NEW DROP: Alpaka Metro Backpack Review (Exclusive first look 🤫 )
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- čas přidán 30. 07. 2024
- Alpaka Metro Backpack Review // Overall pros and cons // Who this pack is perfect for // Who this pack is NOT perfect for // Where to get the best price and more!
🎒 Get this pack → go.nomadsnation.com/alpaka (**Use code ARN_15 to get 15% off your order!**)
🔥 Check out my bag on Kickstarter! 👉🏼 www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
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00:00 - Intro
0:23 - Gist of the Pack
2:20 - Front of the Pack
4:20 - Middle of the Pack
7:37 - Back of the Pack
9:16 - Pros and Cons
10:12 - Alternatives
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Do you prefer slings and small bags as your everyday carry? If the answer is yes, then you should check out the Alpaka Metro Backpack!
This is Alpaka's smallest pack with a capacity of 12 liters. It's a small, minimalist, and lightweight pack, perfect as a small EDC to fit your everyday essentials. This pack has a tech compartment inside where you can fit up to a 14-inch laptop.
To learn more about our honest thoughts about the Alpaka Metro Backpack, watch our video for an in-depth review!
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Get the Alpaka Metro Backpack if…
✅ You are looking for a pack with a big front pocket capacity.
✅ You dig its clean and classy aesthetic.
✅ You love its main compartment accessibility.
Updated link - get the best price here → go.nomadsnation.com/alpaka (**Use code ARN_15 to get 15% off your order!**)
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DO NOT get the Alpaka Metro Backpack if…
❌ You want another great bag option that's more suitable for outdoor adventures and city trips. Below's another alternative... 👇🏼
Able Carry Thirteen backpack → This is another small pack for your city stroll or upcoming adventure.
→ Watch our review: bit.ly/30iBz9R
→ Check the best price: go.nomadsnation.com/thirteen-...
❌ You want a bigger backpack that looks classic and stylish for your next city stroll. Check below for another great option… 👇🏼
Bellroy Classic Backpack → This stylish pack is bigger and has a lot of color options for you to choose from.
→ Watch our review: bit.ly/30iBNxJ
→ Check the best price: go.nomadsnation.com/classic-b...
❌ You are looking for a pack that's N times better than this pack. Here's another recommended option for you… 👇🏼
Aer City Pack → Great urban pack, simple, solid aesthetic
→ Watch our review: bit.ly/3Ccpwbp
→ Check the best price: go.nomadsnation.com/aer-city-...
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Specs/Features/Summary
To get the best price, use this link → go.nomadsnation.com/alpaka (**Use code ARN_15 to get 15% off your order!**)
• Capacity: 12 liters
• Color: Black
• Fabric:
- Exterior: Axoflux™ Recycled Fibers Fabric (POLY 300D) in Black
-Interior: 300D Cool Grey Honeycomb Recycled Polyester lining
• Soft-touch fleece-lined laptop sleeve
• Fits up to a 14” laptop
• Comfortable padded back panel and shoulder straps
• Weatherproof fabrics
• Integrated MOD Key Tether in the front compartment
• Compatible with HUB Accessories (sold separately)
• Wide-opening main zippered compartment
• Silent reverse coil zippers (DWR coated) for the main compartment
• Silent waterproof YKK Aquaguard zippers for the front compartment
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Looking to have YOUR backpack reviewed? Contact Aaron at aaron@nomadsnation.com
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Affiliate Disclosure: We hope you enjoyed our Alpaka Metro Backpack review! To support our channel, we use affiliate links in our content. Clicking on these links and making a purchase helps us keep creating great videos (at no extra cost to you!)
Free Gear Disclosure: We often receive free gear for our reviews, but this does not influence our opinions. We always provide honest reviews-if a product isn't up to par, we'll tell you. - Jak na to + styl
Do you want to help me build a game-changing backpack? 👉🏼 nomadsnation.com/building-a-backpack
I recently entered the world of trying to find the perfect travel backpack (what a world it is) and I’ve watched hours of your videos! Thanks so much!
