Got your eye on the Aer Duffel Pack 2 but want more details before you buy? Get a closer look as Vincent Tse shares what’s in his EDC/gym bag…
Brazyn Trek Collapsible Foam Roller
KOR Water Nava Charcoal Filtered Water Bottle
Jabra Elite Sport Bluetooth Wireless Earphones
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When you’re clocking up the highway miles at high speeds or hurtling down wilderness trails you need motorcycle gear you can count on. Velomacchi are in the business of making some of the best moto gear around. Their commitment to quality materials, excellent craftsmanship and considered design allows them to create gear that thrives at high speeds while solving real pain points for motorcycle users. And they’re giving you the opportunity to embrace their excellent gear in person with our epic giveaway…
Four prizes. One winner. Yep, you read that right. One lucky winner will score an amazing prize pack valued at over $700 worth of gear! The prize pack includes the following:
Velomacchi Speedway Hybrid Travel Duffle 50L
The Speedway Hybrid Travel Duffle delivers the gear-hauling capabilities of a duffel with the carry convenience of a backpack. The versatile design can be carried as a pack, duffel, shoulder bag or secured to a motorcycle or roof rack. The stowable harness features a magnetic sternum closure for ease of use, as well as rotating clavicle hinges for comfort. Weatherproof, abrasion resistant, and with no dangling straps to get in the way when traveling at high speeds, it’s an adaptable piece for travel both on and off a bike.
Velomacchi Speedway Backpack 28L
Weatherproof, tough and multifunctional, the Speedway Backpack carries loads close to your center of gravity and distributes weight off your shoulders for greater freedom of movement. The bag features a magnetic rolltop closure, rotating harness system and magnetic sternum coupler for hands-free harness closure. Quick-access pockets keep small essentials at the ready and the pack is also hydration bladder compatible for easy hydration on the go.
Organizer and work surface in one, the Speedway Tool Roll offers multiple pockets to store work tools tidily. The Tool Roll also includes a snap bucket feature for preventing small parts and tools from rolling away while working with them. A top handle provides easy portability, while adjustable webbing straps let you secure the Tool Roll to a bike for transport on the move.
You’ve got the carry gear, but how about some premium protection for your hands? That’s what Velomacchi’s Speedway Gloves provide, combining practical design with quality construction for all-day comfort and peace of mind. The gloves feature soft deerskin palms for tactile feel, control and dexterity. The backs are made from abrasion-resistant goatskin with TPR rubber finger guards. Conductive finger and thumb tips allow for touchscreen use, while brass rivets provide added protection in the hypothenar impact zone.
If you want to be in with a chance of winning this badass prize pack, enter our giveaway below.
The post Giveaway: Enter to Win Velomacchi’s Ultimate Moto Prize Pack appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.
There are great American brands making awesome carry gear. And on the flip side, there are plenty making poor carry too. Ultimately where a bag is made is less important than the company behind it. So if you want to support carry that’s made in America, it’s important to look beyond that USA-made label tag and consider the brand as a whole. Do they create quality gear? Is it functional? Will it stand the test of time? If the answers are ‘yes’, then you’ve got a worthy contender on your hands. And it’s these kinds of values and design choices that our favorite made in the USA backpack brands uphold…
One of California’s lesser known bike carry brands, ILE are burly and bomber, and, in our book, deserve more cred. Founded in 2012 by Eric Fischer, it’s a brand that keeps it simple. Clean, no BS design, with a focus on easy functionality. Everything’s US made, from the super tough Cordura to the threads that stitch it together, and built in-house to rigorous standards. If you want a rugged pack for commuting (and nowadays travel and camera gear), ILE are a local brand to check out.
Backpacks of note:
Lots of great things are coming out of Portland, Oregon, and North St. Bags are no exception. Founded in 2009 by Curtis Williams, their bags are simple and classic and made in-house, right on the store floor. In their early days, they drew acclaim for their ingenious Woodward backpack / pannier hybrid, and have now branched off into noteworthy collabs (recently with Kiriko Made) and experiments with technical fabrics like X-Pac sailcloth.
Their bags are built with mostly USA-made materials and backed by a lifetime guarantee. And if you fancy a little personalization to your pack, there are custom colorway options too.
Backpacks of note:
SF’s infamous Chrome Industries have been carried on the shoulders of tattooed couriers since 1995 and it’s a brand that sparked a new movement into technical lifestyle cycling bags. Instantly recognizable with its Russian-star red hits and Pegasus logo, it’s a brand known for crazy tough bags built to take a beating – and all backed by a lifetime guarantee. In their stable, you’ll find backpacks for travel, commuting, or hitting the blacktop on a bike, of course. Many of their bags are made in Chico, California. And if you’re local to one of their Chrome Hubs, we’d suggest rolling in and asking them to craft you a custom bag like no other.
