Nomads Nation

Brown Buffalo Roll Top Backpack.
Premium roll-top perfection… or roll-top frustration in disguise?

A 23–28L roll-top built with legit “microbrand OG” credibility and premium parts.
Looks incredible and nails materials/value… but roll-top access + a few comfort quirks split the crowd.

Quick Specs:
Capacity (claimed): 23–28L (roll-top dependent)
Capacity (tested): ~28L packed (plus a little extra in front pockets)
Price: ~$200–$225
Warranty: limited lifetime
Materials/hardware called out: 1050D Cordura ballistic nylon (this version), Fidlock V-buckle, Duraflex hardware, YKK zippers, X-Pac lining

It’s a premium roll-top done right…
but access quirks (and no luggage pass-through) may be the dealbreaker.

External features:
→ Fidlock V-buckle roll-top closure
→ 4 side compression straps (external carry)
→ Dual bottle pockets w/ strap secure (no elastic)
→ Front pockets x2 (stash + PU-coated zip)

Internal layout:
→ Main bucket (no extra internal pockets)
→ Tablet sleeve inside main (fits ~13.5")
→ Back entry into main compartment (secondary access)
→ Laptop compartment on back (fits up to 15" per brand; 16" MBP fits tight)

Pros:
✅ Roll-top aesthetic is top-tier
✅ Premium materials across the board
✅ Strong value at ~$200

Cons:
❌ Comfort quirks (neck pinch/buckles; coarse mesh for some)
❌ Roll-top access quirks (black-hole effect)
❌ No luggage pass-through

Dealbreaker check: roll-top access quirks — what’s your call?

🔥 Love roll-tops anyway
👍 Depends if back access is enough
❌ Nope — clamshell only

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2 minutes ago | [YT] | 0

Nomads Nation

Upgrading our volume testing kits. Also, Jason says what’s up.

1 day ago | [YT] | 58

Nomads Nation

New bag drops you might have missed…

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2 days ago | [YT] | 54

Nomads Nation

Topologie Bottle Sacoche Large.
Best water-bottle sling… or an overpriced pain to use?

A 4.1L (claimed) bottle-first sacoche with a fashion-meets-climbing vibe.
Looks great, holds a bottle exceptionally well… but comfort + zippers are the tradeoff.

Quick Specs:
Capacity (claimed): 4.1L
Capacity (tested): ~4.0L total (2L front + a bit over 2L back)
Price: ~$115 bag + ~$40 rope strap (~$150 total)
Warranty: 1 year
Zippers: SPS (PU-coated), not YKK

The bottle holder is the star…
but the sticky one-way zippers might be the dealbreaker.

External features:
→ Center bottle slot (built-in sleeve)
→ Bottom bungee system (expands + stabilizes)
→ Rope strap w/ knot (sold separately)
→ Thin top handle (quick grab)

Internal layout:
→ Front compartment: power mesh pocket + lining pockets
→ Back compartment: key leash + lining pockets
→ No structure (floppy compartments)
→ Bottle-in-the-middle affects carry of rigid items (Kindle/shades)

Pros:
✅ Best-in-class bottle carry
✅ Rope strap aesthetic is unique
✅ Top handle is a smart add

Cons:
❌ Rope strap compromises comfort (knot digs)
❌ Zippers: PU-coated + sticky + single-zipper access
❌ Price is high once strap is included (~$150)

Dealbreaker check: sticky one-way zippers — what’s your call?

🔥 Don’t care — bottle carry wins
👍 Depends on how often I access it
❌ Nope — that would annoy me fast

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3 days ago | [YT] | 34

Nomads Nation

Alpaka’s tote-pack hybrid sounds perfect…
…but is it actually worth $170–$180?

A 14L “Flow Tote Pack” from Alpaka (but it carries closer to 11–12L).
Clean, modern tote-first vibe… with a few “you’ll have to live with this” quirks.

Quick specs:
Capacity: 14L advertised (carries closer to ~11–12L, maybe +~1L w/ bottle pocket)
Price: $170 - $180 USD
Weight: 2.2 lb verified (advertised 2.3 lb)
Fabric: Axoflux 400D washed nylon
Warranty: Lifetime (manufacturing defects)
Colors: 3 options

It’s a killer tote…
…but backpack mode is basically “emergency only.”