Welcome to…. a whole newww worrrllldddd (cue Aladdin music)
Hey Aaron, thanks for the Review !! ive been waiting for this for 3 weeks now. I found this backpack and its the absolute perfect size for my EDC. I just needed ma boy Aaron to confirm it, thanks for that, ordering soon of course with your link. appreciate the video, keep going guys !
Glad to hear and we appreciate the support!
I REALLY think its time for a "best backpacks *under* 20L showdown" video!
Added to our to do list - cheers!
I really appreciate your content. You're doing a great job, and I truly think I don't need any other review of a bag after watching yours 🤓
If it weren't for my location, I'd order several of the bags you featured, but I'm still on the look for one that can get to me 😁
Appreciate that!
Nice review! Just placed my order with your code. Thanks!
Hope you enjoy it! Please let us know what you think of it after testing for a few weeks
Of course I am waiting for the Fyro, but this looks like a winner as it is, especially for that price. Nice review!
Thanks dude! 🔥
Love the new studio look, love the facial hair too, everything just looks clean
Fresh and clean lol
Another potential alternative I have is the Chrome Ruckas 14l. It’s got the perfect gusseted outside water bottle pocket (and an extra internal bottle holder), a separate laptop compartment, sternum strap, a luggage pass through, and in my opinion the quick grab pocket is a perfect size for small items. I absolutely love that bag.
I will say if I didn’t have the Ruckas I would have ordered this Alpaka bag. It’s really nice and streamlined.
Good looks! I’ll have to check it out
Excellent review, just bought the green version using your link.
Thanks so much! Be sure to let us know what you think of the bag after testing for a few weeks 🙏🏽
I'm waiting for this to get delivered this upcoming week. I love Alpaka products. I can't wait to check it out. But i am also waiting to see if they release a slightly larger variation. Thanks for the review.
I’d also love to see a 17 liter version of this bag. Please let us know what you think of your bag after testing for a few weeks!
I like this as an out and about city pack that still can hold a large ipad, laptop, or drawing tablet. Looks like a pretty functional use of the limited space. I do wish that in addition to the luggage pass through there was at least some webbing on the straps so you could add a sternum strap if you wanted one. Looking forward to an Xpac version for more weather resistance.
I love sternum straps, but on a bag this size I think it might be overkill. XPAC version will be very cool
Love the new format and especially the pastel full-sleeve tee. "No tattoos showing" almost. You could even have a long sleeve that hooks over the thumb so that the sleeve does not ride up the forearm exposing the tattoos. (Tattoos (any body disfigurement): uuggghhh!!!!) (my personal preference though)
Great review on the backpack as well.
Thanks for the kind words! In 3 years of answering comments on this channel I’ve never had someone complain about my tattoos lol - but to each their own 🤝
Good review, looks better than I expected, especially the internal organization where certain pockets can double as water bottle holders. Padding and breathability are also better than most backpacks in this price range.
💯
Love the review, video looks great! Alpaka has been in my daily carry for years now, amazing products! I was looking at picking up a smaller EDC, really struggling between this and the newer Able Carry 13. Material isnt the biggest concern between them, both would get the job done. Which do you prefer??
If the water bottle holder difference doesn’t sway your decision, then I’d focus on materials. The Alpaka looks and feels like a great metro bag for those coffee shop visits and light days trekking the city. On other hand, Able Carry’s XPAC material means it’s more versatile and can be a great beach/outdoors bag as well.
Love this! Flying out in Jan so wanna get a small backpack to take with my carry on. But not having the luggage pass through is really a bummer. Also wanna use this for a small every day office bag. Do you reckon it could fit a lunchbox in at the bottom?
Just seen your bag designs too so really torn whether to go for the metro backpack now or wait until yours comes out but seeing how early on your designs are I feel like it might be a while.
