you are absolutely right, that bag is complicated, and I got tired just watching but I like the wardrobe system that is cool! However, I am not a traveler type so I will still wait for Fyro which I think is more into urban backpacking or light travelling.
For anyone considering this backpack, his critique is valid. All the points he stated are very much true. The net doesn't really expand as much. If you do use the packing cube, you will compromise on the main compartment. And the nipples at the front are just plain ugly. HOWEVER, Tropicfeel did listen to all the complaints and came out with the 2.0 version. Now, the HIVE has all the cool features but improved. No more nipples at the front, no more laptopcompartment at the front, no more waterbottle limitations. If you consider the Hive backpack, definitely check out the HIVE 2.0
I've had my Hive for about 2 years now and it's held up well. Biggest gripe is the water bottle pocket by far. But I use it for everything from commuting, to grocery shopping, weekend getaways to hybrid adventure travel. I do wish there was some kind of locking mechanism for the magnet pouches
I’m in the same boat here! 2 years, been around with it. Big weekend getaways, festivals, day trips, daily work commute (I carry two laptops and it is more secure that way. Having one it feels almost not safe and not snug) but they have 2.0 Hive with an updated water bottle pocket and the design looks better. Even with a side entrance for laptop, so I’m just wondering if that’s worth getting over this last gen
I think the laptop thing is worse if you go to a 16". I also never quite understand a glasses/sunglasses compartment that's soft, because unless your glasses are flat, it's dicey. I get what they were going for, but it's a no go to me. Mainly because of the laptop pouch, but also the whole add on thing. The stiff looking back panel makes it even more confusing as to why the laptop section isn't there.
Totally get where you are coming from, but FWIW I’ve been carrying my glasses in pockets like this for 10 years and they’ve never broke or even cracked once.
I recently bought the tropicfeel nook (at a discounted price, it is NOT worth the full cost) and I agree, I HATE the "Beyond travel" sign on the expansion. It's so corny 😭
Agreed! Super corny. Would love to see a review of the nook. I’m on the hunt for a personal item sized backpack and the nook might fit the bill but there’s only 1 review on it that I can find. 🤔
@@Noochbaby I feel like the nook is similar to the hive in its execution. They've stuffed the nook with so many features that some of them feel half baked. But I think it's a good bag if you manage to get it at a discounted price. I got mine with the pouch for $115 (it retails for $239 usually) so it's definitely a great bag for that price. I'm happy to answer any questions about it if you like!
You hit on something here that I've always been frustrated by but never really gave words to: the best-laid plans of front-of-pack pockets/panels going awry when a bag is packed out. I feel like you really need to give these pockets their own volume in some way, or position them/size them as a home for smaller objects or more flexible objects only. This is actually my one complaint about my Aer Travel Pack 3, which I never really saw anyone talk about in reviews: that front admin compartment is dope, with all its great organization and the long sleeve pocket against the back that feels made for a tablet, but when you fully pack the main compartment out, it gets a curve in it that compromises a lot of aspects of the panel - anything rigid like a tablet feels like a mistake to store there, as you have opposing pressure being put on it by the middle of the bag and the force of zippering the pocket; and even the gusseted pockets start to feel like places I'm loath to store anything that isn't small, thin, flat, and/or flexible. I think it's just a thing with front pockets that run the length of a bag and are ostensibly made for rigid objects (as opposed to clothes), and it's probably the only aspect of Aer's design that I feel like isn't perfect. Sure, it's a great organizational area when the pack isn't full, but it's a 35L travel pack, it's made to be packed out. ANYWAY, long way of saying that I completely feel you on the front-loading tech compartment. Almost all backpacks are made to curve as you're packing them, and with the back necessarily having to be rigid, there's only one way for that curve to go. Not the place for long, wide, flat pieces of tech.
Totally get where you are coming from, but there are plenty of bags out there that have pockets with their own volume from Ogio, Tom Bihn, and Tumi. But for better or worse, everyone in the community thinks those bags look lame (cuz they do lol), so we want something sleek looking, but with the same user experience as pockets with volume... and nailing BOTH is really hard.
