Review of the Bellroy Apex after almost a year of use. A concept car in bag form. *********** CORRECTION: the Apex is 26L. Bellroy Apex bellroy.com/pr...
There was a time when I felt guilty for spending too much on things, especially since I don't earn much. But saving a little beforehand can go a long way. Just takes a little patience and now I also buy things that 'spark joy'. Kudos! That is a great bag!
I picked up this bag over a year ago now. I love it, I should have bought something cheaper, but I love it. I never thought about concerns over internal water bottle pockets I like them. And I prefer not having the external access to my laptop because I fear rain getting in. The five gripes I have with the bag are mostly nitpicky but are: the sternum strap sucks butt, the baida nylon loses color/fades at the creases, it looks funky without packing it full, and the last two are actually serious in my opinion. The Handel at the top I'm always worried about tearing. It's a leather strap that just feels a little too thin. And the long zippers up and down the pack as far as I can tell are not water resistant. I have been out in heavy rain without the insides getting wet, so the way they're out of the way probably deals with that, but hey 🤷♂️ might be a deal breaker to be fair. All that aside it might sound like I have a poor opinion of the bag, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. This is my prized possession, it's truly a joy to use, and I was sold on this bag as soon as I saw the interior with it's cream blue and orange coloring. The pokers fit my needs nicely and like he said that back panel is super comfortable (and that's surprising since I'm 6'5 nothing contoured fit comfortably, except this). If you're thinking about this bag I would probably recommend the shift instead.
Thomas, you bring up some excellent points. I remove the sternum strap completely, don’t feel it’s needed. Also, I 100% agree that the top strap worries me every time I carry it from there. I forgot to mention it in the review! The Baida Nylon does do some interesting things at creases and certain spots - to me it’s like the patina that develops on waxed canvas. Rain has never bothered me with this pack. I live in Miami and have been rained on a bunch. As for the laptop section on the side, I have a few other packs, like the Knack Pack and the Mission Workshop Rhake that both have side access to the laptop and even while soaked, I’ve not had an issue with water getting in. I echo your sentiments, despite its flaws, this bag is special to me; It’s sparks joy when I use it. Thanks for your comment, very insightful and love the enthusiasm for carry.
I love this bag design but also share your views on the lack of direct top access to the laptop and issues with using a water bottle on the inside of the bag. At the price I would have liked some easy access but less obvious / hidden zip pocket for single handed wallet or cards access while still wearing the bag on my back. Thankfully there are many other bags out there.
$450 is a lot of money for sure. But lately there’s been a lot more chatter about this bag and some retailers have had it on discount. If you can get passed not having a bottle pocket on the outside, I think you should give it a try. This is still one of my favorite bags of all time and I use it often despite having several other bags to choose from.
At the time of this video, I was using the Bellroy Sling in the Marine Blue colorway as it was the closest match the Apex. That colorway is now discontinued. You can check Bellroy’s website, personally, I think the new Bellroy Venture slings are better than their plain Bellroy Sling. If you want the same material as the Apex, you can refer to their materials page and see which one falls under Baida Nylon. I checked real quick; if the color says Raven, Nightsky, Bronze, Lunar, Onyx or Lichen, you’ll be getting Baida, which is what the Apex is made from. Hope this helps.
Thanks for the great review! Do you have any insights on what changed on the Raven edition (besides being different color)? I just got it, and man. This thing is awesome. It is not absolutely perfect in nothing, but is really great in everything. Just feels great everywhere you touch it. I understand the enthusiasm now.
Thanks Jose! The price tag is tough to swallow, but once you get it in your hands and use it - it’s kind of magical how everything just works. You said it perfectly, it’s not absolutely perfect in nothing, but great in everything. So true. To this day, when I take it with me to work or on a trip, I just feel happy using it, even if there’s small things i wish it did better. As for the Raven, the design and function is exactly the same, but the fabric is a little different from the original Baida used in the Onyx colorway. The Raven colorway is a little softer to the touch and won’t patina. So, although it’ll still be durable and have a measure of water resistance, it’s not as abrasion resistant or water resistant as the Onyx. I’m hoping to get my hands on a Raven as some point in the future to do a comparison video. Please, after you’ve used your Apex for a bit, let me know how you’re getting along with it.