Yea we’ll be launching in March earliest, and the bags will take a while to make/ship, so totally understandable if you can’t wait. If you go with this option be sure to let us know what you think of it
Love the size and organization, even if the layout of the pockets is not what I might have picked (not a fan of sideways pockets). And the lack of external water bottle pockets is a big pet peeve as you noted. But I'm just happy to see a genuine effort in a bag this size. Too many of the big/premium EDC companies don't go any smaller than 20L. Or if they do, they either go right to a sling (not for me) or think it doesn't require any features because it's so small. After years of hunting, I've only found a couple bags this size with the organization i like -- my point being that it can be done, but there still aren't enough options. It's a hole in the market I hope well get more attention in future
You’ve inspired me - I’m gonna make a bag in this size 🙌
yeah a sling is basically fanny pack worn over back or chest due to insecurity
I have the Alpaka travel ball cap which I’ve worn now to 9 countries and love. Low profile, great fit and looks as good now as it did 3 years ago.
I trust Alpaka to make an excellent and well thought out product.
But I already have so many bags.
Very nice review
Thanks so much !
Cool video as always 👍🏻 are you going to be sitting down all the time as from now? You looked like about to jump any moment 😂 😜 As for the bag… cool but… I would go with the Able thirteen one, which I will probably get… no end for the search… 😂
No more sitting for me lol
Perfect for a dad bag for a day out with the family. Trying to wait for the inevitable Xpac version.
🧡
I've been waiting for someone to review this bag. Great review!
Quick question, will it hold Evergoods CAP 1 + topo designs medium accessory bag instead of the jacket you put inside? (With all the rest of the stuff you had in there)
If I had either of those things I would check for you, but I don’t. If you get the dimensions and ask Alpaka they’ll get you sorted 💪🏻
Thanks, I just ordered one :)
nice!
Nice little bag, great price. I wonder if they will scale it up for a 16” laptop version or if they will just use their current elements backpack as the next size up. It compares well as a value entry vs say the new able carry thirteen revision (I love they are doing a ripstop version of that one though). I think for a pack like this, I’d prob also look at that Moment everything backpack 17L. That one is similar in layout but has a separate laptop sleeve, luggage passthrough and external bottle holder.
I wonder the same thing, it’d look great as a 20L
Noticed on one of Alpakas social posts they commented saying theres a 18to20L verison of this coming this year . One to watch out for
Nice!
Appreciate this review. I will hold out for a 15-19L release 🤭 with a more accessible laptop compartment. As a laptop commuter/remote worker, nothing annoys me more than the extra challenge when pulling out that laptop when the bag is filled out. It always happens as 90% of our local airports require them to be placed separately in a bin during x-ray. And as a freelancer, I tend to always use the laptop randomly, even during inconvenient times. So, I'm one of those who prioritize a superb laptop compartment that allows breezy access 😂 no matter the circumstance.
We are in the same boat - I need lightning fast access to my laptop
Just got the metro backpack absolutely love it! It fits my need for small backpack and comfortable carry perfectly. My biggest issue with Aer City Pack (I had the Tokai) was that it is really slick and lots of compartments, but a tad too rigid when you don’t have enough items inside. No such problem with Alpaka Metro Backpack meanwhile! Icing on the cake is I got it on a discount at about USD 70 😍
great deal!
Please, please review some of Everki's backpacks, especially something like their Atlas backpack. They're definitely more tech backpacks, but have a ton of really cool storage solutions that I think will inspire you in your bag creating journey.
Never heard of them, I’ll be sure to check em out 💪🏻
Great job!👌
Thank you so much 😀
I’ve recently been giving Alpaka a closer look - just picked up their tech case mini, really digging it. I’d be considering this bag heavily…if I hadn’t just preordered the new Able Carry Thirteen. 😅
Question: how well would this pack crush down to serve as a packable day pack within a travel bag? I feel like the tough part is always the straps/back panel, but if it’s possible to get something like this into a travel pack, I’d much prefer that over an actual-packable daypack (i.e., Matador’s).
You can pack it down pancake-style-packable 🥞 but it is not foldable taco-style-packable 🌮
The external design is very similar to the Osprey Arcane Large Daypack (not to be confused with the Arcane Large Day Pack... OK Osprey needs to work on their naming). And that's no bad thing, it's a pretty classy/classic design I feel. Looks like a nice option for a smaller bag.
