If you’re looking for a sleek daily backpack that’ll work in the office this is it!

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Luxury without the luxurious price tag. It’s a carry dream for many, but often remains out of reach. That is, until ISM stepped onto the scene with a simple question. Do luxurious quality and affordability have to be mutually exclusive? Turns out, they don’t. The San Francisco brand set their sights on achieving both, and have excelled with the Classic Backpack.

Inspired by necessity, honed by desire

ISM founder Justin Kwong wanted a bag that could reliably carry everything he needed to work from home, in the office or on the move. A bag that could securely hold his tech, while avoiding the clutter of countless unused pockets. A bag that exuded style and quality without breaking the bank to achieve it. Lightweight but robust. Fashion-friendly and functional.

So he got down to designing just such a bag. First he interviewed numerous creatives to discover what they valued in an EDC bag. Then he combined these insights with input from industry experts and inspiration from his top designers to create his ideal everyday backpack.

Striving for higher standards

Many iterations later, the honed design was ready for production. However, the first production run fell short of Justin’s high standards in stitching quality, so he sought a new production partner. And he found one – a factory that makes bags for some of the biggest brands in luxury carry, from Tumi to Armani.

The backpacks are handcrafted using water-resistant full-grain leather, water-resistant nylon and polyester twill lining. Premium YKK zippers and hardware provide smooth, easy access on the go, with a weatherproof YKK zipper on the dedicated padded laptop compartment to protect your tech from the elements.

The main compartment features a choice of zipped and slip pockets for simple, straightforward organization of smaller items. Additionally, an exterior pocket on the front keeps essentials secure but within easy reach as needed. The backpack even features a discreet side flap to charge electronics on the go. And with quality EVA foam padding in the straps and back support, you’ll carry comfortably throughout the day.

ISM backpacks offer the premium look and feel of luxurious pieces because they’re made to those exacting standards. But without the high markups that luxury brands add on top. And ISM stand behind that quality, backing their bags with a lifetime warranty. Plus each bag comes with a 30-day trial for added peace of mind. Win-win!

Keeping carry classy

It’s not just the quality that makes the ISM Classic Backpack stand out. The clean silhouette and subtle branding ensures this bag looks classy wherever you take it. Professional in work settings, chic on your travels, and understated for more casual environments.

Refined in its functional minimalism, this practical pack adapts to changing daily needs and settings in luxurious style.

Enjoy 10% off!

The ISM Classic Backpack already offers great value for money with a regular price tag of US$215. But you can enjoy its luxurious functionality for even less, with a 10% discount for Carryology readers. Simply use the discount code carryology10 at checkout. Top-notch!

The post A Sleek Fashion Backpack with Daily Functionality Built-in appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Denver welcomed Outdoor Retailer Summer Market for the first time this year, with open arms, and a new convention center. With the three annual conventions, OR is expected to bring some $110M and 85,000 attendees to the Mile High City, with the Summer Market accounting for roughly half that amount. For many on the Carryology crew, myself included, Denver was a new town to us. We spent the past three years getting to know Salt Lake City and now we had to figure out the layout of a new convention center, the charm of different neighborhoods, and where the best coffee and food was. We were up to the challenge, though, and started first thing Monday morning.

Peak Design

My first appointment at the show was with Peak Design and the timing couldn’t have been better. We met them about 45 minutes before they were going to launch their 8th Kickstarter campaign. I got the full rundown on their new Travel Line and was blown away. The core of the system is, naturally, the 45L Travel Backpack. It opens up with a large bucketed compartment that is designed to be a catch-all for your packing needs. Speaking of packing, they’ve developed a set of camera and packing cubes that are specifically tailored to fit together in the Travel Backpack. The camera cubes come in three sizes so it’s possible to create a combination that fits your needs.

In addition to the camera cubes, there are two sizes of packing cubes (small and medium). They are made of a very lightweight and thin 40D nylon and both expand and compress, plus they have dirty clothes separation. The zippers can even be pulled apart for quick access. Peak has also made a Tech Pouch and Wash Pouch, both utilizing a clever origami opening system. The Tech Pouch is designed so items you drop in can easily be located and accessed, and the accordion shape is designed so bulkier items don’t conflict when closing. The Wash Pouch also opens origami style but has a prominent hanging section in the middle for your toothbrush. It closes magnetically, and has two pull handles to invert the pouch for easy cleaning.

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“We met Peak Design about 45 minutes before they were going to launch their 8th Kickstarter campaign. I got the full rundown on their new Travel Line and was blown away.”

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During the conference, the campaign hit the goal within the first hour and was at over a million before the show was over. You can get in on the action for $235 for the Travel Backpack, with options adding to the cost.

BioLite

This startup from New York came into Denver hot, ready with two new products. First up is the BioLite HeadLamp which expands on their LED and USB rechargeable lighting solutions. I am not sure why I was surprised when this was announced, considering their history of making lights, but I was super stoked to hear about it and even more excited to see it in person. It features what they call 3D Slimfit Construction, which is comprised of three parts: first the front portion is flush even with the electronics integrated, second there’s better balance that’s achieved by moving power to the rear pack, and lastly, the use of smart fabric (moisture-wicking, minimized abrasion points). The Li-ion battery can power the light for three hours on high (330 lumens) and 40 hours on low (5-7 lumens). In addition to white light, it can also do spot, flood, red, strobe and is infinitely dimmable. And for the final touch – it can be articulated with just one hand. It is coming out Spring 2019 and will be priced at $49.95.

If you don’t want to wait that long and want to try out BioLite’s latest, then make sure to check out their FirePit. The aluminum rectangular box weighs 19 lbs and is designed to allow you to have campfires or cook, all while minimizing smoke. They achieve this by using a proprietary airflow system which injects the fire with oxygen, along 51 jets. This causes your fire to burn hotter, vaporizing the particulates that make up smoke. BioLite designed the sides of the FirePit with a mesh so users can see the flame. They found that many people build fires that are too large because they just want to see the flames. This X-Ray Mesh allows you to see the fire from the sides, which means you can build a fire with as little as four logs. Rounding out the features are the fold-up legs, convenient carry handles, and an optional storage bag with a built-in solar panel for recharging. The BioLite FirePit is priced at $199.

Patagonia

The latest in bags this year for Patagonia is their Planing Collection. These wet/dry bags are made specifically for surfers, kitesurfers, fishermen, and whoever may have the need to separate wet and dry clothing. Many of you may already know that Patagonia makes dry bags, primarily used for fishing. They noticed that surfers were re-purposing these expensive and often overbuilt bags for their needs, creating an inefficiency. To address this, Patagonia is releasing a four-piece collection that allows for wet/dry separation; it comes in at a lower price point, and is focus built for anyone who needs that as the main feature, while not forcing users to pay for features they don’t need. The Planing Collection is available in a rolltop, tote, duffel, and divider pack. It will be available February 2019.

As far as travel and techincal clothing is concerned, Patagonia has taken their Capilene series and simplified it with three shirts, each with a specific purpose. The first is a daily tee that fits like a tshirt. It has a higher neckline and is your go-to, do-everything shirt. It has a 50+ UPF rating to protect you from those rays. Next up is a shirt that is geared more like a synthetic climbing shirt. It’s good for warmer trail runs, climbing, etc. It is integrated with Tencel for its benefits. Finally their most lightweight shirt is for trail running, and high performance activities. It has a wider neckline and is more form-fitting. These new Capilene shirts will be available February 2019.

SOG

I’ve been keeping an eye on SOG ever since I picked up one of their blacked-out PowerAssist full-sized multitools. This year, in addition to some nifty little blades like the Flare with its assisted opening, SOG is introducing two small multitools. First up is the PowerLitre which preserves SOG’s compound leverage mechanism for maximum compression, but does it in a smaller package. It measures 5″ in overall length and has 17 tools including a corkscrew! That’s a first for me on a pliers-style multitool.

Similarly, the PowerPint also is 5″ long, has the same compound leverage mechanism, but pulls off 18 tools in a slightly lighter package (4.2 vs 4.6 oz). The smaller PowerPint comes in at $54 and the PowerLitre is priced at $67 and both are available now.

Matador

I swear, everyone I waxed poetic to about this booth was nodding in enthusiastic agreement. With their FlatPak line, Matador solved a problem that nobody knew they had or at least never thought could be improved. We all travel and know what a hassle it is to pack toothpaste, soap, shampoos, and conditioners, especially given our political climate and strict TSA rules. First up is the FlatPak Toiletry Bottle which comes in a 1 or 3-pack and retails for $12.99 or $34.99, respectively. It’s made with a special Cordura fabric that has never been used with this application before. It is 5 times lighter and 3.5 times more compact than traditional toiletry bottles. The best part is it compresses down to exactly the amount of product you have left, leaving you with more room in your bag as your trip progresses.

Next up is their FlatPak Soap Bar Case which really stole the spotlight. Again, using the Cordura material with a proprietary coating, this time the Soap Bar Case has a breathable membrane (they call Dry-Through) which allows the bar to dry when it’s being stored. The rolltop closure means the case is only as large as the remaining bar. No more gross Ziploc bags or bars of soap wrapped in paper towels. The Soap Bar Case retails for $12.99.

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“With their FlatPak line, Matador solved a problem that nobody knew they had or at least never thought could be improved.”

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Smartwool

The story this year with Smartwool is their thoughtful construction, especially in regards to their new men’s and women’s tops, where they are really showcasing their 3D mapping technology. Take for instance their updated men’s anorak which is body mapped and mesh paneled. They put merino where it’s needed and made the garment breathable and vented, to minimize billowing during active pursuits.

Their Merino Sport 150 utilizes a merino that is woven around a nylon core, giving you the benefits of both materials. The use of the aforementioned inset mesh panels adds more style, especially to the women’s tops. The highlights here are the women’s tank top and the men’s tech tee, both under the Merino Sport 150 range. Finally, for men, we also see new boxer briefs, with some models removing the front flap opening for those athletes that are looking for a sleeker fit. There is also a new brief available, with less leg material than the boxer.

Farm to Feet

The evening before flying out, we were having dinner at an Indian restaurant and this lady overheard our conversation about coolers. Jokes were exchanged and at one point, showing her frustration with the exhibit selection, she rhetorically asked “Gosh, could there be any more merino sock companies?” I laughed but as someone who is a big proponent of merino (for everything), I am glad there are lots of options for merino socks.

I would have passed by Farm to Feet’s booth if it had not been for a rep who led me to them during a rapid-fire tour of brands. Farm to Feet’s main selling point is they are focused on a Made in the USA merino sock. This means everything from the wool and nylon to packaging, inks, and workers are American. It was launched about five years ago by Nestor Hosiery which is an OEM that produces socks for some big brands you’ve heard of.

What caught my eye is the Cascade Locks hiking sock, named after the gathering at that site, for the Pacific Crest Trail Days. In fact, all of their socks are named after a trail or region in the country. Farm to Feet does not do any printing so all of their designs are knitted into the sock. It’s quite fascinating when you take a close look at the detailed designs. They have also put thought into where to put extra cushioning and where to keep it less cushioned, depending on the task at hand. For the Cascade Locks sock, this means no cushioning in the arch to minimize weight and bulk, but it does have cushioning on the top of the foot for extra comfort. Priced at $22.50 a pair, which is in line with their other offerings, I am definitely looking to Farm to Feet for my next pair of hiking socks.

Brooks England

At first glance, the new Brooks Discovery Range doesn’t seem to really fit with the other bags in their collection. However, once you place them among their wildly successful Cambium saddles, you start seeing the shared DNA. There are a total of five bags in Discovery, but one didn’t make it to the States (a smaller version of one of the backpacks). Let’s focus on the ones that are available now, stateside. First up are the two backpacks – the Sparkhill in 22L and the Pitfield which starts at 24L and goes up to 28L with expansion. You’ll see similar details on these bags, along with the others in the range. They include: zippers that mimic the shape of the saddle rails, interior lining telling the story of Brooks (you’ll see a man and a horse, which is the origin story of the iconic brand), YKK AquaGuard zippers, waterproof PU-coated nylon and Cordura exterior, and reflective details. A unique feature on the Pitfield is the stretch front which allows you to store a helmet (or jackets) inside. If you opt not to use it for a helmet, there’s an attachment point on the exterior you can attach it to. There is also a place to store your U-lock as well as a padded pocket for your smartphone or sunglasses. The bag can also fit over the handles of a typical piece of rolling luggage, which is super convenient when you are going from gate to gate. Both packs are $200.

