Just received mine and it's a really decent backpack. This review makes the bottom of the main compartment look really small, but it's bigger irl. Also if you don't use the laptop slot, then it's even bigger. I haven't tested yet, but I'd say reasonable sized packing cubes would fit in no problem. In summary, well made, quality materials, and spacious if used correctly. Just keep your expectations in check! 👍🏻
@@NashvilleWarEagle might be a little tight if you have a laptop and tablet in the main compartment. So long as it's not some huge puffa jacket, you should be fine.
Really good to see a hands-on with this pack. Looks like the main compartment is still relatively slim, more similar to the original Elements pack than I had thought. But the fact that they've moved the admin zip pouches to another area altogether, and added some extra small organisational compartments, makes the main compartment much more usable IMO.
This looks like a good replacement for my 3 year old Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus which is giving me a lot of problems. I tried the Alpaka Tech Briefcase and it does its job well and pretty much satisfied with it apart from the lack of space in storage
Was seriously considering this to replace my Tech Pack 1, but the amount of organization doesn't seem to even compare to that "smaller' pack. Love the design of this a bit more but trying to think where my things from my current pack will go for this one, it just seems like a lot of stuff will just be loose in the general area.
I don't know if they made a change between the review bag and the eventual bag they shipped, but my bag 100% accommodates a 32 oz Nalgene bottle without issue. There's a tough elastic strap on each side pocket that allows it to expand to fit larger bottle. I wouldn't recommend anything larger than that 32 oz bottle, though.
Hiya, please can you tell me, the main section looks really slim. I am looking for a bag I can get a lunch bag in. Do you think there would be room. I would be carrying a large A5 diary in there, plus iPad in a case
Why are all Alpaka items so sleek looking on the outside, but so lacking in storage on the inside? It doesn't look like you can fit anything more than a laptop and tablet in the main compartment.
I have the non-pro version of this bag. For me, it’s decisively slim. I used it for weekend travel once. It just swallow everything I put inside; tech pouch, cloth bag, small sling bag, with room to spare. I think it’s because it’s quite long even though it looks slim.
@@azku I would probably use this bag as an EDC or a personal bag on a flight. I usually carry my laptop, binder, headphones, and some cables. I cannot imagine using this as a carry-on or putting clothes in here lol.
Thanks for this video and it's good to see this bag in the wild! I've pre ordered but super worried about the main compartment being too tight for my needs. Sometimes on a plane I'll take extra drinks, snacks and sometimes my mirrorless camera (if I don't have a cabin bag). Currently deciding between this and the Aer City Pack/City Pack Pro, any tips on what may be best?
@@danielshaw7414 I ended up cancelling my pre order for this elements pro and getting the City Pack Pro - first impressions, it’s much bigger than I need 90% of the time, could be overkill, and all the storage is on the front so the front flap gets heavy pretty quick. I feel like for me, something like the CPP for a flight would be good, but something like the Elements Pro would probably be good enough for my everyday.
This is probably because the Aer is actually larger than 24L and/or the Alpaka is smaller than the listed 26L. Given that the Alpaka Elements Pro is often compared to the City Pack (non pro), which is 14L, and they look very similar side by side, I strongly believe this is the case.
Having just tested X-Pac on an Able Carry Daybreaker 2, I'm surprised it's the same weight as the Axoflux fabric as it seems really lightweight, plus it's stated as lighter on the Metro Backpack Pro. Does anybody know if this is this really the case pls?
I'm sure you can use this as a personal item for flying. I've used an incase city backpack as a personal item no problem. Then again, the city backpack is 21L while this one is 26L.
Great gear from a great company..I fit an amazing amount of Gear in my Element.. love the clean minimalist lines..simple, utilitarian and elegant.. #alpaka
Hi, thanks for the videos. However this is not my type. Do you know any similiar to Day Owl Backpack? I love Day Owl so much but they don't sell anymore :(
Hi, I see that the prices are not much different on the market, which is better, the Alpaka Element Pro and the Fjallraven Raven 28? I will use it for travel
I think the Fjallraven Raven would be more suitable for travel. It has one more compartment than the Alpaka. The extra compartment is wide enough to put clothes in. Only downside of the Raven 28 for me is that it feels pretty heavy even when it's empty. Not sure about the weight of the Alpaka one though.
