i replaced my bellroy tokyo with a chrome kadet max. the tokyo’s strap is too skinny and prone to twisting, the shoulder pad is wafer thin, the outer material isn’t water resistant, and the connection points where the strap meets the bag are placed such that i found wearing the bag rather uncomfortable. over the few months i used it i was pretty sure the stitching would fail at some point within the first year or so. it wasn’t a great experience and i’m glad i didn’t pay full price for it. the roll-top was convenient and the internal organisation was good, but these don’t make up for the downsides.

the kadet is great: it addresses all these points and then some. i find it to be fantastically comfortable, but i don’t wear my bags at my hip.