So, had my Metro Backpack Pro for a few days now. Here are my initial impressions: Materials feel great/premium in the hands. Would love to get my hands on the X-pac version just to feel the difference. Aaron sold me on the lighter internal materials, so I'd be a sucker for the bright orange. Gray interior is still good on the eyes. Love the front pocket with the magnetic key leash. It is the same key leash in the Flight Sling & possibly other bags/pouches. The separate pockets in the front are nice to have to hold small things from bouncing around. The hidden back pocket is something I hope more companies use especially if you are planning to use em for more than EDC. PU coated YKK zippers are nice on the front & laptop compartments. Even with the PU coating, zippers don't feel like they stick like they could on other bags. As a carrier of a laptop, the laptop compartment is REALLY nice. Great soft microfiber material, padding is top notch. I have a Dell Precision 5680 (16"). Slides in perfectly with plenty of room for a tablet. The main compartment is probably my least favorite 1 of the bag, which some would be like, that's the most important part!! The stretch compartment on the top is nice. The internal water bottle holder is ok, but some may prefer not to place it in there in lieu of having more room for tech pouches & the like. Not sure how to utilize the other pocket in there (have a network cable in there for now). If you do invest in Alpaka's ecosystem, you can make the best use of the internal webbing vs a carabiner (will still work though). Since my bag came with the free clip, I attached my zipper wallet in there. Could also connect other small pouches if I feel like it. I appreciate the extra fabric over the zipper on the main compartment, but it can be a pain sometimes to close, never had an issue opening it. 1 shocker was the shoulder straps. They're more comfortable than they look or feel when you put the bag on. I wore my bag with laptop & all around for a hour or 2, felt super light on me, so kudos for that. Sternum strap is also really nice, but the top handle has a lot to be desired. Dangle stoppers FTW!!! Like other Alpaka products, just a seatbelt material. 0 padding which can be a deal breaker for some depending on how you carry your bag. Feels exactly like the luggage pass thru strap, for better or worse. Last thing I'd like to add. I always feel Alpaka products in general need a ,"break in," period of sorts. This is especially true with this bag as well as (for me), the bi-fold cash wallet. I think once the backpack has some more use, the experience will improve. That main compartment needs some break in. The bottom is kinda squished in from the shipping. Going to place some books to open it up & see how it goes from there. Overall, really happy with it as EDC. 10-100x over my previous work backpack. Hope this helps people make a choice to give it a look!!!
You are definitely the best backpack reviewer on RUclips. You give great information, but you do it in a very funny and humorous way. Also really appreciate your sense of humor. But I’m pretty sure there is a internal water bottle pocket. It might not be ideal, but it has been advertised as an internal water bottle pocket. Thanks again, Aaron.
Thank you so much for that! Shoutout to our amazing team for their editing skills. And yes I missed the water bottle holder - it’s def on the inside 💪🏻
Love the reviews, I noticed the way you pronounce “Modular lightweight load-carrying equipment”, or (MOLLE) it’s pronounced (MOL-lee) like Molly/ Polly. I’m in the military and we use this system and we pronounce things weirdly but that’s how it’s referenced. I hope you aren’t offended, just wanted to let you know. Keep making great videos!!!
very nice, thank you for your review. I'm just about to buy an EDC backpack and it's one of the candidates. Now I'm waiting for the review of the new bellroy backpacks to decide
Really good review. I own a AER City Pack Pro, and now I am unsure if I'll replace that with this. I was thrown off with the partial clam shell feature, and the hood that I can imagine right now will frustrate me more often than not (I hate the snagging of zippers with fabrics). Another missing feature here to make me transition is the inner pocket has more practicality than that of Alpaka's modular clips on those inner walls. I like the shape of Alpaka's backpacks way better than AER though, but man, this still feels not the one for me. I'm just on the lookout for replacing my AER because it's not the X Pac version, but I don't want to buy another CP Pro in X Pac just for that, and I really don't like the look of AER's for being too boxy. But then I completely understand the practicality behind it, which I ultimately appreciate a lot. I guess I'll wait for the next iteration that can beat my AER City Pack Pro. So far, none has done it yet.
Also that slightly looser internal front pocket below the mesh is the water bottle pocket. I fit a 1l bottle in the 12l og metro and it works really well. Hoping for more of the same on the pro
Snagging on the main compartment is also an issue with the OG, but I tend to fold it over so it doesn't snag, then I just fold it back over if it rains. Not perfect but tends to work well (think I'm done now, cheers Aaron)
i love the aesthetic of this bacpack and some other brands of the everyday backpack : pakt 22l, able cary edc 20 / 21, new able cary max edc 26l (clearly this not edc), aer 24l
Really appreciate your reviews! I'd love to hear your (and anyone else's thoughts) on whether you think the xpac version is worth the extra money in comparison to the Axoflux. It seems like the only benefits are that xpac is more weather resistant and weighs less.