Very helpful review. I currently have Boundary Errant Pack. Although it works fine for my daily work, it is a bit too small for my occasional international flights. So I was thinking getting this Alpaka Elements Backpack Pro to fulfill both purposes. However some comments said Alpaka Elements Backpack Pro capacity is not really 26L and might be much smaller than it claims. Do you think it really has similar capacity with Boundary Errant Pack? I am considering Tortuga Laptop Backpack, and Thule Chasm Laptop Backpack 26L. Wondering how the real capacity of these backpack are. Is it Thule Chasm Laptop Backpack 26L > ALPAKA Elements Backpack Pro > Tortuga Laptop Backpack > Boundary Errant Pack? Thanks.
One thing I dislike about the non pro model is the zippers run right down the center of the side pockets. So if you have a water bottle and umbrella in the pockets its hard to get to the zippers
Has anyone had this pack for long? I just got mine in the mail, filled it up, and it is uncomfortable! Those straps just dig into your shoulder. I love the backpack itself but I can't see me keeping it since it is this uncomfortable. I'm asking to see if you have to "break in" this backpack until it's comfortable. Cuz off first reaction, those straps are not it.
@@PackHacker2 The following are really just the bugs you have highlighted. Top easy access pocket: An easy access pocket to me needs to be easy, and if I kept stubbing my fingers on the hard edge of my laptop everytime I tried to access the pocket, that would bug me quite a lot. Admin Pocket: Good, except you just wouldn't use the hub system, because to hook stuff on you'd have to carefully tuck it into the narrow space into the bottom of the pocket and then when you open the pocket fully it's all going to dangle upside down, then it's going to need to be tucked away again when you close the admin pocket. Main Compartment: To be properly usable it needs to open fully clamshell. I don't know why it seems to be narrow at that point, maybe it's the drinks bottle holders that prevent it being fully clamshell and also restrict it at that point, but whatever it is, if you had the other pockets fully loaded I think you would really struggle to access that bottom third of the bag. Furthermore, if you did pack out the bottom third, which you would have to in order to have a stable bag, it then looks like that renders the hub system in that section useless. And if you did use the hub system, you'd have to unclip everything to access stuff in the bottom. I've got quite a lot of Alpaka gear, because it's innovative, extremely well made and very reasonably priced. I do hope they're not going to just churn out new gear without trying it to see if it works!
Did anyone received theirs with the front/bottom hard foam crack or warped? Mine is all deformed and cracked. I can feel it cracked in several spots and I can clearly see it all warped. Also, was it shipped in a super thin plastic bag as if it was shipped from Alibaba or Aliexpress items? lol.
My feel too. I'd be eyeing this one off for a while, especially in their limited-edition Mojave colour, but yeah nah this is way too much bag for way too little carry. I have a $100 Tomtoc shoulder bag that matches if not betters this loadout.
Just received mine and it's a really decent backpack. This review makes the bottom of the main compartment look really small, but it's bigger irl. Also if you don't use the laptop slot, then it's even bigger. I haven't tested yet, but I'd say reasonable sized packing cubes would fit in no problem. In summary, well made, quality materials, and spacious if used correctly. Just keep your expectations in check! 👍🏻
Is there room to throw a jacket in anywhere?
@@NashvilleWarEagle might be a little tight if you have a laptop and tablet in the main compartment. So long as it's not some huge puffa jacket, you should be fine.
Does it stand up on it's own with only a laptop in it?
@@houssamalucad753 sorry, don't have one to test it out, but I think it would. Almost certainly if you had other stuff to weigh it down.
Thanks, I'll be considering it if Aer stops selling the Day pack 2 before I manage to snag one
Really good to see a hands-on with this pack. Looks like the main compartment is still relatively slim, more similar to the original Elements pack than I had thought. But the fact that they've moved the admin zip pouches to another area altogether, and added some extra small organisational compartments, makes the main compartment much more usable IMO.
Thanks for sharing your insights with us!
-Eric
This looks like a good replacement for my 3 year old Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus which is giving me a lot of problems. I tried the Alpaka Tech Briefcase and it does its job well and pretty much satisfied with it apart from the lack of space in storage
why is the bellroy giving you problems? Just thinking about these two. Did you get the Alpaka at the end?
