Funny thing, 20 years ago I had a Samsonite bag with very very similar look and features, messenger/briefcase/backpack. I still have it somewhere in the closet if you are interested to see the photos. It was very convenient, and you could hide briefcase handlers when in backpack mode in small velcro pockets, just like those magnetic ones on Aplaca. The only thing I actually hated about that bag was that it was from the mainstream brand Samsonite😄I always appreciated less branding and smaller manufacturers, but they have made an excellent bag I must admit. Eventually I got bored with its black business look and color started to pale due to the aging.
I have been looking for a new breifcase for awhile and this has been a game changer. I needed briefcase for meeting with clients but I also needed a backpack for more comfort at the office. This looks very professional. I love it.
I like it. If they make one with high-vis interior and maybe get down with some X-Pac or similar premium exterior materials, I may pick one up. Love that they provide two tech slots (Surface and iPad both in the house for RTO). Thank you for another thoughtful review.
hell of a review. i was watching and had to remind myself that you hadnt even made into the interior of the bag. i love this type of in depth review. Bravo!
My favorite bag for last few months. CUT OUT THE BACKPACK STRAPS. It will leave you with a huge compartment that fits any water bottle/hoodie etc. Great bag
@@rogerioaugustofonseca6011 I’m not one to tell anyone what to do with their money but if you’re following Aaron I assume you have a backpack for when you need it. The straps are useless (for me) but removing them creates a great storage pocket (that doesn’t affect the laptop compartment that much).
I bought this on Black Friday and enjoy it a lot. It’s techy and sleek. All my gadgets fit in there so I use it as storage at home too. The handles can slide into the magnetic pouches and then the backpack mode looks really nice! I don’t like the messenger mode at all, though. It’s uncomfortable and makes the bag feel heavy. Some days I use it as a brief, makes me look more professional, but I prefer to use the backpack mode.
Own it, and really like it. Can’t say I love it yet, but it may grow on me. Bought it purely for brief mode, but the backpack straps are handy if I find myself with some unplanned additional stuff to carry in my hands. This thing is great quality, and I expect it to be a staple in my office life for a while.
I’d like it to be a little smaller, and I think its size is a result of it trying to be too many things. I was in the market for a laptop brief with room for basic accessories (charger, mouse, pen, iPad) to comfortably and quickly move from meeting to meeting in different concourses of an airport (airline manager here). My office EDC bag is the Evergoods CPL24, but I wanted something more nimble to serve as my interoffice carry for just the essentials. This bag definitely does that and I am, overall, happy with it; it’s just a shade much for my use case. Problem was, I couldn’t find anything that better suited my needs: everything was either a messenger or full brief with way too much going on, or the equivalent of a laptop sleeve with a strap.
Thanks for the review. I was looking for a bag that I could wear with a suit, shoulder or handle mode or no suit, sling or backpack mode. I am able to hold my workout gear; Merrell Vapor Glove, flip flops, t shirt and shorts, Mir Traveler and flat lunch box, and my tech pouch. It is just the right size
I'd like to offer alternative 4: The Aer Flight Pack 2 (although the 1 and 3 could probably do the job as well). Same 3-way configuration (backpack first and a brief second), lovely Cordura exterior and decent waterproofing, and it's roomier so can easily double up as a weekend bag. The only issue is that it's a little roomy, but if the very expensive Black Ember Forge made it into the list, so can the Flight Pack! Aaron (or anyone!), any suggestions for a backpack first and a brief second that's on the smaller side? The Black Ember and Aer are huge and look very slightly silly as a briefcase. This is a niche that I've seen tackled well, but not enough. I can't speak for the Black Ember, but the Flight Pack 2 is the reigning champion in my opinion for now.
Thanks for reviewing this! Been waiting for a great review, and Aaron never disappoints 👆👍🤟 Had this for a cpuple of months now (in green), and its amazing value for its price. Transforms in 3 carry ways quickly, and while a 'minimalist pack' still fits a ton of stuff. (quick tip, the brief case handles stows away into those pockets just right below it for a much more streamlined backpack carry 😉)
Great review! I bought one recently, but I was hoping to get your review before it arrives. I will try to use it like a sling crossbody by attaching the shoulder strap in one of the backpack fixing points. Hoping to be a comfortable way to carry it 😅
@@Nomads.Nation it didn't work out, Aaron. The best way for crossbody is using the shoulder fixing points. It would work if the padding was placed differently. It's still a nice bag. It would be perfect if it had a 13" size.
