it would be:
1. Trakke Bairn - all around great size, good functionality, great usability (except the accursed buckles)
2. Bedouin Khan (≈ Ghengis) - just a gorgeous, beautiful bag, like how it rides on the body. Some downsides about the buckles and the overly-flappy laptop pocket.
3. Trakke Wee Lug - I think it looks great but is probably too big for me. It seems really heavy (1.4kg!?) for a messenger.
I hope this helps!
@@TheMountainborn I wouldn't have missed your Trakke Bairn review for the world. You're one of the few who have reviewed it (and you did a darn great job, as usual). I love the size of that bag. I don't carry my (13") laptop in it. It's a heavy bag as it is (but as it softens it feels like it gets a little lighter. Nuts? Probably). I know it makes it heavier, but I love the Cobra buckles. I think you're right about the Wee. I think "Wee" need something in between the size of the Bairn and the Wee... The Bedouin seems like a happy medium. Pretty bag with some cons...like everything else. I wish Trakke would add webbing for keys/key fob in every bag as standard, a place for pen, an extra pocket here and there. I, too, tried to attach my keys to the ring on the inside zipper pull. I'm leaving them there until it breaks. If not, I'll never find them. ...P.S. Trakke introduced new buckles that are supposed to be less finicky....On a totally different note: are you going to review the new Evergoods CTB35? Hope so! Thanks soooooo much for writing!
> wish Trakke would add webbing for keys/key fob in every bag as standard, a place for pen, an extra pocket here and there. I, too, tried to attach my keys to the ring on the inside zipper pull. I'm leaving them there until it breaks. If not, I'll never find them
ME TOO! One really weird thing for me is how there seems to be some companies that make just amazing bags, but then they always get all weird and cheap out on the keychain which brings the whole thing down a notch (besides Trakke, I'm looking at you Bellroy!) It's like....why?
> .On a totally different note: are you going to review the new Evergoods CTB35? Hope so!
I wish I could post images here on TH-cam comments because it is currently sitting next to me fully loaded from a recent trip 😉
Thoughts so far: It's a biiiiiig boy, heavy and very broad (width wise). Feels almost too broad for me (and I'm not a skinny boy either) but I'm still getting to grips with it (only been one trip so far). Back mesh is nice - I enjoyed it on the MHP3.5 but on the CTB35 is where I think the benefits are really starting to shine - it's nice to have a back padding solution that isn't either a flat panel of the same material as the body or else pilling-prone air mesh. I feel like the space devoted to the laptop compartment is still far too much though I'm still learning how to properly pack this bag in a way that works well. Fold away wings stow better than I expected but I still wish they were fully removable since I think they're superfluous and add a fair amount of weight to an already heavy bag. I don't like metal stays in travel bags (especially because I don't like to use waist belts for anything other than proper backpacking/hiking scenarios) and I don't think the one on the CTB35 is going to change my mind.
CAP1 is ... interesting. I am still coming to grips with it and how best to use it. I don't agree with all the design decisions on it (at least right now) but I still think I'm going to like it in the end - I've copped 2, and am thinking about picking up one more. However, I think there are quite a few more versatile pouches out there.
I wish it secured with something other than magnets - magnets just don't have good lateral-plane attachment ability regardless of how expensive they say these are - the pouch can "slide open" (the magnets slide open against each other) if stuffed fully and tossed in a bag. I know they claim the magnet track lets it have some degree of adjustability depending on how full the pouch is, but it's a fairly small capacity pouch yet physically quite large in dimension so I don't imagine most people will carry this unless it's fairly filled out, meaning in most cases I imagine this pouch will be carried near full - also again, there's just not that much "leeway" for adjustment of closure.
I do like that the pouch has a decent amount of capacity to swallow bulkier things (I stuffed a Sony GP-VPT2BT along with an Xperia Pro-I, Sony vlog monitor, 2 Rode wireless Go mics, a SmallRig M160 LED light and associated rigging/cables in one and it somehow all fit. I was seriously impressed).
One missed opportunity I think is the lack of any way to attach a strap to the CAP1 in a way that makes sense (i.e. a grommet holes one in each corners etc.) - I know with the single hand strap on the centre back it's intended to be hand-carried like a clutch, that's cool I can rock a clutch but if there were a way to add a strap to this and make it an EDC pouch that shifts easily into a makeshift sling when needed - that would greatly increase the usability in my opinion.
Anyway, more to come!
@@TheMountainborn Darn, I wish I could see you wearing the CTB35. Can't wait for your review! I think it might swallow me. Yet, every time I put it on, it looks a little smaller...It's a sleek bag. I am gaga for the Evergoods aesthetic and was so excited about this launch thinking my travel woes would be solved. It is a biiiiiiiiiig boy - long and wide, maybe too much so for this 5'6" fragile (hardly) woman.
I wish it were more adjustable for different frames (I wish all bags were). I know Evergoods would cringe, but I would like load lifters. I was impressed at how invisible the belt becomes once you sneak each side through its tunnel…I could never wear the bag without the belt so, for me, it's like the need for webbing inside Trakke bags for keys. If I took the belt off, there is a strong likelihood I would lose it - like my keys. If I had my druthers, I would have liked zipper pockets on the belt. As long as the belt is tethered to the bag, I found the stowaway system to be an elegant solution. The design improvements, in terms of comfort, are on full display, especially on the lower back material/padding. The bottom of my CHZ22 and CPL24 jab me (likely because the bottom of the bags are too stiff or maybe it’s the frame sheet or maybe it’s too long for my frame, or, or, or…. Not this baby. Super comfortable. I think they nailed it (at least the bottom half). Re: the laptop compartment: there's a lot of extra room. People might like that. I would have preferred only what’s needed for my laptop in order to tighten up the bag and lower the weight. Does it need compression straps? Hmmmm. I like the additional stash pockets on the outside. There is a lot of organization on the outside but it’s very clean. Don’t expect I’ll be able to swing that baby around to get to the main pocket while the bag is on me. I’d have to do some weight training…I hope they carry over the design improvements to other redesigns they are planning. I wish a 30L version was on the horizon. I wish, I wish, I wish… Re: Cap 1: I am not at one with the magnets and would have preferred a different closure with more give. Sadly, I think they’re both going back. I do keep putting the darn bag on and taking it off, trying to talk myself into a 20.5” long being able to love my 17” torso. But my back is saying, “Back off.” It's hard to say goodbye.