Was seriously considering this to replace my Tech Pack 1, but the amount of organization doesn't seem to even compare to that "smaller' pack. Love the design of this a bit more but trying to think where my things from my current pack will go for this one, it just seems like a lot of stuff will just be loose in the general area.
I don't know if they made a change between the review bag and the eventual bag they shipped, but my bag 100% accommodates a 32 oz Nalgene bottle without issue. There's a tough elastic strap on each side pocket that allows it to expand to fit larger bottle. I wouldn't recommend anything larger than that 32 oz bottle, though.
Hiya, please can you tell me, the main section looks really slim. I am looking for a bag I can get a lunch bag in. Do you think there would be room. I would be carrying a large A5 diary in there, plus iPad in a case
It was between this pack and the Aer pro and I think I’m gonna go with the Aer.
Thanks for sharing 🤙
-Eric
Why are all Alpaka items so sleek looking on the outside, but so lacking in storage on the inside? It doesn't look like you can fit anything more than a laptop and tablet in the main compartment.
I have the non-pro version of this bag. For me, it’s decisively slim.
I used it for weekend travel once. It just swallow everything I put inside; tech pouch, cloth bag, small sling bag, with room to spare.
I think it’s because it’s quite long even though it looks slim.
@@azku I would probably use this bag as an EDC or a personal bag on a flight. I usually carry my laptop, binder, headphones, and some cables. I cannot imagine using this as a carry-on or putting clothes in here lol.
@@knee-mah I use it as my daily driver. I just used it that once for travel. No problem at all if u are packing in pouches. 😆
I love the look of the bag. Plenty and not too much organisation. I think it might be ideal for a lighter summer gym/work/edc carry.
Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙
-Eric
Those straps are also seen on Heimplanet's Motion series. Great straps.
Thanks for sharing your insights with us!
-Eric
Hi! Did you receive the Alpaka Travel backpack for testing by any chance?
Thanks for this video and it's good to see this bag in the wild! I've pre ordered but super worried about the main compartment being too tight for my needs. Sometimes on a plane I'll take extra drinks, snacks and sometimes my mirrorless camera (if I don't have a cabin bag). Currently deciding between this and the Aer City Pack/City Pack Pro, any tips on what may be best?
Same here, I am also deciding between this and one of the City Pack variants.
@@danielshaw7414 I ended up cancelling my pre order for this elements pro and getting the City Pack Pro - first impressions, it’s much bigger than I need 90% of the time, could be overkill, and all the storage is on the front so the front flap gets heavy pretty quick.
I feel like for me, something like the CPP for a flight would be good, but something like the Elements Pro would probably be good enough for my everyday.
@@ChrisSpice how come? CPP is reportedly 24L and this one is 26L...
This is probably because the Aer is actually larger than 24L and/or the Alpaka is smaller than the listed 26L. Given that the Alpaka Elements Pro is often compared to the City Pack (non pro), which is 14L, and they look very similar side by side, I strongly believe this is the case.
Having just tested X-Pac on an Able Carry Daybreaker 2, I'm surprised it's the same weight as the Axoflux fabric as it seems really lightweight, plus it's stated as lighter on the Metro Backpack Pro. Does anybody know if this is this really the case pls?
Any recommendations for a backpack that can be used as a personal item, when flying?
I'm sure you can use this as a personal item for flying. I've used an incase city backpack as a personal item no problem. Then again, the city backpack is 21L while this one is 26L.
Great gear from a great company..I fit an amazing amount of Gear in my Element.. love the clean minimalist lines..simple, utilitarian and elegant.. #alpaka
does it stand up on its own packed with a laptop?
Hi, thanks for the videos. However this is not my type.
Do you know any similiar to Day Owl Backpack? I love Day Owl so much but they don't sell anymore :(
Seems like you can’t carry much stuffs other than the techs. Seems more like a 14 or 15 litres backpack to me.
It can actually fit more than it looks.
Hi, I see that the prices are not much different on the market, which is better, the Alpaka Element Pro and the Fjallraven Raven 28? I will use it for travel
I think the Fjallraven Raven would be more suitable for travel. It has one more compartment than the Alpaka. The extra compartment is wide enough to put clothes in. Only downside of the Raven 28 for me is that it feels pretty heavy even when it's empty. Not sure about the weight of the Alpaka one though.