Love your videos, and what your doing on Nomads Nation. Are you planning to do any more roll top reviews? I found a roll top from a company called Stubble and Co and I really like it, but would be curious to hear your thoughts?
I've been watching the Hive for a while because it looks like it has so many cool features. It finally went on an actual sale (instead of like 5% off or whatever) so I decided to take a chance on it and three of the accessories. I completely agree with your review. So many cool ideas, all poorly executed. It's so disappointing because you can see what they're trying for, and it's almost there. But "not quite" isn't good enough at this price point, even on sale. I'll be returning it. It looks like they need to get a wider variety of people to test the next iteration of this thing, instead of just "digital nomads" with trust funds and "influencers." (No offense.) I don't know how they can claim this thing holds 40+ liters, even with the accessories. I'm going to pay half the money and get a Cotopaxi Allpa in one of their obnoxiously bright del dia colorways instead. I just discovered your channel and it seems like we have similar ideas about backpacks. I'm curious to learn more about the one you're designing. I'm about to search your channel for more information.
welcome to the channel! I agree that Tropicfeel tried to innovate, just the execution didn't work for me. If you have any questions about any other bags (my own included), give me a holler
I totally agree about the laptop storage apace. The ONLY safe space for a laptop is at the back of the bag / next to the wearer. They need to change that part of the design immediately!
Yo Aaron, keep up the good work! Any plans for more duffle bag reviews? I’d really like to hear your thoughts on the Tom Bihn bags: Aeronaut 30/45 and the Trinity specifically
Eww.. that mixed black and grey strap is not my taste. I doubt the load lifter is as good as Aer. I stay with Aer and still waiting for the premier launch of Fyro backpack. Clock is ticking, the New Year is approaching and new Fyro backpack would be perfect present 🎁 😂
This is over-engineered, expensive... and not that attractive to me (but thats a matter of taste). If you don't do the system, its just a basic, expensive backpack with the laptop in a odd position. If I do do the system, it does so much that it doesn't do anything well. Even if the clipped modules are secure, it doesn't evoke the feeling of security. I prefer my items as much as possible be inside my backpack, instead of clipped outside of it, while still having easy access. The hip best is actually a waist belt, and the interior closet system, while novel, seems like it's quite bulky and only works well if all your accommodations have closets. Im curious how many clothes you'd be able to fit in the closet compression vs just using a regular compression cube. The alternatives seem much better.
Its a pity you didn pack the clothes from the wardrobe unit separately then in a parking cube as to give an idea as to whether or not the wardrobe system is really a space saver
I have multiple tropicfeel products, fhis product is so stupid. Too tall to be a personal irem, too large to be a carry on fully expanded, 6L of space dedicated to just shoes if you use the bag as intended? Im completely missing the vision here
I wish companies would lay off the cheesy motivational messages - Beyond Travel. No thanks! I like to stow my dangle, too. Love Tropicfeel Canyon shoes and a long vest coat thing, though.
Hey, random comment, but I wanted to say that you've really grown into the UA-camr role. I've been happy with the Modern Dayfarer, but am looking forward to your bag hopefully replacing it. :p *I wrote a really long message but opted to delete it. Don't know why I felt so compelled to write a novel but I love your determination and passion! I hope the integrity of your videos will shine through in the algorithm.