Wow, this was very eye opening as your other reviews! I think this bag was 395? Indeed the materials explain the price point but your demonstrations of cumbersome access is a major, major deal breaker!! For that price point it should not be that cumbersome and floppy lap top compartments 🤦🏽♂️! You can say that the sleek look is definitely deceiving! Thanks Mountain for your thorough reviews, please do a review on your cap 2👍🏽👍🏽👊🏽👊🏽
Hi Steven!
Yes, it is definitely a pricy bag and I completely agree - the flaws were really annoying. I do love the external look of the bag so it will still see some occasional use in my monthly rotations but everytime I use it I am a little sad at these things that keep it from truly being great :(
I will do a review of my CAP2 soon! I'm trying to put together an EDC-pouch review video one of these days :)
I'm also a "bagaholic" and a Carryology reader, but time to time I saw those "Collaborations" (X Trakke, Mystery Ranch, James Brand,...), I just saw the cash grab. Ridiculous prices with so many disappointments.
I completely get where you're coming from. I have a few different Carryology collabs (Mystery Ranch Assault Pack, Bedouin Khan II, James Brand Rover, Orbit Key Hydra, etc.) and I have some pretty mixed feelings about all of them - but the general overriding sense is that "yeah.. these are somewhat overpriced."
It depends though - some like the Mystery Ranch Carryology Assault Pack I actually thought was a very solid pack that was significantly improved over the standard 2DAP, well worth the retail asking price in my opinion (though the after market prices though were stupid). On the other end of the spectrum we have things like the orbit key Hydra which was a piece of overpriced junk, and in the middle lie things like the TJB Rover capsule - fairly well designed and made but with flaws and undeniably expensive for what you get and the Khan II - great materials but some pretty glaring flaws that make the eye watering price that much harder to swallow.
Bags are my hobby and I try to approach them with that mindset and budget but I'm curious to see how the Carryology collaborations continue to evolve. For me, I don't mind spending money if the end product truly deliver - what I want out of a carryology collab with any brand is an impeccably designed extremely-well-thought out product that marries the DNA of the collab brand with the deep insights and best-in-class design input that a true carry-dedicated enthusiast site can bring to the table - for this, I would gladly pay money.
On the other hand, what I don't want (and what I think Carryology needs to be careful not to veer towards) is exactly what you described - "ridiculous ... cash grabs with so many disappointments" . When loyal readers and bagaholics such as yourself (or me) start walking away with the feeling that they're basically slapping a logo and swapping a couple of colours/materials on something and jacking the price, that's a fast road to disappointment and trouble.
As I write this, the recent debate in the outdoor community vis-a-vie the reaction to the Arcterxy x Palace (or various "street artist") collabs comes to mind. A lot of people label the resistance to these extremely expensive "collabs" as a type of gatekeeping by the outdoor community which may be true to a certain extent, but what resonates the most with me is that the bulk of the criticism of the collabs seem to be centred around the fact that these are essentially just palette swaps of existing models, or someone... spray painting graffiti on a bog-standard jacket and then doubling the price. And I think that type of criticism resonates with me - much as with the Gucci x TNF collabs, it just seems like a superficially-executed, disappointing cash grab with no depth.
But maybe this comes back to what different groups of people want out of "collaborations" - I guess at least for bags, you and I are more interested in meaningful, deep functional changes and a well thought out orthogonal merging of the different brand DNA and lineage. But other people may be interested more in the external appearance or branding of a collaboration and that alone is worth the cost to them.
And I think it's tempting for folks in the former group to want to dismiss those in the latter group but then I remember that I once spent several weeks seriously trying to source* a super-limited edition Leica M10-P "Ghost Edition" for Hodinkee collaboration despite its ridiculous price simply because.... I liked that it was grey. No functional difference over a standard M10, nothing special about the lens. Just liked that it was grey. So I guess I can't throw stones when I live in a glass house either.
(* fortunately I came to my senses before I was able to find one to buy)
Anyway, I don't know where I'm going with this comment so perhaps I'll wrap it up here :)
Terrible plastic sound 😖
Totally understand - Dyneema is quite a loud material so the noise is somewhat unavoidable :(. On the one hand, listening to the video I feel that the sound as it comes across on the video is probably louder than it is in real life (since it is being picked up and amplified by the mic) but on the other hand, the bag is actually quieter now after a few weeks worth of use than when I first got it - it is quite loud out of the box.
FWIW I don't think it's that big of a deal when walking around outside, in a shop, etc. - it's just not that noticeable compared to the noise of a city/outdoors. But if you're in a library or quiet place the noise is definitely noticeable. Sadly, the price we pay for high tech materials 😅
If you like this bag's style and design, but hate the noise, you can also check out the regular Genghis line of messenger bags by Bedouin Foundry. They maintain the same design aesthetic in terms of shape and design, but are made out of quieter organic materials.