I have this bag and it’s been fantastic. I love using the wardrobe system for light travels (~3-5 days) and for longer travels I use it to stuff jackets, tech products, etc plus an additional pair of shoes while I pack my carry on with clothes. It also expands leaving enough room to bring back souvenirs as you travel
Absolutely incredible bag for carry on only travel - the fact that it has toiletries on the outside, opens from the back and from the top, and has the kangaroo pouch for shoes makes it perfect. Easy to get out everything you need through security check, easy to downsize the bag for carry-on by taking out the shoes and the camera cube accessory (which I use for cables and easy-access to headphones/kindle/other small items for when you're on the plane). Not using the wardrobe system as 2 packing cubes stacked vertically fits more stuff in the same space. Literally can't optimize any further - it's the perfect bag for me.
For once, here is a little feedback. I bought this bag for a road trip in Canada (I'm Belgian). Everything was fine until the zipper on the bag broke after 2 weeks. So I'm in Canada with a defective bag. I had to urgently buy two bags to replace it (a cabin bag and a small bag for every day). With the added inconvenience of having to put this faulty bag in my luggage. I wrote a message to Tropicfeel explaining the situation and returning the bag from Canada and getting a refund. And, drum roll: they don't care. They really don't care. They send me pre-made messages telling me to follow the procedure online. Except that the procedure just allows me to send the bag back from Belgium and have another one delivered to Belgium. I don't know what to do or who to contact. They say they listen to travelers but that's not true. It's just a brand that manufactures bags and at no time does their business model correspond to the reality of a traveler's life. The products are good but if you have a problem with a defective product, it's just dead. Run away.
We’re so sorry to hear that 😔 Nobody wants to deal with that while traveling! We haven’t had any issues with Tropicfeel, but it sounds like you didn’t have the best experience. You’ll have to let us know what the end result is. -Eric
I just preordered this because C6 no longer makes my old bag (or one as big as it) and after 10 years, it's in rought shape. I'm not sure I'll have any use for the packing unit, but the size and shape of the pack itself seems perfect so I'm excited to get it. Have been looking for something like this for ages but everything I've tried has had some drawbacks and fold (not roll) flap tops are not that common. Fingers crossed this one will finally replace my old one... The detachable front pockets seem a bit awkward, the way they hang a bit loose from the bag, should've probably been velcro backed or molle attachment.
Hey shoemakerluis, thanks for sharing your experience with us. Hope this one is able to replace your previous pack and that you'll be able to adapt the features so that they work well for your use case. Let us know how you get on! - Rebecca
How much bulk does the wardrobe system add? Do you feel like the extra bulk is worth the added functionality and compression? Also, what do you think of the price/quality and price/functionality?
Heyy, do you think the material / clamshell zipper is strong enough to hold against heavy weights? In other words, should i be careful about packing heavy things - that'd be nice to know! Thank you, nice review! :)
thanks, I loved the video. It was really detailed. What I am looking for is a 365 day backpack with travelling capability. I am afraid, this is too gimmicky to be really useful. My point of view is: clam opening is too annoying for daily, base is too wide for daily. Other than that, wardrobe system is cool, but I believe there will be some packing cube that works just as well. Thanks anyway, that was some great content.
I know this is much up to personal preference, but I have been using a C6 backpack for 10 years that has a similar flap top with two clasps and I couldn't imagine using anything else now. After getting used to it, it's quick to open, you can do it with one hand while for example holding the bag up with the other, something that is not always easy with zippers. the clasps make the height somewhat adjustable and also I tend to throw my jacket underneath the flap sometimes.
Great video. I was waiting for a review of this backpack. I think is too big for a daily backpack ( I prefer my Bobby BIZZ) and for travel I will go with my cubes with compression system. Cost less and they are more versatile.
I'm really thinking about buying it. I just miss one feature: a possibility for a hydration system. Is it possible to put the bladder in the notebook pouch at the back and get the tube out somewhere practically without having the zipper of the main compartement to stay open?