Preordered the black Axoflux version. The preorder discount & free gift was nice to get as well. The magnetic key holder in the front pocket is the same 1 that comes with the Alpaka flight sling, so I'll have 2 of those now (as well as a spot to place my house keys when traveling). I have a huge dilemma coming up: Do I take this or my Tomtoc bag with me on my trip in a few weeks!!! I'll have to pack them both out & see which one prevails in how I organize things.
@@Nomads.Nation omg!!!! Came in today!!! I’ll say this: comparing this Alpaka bag to the Tomtoc bag is NOT an apples to apples comparison as 1 is geared more to EDC & the other was built for travel in mind (& boy does it show for each of em!). I could email you my thoughts/opinions if you like.
Hey Aaron, just wanted to let you know about the Thumbnail, image of the bag is mirrored. You should be aware as Alpaca Metro Pro are asymmetrical and that Side zipper's direction is a deal breaker for me and I know for a fact for so many people too. So yeah!
I've been waiting for this X-Pack for quite a while, but it's too long and no option for the original smaller size. I bought Evergoods CPL, good choice for my use-case.
A compelling little bag from Alpaka and a nice alternative to the CPL24 if you want something a little smaller. I don't see how it's 24 litres though! Odd that there is no "hood" over the zipper for the laptop compartment but there is one for the main compartment. Surely that's a key area to give maximum protection from the rain.
Alpaka always hit and miss with their shoulder strap, I have some of their backpacks and their modular strap that I use with my XPAC Peak Design Duffle 35 so I can use it as a backpack, not comfortable, end up removing it during my trip. Its definitely all preference.
7:35 - those would be internal lash points, not external And this bag is expensive for what it brings to the table - features/organisation is almost non-existent and that flap not only snags in the zipper, but when you packed it full, the zipper peeked out from under the flap all the way around, making the water resistance also not that great; not being able to fit a 17" laptop in a 24L bag is also not that great. Very personal opinion here: I think Alpaka make great slings and pouches, but quite underwhelming backpacks.
@@Bagnerdpak I don’t own any 24L, but that very same Dell XPS17 (probably the smallest 17”-er) fits in both my Able Carry Daily Plus (21L) and my Peak Design Everyday Zip (20L) and is about as close to fitting in my Bullet 18L (which zips below the straps, not above) as it is in this one; if I put it in the main compartment, foregoing the false bottom, it fits… and that’s an 18L bag. So I’d expect it to fit in every self-respecting 24L. Most bag makers only go by MacBooks, so they’ll “top out” at 16”, but I bet the Aer CPP fits the Dell; and the CPL24 even specifies it fits 17”.
Sorry could not continue watching this video the most important thing with a backpack is how it sits on different people comfort is everything if you are going to use it.
I was looking at backpack accessories and really like the Molle system. This company embraces it, which is a +1 pro for me. It is $74 more expensive than the Aer City Pack Pro X-Pac. The CPL24 doesn't come in X-Pac.
What the hell is it with bag makers and the allergic reaction to a GD water bottle holder on the side? Good god. I buy a water or bring my bottle to every flight. This should be a no brainer. Make it easy.
I'd say that it's important to remember that not everyone feels the same was you do. Alpaka clearly has lots of customers and data points that dictate their design choices. So many people (especially in Europe) think bags look awful with water bottle pockets, and want something more sleek, flush, and stylish
Wow that zipper is a deal breaker. Half clamshell and no yoke pocket would convince me not to bother anyway. I like Alpaka’s slings, wallets, pouches, but their packs way less.
@ I have several Alpaka bags and am a fan of the brand. One of my favorite things about their products is the attention to detail and materials. To my eye, this is not in that vain.
@@SilatShooter thanks for your feedback! I have every bag Alpaka has ever made though and I will politely disagree. There is no shortage of premium materials or craftsmanship with this bag, it's just a different vibe that's in-line with the original Metro Backpack 12L
🔥 Check out my bag on Kickstarter! 👉🏼 go.nomadsnation.com/fyro-t22
Best bag reviewer in my opinion. Thanks Mr. A!
Much appreciated! Shoutout to our amazing team behind the camera for making me look better than I actually am on the camera 💪🏻
So, had my Metro Backpack Pro for a few days now. Here are my initial impressions:
Materials feel great/premium in the hands. Would love to get my hands on the X-pac version just to feel the difference. Aaron sold me on the lighter internal materials, so I'd be a sucker for the bright orange. Gray interior is still good on the eyes.
