Thanks for the great review and comparison. You're the only reviewer that I've seen mention that the top compression straps on the nebula can thankfully be tucked away. This is a deal-breaker for me as i really didn't want them on the bag as they get in the way of the main zips. Cheers
Hey Man, why do you say about the storage options? I mean space of course because it 32L vs 30L on the Recon. My Recon is arriving in about 2 days, and just now I saw the Nebula, which is same price.
@@MrLucariel I usually travel with the Nebula just because I can keep everything more organized between the back compartment for large electronics (I fit two laptops and two iPads on my recent flight), the middle main compartment (plenty of room for a change of clothes and toys for the kids plus snacks), and the front admin which easily holds all my smaller electronics and quick grab items. the 2 L difference really seems like a lot more once you fill this thing up. The recon material on the other hand seems a little more sturdy, even though I have had no problems at all with either. If you are not carrying as much as I mentioned above, the recon has a nice compact profile.
@@TheOutdoorWorkshop Now consider the large capacity of the bottom straps on the recon. Those are not just for compression. It is easy to lash a very large jacket in there.
great informative video. which one is lighter? which one is more comfortable when fully packed? right now the cost difference is 109 [recon] vs 140 [nebula].... is the nebula worth the extra cost? thanks.
Thank you! The Osprey is lighter at just over 2 lbs vs the recon at just over 2.5 lbs. the recon feels like it has a little more padding but holds significantly less which is why I stick with the Osprey for every day and travel. I’ve never really experienced the nebula being uncomfortable, even as I packed it full. Hope that helps!
Thank you for this nice review ! I would like to use the Osprey Nebula for work but also with my kid. Is it possible to fit a basketball in the main compartiment ? Thanks
it is tough to find here in the States, but they still can be found at a few locations... I don't think Osprey is producing the 34 anymore. I am actually posting a comparison between the new 32 and the old 34 tonight! good luck in your search, perhaps the new version will work for you if you can't find the 34... it's not terribly different. thanks for watching!
I just got back from a trip where I brought the nebula on the plane as a personal item (Allegiant Air). It fit under the seat well and I had it packed pretty full. The only caveat is it did stick out slightly into the foot space limiting from to move my feet. Otherwise it was great for traveling!
Do you like the new nebula that has cinch straps that get in the way of the zipper opening? Im not sure what other changes they made but now it's a 32 would you still take the new model over the north face?
Yeah unfortunately the straps still get in the way on my 34… I just normally don’t use them unless I’m really packing it down. I am not a fan of most bags that do this, however I guess the other features and ability to tuck the straps away when not in use helped me to look over that downside. As far as the size, I am interested in checking the new 32 out. It really just depends on how the space was lost. The thing that made me go with the nebula over the recon was the large main compartment that really opened up, over the recon. The recon main compartment was deep but seemed more slim. If this is how the new nebula turned out and all things are equal otherwise I might go with the recon due to design and organization. Thanks for watching!
@@TheOutdoorWorkshop I appreciate the feedback. I didn't realize you had the 34. It does seem like the new 32 compartment is a little bigger when i checked it out at rei. The computer compartment is elevated a couple inches to, which the north face is maybe elevated 3/4 of an inch.
That are both very strong and I haven’t had a problem with either after prolonged daily use. The North Face is a little thicker material and seems more durable to the touch. Hope that helps!
I don’t have any problems opening it up. It seems to slide out of the way pretty well without getting caught up in the zipper. It does do a nice job of protecting it from dust and other debris if you’re in that type of environment.
No, it doesn’t really stand well on its own. It sits up all right if it’s fully loaded and center of gravity is down at the base, but otherwise it generally does not stand solo.
This is the now older version, which was 34L. I have not had a chance to check out the new version yet, but it from what I can tell it has just a few design differences including the material / color pattern, bottom attachment points added to the new 32, compression strap design attached around the mesh, increased organization in the new 32, removal of one of the top internal zip compartments with the new 32, and some other small design changes. I might have to get over to the store to pick one up to compare with the 34! Thanks for watching, hope that helped a little.
Old tnf bags used to have mesh back panel which seem quite breatable, so do these redesigned bags (recon, borealis etc.) lack that feature? This material is no mesh I think.
Correct it’s more of a smooth material… still breathable based on the way the padding is designed with the air channels beneath. I can’t say I notice too much of a difference since my shirt normally acts as a similar material in either case, but it does make sense the mesh would help to move air a little better.
I prefer the nebula much more over the borealis, just due the different compartments and organization alone. The main compartment of the borealis is closely matched with the capacity of the Nebula, but has way less features overall. Hope that helps and thanks for watching!