Backpacks of note:
Few brands have had such influence on an entire category as Mission Workshop. From their very first pack, the Vandal (the first-ever expandable bike pack), to their Arkiv System, they’ve blazed a trail of innovation like no other. Designed in San Francisco, made in the USA and backed by a lifetime warranty, theirs is some of the finest, burliest and aesthetically pleasing carry you’ll find, period.
Backpacks of note:
One of the original cycling carry brands, Timbuk2 has been going strong since 1989. Forever experimenting and playing with new forms, the San Francisco brand backs their bags with a lifetime warranty and crafts bike-friendly backpacks that embrace work, travel and play. You’ll also find custom options too, letting you pick and choose colorways and fabrics to personalize your pack, just how you want it.
Backpacks of note:
GORUCK have made a name for themselves by creating some of the toughest American-made bags around. Founded by a Green Beret and made with military-grade toughness in mind, their gear is built to take a beating and keep on performing. Backed by their Scars Lifetime Guarantee, you’ll find GORUCK bags embracing everything from GORUCK Challenges to everyday commutes and day hikes. Rugged 1000D Cordura is the material of choice for their bags, and legions of loyal fans will testify to the bags’ hard-wearing durability and adaptability.
Backpacks of note:
Triple Aught Design build gear to help people live more adventurously. It’s reliable and adaptable gear that will get you through the task at hand, whether that’s scaling a summit or commuting to work. Based in Dogpatch, San Francisco, the brand has been one of constant progression. Experimenting with technical fabrics, modularity and expansion, their packs are some of the most exciting on the market. You’ll find packs with military-grade toughness for demanding travel and outdoor use, to sleeker offerings that employ stealthy aesthetics.
Backpacks of note:
Kifaru is a brand that flies under the radar for most folks, with little spent on marketing and everything invested in crafting the best gear possible. And from that, they’ve built an incredible reputation in durable and reliable hunting and military backpacks. The brand was founded in 1997 by Patrick Smith (also the founder of Mountainsmith) and builds packs to order, focusing on comfort and functionality to ensure years of dependable use.
Backpacks of note:
If you haven’t heard of Mystery Ranch, then you haven’t been reading Carryology.com very long. Whether they’re making for the military, fire department, or taking those learnings to their everyday line, their packs have a following at cult level. Revered throughout the carry world for their laser-like attention to detail, bomber builds, and comfort when carrying loads, they’re some of the very best packs in the world, bar none.
Note, while many of their packs are now made in the Philippines, Mystery Ranch does build some of their outdoor packs, tactical and fire packs in the USA.
Backpacks of note:
Most might not have heard of McHale Packs. But if you scratch away at the backpacking world (and its burrow-like forums), you’ll discover the army of Dan McHale disciples who swear they’re the greatest UL packs around.
And the best part: they’re reportedly built in his garage. All by hand, using Dyneema and Cordura. Completely custom-built to each individual’s precise measurements. No two are alike. A word of warning, you’ll need to navigate your way through his archaic website to make contact, but trust us, it’s worth it.
Backpacks of note:
All custom
CiloGear crafts their bags in Portland, Oregon on a built-when-ordered process. For them ,‘In Stock’ means they have all of the sub assemblies of the pack. Then they build it for you. Lean and mean, and we like that. While their focus is on crafting lightweight alpine climbing and hiking packs, you’ll find UL urban commuter packs in the mix too, and they’re darn great!
Backpacks of note:
John Campbell is Alpine Luddites… quite literally. AL’s a one-person operation. Every pack or bike bag is built to order by him, with his famed attention to detail and quality. John’s waiting list can bounce from 6 to even 12 weeks at times, but you’re getting something special when you wait, especially if you go the custom route, so we recommend you roll into his Colorado workshop with a little patience, and a big plan for your perfect pack.
Backpacks of note:
If you’ve ever been passed by a hot white pack hammering up the trail, it’s most likely come from the Maine workshop of Hyperlite Mountain Gear. Building for alpinists, backpackers, thru-hikers and other adventurers, their packs are stripped back and minimal, ultralight, and dialed to increase speed, distance and efficiency. One of our favorite UL brands. And well worth a closer look.
Backpacks of note:
Zpacks was founded in 2005 by Joe Valesko, a man who knows all about long-distance thru-hikes and the gear needed to conquer them. The brand builds ultralight backpacking gear that finds that tricky balance of shedding grams while remaining comfortable and durable enough for extensive use. Their designs cater to day hikes, short trips and long-distance hikes, with optional modular accessories and a choice of sizes to tailor them to specific users. The bags are made in West Melbourne, Florida.
Backpacks of note:
DSPTCH is a great example of humble beginnings to global success story. Beginning life in an apartment, their first product (a camera strap) was launched in 2010. They’ve come a long way, with stores in San Francisco, New York and Tokyo and a solid offering of gear that caters to EDC, work, travel, photography and workout carry needs. Products are cut and sewn entirely in the USA, mostly in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Built to be durable, timeless and functional, their gear mixes military inspiration with urban styling and functionality and comes with a lifetime guarantee too.