The New Street briefcase has attachments to turn it into a pannier. I really thought the system was clever, with you opening two wide straps that then swing around to the front and reattach, providing you with a reflective strip. When it is not in use on a bike, the flaps close in the rear, securing everything neatly. It comes with a shoulder strap but can also be carried briefcase-style, by the handles. It is priced at $200.

Lastly, the Strand shoulder bag features the patented Brooks cycling belt for stability. It comes in at 15 liters and carries a 15″ MacBook, can support a U-lock and has some nicely padded compartments with organization. It sells for $180.

Cordura

Cordura is a real beast to cover here so I want to just focus on a few things that I think are important to the carry industry. First and foremost is the realization that people want items that last longer and continue to look good during wear. To that end, they have created Cordura TrueLock Fiber which is a solution-dyed nylon 6,6. The difference between TrueLock and traditional materials is that with TrueLock, the color is embedded in the fiber. This results in long-lasting and consistently colored products. There is also a water savings of 1.87 liters per linear meter of material plus an energy savings that’s enough to make 170 margaritas on a home blender (I know, random fact but it goes to show how much more efficient this process is). This has great applications in the military where they often are faced with different components on a pack wearing differently and thus creating a non-uniform look. However, this is also crossing over to the consumer market where partners want consistency.

Next up, I asked about microplastics shedding off of clothes and into the water supply or atmosphere. Cordura assured me that they are focused on this and have already completed a study. They are partnering with Tencel and will have innovations debuting in early 2019 in that realm.

Cotopaxi

The biggest news for Cotopaxi at this year’s Outdoor Retailer is the pending release of their smaller 28L Allpa travel backpack. The 35L is a crowdfunding success story and now that the bags have been delivered to backers, the SLC company is releasing a smaller version. Personally, I found the smaller size extremely attractive and a much-needed option. We saw a trend of a few companies releasing products that, on second thought, may have been too large for some of their core demographic. To correct for this, they are releasing smaller bags, with mostly the same feature set as the bigger brothers. In this case, the 28L Allpa has the laptop sleeve, stowaway straps, mesh back panel, and the same anti-theft zippers. The differences are a smaller waist belt since it’s expected to hold less weight, and inside you’ll find just one span pocket on the left side, rather than the two on the 35L. It’s expected in two colorways – shark and phantom, and will retail for a very reasonable $160.

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“The biggest news for Cotopaxi at this year’s Outdoor Retailer is the pending release of their smaller 28L Allpa travel backpack. Personally, I found the smaller size extremely attractive and a much-needed option.”

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Cotopaxi hasn’t done many lifestyle bags recently so for Spring ’19, they are looking to change that. You have the Ostra which is a 30L bag with some cool hardware. It includes a magnetic latch for the main compartment opening, a sleeve to tuck a book or jacket, water bottle sleeve, mesh back panel, and space for both a laptop and tablet. It will retail for $80 when it’s out Spring ’19. They are also coming out with a messenger bag called the Mono which will also feature magnetic straps (starting to see a trend here?), and will hold a 17″ laptop and is compartmentalized for maximum organization in the office. Finally, the behemoth 50L Burro Duffel will feature magnets to secure the straps and unlike their previous duffel offerings, will have more compartments for sorting your goods.

Fjällräven

I am always excited to see what Fjällräven has in store and this year they didn’t disappoint. The main focus of their booth is their new Bergtagen, their first venture into making a dedicated ski-tour/mountaineering pack. It is 38L and is made with their new Bergshell fabric, which is comprised of recycled nylon. It also features two birch stays that make up the frame. While many of Fjällräven’s packs use wooden frames, this particular frame uses sustainable birch and actually gives you weight savings rather than added weight that other species of wood often has. The stays are removable if you decide you don’t need that extra support. The uploading bag has plenty of room, including a pocket for avalanche equipment/beacon. It’s also hydration compatible and the exterior features a latch for securing rope or other mountaineering equipment as well as compression straps to carry skis or poles. It’s a Spring ’19 release and priced at $240.

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“I am always excited to see what Fjällräven has in store and this year they didn’t disappoint. The main focus of their booth is their new Bergtagen, their first venture into making a dedicated ski-tour/mountaineering pack.”

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Next up are some more whimsical and fun items. The Kånken Art sees a collaboration with two young Swedish artists, Erik Olovsson and Cecilia Heikkilä, who add their flair to the iconic Kånken backpack. Made from durable G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco S, the bags are also part of Fjällräven’s Arctic Fox Initiative, meaning a portion of the sales will be donated to conservation research. These unique bags will be priced at $90 for the regular size and $80 for the Mini.

Finally, with hip packs making a comeback (not sure what I think about this), Fjällräven is introducing the Ulvö Hip Pack. The pack also uses Fjällräven’s Bergshell fabric and comes in medium and large sizes. The smaller measures 2L in capacity while the large is twice as large. Both have internal and external pockets and have a vintage vibe to them. They will retail for $50 and $60, respectively.

Osprey

Osprey’s story at Summer Outdoor Retailer is really around four new packs. First is the new Rook/Ren which offers backpackers a fully-featured pack for an entry-priced $150. It uses Osprey’s new Airspeed suspension and harness for excellent ventilation and a dialed-in fit. It also comes with an integrated raincover, zippered sleeping bag compartment and plenty of organization. It retails for $155 for the 50L and $165 for the 65L version.

They’ve also redesigned their premium mountain biking packs for Spring 2019. The Raptor/Raven now features their new Biostrech Harness which uses a winged harness to wrap around your upper shoulders for a comfortable close fit while there is dynamic movement on the bike. The AirScape back panel allows for ventilation while the Hydraulics LT 2.5L bladder offers flexibility for riding in different positions. A removable toolroll organizer, helmet attachment point, and hydration sleeve with direct access round out the features. This is priced at $140.

Speaking of cycling, the Seral is a 7L lumbar pack designed to keep you hydrated and with tools close by, but without the bulk of a shoulder pack. It features an AirScape lumbar back panel, direct access to the reservoir, compartment with tool organization and a front panel bungee for additional storage. It’s priced at $85.

Last but not least is their new travel solution. The Ozone Duplex is available now and is a travel pack they are adding to their travel line. The idea for this pack is to have your laptop closer to your body with a larger daypack and a removable cargo bag. The cargo bag comes off and acts like traditional luggage. It has internal compression, internal mesh pockets, a liquids pouch, and duffel style pouch. The idea is you travel to the airport with the two bags attached. Once you get there, you separate the two items and either check in the cargo bag or put it in the overhead bin, while the backpack acts as your daypack. The same goes for when you arrive at your destination – leave the cargo bag at the hotel or hostel, and take the daypack around town. The daypack opens from the back panel for easy access to your laptop. It has a secret pocket for documents like your passport and a water bottle pocket that is still accessible when attached to the cargo bag. It’s available in 65L for men and 60L for women. Available now, first from REI.

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“The Ozone Duplex is available now and is a travel pack they are adding to their travel line. The idea for this pack is to have your laptop closer to your body with a larger daypack and a removable cargo bag.”

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Opinel

Two new products that Opinel is introducing are their picnic set and a modern take on a classic. First up is a nice little picnic or garden set that includes three tools – corkscrew, No. 12 serated knife (perfect for cutting bread, pineapples, or other hard-to-slice items), and the first over folding peeler. Each tool sits in a designated area, marked by an etching in the cloth, and secured with a loop. Above it sits a cutting board that is made in Italy, using Beechwood sourced from Europe. Everything is wrapped nicely in a bundle with a fiber cloth and secured with an elastic shock cord. This is expected for an end-of-summer release, and will retail for $85.

Next up is the No. 8 Black Oak which takes the 128-year-old classic No. 8 and adds a black oak handle and black annodizing on the blade and locking mechanism. I have always toyed with getting a No. 8 for beach or picnic outings and this Black Oak version was a real stunner in person. It’s $45 and available now.

Snow Peak

The Japanese heritage outdoors company had a team of representatives from their Portland HQ at the show. While they had a handful of cool titanium camping goods available, we were mostly there for the bags. They had a really simple, but impressive, soft cooler tote with them. The rugged canvas bag holds 4.2 gallons and while they recommend using it with ice packs, they had it full with cubes and beer at the show and there was no sign of leakage anywhere. In a world of fairly ugly coolers, I think Snow Peak has a winner on their hands here. It’s available Summer 2018 for $100.

Granite Gear

Like the Crown2 release from last year’s Outdoor Retailer, the Minnesota-based Granite Gear went back to the drawing board and took an existing classic and completely revamped it. This time around, they focused on the Blaze 60 and completely redesigned it. In comparison to the Crown where you can still purchase the Crown 1, this is a new bag, built from the ground up, but with the heritage and foundation of the previous Blaze 60. So what’s new? Where do we start?

First and foremost, there is a higher load rating, 50 lbs, up from the 40 lbs of the last Blaze, and higher than the 30 lbs of the Crown2. They accomplished this in a few key ways. First, there is a non-removable polycarbonate frame sheet that is injection molded instead of compression molded (Crown2). This allows them to vary thicknesses based on the known stress and load points. The new Blaze 2 also has quick-adjusting torso size but utilizing metal buckles that fit into slots in the frame sheet. The sheet is clear so you can easily see what you’re doing as you make adjustments. To ensure a good fit, the Blaze 60 has adjustable hip stabilizers that work by first undoing heavy-duty Velcro straps, pulling the compression straps close to you, then re-securing the straps on the hip belt. Once this adjustment is made, the bag moves with your body.

To maintain essentially the same weight as last year’s Blaze, Granite Gear developed a proprietary and exclusive material (that is similar to Dyneema), that they’re calling Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE). Traditionally, ripstop fabrics have a fiber content of 7% (one vertical crossing one horizontal fiber). In the Blaze 60, they’ve worked with the mill to up that content to 21%, meaning three vertical crossing three horizontal fibers. This creates a denser ripstop pattern and this material is used in high-stress areas. The rest of the pack is covered in 100D fabric. Other features include a removable top lid that can be attached to the hip belt for waist carry, or on the chest for easy access to maps and snacks, taking the weight off the shoulders.

The Blaze 60 is a Spring ’19 release and comes in two colorways (black and pottery clay) in the unisex, along with three torso sizes. And for women, it comes in black and teal and two torso sizes. It will retail for $269. The Blaze 60 looks to be a very versatile offering from Granite Gear, targeting hikers who want more flexibility in dialing in a fit, and who may need the higher load rating.

LifeProof

The brand known for their protective phone cases have come out with a complete line of bags. Four styles – Quito (18L), Squamish (20L), Goa (22L), and Squamish XL (32L), in three colorways, are retailing for $100 to $180 and are available now. The Quito is considered a flash pack – something you can just pick up and toss some items in and run out the door. The next size up is the Squamish and it has side access, a 13″ laptop compartment, and external storage to support cycling shoes, a jacket or helmet. The Goa has four different tech pockets, side access for a 15″ laptop, and fleece-lined pocket for a smartphone or sunglasses. Finally, the Squamish XL is the king of the collection and comes in at 32L. It has a zip area at the bottom of the pack for wet/dry separation. All packs have a Cordura exterior for water resistance.

LifeProof is also introducing a wireless charging pack. It houses a 10,000 mAh battery and is drop-proof, waterproof, and has a flashlight. You can charge up to three devices at once including wireless, USB-C and USB-A connectors.

Well that wraps up Part I of our OR Summer Market 2018 coverage. Keep your eyes peeled for Part II plus our awards post so you can get the complete picture. If you have any questions, feel free to ask down below. There are a few other brands that we met with briefly, or unofficially, that I didn’t get to touch on here. If you are wondering about a brand, you can check if we came by them, by asking in the comments.

The post Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2018: Recap Part I appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

As Outdoor Retailer 2018 rolled on, we pushed ever deeper into the Colorado Convention Center to get the details on the latest world of carry. Throughout three days of the show we battled the Denver altitude, high blood pressure from seeing too many good bags, and sore shoulders from all the swag for the Outdoor Retailer Awards.