@@TheOutdoorWorkshop Thanks for that info. I think I may have to restart my backpack research then. Really liked the Nebula but the luggage passthrough is a deal-breaker for me. Do you recommend any other Osprey that's similar to Nebula but with luggage passthrough?
@@iamnikhilbhide I don't really know of any Ospreys that offer the pass through. I think their Transporter shoulder type bag has that feature and some of their packs convert into duffle style luggage, you are probably better off with the North Face options if you are looking for a sporty quality bag with pass-through. I would also highly recommend checking out Nomatic for more professional bags that are really well built and offer passthrough. Id like to grab one and do a review some day!
They are both 34L packs. That being said the nebula has a smaller overall footprint and packs more going out away from the back. The tropos has a larger footprint on the back and seems like it stores more inline from top to bottom along the center point. The nebula is great for packing on the go, everyday carry and organization whereas the tropos is great if your on the move like on a bike or running around from place to place.
Have both...Nebula is just too big for me, won't stand up and the organization is kinda strange and the straps don't cut it, too narrow...the Recon just feels stronger, better materials and much more comfortable, best straps in the business and packs smaller for EDC. Nebula ma be the better weekend traveler though.
Yeah I can see where your coming from with the Recon… that was definitely my pick out of the other North Face options. I actually could see myself going with the Recon in the summer when I’m packing less… once I throw a jacket or sweatshirt in there for fall I start getting limited on space for other items. I can see how things could easily get lost in the Nebula due to size, I agree it is also perfect for a weekend traveler or to take as a carry-on if you want to carry some back-up clothes. Thanks for the message!
I have seen multiple people having issues with the Recon's straps ripping off and that the materials are not that good. I wonder if what you're saying is accurate about the newer versions of Recon having better materials.
Now try to cram your most bulky jacket into the Osprey. It didn't fit ? It will fit in the straps of the Recon. Plus, the airlines won't try to accuse you of trying to take more on to the plane since they won't count the volume of your jacket against the size of the recon. The recon has better internal organization. Judge from there now that you realize the full capacity of the recon. It is significantly more than the extra four liters of the Nebula. Details matter.
That’s true about the stretch mesh… not sure I would say a bulky jacket could fit in there but at least a waterproof layer with a little insulation coyly. I normally travel in layers though, just the same way I hike. If I run out of room for a jacket on the inside while traveling I will usually end up folding a lighter jacket in half on the top compression strap and securing the two bottom halves hanging down tight against the side… which I have done multiple times on an airline. I would take the extra internal space any day while traveling. There is some additional space on the outside of the nebula as well, which I really don’t use too much except for a quick dump through tsa or something. Don’t get me wrong the recon is great for EDC with the organization and size. I think it’s still a solid bag and currently my number two for the size…. To each their own, details are all there… just comes down to preference and how you use it. Thanks for watching!
THANK YOU for highlighting the suspended laptop sleeve function, this is something a lot of bags don't take into account and makes a big difference!
Absolutely, defiantly an important feature for anyone carrying a laptop… I’m sure it’s saved my computer a time or two. Thanks for watching!
i hope your channel grows a lot! This was an excellent comparison and review!
Thank you very much! I appreciate you taking the time to watch and leave a message!
Great comparison video. Haven’t seen other reviewers do the recon and nebula. Appreciate the info!
Thank you, appreciate you watching!
Thanks for the great review and comparison.
You're the only reviewer that I've seen mention that the top compression straps on the nebula can thankfully be tucked away. This is a deal-breaker for me as i really didn't want them on the bag as they get in the way of the main zips.
Cheers
Absolutely, that is an important consideration for me as well… glad it helped out! Thanks for watching!
I have both and the Nebula wins hands down. It just has much more space and storage options.
Great vid! Keep it up!
Absolutely agree! Much appreciate, thanks for watching!
Hey Man, why do you say about the storage options? I mean space of course because it 32L vs 30L on the Recon. My Recon is arriving in about 2 days, and just now I saw the Nebula, which is same price.
@@MrLucariel I usually travel with the Nebula just because I can keep everything more organized between the back compartment for large electronics (I fit two laptops and two iPads on my recent flight), the middle main compartment (plenty of room for a change of clothes and toys for the kids plus snacks), and the front admin which easily holds all my smaller electronics and quick grab items. the 2 L difference really seems like a lot more once you fill this thing up. The recon material on the other hand seems a little more sturdy, even though I have had no problems at all with either. If you are not carrying as much as I mentioned above, the recon has a nice compact profile.
