Being from Colorado, I have a bunch of topo products but honestly the only things I love from them are their small pouches, hats, and clothing. Their packs have too many straps and the materials leave a lot to be desired. Cool look though. Their rolling travel bag is their best pack. That one is worth a look.
Another great review, Aaron and team. I’ve had an all black version of the Rover for about 8 years. It was a special edition with a leather base. Looks great. Anyway, three points. The simple construction and small size make this a lightweight, flexible bag. This is great for those of us who do not need to carry much. The visual dangle is greatly minimized with an all black bag. Finally, I am able to reverse tuck the extra front strap up over the d-rings in front. This eliminates the front dangle. I love this bag and had to give it some support 😊
Topo Defense Force assemble! I really like Topo stuff. I feel like their price to quality ratio is really great. I have the “tech” version of this bag which addresses alot of Aarons qualms(back ventilation, padded laptop compartment). I really love the form factor of the rover, the slim profile is really great if you live in a busy city and take public transit, alot of the premium back pack brands are way too deep and bulky for that imo. Protip, you can just tuck the cinch top of the backpack into the bag and you don’t have to deal with it also. But yes, STOP THE DANGLE TOPO!
Hey, I just though I'd pitch in since I'm actively using a close relative of this backpack. I have been an avid user of a Rover Pack Tech I bought in March this year to replace an aging Dakine Network 30L that sagged and had no compression to speak of. I use it daily as a university/work bag and it is a lot better than the original Rover pack because it has a ribbed back panel that helps with the sweat. Behind that panel is a firmly padded laptop sleeve that is properly tight and very well put between the back panel and the main compartment padding. It opens from the side. The dangle from the main clips can be mitigated by the webbing below the bottom compartment zipper. I don't really mind the other 6 straps, though, so I might be biased. For me, I can see this lasting at least a few years and it's very well padded compared to bags I've used before, which helps if the laptop isn't the only fragile device I'm carrying around. And the materials are definitely an upgrade from what I had before, though some of the mass-market stuff is really bottom shelf when it comes to fabric quality.
I've owned so many Topo bags over the last 10 years, aesthetically they are just my favourite. However, I'm moving away from them now and it's down to comfort more than anything. Their straps just don't last a full day if carrying at full capacity. They're okay for a commute but not for a travel bag. Even then, they aren't fun for a commute in the sun, the lack of ventilated back panel is a major downside! I'd have probably recommended the Bellroy Venture Ready over the Classic, way closer to that aesthetic. At the same sort of price point, I would go something like the North Face Recon or the Osprey Daylite/Nebula. Both come in great colours, better comfort and better laptop sleeves (thought only marginally for the North Face). Though the real alternative is the Mystery Ranch Catalyst, the big comparison is how much better the access is! Plus the same outdoor aesthetic
I use a GR M23 for edc, it’s like a cleaner version of this. I’ve grown to really love all the buckles, snaps and draw strings. It’s no quick access for sure but I really enjoy it. My no “top loader” stance has completely changed. Call me crazy but all the dangle adds to the aesthetic IMO, feels intentional and if you stop the dangle on this bag I think it takes away from the character. I’ll see myself out now 😂
I love the look. 👍 It looks like a simple bag to carry day to day "stuff" I'm thinking - phone, wallet, brolly, tissues, chapstick, wipes, meds, sandwhich, bottle of water etc instead of say - Laptop, Tablet, Cables, chargers etc. EDC wandering to town with the kids, rather than commute with work stuff. Iyswim Alternaitves - I'd have maybe picked Donut or Sherpani over Pakt and Bellroy. 👍
That is looks just an Invicta rebranded. Invicta backpacks, from Italy, are not commented in RU-vid, but have beautiful school backpacks, since a long time ago.
Hey Aron, I love your channel. I think I belong to the backpacking fans. I'm considering buying a Topo Rover Pack Tech as I'm looking for a rectangular backpack that will hold: art blocks, 2 bottles of water, a lightweight tripod, paints, a palette and still be lightweight. It will be very comfortable to carry. Waterproof. (I will be going on plein air ) 😉☺Do you recommend any other backpack models ? 🙈😉
Thanks so much! I don’t know of any water proof backpacks, but if you are looking for a colorful/comfy backpack with some weather resistance maybe check out bags from Bellroy - they’ve got a lot lol
@@Nomads.Nation Thank you for your quick response and suggestions. The rucksack I'm looking for doesn't have to be colourful or totally wood-proof but made of good materials - weatherproof, to hold some of the gear I mentioned in an earlier comment.
No back support, I hated my time with it. With the haize backpack, it was my worst experience. To this point topo design has disappointed me in every product. Sling ? uncomfortable. Backpack ? Uncomfortable. Crossbody ? .. you get it. I mean they are just producing colored backpacks and accessories because most people go for that before function. And don't get me wrong, they have beautiful backpack. But useless. And I find them pricey. They have streamlined their designs to make it easy to make in a different color, rather than making less color options but more comfort, and design ergonomics. Tbh for me it's like Cabaia, terrible brand as well unless you are just looking for aesthetics. Which I understand, nowadays it's all about that before function. Forgot about Kankens, terrrrible for day to day use and I see people carrying like 5 kilos of books, computers with it 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 your back you only have one. You deserve a pricier b ackpack to protect your back for life.
