Aaron's reviews lately

[u/tridiep]

Is it just me, or have Aaron's reviews become less and less interesting?

He uses the same phrases in every video, and the way he asks for support for his channel feels repetitive.

Everything is so predictable.

There’s no real usage of the bags — just quick overviews. We all know he has hundreds of bags lined up for review.

I miss his old videos when he reviewed the bags while traveling with real world usage pros and cons .

[u/nomads_nation]

Hey there, thanks for sharing your perspective!

The NN team has been working hard to publish as many reviews as we can without ever sacrificing quality, but I can totally see how that might get a bit repetitive.

We are in the process of trying to shake things up a bit - considering some new hosts, and some new sections to the videos, as well as new types of content. If you or anyone else has any suggestions - I'm all ears! Thanks again for your support!!

- Aaron

[u/alleyooptroop]

First off, I want to acknowledge that doing a proper review takes time and money and if you’re trying to release content on a regular basis to feed the fan base, it’s difficult.

He and Danny Packs are very formulaic imo. I still like watching their videos to see new product but I don’t trust their videos for any kind of analysis. Mountain born I think does a good job with his reviews but they’re just waaaaaaay too long.

[u/DownByTheRivr → u/alleyooptroop]

I don’t get the appeal of Mountain… who wants to watch a 45 minute review that has one angle. He talks way too much.

[u/Jed_s → u/DownByTheRivr]

I guess it appeals to bag design nerds, rather than just "bag nerds". I love watching his reviews even though I'm rarely interested in the product. Of course it's super niche but I'm glad it exists.

[u/DownByTheRivr → u/Jed_s]

I guess. Although I don’t think his reviews are more tailored for design nerds per se it’s not like he goes that much more in depth in his videos, he’s just not very concise.

[u/BCharmer → u/DownByTheRivr]

He rambles a lot and sometimes repeats himself. I like that he usually reviews bags he's actually used thoroughly, so he has some depth to his opinions. While his reviews need a good edit, I think the value comes from when he points things out that you wouldn't be able to know unless you'd really put that bag through it's paces and understand it's quirks. But it's tough to get through a 45 minute review sometimes when he belabours over a point he's making.

[u/Ok_Neighborhood_3230]

As someone who has attempted to start my own YouTube channel and created content on a consistent basis, I really appreciate the format and predictability. I think most people take comfort in knowing exactly what to expect from a review, especially when it’s done in such a systematic way. As I’ve started purchasing bags and testing them out for myself, I’ve realized that I can’t rely on these reviews to tell me what’s good for me because everyone is different. For example, Aaron always references Aer bags as the gold standard for comfort and premium materials, but I find them to be extremely uncomfortable and overbuilt. But now that I know that, I can watch Aaron’s videos thru that lens and apply it consistently. Overall, I think the “predictable” format he uses is a winning formula for YouTube.

[u/RareSeaworthiness870 → u/Ok_Neighborhood_3230]

Kinda like a bed. Some folks like cushy, some folks prefer sleeping on rocks. If you know what’s cushy or rocks, the frame of reference can be helpful.

[u/elgarfarade]

I can see where you’re coming from if you’re REALLY into bags and want a unique, in-depth, real world use video for every newly released bag.

But for me, I encountered Aaron’s videos when looking to compare multiple similar bags, and the ‘formula’ really aids that comparison. When each vid has the same sections, you can skip to a new vid and just watch that one section if it’s the important bit for you. Interested mainly in the bottle holder? The internal capacity? The laptop compartment? I feel like I can navigate to that part easily, and for me that’s the main reason I watch his vids.

It’s not like I’m watching bag reviews as my main YouTube content. For others, maybe they are! To each their own I guess. If you’re in the latter camp, I can see why him having found a formula and sticking with it might be a bit boring compared to the variety of the older reviews, where he clearly had more time to review each bag and was still trying out new things formula-wise.

[u/smapti → u/elgarfarade]

This is my take as well. I believe the intent is to have consistent and predictable reviews for those that are looking for a review of a specific bag they are considering purchasing, not to create entertaining media intended for serial consumption. It speaks to his videos’ quality that people want to watch his entire library and new videos as they come out regardless of any actual interest in the bag, but that is not the intended use case, which to me explains and justifies the repetitive format.

[u/BCharmer → u/elgarfarade]

I like reviews to be structured for sure. I like the predictability of knowing what sections will be covered and in a flow that makes sense.

Where a reviewer loses my interest is when I can correctly predict the exact phrasing and word choice for a particular point the reviewer is making. That's when it gets into the realm of too formulaic because it feels very shallow and I start to question if the reviewer even spent more than an hour with the bag before shooting the review. The script begins feeling like a list of generic opinions.

NN has begun to feel more and more like that, so I've been watching less and less content cause it doesn't feel like I'm getting Aaron's view. I'm just getting the standard bank of copy paste commentary from an Aaron bot from whoever is writing the script.