@@TheOutdoorWorkshop Now consider the large capacity of the bottom straps on the recon. Those are not just for compression. It is easy to lash a very large jacket in there.
great informative video. which one is lighter? which one is more comfortable when fully packed? right now the cost difference is 109 [recon] vs 140 [nebula].... is the nebula worth the extra cost?
thanks.
Thank you! The Osprey is lighter at just over 2 lbs vs the recon at just over 2.5 lbs. the recon feels like it has a little more padding but holds significantly less which is why I stick with the Osprey for every day and travel. I’ve never really experienced the nebula being uncomfortable, even as I packed it full. Hope that helps!
Thank you for this nice review ! I would like to use the Osprey Nebula for work but also with my kid. Is it possible to fit a basketball in the main compartiment ? Thanks
Can you do a side by side review of nebula and parsec
Thanks for watching… I’ll definitely add it to the list and try to get to it soon!
Has Nebula 34 discontinued? Because I am trying to buy in Germany and I can't find it anywhere online.
Thanks! Great video :)
it is tough to find here in the States, but they still can be found at a few locations... I don't think Osprey is producing the 34 anymore. I am actually posting a comparison between the new 32 and the old 34 tonight! good luck in your search, perhaps the new version will work for you if you can't find the 34... it's not terribly different. thanks for watching!
Can Nebula 32L be stored under a seat on the plane? I'm hoping it would be considered as a personal item rather than a carry-on.
I just got back from a trip where I brought the nebula on the plane as a personal item (Allegiant Air). It fit under the seat well and I had it packed pretty full. The only caveat is it did stick out slightly into the foot space limiting from to move my feet. Otherwise it was great for traveling!
Do you like the new nebula that has cinch straps that get in the way of the zipper opening? Im not sure what other changes they made but now it's a 32 would you still take the new model over the north face?
Yeah unfortunately the straps still get in the way on my 34… I just normally don’t use them unless I’m really packing it down. I am not a fan of most bags that do this, however I guess the other features and ability to tuck the straps away when not in use helped me to look over that downside.
As far as the size, I am interested in checking the new 32 out. It really just depends on how the space was lost. The thing that made me go with the nebula over the recon was the large main compartment that really opened up, over the recon. The recon main compartment was deep but seemed more slim. If this is how the new nebula turned out and all things are equal otherwise I might go with the recon due to design and organization. Thanks for watching!
@@TheOutdoorWorkshop I appreciate the feedback. I didn't realize you had the 34. It does seem like the new 32 compartment is a little bigger when i checked it out at rei. The computer compartment is elevated a couple inches to, which the north face is maybe elevated 3/4 of an inch.
Which material seems stronger overall and less likely to rip if scratched or snagged on something?
That are both very strong and I haven’t had a problem with either after prolonged daily use. The North Face is a little thicker material and seems more durable to the touch. Hope that helps!
@@TheOutdoorWorkshop Thank you!
Do you think is it more difficult to open the zipper due to the flap thats covering the zipper track on the Nebula?
can the nebula stands well?
I don’t have any problems opening it up. It seems to slide out of the way pretty well without getting caught up in the zipper. It does do a nice job of protecting it from dust and other debris if you’re in that type of environment.
No, it doesn’t really stand well on its own. It sits up all right if it’s fully loaded and center of gravity is down at the base, but otherwise it generally does not stand solo.
@@chowtuntan3535 You can check Parsec or Tropos osprey backpacks. These backpacks have internal stab for ability to stand well.
Hi! Is the nebula in this video the same as the nebula 32? And if not, do you know what’s different? Thanks :)
This is the now older version, which was 34L. I have not had a chance to check out the new version yet, but it from what I can tell it has just a few design differences including the material / color pattern, bottom attachment points added to the new 32, compression strap design attached around the mesh, increased organization in the new 32, removal of one of the top internal zip compartments with the new 32, and some other small design changes. I might have to get over to the store to pick one up to compare with the 34! Thanks for watching, hope that helped a little.
Nebula got hydration hook and pass through?
There is a pass-through to the top of the pack. There’s no hydration hook, however, it works pretty well with the rigid Osprey hydration bladders
Old tnf bags used to have mesh back panel which seem quite breatable, so do these redesigned bags (recon, borealis etc.) lack that feature? This material is no mesh I think.
Correct it’s more of a smooth material… still breathable based on the way the padding is designed with the air channels beneath. I can’t say I notice too much of a difference since my shirt normally acts as a similar material in either case, but it does make sense the mesh would help to move air a little better.
tbh I think mesh in itself is not enough. you can get super sweaty with mesh, too if not done correctly
Is the nebula better than the borealis? Please reply…..