Before we dive into the goodies, a couple of observations from this year’s show. First, more and more kickstarted brands are making an appearance. Whether this is Peak Design, who launched (and funded) a new bag on Day 1 of the show, to smaller brands such as Boundary Supply who we caught up with for some out of booth dealings, it’s awesome to see this infusion of new brands into the scene.

Second, there were numerous Carryology logos dotting the convention center floor. Award recipients from the annual Carry Awards, such as Mystery Ranch and Pelican, had emblems denoting bags that the Carryology Community had collectively voted on. The Carryology contingent at the show was also doing our best to dish out fresh-off-the-press Carryology patches (keep an eye out for how to get one). It’s great to see this community growing.

Third, this year’s show had the biggest emphasis on sustainability of any show yet. In many ways Patagonia led the charge (and the push to move the show from Salt Lake City to Denver) with not just new sustainable textiles, but also spearheading legislation here in the U.S. to for instance grow hemp. Additionally lots of textile suppliers were touting less water-intensive coloring processes (cheers Cordura) to material made from plastic bottles, factory waste, and even algae biomass. Very cool to see such an emphasis taking hold on many levels at this show.

Finally, there seemed to be more parties at the show than ever before. Whether this is simply a welcome party for OR moving to Denver, or just the regular Denver party scene remains to be seen. One thing is for sure, carry brands can get down. With that said, here’s part two of our Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2018 roundup.

Pelican

Pelican came to the show with an array of hard and soft carry goods. Their insulated cooler line is expanding with new colors and sizes. Their much applauded Pelican Air line has also been updated with some sharp-looking colorways.

While Pelican is perhaps most known for hard luggage, they are just now getting into soft goods. Along with their Mobile Protect backpack (official Sixth Annual Carry Awards nominee), they’re expanding to include two sizes of duffels. In true Pelican fashion, the laptop protection on these bags is second to none.

Gossamer Gear

Gossamer Gear wowed us on the show floor with updates to a couple of their most popular backpacks, the Vagabond, Kumo, and Silverback. While the packs more or less remain the same, the team at Gossamer Gear has been working to develop a new series of super lightweight textiles, weaves, and colorways which look really sharp. We’re excited to see these hit the market and the trail.

Dakine

Celebrating their 40th anniversary, Dakine is dropping a new line which pays homage to their original headquarters in the Cannery Building in Maui. I’m personally hoping to have this much swag when I turn 40.

Rounding out their updates are a new Decent Duffel which is lined with an actual tarp and some additional bags in their Cyclone welded construction collection.

OtterBox

One of the things we love about Outdoor Retailer is the chance to talk with designers and hear about their process designing the bags we’re seeing. Case in point is the new Yampa dry duffel from OtterBox.

The duffel itself packs a whole lot of goodies and will definitely be on our radar, but what really made this bag stand out was hearing how the designer made a raft out of four of these duffels and rafted down a river just to test the durability. He was in one piece at OR which sounds like a successful bag review to us.

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“The designer made a raft out of four of these duffels and rafted down a river just to test the durability.”

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WANDRD

We’ve recently seen WANDRD on Carryology with a small collection of good-looking travel bags. At the show the team had the Prvke and Hexad on display for us to ogle, along with some good-looking new products in the works that we swore on our favorite backpack we wouldn’t talk about.

North St. Bags

While at OR we dig meeting with smaller brands such as North St. Bags because we get to hang with the founder and see their personal bag choice, which is always carry candy. Curtis was rocking their new Weekender Backpack, which is handmade in Portland and really dialed in for a week of traveling.

What’s more, we got ahold of a coveted North St. OR survival kit – one of their Pioneer 12 hip packs, decked out with essentials to get us through the week (i.e. whiskey, Advil, and syrup from Vermont). But really, the colorway alone on this bag would have gotten us through just fine.

Yeti

Yeti continued to impress with their uber-durable cooler line and expanding carry line. Building on the success of their Panga submersible duffel, they’ve now got a 28L Panga backpack, complete with the same zipper used on hazmat suits. There’s a smaller, waterproof pouch with an awesome magnetic opening, and a cooler that now has wheels.

We geeked out about the design of this rolling cooler and found out that it’s engineered so there is no through axle on the wheels. The reason being that a through axle would generate friction, which in turn would heat up the cooler, which in turn would warm up your beer. Cheers for keeping our beer cold, Yeti.

Thule

To all the travelers who carry a hiking backpack on their back while simultaneously carrying a smaller bag on their front, Thule has got you covered. Their new Landmark backpack for adventure travelers is a genius design that gives you two bags in one, with a beefy suspension tying the two of them together.

If hard rolling luggage is more your style, well Thule has that sorted too. With their Revolve line, Thule is making their first foray into hard luggage, which we’re excited about. The luggage has a tamper-proof zipper, wheels that absorb bumps, and because they’re Thule, they have tested this luggage to the same test standard as their roof racks. Super impressive!

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“With their Revolve line, Thule is making their first foray into hard luggage, which we’re excited about.”

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The North Face

The big thing we saw at The North Face this year was their Dyno carry line – basically picture four backpacks with some of the most dialed-in and adjustable suspension you can imagine. These bags have been in design since 2016 and pick up where the Prophet Pack from last year left off.

After trying these bags on, I’ve got to say that they’re some of the most comfortable bags I’ve ever worn. Very good stuff.

Mystery Ranch

An annual OR favorite of ours, the team from Montana wows us year after year with the craft they put into their bags. The big one for this year is the Glacier pack, which according to some of their designers is the best carrying pack they’ve ever made.

It’s got their new Astral Frame embedded in it, and was part of a wider overhaul of suspension system that was the result of a super detailed study of how their bags wear. I find myself adjusting my calendar in order to find a week to go into the wilderness to play with this bag.

Timbuk2

In lieu of a booth at the show, Timbuk2 decided to hire a team of bicycle pedicab drivers to ferry people from the convention center to their Denver showroom. “Fitting” I thought as I was whisked through the streets of downtown Denver.

Timbuk2 unleashed a torrent of new bags this year. So many that I had to ask about the sanity of their design team. In all seriousness though, the entire range of new bags look awesome. There’s the Authority pack which is an office-friendly day bag, the Sacoche Sling, which was actually brought over from their Japanese market, a small line of luggage affectionately known as the ‘Never Check Collection’, and a soft cooler that was still wet from the party at the store the night before.

Atlas Packs

We met up with Atlas to dive into their Atlas and Expedition packs and get the lowdown of how Atlas Packs came to be. That’s for another article but needless to say it’s an awesome story that will make you want to grab one of their bags, a camera, and start shooting.

After playing around with these bags, it’s easy to see how Atlas Packs have emerged onto the scene so quickly. I ended up taking one of these bags home with me and was able to fit camera gear and all of the OR swag into it. As anyone who’s been to OR knows, that’s a serious carry potential.

Hydro Flask

Even though we met at 11 am, the team at Hydro Flask was kind enough to supply beer in order to test out their new Cooler Cups. Along with the Cooler Cups, Hydro Flask has a range of new mugs, bottles and tumblers coming out which play very nicely with a miniature version of their Unbound Coolers.

After doing laps through Hydro Flask’s booth, it’s clear that they’ve got not only some of the best drinkware/drink carry options at OR, but also the best colorways.

Mammut

After a few days at OR, even the most hardcore, bag-loving Carryologist will tell you that there’s a lot of the same stuff. That’s why when we descended upon the Mammut booth we were blown away by what they had in store for us.

Their flagship is the new Trion Pack which boasts one of the best suspension systems not just at the show, but that I’ve ever come across. But what really stood out was how Mammut embedded a near field communication (NFC) chip (think the same technology as Android or Apple Pay) into the shoulder strap of the bag. The chip is paper thin and can be scanned to provide warranty and repair information, as well as sport specific instructional video and even access to some specific Mammut trip planning services. We’re really curious to see how this evolves.

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“Mammut’s flagship is the new Trion Pack which boasts one of the best suspension systems not just at the show, but that I’ve ever come across.”

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As the exhaustion that only working a trade show can bring began to sink in, we ducked out to some of the extracurriculars of Outdoor Retailer. After another successful rendition of Product Underground, a small Snow Peak hosted dinner with a wine truck trucked in from Portland, and parties hosted by just about every outdoor brand, we managed to pool the carry insight we had gleaned over the past few days to decide upon the 2018 Outdoor Retailer Carry Awards.

The post Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2018: Recap Part II appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

The illustrious Outdoor Retailer Carry Awards. Three awards we hand out each year to recognize the best of the best at OR. The ‘Rising Star’ Award to a young brand we’re stoked to see on the scene, and even more stoked to see where they go. The ‘Most Innovative’ Award to the one bag/tech for a piece of carry innovation that got us really excited. And the ‘Best in Show’, for well, the carry company that was really on point with their range, top to bottom.

In true Carryology form, we decide these awards the final night of OR, deep in the back of a hazy bar. We discuss the merits of all the brands we saw, while simultaneously fending off bribes for our vote. It also took some last-minute production work to get this year’s awards ready for the show floor. It’s not easy work, but someone’s gotta do it.

This year we went big with our awards. Big in the sense of very large posters to adorn our Carryology favorites. This was in part because our nod (those of us at the show and our entire readership) carries some bonafide carry weight, and because the shop that made the award figurines from previous years is now closed. Carryology aficionado Taylor Weldon informed us that the same shop also made the figures for the Oscars. Talk about pedigree.

So without further adieu, here’s the Outdoor Retailer Summer 2018 Carry Awards winners.

Rising Star

Welcome to the show, Matador! Collectively we were very impressed with the design and functionality of the Matador line, which is even more impressive considering how young of a company they are.

In addition to their existing line of packable, lightweight travel bags, they’re now expanding into toiletries and other niche carry corners. Before the show I would have been surprised to have written that last bit, but seriously check out Matador’s newest gear. Cheers to the entire Matador crew, we’re excited to see what’s next.

Best Innovation

This award was the easiest one for us – The North Face with their new Dyno Carry line. Not one but four packs from 75 liters to 20ish liters, that are all built with the same adjustable frame (which can be adjusted with one hand, while being worn) and a suspension that literally just picks the bag up.

We talked shop with the designers at The North Face for a solid two hours to really dissect how these bags work, which in the end blew our collective carry minds. Hats off to The North Face.

Best In Show

This is a tough award to come home with because we’re judging a brand not just on their new releases, but how these new items fit into their existing line. It takes some serious design direction and a really good sense of the end user for not just one product, but the entire product line.

There were a couple of strong contenders this year but Peak Design put the icing on the cake when they dropped a new Kickstarter for their Travel Line on day 1 of the show, and subsequently had the thing funded by lunchtime. I mean, come on.

The Travel Line is a really solid addition to Peak Design’s much lauded backpacks, slings and pouches. All these bags are immediately recognizable and distinctly Peak Design, and as far as we’re concerned, are some of the best bags on the market. For that, we salute you, Peak Design.

The post Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2018: Carry Awards appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

The James Brand Elko is a minimalist and multifunctional pocket knife designed to fit easily into your EDC setup. Is it right for your day-to-day needs? Get the low-down in this video review…

The post The James Brand Elko: Video Review appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Traveling with just carry-on luggage can save you time and hassle. It helps you avoid check-in queues and baggage carousel waits, while keeping you nimble on the move. But it does require a honed approach to packing that may not be feasible for every trip. For longer trips or when you need to carry more, using checked luggage is a necessity. Perhaps you’re going on an extended holiday, need to pack a lot for a family trip, or plan to bring back gifts for friends and family. Alternatively you may need to transport necessary business trip supplies or bulky sports equipment. Whatever your reason for checked luggage, choosing a piece with wheels can make traveling a lot easier. But what makes for a good piece of rolling luggage? Here are a few considerations to bear in mind.

Wheel options

Whether you opt for two wheels or four wheels, rolling luggage will help take the strain off your shoulders and arms. However, four spinner wheels will give you the ultimate wheeled maneuverability, helping you move smoothly and quickly in a variety of directions with minimal effort on your part. Two wheels on the other hand, while requiring more pulling and pushing power, will offer more stability on angled terrain and will tend to be less exposed than a four-wheel design, thereby reducing the risk of potential damage.