They don't advertise the materials. Like what brand are the zippers? What kind of fabric.... is it quality or cheaper quality? This is important specifications, so I'm surprised you can't see any of those information on their website.
They are fidlock. It has a certain mechanism to remove. You have to pull up in both tabs in order to get off. Fairly easy if you know, but hard for theft I guess
Although advertised as both an urban bag and an outdoor bag suitable for hiking, I believe that it is not very well made for the latter. The size, shape, weight and design make it impractical for outdoor use, especially for intense outdoor activities, such as the aforementioned hiking. I experienced the same issue with their new jacket and shoes. They do provide excellent performance for urban wear, however I wouldn't recommend it for the great outdoors. Small details such as the lack for a built in rain cover make the difference.
I don’t think so-as it’s only supposed to fit a standard 15-inch laptop! Check out the full review: packhacker.com/travel-gear/tropicfeel/shell-travel-backpack/ -Eric
As you were saying, I don't think travel/bag enthusiasts will be interested in such an "opinionated" bag/system. And at a retail price of almost $500 USD (including just the wardrobe-$739 with the lot), it's hard to pinpoint exactly who would be interested in this bag. However I saw quite a few requests for this bag on your recent top 10 travel bags video, so there certainly is interest! Either way, kudos to Tropicfeel for making something different.
From the US here, bought this bag (as an early backer) for $240 - bag, wardrobe system, toiletry accessory bag, and laundry bag included. Granted, I was an early backer for their crowdfunding campaign. But still, the price tag you’re floating just seems way too exaggerated
In europe it now costs about 250€ for the bag, the wardrobe and a pouch. That’s seems reasonable if you don’t already have a set up. It’s quite a nice and well integrated option for someone who’s starting building his setup
160€ for a backpack that seems to be only good from airport to Airbnb seems a bit way too overpriced imo. You can get Osprey Farpoint 40 for like 120€ which has decent internal frame as well for longer walks and trips. Hard yo understand tbh why travel backpack sellers like tropicfeel do not put more effort in comfortability instead of looks/additional components that may not be the most thought of. Like the main compartment where you can store electronics. For example if you hit the main compartment with something then it will electronics as well. Not ranting here or anything as the style and thought process is good with this bag. Just my 2 cents.
I have this bag and it’s been fantastic. I love using the wardrobe system for light travels (~3-5 days) and for longer travels I use it to stuff jackets, tech products, etc plus an additional pair of shoes while I pack my carry on with clothes. It also expands leaving enough room to bring back souvenirs as you travel
Absolutely incredible bag for carry on only travel - the fact that it has toiletries on the outside, opens from the back and from the top, and has the kangaroo pouch for shoes makes it perfect. Easy to get out everything you need through security check, easy to downsize the bag for carry-on by taking out the shoes and the camera cube accessory (which I use for cables and easy-access to headphones/kindle/other small items for when you're on the plane). Not using the wardrobe system as 2 packing cubes stacked vertically fits more stuff in the same space. Literally can't optimize any further - it's the perfect bag for me.
Would have been nice if you could compare them to other similar ones. Discuss if its worth the price etc.
thanks for the review
For once, here is a little feedback. I bought this bag for a road trip in Canada (I'm Belgian). Everything was fine until the zipper on the bag broke after 2 weeks. So I'm in Canada with a defective bag. I had to urgently buy two bags to replace it (a cabin bag and a small bag for every day). With the added inconvenience of having to put this faulty bag in my luggage. I wrote a message to Tropicfeel explaining the situation and returning the bag from Canada and getting a refund. And, drum roll: they don't care. They really don't care. They send me pre-made messages telling me to follow the procedure online. Except that the procedure just allows me to send the bag back from Belgium and have another one delivered to Belgium. I don't know what to do or who to contact. They say they listen to travelers but that's not true. It's just a brand that manufactures bags and at no time does their business model correspond to the reality of a traveler's life. The products are good but if you have a problem with a defective product, it's just dead. Run away.