Really appreciate the kind words dude and super stoked I was able to help with your backpack search. It’s been a crazy ride this whole UA-cam thing, but it’s all about taking small actionable steps everyday, and over time they compound into bigger things 💪🏻 ❤️
@@Nomads.Nation Hey! Looking back, maybe I should've just left that essay as it was, haha. Well, I'll do my best to give you the gist of it. Frankly, anything that will help me procrastinate my research papers is welcome at this point. I've been following your channel since the early days before I even knew backpacks had their own dedicated community. Your videos have always blown me away with the attention to detail. It's low-key cool to see how each one evolves over time, but that led me to a bittersweet taste. While it's awesome that you're leading the backpacking community, I can't help but feel it's this admittedly niche thing that might be holding back the recognition you deserve. But hey, your passion goes way beyond backpacks-it's about appreciating the tools that make your adventures happen. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to sway you from your goals, but imagine the excitement of a travel video or trying out local ethnic cuisines from you! I'd definitely tune in. And lastly, as you keep growing, don't forget your roots! Your commitment to the consumer, the careful touch in your videos--that's what makes you stand out. (It's also what convinces me to use those nifty links in the description, hahaha). The trust you've built is something special. Not everyone might get how much effort you're putting in, but there's definitely a bunch of us who see and appreciate it. Though this is just an unqualified stranger's opinion, I really think you got what it takes! This belief is evidenced by, like I said, how you've grown all this time. I just wanted to drop this comment to show some extra love. Besides, the world could always use a bit more kindness and vulnerability. Super pumped to see where your adventures take you next! You're super admirable, and I hope everything behind the scenes is going well too. P.S. During my studies, the Nike Utility Elite Backpack and the eBag from Amazon were some affordable substitutes before I upgraded to the ModernDayfarer if you're looking for any bags to review. Not trying to annoy you with suggestions, especially since I already own them, but I'm just throwing darts to type in anything helpful at this point. You rock! Best, A Fan
@@akim5702 damn dude! this is one of the nicest and most thoughtful comments I've ever gotten. I appreciate the love and support more than you know, and totally agree with a lot of your perspectives. The backpack niche is def a bit on the small side, but at the end of the day I'm driven by passion, and the community here is amazing, so I'm going all in - plus building my own bag on top of it = this is a niche I'm super stoked to be in. Will I diversify later? Certainly possible. But for now, I'm doubling down and enjoying every moment of it. ❤
I do not like a lot of things about this bag. It seems purpose built for Instagram targeted ads. The silly gimmicks are far too numerous to be in any way useful.
Grey strap on black looks a mess. Laptop compartment on the front is iffy as hell. Sling/Hipbelt is pretty cool functionally, but it looks🤢 No-stretch bottle and front pocket is an abomination. This bag can do so many things, but it doesn't do each of them well enough to be a compelling purchase. Seems like every feature is a con. Expandable but with ugly quotes, bottle pocket but it doesn't stretch, dedicated laptop compartment but it'll probably break your laptop.
sorry to hear about your experience! This company has sold thousands of bags to customers around the world, so they are definitely not a scam, but its unfortunate that their shipping is lacking for your particular order. Please keep us posted if it gets resolved!
Do you want to help me build a game-changing backpack? 👉🏼 nomadsnation.com/building-a-backpack
you are absolutely right, that bag is complicated, and I got tired just watching but I like the wardrobe system that is cool! However, I am not a traveler type so I will still wait for Fyro which I think is more into urban backpacking or light travelling.
Much appreciated!
For anyone considering this backpack, his critique is valid. All the points he stated are very much true. The net doesn't really expand as much. If you do use the packing cube, you will compromise on the main compartment. And the nipples at the front are just plain ugly.
HOWEVER, Tropicfeel did listen to all the complaints and came out with the 2.0 version. Now, the HIVE has all the cool features but improved. No more nipples at the front, no more laptopcompartment at the front, no more waterbottle limitations. If you consider the Hive backpack, definitely check out the HIVE 2.0
im stoked to get the 2.0 version!
I've had my Hive for about 2 years now and it's held up well. Biggest gripe is the water bottle pocket by far. But I use it for everything from commuting, to grocery shopping, weekend getaways to hybrid adventure travel. I do wish there was some kind of locking mechanism for the magnet pouches
Appreciate your thoughts!
I’m in the same boat here! 2 years, been around with it. Big weekend getaways, festivals, day trips, daily work commute (I carry two laptops and it is more secure that way. Having one it feels almost not safe and not snug) but they have 2.0 Hive with an updated water bottle pocket and the design looks better. Even with a side entrance for laptop, so I’m just wondering if that’s worth getting over this last gen
@@vudiphothisuki havent heard about a hive 2.0
@@Wvrent it’s on pre order right now so no one has got their hands on it
Hive version 2.0 is coming soon, I hope you'll do a review because it fixes some of the issues you mentioned
It’s not on our radar currently but hopefully we can get our hands on one
I think the laptop thing is worse if you go to a 16". I also never quite understand a glasses/sunglasses compartment that's soft, because unless your glasses are flat, it's dicey. I get what they were going for, but it's a no go to me. Mainly because of the laptop pouch, but also the whole add on thing. The stiff looking back panel makes it even more confusing as to why the laptop section isn't there.