Hardside vs softside luggage

Hardside and softside luggage both have their pros and cons. Hardside luggage offers better impact protection and is a good choice if you’ll be carrying fragile or valuable items. Additionally, it offers greater theft protection by resisting slashing from knives, scissors or other sharp objects. In addition to offering better protection for your gear, you may find it stands up to demanding travel environments better as well, resisting over-enthusiastic baggage handlers, snags and inclement weather. Hardside cases will also be easier to keep clean, often requiring a simple wipe to remove dust, mud, liquid spills and the like. However, it’s worth being aware that hardside luggage may show up scuffs relatively quickly.

Softside luggage on the other hand gives you greater flexibility to compress it in tighter spaces (such as cars, storage lockers and so forth). Plus you may find it easier to store softside luggage at home if it is at least partly collapsible or allows other items to be squeezed in next to it for storage (such as within a cupboard or wardrobe). Also bear in mind that there are plenty of durable materials out there, so if you want the compression flexibility while still enjoying durability, make sure to pick a quality material known for its resistance to wear and tear.

Weight

While checked luggage offers a far more generous baggage weight allowance than carry-on luggage, there will still be an upper limit to stick within. You don’t want your checked luggage taking a solid bite out of that limit, so consider picking a piece that offers the features, size and durability you’re after while still keeping weight down. Material and size choices will play a role here, so consider whether packing space, durability or baggage weight is your key priority when picking a piece.

Organization

Getting checked luggage to your destination is often a rough-and-tumble journey, so having a degree of internal organization will help greatly in keeping your gear secure and tidy. Options such as internal pockets, dividers and compression straps will help keep your belongings neat. However, you may also want some form of quick-access organization as well, so if this is the case then keep an eye out for external pockets and the like.

So with the above in mind, we’ve wheeled out the best rolling checked luggage for your perusal. Each particularly suited to a certain need to help you make the most of your trips.

Best Expandable: Victorinox Spectra 2.0 Expandable Large Case

Sometimes you need to carry a lot, sometimes you don’t. The Victorinox Spectra 2.0 Expandable Large Case easily adjusts to your needs through exterior compression straps that allow the case to expand up to 45% more capacity. The case features a durable polycarbonate build, spinner wheels for convenient maneuverability, and an integrated TSA lock.

Best Rolling Backpack: Osprey Sojourn 80

The Osprey Sojourn 80 delivers rolling and backpack carry in one. The stowable shoulder straps and hip belt are useful for navigating steps and rougher terrain, while the retractable ErgoGrip handle and HighRoad chassis keep you moving in durable, convenient style over smoother terrain. And with its handy panel access to the main compartment and StraightJacket compression you can easily pack and access gear and adjust to larger or smaller loads as required.

Best Detachable Daypack Combo: Osprey Meridian 75L

Checked luggage is great for getting large loads to your destination. But you don’t want to have to haul it once you’re there exploring. The Osprey Meridian 75 keeps you agile by combining a checked bag with a removable 16L daypack. Keep the two together while traveling, then separate them and leave the larger bag at your accommodation while exploring with the daypack. Alternatively you can check the larger bag and use the daypack as your carry-on to keep essentials nearby. The larger bag also features a stowable backpack harness so you aren’t scuppered when the going gets tough for wheels.

Best Color Options: Away Luggage

Black is a fairly standard colorway for travel luggage. And with good reason. It blends more easily into formal and informal settings alike, makes scuffs and scratches appear less noticeable, and goes with pretty much any travel attire. But sometimes you want to add a splash of color to your travels. Perhaps to suit your personal tastes, or alternatively to help your luggage stand out on the baggage carousel of countless black bags. And if options are what you’re after, look to Away’s luggage line. Available in two checked sizes and a host of attractive colorways, the cases feature burly polycarbonate construction, interior organization and a removable laundry bag.

Best Hardcase: Samsonite Lite-Box 28″ Spinner 

Hardside luggage is a great option when you want that extra protection peace of mind for your belongings. But while hardside luggage is good at providing improved shock and impact protection, it often involves a weight penalty. Not so with Samsonite’s Lite-Box 28″ Spinner. The case is made with injection molded polyproplyene that offers great strength and impact resistance while remaining lightweight. Elegantly eye-catching in style, the case includes convenient spinner wheels and internal dividers for organization.

Best Splurge Option: Rimowa Hybrid Check-In L

If you’ve got cash to splash and want premium quality for your money, look to the Rimowa Hybrid Check-In L. The case is expertly crafted with a combination of polycarbonate and an aluminum-magnesium alloy for lightweight durability. Stable, polycarbonate wheels keep you moving smoothly, while an adjustable Flex Divider lets you tailor interior organization to changing loads. And with its sleek, timeless aesthetics this case glides easily from business to leisure travel.

Most Durable: Mystery Ranch Mission Wheelie

Mystery Ranch are known for creating carry that can take a beating. Their Mission Wheelie is no exception, embracing demanding travel use with rugged build quality and functionality. The compression-molded shells are sheathed in 1000D CORDURA® and combine a flexible EVA foam exterior and molded polycarbonate interior, providing a thoughtful blend of impact resistance and durability. The case also features large-diameter off-road wheels to tackle a variety of terrains, as well as burly YKK zippers and considered interior and quick-access organization to keep gear tidy and within convenient reach on the go.

Best Wheels for Different Terrains: Eagle Creek Tarmac 29

Adaptable wheels are key in checked luggage that will be navigating different terrains. And Eagle Creek do a great job in keeping you moving with the Tarmac 29. The over-sized treaded wheels venture on smooth airport corridors, pavements, up curbs, and on more demanding terrain without skipping a beat. The wheels feature tough wheel housings and protection against bumps through skid plates. The case is rounded out with other travel-friendly features such as expandability, a coat keeper, padded tech sleeves and a durable, weather-resistant build.

Best Rolling Duffel: Thule Subterra Luggage 75cm/30″

Thule’s Subterra Luggage 75cm/30″ combines a rolling bag and duffel in one to keep you adaptable on the go. The bags can be used independently or secured together depending on your carry needs. The design’s tough exoskeleton and molded polycarbonate back panel helps protect your gear on the go, while the wide-opening main compartments enable easy packing and access. There’s also top, side and bottom grab handles for convenient maneuverability.

Best Anti-Theft: Pacsafe Toursafe AT29 Anti-Theft Wheeled Duffel

Pacsafe have made a name for themselves as creators of thoughtful, anti-theft carry. The Toursafe AT29 is a great example of their low-key yet effective anti-theft design ethos, featuring a puncture-resistant ToughZip and eXomesh®slashguard for discreet protection. In addition to wheels, the duffel includes grab handles for easy maneuverability. There’s also external compression straps and internal compression on hand to adjust to different loads and keep gear secure.

Best Value: American Tourister Z-Lite DLX 28″ Spinner and Briggs and Riley Baseline Large Expandable Spinner

The American Tourister Z-Lite DLX 28″ Spinner offers a great mix of style and function, with attractive aesthetics and a durable but lightweight polycarbonate shell. The case also offers spinner wheels for hassle-free movement, a TSA lock, as well as interior organization to keep your gear tidy. All in a design costing just US$104.99.

Yes, the Briggs and Riley Baseline Large Expandable Spinner costs a lot more (US$649) than the American Tourister above. But you get a lot of value for your money. The case features spinner wheels for easy maneuverability, along with an expandable main compartment that increases the volume by 26% with a simple pull through CX Expansion-Compression Technology. The compression technology also enables you to compress the contents with a simple push. The case has quick-access pockets for handy storage on the go and a built-in garment holder to store suits and other clothing items wrinkle-free. And the excellent build quality will embrace countless miles and keep going strong for years to come.

Best Softcase: Travelpro Platinum® Elite 29″ Expandable Spinner

Tough, functional and low-key, the Platinum® Elite 29″ Expandable Spinner suits a variety of travel environments. It’s crafted with high-density nylon fabric featuring a DuraGuard® coating for stain and abrasion resistance. The case’s inbuilt garment holder provides wrinkle-free storage for suits and other items, while interior organization keeps your travel gear tidy and secure on the move. The expandable design offers an added 2″ of expansion if required, includes an integrated TSA lock, and is backed by Travelpro’s Built for a Lifetime Limited Worry Free Warranty for peace of mind.

Best Versatility: Timbuk2 Quest Rolling Duffel

Timbuk’s Quest Rolling Duffel is a great option if versatility is a priority. With multiple portability options including wheels, top carry handles that can also double as backpack straps, and grab handles on all sides you can easily adapt on the go to suit different settings and terrains. The wide opening makes packing and access convenient, while a floating pocket lets you store shoes or toiletries separately from the rest of your gear. Plus it’s backed by a lifetime warranty so you don’t need to worry about it in demanding environments.

Lightest Weight: Samsonite Lite-Box 28″ Spinner and Timbuk2 Quest Rolling Duffel

If weight is a top priority, look to these two pieces from the choices above to keep that baggage limit in check. The lighter of the two is the Timbuk2 Quest Rolling Duffel, coming in at a mere 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) with a 48L volume. The Samsonite Lite-Box 28″ Spinner is a savvy option if you want a lightweight spinner, weighing just 6.6 lbs. (2.99 kg).

Best Warranty

All of the above are quality pieces, but a few stand out when it comes to warranty peace of mind. Briggs and Riley’s simple as that® guarantee is a lifetime guarantee covering functional aspects of the product, with no proof of purchase required.

Mystery Ranch’s legendary durability paired with their lifetime guarantee makes their gear a solid choice in this department too.

Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee makes them a top pick as well, with a nod to their environmentally-conscious efforts to first repair where possible before replacing.

Travelpro’s Built for a Lifetime Warranty in combination with their Trusted Companion Promise also makes the Platinum® Elite 29″ Expandable Spinner worth considering if warranty is key.

The post The Best Rolling ‘Checked Luggage’ Right Now appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

I’m a pack junkie, can’t deny that. So when I unbox a new pack I’m always excited. But with this one, my excitement went through the roof – meet the legendary Arc’teryx LEAF DryPack 25!

The post Arc’teryx LEAF DryPack 25: Road Test appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

The HEIMPLANET Transit Line Travel Pack is an understated bag designed to move between work and play. How does it fare when put to the test? Find out in this video review from Pack Hacker (plus you can check out a written review here)…

> BACK IT NOW <

The post HEIMPLANET Transit Line Travel Pack: Video Review appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Bellroy’s mission is to help you carry with greater simplicity and ease. And they do this by finding an expert balance of form and function, pairing clean silhouettes with practical versatility. The new Bellroy Shift Backpack is a prime example of their expertise in this area, and Bellroy’s most performance-focused pack to date.

A backpack that looks suave with a suit but is ready to embrace the open road. A bag literally designed to shift from active to relaxed, urban office to the gym, and overnight trips to airport carry-on use. And we’re giving you the chance to win it for yourself!

The Prize

It’s not easy finding a bag built for outdoor performance but with office-ready styling. The Shift however offers a refined multi-purpose approach, combining clean aesthetics with useful everyday pocketing, an expandable capacity, and a comfortable weatherproof build that takes the elements in its stride.

The 22L pack is made with highly water-resistant Venture-weave polyester, a unique material featuring crimped filaments for durability and an aesthetically interesting appearance that sets this bag apart in the style department. Enhancing the bag’s construction are trusty water-resistant YKK zips and durable metal hardware, with premium leather detailing for added refinement. The backpack comes in three colorways, Black, Moss, and Ink Blue, and is backed by a three-year warranty.

The bag’s flap-top design features a self-sealing foldover opening, keeping the elements, dust and dirt at bay. The closure is also height adjustable thanks to Bellroy’s custom multi-level fastening system and Slide Hook, so you can easily adjust the volume to suit larger or smaller loads. Simpler than a roll-top, with all the protection and expandability benefits.

Complementing the pared-back, sophisticated appearance is a thoughtful range of pockets to keep you organized, whether you’re commuting or gearing up for a weekend getaway. The Shift Backpack features a quick-access water-resistant zip pocket, ideal for stashing frequently used items such as your phone, keys and wallet.