External features:
→ Curved front slash pocket (fun, quick access)
→ Side bottle pocket + elastic keeper (actually works)
→ Dual-zip main compartment (tote-style access)
→ Stowable straps (tote mode stays clean)

Internal layout:
→ Front pocket: key leash + mesh organizer
→ Main zip mesh pocket (big, zippered)
→ Laptop sleeve (fits 13" great; 16" barely)
→ Bottle sleeve inside (fits 24oz Columbia)

Pros:
✅ Water bottle pocket is legit
✅ Tote carry is really comfy
✅ Front pocket is fun + usable

Cons:
❌ Backpack mode is rough (thin straps)
❌ Front pocket is single-zip (awkward access)
❌ Price feels high (wants $130–$150)

Dealbreaker check: tote-first, “backup” backpack straps — what’s your call?

🔥 Worth it — I’d use tote mode 90%
👍 Fine… but only on sale
❌ Nope — needs real backpack comfort

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6 days ago | [YT] | 60

Nomads Nation

$185 USD: Worth It ✅ or Not 🚫?
Pakt Mode Convertible Backpack Review; Link below.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/TVNexV_vmGE

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1 week ago | [YT] | 50

Nomads Nation

$40.
Under 1 pound. 🎒

Steal…
or a sweaty compromise?

The “Less Tiring Water Repellent Backpack” from Muji is a classic bookbag-style daily pack built around minimalism and weight savings.
Simple. Travel-friendly. Surprisingly functional.
But comfort comes with a catch.

Quick specs:
• Tested volume: 20L (right on target)
• Weight: just under 0.9 lb (verified)
• Price: around $40
• Zippers: YKK
• Fabric: polyester
• Key feature: front pocket adds ~2L of real usable space

It’s insanely lightweight —
but the completely flat back panel could be rough in hot weather.

External features:
→ Front pocket with real volume (rare at this size)
→ Rain flap zipper covers for added weather protection (can snag)
→ Luggage pass-through (almost unheard of at $40)
→ Tight side pockets with no stretch

Internal layout:
→ Simple main compartment (no organization)
→ Laptop sleeve up to 16” with Velcro strap
→ Divider pocket for tablet or documents (adds cushion)
→ Dark interior fabric (harder to see items)

Pros:
✅ Ultra-light carry feels effortless
✅ Front pocket actually adds capacity
✅ Incredible value for the price

Cons:
❌ Zero back padding or ventilation = sweat city in summer
❌ Side pockets aren’t versatile
❌ Rain flaps can snag and get annoying

Dealbreaker check 👇
No back padding or airflow — what’s your call?

🔥 Still worth it at $40
👍 Depends on climate/use
❌ Nope — comfort matters

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1 week ago | [YT] | 33

Nomads Nation

$52 USD: Buy ✅ or Pass 🚫?
Able Carry Bottle Sling Review; Link below.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/o5UsyeLp46s

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1 week ago | [YT] | 48

Nomads Nation

$20 USD: Worth It ✅ or Not 🚫?
Amazon Basics Travel Laptop Backpack Review; Link below.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/h4llj2Q8uZg

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1 week ago | [YT] | 49

Nomads Nation

35L carry-on travel bag…
for around $130? 🎒

Cheat code — or compromise?

The Osprey Daylite 35L is a lightweight travel-first backpack built for one-bag trips.
It has classic hiker DNA — modernized for airport flow, everyday travel, and minimalist packers.

Quick specs:
• Tested volume: just under 35L in the main compartment
• Weight: 2 lb (verified)
• Fabric: Bluesign-approved 300D polyester
• Price: ~$130
• Warranty: Osprey lifetime (varies by country)
• Colors: 4 options

Here’s the real question:
Do you want near-perfect travel functionality…
even if it looks a little “Osprey”?

External features:
→ Suitcase-style taco opening with lockable zippers
→ Two water bottle pockets (fits 24oz + 1L bottles)
→ Luggage pass-through (secure, slightly tight)
→ Stowable shoulder straps for clean transit

Internal layout:
→ Minimalist main compartment built for packing cubes
→ Internal compression straps for load control
→ Admin pocket with 5 mesh slots + key leash
→ Laptop compartment with strong false bottom (up to 17” tight fit)

Pros:
✅ Incredible volume-to-weight ratio (35L at 2 lb)
✅ Comfort and ventilation are genuinely impressive
✅ Travel features are thoughtfully executed

Cons:
❌ Front pockets lose space when fully packed
❌ Extra strap dangle (no web keepers)
❌ Backpacker aesthetic isn’t for everyone

Be honest 👇
Is the Osprey look a dealbreaker?

🔥 Don’t care — function first
👍 I can live with it
❌ Nope — want modern/urban

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1 week ago | [YT] | 79