That bottle keeper is great! It just lacks a strap that might tighten and keep wet umbrella outside. I also would add hidden or half hidden straps on the bottom or somewhere to attach extra jacket. Water proof zippers are must also. As for your backpack it is much bigger, different league
For the luggage pass-thru orientation, it depends on the access to the zippers/pockets in the bag. The pass-thru orientation should allow me to easily get stuff from the organizer pocket and laptop pocket when the bag is hooked up to my rolling luggage. I think the zip-away water bottle holder is a cool idea, but I would worry about it's durability.
3:20 After much deliberation on the controversial water bottle holder, I've concluded that it's actually ok, and here is why: Since this is a sleek 15L, you're probably going to be using this in the city 90% of the time to go to the coffee shop, unpack your laptop and tech gear, and work. Or you might be traveling in an urban environment. You really don't need a water bottle in this setting. There are plenty of drinks, vending machines, or if you're in Europe, fountains as well. You might pop this out once in a blue moon. It's not really a touristy type of travel backpack at all. Also, I'd add that the padding looks quite generous considering the size, and the chest strap is a surprising addition as well. but I wish they had aqua-guard zippers for the laptop compartment, and that it came in black like their other lines. The best feature is the expandability. I don't think I've seen anything like that on a 15L before. Being able to add a small compression cube and a dopp kit allows one to use this on a weekend trip. Great review!
I've been trying to suggest this to you: imagine this water bottle solution, BUT with room inside as well. So when the pack is full, use the external mesh to hold the bottle. When the pack has space inside, shove the bottle into that compartment. (Is this coming across?)
Aaron (2023): "I gotta admit, I'm not a fan of this design choice by Nomatic to have these gussets here. It limits the potential I have to get in the bottom of the bag." Also Aaron (2024): "So we've x-nayed the clamshell (of our previous bag design) and added GUSSETS which adds plenty of room to get into the main compartment of the bag and just about doing what's right for the bag!" Glad to see Aaron's view of certain design elements getting updated now that he's creating his own bag and seemingly better understanding certain design choices xD
oh shit, im getting direct quoted now! 😂 but yes, this whole thing has been a journey and I've grown so much in the process... and still have so much more to learn 💪
@@Nomads.Nation i really just happened to watch this video after watching your own bag design video when the change in perspective hit me. Would be interesting to see a video of you going over things you’ve had a change of opinion on from going through your own bag design journey (like the idea that gussets are actually good for a number of reasons apparently)
🤔 never noticed it to be a problem... Usually there is enough space between luggage handle and a bad to comfortably push it around. Oh and the water bottle. I used to have a samsonite bag years ago with such a water bottle pocket. It was extremely dangly, you would haight it)))
Hot take, I am put off by It because it visually looks expensive. When traveling I like to be incognito, not drawing attention with luggage items suck as not to become a mark. This thing just screams...there is something expensive inside there.
I hate the water bottle pocket. Its too small and every time I bend over my bottle falls out. If it was taller and had a tie in or something to keep a taller water bottle in, then it would be great. But who carries around a tiny water bottle??? I love that it is on the outside, it just needs to be taller or have a tie in to keep the bottle from falling out and hitting one on the head. As my has several times.
That is one girthy review, man! :D It looks really sleek, but also a bit... I dunno, stiff? The water bottle holder looks to be quite cool but when the water bottle is in there, it looks odd, a bit wonky and maybe a bit cheap? Or am I being a backpack snob? For me 15L is too small, though. After a day in the office I like to grab a sixpack of lager on the way back, at times, and I think that it would fill out/ruin the bag too much! Cheers, Chris
I’m kind of digging the gussets..so things don’t fall out when you unzip it on the fly…since it’s not really something I could use to double as a travel pack (not needing full clamshell sich). Ps arghh the dangle! Why does nomatic never put them on 🤦🏻♀️ I have to OG one of this and gave it away. Was not a fan.
You need to get your backpack out. I keep seeing backpacks I like but am holding off buying because Tours sounds like it is going to meet most of my EDC/travel needs ;)
Thank you for the review, I have to say it’s definitely not a bag I would rush out to get. I like water bottle holders but this…this is a big no for me. It’s floppy and meh. I like the expansion but the straps…again meh. I think there are better bags out there…really don’t like the water bottle system
Do you want to help me build a game-changing backpack? 👉🏼 nomadsnation.com/building-a-backpack
Very cool backpack and alternatives! I’m addicted to your reviews (only found you a few days ago!)…
Welcome aboard!
That bottle keeper is great! It just lacks a strap that might tighten and keep wet umbrella outside. I also would add hidden or half hidden straps on the bottom or somewhere to attach extra jacket. Water proof zippers are must also.
As for your backpack it is much bigger, different league
💪
For the luggage pass-thru orientation, it depends on the access to the zippers/pockets in the bag. The pass-thru orientation should allow me to easily get stuff from the organizer pocket and laptop pocket when the bag is hooked up to my rolling luggage. I think the zip-away water bottle holder is a cool idea, but I would worry about it's durability.
thanks for the input! And yea, agreed on the durability, I shoulda emphasized that more
Another great backpack option. Nice review, Aaron!
Cheers Keith!
