Thank you for sharing! ❤ I love that you highlighted someone else's perspective when traveling. While I still prefer traveling solo, I do not close my door for anything spontaneous & that makes a huge difference even if I will choose solo travel all the time! One example was meeting someone at the mountain in the province of South Korea & we became friends. He still reaches out to me for recommendation & sends me images of beautiful mountains he climbs. Another scenario was my spontaneous flight to Harbin without any plan (apart fr my 1st night in a hostel) & I was approached by someone who offered a deal (eg. split taxi fee, share food) with planned itinerary. She got everything planned & all I had to do was to follow. While she was leading the way, she would also ask me if there are some places I missed that we might check along the way (or if we have time). She easily connects with anyone & even brought someone who recommended the Changbai mountains but tickets ran out. She also got to extend my stay in the hostel because their space ran out in the app. She talked to the owner of the hostel!!! At the end, we parted ways & I had to add more places to visit as she went back to Shenyang while I had to stay before my flight to Mohe. I told her, "if you didnt talk to me, I wouldnt even dare talk to you." 😂😅 It was a fun adventure ❤ Other times, I try joining some group tours (as much as I hate noises) to save money 😅 Sometimes, solo travel cant solve everything, that I can never deny. At the end of the day, I am very exhausted but fulfilled whenever I get to meet others unexpectedly. I still love solo traveling but anything can happen. I swear extroverts adopt us!! 😂😅
thats such a fun adventure! Yeah for experienced travelers , I understand how solo is appealing. Glad you got to have some great trips. Whats your favorite destination of all time? And have you traveled in like a group of 4 ppl?
@@EDG "What's your favorite destination of all time?" I cannot say for sure. Back then I used to be so b&w & had the notion I wouldnt enjoy *touristy* areas but came to realize, not all tourist spots are *that bad.* But there are two things that I expect will help define a *great experience* regardless where I go & that is the 1.) strong presence of nature & being soooo close to it. It can be as simple as crossing a frozen river; 2.) making me feel like I am witnessing a page of a book but in different timeline (applies to both countryside & city). Truth be told, the former makes people say, "I am not for that" which also explains why I'd pretty much prefer going there alone. While the latter gives an impression to some people that "it's boring" & there might be some places that are too *dark* that will require neutrality & prevent any form of judgment. Being close to nature is the source of my FOMO & making me ask myself, "what if in a decade, they'll be gone? What if I'll only get to see them through books?" While the witnessing the *constant change* from *how it used to vs now* is also rewarding, considering I cannot turn back time. Some food are here because they were product of history & change. I believe I do not need to be a history nerd or what, but explaining how things (eg. food) traveled fr one place to another fascinates me. At the same time, I respect what they are NOW. So many words for "favorite destination" (so sorrryyyy) but as long as the place supplies me those, it counts as "I'll go back again!" Group of 4 people? Yes! A bus full of strangers? Yes! Lol. These are the moments when I had to join a tour to save more money (based on shallow calculations) or when I'm too lazy to plan & the tour has everything. There are also some destinations like the highest point in the NE China where private cars arent allowed & the ticket covers the bus/van ride (roundtrip). Since I dont always go with *my close friends* because they found my reasons boring (lol), my 1st trip with four people (me, included) was when my adventurous friend & workmate in Korea offered to drive us to the Southern parts of Korea. I got to revisit my favorite Jeonju & finally got to visit Damyang. She also invited me to her parents' house & mom & sibling invited me for a quick hike before my flight back. Other than that, the only time my partner joins me (just the 2 of us) in my adventure is when both of us are free. We always look forward to those times. So yes, 98%, I travel alone, 1.5% with my partner, & .5% with peopld.