Backpacks of note:
The Brown Buffalo is a carry brand based in California, crafting seriously slick and considered pieces. Founded by our good friend and master designer Douglas Davidson (whose extensive experience includes Burton and The North Face), the brand creates quality, functional pieces for urban everyday and travel needs. The USA-made Conceal Pack is a fine example of understated aesthetics, excellent craftsmanship and practical design that reliably handles work, travel and play requirements.
Backpacks of note:
DEFY is a brand built on, well, defying expectations. Founder Chris Tag defied remaining in a “safe” but soulless corporate job in favor of venturing into the unknown with the aim of creating a top-notch American manufacturing company. And he’s done just that. The brand defies fast fashion in favor of what they like to call “slow manufacturing” and an appreciation of enduring quality, building their gear by hand in Chicago. Overbuilt to take years of demanding use and keep on thriving, their backpacks feature rugged materials such as Martexin Original Wax Canvas, M35 Military Truck Tarpaulin, and 1000D Ballistic Nylon. Ruggedly suave style, excellent durability and straightforward functionality lets their packs adapt easily to diverse urban settings and needs.
Backpacks of note:
Dig into the history behind Recycled Firefighter and you’ll find a pretty darn inspiring story. It was founded by full-time firefighter Jake Starr who wanted additional part-time work he could do from home to support his family. He taught himself to sew and went through hundreds of failed products and prototypes before getting his big break in the carry community through a wallet made from decommissioned fire hose. Countless hours of work month after month (and learning from plenty of mistakes along the way) allowed him to grow the brand. Now Recycled Firefighter offers a range of bags and wallets, made by hand in the USA. The packs are crafted with 1000D Cordura, USA-made hardware and reinforced stitching in high-stress areas. Designed for everyday use and short trips, these tough packs offer an appealing mix of functionality and dependable durability you can count on for years to come.
Backpacks of note:
Rucksack Village is a custom carry brand founded by James Kamo. Bags are designed based on a thorough understanding of each user’s carry needs as well as influences from their personalities and preferences. Though James is super busy and the packs are a side project now, there’s still a chance to get your own (just be prepared to wait for the carry goodness).
Backpacks of note:
All custom
Military inspiration meets everyday versatility with Colfax Design Works’ gear. Made with adaptability and durability in mind, CDW bags feature technical fabrics and mil-spec components. All brought together in functional designs that don’t shy away from demanding EDC and travel needs. Their gear is made in small batches, giving nods to modularity and multifunctionality so it’s ready to tackle present and future carry needs equally well.
Backpacks of note:
Mafia Bags got its start in 2012 in Buenos Aires, founded by brother-and-sister team Marcos and Paz Mafia. As a former professional kitesurfer, Marcos came across piles of sails in storage and knew they could be put to new use. The brand expanded to San Francisco in 2014, now their HQ, and has an in-house production facility. Mafia Bags has a strong commitment to sustainability and uses upcycled sails to make their bags, guaranteeing gear with a lifetime warranty. The certified B Corp offers a variety of unique bags for urban carry requirements, including backpacks, duffels, messengers and totes.
Backpacks of note:
Truce was founded by Luke Mathers, who learned to sew industrial-grade fabrics while crafting boat covers and repairing sails at North Sails Oregon. In 2016 Truce Designs joined the TREW family, an Oregon-based outdoor company. Truce still holds true to its commitment to environmentally responsible design and manufacturing, using reclaimed materials such as sailcloths and drysuit fabrics to create unique bags. Made in Portland, Oregon, and designed to offer high-performance functionality, Truce bags are also backed by a lifetime warranty.
Backpacks of note:
Special Edition 34th AC Defending Champion Drop Liner Backpack
Rescue Series Drop Liner Backpack – Orange/Black + Cobra Buckle
Heritage-inspired carry has enjoyed a huge resurgence during the past few years. But while plenty of brands jumped on the bandwagon of heritage aesthetics, many toppled off hitting functionality and quality stumbling blocks. Not so with Bradley Mountain. Founded in 2012, the brand aims to inspire adventure not just through travels but in everyday life, crafting gear that embraces whatever the day brings. Bags are designed with a considered mix of functionality and durability in addition to handsome heritage aesthetics. Their bags are made by hand in San Diego, California, and where many other brands have fallen short Bradley Mountain keeps going strong, backing their commitment to long-lasting quality by offering free repairs too.
Backpacks of note:
One of the original cottage industry carry brands, RMW was founded in 1971 and has influenced numerous designers and brands within the outdoor industry. While it dropped off the radar in the ’80s, RMW has enjoyed a brand resurgence over the past decade. Staying true to their heritage roots, the brand makes gear by hand through what they like to call a “village” manufacturing process. In addition to the iconic Jensen Pack
(a true game changer in the carry industry), RMW offers a variety of backpacks to handle outdoor and urban environments alike.
Backpacks of note:
Based in Portland, Oregon, Tanner Goods was founded on the principle of crafting gear that’s worth holding onto. They do this through gear that fuses heritage styling, modern-day functionality, and long-lasting construction that will have you sighing in appreciation. Made for day-to-day and travel needs, the carry range features quality materials such as waxed 18 oz. filter twill canvas and vegetable-tanned leather, brought together in practical and durable designs built to last for years to come.