We’re so sorry to hear that 😔 Nobody wants to deal with that while traveling! We haven’t had any issues with Tropicfeel, but it sounds like you didn’t have the best experience. You’ll have to let us know what the end result is.
-Eric
@@PackHacker2 Thank you for your support ❤️ I'll keep you in touch
How disappointing. Any follow-up on your plight??
The most complete online review on the Tropicfeel Shell. Great job, Mark. 👍🏽
Thanks Aires Walter dos Santos, glad you're digging the review! 🙌
- Rebecca
It's a removable organizer in a bag!!that's it!!and 4 practical and considerable reasons ,it's the most organize pack!!
I just preordered this because C6 no longer makes my old bag (or one as big as it) and after 10 years, it's in rought shape. I'm not sure I'll have any use for the packing unit, but the size and shape of the pack itself seems perfect so I'm excited to get it. Have been looking for something like this for ages but everything I've tried has had some drawbacks and fold (not roll) flap tops are not that common. Fingers crossed this one will finally replace my old one...
The detachable front pockets seem a bit awkward, the way they hang a bit loose from the bag, should've probably been velcro backed or molle attachment.
Hey shoemakerluis, thanks for sharing your experience with us. Hope this one is able to replace your previous pack and that you'll be able to adapt the features so that they work well for your use case. Let us know how you get on!
- Rebecca
How is the bag? Worth the money?
Is it better these type of backpacks with closet or just a normal backpack and packing cubes?
How much bulk does the wardrobe system add? Do you feel like the extra bulk is worth the added functionality and compression?
Also, what do you think of the price/quality and price/functionality?
What are good alternatives similar to this one?
Solgaard lifepack endeavor
Seems like the newer version of the Shell made some improvements, but I'm not sure the front pocket behind the nipples is still there!
Heyy, do you think the material / clamshell zipper is strong enough to hold against heavy weights?
In other words, should i be careful about packing heavy things - that'd be nice to know! Thank you, nice review! :)
thanks, I loved the video. It was really detailed. What I am looking for is a 365 day backpack with travelling capability. I am afraid, this is too gimmicky to be really useful. My point of view is: clam opening is too annoying for daily, base is too wide for daily. Other than that, wardrobe system is cool, but I believe there will be some packing cube that works just as well. Thanks anyway, that was some great content.
I know this is much up to personal preference, but I have been using a C6 backpack for 10 years that has a similar flap top with two clasps and I couldn't imagine using anything else now. After getting used to it, it's quick to open, you can do it with one hand while for example holding the bag up with the other, something that is not always easy with zippers. the clasps make the height somewhat adjustable and also I tend to throw my jacket underneath the flap sometimes.
My ILE Default Mini is my 365/one bag travel pack.
i prefer zip too
Great video. I was waiting for a review of this backpack. I think is too big for a daily backpack ( I prefer my Bobby BIZZ) and for travel I will go with my cubes with compression system. Cost less and they are more versatile.
Can you please do a full review on the Topicfeel Hive backpack?!?!
👀👀👀
@@PackHacker2 yes pretty please! The Hive!
I'm really thinking about buying it. I just miss one feature: a possibility for a hydration system. Is it possible to put the bladder in the notebook pouch at the back and get the tube out somewhere practically without having the zipper of the main compartement to stay open?
I think there is a headphone hole
What size shoes did you put in the kangaroo pouch?
They don't advertise the materials. Like what brand are the zippers? What kind of fabric.... is it quality or cheaper quality? This is important specifications, so I'm surprised you can't see any of those information on their website.
I agree, but some reviewers have confirmed they're actually the high end zippers (YKKP, is it?)!
Please do a review on the Nest Tropicfeel backpack
Added to the list for content consideration-thanks!
- Austin
Would love a review of the Hive Tropicfeel backpack as well!
\
How is the front magnets in terms of theft? Are the pouches easy to get off?