A side zipper provides access to the main compartment, while internal pockets keep valuables away from crush zones and enable easy visibility of and access to the contents.

You’ll find a padded and suspended compartment for up to a 15″ laptop, along with additional pockets for a notebook, water bottle, work accessories and tools, and smaller EDC items.

Of course, while durability, weather protection and attractive aesthetics are important, a backpack needs to carry well too in order to really round it out. The Shift Backpack ensures comfort on the go even with heavier loads, combining comfy padded straps with a contoured back panel with lumbar support and a removable sternum strap.

This pack really excels at shifting between diverse settings and carry needs, from work to the weekend, and active use to more laidback environments. The adaptable capacity and sleek looks move smoothly from the active commute to the office to the gym, hauling weekend getaway essentials, day hike supplies or urban EDC as required.

If you want the chance to become the proud new owner of this highly versatile backpack, make sure you enter our giveaway below.

How To Enter

To be in with a chance of winning the Shift Backpack, simply subscribe to Bellroy’s newsletter and Bo Ismono’s YouTube channel below. Good luck!

Bellroy Shift Giveaway

The post Bellroy Shift Backpack: Carry Giveaway appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

There’s always a curiosity about what our Carryology team carries, being that we play with so much awesome product. And so this month, we’re sharing the gear we’re loving right now, from watches to packs to performance apparel fit for travel. Enjoy!

Frank Sedlar

North St. Bags Pioneer 12 Pack – Black X-Pac

David Vo

I am flying back home tomorrow, but I’ve just spent the past week in Portland for my bachelor week. Unexpectedly, my trip coincided with a heatwave, with the highest temperatures of the year being recorded. I knew I wanted to pack light, but with versatility in mind so the Oliver Passage Pant went straight in my packing cube. The pants have been on constant rotation back home and it was my go to pair even when the mercury shot well past 90 degrees Fahrenheit, here in the Pacific Northwest. The Cordura 4-way stretch fabric is lighter than your typical denim jeans but with more substance and support than certain summer chinos.  The stretch means a good fit in the waist, and despite the legs being too long for me, I opted to roll cuff them instead of tailoring. The friends I am staying with have a one year old dog and she loves to lick and give kisses.  Despite not being advertised as DWR coated, I suspect there is some treatment going on because I was able to wipe off puppy slobber with ease. Honestly, this might be the pant of the summer and fall for me.

Piotr Ma

Mr Zing

The post Staff Picks: Gear We’re Loving Right Now appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Taking care of the little things. Important in day-to-day living…and day-to-day carry. But those little things aren’t always easy to access or store. Backpacks provide the space, but not the convenient access, often requiring you to partially or completely remove the pack to get to items. And while your clothing pockets can support a few items, you don’t want to be on the go with bulky pockets weighing you down (and some items simply won’t fit anyway).

But what if you could have carry that lets you roam with minimalist loads when you just need the essentials, or works in tandem with your backpack so frequently used items always remain within quick, easy reach without needing to remove your pack? Well, Hanchor have just such a solution on hand with their nifty Surface series of hybrid chest and shoulder bags.

Putting access front and center

Whether you’re hiking outdoors, traveling, or about town in urban environments, there are certain smaller items you want within easy reach. Perhaps a phone, keys and wallet in town. A passport and tickets during your trips. Snacks, maps, tools and other trail essentials in the wilderness. Hanchor’s Surface series of bags can be worn either as shoulder bags or attached to backpacks to create a chest pack. Slim and exceptionally lightweight, the bags are great options when you want to keep frequently used essentials or valuables secure yet accessible on the move. And since they’re so light and compact, it’s easy to store them in a larger bag (such as a travel pack or hiking pack) or a jacket pocket until you need them. Plus with their pleated bases, you can enjoy added storage space while still retaining a flat, lightweight form for easy packing.

So how do they work?

The Surface shoulder bags come with accessory buckles which can be used to attach the bag to the shoulder straps of most backpacks, creating a handy chest bag. And if you need more stability you can also use an optional stabilizer mechanism, an adjustable loop at the back of the bag that connects to a backpack hipbelt. The stabilizer mechanism is a standard configuration on the Surface Mesh, and can be custom made for other Surface bags. Below you can see the Surface Mesh and stabilizer mechanism in action, converting from a shoulder bag to chest bag with a simple, quick process.

Options, options, options

The bags come in two sizes, Surface and Surface Mini, to suit different loads. While the Surface includes accessory buckles to convert it to a chest bag, the Surface Mini does not come with these buckles but can still be used as a chest bag by purchasing optional accessory buckles.

You can also opt for the Surface or Surface Mesh, with the Surface Mesh version offering two exterior mesh pockets for items you want to see and access easily on the move. And as mentioned above, the Surface Mesh comes standard with the stabilizer mechanism.

X-Pac VX21 fabric is the main player here, offering excellent weather resistance and a great strength-to-weight ratio for long-term durability. The bags come in a choice of colorway options, with some limited edition versions too. Plus there’s even custom Surface options, either with or without multicam options. With a host of combinations available, you can tailor your picks in a way that nails your perfect carry companion.

Additional benefits

Score free international shipping!

The post This X-Pac Shoulder Bag Adds Access to Your Backpack Game appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

An office backpack that looks good with a suit and can step out beyond the 9-5 for outdoor and travel adventures? The Bellroy Shift Backpack is designed with this multifunctionality in mind. Is it right for you? Take a quick look to find out…

The post Bellroy Shift Backpack: Quick Look appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

The BOND Travel Gear Tool Roll has won fans across the carry community with its versatility, durability and adaptability. Work tools and accessories. EDC essentials. Travel supplies. First aid items. The Tool Roll offers a practical way to organize a variety of smaller carry items, while making it quick and simple to transfer those items between multiple bags. And we’re giving two away!

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The Prize 

Two Tool Rolls. Two winners. We’re giving away one in Black and one in Coyote, with two winners taking home one Tool Roll each. Find out how to win below…⠀⠀

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How To Enter

Head over to our Instagram giveaway post and follow these steps:

1) Follow @bondtravelgear
2) Like the giveaway post
3) Tag two friends in the Instagram post comments
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The giveaway closes 16th August 2018. Good luck!

The post BOND Travel Gear Tool Roll: Carry Giveaway appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

We are super chuffed and honored to see how our Carryology community has grown over the years. More and more are geeking out over all things carry, and we wanted to find a way for us like-minded Carryologists to come together and jam on our passions. So we’ve launched Carryology Classified, a digital hub where our community can unite and get geeky over everything from technical fabrics to carry hacks and personal carry loadouts, and score exclusive discounts, sneak peeks on upcoming projects, and so much more.

So just what exactly can you do in this group?

Answers and advice

If you have a carry-related question or need advice, this is the place to find answers and helpful guidance. Our savvy carry community features a broad range of enthusiasts, from collectors to designers and people just getting into the carry world. There’s always a chance to learn something new, share expertise, and benefit from others’ tried-and-tested carry experiences.

Exclusive first dibs, discounts and behind-the-scenes access

As mentioned above, Carryology Classified is also the place to enjoy sneak peeks of upcoming products and projects, including Carryology collabs. Additionally you’ll have the chance to scoop up limited edition patches, products and more, as well as enjoy exclusive carry discounts and giveaways from a variety of brands.

Share your passion

Want to share your carry collection? Spread the buzz with an unboxing? Showcase your honed tweaks and hacks? You’ll find plenty of people that understand your love of waxed canvas, your obsession with AustriAlpin Cobra buckles, or the true mastery of your personalized EDC setup. A community that will be just as excited as you are when a carry package arrives in the mail. A community that appreciates that new carry smell, and agrees that no, it’s not excessive to have ten packs in black multi-cam. Okay, maybe just a little excessive, but we won’t judge if you don’t…

Jamming with brands

Ever wanted to ask a brand why they designed something in a particular way or chose a certain fabric? What inspires them or any insights they might have for getting into the carry industry yourself? Carryology Classified will be hosting a variety of Live Q&As with brand heads, makers, designers, adventurers and more, where you’ll have the opportunity to ask those carry questions you’ve always wanted to know the answers to.

Swap, sell and buy

This is a big one, folks! It’s long been requested that a space could be set up for our community to buy, sell or trade carry. We’ve heard you, and have set up Carryology Classified as a digital hub for enthusiasts to buy, sell and swap carry pieces. From work-friendly messengers to outdoor backpacks, you never know what might come up or where. So keep your eyes peeled for awesome pieces popping up and the chance to score a bargain or two (especially for those who may be able to avoid pricey customs charges by finding a piece locally).

What’s on?

So those Q&As we mentioned? We’re kicking things off with a bang and true carry royalty.

Live Q&A with Mystery Ranch’s Dana Gleason: Tuesday, August 14th at 2 PM – 2:45 PM MDT. 

Dana Gleason is the man behind some of the most influential brands and innovations in the industry, from Kletterwerks and Dana Design (founded in 1975 and 1985 respectively), to Mystery Ranch (going strong since 2000). One of the most respected designers in the business, he revolutionized pack access with the 3-ZIP and has extensive experience creating bags for diverse spheres, from military and mountaineering use to everyday carry. We are beyond buzzing for this! Get the event details here and make sure you don’t miss out!

Live Q&A with GORUCK’S Jason McCarthy: Wednesday, August 29th at 2 PM – 2:45 PM MDT

GORUCK is known for its military-tough gear. Which makes complete sense when you learn founder Jason McCarthy is a former Green Beret who wanted to create carry that would take a beating and refuse to quit, no matter what you threw at it. Today the brand is synonymous with gruelling GORUCK Challenges, ridiculously rugged USA-made construction, and fostering a sense of community with a commitment to teamwork and service first.

Come join in the fun!

Carryology Classified is a place to make new connections, gain and provide advice and insights, possibly pick up that ideal piece you’ve had your eye on, or find a good home for a piece you’re no longer using. A place where experienced carry enthusiasts and those just starting out can come together and benefit from a shared passion. Come join us and get in on the action!

The post Carryology Classified: Join our Exclusive Community Today! appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Packing for a short urban getaway? Heading on an overnight business trip? Keen to set off on a spur-of-the-moment weekend road trip? Generally you won’t need to pack a lot for these short types of trips. So why bring a large bag or suitcase that will weigh you down unnecessarily? Weekender bags are designed for, as the name suggests, weekend or short trips. The kind of trips where you’ll be carrying more minimalist loads. Generally clothing essentials and toiletries for one to two days (though savvy packers may be able to get by with just a weekender for longer trips too). So what things should you consider when deciding on a weekender?

Can a weekender bag be a carry-on?

Sure it can, assuming the dimensions meet the airline’s carry-on restrictions. Whether you want to use it as such depends on what you need out of a carry-on bag. Do you want quick access to tech or lots of organization pockets for smaller items and travel essentials? If so, make sure to choose a weekender that meets these needs. Are you going to be roaming off the beaten path with a solid trek between you and your accommodation? Then a backpack is a better option. Weekenders play well in urban environments and where transport to your accommodation is relatively simple and strain-free (for instance a taxi ride versus on foot over rough terrain).

How big should a weekender bag be?

There’s no specific size, but general guidelines are big enough for a weekend’s worth of gear. Of course, one person’s weekend supplies will differ from another’s, so the main thing is to ensure the bag you choose is big enough to fit everything you need it to. The key thing to remember? Weekenders are designed for shorter trips and traveling with the essentials. They’re not meant to be large, gear-hauling beasts. Instead they lean towards smaller carry that you can transport easily by hand or sling over your shoulder (and that you won’t be carrying for extended periods of time). And a pro tip? Regardless of how big your weekender is, choosing one with a large opening will make it easier to pack and access gear.

Duffels vs. weekenders

Distinguishing between duffels and weekenders can be tricky, as sometimes the terms are used interchangeably. In general though, weekenders have boxier silhouettes, often with a nod to stylish aesthetics that find that smart-casual balance. Weekenders tend to roam within urban environments, such as airports and hotels rather than outdoor settings, so their more formal styling compared to their duffel cousins makes sense. They’re also often more compact too. Again, a focus on carrying a weekend’s worth of gear. Duffels may be larger and might offer more versatility to move between diverse needs such as EDC, gym or longer travel use.