Is there room to throw in a light sweatshirt or jacket? Thanks!
will this work with the peak design camera cube?
Very helpful review. I currently have Boundary Errant Pack. Although it works fine for my daily work, it is a bit too small for my occasional international flights. So I was thinking getting this Alpaka Elements Backpack Pro to fulfill both purposes. However some comments said Alpaka Elements Backpack Pro capacity is not really 26L and might be much smaller than it claims. Do you think it really has similar capacity with Boundary Errant Pack? I am considering Tortuga Laptop Backpack, and Thule Chasm Laptop Backpack 26L. Wondering how the real capacity of these backpack are. Is it Thule Chasm Laptop Backpack 26L > ALPAKA Elements Backpack Pro > Tortuga Laptop Backpack > Boundary Errant Pack? Thanks.
I am trying to decide between this and the Aer Day Pack? Anyone got thoughts?
Hi! Do you like this or the aer pro pack more?
One thing I dislike about the non pro model is the zippers run right down the center of the side pockets. So if you have a water bottle and umbrella in the pockets its hard to get to the zippers
Thanks for sharing your insights with us!
-Eric
I wonder if it can fit a thick gaming laptop
Has anyone had this pack for long? I just got mine in the mail, filled it up, and it is uncomfortable! Those straps just dig into your shoulder. I love the backpack itself but I can't see me keeping it since it is this uncomfortable. I'm asking to see if you have to "break in" this backpack until it's comfortable. Cuz off first reaction, those straps are not it.
Did you keep it or get something else?
Nah I returned it to Alpaka.@@0rrin
Does lint and pet hair stick to this material?
It is a strange idea to look at the backpack upside down.
I like Alpaka Gear alot, but there are way too many design flaws with this pack, especially considering it's effectively a v2.
Which ones come to mind? 🧐
-Eric
@@PackHacker2 The following are really just the bugs you have highlighted.
Top easy access pocket: An easy access pocket to me needs to be easy, and if I kept stubbing my fingers on the hard edge of my laptop everytime I tried to access the pocket, that would bug me quite a lot.
Admin Pocket: Good, except you just wouldn't use the hub system, because to hook stuff on you'd have to carefully tuck it into the narrow space into the bottom of the pocket and then when you open the pocket fully it's all going to dangle upside down, then it's going to need to be tucked away again when you close the admin pocket.
Main Compartment: To be properly usable it needs to open fully clamshell. I don't know why it seems to be narrow at that point, maybe it's the drinks bottle holders that prevent it being fully clamshell and also restrict it at that point, but whatever it is, if you had the other pockets fully loaded I think you would really struggle to access that bottom third of the bag. Furthermore, if you did pack out the bottom third, which you would have to in order to have a stable bag, it then looks like that renders the hub system in that section useless. And if you did use the hub system, you'd have to unclip everything to access stuff in the bottom.
I've got quite a lot of Alpaka gear, because it's innovative, extremely well made and very reasonably priced. I do hope they're not going to just churn out new gear without trying it to see if it works!
Thanks for sharing your detailed insights with us 😃
-Eric
What wallet was tthat?
I used Google Lens on it, looks like it might be the RE:FORM RE:02 Card Holder.
I'd be all over this if it had a bigger boot.
Thanks Tom!
🤙🤙🤙
It looks nice but at least it looks nice too.
I'm pretty tired of the "minimalism means "clean lines" silliness"
Did anyone received theirs with the front/bottom hard foam crack or warped? Mine is all deformed and cracked. I can feel it cracked in several spots and I can clearly see it all warped. Also, was it shipped in a super thin plastic bag as if it was shipped from Alibaba or Aliexpress items? lol.
Honestly I was disappointed because is to small. AER is bigger
Cool style, sleek, horrid overall functionality. It definitely needs a rework. Thanks for the video, definitely wont be buying
My feel too. I'd be eyeing this one off for a while, especially in their limited-edition Mojave colour, but yeah nah this is way too much bag for way too little carry. I have a $100 Tomtoc shoulder bag that matches if not betters this loadout.
😊anyone reselling the bag so far ?
too short video(