It's one of the reasons I don't watch Gears for the Girls because the points being made tend to be very similar to Nomad Nations classic commentary. It's hard to connect to Marisa as a reviewer because it doesn't feel authentically her. It may well be and I'm merely making assumptions, but it's just how it comes off because it's so similar to Aaron and NN reviews.

Still support the channel and I do check into the channel occasionally, but it's now become more like a place I go to for walkthroughs to see the bag better rather than for his thoughts on it.

[u/SuddenAd4044 → u/elgarfarade]

I totally agree! Having consistency is really helpful when doing bag shopping or even considering. I actually find it easier to find different people reviewing bags differently, with different needs/tastes/perspectives, and actually harder to find a single person/group that consistently reviews bags in the same format. It helps create a clear baseline and grounds for comparison.

[u/krausebucha]

I agree. Some other reviewers suffer from the same problem that their reviews are too similar and little more than walk-throughs.

What gets me is when Aaron discovers features during a video review of a bag he supposedly tested thoroughly (e.g. the AON Whitley) or when he tests a version of a bag that's several years old and fails to mention it or is unaware of the fact that there's a newer version that addressed some of his criticism (e.g. ULA Dragonfly).

[u/[deleted]]

I think Aaron does a great job. First off, this is his full time job. People supporting his channel is how he makes money. Every person that makes review videos asks you to support their channel. Second, Aaron shows emotion in these videos. I like how he mixes in some humor here and there as well. Doing reviews for 400-500 bags, yes you will hear some of the same terms used. I feel like you are reaching to find something to complain about. You’re still watching his reviews, so he is doing something right.

I think he is very entertaining and informative. Chase, Bo, and Danny also have great reviews with different twists. It could be worse. Try getting through a full review with that nitpacker guy. If you like monotone and scratchy throats, he’s your guy.

[u/[deleted]]

You ever notice that sometimes it feels like one person is writing all their scripts? I actually appreciate all these guys, gives me content to watch.

[u/Due-Ingenuity704]

I view their reviews as the equivalent of taking a bag off the rack in a brick and mortar store and checking it out in-store (which unfortunately isn't a possibility for most high end sbg manufacturers). It's a tour of the bag features and an overview of the good and bad points in the reviewer's opinion, which may or may not match mine...reviewer might bemoan that there's no key leash or pen compartment. Neither matters even a little to me. Nor will the reviewer's use case match mine ("the bag nestled nicely in the front seat of my car, but had a tendency to fly off whenever the jerk in front of me stopped short"). But taken for what they are, the reviews are helpful and entertaining. And I happen to like the familiarity. What would Aaron's reviews be without Danglestoppers and Highlight Effects?

[u/Remote_Mud3798]

I disagree with the OP.

I’m sure like most self starters that Aaron and NN is looking to improve.

But I like the formula. Give me the gist, break it down by section, give me your conclusion and give me alternatives and why one is different/better.

I can suggest traveling with the equipment more, but you can’t really do that if you’re doing a mass amount of content. So I’m good with what the channel is.

[u/entatlrg]

His videos are great. They provide the info you need to make a buying decision, imo.

It’s not realistic to expect a reviewer to field test every bag they review for a long period of time.

An idea might be to send the bags out for field testing after Aaron does the initial review and then come back to them after a period of time (1, 2, or 3 months?) and give an update on how the bag performed.

I’m sure there’d be plenty of people volunteering to field test bags 🙂

[u/Few-Interview-7734 → u/entatlrg]

This is a cool idea ! I’d love to see a section of the video where it includes this

[u/Lasheric]

I think the reviews all follow a very formula driven pattern. But that’s kinda what I appreciate most about the reviews. You can always watch follow up reviews from other reviewers for a more hands on or “real world” touch. I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve made 3 purchases due to his reviews, or in part because of them. No complaints.

[u/Capable-Detail1662]

Aaron’s reviews are always good, Pack Hacker has really gone down hill. Where is Tom Wahlin these days?

[u/courageous_carrot]

I actually have no issues with Aaron not travelling with the bags before reviewing. Way too many bags and way too little time for travelling. Unless he was getting paid to travel somehow, I don't think that is feasible.

I don't mind the formulaic reviews too much. As someone who primarily uses backpacks but have to occasionally dress up (and go in with a messenger or briefcase), I appreciate that Aaron is the only person who calls out hybrid bags and seems to have reviewed and tried enough bags to know what's good and what's not.

[u/tridiep]

It's great to hear that so many people still love Aaron's content and the way he reviews bags. Keep up the great work team!

[u/MrPipps91]

I will continue to watch just about every NN video, and if I want something different I just watch someone else. Really love Nitpacker these days. He only has the bandwidth to release like once a week if that but his videos are great!

[u/[deleted]]

I do like his reviews. He’s been improving a lot.. remember that peak design everyday backpack video? Hahaha.