The first half of the video, I was like: “yeah EXACTLY, I can finally do what I want to do, eat what I want to eat, go where I want to go”, but the second half of the video hit home just as much. I’m finally going on my first ever solo trip next week, and tbh, I’d love to bring my 2 best friends with me, but sadly I’m cursed with the group of friends who hate travelling, hate stepping out of their comfort zone, and hate spending money on “immaterial things” like memories and experiences. I didn’t travel for years, hoping at least 1 friend would come around and go on a trip with me. I’m hoping it changes, but I’m not going to sit around until it does. And until it does, SOLO ADVENTURES, HERE I COME 🎉
Same here, i was able to go to Japan alone. I waited for years for someone (family or friends) to go with me but no one wanted to go to Japan. It feliz lonely but I was able to go wherever i wanted and...learn to be alone
haha, glad it could resonate with you. Idk how old. you are, but assuming you're on the younger side. It's very normal that your friends dont want to spend on traveling just yet, but give it some time and it'll turn around! I know a few people that didn't get their passport until their early 30s , and since then have traveled the world. Solo adventures are great if you're just beginning to travel, because it can help you learn how to navigate the logistics and sightseeing, and also develop your style. And solo travel is FOR SURE better than no travel at all. I hope you get to travel with friends! then you can compare hah.
@EDG More than 150$ for a small messenger bag is a lot. It's nothing special actually, even not waterproof. Search for Montbell messenger bag, they are waterproof, tough & third of this ridiculous price...
Great video and definitely interesting topic! I mostly travel solo, and much prefer it that way. I think the trick is to BOTH match the trip style to how we are wired - but then also spice it up occasionally to get us out of our comfort (and therefore predictable) zone! In my case, I love making up my own itinerary - but traveling solo also provides the maximum chance of making new friends and making totally unplanned itinerary changes! Just last year, about halfway through my solo trip to Pakistan from north (Islamabad) to South (Karachi), I met a local Pakistani on his solo motorcycle trip doing similar. We ended up traveling 'almost together' - me by bus and him on his bike - meeting up along the way! Totally not what I had planned for, but even better. Generally, traveling as a couple decreases the chance of encounters like this - and traveling in a group decreases that even more. But yes, traveling together with your friends can be an awesome bonding experience! And there's usually a greater chance of meeting up again and again - versus new friends with locals halfway around the world.
Yea, I hear you. It's an interesting topic because people will feel so passionately about one side or the other. And that what makes it fun! Totally agree with traveling in a group decreasing your chances to basically 0 of making new friends. There is tremendous upside to traveling alone. I think for me, the odds of meeting a perfect travel buddy by chance is extremely low, though not impossible. Compared to a 100% chance of having great memories traveling with my friends. And the second part of fun is as the years pass and hopefully those friends remain in life, we can reminisce. Also, if you're a super extroverted and social person (which I am not), then meeting up with people on trips sounds soooo fun. Thanks for the comment and discussion. What's your favorite trip of all time, and why
@@EDG My fav trip of all time was my eight-months, solo, no flying - trains and ships only - RTW trip. One thing I enjoyed tremendously - I didn't even know existed! Let me explain... We've all heard of the 'runners wall' - the point you hit when you feel you can't run anymore... but if you can just persevere a bit more; suddenly, you feel a second wind and feel like you can run 'forever'. Well, I hit the wall 3 1/2 months in... I just wanted to go home regardless of itinerary... I even reached for the hotel phone to book a return flight no matter the cost... and adding to my misery, the phone didn't work... so I gave up and just slept through that day (and night). Unexpectedly, I felt terrific the next day! I didn't know it then, but I had hit the wall - and got my second wind! What a difference a day make!! I totally felt like I could travel 'forever'. And not just physically, but mentally too. From that point on till the end of the trip (5 more months) - my home was simply wherever I was! I felt no other home. And it was much, much more than simply having "gotten used" to the routine of travel - it was a complete "zen" experience where my home was truly wherever I happen to be! I have never felt so free and unencumbered before or since. A few days before my final leg - on a container ship from Shanghai back to America, I was even thinking to myself... if the shipping company called to tell me my ship would be delayed "indefinitely"... I couldn't have cared less... I would simply just continue traveling!! But like every marathon... every trip, one starts over. All my trips since, I think about home from time to time just like every other traveler. To get the "zen" feeling back, I would need another trip long enough to meet the wall - and break through again.