@@ofthetraveler As for the water resistance, I think my electronics will be more than safe with the top flap. It is an advantage compared to zippers in that regard as it excludes a weak point. I am looking to every possible excuse to go out with it just because it feels so nice on my back. I also got very recently the GR1 21L dark oak, and despite not being as resistant as sturdy as the GoRuck. the Apex will be my go-to and I will sell the GR1. It is just a pity that Germany is getting backward on measures and we are being sent home again. I want everyone to see my Apex haha I will try to write back in a few backs to get some update on how it holds up usage. Thank you for taking your time giving a very nice answer and keep up the good work!
Thank you for the in depth review. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone comment on the lack of water bottle pocket, or the laptop access. I tend to carry a Yeti water bottle, so I wouldn’t be worried about condensation as much as I would be worried about the bottle pressing up against the laptop/tablet. Do you think there is enough room or padding to protect the electronics from constant water bottle pressure or having that internal flap move around and hit the electronics? I’ve almost pulled the trigger on this bag so many times...
Man, great questions. I actually pulled it out of the closet, stuffed a 25 ounce Hydro Flask, plus my Surface Book 2. There’s enough space and padding that I don’t think you’d need to worry. The only scenario you may want to be careful is if you’re packing it out to capacity - even then with some foresight into how you pack it, I don’t think the bottle will adversely affect a laptop or tablet. The internal flap will be zippered up and won’t move in transit. I should look into a Yeti, then I wouldn’t worry about tie condensation. Good tip.
@@ofthetraveler thanks for the response. Knowing there is enough space and padding to protect the laptop makes me feel better. I’m totally going to end up with this backpack at some point. I wish there was a way to get my hands on one in a store before I buy, but I don’t think I’ve seen Bellroy products anywhere around here in central California. Thanks again for the review and information. I went ahead and subscribed. Looking forward to more!
@@jcpalermo2576 It has been a while, but you do not have to worry about the water bottle. The laptop is so protected on the back, that even if the bottle would open it would be an issue.
Yep! I still struggle with this. The Apex is one of my forever bags, but whenever I use it, I continue to either carry my drink by hand, or not at all. It’s probably why in the new venture backpacks they included a pseudo-external bottle pocket.
Hey T.L. That’s a good question, at first I was concerned about those lines, but on further inspection and talking to Bellroy, it’s far from wearing through. Baida is a tough fabric, the lines are actually the patina that’s often talked about with the Apex, and is a result of the coating that’s applied to the top layer of the fabric. This is something they aimed to alleviate with the new Raven colorway of the Apex.
thanks for your review after using it over a year. What do you think about the front hook ups. They are made of leather, so will they wear out? And in an way that the closing mechanism won't work that good any more? What do you think?
That’s a great question and something I worried about. Generally I latch the top on the second before last loop - to this day there’s no signs of wear on it. The leather Bellroy used for these loops is thick, plus if one does happen to give out, there’s several more you can use, especially if you tend to pack a lot. I am planning on doing a follow-up video on the Apex since so many folks have additional questions about it.
Oh man! You’ve asked me to choose between my two favorite bags in my entire collection. This is a tough one, especially since they’re different in capacity and definitely in aesthetics. But, if I had to choose one, based purely on how I feel when I use it, the Apex would be it. Don’t get me wrong, the Bannoch is effortless in its use, and it’s elegant in its execution, I take it to my higher end clients, but the Apex is a sports car that sparks joy when I use it.
That’s a big concern a lot of people have with the Baida, especially since it’s such a new and innovative fabric. I’ve been using my Apex for quite a while now, and have used both my Transit and Weekender quite a bit, both in Baida. The result is Baida is very durable, incredibly scratch resistant and especially stain resistant. In my experience so far, the only downside to Baida is that it does get a bit of patina marks in areas with a lot of folding. For instance, on the Apex in the top flap, there’s patina marks from the folks. Still, I think it’s an awesome fabric that performs in ways that’s perfect for travel and EDC.