Backpacks of note:
Kletterwerks was founded by the legendary Dana Gleason in 1975, his first endeavour in pack design and manufacturing. Though the brand stepped off the carry stage for many years, it was resurrected as part of the Mystery Ranch family. While the enduring, simple designs merited a resurrection, there have been new additions (such as padded laptop sleeves) to set these bags up for modern-day use while still retaining their heritage charm.
Backpacks of note:
Born from the need to traverse the terrain of the Northern Wilderness, Frost River builds its gear to withstand just about anything. Handmade in Duluth, Minnesota, their bags are crafted with care and precision, using American-sourced materials, such as Martexin Original Wax Canvas and leather from the SB Foot Tannery. And, the fun part, you’ll never have trouble spotting one from afar. See that brown waxed canvas, chestnut leather and solid brass combo above? That’s the signature vibe, and they darn well stick to it.
Backpacks of note:
When you think of heritage-style carry, Filson’s name always crop ups. Not surprising when you consider they’ve been creating quality gear for demanding outdoor use since 1897. The brand has a manufacturing facility in their Seattle HQ (which you can tour) and backs its gear with a lifetime guarantee. Pore over their packs and you’ll find hard-wearing, functional pieces that accommodate work, travel, outdoor and everyday needs.
Backpacks of note:
Founded in 2008, Topo Designs was born in a basement in Fort Collins (and continues to make a lot of bags in Colorado) but now enjoys a global fan base. They set themselves apart in the industry by finding that sweet spot between urban and outdoor functionality. Rather than making you choose the city or the wilderness Topo gear embraces both, balancing heritage style with fun and modern practicality. You’ll find designs catering for everything from day hikes to work commutes to weekend getaways, all backed by a lifetime warranty.
Backpacks of note:
Founded by Spencer Nikosey, KILLSPENCER have been crafting covet-worthy carry since 2009. A suave mix of clean styling, premium materials and excellent construction ensures low-key luxury in every piece. But the Los Angeles brand puts a focus on utility too, so their California-made pieces don’t just look good but perform reliably day in and day out. Their range of fashion-friendly yet functional packs are well suited to work and everyday use in urban settings, featuring chic silhouettes and quality materials such as premium full-grain leather, waxed canvas, and fire retardant and weatherproof nylon.
Backpacks of note:
Based in Providence, Rhode Island, Lotuff Leather crafts uber-luxurious leather carry pieces by hand. Many of the team members are artists who create Lotuff’s meticulously crafted pieces – pieces that nail that appealing balance of luxe style and everyday functionality. Each piece is backed by a lifetime guarantee and features premium vegetable-tanned leather.
Backpacks of note:
Brooklyn-based Outlier stand out from the crowd through their commitment to innovative, technical apparel and fabric experimentation, but check out their carry offerings and you’ll find them impressive too. Pieces such as the Ultrahigh Dufflepack, Ultrahigh Duffle and Ultrahigh Backpack have delivered eye-catching modern aesthetics with premium technical fabrics. Made in small batches, their bags sell out fast, so keep an eye out. One better, sign up to their newsletter to be one of the first to know.
Backpacks of note:
Tom Bihn combines over three decades of design experience (four if you consider the founder has been making bags since 1972) with a dedication to eco-conscious production and a rad company philosophy (that they actually genuinely follow). Their gear is known for its functionality and durability and is made in their Seattle factory (you can also visit the factory showroom). Tom Bihn’s travel backpacks handle diverse needs and trips, from outdoor excursions to urban carry-on use. But they also make a variety of other packs that handle work and EDC needs. All backed by a lifetime guarantee.
Backpacks of note:
Red Oxx makes some of the burliest travel bags out there, backed by their legendary “No Bull” lifetime warranty. The bags exude a military level of toughness and dependability (not surprising since the founder and current CEO both have military backgrounds). Wherever you’re going, these bags will get there and back again, multiple times over. Their bags are made by hand in Billings, Montana, using trusty 1000D Cordura, rugged #10 YKK zippers and reinforced stitching for dependable durability.
Backpacks of note:
The post Our Favorite ‘Made in the USA’ Backpack Brands appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.
Travel restricts you to a limited wardrobe. So you want to ensure the pieces you’re packing provide maximum functionality and adaptability. Good travel pants do both, incorporating key features to help you pack less while getting more out of your gear. So what should you look for in a travel pant?
Durability
Traveling is hard on your gear, including your clothing. Travel pants need to be durable enough to withstand extended use. Tough, abrasion-resistant fabrics and reinforced stitching help your travel pants embrace a wider variety of environments and activities.
Inbuilt stretch
Travel pants should offer at least some degree of stretch for freedom of movement and comfort on the go. The degree of stretch you’ll need depends on what you plan to do with them. Active use such as cycling, hiking or climbing will require a little more stretch than urban sightseeing trips or business travel.