How to pack a weekender

Need some handy hints on how to pack a weekender? This helpful video is a good place to start. But not everyone is the same, and people have preferred packing methods that work for them. So if you have any tried-and-true tricks of your own to help others, share them in the comments below!

So you’ve got an idea of what to look for, but where do you start in your search? We’ve got you covered with a selection of the six best weekenders for men right now…

WP Standard Weekender (US$350)

If you love leather bags, this beauty will certainly draw your attention. But it’s not just rugged good looks here. The bag is made in the USA with premium full-grain vegetable-tanned leather and backed by a lifetime guarantee. A weekender that will journey with you for years to come and only get better with age and use. The bag comes with a removable shoulder strap and ID tag and suits most airline carry-on restrictions. There’s also two quick-access pockets and an interior pocket for small items.

Stuart & Lau Monaco Weekender (US$385)

The Monaco Weekender offers an attractive mix of clean aesthetics, durable and weatherproof construction, and a choice of handy pockets for stashing smaller essentials. The bag can be carried by hand or over the shoulder and includes a leather strap to secure it to a suitcase, as well as a detachable luggage tag and pen. The weekender is backed by a lifetime warranty and suits carry-on use, keeping you dapper on the move whether you’re traveling for business or leisure.

Filson Tin Cloth Excursion Bag (US$425)

Filson’s Tin Cloth Excursion Bag offers great access and thoughtful storage, with a U-shaped opening to easily pack and retrieve your gear. A separate water-repellent, collapsible pocket with inbuilt ventilation grommets provides useful storage for wet or dirty items. There’s also a variety of additional interior and exterior pockets to keep gear tidy and conveniently accessible. The bag is crafted with water-repellent Tin Cloth and bridle leather detailing for a stylishly sturdy build.

Billykirk No. 513 Weekend Duffle (US$535)

It’s not cheap, but this suave piece is a definite head-turner, offering premium fabrics, durable American-made construction, and understated looks that adapt to formal and casual settings alike. The Billykirk No. 513 Weekend Duffle is made with Abraham Moon & Sons Thornproof Wool (a highly durable and eye-catching tweed), Horween black waxed flesh and black vegetable-tanned leather. Interior and exterior pockets keep smaller items accessible, while the carry handles and shoulder strap offer flexible portability.

Troubadour Goods Adventure Troubadour Weekender (US$670)

We’re well into premium price tags here, but you get undeniable quality and class for your money. The Adventure Troubadour Weekender features quick-access pockets to keep travel essentials at the ready, with further interior pockets for additional organization. The clean, minimalist design brings a touch of elegance to any environment, complemented by expert handmade construction with bluesign® approved weatherproof fabric and leather detailing. Carry it with the removable non-slip shoulder strap or by the top handles and enjoy the admiring glances as you step out in chic style.

Troubadour Goods Generation Troubadour Weekender (US$1525)

There’s no getting around the fact that this bag costs a lot of money. But you get premium luxury for that premium price. Pared back in form, top-notch in quality and versatile for work or play, this handsome piece suits high-flying executive business travel and downtime getaways equally well. Made by hand with Troubadour’s DryFibre waterproof vegetable-tanned leather, this piece will age handsomely while keeping your gear safe from the elements. Multiple pockets are on hand to keep essentials and small items neat and within easy reach. And you can alternate between the grab handles and shoulder strap to suit changing settings and needs.

The post The 6 Best Weekender Bags for Men Right Now appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Looking for a pack that will bring clean sophistication to the campus? Dig into my EDC college backpack, the Bellroy Classic Plus, along with the tech and tools that accompany me…

Packing List:

Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus

Bellroy Classic Pouch

olloclip Connect Lens

olloclip Slim Case

Manfrotto TwistGrip

Litra Torch

JOBY Micro Tripod

VRS Design Damda Folder Case

Fujifilm instax SQUARE SQ6

Bellroy Notebook Cover Mini

Fisher Space Bullet Pen

Moleskine Squared Notebook

Timbuk2 Rain Cover

Cocoon Grid-It

iRoller

Rock 180 Degree Lightning Cable

Chafon 3-In-1 Cable

Gerber Dime

RAVPower FileHub Plus

WHOOSH! Screen Shine

Sony ICD-UX560 Stereo Digital Voice Recorder

Matador Pocket Blanket

Snapchat Spectacles 2

Apple AirPods and Catalyst Case

mophie powerstation Mini

Decision Coin

Heroclip Carabiner

10.5″ Apple iPad Pro with Spigen Thin Fit Case

Apple Smart Keyboard

Apple Pencil

Swiftpoint GT Mouse

Bellroy Work Folio A4

RAVPower Lightning to SD Card Reader

Dell XPS 13

Microsoft Arc 2 Mouse

Sony MDR-XB50 Earphones

Bellroy Work Folio A5

The post What’s In My EDC College Backpack Ep. 3 – Bellroy Classic Plus appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

A few months ago I took a look at the best panniers for bike commuting. One of the main issues I found when using a pannier to commute with (as opposed to bike touring) is that you end up using the pannier off the bike, just as much as using the pannier on the bike. In that roundup some of the panniers had shoulder slings and straps but none really carried well off the bike.

Sensing my woe, Timbuk2 reached out with their new Deploy Convertible pack – a pannier and backpack in one sleek design. I was curious to see if Timbuk2 has cracked the code and given us a bonafide pannier that wears just as comfortably as a backpack.

Who It Suits

The Deploy Convertible Backpack Pannier is best suited for cyclists who commute to and from work but need a normal backpack during their day.

Who It Doesn’t

If you bike to work and get by just fine with a set of traditional panniers, stick with it. The functionality that the Deploy Convertible bag affords comes at the expense of space.

The Good

As a year-round bike commuter on my bike 365 days a year, I was really thrilled about a number of features on this bag. Let’s start with the obvious one, the convertibility.

“I was curious to see if Timbuk2 has cracked the code and given us a bonafide pannier that wears just as comfortably as a backpack.”

Beginning at the back of this bag, the first thing you notice is a quartet of inch-thick back pads. While very comfortable, the reason these pads are so beefy is to buffer the rack attachment mechanism which is hidden behind a flap of fabric. I found this system works very well and have yet to get poked in the back by these plastic clips.

Of all the panniers I’ve looked at, the Timbuk2 pannier clips are some of the easiest and most stable I’ve come across. The same is true for the clips on the Deploy backpack. A third rack attachment point is located at the bottom of this bag. Having three points of contact with a bike rack is the ideal balance between stability and not being too cumbersome to attach. The downside though is this Velcro loop does take some fiddling with.

Moving up the back of the bag, a pair of backpack straps tuck behind the back panel. They’re easily pulled out and clip onto loops to complete the backpack conversion. Super quick and easy. After a few trips, I could go from pannier to backpack in under one minute.

In terms of organization on this bag, it’s quite simple. On the exterior there are two water bottle pockets on either side. They are expandable but you’ll be SOL if you drink out of a Nalgene. On the front of the bag there’s a flap pocket with a magnetic closure.

The pocketing and the material on the Deploy backpack take a lot of design cues from Timbuk’s popular bike bag line, which includes the Robin and Bruce packs (reviewed here). Basically this same waterproof, reflective, and sleek material and large, spacious pocketing also graces the Deploy.

Continuing around the pack, there’s a side zippered laptop compartment (up to 13″ machines) which I found to be very insulated. And finally, the majority of the 28 liters of this bag can be accessed via a rolltop that is secured with two repurposed bike tubes. It’s a big, simple compartment which could fit anything I threw into it.

The last feature worth noting that really stood out with the bag was the heavy-duty bottom boot. When I’m fiddling with my bike lock, or converting this bag from pannier to backpack, I always set my bag on the ground. With the Deploy bag I can now care less where I set this bag thanks to this durable and waterproof material. Basically it’s like diamond plating on a car, but on your back.

The Not So Good

Typically with convertible bags of any kind, this section is filled with me accepting the downsides of the bag simply because said bag is trying to be two different types of bags. Not so with the Timbuk2 Deploy. This is one of the few bags I’ve come across that actually works in both its roles. That said, there’s still some things to nitpick.

First, with this bag on your bike as a pannier, it’s going to get dirty. Sure, the bag will clean up easily enough. However it’s more of an issue when you go to put it on your back. I learned the hard way after a rainstorm just how much dirt gets thrown up on the back side of a pannier.

“Of all the panniers I’ve looked at, the Timbuk2 pannier clips are some of the easiest and most stable I’ve come across.”

Second, the Deploy is not going to suddenly replace all of the traditional bike panniers out there. This is because if you need the space that having two panniers affords, you wouldn’t carry around two Deploy bags. So if you need more than 28 liters of space, stick with the double pannier setup.

The Verdict

In the world of carry, the Timbuk2 Deploy Convertible Backpack Pannier is a unicorn – it’s a two-in-one backpack that actually does both roles well. Sure, you have more space with two traditional panniers, and you would have a cleaner back with a traditional backpack, but the Deploy does a remarkably good job. At $179 it’s not cheap, but definitely cheaper than buying a pannier and a backpack. For any cyclist looking to ditch the panniers sometimes, the Timbuk2 Deploy Convertible Backpack Pannier is for you.

The post Timbuk2 Deploy Convertible Backpack Pannier: Drive By appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

I used to spend my summers as a youth in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. My aunt and uncle would fly me out to Minneapolis, then we’d take a little plane to Green Bay, then take a two-hour drive across the Michigan border. My uncle’s family would take me out fishing and on boat rides on the Great Lakes. When I wasn’t out doing fun things like that, I was taking advantage of their cable TV in the basement, watching MacGyver and wishing I was part of the Phoenix Foundation. One summer, I asked my uncle to buy me a Swiss Army knife from the small town’s outdoors store. He bought me a Wenger Backpacker II and I cherished that thing so much I kept the original box and instruction sheet for the next 15 years.

I recently was organizing my EDC and found the Wenger again. It’s still in perfect condition with not a hint of rust or wear. Truth be told, I only used it around my uncle’s basement to cut sheets of paper and saw through empty soda cans and chopsticks. I have a number of multi-tools now including many Leathermans, a Victorinox SwissTool, a Gerber, and a SOG PowerLock model, but the long tradition and classiness of a Swiss Army knife has always appealed to me. I started looking into what the world of SAKs was like and I had the same question that almost all fans have – how come there isn’t a perfect SAK. Or, how come I can’t have a Swiss Army knife exactly the way I want?

Oftentimes, users aren’t asking for much. Usually, they’ve found a SAK that is most of the way there but they’d just like one tool swapped out. For example a person might find the Victorinox Compact perfect, but since they don’t drink wine, they’d like the corkscrew replaced with a Philips screwdriver. Well, too bad! Victorinox does not make a model exactly like that. Luckily, there is a small group of craftspeople out there that are serving this niche community of Swiss Army knife enthusiasts. These mostly self-taught engineers have figured out how to leverage everything from handfiles and homemade forges to even CNC machines to produce custom scales on up to completely custom SAKs.

Before I introduce you to them, a few things need explaining. First, a brand new Swiss Army knife can be had for $20-40. The prices of these mods can be ten times that amount. The reasons are simple – it’s a combination of time, material, talent, and a dedicated audience that is able and willing to pay these prices. There’s also very little competition, or at least a much larger market demand than modders can supply.

Modding Primer

So, what can be replaced or modified on a standard Swiss Army knife? Practically anything, really. The history of modding SAKs doesn’t go that far back and if you were keen, you could probably still find the genesis on places like the Multitool.org forums. Early mods were really simple and consisted of drilling out the rivets, swapping out tools for a configuration that was more appealing, then peening the ends of the brass pins to secure it. A lot has changed since those early days and now nearly every part can be swapped or modified.

Scales

The simplest way of adding some flair or customization to your SAK is by swapping out the scales. All stock SAKs come with cellidor (plastic) scales. They attach by snapping onto three washers on each side and are friction fit. They can be loosened but each time they are removed, it becomes harder to reinstall them. The simplest scale upgrade would be to simply buy a new set of scales from the manufacturer, perhaps in a different color, and snap them on.