I prefer the nebula much more over the borealis, just due the different compartments and organization alone. The main compartment of the borealis is closely matched with the capacity of the Nebula, but has way less features overall. Hope that helps and thanks for watching!
@@TheOutdoorWorkshop thanks a lot 👍🏼
Hey! Does the Nebula have a luggage passthrough to carry it on top of your cabin luggage?
Nope, unfortunately, no luggage pass through on the nebula. Just took it on a plane yesterday and it could’ve been a convenient addition!
@@TheOutdoorWorkshop Thanks for that info. I think I may have to restart my backpack research then. Really liked the Nebula but the luggage passthrough is a deal-breaker for me. Do you recommend any other Osprey that's similar to Nebula but with luggage passthrough?
@@iamnikhilbhide I don't really know of any Ospreys that offer the pass through. I think their Transporter shoulder type bag has that feature and some of their packs convert into duffle style luggage, you are probably better off with the North Face options if you are looking for a sporty quality bag with pass-through. I would also highly recommend checking out Nomatic for more professional bags that are really well built and offer passthrough. Id like to grab one and do a review some day!
Is there a similar bag that has a luggage pass through sleeve?
Nomatic and Black ember make some solid bags I have seen woth pass through. Quality is great with both. Hope that’s helps!
What’s the name of the bag hanging on the wall? 😍
That is the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest… highly recommend for an ultralight pack. I will do a video sometime soon!
@@TheOutdoorWorkshop that would be great thank you! GREAT work! 👌🏼
What's the tech bag you used?
amzn.to/49oFK2S is my day to day.
amzn.to/3u1Cb2G is for the DJI
Which is larger the nebula or the tropos?
They are both 34L packs. That being said the nebula has a smaller overall footprint and packs more going out away from the back. The tropos has a larger footprint on the back and seems like it stores more inline from top to bottom along the center point. The nebula is great for packing on the go, everyday carry and organization whereas the tropos is great if your on the move like on a bike or running around from place to place.
@@TheOutdoorWorkshop thank you so much!
Cheers
Tropos is larger
Yeah the nebula is the winner for my needs.
Yep, totally agree
Have both...Nebula is just too big for me, won't stand up and the organization is kinda strange and the straps don't cut it, too narrow...the Recon just feels stronger, better materials and much more comfortable, best straps in the business and packs smaller for EDC. Nebula ma be the better weekend traveler though.
Yeah I can see where your coming from with the Recon… that was definitely my pick out of the other North Face options. I actually could see myself going with the Recon in the summer when I’m packing less… once I throw a jacket or sweatshirt in there for fall I start getting limited on space for other items. I can see how things could easily get lost in the Nebula due to size, I agree it is also perfect for a weekend traveler or to take as a carry-on if you want to carry some back-up clothes. Thanks for the message!
I have seen multiple people having issues with the Recon's straps ripping off and that the materials are not that good. I wonder if what you're saying is accurate about the newer versions of Recon having better materials.
@@emoista and ive seen multiple people having them for 10 years
@@cfvgd the old versions yes..I have a 2016 version that is still good. I was talking about the latest one they have where they changed the straps.
@@emoista aha ok!
What colour is ur recon backpack?
Color - Asphalt Grey Light Heather - TNF Black. Thanks for watching!
Now try to cram your most bulky jacket into the Osprey. It didn't fit ? It will fit in the straps of the Recon. Plus, the airlines won't try to accuse you of trying to take more on to the plane since they won't count the volume of your jacket against the size of the recon. The recon has better internal organization. Judge from there now that you realize the full capacity of the recon. It is significantly more than the extra four liters of the Nebula. Details matter.
That’s true about the stretch mesh… not sure I would say a bulky jacket could fit in there but at least a waterproof layer with a little insulation coyly. I normally travel in layers though, just the same way I hike. If I run out of room for a jacket on the inside while traveling I will usually end up folding a lighter jacket in half on the top compression strap and securing the two bottom halves hanging down tight against the side… which I have done multiple times on an airline. I would take the extra internal space any day while traveling. There is some additional space on the outside of the nebula as well, which I really don’t use too much except for a quick dump through tsa or something.
Don’t get me wrong the recon is great for EDC with the organization and size. I think it’s still a solid bag and currently my number two for the size…. To each their own, details are all there… just comes down to preference and how you use it. Thanks for watching!
Your height please?
5 11
Not really much of a competition
Nebula takes number 1
Been using osprey for many years
Yep use mine everyday and love it! Thanks for watching!