Versatile aesthetics
Travel pants with understated, versatile aesthetics allow you to move from work to play and formal to casual with just one pant. Consider pants that you can dress up or down as required, with clean silhouettes and attractive fabrics that bring low-key style to your travels.
Feature set
We’re all a little different, but things like elastic waists, zip off legs and security pockets are some features to look for.
Stain and water resistance
Mitigate the inconvenience of unexpected showers or accidental spills by choosing pants with built-in water and stain resistance. Look for features such as DWR or other water-repellent coatings to help keep stains and liquids at bay. Not having to find a laundromat or wash gear in your accommodation saves you time and money which can be better spent enjoying your trip.
Quick drying and low maintenance
In the event your travel pants do get wet or need a wash, quick-drying fabric makes a big difference in reducing laundry hassles and not letting wet gear hinder you. You’ll also want to avoid options that require specialist cleaning. Machine or hand-washable pants that dry quickly and don’t need babying are ideal.
So with the above points in mind, unpack some top picks for travel pants that suit long flights and beyond…
A considered blend of stretch, durability and versatility makes Mountain Hardwear’s Hardwear AP Pant a solid pick for your packing list. And with its affordable pricing it won’t dent your wallet too much either. The Hardwear AP Pant moves easily from bike rides to bouldering to work settings, with a roll-up feature and reflective detailing for added functionality. There’s also a choice of pockets to stash smaller travel and EDC items.
The prAna Briann Pant offers an appealing mix of style and performance to handle a variety of travel environments. The fitted, skinny leg design features five pockets and comes in a choice of three inseams. Made with Stretch ‘Zion’ performance fabric with a DWR finish, the Briann Pant is breathable, comfortable, quick-drying and wrinkle-resistant. Plus it provides UPF 50+ sun protection for a little extra peace of mind.
A five-pocket performance pant that takes you from mountain tops to work meetings? No problem for the Western Rise Women’s AT Slim Rivet Pants. They’re made with a bluesign®-approved durable stretch nylon canvas featuring air-texturized fibers for an appealing hand feel. Tough yet comfortable for all-day use, they also have a DWR finish for water and stain resistance, as well as quick-drying convenience. You’ll also enjoy UPF 50+ sun protection from these pants.
Mike, Managing Editor: “The only pair of pants you need? A bold claim, but Western Rise have designed their Evolution Pant to be just that”. The highly versatile design is made with a unique bluesign®-approved stretch nylon Supplex® fabric. The fabric provides an impressive mix of comfort, durability, stretch, water and stain resistance, and breathability. The Evolution Pant offers six pockets for storing small essentials, and can be dressed up or down so you’re ready for outdoor adventures or a night on the town. A perfect blend of ruggedness, versatility and functionality, these are an exceptional pair of pants.
Loved (and worn weekly) by our Senior Editor, David Vo, the Olivers Passage Pant are a lightweight, versatile and comfortable pair of pants that are a fine addition to any everyday or travel wardrobe. Made from a high quality 91% CORDURA grade nylon and 9% spandex blend, these have just the right amount of stretch, look great dressed up or down, and come in at a reasonable price. These are a touchdown!
Outlier’s Strong Dungarees are a rugged, no-nonsense approach to practical pants for everyday and travel use. Made with Strongtwill fabric, the Strong Dungarees are tough enough to embrace urban and outdoor environments alike, while becoming softer over time. They feature a slight two-way stretch and DWR finish, along with five pockets to keep small valuables and travel items within easy reach.
*Currently on sale for $US95!
Looking for the comfort of a jogger with a little added style thrown into the mix? Alchemy Equipment’s AEM133 3XDRY Cotton Jogger delivers, merging smart-casual style with everyday comfort and practicality. The jogger features a 3XDRY finish for external water and stain repellency, moisture wicking internally, and quick drying times. There’s also concealed elastic in the back waistband for added comfort.
Made with a technical denim from Schoeller, the AEM120 3XDRY Denim Chino gives your wardrobe a style boost while offering a range of useful travel features. The 3XDRY finish provides water and stain repellency while wicking moisture to help keep you cool. The fabric also features stretch for comfort, while the water-resistant phone pocket protects your tech on the move.
Mission Workshop designed the Signal Pant with long-lasting durability and freedom of movement in mind, rounded off with their signature sleek urban styling. Made in the USA with a military-spec four-way stretch nylon fabric from the USA, it’s also backed by a lifetime guarantee. Five pockets organize small essentials, while a DWR finish shrugs off water and stains. Durable, versatile and epic for moving around in – this is a pant that’s won a place in many a travelers’ kit.
The post 9 Amazing Travel Pants for Long Flights and Beyond appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.
The Heimplanet Transit Line features three bags designed to help you navigate life on the move. Whether you’re transitioning from work to travel or play environments, these bags aim to smoothly cater to changing carry needs. So how do they fare when put to the test? Take a quick look below…
The post Heimplanet Transit Line: Quick Look appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.