The next level would be to buy aftermarket scales. These come in brass, copper, G10, carbon fiber and wood. Usually they have three slots on each side to accommodate the washers. Most of them are not friction fit because makers don’t seem to want to dedicate the time needed for precision milling. Instead, they oversize the holes so you’ll have to use some two-part epoxy to secure them. One thing to keep in mind is almost any change in scales you make will result in greater weight, especially if you are replacing them with brass or copper; they are significantly heavier than plastic or titanium.

Finally, the ulimate scale upgrade would be replacing not just the scales but also the external structure of the SAK itself. This can be seen in the Victorinox Alox series where the scales make out the outside frame of the multitool while the regular versions have the plastic scales sitting on aluminum frames.

Most fully custom makers will replace the brass pins with screws that are countersunk into titanium scales. This makes the tool serviceable and often results in a less thick tool.

Liners

Liners are the plates that go between each layer of the tool. These are often replaced with brass equivalents, but sometimes customers go for a titanium option. Lately, I’ve been seeing colored G10 liners which look great when the tools are deployed and you look into the side of the SAK.

Tools

Of all the modders I profile below, I only know of two that are making their own tools. There are some hybrid situations, for example, where a modder will take a tool from another Swiss Army knife, or other knife altogether, and integrate it into a SAK mod. However, for masters like Robert and Zhang, you start to see true craftsmanship with fabricating a hidden drawer for scale tools, to hand-shaping a custom large blade.

Replacement Scales

A quick and easy way to freshen up your SAK is to replace the scales. The stock Victorinox or Wenger scales are made of a really cheap resin plastic called cellidor. Even brand new SAKs, out of the package, can have fine scratches all over them. They look great when they are new and polished but they pick up scratches even without any pocket carry. There are many modders who create replacement scales that you can install in under ten minutes. The actual hardware of a SAK is made of pretty wear-resistant and weather-resistant metal so the scales are where they look the dingiest and where a new set will be like a new coat of paint on your car. Scales range from 3D printed versions up to custom milled, engraved, and anodized from titanium.

Remade Knives

Brandon Bankston started out three years ago making his own scales by creating a mold of the stock ones, and filling it with resin epoxy. This created a mess but it showed him that using the OEM scales as a model, it was possible to create your own custom versions. About 18 months ago, he created a 3D model of the scales and made modifications to make them easier to print. He now produces them using high-end SLS nylon printers and finishes them using his secret recipe. At the moment, this is just a hobby but luckily for us, it’s self-sustaining, so that gives Brandon the flexibility to offer new patterns and sizes. Remade Knives currently offers 84mm and 91mm scales on Etsy. I really dig the colors offered and the finish looks top-notch. I am curious to see what designs Remade Knives comes up with next.

If you want to get a sense of what 3D printed scales would look like on your SAK, Brandon has generously provided the STL file for download, but note that this is an early revision only similar to the current offerings in appearance.

Swiss Bianco

Roger “Swiss” Bianco was born in Switzerland and served as an MP in the Swiss military for six years in the early nineties. He started Swiss Bianco to produce his vision of a new type of knife, that he formed while learning metalworking. Since then, he has formed a unique relationship with Victorinox, which has granted him unprecedented special editions and even runs of retired models, for the Swiss Bianco brand. In addition to the aforementioned versions, Swiss Bianco offers a full range of replacement scales. You can buy OEM Victorinox standard and plus scales from Roger, but the real magic is in the custom scales he designed and had produced. Currently, these include G10 scales, G10 with glow dots, carbon fiber, and finally titanium scales sitting at the deluxe end of the spectrum.

I have a pair of his titanium scales in a matte finish and they are amazing. They are a perfect fit and finish and they were about $35, which is quite a bit cheaper than some other scale manufacturers. The best part, to me, is they are actually “plus” scales which means they support the ballpoint pen and a safety needle. Many scale designers completely leave out all the scale tools which might make for a cleaner look, but also eliminates two to four potentially useful tools. Roger moved to Georgia in 2007 so items ship quickly, arriving in most parts of the US in two days. I also have the G10 scales with the glow dot and while I think they are pretty nice, the titanium ones are where the true talent is.

Daily Customs

Daily Customs hails from Hamburg, Germany and is apparently a self-contained design and manufacturing team, under one roof. I say apparently because they are sort of an enigma and it’s really difficult to get a sense of the person or persons behind the brand. Their social media presence consists of roughly the same products and shots (mostly reposts), posted over and over again, in various dark moody scenes. There’s someone who is closely aligned with Daily Customs but he, too, uses a pseudonym and online persona, so it’s difficult to figure out the connection. They make some amazing scales and I suppose this secrecy makes them even more desirable!

Daily Customs offers scales in aluminum, brass, and titanium ranging from $76 to $115, before shipping. The prices are actually lower than what’s listed on the website because non-EU residents don’t need to pay the 19% VAT. What sets Daily Customs apart is their scales have a cut-out cross plus an inlay that lies behind it. This allows for cool customization options. For example, I have an aluminum filler tab behind my brass scales. Daily Customs also offers some unique patterns in addition to their standard scales. I am really fond of the 45-degree version; pair that with a contrasting insert and you have a head-turner. Another cool thing about DC is they have pocket clips. This doesn’t sound like a big deal, and it’s not if you are talking about flashlights and pocket knives, but SAKs are almost always carried on keychains or lanyards attached to keychain loops. The only way to get a working pocket clip is to have a custom SAK made, where the clip is mounted to the custom scales.

Daily Customs allows for an optional clip and their implementation is super clean and clever. They have an indentation in the back scale that accepts a titanium clip, secured with a single screw. If you decide you want a clean look and want to go clipless, you can fill in that notch with a little slab cover. Genius! The only niggle I have about this setup is the clip is mounted about 12mm from the edge so it leaves a third of the SAK peeking out of your pocket. I much prefer a deep carry clip, like what SAKModder has on his customs.

A few things to note about Daily Customs. First, their scales forgo scale tools so you get very clean lines but get used to not having those tweezers and toothpick. Next, I found shipping tests your patience. It took 22 days for them to reach me in California. Once you get the scales, installation is a breeze. Every producer of metal scales always instructs you to press fit them but this is never possible, the way it is with plastic scales. I’ve always had to sand down rivet lips to get metal scales to fit. Daily Customs does not bother with this. They over-size their holes slightly so they fit over the rivets, then they instruct you to use two-part epoxy.

Andrzej Woronowski

Better known as woro_knives, Andrzej is a full-time engineer and knife-making hobbyist out of Poland. I listed him last because his custom scale work is out of this world. As a child, Andrzej was fascinated with Ray Mears’ book The Survival Handbook and was obsessed with making his own survival knife. Soon after, he gave up on the survival aspect of things and just focused on blades. He made his first set of scales ten years ago out of G10, wood, and micarta. Since then, he has teamed up with his brother, Kamil, and they have been working out of the basement of Andrzej’s apartment. I was surprised to learn that Kamil, a very talented engineer, designs and builds custom CNC machines which do the work for cutting out blanks and engraving duties. In describing Kamil, Andrzej says, “My brother is an essential part of this story. I am a hobbyist knifemaker for more than a dozen years already, but it is thanks to my brother and his CNC machines that I am able to make enough work so the knife and EDC community can notice me. My brother was also a knifemaker many times ago but decided that he prefers building machines.” Everything is still hand-finished by Andrzej using files and grinding tools.

What’s interesting about Andrzej and his brother is they don’t take any orders. They make whatever they feel like and put it up for sale. The last time I saw a custom piece was a topography design Andrzej did for avid outdoorsman Piotr Ma. This freedom allows Andrzej to concentrate on bringing some amazing designs to life. I am fond of his video game series where he pays tribute to Fallout, Team Fortress 2, and Portal. Stormtroopers also make an appearance, as well as various textures and patterns. He confirmed he likes to incorporate pop-culture into his work. I cannot name another modder that keeps things as relevant. Andrzej called himself a “simple engineer” when asked about his design background. I guess some people really are just naturally talented.

A set of woro_knives scales run about 60 Euros but good luck getting your hands on a pair! Andrzej is so busy he only devotes a fraction of his time reading and responding to emails. But luckily a solution is around the corner. Starting August 2018, he’s partnering with Polish Custom Knives who’ll handle the shopping cart and order fulfillment side of things, leaving Andrzej to focus on what he loves most – producing scales. In the meantime, make sure to check out his Instagram and website where he occasionally posts new projects.

Fully Custom

SAK Custom 58mm

Sean Dooley has been customizing Swiss Army knives, particularly the 58mm MiniChamp, for four years now. He’s an Electrician Technician by trade, working on nuclear subs for the U.S. Navy, so it’s not a stretch to imagine he’s really handy with hands-on projects. It all started when he was browsing online forums and came across a tutorial by Robert Lessard, where he laid out all the steps to customize a SAK. Sean gave it a try and soon had his first custom SAK. He showed the guys at work and soon orders started trickling in.

Sean works out of his garage and mostly uses his Mini-Mill which allows him to shape his scales and liners, engrave the cross, and drill holes for the screws. He also uses a simple bench grinder and a Ken Onion Workshop to get a nice bevel and edge on his knives. Unlike most makers who focus on the 91mm size (which is the most popular), Sean likes the 58mm SAK because he wants to push the limits and see how perfect a SAK this size can get, plus he loves the patience and detail required to work on such small tools. What I like about the 58mm size is because everything is so small about it, even the largest model, the MiniChamp, can still fit comfortably on a keychain. As a comparison, the 5-layer MiniChamp is a little over 14mm thick while a 3-layer Super Tinker (91mm length) is 17mm thick.

The thing I like about Sean’s creations is he goes a step further to customize the actual tools that go into his SAKs. Spydernoxes (what he lovingly calls them) take a MiniChamp and add a small Spyderco Honeybee blade. This is such an original idea and sits squarely between modders like Lessard who make small tweaks to existing Victorinox tools and rain_z who fabricates full blades from scratch. It’s the first instance I’ve seen of a maker taking tools from a different company and putting them in a Swiss Army knife. He also heat treats his blades and puts custom finishes on the tools, such as stonewashing, which makes for a very cool Mad Max vibe. He recently picked up a Mini-Lathe which will finally allow him to make threaded standoffs, setting him apart from other makers. He has a lot in store for the future as well, including Damascus work, applying his Spydernox Midas touch to the 74mm Executive, and a few others he still has under wraps.

Sean’s creations run around $180US and take anywhere from two days to two weeks to complete. If you are keen on grabbing one of these gems, you can check out his Facebook page. Right now, his books are closed for the summer so most work posted is SAKs that have previously been commissioned. Hopefully once the weather cools down, we’ll be able to place our orders. In the meantime, enjoy his Instagram gallery to tide you over.

Chris Custom Works

I was surprised to learn about Christoph’s work at the 11th hour of this article’s publication. He is a modder out of Germany and you’d be best served to actually navigate his site in ascending chronological order because I truly believe some of his most amazing pieces were made prior to the legal complications with Victorinox. Currently, he specializes in mods of all sizes and models of SAKs (except Alox) and always finishes them off with a pair of beautiful wooden scales.

Growing up, Chris was a fan of folding knives but only when he got older did he think about customizing his SAKs by embellishing the scales. After some trial and error, he received positive feedback from family and friends, and thus Chris Custom Works was born!

Like other modders, Christoph is a one-man show, with a small workshop in his German home. All his mods are handmade, without employing advanced tools like CNC and waterjets. Currently, the books are open and a 91mm mod starts at 50 Euros plus the cost of the wood and the SAK tool itself. The sky’s the limit, so it’s best to contact him directly to get a quote on your dream SAK. Just use the contact form on his website and be sure to check out Facebook for additional information. Expect 4-6 weeks for a custom order to be completed.

875fps

Okay listen up because things might get confusing. John Smith’s Instagram personal is 875fps while his website and business operations is Brasswerx. Whatever you call him, John is making some of the cleanest customs I’ve come across. He has a signature style that is immediately recognizable and is great at exercising restraint. We are mostly looking at titanium and brass here, brass liners, and a signature Swiss cross cut-out. If you flip the SAK around, you’ll also see a hex cut-out to support 1/4″ bits and it perfectly lines up with the cross in front, which allows you to take awesome “see-thru” shots.