@@rogerioaugustofonseca6011 thanks for keeping us posted! Agreed that since it's not a designated messenger bag, you have to make some sacrifices (like the shoulder fixed points you mentioned)
I almost bought this bag, but I felt like forcing it as a 3 in 1 was a miss. I ended up getting Alpaka's tote instead. 3lbs is just way too much for a polyester 15L bag. A leather or waxed canvas bag, and the extra durability/style they bring, sure. And there's too many compromises with all the straps. I would've been better if they had left off the backpack straps and kept the extra compartment, while also upgrading the shoulder strap that comes with it. Then it would just be an excellent brief/messenger bag and it would probably weigh closer to 2lbs.
Another great video, thanks Aaron. It was between the Aer Pro Brief and this one, ended up getting this one as I am in New Zealand and shipping is cheap from Australia. How about a video on your business and the journey to Hong Kong. Its strange hearing an American talk about Pocari Sweat in one video and Nascar/Bud in another, it gets a bit confusing (yes I also lived in Asia for a bit), would be great to hear about the backstory of Nomad Nations. Those early videos look interesting, its like your office-less at the start!
Be sure to check out this video where I tell my 'origin story' haha - ruclips.net/video/Yun-cCPyDsI/видео.html. Yes, the early videos were more scrappier days, but very fun to look back on :)
Nice review, but I think you were a bit too kind, though I'm obviously in the minority given the comments. I wanted a pack like this because sometimes my Timbuk2 Classic can be too heavy as in crossover/messenger mode--neck, back, and shoulder begin to feel it--so I wanted that backpack option. But as soon I got the Alpaka, I knew it was a mistake. As you noted, those backpack straps are NOT good backpack straps. Yes, the connectors are uncomfortable, but as with all stowable straps, those guys were just too thin. As you also noted, the strap for messenger/crossover not only slides but is severely underpadded compared to the Timbuk2 and just about anything else that might hold 15L and be held onto you with just one strap. (And the padding strap is so SHORT, too.) Finally, it just looked and felt "cheap" to me, which I guess is an aesthetic preference. Love Alpaka in X-Pac but not Avoflux. Anyway, returned this one right away and opted for a Pleatpack Slim One, a really cool (primarily) backpack that can morph from holding 7L to 16L. Looks and feels premium, and the straps are extremely uncomfortable. Looks like the company might not make it because of the war (they're in Ukraine), but that pack deserves some reviews! I love it--truly unique.
This Alpaka brief DOESN'T hold a lot of stuff. If you use it for TRAVEL, you'll need a second bag for your clothes. I only use one strap and carry it over my left or right shoulder like a tech sling. This FREES up my hands to comfortably CARRY a second bag. So this Alpaka brief is actually a great 4-in-1 (brief, messanger, backpack, and tech sling) bag.
I really like the features of this 3-in-1. But the fatal flaw is the use of those gatekeeper clips for the various straps - too difficult to open and close. If they only used D rings for the straps.
While I can still take advantage of Aaron checking every comment, maybe you want to take a look at the Thule Subterra 2 Hybrid? I am splitted between the ALPAKA and that one and I would love your take on it. And maybe it is a good chance to give a look at Thule as they do some interesting stuff, and are moving from having their shiny logos everywhere. They also have a cool new travel bag in the subterranean line-up. Thank you for the great work. Been following for years and is amazing to see your project growing the way it is!
thanks for the support mate, and don't you worry, I'll be responding to every comment for as long as I can 💪 As for Thule, they are def on our radar, but I don't know when we'll actually get one in our hands to review. I'm hoping soon though as their bags looks really cool for the price point!