@CryingCroc. What's your opinion: Do you think every travelers should try to do a trip like yours ? If you had a message tell travelers what would it be ?
i have a system messenger bag and been looking forward to this one, but it felt like a downgrade to me: 1. no pocket on the back? 2. no extra document/ipad sleeve 3. adapted the two should strap connectors on the Tokyo work bag (whose stitches are notoriously fragile, and there are multiple;e posts online complaining about them).
@@whitedove1125 nice! another option you may like if this one doesnt work, is the Inatek Sling 5L. I also reviewed that one, and It offered a few different features than this tomtoc for basically the same price.
@@EDGlove your Thursday book sneakers reviews, I think I’ve watched them all lol. The Natural Vachetta color way definitely looks more brownish than the pinking tone the website gives it. This video convinced me to buy them just now, along with the Rhone pants
Hi, how is the theft prevention on this pack? You quickly brushed over some loops to fasten the zippers on in the beginning of the video I believe. Are there any other mechanisms or is it easy to open from behind? I'm thinking of situations in big cities or public transportation. Thank you for the review btw.
It jsut has little loops that you can put a tiny combo lock to lock the zippers. No other mechanisms, and it's about as easy to open as any other pack. Luckily, it doenst have a quick access pocket or any pockets on the way outside of the pack, so a thief would have to open the oval main compartment which is pretty close to your head and hopefully you'd hear the zipper.
İnterrail travels like for 2 week, is it a real problem to not have a waist belt? I mean it will always be at my back so I'm considering the health issues...
I have the via and recently won a tokyo workbag to compare it with. Now the algorithm is suggesting me tokyo messenger videos lol. well maybe if I get a good deal. I've ended up becoming a suitcase collector (I use one everyday for work so can justify it sort of, as long as they are different colors I keep them). Have in my rotation now: Waterfield Bolt (Brown), Waterfield Cozmo (black ballistic), Bellroy Via (dark grey), Mystery Ranch 3 way (orange), Tokyo Work Bag (Navy), and a old Kenneth Cole Messenger (Black). I just sold a Tom Bihn Cadet (light grey) cause I got a small co-pilot in the same fabric, and duplication bothers me on OCD level lol. I didn't mean to have all these bags, but thats how it end up. I'll sell either the Via or the Tokyo depending on which I like more.
can I be you? hah just kidding. this is a great problem to have and it sounds like myself. The fun of it is tailoring my collection to exactly what I need.. but it always ends up being more than I thought. Do you have a favorite. amongst all your bags? The Tokyo workbag looks great, and probably similar to this Via, just a little larger.
wow, now I'm really buying it! The Thursdays commuter bag. 👌 Do you think it'll will look good for everyday use? like Jeans, chelseas or sneakers , jeans?
Nice review, very well described in each detail, also objective, I was looking for a similar in Zara, but for 10 USD more you have the laptop compartment which is added value. Thanks this review was very helpful
I know this may be a weird comparison, but I'm currently torn between this and the Tomtoc 40L travel backpack. I'm getting them both for about the same price and am not sure which one to buy. Which bag do you think has better materials? My decision depends on the durability due to my frequent travel schedule. I can spend more on a backpack, but my previous bag gave out sooner than expected. Your reply will seal the deal for me. Much appreciated :)
No problem! Hands down the North face has better materials and is a higher quality bag. The tomtoc is a great budget back, but can’t be compared to this north face at double the cost
Love the review. One thing that no review or website has pointed out (that I'd love to know) is if you have a water bottle in the pocket, how many horizontal inches are left within the bag. Obviously the circumference of the water bottle would make a difference. What would be great to know is if you have, lets say, the peak design tech pouch at 9.5" long, would it fit horizontally with a water bottle in place? Or would you need to stand it vertically? Thanks and great review!
