Hey, thanks for the fair and honest review! It's always good to get the perspective of Top Shelf users and to hear their feedback. We noticed a few things you could do that would help you, and other users, to improve the ease of using the bag. When you drew the bag out to access your gear in sling mode, you still had it quite tight around your torso. In order to get easy and quick access to the open layout, the bag strap must be loosened prior to slinging it out so the bag will rest on your hip. This feature of the Top Shelf was designed to be used in conjunction with the quick access handle, therefore we do recommend using it. In terms of the tripod straps; there was a requirement for the bag to have minimal interference, however, if you find the extraction process too cumbersome, you can leave the straps out when not in use. The button indicator is a nice idea, but it would add another level of complication to manufacturing and design, and in addition, it isn't really necessary since there is an audible click to hear it lock. In any event, we always recommend users double check the lid is locked before picking up the bag, as you would ensure a traditional backpack is zipped up before doing the same. The good news is we now have a new video tutorial series that clearly and simply explains how to use the Top Shelf; bevisgear.com/pages/tutorials. Hopefully this helps shorten the learning curve for anyone that is new to the bag. Thanks again for your post!
That's the thing though: I watched the video, then went back to double check after reading this comment. There's no audible click. Perhaps there's a tactile feeling that cannot be conveyed without him mentioning it... but if there was an audible click and a tactile feel, then he probably would've mentioned that.
Also you didn't address the problem he raised with the tripod being slung against the face of the bag, where we can only store a handful of small loose items. In the case of your bag, the user has to choose between exercising that storage or carrying a tripod. This raises another point that this RU-vidr didn't really address: it seems like there's hardly any storage outside of the compartment that's accessible via the "shelf door". You guys created a really cool idea, I just think it needs more tweaking before you earn my business.
Thanks for this review. Was about to pull the trigger on this bag, but yea, I see the shortcomings and the price. The hunt continues for a more suitable bag. 👍🏻
I recently upgraded from the Lowepro Trek (Flipside) to the Mindshift Backlight 26L, in order to stow my Sony 200-600mm and/or travel tripod inside the camera compartment. Both of these alternatives provide the "tabletop" style functionality, in a backpack form rather than the sling form of the Top Shelf. Honestly, I would choose either one of those for comfort and security over the Top Shelf.
I'm here a year after this video was posted. Beavis wants $370 for this same bag. Honestly? After this review, I'd find $250 to be a hard sell, I'm definitely not paying $370 for it.
Just one other suggestion, you need some more light on your face...being top lit like this isn't what I'd call flattering. Just a little fill more at eye level off to 45 degrees or something would help immensely.
Whatever you say about this bag, as a photographer with 35 years of photography experience, this is the best camera bag I have ever used! none of them!
good informative video. However, your talking head shot is far too dark and distracting. You can't see anything on the bag from that camera when you are holding it up.
hahaha this is kind of funny irony know when is click in dude if you have the bag you always know when is click in cause it makes a click sound. I think the bag isn't for everyone I have one and it awesome but maybe for young people is faster than other who needs to adapt to some of the functions
you went into this so pessimistic/negative...... seems like your motive was just very anti-hype, and you set out to prove a point. you didnt seem very unbiased at all in my opinion. you cherry-picked and nit-picked things that are VERY easily adjustable, or can be done extremely easy in other ways. aka you'd be the worst engineer on planet earth. you put items into weird locations that any normal person would never do, just to try to further your pessimistic perspective. your "humor" or comedy looks very forced and cringy. just some feedback on your feedback. also, you didnt even post a link to the backpack itself so people can check it out if they want. if you want to do reviews, i would suggest linking the item you're actually reviewing. your "personal gear" list is massively long and i felt like i only saw 4 items in total of yours...
@@CharlieVN a pinned comment from the company is not you linking it, though.... so.... that doesn't really help/count. what if someone's on mobile, and doesn't read comments? its pretty common practice to link to the product in a review video of .... the product.... that's like reviewing food at a restaurant and then not telling anyone where it's located lol.
@@pauijay do you work for Bevisgear? I have noticed from similar reviews that the owner will jump on them and send his attack dogs if they feel something doesn’t add up to their liking. I found this review to be quite useful in my judgment of this bag. I’m still having a hard time justifying the $350 price tag though. Maybe he should update the review to reflect that