Love the front pocket with the magnetic key leash. It is the same key leash in the Flight Sling & possibly other bags/pouches. The separate pockets in the front are nice to have to hold small things from bouncing around. The hidden back pocket is something I hope more companies use especially if you are planning to use em for more than EDC. PU coated YKK zippers are nice on the front & laptop compartments. Even with the PU coating, zippers don't feel like they stick like they could on other bags.
As a carrier of a laptop, the laptop compartment is REALLY nice. Great soft microfiber material, padding is top notch. I have a Dell Precision 5680 (16"). Slides in perfectly with plenty of room for a tablet.
The main compartment is probably my least favorite 1 of the bag, which some would be like, that's the most important part!! The stretch compartment on the top is nice. The internal water bottle holder is ok, but some may prefer not to place it in there in lieu of having more room for tech pouches & the like. Not sure how to utilize the other pocket in there (have a network cable in there for now). If you do invest in Alpaka's ecosystem, you can make the best use of the internal webbing vs a carabiner (will still work though). Since my bag came with the free clip, I attached my zipper wallet in there. Could also connect other small pouches if I feel like it. I appreciate the extra fabric over the zipper on the main compartment, but it can be a pain sometimes to close, never had an issue opening it.
1 shocker was the shoulder straps. They're more comfortable than they look or feel when you put the bag on. I wore my bag with laptop & all around for a hour or 2, felt super light on me, so kudos for that. Sternum strap is also really nice, but the top handle has a lot to be desired. Dangle stoppers FTW!!! Like other Alpaka products, just a seatbelt material. 0 padding which can be a deal breaker for some depending on how you carry your bag. Feels exactly like the luggage pass thru strap, for better or worse.
Last thing I'd like to add. I always feel Alpaka products in general need a ,"break in," period of sorts. This is especially true with this bag as well as (for me), the bi-fold cash wallet. I think once the backpack has some more use, the experience will improve. That main compartment needs some break in. The bottom is kinda squished in from the shipping. Going to place some books to open it up & see how it goes from there.
Overall, really happy with it as EDC. 10-100x over my previous work backpack. Hope this helps people make a choice to give it a look!!!
Thanks so much for the epic review! This will be very helpful for others considering this bag 💪🏻
@@Nomads.Nation I try!! Most likely taking my Tomtoc bag on my upcoming trip unless I can get that break in done before then.
After what feels like months of deliberation i finally got this bag. I absolutely love it
so awesome to hear!
You are definitely the best backpack reviewer on RUclips. You give great information, but you do it in a very funny and humorous way. Also really appreciate your sense of humor. But I’m pretty sure there is a internal water bottle pocket. It might not be ideal, but it has been advertised as an internal water bottle pocket. Thanks again, Aaron.
Thank you so much for that! Shoutout to our amazing team for their editing skills. And yes I missed the water bottle holder - it’s def on the inside 💪🏻
@@Nomads.Nation 🙌🙌🙌 respect to the editing team also!
Yes 🔥 X-Pac Vx42 in black on deck with blood orange interior. Loving the size increase and appreciate the capacity upgrade. Nice review 🙏
Thanks so much!
Hi, X-Pak Cult member here…I mean enthusiast…X-42 is the sweet spot! 👊🏻
But I see you as a heritage or waxxed canvas cult member too
he's fabric-fluid
😂@@Nomads.Nation
Love the reviews, I noticed the way you pronounce “Modular lightweight load-carrying equipment”, or (MOLLE) it’s pronounced (MOL-lee) like Molly/ Polly. I’m in the military and we use this system and we pronounce things weirdly but that’s how it’s referenced. I hope you aren’t offended, just wanted to let you know. Keep making great videos!!!
I knew that yet I still always pronounce it wrong 😂 thank you!!
Another solid review. Fan of Alpaka, but def leaning towards AER cpp in ultra. Thanks great points luv the alternative segments!
Glad to help!!
very nice, thank you for your review. I'm just about to buy an EDC backpack and it's one of the candidates. Now I'm waiting for the review of the new bellroy backpacks to decide
cheers! Bellroy Pro review will be live tomorrow 💪
Im so excited for this one! Thanks Aaron!
hope you enjoy!