Luxurious leather luggage. Travel-ready apparel to keep packing in check. Slick compact slings for urban roaming. And camera carry rocking everything from handmade artisan textiles to tactical vibes. Discover all of this and more as we delve into September’s best new gear…
Street culture fuses with considered practicality in the Nixon x C.R. Stecyk III Limited Edition Collaboration. California-based accessories brand Nixon joins forces with artist C.R. Stecyk III, a pioneer of the Dogtown skate ethos and street art progenitor, to deliver this two-piece capsule. The C.R. Stecyk III Limited Edition Logic Ops Camera Bag merges tactical style with useful organization for diverse loads. Multiple pockets, compartments, pouches, MOLLE webbing and tripod straps let you tailor setups to stay on top of changing needs. They’ve made just 100 bags, so you better be quick off the mark if you’re keen to snag one. Also forming part of the capsule is the C.R. Stecyk III Limited Edition Descender Watch, a stainless steel watch that is water-resistant to 30ATM and comes with a Cerakote graffiti splattered case and custom caseback. Like the bag, only 100 watches were made.
Think Tank Photo brings modern updates to classic styling with their Retrospective V2.0 series of shoulder bags. Lighter than the originals, the series offers five sizes of bag to suit a variety of camera setups. The bags now feature a zippered opening under the main flap for added security. And if you don’t need it, you can store it out of the way until required. You’ll also find storage for a tablet or laptop, a luggage handle pass-through sleeve, plus a compressible water bottle pocket. Additionally, Think Tank Photo improved their “Sound Silencer” technology, so you can work quietly and not draw unnecessary attention. Speaking of avoiding unwanted attention, the low-key aesthetics mean they don’t look like they’re carrying expensive gear either.
Ethnotek bags feature eye-catching handmade textiles sourced from artisan villages around the world. Now they’re bringing their colorful style of carry to the camera world with their ETK OPTIKS Camera Bag Collection. The collection features the Raja Photo Pack, the Desa Sling Pouch and the Kota Camera Strap. The 30L Raja Photo Pack is an adaptable pack for commuting, camera gear and weekend adventures. It accommodates a variety of interchangeable front panels called Threads, allowing you to easily alter the bag’s aesthetics while supporting a variety of textile artisans. The pack provides front and side access to camera gear, a range of dividers and organization pockets, as well as a laptop pocket. The pack also has separate storage in the main compartment for personal gear and includes a removable waist belt.
Looking for a little calm in your everyday carry chaos? Mystery Ranch has a versatile solution on hand with their Street Zen. An adaptable everyday pack built with the urban, active commuter in mind. The front EDC compartment features a dual zipper and Velcro closure and lets you reach frequently used items without taking the bag off. The main compartment features a Speedzip zipper and buckled handle closure for added portability and security. The floating, padded laptop compartment keeps tech safe on the go, while additional pockets are on hand for smaller items. And with its lifetime guarantee you can feel confident venturing forth with this pack in tow.
Code of Bell caught the carry world’s attention with their X-PAK series. Now their new TOURER collection provides a minimalist take on the originals. The TOURER X-PAK-PRO blends form and function, incorporating weatherproof cotton duck fabric in its stylish and multifunctional design. Two separate compartments let you organize gear for a variety of work, travel, and day-to-day needs. The 11L volume can increase to 23L through the expandable front compartment, handy for larger items or last-minute souvenirs. The bag fits a 13″ laptop, with multiple pockets for organization.
Just because a load is small doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve a considered carry approach. And a considered approach is what The Brown Buffalo provides with the Concealsling. Function meets slick urban style with a sleek and durable design to carry minimalist loads. The sling offers quick-access pockets, along with a zipped main compartment with additional organization. The sling can be worn across the chest or back and works well across a range of day-to-day and travel environments. It features a mix of abrasion-resistant and water-resistant 420D Nylon and 210D Nylon Ripstop, in a choice of versatile colorways.
Japanese carry experts master-piece have honed decades of experience to deliver dialed-in form and function. Their Rim Series demonstrates this expertise across a range of everyday bags including a backpack, sling bag, tote bag and two shoulder bags. master-piece crafts the series with high-density nylon twill and vegetable-tanned leather detailing. The bags feature a water-repellent finish and a two-tone colorway with a subtle glossy aesthetic. Complementing the fashion-forward aesthetics is convenient access, with four zipper pulls to open the bags at different places to easily reach specific items while keeping the rest of your gear secured.
If striking aesthetics in practical pieces capture your attention, then the master-piece Lightning Dye Series is not one to miss. The series features a unique dyeing process that dyes the surface of the fabric as well as the back, using a hands-on approach and bleeding technique to distort the dye patterns. The result? The kind of bags you can’t help but take a second (and likely third and fourth) look at. The series includes two backpacks and a sling bag for versatile everyday or travel carry use.