Not liking the top grab handle in backpack mode. Looks like it can easily snag onto something when not in a wide open area. They should have included a mechanism where you can push it down to stow away like a luggage handle
Top handle of briefcase mode can stow away in to the magnetic pocket right beside it (where has hiden zippered pocket, it has 2 magnetic pocket for 2 handle) when use in backpack mode for stop dazzling around
I can't find the exact brand but something similar to this - www.amazon.com/dp/B09VDJ5P2Q/ref=sspa_dk_detail_5?psc=1&pf_rd_p=0d1092dc-81bb-493f-8769-d5c802257e94&pf_rd_r=9KD4W0QSGM8TMR07H2JR&pd_rd_wg=RuGxC&pd_rd_w=jNCTl&content-id=amzn1.sym.0d1092dc-81bb-493f-8769-d5c802257e94&pd_rd_r=766d38ea-3d94-4c90-96c8-5908aaa0187c&s=industrial&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWwy
In 1 video you said F*** at x10, and S*** x4 times. Seems like a trend in your video. You also speed up the last part of your sentences especially if its 3 syllables or more.
Brief backpacks just look awkward to me maybe it’s the look of it but what is more off putting is the zero ventilations that’s just baaaad for back packs Still a great video great work nomad nation 🫡
Do you want to help me build a game-changing backpack? 👉🏼 nomadsnation.com/building-a-backpack
Aaron, the side handles can stow in the small front and back pockets when you want to use it as a backpack.
Ahh makes sense
hey due - in backpack mode you can tuck the brief handle into the magnetic pocket so it looks more like a backpack! minus 1 point!
👍
Great review. The handles stow inside the magnet pockets👍
Right on!
Great review
The top pockets you love so much are there to stow away the handles:)
Got it!
Funny thing, 20 years ago I had a Samsonite bag with very very similar look and features, messenger/briefcase/backpack. I still have it somewhere in the closet if you are interested to see the photos. It was very convenient, and you could hide briefcase handlers when in backpack mode in small velcro pockets, just like those magnetic ones on Aplaca.
The only thing I actually hated about that bag was that it was from the mainstream brand Samsonite😄I always appreciated less branding and smaller manufacturers, but they have made an excellent bag I must admit. Eventually I got bored with its black business look and color started to pale due to the aging.
Samsonite - the true innovators 😂
Finially! Been waiting for a review since they announced it! Thanks!
Hope you like it!
I have been looking for a new breifcase for awhile and this has been a game changer. I needed briefcase for meeting with clients but I also needed a backpack for more comfort at the office. This looks very professional. I love it.
It’s an awesome bag, glad to hear you like it!
I like it. If they make one with high-vis interior and maybe get down with some X-Pac or similar premium exterior materials, I may pick one up. Love that they provide two tech slots (Surface and iPad both in the house for RTO). Thank you for another thoughtful review.
Glad you liked it!
hell of a review. i was watching and had to remind myself that you hadnt even made into the interior of the bag. i love this type of in depth review. Bravo!
Cheers!
My favorite bag for last few months. CUT OUT THE BACKPACK STRAPS. It will leave you with a huge compartment that fits any water bottle/hoodie etc. Great bag
Ooooh getting very crafty there - I love it
Great idea. I see no use for those straps. I might cut those out in my bag too
@@rogerioaugustofonseca6011 do it!
@@rogerioaugustofonseca6011 I’m not one to tell anyone what to do with their money but if you’re following Aaron I assume you have a backpack for when you need it. The straps are useless (for me) but removing them creates a great storage pocket (that doesn’t affect the laptop compartment that much).
No worries! I will try it out before I do anything to it 😉
I bought this on Black Friday and enjoy it a lot. It’s techy and sleek. All my gadgets fit in there so I use it as storage at home too.
The handles can slide into the magnetic pouches and then the backpack mode looks really nice!
I don’t like the messenger mode at all, though. It’s uncomfortable and makes the bag feel heavy.
Some days I use it as a brief, makes me look more professional, but I prefer to use the backpack mode.
Agreed that messenger mode is the least comfy of the 3 options
Own it, and really like it. Can’t say I love it yet, but it may grow on me. Bought it purely for brief mode, but the backpack straps are handy if I find myself with some unplanned additional stuff to carry in my hands. This thing is great quality, and I expect it to be a staple in my office life for a while.
Thanks for sharing. what don't you like about it?