Great well made reiview. Like how you talked about price points as well, we all have budgets.
price point is crucial and something we are trying to focus more on in future reviews
I preordered this bag and am super excited to get it
awesome! be sure to let us know what you think about the bag after testing for a few weeks
Really good review. I own a AER City Pack Pro, and now I am unsure if I'll replace that with this. I was thrown off with the partial clam shell feature, and the hood that I can imagine right now will frustrate me more often than not (I hate the snagging of zippers with fabrics). Another missing feature here to make me transition is the inner pocket has more practicality than that of Alpaka's modular clips on those inner walls. I like the shape of Alpaka's backpacks way better than AER though, but man, this still feels not the one for me. I'm just on the lookout for replacing my AER because it's not the X Pac version, but I don't want to buy another CP Pro in X Pac just for that, and I really don't like the look of AER's for being too boxy. But then I completely understand the practicality behind it, which I ultimately appreciate a lot.
I guess I'll wait for the next iteration that can beat my AER City Pack Pro. So far, none has done it yet.
Thanks dude and best of luck with your search!
Pre-ordered a couple weeks back for £150 all in on the xpac version. Loved the OG
Also that slightly looser internal front pocket below the mesh is the water bottle pocket. I fit a 1l bottle in the 12l og metro and it works really well. Hoping for more of the same on the pro
Snagging on the main compartment is also an issue with the OG, but I tend to fold it over so it doesn't snag, then I just fold it back over if it rains. Not perfect but tends to work well (think I'm done now, cheers Aaron)
the fold-over technique is very effective
i love the aesthetic of this bacpack and some other brands of the everyday backpack :
pakt 22l, able cary edc 20 / 21, new able cary max edc 26l (clearly this not edc), aer 24l
it’s a great time to be a consumer, so many options
The fact that there's no water bottle holder outside is actually a pro for me. I like how it looks!
much much sleeker looking without one for sure
Really appreciate your reviews! I'd love to hear your (and anyone else's thoughts) on whether you think the xpac version is worth the extra money in comparison to the Axoflux. It seems like the only benefits are that xpac is more weather resistant and weighs less.
Thanks so much! The axoflux is perfect for the average person, XPAC just gives the bag extra water protection
Highly debating buying this one
its a great pack, if you get one be sure to let us know what you think about it!
Awesome price, great review ! Which one is your favorite between this one and the Sympl commuter ?
both are great, but personally I'd prefer the Sympl
@@Nomads.Nationthanks for your feedback ! 😊
Preordered the black Axoflux version. The preorder discount & free gift was nice to get as well. The magnetic key holder in the front pocket is the same 1 that comes with the Alpaka flight sling, so I'll have 2 of those now (as well as a spot to place my house keys when traveling).
I have a huge dilemma coming up: Do I take this or my Tomtoc bag with me on my trip in a few weeks!!! I'll have to pack them both out & see which one prevails in how I organize things.
decisions decisions! be sure to let us know which bag you choose and how it performs
@@Nomads.Nation omg!!!! Came in today!!! I’ll say this: comparing this Alpaka bag to the Tomtoc bag is NOT an apples to apples comparison as 1 is geared more to EDC & the other was built for travel in mind (& boy does it show for each of em!). I could email you my thoughts/opinions if you like.
@@emarti3419 so glad you like it, feel free to write up any thoughts here so the community can benefit from them as well 💪
Dude! What’s that watch you’re wearing? 😍
Vaer D4, it's a killer watch
Hey Aaron, just wanted to let you know about the Thumbnail, image of the bag is mirrored. You should be aware as Alpaca Metro Pro are asymmetrical and that Side zipper's direction is a deal breaker for me and I know for a fact for so many people too. So yeah!
thanks for that, I'll try and get this switched out
Good review, this backpack seems great, but not for me unfortunatly.
cheers!
I've been waiting for this X-Pack for quite a while, but it's too long and no option for the original smaller size. I bought Evergoods CPL, good choice for my use-case.
nice!
Mines arriving tomorrow :)
be sure to let us know what you think of it after testing a few weeks!
Could this fit a gaming laptop?
Might be best to ask Alpaka directly - be sure to let us know what they say!
A compelling little bag from Alpaka and a nice alternative to the CPL24 if you want something a little smaller. I don't see how it's 24 litres though!
Odd that there is no "hood" over the zipper for the laptop compartment but there is one for the main compartment. Surely that's a key area to give maximum protection from the rain.
Yea the hood/zipper choices were interesting, I wonder if it’s more an aesthetics choice
X-Pac 🙌 ftw
i hate to admit it, but its really growing on me haha
hey Aaron, could you review the backpacks from onemate? Really like your videos by the way:)
Thanks so much! I’ll be sure to take a look at them
I think alpaka doesn’t support shipping to HK. Any suggestion how to get it here in HK?