Porter make some of the slickest urban carry around. Team them up with wings+horns, a designer and manufacturer with a refined blend of Japanese and Canadian design experience, and you’re in for a treat. This collaborative daypack is based on Porter’s Tanker series and is crafted by Porter in Japan using ripstop taffeta and nylon satin side panels. Functional storage complements the pared-back style including external zip pockets, side pockets with snap closures, and a padded sleeve with a Velcro closure.
Bedouin Foundry are well known for their handsome waxed canvas bags. But they take a different tack with this special edition of the Delireis. The bag is handmade in England using 170gsm Dyneema composite fabric and features AustriAlpin Cobra buckles. The rolltop pack includes a laptop sleeve and two exterior sleeve pockets, with sealed cell padding on the back panel and base. Tough yet lightweight, it comes in at 540 grams. Bedouin Foundry have already sold out the first batch but you can pre-order for the new batch now.
The Vertx EDC Gamut offers a well-thought-out mix of functional design, durability and organization. And they’ve introduced a new colorway so you can add a little color pop to your carry setup. A good option if you want to step away from more subdued color options but still keep things relatively low-key, the Midnight Navy/Stone looks suitably at home in both urban and outdoor settings.
Aer’s distinctive urban style and functionality gets a Japanese twist with the release of the Aer x Oshman’s City Sling. The sling is available in gray water-resistant 900D eco-dyed polyester and black water-resistant 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon. Simple, sleek and designed for your small essentials, the bag features a front pocket, interior pockets and concealed rear pocket for valuables. The adjustable strap provides multiple carry options including across the back, chest, on the shoulder or around the waist. It’s available now exclusively at Oshman’s in Japan.
Fancy a generous dose of avant-garde style in your carry collection? Then the Y-3 Utility Backpack should be on your radar. The brand is a collaboration between Yohji Yamamoto and adidas, offering fashion-forward yet practical designs. The over-sized pack features a drawstring main compartment with a fold-over top. Side pockets, an interior zip pocket and a padded laptop compartment help keep your gear tidy, while compression straps let you adjust the bag to suit different loads.
Forming part of Ally Capellino’s Travel/Cycle collection, the Pendleton carries essentials in clean and durable style. Wearable as a cross-body or waist bag, it’s made with highly water-resistant Cordura Nylon. Lightweight but hard-wearing, the bag includes a reflective strip, taped zips and a choice of pockets to keep gear organized.
Casual-chic in style and thoughtfully designed for versatile use, Ally Capellino’s Frank Rucksack lends itself to work, travel and everyday use. The bag combines water-resistant British waxed cotton and a leather base. The distinct boxy silhouette brings style and function to the table, with a wide opening for easy packing and access. Inside you’ll find an interior laptop sleeve and zipped pocket, along with two exterior front pockets and top carry handles.
Whether you’re looking for elevated style in your gym bag, understated elegance for the commute, or an adaptable overnight bag, the Hoy Travel/Cycle Rucksack has you covered. Built to withstand regular use and inclement weather, the bag features water-resistant Cordura nylon, weatherproof zips, and Italian bridle leather handles. It offers a 13″ tech sleeve, a reflective strip and a D-ring for securing a bike light.
In travel, getting lost sometimes leads to the greatest adventures. And being prepared to get lost and explore the unknown is the guiding design principle behind UK moto brand, Malle London’s new Lost Collection. Honed in style and utility, each piece is made by hand using premium British waxed canvas, organic cotton, bridle leather and brass hardware. Features such as impact protection and 100% waterproof membranes further enhance the collection’s functionality. Guaranteed for life and designed to age gracefully, the pieces in the collection cater to a range of travel and day-to-day needs. Chic, durable and practical, the collection includes the Adrian Adventurer Duffel, John Hybrid Backpack, Dash-Pack, John Hybrid Leather Backpack, Edward Backpack, Garment Duffel, Bonnie Backpack, Moto Wallet and Tom Leather Digital Folio.
There are lots of great bags to carry day-to-day items. But bags specifically designed for gamer carry needs? A much more elusive prospect. Villager Supplies are looking to change that with the 3Up. The bag is specifically designed to provide protection for your Nintendo Switch and gaming accessories, along with storage for small daily essentials too. Impact-resistant padding provides peace of mind on the move, while a variety of pockets offer convenient organization so you can get to gear in a jiffy. And with its urban-friendly aesthetics and multiple carry options, you can carry gaming gear and EDC in style.
Smart travel wardrobe choices are key to keeping your packing to a minimum. And the DUER Men’s 24 Hour T-Shirt is a solid pick. It features a unique blend of cotton, Tencel, and Spandex for a great mix of breathability, odor control, and stretch. The 360 Stretch allows freedom of movement in any direction, enhanced by the invisible DUER gusset which enables a greater range of motion and avoids premature wear and tear. The Tencel provides natural moisture absorption and odor control benefits. An adaptable t-shirt that moves from the gym to work to the weekend, it’s a versatile choice for one-bag travel and minimalist packing.