I’d like it to be a little smaller, and I think its size is a result of it trying to be too many things. I was in the market for a laptop brief with room for basic accessories (charger, mouse, pen, iPad) to comfortably and quickly move from meeting to meeting in different concourses of an airport (airline manager here). My office EDC bag is the Evergoods CPL24, but I wanted something more nimble to serve as my interoffice carry for just the essentials. This bag definitely does that and I am, overall, happy with it; it’s just a shade much for my use case. Problem was, I couldn’t find anything that better suited my needs: everything was either a messenger or full brief with way too much going on, or the equivalent of a laptop sleeve with a strap.
@@QRS10 got it - thanks for sharing!
Love the review, very informative. I have been looking at this bag for a while for purchase.
Glad it was helpful! If you pick one up be sure to let us know what you think of it
You can slot the brief handles into the pockets right below to hide them :)
Got it 💪🏻
I just found you on RUclips and I absolutely think you have the greatest reviews. Thanks, just signed up for the email list.
Welcome aboard and thanks so much!
Thanks for the review. I was looking for a bag that I could wear with a suit, shoulder or handle mode or no suit, sling or backpack mode. I am able to hold my workout gear; Merrell Vapor Glove, flip flops, t shirt and shorts, Mir Traveler and flat lunch box, and my tech pouch. It is just the right size
awesome to hear!!
I love pouches like the ones from Evergoods, does those fit in this bag? If not are there any workbags that could fit them?
depends on the pouch, check out this video - ruclips.net/video/yh1yEC4nw5c/видео.html
Can you review the uniqlo functional backpack? It looks good for 40 USD. Its the one that looks like a regular backpack
I’ll add to our wish list (but it’s a very long list lol)
Great video. Is there a time limit on the discount? Didn’t work for me
Should be fixed now - try again plz!
Awesome review, as usual… Bellroy’s Tokyo Work Bag would be a nice addition to “Alternatives” 😉 Keep it up Aaron!!
Thanks so much - and good call!
COngrats on the WIN, Aaron!!!!
cheers Mark!
I'd like to offer alternative 4: The Aer Flight Pack 2 (although the 1 and 3 could probably do the job as well).
Same 3-way configuration (backpack first and a brief second), lovely Cordura exterior and decent waterproofing, and it's roomier so can easily double up as a weekend bag. The only issue is that it's a little roomy, but if the very expensive Black Ember Forge made it into the list, so can the Flight Pack!
Aaron (or anyone!), any suggestions for a backpack first and a brief second that's on the smaller side? The Black Ember and Aer are huge and look very slightly silly as a briefcase. This is a niche that I've seen tackled well, but not enough. I can't speak for the Black Ember, but the Flight Pack 2 is the reigning champion in my opinion for now.
This bag, the Flight Pack 2, or Black Ember Forge I'd say are the best options
@@Nomads.Nation Damn it Aaron you're not making it easy to spend more money on bags I shouldn't buy :P
@@Ophius 😂
Which would you personally prefer to use? Comparing the alpaka with the alternatives you mentioned + the aer flight pack?
Sorry, what’s your question?
@@Nomads.Nation Wow i made no sense lol, sorry. Edited..let me know if that makes more sense?
im a backpack guy@@j0404t so probably the AEr Flight Pack - more comfy
Thanks for reviewing this!
Been waiting for a great review, and Aaron never disappoints 👆👍🤟
Had this for a cpuple of months now (in green), and its amazing value for its price. Transforms in 3 carry ways quickly, and while a 'minimalist pack' still fits a ton of stuff.
(quick tip, the brief case handles stows away into those pockets just right below it for a much more streamlined backpack carry 😉)
thanks dude!
Great review! I bought one recently, but I was hoping to get your review before it arrives. I will try to use it like a sling crossbody by attaching the shoulder strap in one of the backpack fixing points. Hoping to be a comfortable way to carry it 😅
be sure to let us know what you think of it after testing for a few weeks 💪
@@Nomads.NationI let you know once it’s in my hands and I tried this setup
@@rogerioaugustofonseca6011🎉
@@Nomads.Nation it didn't work out, Aaron. The best way for crossbody is using the shoulder fixing points. It would work if the padding was placed differently. It's still a nice bag. It would be perfect if it had a 13" size.
@@rogerioaugustofonseca6011 thanks for keeping us posted! Agreed that since it's not a designated messenger bag, you have to make some sacrifices (like the shoulder fixed points you mentioned)
I almost bought this bag, but I felt like forcing it as a 3 in 1 was a miss. I ended up getting Alpaka's tote instead.