Yeah I’m carrying glasses in a case 99.9% of the time. More worried about cracking/bending than scratching.
@@semzip8558 Exactly.
Totally get where you are coming from, but FWIW I’ve been carrying my glasses in pockets like this for 10 years and they’ve never broke or even cracked once.
I recently bought the tropicfeel nook (at a discounted price, it is NOT worth the full cost) and I agree, I HATE the "Beyond travel" sign on the expansion. It's so corny 😭
So corny 😂
Agreed! Super corny. Would love to see a review of the nook. I’m on the hunt for a personal item sized backpack and the nook might fit the bill but there’s only 1 review on it that I can find. 🤔
@@Noochbaby I feel like the nook is similar to the hive in its execution. They've stuffed the nook with so many features that some of them feel half baked.
But I think it's a good bag if you manage to get it at a discounted price. I got mine with the pouch for $115 (it retails for $239 usually) so it's definitely a great bag for that price. I'm happy to answer any questions about it if you like!
I've had my eye on this for so long but haven't pulled the trigger because of the lower quality materials.
I think this can be a great bag for some, but I do think at the price point it's not fully delivering on value
That removable waist belt was "taken from" or inspired by the original Pakt travel bag which I honestly kind of liked about the V1.
I’m not sure who came up with it first - Tropicfeel, Pakt, or someone else
You hit on something here that I've always been frustrated by but never really gave words to: the best-laid plans of front-of-pack pockets/panels going awry when a bag is packed out. I feel like you really need to give these pockets their own volume in some way, or position them/size them as a home for smaller objects or more flexible objects only. This is actually my one complaint about my Aer Travel Pack 3, which I never really saw anyone talk about in reviews: that front admin compartment is dope, with all its great organization and the long sleeve pocket against the back that feels made for a tablet, but when you fully pack the main compartment out, it gets a curve in it that compromises a lot of aspects of the panel - anything rigid like a tablet feels like a mistake to store there, as you have opposing pressure being put on it by the middle of the bag and the force of zippering the pocket; and even the gusseted pockets start to feel like places I'm loath to store anything that isn't small, thin, flat, and/or flexible. I think it's just a thing with front pockets that run the length of a bag and are ostensibly made for rigid objects (as opposed to clothes), and it's probably the only aspect of Aer's design that I feel like isn't perfect. Sure, it's a great organizational area when the pack isn't full, but it's a 35L travel pack, it's made to be packed out.
ANYWAY, long way of saying that I completely feel you on the front-loading tech compartment. Almost all backpacks are made to curve as you're packing them, and with the back necessarily having to be rigid, there's only one way for that curve to go. Not the place for long, wide, flat pieces of tech.
Totally get where you are coming from, but there are plenty of bags out there that have pockets with their own volume from Ogio, Tom Bihn, and Tumi. But for better or worse, everyone in the community thinks those bags look lame (cuz they do lol), so we want something sleek looking, but with the same user experience as pockets with volume... and nailing BOTH is really hard.
Love your videos, and what your doing on Nomads Nation. Are you planning to do any more roll top reviews? I found a roll top from a company called Stubble and Co and I really like it, but would be curious to hear your thoughts?
I’d love to! I’ve added to our (extremely long) wish list
Thanks a lot for an awesome and in-depth review!😊 And wow, creating your own backpack, so exciting!🤩🥳
thanks so much!
Nice Video..What is the Gist please?Among The Bags Brands that you reviewed Which one is your favorite bag brand & why please?