For sure!
Now That bag is aesthetically pleasing... and a decent price..
It's almost as sharp as the new hair cut..
😏
Getting one!
Always appreciate if you use our links 🙏🏽
Alpaka go sling is coming?!
I reaaly can't order it without your review, lol
sry dude, its gonna be a while. If you have any specific q's shoot me an email aaron@nomadsnation.com and I'll help as best I can
@@Nomads.Nation I just drop u an email, thank!
Great content.
much appreciated!
Would your keyboard fit in the slot to the left of the water bottle sleeve? I have the Logitech Keys Mini and keep running into space issues leftover for over-the-ear headphones and my Xbox Elite Controller 2.
I don’t have the exact gear that you have so I’d recommend asking Alpaka customer support - they’ll get you sorted (and please let us know what they say)
I got this last week. Perfect for my day in a metro city. However! The main zipper is a bit tough to open and close. This is my only gripe.
It should loosen up a bit over time
Pretty sure that key-leash is supposed to have hardware, based on the store page. Great review, thanks!
Ha good to know
Nice little compact backpack. Would’ve been great if it came in axoflux green though
hopefully soon
It does now. Check the website.
@@thatsmoovekatyup, just went live. Looks great
I believe Black Ember sells an external bottle holder for its Forge bag. Doesn't that bottle holder attach correctly for this 25L bag on the side?
Apparently it doesn’t work with the R3
Funny you mentioned Able Carry Thirteen backpack....since didn't they just come out with an updated version of the bag?
They did but I haven’t seen it myself yet
J’apprécie énormément vos tests de sac et autres objets
J’ai hésité longuement entre ce sac et le able cary 13 litres mais j’ai choisi l’alpaka 12 litres
Car justement plus petit et moins sac à dos scolaire que l’autre mieux pour un adulte de mon âge
J’attends de le recevoir pour vraiment me donner une idée !
Merci ☺️
glad to help!
What do you think of this Alpaka Metro Backpack compared to the Able Carry Thirteen?
all those cons for you are pros for me as I do not like water bottle holder and especially luggage pass through holder I hate that as it makes extra bulk. I prefer slightly larger capacity maybe 14 to 18L without luggage holder, without water bottle holder (especially if it's just one side of the bag that is annoying and unbalanced). I do not carry laptop to work just maybe a book and lunch and dinner plus other little gadgets I may need but still this 12L not sure as sometimes you need little extra space for umbrella, water bottle or thermos (I use 360ml thermos for tea to work and water on way back from work)
thanks for your comment!
One thing that's stopping me from ordering this is that it lacks a hidden compartment in the back side of the bag. When I'm out and about in a foreign country I like to keep important stuff like passports and cash hidden and out of reach of pickpockets.
I agree that if a hidden back pocket would make this bag better
Kinda hard to tell what this packs out since a jacket takes up a lot of room but also kinda compresses a lot. I can't really tell if my tech pouch would fit in there. Almost sold on it but that would be super awkward to find out only when it arrives at my door.
Ask Alpaka customer support if it will fit the dimensions of your pouch
I like it and I want to buy it BUT I would rather wait for your Fyro. Also, the setup looks good on you not that you don't look good before but I don't know if it is the lighting or the background but something is different for the better. discount code not valid for this?
glad you like the temporary setup! we have a new studio so we are still playing with the specs. My team has the challenge of making me look as good as possible... wish them luck lol
@@Nomads.Nation i know what looks different! your eye color is showing good job to your team
@@juri991 😉
I’m sorry I’m a fan of the mettle hardware if had horrible luck with genetic back packs for school so the mettle premium is a nice touch for a 12L
It definitely elevates the experience, only problem is durability
Completely random question, how many backpacks do you personally have (Not for the channel reviews)?😅
I’ve bought maybe 20-30 myself, but I’ve got hundreds from the channel 😅
HELP!! I need a low profile, non bulky, cinchable work backpack. One that has a lot of internal elastic mesh tech pockets for things like ssd drives, multiple cords,bricks,etc. i need compartments for macbook 13"/14",and ipad 9 with case. I want things to be secure in the pockets, and not sliding around. I also carry 2 A5 sized notebooks, pens, Small Bible, and a couple file folders to hold any loose paperwork. This pack could benefit from expansion;but not mandatory. I currently use A larger Tigernu which has more than enough pockets;but just a little too bulky. Thank you!