The latch system and associated aluminum frame construction really increase the weight of the case. A similar sized hardshell spinner case from say, Rimowa or Victorinox with a zipper weighs 1.5-2kg less empty. This is a lot when many European airlines allow a max carry-on weight of 8-10 kg, and in Europe they do sometimes weigh carry-on bags. If I lived in the US and weight wan't an issue I'd definitely consider one of these though.
I’m loving the features of the 18 but I found REI co op trail 25, which I already have the 40. And I was looking for a smaller one to go to Disney with. I fear the 18 might too small for future usage plus the 25 has more features and compartments. Love your video! At the moment they have the 18 on sale for 55 and the 25 is regular price at 99.95 lol
Nice! You got the matching set which is great. The 18 is good though for one persons stuff, but two peoples stuff at Disney for example may need some more space for sure.
Fantastic review, really appreciate you showing off the little details like the padding and what it looks like with a water bottle and switch in at the same time. Awesome stuff
I really like that it can hold a smallish/medium water bottle. Do you think the material would hold up alright on day hikes in woodsy areas where it might catch the occasional branch/scrape against a rock, or would a nylon sling be more suited to that? Been using my old North Face Borealis as basically my only bag for forever now, but I’ve recently been thinking about grabbing a sling for when I don’t really need to be carrying too much stuff.
Yea it’s awesome! I can’t tell if the outside will hold up vto scuffs, but a most, it would be cosmetic scratches, so if that doesn’t bother you then it’ll work great. Functionally, this sling will hold up great to the outdoors, especially with the water resistance
@@EDGI totally feel the same way but didn’t realize it was about the frame sheet and thought it would break in some way. May I ask if the frame sheet could be put back in? In case I want it back in.
@@EDGI touched it, and it was exactly the same thing, making the laptop area kinda curved and a bit rigid on the back. I am considering of taking it out, but it felt impossible to easily take it out and re-add it.
@@wilsonlamlyt7138 hey, so you touched it and for sure there are two frame sheets? If so, yes I was able to put it back in, but it's not super easy. The important part, is there is a pointier part of the foam and a wider part. make sure when you take the foam, you take notice of the correct orientation. I didn't do this and assumed the foam was perfectly rectangle.. so when I tried to put it back in, I had to kinda guess. But it definitely fits in one way better. I was able to get it in tho, by just forcing it since its foam and it bends. hope that helps. its a great pack!
@@EDG thanks for the help! But I’ve mistaken about the two frame sheet thing, I thought what you meant was an internal frame sheet that couldn’t be removed. If the frame sheet you meant was the big piece of sheet that you’ve showcased in the video, then I only felt one of that in the hidden zipper pull at the back of the bag. If you got two of those, then I guess you got a rare one😂
eyyy, great to hear! Yea, I just randomly stumbled upon it because its' setup weird on their website by being listed under "Accessories ". Thanks for the support! These type of comments allow to me to continue to make great videos.
Unbelievably few people give that kind of look at the laptop compartments. I have a 17" laptop, and nobody will state that their bag fits it even if it will because some 17" laptops can often be much larger than other 17" laptops. It has been a nightmare trying to find reliable dimensions of laptop compartments on any bag, so THANK YOU for comparing the two with an example. I think with a laptop being such a large investment for the average person, more reviewers should take the dimensions of the laptop compartment into consideration.
I don’t know if I missed it in the video despite watching it over a few times, but could you wear the 2L like a fanny pack rather than slung even with a full load? Looking to see if this would be a good EDC for my Fujifilm x-T5 and sigma 10-18
Despite owning two bellroy via work bags, between the two, i would go for aer without hesitation. The narrow, slippery shoulder strap has been a pain in the arse for me especially when i wear my raincoat all the time. Great review though!
Totally, understand that. This slippery shoulder strap was sort of annoying even on a normal dress shirt. If I had to wear it on a raincoat, I’d lose my mind
@@EDG i love the switch to duffle that the patagonia MLC has! its design seems more thoughtful and module, plus i love the laptop case. although i do love the Cotopaxi, i dont love the weight but it feels sturdy to send as a checked bag when i can.