If I had to pick one - Aer. For consistency and comfort
@@Nomads.Nationok thank you
I've been watching the Hive for a while because it looks like it has so many cool features. It finally went on an actual sale (instead of like 5% off or whatever) so I decided to take a chance on it and three of the accessories. I completely agree with your review. So many cool ideas, all poorly executed. It's so disappointing because you can see what they're trying for, and it's almost there. But "not quite" isn't good enough at this price point, even on sale. I'll be returning it. It looks like they need to get a wider variety of people to test the next iteration of this thing, instead of just "digital nomads" with trust funds and "influencers." (No offense.) I don't know how they can claim this thing holds 40+ liters, even with the accessories. I'm going to pay half the money and get a Cotopaxi Allpa in one of their obnoxiously bright del dia colorways instead.
I just discovered your channel and it seems like we have similar ideas about backpacks. I'm curious to learn more about the one you're designing. I'm about to search your channel for more information.
welcome to the channel! I agree that Tropicfeel tried to innovate, just the execution didn't work for me. If you have any questions about any other bags (my own included), give me a holler
I should stop watching. I just realized I cannot afford the backpacks reviewed here.
We have done many budget bag reviews and plan to do a lot more in the coming months 💪🏻
I totally agree about the laptop storage apace. The ONLY safe space for a laptop is at the back of the bag / next to the wearer. They need to change that part of the design immediately!
👏
They did change that design. In Hive 2.0, the laptop space is just at the back, with a side entrance.
@@Avoozl good to know!
Yo Aaron, keep up the good work! Any plans for more duffle bag reviews? I’d really like to hear your thoughts on the Tom Bihn bags: Aeronaut 30/45 and the Trinity specifically
Thanks dude, and for sure! I’m hoping to do some TB reviews in 2024
Please review the Sympl 25L Weekender!!!!! :)
Already did! Search for it and give it a watch 💪🏻
just thinking… the detachable water bottle could be a detachable sling for wallet keys? just w thought… cant wait to have this bag on my hand 😀😀🔥🔥🔥
for sure!
Eww.. that mixed black and grey strap is not my taste. I doubt the load lifter is as good as Aer. I stay with Aer and still waiting for the premier launch of Fyro backpack. Clock is ticking, the New Year is approaching and new Fyro backpack would be perfect present 🎁 😂
We are going as fast as possible! 🔥🔥
This is over-engineered, expensive... and not that attractive to me (but thats a matter of taste).
If you don't do the system, its just a basic, expensive backpack with the laptop in a odd position. If I do do the system, it does so much that it doesn't do anything well.
Even if the clipped modules are secure, it doesn't evoke the feeling of security. I prefer my items as much as possible be inside my backpack, instead of clipped outside of it, while still having easy access.
The hip best is actually a waist belt, and the interior closet system, while novel, seems like it's quite bulky and only works well if all your accommodations have closets. Im curious how many clothes you'd be able to fit in the closet compression vs just using a regular compression cube.
The alternatives seem much better.
Thanks for your perspective!
Thanks for the video. I hate Velcro. If some backpack has them it’s rejected. Also putting laptop forward is a bold idea.
'bold' is a nice way of putting it lol
I love that this has a hip belt. There are some people known as... Women. Or just smaller people in general who like to carry a lot of stuff!
Taller ppl like hip belts too!
Its a pity you didn pack the clothes from the wardrobe unit separately then in a parking cube as to give an idea as to whether or not the wardrobe system is really a space saver
Unfortunately didn’t have time, but overall I think it’s not any better than your average compression packing cube
Well, at least if one would be curious and wanted to try this one, the price isn't THAT high... For the bare backpack that is)
One of the perks for sure, but those add ons really add up quickly
I have multiple tropicfeel products, fhis product is so stupid. Too tall to be a personal irem, too large to be a carry on fully expanded, 6L of space dedicated to just shoes if you use the bag as intended? Im completely missing the vision here
Yea it’s definitely a bag with a complicated vision
@@Nomads.Nationthe tropicfeel nest hits the spot for me though 👍🏽. And if you travel to wet tropical climates, don't sleep on the shoes
@@Rosa52 ive heard good things!
I wish companies would lay off the cheesy motivational messages - Beyond Travel. No thanks! I like to stow my dangle, too. Love Tropicfeel Canyon shoes and a long vest coat thing, though.
I’ve heard the shoes are great
Hey, random comment, but I wanted to say that you've really grown into the UA-camr role.