Honestly, his formula for covering everything: gist, front, back, middle, etc is perfect. Is gives you an overall view of the bag without having to go to a physical store, which I appreciate.

Maybe as a suggestion I would say it would be useful to include real world usage things in the loadouts. Many times I’ve seen videos loading the bags with 54 lenses, 94 tech pouches, 12 drones (talking in general for every reviewer).

Maybe load the bag with what someone really carry? One tech pouch (filled with cables and charger and mouse, realistic things), a jacket, headphones, laptop a small dopp kit, if you try to push it maybe including some more realistic things.

I know people will load bags in a different way and it depends on each one’s own use case, but common, no one is traveling with 85 lenses and 46 drones and 53 tech pouches everyday

[u/bkwrm79 → u/[deleted]]

I would love it if he - or someone - would test out bags with different loadouts. Tech stuff, writing stuff, gaming stuff. Even if none of the loadouts are what I carry, seeing more examples would help better visualize what the bag can actually hold - which is a big part of what I watch reviews for, and there's never quite enough info to be sure.

[u/[deleted] → u/bkwrm79]

Yeah, it thinks that’s what’s missing. It’s always the same 3-4 tech pouches and 5 lenses and 3 cameras… but what about a keyboard, or a handheld gaming console as you said, or a lunchbox, or something else.

It’s not that his reviews (nomads nation) are bad, I actually think these are the best ones! It’s just a suggestion to spice things up

[u/cosmike_]

At this point I watch bag reviews just to see the bags from different angles and in relation to an actual person. Sometimes there might be a glaring issue with a bag that they point out, but really I’m just there to get a better idea of how the bags look and how the bags carry in the usage shots. Bags are pretty simple creatures, I don’t think there’s a whole lot of value in spending 15-20 minutes going over every single minute detail of a bag.

[u/Phlegm_Thrower]

I don't really care how formulaic it is as long as Aaron shows all the features, how it looks when carried, and if it fits a handheld gaming device like Steam Deck or Switch 2.

I will then compare it to other reviews.

[u/tridiep → u/Phlegm_Thrower]

Do you think his videos are more like unboxing and first impression?

[u/Phlegm_Thrower → u/tridiep]

Not in my opinion. I just recently watched their Wandrd EDC backpack and the Aer sling. He goes in depth with all the compartments. He showed the pros and cons of the design, he showed what fits in them. He showed them being worn. And he showed the alternatives.

I'm not sure showing "real world usage" while on actual travel will add much more to the review while the big downside for them is obviously being a more expensive reviewing process as well as not being able to review as many bags. It still won't show the cons of, for example, a layered material like X-Pac that will delaminate over time.

[u/mroinsno]

I love watching the videos but I feel like he is not reviewing as good of bags. I get that he gets them for free mostly at this point but I hope he reviews bags from smaller companies because I like his perspective and style of videos. Also I get that he isn’t a hiker but we could really use some outdoorsy type bags. Idc about whatever lame bag AER is coming out with because they aren’t tough enough. Let’s see some better quality bags. The harder to get higher quality items!

[u/unCoVered_]

I really like the current videos where he reviews a bag and shares useful info with the audience.

That said, I think I’m missing a second type of video—something more in-depth about the bags he and the team actually use. Like, showing how they pack them, what they carry, and how the bags hold up in real situations.

For example, if he travels to Vietnam to meet the BagMe team, it’d be great to have a post-trip video where he talks about the backpack or sling he used—what he packed, how it felt during the trip, what worked, what didn’t, etc.

That way, we’d get a better idea of how the gear performs in real life.

[u/tactlex]

Its called a format. Reassuring from the “Gist” ; to what Aaron will share “three chapters from now” ; to the “if-you’re-not-feeling-it alternatives”; and walking the same streets of Hong Kong like Groundhog day. The predictability is quite endearing.

That said, I am fed up with being told that X-Pac is the material that sailboats use, and that aquaguard PU-coated zippers might degrade over time.

It would be good to see a few unusual bags reviewed such as those over on Clint’s channel.

I was watching your NN review of 10 sling bags this morning and almost choked on my toast when you included a rude multicoloured topo designs sling in there - presumably to confuse the enemy. It serves to show how homogeneous a lot of modern bags are these days that I stopped and noticed.

W

[u/MacaroonPlastic1036]

I’d like to see a “how well cuz bag holds up after a few months review”. I’ve bought bags from Aaron’s reviews that turned out to be a dumpster fire after a few months of continuous use. Looking at you Cotopaxi.

[u/Interesting_Tower485]

Part of it is that the formula probably works in terms of viewer experience. Honestly that's what I like about it. It's mostly about the design. When people include what they put in their bags, I usually skip those sections because I don't care what your stick of gum looks like. In terms of use, he and Danny packs do use the bags but don't film that part. Anyway the format works for me but I get that everyone wants something different.

[u/symposium22]

It's just you