@@ofthetraveler That's great. I just received the Transit Workpack in marine blue. Unfortunately I have to send it back. I actually very much like the marine blue fabric and the look of the bag, however, aside from two manufacturing defects (The zipper pull on the inside pocket was actually a stitched to the side of the bag making it impossible to open that pocket), I found the shoulder straps and the back panel lower bump to be extremely uncomfortable. I've never had any pack feel as awkward as the Bellroy Transit Workpack.
@@cksiam Bellroy customer service would replace that bag for sure. But if it’s a comfort thing because of the back panel/straps than yeah, you should check out something else. Not sure what your requirements are, but perhaps check out Topo Designs, Timbuk2, Peak Design, Evergoods, Black Ember, Trakke, just to make a few.
I agree, the color is more like Deep Sea, it’s definitely more blue than gray. The Shift is still readily available in Ink Blue, if they do phase it out completely, which I think is a mistake, there’s a few models that can slide into that niche. I am thinking the Melbourne Backpack, Studio Backpack, or even the Slim Backpack. $699 AUS for a bag is a ton of money for sure. If you’re a collector, it may not be worth it. If you think this will be a bag you’ll put a lot of usage into, then I may be worth the cost since it is rather robust and durable.
@@ofthetraveler Yeah that's what I was thinking. I know Bellroy still has INK BLUE in the shift but I have been advised by multiple retailers that SHIFT is enjoying life in retirement soon and retailers can't get it in to stock bear in mind I am based in Australia in Victoria so Melbourne is definitely a good bag lol, Studio is retired now with the last colour being ran out on bellroys outlet Slim Bag is out of stock but returning soon lol. I would love to see one hands on but Bellroy don't let retailers order this bag sadly, but I think I could use it however that being said I tend to use the Mono Flyby as my EDC at the moment.
@@geekindakitchen You’ve done your research, that’s awesome. If they’re retiring those models, I bet Bellroy has some cool stuff coming soon. It’s true that a little hands-on time would be great. I’ve never used their return policy, but that could be an option. It’s a stellar bag, I recommend also checking out jtinseoul’s review of the Apex, he goes much more in-depth than I did. What’s cool about the Apex is that is can easily be EDC and transform to travel seamlessly. I had an Ink Blue Shift for a while. It’s the bag I took to the hospital with me when my daughter was born.
@@ofthetraveler Yeah I have done my research Bellroy has a road map on there website they are dropping some few new colours in some bags - Ranger Green is in the house but there's no news on new bags and when Milligram in Australia got a sit down with Bellroy there wasn't a road map to new bags sadly which is disappointing. The returns policy is pretty good but given the victorian australia COVID situation returns aren't really possible at the moment, but I am keen to work soemthing out. I might have to check out that review. - I love how my MONO flyby is travel and EDC too I can pack that out nicely.
I definitely still enjoy it. I appreciate it even more now. I am over that initial wanting it to stay pristine, and now I use it without worrying about it too much. It's one of my favorite bags. Even after purging a ton of my collection, I never thought of getting rid of it.
I feel you, man. From a pragmatic perspective, an external water bottle pocket is a must. On the flip side, from an enthusiast, design-centric perspective, the clean lines and silhouette produce some beautiful packs.
I can see the reasoning behind that argument. Alternatively, many would say that the Peak EDB has a lackluster back panel, is too heavy, and the outside kodra is not durable enough over time. The $450 has more to do with the premium materials, especially the Baida, the design, and how the bag is put together with very few seams. As mentioned in the video, it’s all a matter of opinion, use case, and disposable income.
There was a time when I felt guilty for spending too much on things, especially since I don't earn much. But saving a little beforehand can go a long way. Just takes a little patience and now I also buy things that 'spark joy'. Kudos! That is a great bag!
I picked up this bag over a year ago now. I love it, I should have bought something cheaper, but I love it.
I never thought about concerns over internal water bottle pockets I like them. And I prefer not having the external access to my laptop because I fear rain getting in.
The five gripes I have with the bag are mostly nitpicky but are: the sternum strap sucks butt, the baida nylon loses color/fades at the creases, it looks funky without packing it full, and the last two are actually serious in my opinion. The Handel at the top I'm always worried about tearing. It's a leather strap that just feels a little too thin. And the long zippers up and down the pack as far as I can tell are not water resistant. I have been out in heavy rain without the insides getting wet, so the way they're out of the way probably deals with that, but hey 🤷♂️ might be a deal breaker to be fair.