Have you checked out bags from Aer?
Just occurred to me. A slingback version of this would be cool. Or one where you could convert between single strap/dual shoulder straps.
I've never seen a back that allows you to convert between single/dual shoulder straps, sounds complicated 😬
@@Nomads.NationDoes code of bell’s bigger xpak? sling with the backpack harness count?
@@insanity3840 haven't tested that one but hoping to soon
Aer City Pack over the Pro Pack Slim?
Can’t go wrong with either
Hey Aaron my laptop is a small 15inch coming in at 22.3cm by 31cm. Any idea If that will fit in the laptop sleeve? Cheers
I’d recommend asking Alpaka to make sure you get the most accurate answer possible. Please let us know what they say 🙏🏽
@@Nomads.Nation yeah, they muddied the waters even more haha. They said it wouldn't, but then gave the dimensions which indicated it would. Might have to just give it a miss
@@JordanAppleby better safe than sorry - hope you can find one that works for ya!
@@Nomads.Nation picked up the Aer city pack for £90 second hand in great condition 👍 should be perfect for when I need a smaller pack
@@JordanAppleby nice find!
Can it fit a 18oz hydro flask ?
In the main compartment? It should, but I don’t have one so I can’t check. I’d recommend asking Alpaka customer support - plz let us know what they say
Wish they'd reuse the Alpaka Elements straps on this. Overbuilt straps are better than thin ones.
I love padded shoulder straps but think it’s kinda overkill on a bag this small
Not sure if its mentioned in the comment but the keyleash is supposed to have a magnetic attachment like you see on the go sling nano
Ah got it - thanks!
Timing is everything.! Did you notice the lady with the red backpack.? We like the Metro, great for day hike, gym & first aid for rescues. No luggage pass through..!? Easy as just cross the shoulder straps, pass the luggage handle through and...Bob's your uncle.! Agreed with the pros, no so much with the cons though... as for the internal water bottle holder, it's hygienically perfect. Don't really need a huge water bottle in the Metro area, do we.? Top handle - try two fingers & thumb mate. Cheers AR & Team.
Agree it’s a great bag, but If I only did pros it wouldn’t be a very balanced review haha.
Great review mate but £85 😅
Damn
More expensive that a Jansport for sure, but it’s got really lovely materials, a beautiful aesthetic, and a lifetime warranty. You get what you pay for
no vx version.. Best contender for Able Carry 13.
Yet
@@Nomads.Nation I'm hoping for x-pac/vx, with vertical pass through holder/slot,
I see you were in HK filming this lol
Been living here for 7 years now 🇭🇰
@@Nomads.Nation so cool! You must frequent suburban then, great shop. Do you know if there's a place that stocks aer here?
@@ES-qe1nh you know it! I do not know of any other places, Suburban was the only one. Maybe FEVERGUY?
Can hold a Steam Deck?
I’ve never used one so can’t say for sure. I’d recommend reaching out to Alpaka - please let us know what they say 🙏🏽
sorry, let me clarify. Are you able to pack a steam deck vertically?
@@spartan_md8295 check my previous comment 💪🏻
Other reviews say yes! Including a buyer review. In the main compartment on one of the front slip pockets.
sadly its not for southpaw😅
But overall its a good design pack
The lefty curse
The bag output Alpaca has is almost frightening. How can they have so many different bags?
its something that I'm borderline concerned about as well - every other day I get an email from them announcing a new product. BUT! All I can say is that the quality of the new products has been good so far, and let's hope it stays that way
This bag would have been perfect if the flap over the zipper didn't catch!
totally agree