3:20 After much deliberation on the controversial water bottle holder, I've concluded that it's actually ok, and here is why: Since this is a sleek 15L, you're probably going to be using this in the city 90% of the time to go to the coffee shop, unpack your laptop and tech gear, and work. Or you might be traveling in an urban environment. You really don't need a water bottle in this setting. There are plenty of drinks, vending machines, or if you're in Europe, fountains as well. You might pop this out once in a blue moon. It's not really a touristy type of travel backpack at all. Also, I'd add that the padding looks quite generous considering the size, and the chest strap is a surprising addition as well. but I wish they had aqua-guard zippers for the laptop compartment, and that it came in black like their other lines. The best feature is the expandability. I don't think I've seen anything like that on a 15L before. Being able to add a small compression cube and a dopp kit allows one to use this on a weekend trip. Great review!
Thanks dude and great points!!
This kind of bottle holder is not OK, it is great!
I've been trying to suggest this to you: imagine this water bottle solution, BUT with room inside as well. So when the pack is full, use the external mesh to hold the bottle. When the pack has space inside, shove the bottle into that compartment. (Is this coming across?)
it is but no idea how doable it is...
you need the gussets if you're going to have a front pocket, otherwise the weight causes the backpack to do the splits every time it's opened
Good call
Aaron (2023): "I gotta admit, I'm not a fan of this design choice by Nomatic to have these gussets here. It limits the potential I have to get in the bottom of the bag."
Also Aaron (2024): "So we've x-nayed the clamshell (of our previous bag design) and added GUSSETS which adds plenty of room to get into the main compartment of the bag and just about doing what's right for the bag!"
Glad to see Aaron's view of certain design elements getting updated now that he's creating his own bag and seemingly better understanding certain design choices xD
oh shit, im getting direct quoted now! 😂 but yes, this whole thing has been a journey and I've grown so much in the process... and still have so much more to learn 💪
@@Nomads.Nation i really just happened to watch this video after watching your own bag design video when the change in perspective hit me. Would be interesting to see a video of you going over things you’ve had a change of opinion on from going through your own bag design journey (like the idea that gussets are actually good for a number of reasons apparently)
@@Hennequing love this idea, will hopefully do!
Luggage strap is very important. For me it is on must have list, will not buy a backpack without one.
100% agreed - it’s a must for me now
Oh, and answering the question, i prefer vertical. But if the bag has side access, (like frenchie co) it can be horizontal access.
@@ivanbecky1743 exactly - assuming of course that if it’s vertical that the bag isn’t taller than the luggage handle
🤔 never noticed it to be a problem... Usually there is enough space between luggage handle and a bad to comfortably push it around.
Oh and the water bottle. I used to have a samsonite bag years ago with such a water bottle pocket. It was extremely dangly, you would haight it)))
@@ivanbecky1743 haha, if I'm consistent about one thing it's my distaste of dangle loll
Hot take, I am put off by It because it visually looks expensive. When traveling I like to be incognito, not drawing attention with luggage items suck as not to become a mark. This thing just screams...there is something expensive inside there.
makes sense and I totally agree!
I hate the water bottle pocket. Its too small and every time I bend over my bottle falls out. If it was taller and had a tie in or something to keep a taller water bottle in, then it would be great. But who carries around a tiny water bottle??? I love that it is on the outside, it just needs to be taller or have a tie in to keep the bottle from falling out and hitting one on the head. As my has several times.
Thanks for your comment! A water bottle tie (like a d-ring or compression strap) can really go a long way
due to its height, the luggage passthrough holder might not be too useful (handle may not go through all the way).
Yes great point
That is one girthy review, man! :D It looks really sleek, but also a bit... I dunno, stiff?
The water bottle holder looks to be quite cool but when the water bottle is in there, it looks odd, a bit wonky and maybe a bit cheap? Or am I being a backpack snob?
For me 15L is too small, though. After a day in the office I like to grab a sixpack of lager on the way back, at times, and I think that it would fill out/ruin the bag too much! Cheers, Chris
Can’t fit a 6 pack of lager? Then it ain’t for me haha
I’m kind of digging the gussets..so things don’t fall out when you unzip it on the fly…since it’s not really something I could use to double as a travel pack (not needing full clamshell sich).
Ps arghh the dangle! Why does nomatic never put them on 🤦🏻♀️ I have to OG one of this and gave it away. Was not a fan.
good point! Maybe would be nice if they had velcro down the middle so they could be un-gusset-ed lol
You need to get your backpack out. I keep seeing backpacks I like but am holding off buying because Tours sounds like it is going to meet most of my EDC/travel needs ;)
working on it as fast as possible!! haha
Thank you for the review, I have to say it’s definitely not a bag I would rush out to get. I like water bottle holders but this…this is a big no for me. It’s floppy and meh. I like the expansion but the straps…again meh. I think there are better bags out there…really don’t like the water bottle system
its not my favorite bag either, but it def has some great use-cases
Been looking for the expanded dimensions everywhere can’t find them !
Ask Nomatic customer support! They’ll get you sorted 💪🏻
If I have this backpack I think the first thing I would do is to cut these gussets…
I was tempted to lol
Your audio is echoing, just fyi, you may already know. Good review though. :)
Thanks for that! We’ve since upgraded our audio (thank god)
I feel dirty when you say gusset 😂
😜
Lots of pros. No cons really..! Could be more affordable to the common users though. Cheers AR & Team.
Cons - that dent isn’t ideal and slightly overpriced me thinks. But still a great bag for the right person!
Hmm interesting
Hmmm agreed
Algo juice comment
LOVE IT 🫶🏽
I HATE the water bottle solution.
HATE it. It’s the worst of both worlds.
Haha thanks for the honesty!