All that aside it might sound like I have a poor opinion of the bag, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. This is my prized possession, it's truly a joy to use, and I was sold on this bag as soon as I saw the interior with it's cream blue and orange coloring. The pokers fit my needs nicely and like he said that back panel is super comfortable (and that's surprising since I'm 6'5 nothing contoured fit comfortably, except this). If you're thinking about this bag I would probably recommend the shift instead.
Thomas, you bring up some excellent points. I remove the sternum strap completely, don’t feel it’s needed. Also, I 100% agree that the top strap worries me every time I carry it from there. I forgot to mention it in the review! The Baida Nylon does do some interesting things at creases and certain spots - to me it’s like the patina that develops on waxed canvas.
Rain has never bothered me with this pack. I live in Miami and have been rained on a bunch. As for the laptop section on the side, I have a few other packs, like the Knack Pack and the Mission Workshop Rhake that both have side access to the laptop and even while soaked, I’ve not had an issue with water getting in.
I echo your sentiments, despite its flaws, this bag is special to me; It’s sparks joy when I use it. Thanks for your comment, very insightful and love the enthusiasm for carry.
@@ofthetraveler yeah, I think for me, I just really enjoy the bag. It's not perfect, but it's definitely one of my favorites
Such a great bag. Thanks for sharing!
Very cool and detailed videos. Channel undervalued.
Thanks Pablo, I really appreciate that.
Great review. Love Bellroy products.
Same here. I had a Shift for a while, now, though, I have the Apex, a Transit 38, and Sling. I’ll be posting about the sling soon.
I enjoyed how I could clearly see the bag during the review. plenty of other videos from different RUclipsrs, I couldn't see the pockets effectively.
Thanks, I appreciate that. I try to model my reviews like something I’d want to watch if I was looking to purchase a bag.
I love this bag design but also share your views on the lack of direct top access to the laptop and issues with using a water bottle on the inside of the bag. At the price I would have liked some easy access but less obvious / hidden zip pocket for single handed wallet or cards access while still wearing the bag on my back. Thankfully there are many other bags out there.
Nice and honest review. Am still thinking if i should buy this bag because of the price. But yeah it looks really nice and slick.
$450 is a lot of money for sure. But lately there’s been a lot more chatter about this bag and some retailers have had it on discount. If you can get passed not having a bottle pocket on the outside, I think you should give it a try. This is still one of my favorite bags of all time and I use it often despite having several other bags to choose from.
Thanks for sharing the review!
Thanks, my man! Appreciate you tuning in.
Hi, which sling did you get that uses the same baida nylon material? I’m looking for a nice accompanying sling for this backpack.
At the time of this video, I was using the Bellroy Sling in the Marine Blue colorway as it was the closest match the Apex. That colorway is now discontinued. You can check Bellroy’s website, personally, I think the new Bellroy Venture slings are better than their plain Bellroy Sling. If you want the same material as the Apex, you can refer to their materials page and see which one falls under Baida Nylon. I checked real quick; if the color says Raven, Nightsky, Bronze, Lunar, Onyx or Lichen, you’ll be getting Baida, which is what the Apex is made from. Hope this helps.
Thanks for the great review!
Do you have any insights on what changed on the Raven edition (besides being different color)?
I just got it, and man. This thing is awesome. It is not absolutely perfect in nothing, but is really great in everything.
Just feels great everywhere you touch it.
I understand the enthusiasm now.
Thanks Jose! The price tag is tough to swallow, but once you get it in your hands and use it - it’s kind of magical how everything just works. You said it perfectly, it’s not absolutely perfect in nothing, but great in everything. So true. To this day, when I take it with me to work or on a trip, I just feel happy using it, even if there’s small things i wish it did better.
As for the Raven, the design and function is exactly the same, but the fabric is a little different from the original Baida used in the Onyx colorway. The Raven colorway is a little softer to the touch and won’t patina. So, although it’ll still be durable and have a measure of water resistance, it’s not as abrasion resistant or water resistant as the Onyx.
I’m hoping to get my hands on a Raven as some point in the future to do a comparison video.
Please, after you’ve used your Apex for a bit, let me know how you’re getting along with it.