Unlike others, John is relatively new to modding, having sold his first mod just May 2017. The origin story is not unlike we’ve heard before: he started out making knife thumb-studs and lockbar stabilizers out of old shell casings. Later he made his own bottle openers when those became popular. Eventually, he got his hands on a custom SAK by ALM out of Poland and in his quest to buy one, saw how much demand there was for titanium SAKs. The rest is history and he’s sold over 100 tools to date.

John focuses on the larger 93mm model, which I think is an underserved category, so I am glad he’s giving it some attention. As you know, the 93mm is the larger SAK size and includes popular models like the Pioneer, Electrician, and Harvester. He has his pieces cut and tumbled by Spectrum Energetics. I thought it was refreshing that he not only named one of his suppliers, but went out of his way to give a shout-out to the company. This made me view him in a different light.

Currently, all of his prices are custom. Unlike many modders for whom pricing can be so subjective or secretive, all the prices are clearly stated on the Brasswerx website. Things start at $150 for titanium scales and factory polished tools. This is as simple as you can get! Stonewashed tools add $30 to the price and throw in another $10 for a pocket clip. Let me step back for a bit – even at the simplest level of replacing the scale, there’s a lot of work involved! The knife needs to be broken down and reassembled with custom stainless pivots and screws. Right now, the lead time is 8 weeks and the best way to get on the list is to email him using the Contact Form on the site.

Once in a while John will offer up a set of tools that he’s whipped up. These are usually announced on his Instagram so it’s best to follow it for the latest news.

DECUSTOMFORGE

Denis hails from Moscow, Russia and is one of the more professional and perhaps experienced modders of multitools I’ve come across. He has a very specific aesthetic and is multifaceted, choosing to present a complete solution (just take a look at his packaging). Like many other craftsmen, he started out making wooden scales for his personal multitool. Once he perfected this freshman effort, he moved on to other material handles – micarta, G10, kirinite, mammoth ivory. Ever since he saw scales made in titanium, he got hooked and has focused on that recently, while perfecting his skills. He works in two workshops – one in his house for “clean” operations and then the garage for work that might kick up some debris.

Unlike other modders, Denis is happy to work with all sizes (58, 91, 93, 111mm)! Surprisingly, he does all this work by hand so no CNC’s, though he does cut the initial blanks out with a waterjet. Currently, his books are closed and turnaround times for custom multitools are impossible to state due to the personal nature of each piece. Luckily for us, he has been turning out other awesome EDC tools such as titanium prybars, which you can find on his Etsy shop. While you’re at it, you can keep up with Denis and his amazing work on Instagram and Facebook.

rain.z_knives

As far as I know, Zhang is the only custom modder from China. This is not surprising considering the cumbersome laws and regulations that quite simply make modding blades a real headache; not to mention, the restrictions on communication that makes regularly keeping up with customers a real hurdle. Despite all this, Zhang is producing some of the most advanced SAK mods in the world. I have handled the work of a few makers and there are noticeable skill gaps between them. I would not hesitate to say that rain.z_knives is among the top two custom SAK modders. Let’s learn more about him.

In contrast to some other makers, Zhang owns a few successful manufacturing companies in China and they are pretty self-sufficient so he is able to devote more time to his new hobby. I say new because he’s only been modding SAKs for two years, while starting to take orders just a year ago. He doesn’t discriminate on size so 58, 85, 91, 93, 108, 111mm have all passed through his shop. I think most of his fans admire him for his SAK work but lately it’s his slipjoint work that has been more popular, at least in terms of sales. Luckily, he still works on a good number of custom SAKs.

Like any good brand, rain.z has some unique and consistent “trademarks”. First, he is the only modder I have seen that offers certain types of textured scales. He also often annodizes the scales in multiple tones (perhaps blue for the scales and bronze or copper for the cross). He also offers a RWL34 (or Swedish damasteel) knife blade for all models besides 58mm. This mod immediately jumps out at you because of the unique blade shape. And while the blades are all hand-shaped and finished, you would swear they came from a factory.

Everything is 100% custom designed and fabricated in-house. He has a shop that any maker would be jealous of, including a CNC! His books are currently open but because of the aforementioned communication issues, don’t expect a quick order process. Most of his mods are in titanium but he supports copper, brass, carbon fiber, and even G10 if customers demand it. Liners are done in either titanium or brass and are up to the customer. For simple mods (i.e. swapping scales), the turnaround time can be just 3-5 days but more complicated mods, like replacing the blade, can take 3 weeks. Prices range from $150 to over $400. Starting in early August, rain.z started getting some distribution with Urban EDC Supply. So far, we’ve seen his titanium hex tool plus a completely custom 85mm SAK with cigar cutter. Here’s hoping for more drops in the future!

SAKModder

I’ve saved the best for last. The undisputed king of Swiss Army knife modifications, Robert Lessard hails from Canada and may be the only person working full-time on this craft. A few of the modders above have credited him for (indirectly) teaching them the craft and it’s probably safe to say that without his willingness to share early how-to’s on the Internet, many modders wouldn’t be in the business today. From what I can tell, Robert works out of a small shop in his laundry room, where you’ll find a Tormach CNC, the crown jewel of his modding tools. The CNC has really set Robert’s work above and beyond the competition, since it has unlocked so many possibilities and solutions that would otherwise be impossible.

For example, Robert makes all his scales himself and he is able to produce complex designs such as skeletonized scales and even an Alox-inspired diamond cut pattern. Creating his own scales and not relying on Alox scales may have avoided Robert scrutiny by Victorinox, since they seem very protective of their name and logo. He is also able to create full back scales, so you can skip the notch reserved for corkscrews or the screwdriver that is so iconic in Swiss Army knives. Robert is able to precisely engrave text or logos into his creations. He is also know for creating custom tools such as the titanium hidden drawer with built-in spring latch, brass magnifying glass, Marlin spike, and even custom tweezers complete with a brass nub.

Robert’s books are currently open and the best way to reach him is via a direct message on Instagram. He is swamped with work but if you are polite and persistent, he will get back to you. I’ve found he is incredibly patient and is willing to answer as many questions as you’d like. Once he starts the job, it could be a matter of days before completion, depending on parts and tools on hand. Prices range from $275 to $450 and beyond, depending on the level of customization.

Robert’s work is top-notch and it’s impossible to find any indication that things are handmade rather than factory produced. There is a level of fit and finish that is beyond what you’d find from other, even skilled modders. In my opinion, his pieces are worthy of grail status.

The post A Beginner’s Guide to Custom Made Swiss Army Knives (SAKs) appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

I don’t mean to be alarmist, but the future is here. Innovations in textiles like DFC and other UHMWPEs have the graph of average fabric weight per square meter dropping like a fine downhill grade. Textile improvements affect everything from outerwear to sleeping bags to backpacks. Lighter. Smaller. Less. In the outdoor gear world, this means insulating layers weigh less, pack smaller, and keep you warmer. Ultimately, your pack won’t need to hold as much weight, and they won’t weigh as much themselves.

Enter the ultralight movement, where less is more. Home of the super ultralight circus that is Dremeling holes in your tooth brush, and where using a poncho/shelter/ground cloth is seen as an act of great distinction. Need a pack to carry the things you measure in grams? Check out the Osprey Levity.

Who It Suits

It’s niche for sure, and Osprey advertises it as such with an 11 kg/25 lb. load rating. If your base weight is less than 12 pounds, you might want to check this out.

Who It Doesn’t

To be blunt—most people. It’s not burly enough to handle the average person’s multi-day needs.

Specs: (large)

Weight: 920.34 grams / 2.03 pounds

Material: 30D Cordura Silnylon Ripstop, NanoFly 210D Nylon X 200D UHMWPE

Dimensions: 76.99H x 40.01W x 32.99D cm / 30.31H x 15.75W x 12.99D in.

Volume: 3844 cubic inches / 63L

Pockets: 1 zippered top, 3 exterior stuff pockets, 1 large main compartment.

The Good

In short, it’s very light. When the pack was delivered, I had to shake the box to make sure it was in there. Osprey developed their own Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) for this pack called NanoFly as a more durable exterior fabric. The NanoFly fabric has a good handfeel to it and feels substantial without being crunchy.

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“If your base weight is less than 12 pounds, you might want to check this out.”

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The patterning at large is attractive and well thought out. Attention to detail—like the triangular tabs that O-rings and cord locks are sewn to and the stretch woven fabric between the exterior 210D and the interior 30D to form the sidewalls of the exterior stuff pockets—is not unnoticed.

The exterior pockets are big. Layers, tarps, jackets, wet stuff, snacks—whatever. There’s enough exterior volume to pack an overnighter. Grommets on the bottom should relieve your worries about moisture management.

I could write at length about the suspension of the Levity. Osprey designers are truly the masters of the trampoline. Traditional tramp suspensions have a rigid, continuous curved frame, a radian if you will, with mesh fabric stretched over the dead space. The advantage of this is ventilation, but at the cost of moving the load farther away from your center of gravity. Secondly a radian (C-curve) isn’t a good representation of the human spine. This can create higher pressure points at the shoulder and lumbar if the pack isn’t padded correctly.

Osprey designers managed to create a more ergonomic rolling frame that better represents the S-curve of the human spine. The back panel of the Levity which the mesh trampoline is stretched over floats, nay, levitates at a roughly constant height above the wearer’s back and provides enough room for cooling airflow while minimizing the effects of moving the load away from your center of gravity.

“Osprey designers managed to create a more ergonomic rolling frame that better represents the S-curve of the human spine.”

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The Not So Good

It’s pretty delicate. I’m not crazy rough on my outdoor goods, but I did manage to puncture the 30D ripstop somehow. Not a big deal, but you do need to be delicate with this one.

I have mixed feelings on the compression. I was using the 60L variant and had plenty of extra space in the main compartment and couldn’t get enough compression around the load. It’s smart, but I can’t get enough purchase on the cord lock to make good use of it.

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“I’m not crazy rough on my outdoor goods, but I did manage to puncture the 30D ripstop somehow. Not a big deal, but you do need to be delicate with this one.”

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The lid is fixed. And enormous. I’d prefer the option to ditch the lid, or at least put my personals in there to drag into the tent at night. Beyond that, it’s huge and flops around a bit when moving downhill quickly. I made the mistake of putting my phone, keys and wallet in the lid and thought for sure my phone would be in pieces when I finally made it back to the trailhead. It easily swallows a 1.5-liter Nalgene and then some—pack accordingly.

The side pockets are tough to work a Nalgene into while wearing the pack. The rigid frame prevents reasonable ease of the side access point and the top access was just out of reach for me. You’ll have better luck with a Smartwater bottle on the side access.

I deeply miss a hip belt pocket. The absence of even a shoulder strap pouch was disappointing. If I’m hiking, I don’t want to have to finagle with my pack to get at my odds and ends. The Levity gives you no choice, unfortunately.

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“I have mixed feelings on the compression. It’s smart, but I can’t get enough purchase on the cord lock to make good use of it.”

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Alternatives to Consider

The closest thing I can figure is the Zpacks Arc Blast, which retails at $55 USD more, saves 300 grams, but doesn’t have a lid. It’s really only a comparison in terms of weight and suspension—even then, I think the Levity stands a head above the Arc Blast in comfort. Moving outside the cottage brands you’ll find a full ventilated suspension from Gregory in their Optic 58, which is over a half pound heavier. And that’s it—this is a good example of a pack that stands nearly alone in its category.

Verdict

I am really glad to see Osprey leading the “mainstream” charge into the UHMWPE/UL market for packs. It’s been dominated by cottage brands, and the technology that a larger company is able to introduce shakes up the game a bit.

The suspension on the Levity is a thing of beauty. If you geek over design, grab a pint and really dig into the details—the closer I look, the more impressed I am. In the Levity’s case, though, that’s about where my amazement ends. It’s good, don’t get me wrong, but there are some missed opportunities.

If anything, it’s a step in the right direction, and I hope to see other brands follow suit.

The post Drive By: Osprey Levity 60 Backpack appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.