They are fidlock. It has a certain mechanism to remove. You have to pull up in both tabs in order to get off. Fairly easy if you know, but hard for theft I guess
any numbers about the wardrobe size after the compression ? tropicfeel site declares data only in the standard position.
Price is a deal breaker. the price is way too high versus market price for similar or better bags being 20% lower
Can you list some of those? Im trying to make a choice.
@@Errr_k the endurax backpack has a line for drones and cameras , very nice bags at reasonnable price
@@enerbot283 what about for travel bags like this? Im not a drone/camera guy.
Although advertised as both an urban bag and an outdoor bag suitable for hiking, I believe that it is not very well made for the latter. The size, shape, weight and design make it impractical for outdoor use, especially for intense outdoor activities, such as the aforementioned hiking. I experienced the same issue with their new jacket and shoes. They do provide excellent performance for urban wear, however I wouldn't recommend it for the great outdoors. Small details such as the lack for a built in rain cover make the difference.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
- Austin
My bag it's getting really worn. Should really replace my Patagonia blackhole 35L
The attachable magnet pocket could just be whipped off? How is it "secure"?
We meant secure as in it isn’t going to just fall off-not secure as in someone couldn’t remove it!
-Eric
Thanks for the hint with the tech pouch!
You bet!
- Tom
Great review!! How many packing cubes do you think this would take? Not entirely convinced by that wardrobe system
I tried it with mine. I could fit 2 medium and one little bit smaller cube inside. So not as much as i thought, but still enough i think! :)
Very nice and comprehensive review, thank you!
Thanks for watching 👍
-Eric
Is shell waterproof?
Ads say it is
So would this fit a 17inch gaming laptop?
I don’t think so-as it’s only supposed to fit a standard 15-inch laptop! Check out the full review: packhacker.com/travel-gear/tropicfeel/shell-travel-backpack/
-Eric
Great review thanks!!
Damn I watched this all the way til the end before checking the price of the bag + 2 accessories. Yikes! Never mind. Great review though.
Thanks for checking it out, Nick! Is there something else you’re going to go with instead? 🧐
-Eric
As you were saying, I don't think travel/bag enthusiasts will be interested in such an "opinionated" bag/system. And at a retail price of almost $500 USD (including just the wardrobe-$739 with the lot), it's hard to pinpoint exactly who would be interested in this bag. However I saw quite a few requests for this bag on your recent top 10 travel bags video, so there certainly is interest! Either way, kudos to Tropicfeel for making something different.
From the US here, bought this bag (as an early backer) for $240 - bag, wardrobe system, toiletry accessory bag, and laundry bag included. Granted, I was an early backer for their crowdfunding campaign. But still, the price tag you’re floating just seems way too exaggerated
In europe it now costs about 250€ for the bag, the wardrobe and a pouch. That’s seems reasonable if you don’t already have a set up. It’s quite a nice and well integrated option for someone who’s starting building his setup
what a fantastic review, not a second wasted, tons of useful content, thank you for making this!
Thanks for watching 🤙
-Eric
Thank you for your review!
i think lulu wanderlust + tropicfeel wardrobe is a better match
I want this bags I am live in Saudi Arabia
I want red Bordeaux 🙋🏻♀️✨✨✨✨🇨🇭✨
If you use this bag you need to learn to fold your clothes like Marie Kondo teaches.
The bag looks like a
160€ for a backpack that seems to be only good from airport to Airbnb seems a bit way too overpriced imo. You can get Osprey Farpoint 40 for like 120€ which has decent internal frame as well for longer walks and trips. Hard yo understand tbh why travel backpack sellers like tropicfeel do not put more effort in comfortability instead of looks/additional components that may not be the most thought of. Like the main compartment where you can store electronics. For example if you hit the main compartment with something then it will electronics as well. Not ranting here or anything as the style and thought process is good with this bag. Just my 2 cents.
why the masks on the video? lol -.-