@@ofthetraveler As for the water resistance, I think my electronics will be more than safe with the top flap. It is an advantage compared to zippers in that regard as it excludes a weak point.
I am looking to every possible excuse to go out with it just because it feels so nice on my back. I also got very recently the GR1 21L dark oak, and despite not being as resistant as sturdy as the GoRuck. the Apex will be my go-to and I will sell the GR1.
It is just a pity that Germany is getting backward on measures and we are being sent home again. I want everyone to see my Apex haha
I will try to write back in a few backs to get some update on how it holds up usage.
Thank you for taking your time giving a very nice answer and keep up the good work!
Thank you for the in depth review. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone comment on the lack of water bottle pocket, or the laptop access. I tend to carry a Yeti water bottle, so I wouldn’t be worried about condensation as much as I would be worried about the bottle pressing up against the laptop/tablet. Do you think there is enough room or padding to protect the electronics from constant water bottle pressure or having that internal flap move around and hit the electronics? I’ve almost pulled the trigger on this bag so many times...
Man, great questions. I actually pulled it out of the closet, stuffed a 25 ounce Hydro Flask, plus my Surface Book 2. There’s enough space and padding that I don’t think you’d need to worry. The only scenario you may want to be careful is if you’re packing it out to capacity - even then with some foresight into how you pack it, I don’t think the bottle will adversely affect a laptop or tablet.
The internal flap will be zippered up and won’t move in transit.
I should look into a Yeti, then I wouldn’t worry about tie condensation. Good tip.
@@ofthetraveler thanks for the response. Knowing there is enough space and padding to protect the laptop makes me feel better. I’m totally going to end up with this backpack at some point. I wish there was a way to get my hands on one in a store before I buy, but I don’t think I’ve seen Bellroy products anywhere around here in central California. Thanks again for the review and information. I went ahead and subscribed. Looking forward to more!
@@jcpalermo2576 It has been a while, but you do not have to worry about the water bottle. The laptop is so protected on the back, that even if the bottle would open it would be an issue.
9:25 I agree. I would have thought the same thing. or what if the bottle leaks for some reason
Yep! I still struggle with this. The Apex is one of my forever bags, but whenever I use it, I continue to either carry my drink by hand, or not at all. It’s probably why in the new venture backpacks they included a pseudo-external bottle pocket.
Thanks for a great review. Do the fold lines where the lid bends look to be wearing through?
Hey T.L. That’s a good question, at first I was concerned about those lines, but on further inspection and talking to Bellroy, it’s far from wearing through. Baida is a tough fabric, the lines are actually the patina that’s often talked about with the Apex, and is a result of the coating that’s applied to the top layer of the fabric. This is something they aimed to alleviate with the new Raven colorway of the Apex.
thanks for your review after using it over a year. What do you think about the front hook ups. They are made of leather, so will they wear out? And in an way that the closing mechanism won't work that good any more? What do you think?
That’s a great question and something I worried about. Generally I latch the top on the second before last loop - to this day there’s no signs of wear on it. The leather Bellroy used for these loops is thick, plus if one does happen to give out, there’s several more you can use, especially if you tend to pack a lot.
I am planning on doing a follow-up video on the Apex since so many folks have additional questions about it.
@@ofthetraveler thanks for your answer.
Hi, does this bag stand on its own when packed to a certain degree?
Which do you like more, from a pure likability standpoint, the Trakke Banoch or the Bellroy Apex?
Oh man! You’ve asked me to choose between my two favorite bags in my entire collection. This is a tough one, especially since they’re different in capacity and definitely in aesthetics. But, if I had to choose one, based purely on how I feel when I use it, the Apex would be it. Don’t get me wrong, the Bannoch is effortless in its use, and it’s elegant in its execution, I take it to my higher end clients, but the Apex is a sports car that sparks joy when I use it.
You had the transit backpack in baida nylon as well. How have you found the baida nylon to be in terms of durability, scratches and stains?
That’s a big concern a lot of people have with the Baida, especially since it’s such a new and innovative fabric. I’ve been using my Apex for quite a while now, and have used both my Transit and Weekender quite a bit, both in Baida. The result is Baida is very durable, incredibly scratch resistant and especially stain resistant. In my experience so far, the only downside to Baida is that it does get a bit of patina marks in areas with a lot of folding. For instance, on the Apex in the top flap, there’s patina marks from the folks.