3lbs is just way too much for a polyester 15L bag. A leather or waxed canvas bag, and the extra durability/style they bring, sure. And there's too many compromises with all the straps. I would've been better if they had left off the backpack straps and kept the extra compartment, while also upgrading the shoulder strap that comes with it. Then it would just be an excellent brief/messenger bag and it would probably weigh closer to 2lbs.
It wouldn’t be as versatile, but def would be a more focused product
Another great video, thanks Aaron. It was between the Aer Pro Brief and this one, ended up getting this one as I am in New Zealand and shipping is cheap from Australia.
How about a video on your business and the journey to Hong Kong. Its strange hearing an American talk about Pocari Sweat in one video and Nascar/Bud in another, it gets a bit confusing (yes I also lived in Asia for a bit), would be great to hear about the backstory of Nomad Nations. Those early videos look interesting, its like your office-less at the start!
Be sure to check out this video where I tell my 'origin story' haha - ruclips.net/video/Yun-cCPyDsI/видео.html. Yes, the early videos were more scrappier days, but very fun to look back on :)
I may pick this one up, but I’m gonna wait awhile and see what other colors they will release for it.
Green just got released this week - looks nice
A medium heather gray with brown leather accents would be killer
I like that magnet pocket can double as a quick access pocket
💯
@@Nomads.Nation can't wait to see your Go Sling review XD
@@PhuongHo4ng will be live in a few days!
We like it mate. After a few mods it will be the goat.! Cheers cobber from Australia.
🤠
Nice review, but I think you were a bit too kind, though I'm obviously in the minority given the comments. I wanted a pack like this because sometimes my Timbuk2 Classic can be too heavy as in crossover/messenger mode--neck, back, and shoulder begin to feel it--so I wanted that backpack option. But as soon I got the Alpaka, I knew it was a mistake. As you noted, those backpack straps are NOT good backpack straps. Yes, the connectors are uncomfortable, but as with all stowable straps, those guys were just too thin. As you also noted, the strap for messenger/crossover not only slides but is severely underpadded compared to the Timbuk2 and just about anything else that might hold 15L and be held onto you with just one strap. (And the padding strap is so SHORT, too.) Finally, it just looked and felt "cheap" to me, which I guess is an aesthetic preference. Love Alpaka in X-Pac but not Avoflux. Anyway, returned this one right away and opted for a Pleatpack Slim One, a really cool (primarily) backpack that can morph from holding 7L to 16L. Looks and feels premium, and the straps are extremely uncomfortable. Looks like the company might not make it because of the war (they're in Ukraine), but that pack deserves some reviews! I love it--truly unique.
great breakdown, and I def agree with some of your points, but overall I stick to what I said in the review. I'll also be sure to check out Pleatpack
great review. just fyi you can stow the handles when in backpack/messenger mode
Thanks and good to know!
I wish this had the organization of the bravo totepack...or the bravo tote pack with the elements brief esthetic.
Can’t have it all sometimes
Does a 16" Mac M1 MacBook Pro fit well in the laptop sleeve section? It looks like it might based on what it looked like when you put a 13" in there
Not sure, I’d recommend reaching out to Alpaka customer support. Be sure to let us know what they say!
@@Nomads.Nation I actually went ahead and ordered it so I’ll give you my firsthand feedback on that haha 👍🏻
@@ampimageryhow is it? I’m stuck between this and the bravo tote but I’m leaning more towards this
Did Alpaka take it off their site ? The link doesn't take me to the bag and I can't find it on their site
Just checked - it’s there!
I’m sorry, but I love the look and feel of X-Pac. Great review, thank you!
It’s growing on me - it depends on the use case. I’m a big fan of it on slings at the moment
Agreed! LOVE Xpac! Ver lightweight and feels/looks very premium
How bad is the shoulder strap slippage? Does it only happen when its lighter/heavier?
In messenger mode the shoulder slippage is noticeable, but I don’t find many messengers that have a great solution to this problem.
Great review aaron! Just a question: can it fit a acer nitro 5 gaming laptop 15.6in. Its dimensions in mm are: 390mm x 266mm x 26.75mm! Cheers!