I've been happy with the Modern Dayfarer, but am looking forward to your bag hopefully replacing it. :p
*I wrote a really long message but opted to delete it. Don't know why I felt so compelled to write a novel but I love your determination and passion!
I hope the integrity of your videos will shine through in the algorithm.
Really appreciate the kind words dude and super stoked I was able to help with your backpack search. It’s been a crazy ride this whole UA-cam thing, but it’s all about taking small actionable steps everyday, and over time they compound into bigger things 💪🏻 ❤️
@@Nomads.Nation Hey! Looking back, maybe I should've just left that essay as it was, haha. Well, I'll do my best to give you the gist of it. Frankly, anything that will help me procrastinate my research papers is welcome at this point.
I've been following your channel since the early days before I even knew backpacks had their own dedicated community. Your videos have always blown me away with the attention to detail. It's low-key cool to see how each one evolves over time, but that led me to a bittersweet taste. While it's awesome that you're leading the backpacking community, I can't help but feel it's this admittedly niche thing that might be holding back the recognition you deserve.
But hey, your passion goes way beyond backpacks-it's about appreciating the tools that make your adventures happen. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to sway you from your goals, but imagine the excitement of a travel video or trying out local ethnic cuisines from you! I'd definitely tune in.
And lastly, as you keep growing, don't forget your roots! Your commitment to the consumer, the careful touch in your videos--that's what makes you stand out. (It's also what convinces me to use those nifty links in the description, hahaha). The trust you've built is something special.
Not everyone might get how much effort you're putting in, but there's definitely a bunch of us who see and appreciate it. Though this is just an unqualified stranger's opinion, I really think you got what it takes! This belief is evidenced by, like I said, how you've grown all this time.
I just wanted to drop this comment to show some extra love. Besides, the world could always use a bit more kindness and vulnerability.
Super pumped to see where your adventures take you next! You're super admirable, and I hope everything behind the scenes is going well too.
P.S. During my studies, the Nike Utility Elite Backpack and the eBag from Amazon were some affordable substitutes before I upgraded to the ModernDayfarer if you're looking for any bags to review. Not trying to annoy you with suggestions, especially since I already own them, but I'm just throwing darts to type in anything helpful at this point.
You rock!
Best,
A Fan
@@akim5702 damn dude! this is one of the nicest and most thoughtful comments I've ever gotten. I appreciate the love and support more than you know, and totally agree with a lot of your perspectives. The backpack niche is def a bit on the small side, but at the end of the day I'm driven by passion, and the community here is amazing, so I'm going all in - plus building my own bag on top of it = this is a niche I'm super stoked to be in. Will I diversify later? Certainly possible. But for now, I'm doubling down and enjoying every moment of it. ❤
Wow, that is a bag. Way too complicated for my liking especially for the price. Interesting system but for all that I would spend my 💰on AER or Pakt
Agreed haha
You could probably put the laptop in a sleeve and load it behind the wardrobe system.
for sure!
I do not like a lot of things about this bag. It seems purpose built for Instagram targeted ads. The silly gimmicks are far too numerous to be in any way useful.
I’m sure some people really like it, but I agree that it’s not the bag/system for me
Funny enough I saw this being targeted on my instagram
@@sinthur5435 oh yea, their IG ad-game is top notch. They will find you lol
When will bag manufacturers understand that you do NOT use black interiors!!!
Hopefully if we keep complaining, they’ll start listening!
Grey strap on black looks a mess.
Laptop compartment on the front is iffy as hell.
Sling/Hipbelt is pretty cool functionally, but it looks🤢
No-stretch bottle and front pocket is an abomination.
This bag can do so many things, but it doesn't do each of them well enough to be a compelling purchase.
Seems like every feature is a con. Expandable but with ugly quotes, bottle pocket but it doesn't stretch, dedicated laptop compartment but it'll probably break your laptop.
Yea it’s definitely a controversial bag
Scam company...waiting 4 weeks now for shipping info
sorry to hear about your experience! This company has sold thousands of bags to customers around the world, so they are definitely not a scam, but its unfortunate that their shipping is lacking for your particular order. Please keep us posted if it gets resolved!