Still, I think it’s an awesome fabric that performs in ways that’s perfect for travel and EDC.
@@ofthetraveler That's great. I just received the Transit Workpack in marine blue. Unfortunately I have to send it back. I actually very much like the marine blue fabric and the look of the bag, however, aside from two manufacturing defects (The zipper pull on the inside pocket was actually a stitched to the side of the bag making it impossible to open that pocket), I found the shoulder straps and the back panel lower bump to be extremely uncomfortable. I've never had any pack feel as awkward as the Bellroy Transit Workpack.
@@cksiam Bellroy customer service would replace that bag for sure. But if it’s a comfort thing because of the back panel/straps than yeah, you should check out something else. Not sure what your requirements are, but perhaps check out Topo Designs, Timbuk2, Peak Design, Evergoods, Black Ember, Trakke, just to make a few.
They call the colour Onyx but it doesn't look Onyx. The Shift has shifted out of production and this bag for those in AUS chasing it are $699.00
I agree, the color is more like Deep Sea, it’s definitely more blue than gray. The Shift is still readily available in Ink Blue, if they do phase it out completely, which I think is a mistake, there’s a few models that can slide into that niche. I am thinking the Melbourne Backpack, Studio Backpack, or even the Slim Backpack.
$699 AUS for a bag is a ton of money for sure. If you’re a collector, it may not be worth it. If you think this will be a bag you’ll put a lot of usage into, then I may be worth the cost since it is rather robust and durable.
@@ofthetraveler Yeah that's what I was thinking.
I know Bellroy still has INK BLUE in the shift but I have been advised by multiple retailers that SHIFT is enjoying life in retirement soon and retailers can't get it in to stock bear in mind I am based in Australia in Victoria so Melbourne is definitely a good bag lol, Studio is retired now with the last colour being ran out on bellroys outlet Slim Bag is out of stock but returning soon lol.
I would love to see one hands on but Bellroy don't let retailers order this bag sadly, but I think I could use it however that being said I tend to use the Mono Flyby as my EDC at the moment.
@@geekindakitchen You’ve done your research, that’s awesome. If they’re retiring those models, I bet Bellroy has some cool stuff coming soon.
It’s true that a little hands-on time would be great. I’ve never used their return policy, but that could be an option. It’s a stellar bag, I recommend also checking out jtinseoul’s review of the Apex, he goes much more in-depth than I did. What’s cool about the Apex is that is can easily be EDC and transform to travel seamlessly.
I had an Ink Blue Shift for a while. It’s the bag I took to the hospital with me when my daughter was born.
@@ofthetraveler Yeah I have done my research Bellroy has a road map on there website they are dropping some few new colours in some bags - Ranger Green is in the house but there's no news on new bags and when Milligram in Australia got a sit down with Bellroy there wasn't a road map to new bags sadly which is disappointing.
The returns policy is pretty good but given the victorian australia COVID situation returns aren't really possible at the moment, but I am keen to work soemthing out.
I might have to check out that review. - I love how my MONO flyby is travel and EDC too I can pack that out nicely.
Do you still enjoy using it? I am looking to get one? Would you recommend? Thank you
I definitely still enjoy it. I appreciate it even more now. I am over that initial wanting it to stay pristine, and now I use it without worrying about it too much. It's one of my favorite bags. Even after purging a ton of my collection, I never thought of getting rid of it.
I love Bellroy's design but no external water bottle pockets on ALL of their bags means I will never get one. #hydrohomies
I feel you, man. From a pragmatic perspective, an external water bottle pocket is a must. On the flip side, from an enthusiast, design-centric perspective, the clean lines and silhouette produce some beautiful packs.
Definitely not worth 450 $. Half the price you can get an amazing bag like Peak Design everyday backpack v2.
I can see the reasoning behind that argument. Alternatively, many would say that the Peak EDB has a lackluster back panel, is too heavy, and the outside kodra is not durable enough over time. The $450 has more to do with the premium materials, especially the Baida, the design, and how the bag is put together with very few seams. As mentioned in the video, it’s all a matter of opinion, use case, and disposable income.