I'd recommend asking Alpaka - they'll let you know if they work with any retail partners in HK 💪
Alpaka always hit and miss with their shoulder strap, I have some of their backpacks and their modular strap that I use with my XPAC Peak Design Duffle 35 so I can use it as a backpack, not comfortable, end up removing it during my trip. Its definitely all preference.
💯
The water bottle holder exists, it is inside just like the regular Metro backpack (which I have), it’s the larger, round pocket you tried to use.
For sure!
So the comfort is good?
Good yes, but not the best for my preferences
Could you review the codeofbell Xpak Evo?
it's on our wish list, but its a long list, hopefully soon!
I thought the water bottle holder is on the inside same same as the 12L?
that is correct
Ha! "Gotta feed the geese to keep the blood flowin' 🤣
💪
7:35 - those would be internal lash points, not external
And this bag is expensive for what it brings to the table - features/organisation is almost non-existent and that flap not only snags in the zipper, but when you packed it full, the zipper peeked out from under the flap all the way around, making the water resistance also not that great; not being able to fit a 17" laptop in a 24L bag is also not that great.
Very personal opinion here: I think Alpaka make great slings and pouches, but quite underwhelming backpacks.
How many 24 l backpack on the market fits a 17 inches laptop?
@@Bagnerdpak I don’t own any 24L, but that very same Dell XPS17 (probably the smallest 17”-er) fits in both my Able Carry Daily Plus (21L) and my Peak Design Everyday Zip (20L) and is about as close to fitting in my Bullet 18L (which zips below the straps, not above) as it is in this one; if I put it in the main compartment, foregoing the false bottom, it fits… and that’s an 18L bag. So I’d expect it to fit in every self-respecting 24L.
Most bag makers only go by MacBooks, so they’ll “top out” at 16”, but I bet the Aer CPP fits the Dell; and the CPL24 even specifies it fits 17”.
I agree that Alpaka's best products are typically their smaller ones
Dimension vise smaller than Able Carry Daily Plus but 3 litres more volume? 🤔
volume is more of an art than a science
Get a RIUT bag and test it.
Send me one and I'll test it
Ok Without the WB holder but put a side handle. They don't like them on their bags unfortunately.
A side handle isn’t crucial for me on a bag this size but I totally agree they could have added one
Sorry could not continue watching this video the most important thing with a backpack is how it sits on different people comfort is everything if you are going to use it.
so you stopped watching because the bag doesn't look comfortable?
The thing I dislike about ALPAKA is its use of PU coated zippers on everything
pros and cons to them for sure
This is like a copy of the Aer City Pack Pro, but not quite as good. The lack of water bottle holder seriously killed this for me, lol.
“Copy” is a strong word, but def some similarities fo sho
haha just got the 12 litre and i wanted this
double Metro!
I was looking at backpack accessories and really like the Molle system. This company embraces it, which is a +1 pro for me. It is $74 more expensive than the Aer City Pack Pro X-Pac. The CPL24 doesn't come in X-Pac.
A bit pricey when compared to the CPP
P.S. Darn straight I used that affiliate link!!! 😁
my man!!
you flipped image in the thumbnail lol. i am lefty so i was happy to click the thumbnail but it is flipped so i am sad.
sorry bout that!
7:00 the design is enough to protect your things inside from rain. But for heavy rain I think the best way is to have a rain cover for bag.
100% agree. Nothing is more weather proof than a rain cover
What the hell is it with bag makers and the allergic reaction to a GD water bottle holder on the side? Good god. I buy a water or bring my bottle to every flight. This should be a no brainer. Make it easy.
I'd say that it's important to remember that not everyone feels the same was you do. Alpaka clearly has lots of customers and data points that dictate their design choices. So many people (especially in Europe) think bags look awful with water bottle pockets, and want something more sleek, flush, and stylish
Wow that zipper is a deal breaker. Half clamshell and no yoke pocket would convince me not to bother anyway. I like Alpaka’s slings, wallets, pouches, but their packs way less.
Yea good call on no yoke / top pocket
Is that little thing that Margaret does with her fingers a gang sign or something?
it’s a heart 🫰
It's a lazy pack from Alpaka. It's a pass for me.
lazy or minimalist? 🤔
@ I have several Alpaka bags and am a fan of the brand. One of my favorite things about their products is the attention to detail and materials. To my eye, this is not in that vain.
@@SilatShooter thanks for your feedback! I have every bag Alpaka has ever made though and I will politely disagree. There is no shortage of premium materials or craftsmanship with this bag, it's just a different vibe that's in-line with the original Metro Backpack 12L
Started thumping my chest while watching this review...
🦍