Thanks dude! Unfortunately I don’t have one so I can say for sure - I’d recommend reaching out to Alpaka customer support and seeing what they say 💪🏻
Couldn’t you hide away the brief handles in the magnetic pockets?
Yes
Double yes
Ooo when are we gonna get that Grip sling review?
A week or two hopefully
This Alpaka brief DOESN'T hold a lot of stuff. If you use it for TRAVEL, you'll need a second bag for your clothes.
I only use one strap and carry it over my left or right shoulder like a tech sling.
This FREES up my hands to comfortably CARRY a second bag.
So this Alpaka brief is actually a great 4-in-1 (brief, messanger, backpack, and tech sling) bag.
yes, its very small, so you will def need to pair it with another bag or suitcase
Hmm. Like it. Don't need it. Definitely keeping it on list for someday. Thanks for the great review for sure.
Thanks for watching!
Would this fit the evergoods cap 2 in the main compartment?
I think so but I’d recommend double checking with Alpaka customer support - be sure to let us know what they say!
Is the new mod keychain and tether compatible with the hub system?
90% sure that's a no, but I don't want to give you the wrong answer so I recommend double checking with Alpaka
what`s your opinion on sole premise sneakers backpack for carry-on backpack
Never heard of it so can’t say but I’ll def check it out
does pakt 15ltr backpack holds 16-inch MacBook pro?
Not sure - I’d recommend asking Pakt. Please let us know what they say
I really like the features of this 3-in-1. But the fatal flaw is the use of those gatekeeper clips for the various straps - too difficult to open and close. If they only used D rings for the straps.
They help keep the straps very secure, but agreed that they are annoying to open
While I can still take advantage of Aaron checking every comment, maybe you want to take a look at the Thule Subterra 2 Hybrid?
I am splitted between the ALPAKA and that one and I would love your take on it.
And maybe it is a good chance to give a look at Thule as they do some interesting stuff, and are moving from having their shiny logos everywhere. They also have a cool new travel bag in the subterranean line-up.
Thank you for the great work. Been following for years and is amazing to see your project growing the way it is!
thanks for the support mate, and don't you worry, I'll be responding to every comment for as long as I can 💪
As for Thule, they are def on our radar, but I don't know when we'll actually get one in our hands to review. I'm hoping soon though as their bags looks really cool for the price point!
Not liking the top grab handle in backpack mode. Looks like it can easily snag onto something when not in a wide open area.
They should have included a mechanism where you can push it down to stow away like a luggage handle
good point
Top handle of briefcase mode can stow away in to the magnetic pocket right beside it (where has hiden zippered pocket, it has 2 magnetic pocket for 2 handle) when use in backpack mode for stop dazzling around
@@PhuongHo4ng appreciated!
We need a best briefcase comparison video
Added to our to do list
It’s like a Tumi replacement if you don’t wear blue oxford shirts with khakis.
True haha
Link to your measurement tape please aaron! xD
I can't find the exact brand but something similar to this - www.amazon.com/dp/B09VDJ5P2Q/ref=sspa_dk_detail_5?psc=1&pf_rd_p=0d1092dc-81bb-493f-8769-d5c802257e94&pf_rd_r=9KD4W0QSGM8TMR07H2JR&pd_rd_wg=RuGxC&pd_rd_w=jNCTl&content-id=amzn1.sym.0d1092dc-81bb-493f-8769-d5c802257e94&pd_rd_r=766d38ea-3d94-4c90-96c8-5908aaa0187c&s=industrial&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWwy
How much it is cost?
1:39
All good until you mentioned Budweiser! 😅
🍻
You are also 4’20”
Im a towering 5’8 thank you very much
I take back my last comment cause damn I found a contender 😂
Get it!
Quick note: you would have to be an asshole to put such a slim bag into the overhead compartment of an aircraft.
🤔
In 1 video you said F*** at x10, and S*** x4 times. Seems like a trend in your video. You also speed up the last part of your sentences especially if its 3 syllables or more.
fascinating observations, thank you
Brief backpacks just look awkward to me maybe it’s the look of it but what is more off putting is the zero ventilations that’s just baaaad for back packs
Still a great video great work nomad nation 🫡
Thanks so much!