Another smart wardrobe choice for everyday and travel needs is the DUER Men’s 9 to 9 Button Down Shirt. It features a blend of cotton, COOLMAX, and Spandex, providing office-friendly style with the functionality, comfort and stretch of active apparel. The Spandex and invisible DUER gusset enable comfortable movement. And for added practicality the COOLMAX wicks moisture while keeping you cool on the go.
You’ve got the shirts covered but what about the footwear? Bulky shoes take up a lot of carry space, so it’s important to pick a pair that adapts easily to diverse settings. A pair like the Vessi Footwear Waterproof Knit. Not only are these shoes lightweight and comfortable, they’re also 100% waterproof. The specialized knit textile upper is waterproof, breathable, moisture-wicking, and odor resistant, a perfect mix for tackling a range of environments and weather conditions. And with their four-way stretch, the knit uppers will conform to your feet for improved fit.
Many packable jackets don’t go beyond a simple shell to reach for in a shower or light breeze. But Mission Workshop created the Sans to be different. A packable jacket that goes above and beyond. A great ultralight option for minimalist packing, but without sacrificing technical details and functionality. The jacket weighs just 5.6 ounces, but is packed with useful features including stretch, multiple hood adjustments and a zipped chest pocket. It’s crafted with 50 gsm 3-layer fabric made especially for Mission Workshop by Japan-based Toray. The fabric features Toray’s high-performance, waterproof and breathable Entrant® microporous membrane with a water column rating of 30,000 and MVTR of 30,000+. Waterproof, windproof, and breathable, the jacket also includes underarm ventilation holes and a weatherproof YKK zipper.
Stuart & Lau expand on their suave carry range with a dapper collection of accessories designed to meet the modern man’s transient lifestyle. Considered in function and style, the collection introduces five new pieces. The Slim Wallet is crafted with full-grain Italian leather, a suede pocket for notes, and an RFID-blocking lining. It offers storage for multiple cards while maintaining its slim form, and includes a back pocket for quick access to a travel card. For a more minimalist option consider the Card Holder. Made with full-grain leather, it features a central divider and a bottom cutout to push up and easily access cards. Taking care of your tech is the Laptop Sleeve, crafted with weatherproof DuraLiteᵀᴹ Fabric, full-grain leather detailing, and magnetic flap closures. The expanding concertina design accommodates work essentials, while the back sleeve pocket stores quick-access items.
The Stuart & Lau Toiletry Kit is also made with DuraLiteᵀᴹ Fabric and full-grain leather trim, with a handy rubberized wipe-clean lining. The clamshell opening maximizes storage and easy access, with a toothbrush sleeve and included transparent TSA-friendly wet bag adding to the functionality. For keeping travel essentials tidy look to the Travel Wallet. It’s made with DuraLiteᵀᴹ Fabric and full-grain leather trim and offers multiple interior dividers and pockets to keep travel essentials tidy and accessible on the go.
There’s a huge appreciation for heritage outdoor gear in Japan, especially gear with a story and distinct aesthetic behind it. And the Rivendell Mountain Works Jensen Pack is definitely that kind of gear. A revolutionary piece that’s inspired designers and outdoor brands for decades, the Jensen Pack has no internal frame but instead uses the contents to maintain its structure. And now it’s getting a style-savvy update from Natal Design. The Japanese brand is a big proponent of learning from the past while creating products with a sense of fun for modern-day users. And that’s what this collaboration provides. Made by hand with 1000D nylon, the updated Jensen comes in a bold striped print and camo print for a striking blend of heritage form and urban-friendly fashion.
The post Best New Gear: September 2018 appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.
When it comes to cult carry brands, GORUCK is right up there at the top of the list. And for good reason. They make some of the toughest carry gear around (with plenty of GORUCK Challenges attesting to its durability). But they’ve also built up a passionate community who are fans not just of the gear but of the values and ethos that GORUCK has maintained from the get-go. Recently Carryology Classified was honored to host a Live Q&A with GORUCK founder and CEO Jason McCarthy. Find out more about the brand and the man (and community) behind it in our conversation below…
For me GORUCK is a lot more than ‘just a business’. And so the best, most rewarding part is the community and the people that I get to work with. That come to our events. That have made GORUCK about a lot more.
A brief history on why I started this, it was never about building the GR1. It was never about the gear. Yes, there were some skills that I’d learned with regards to gear in the Special Forces, but it was a hobby at the outset. And it took years and years to get to the point where the GR1 was about where it still is now, almost a decade later.
All of that said, if it weren’t for the community of people that I met through the GORUCK Challenges and, furthermore, the people that I get to work with here at GORUCK headquarters and GORUCK Scars, then I would not be doing this still. My goal has been to sort of honor my roots in the Special Forces and serve America. And live by these values and ideals that are really important to me and to our way of life. So that’s what keeps me going in all of this.
And the best part about that is when you get to celebrate some kind of success with other people. Some great feeling of finishing a Challenge with a class, with a team. That kind of stuff. That’s really motivating to me. And then there’s a lot of internal stuff as well. You design something for a really long time, it comes out, and people like it. I mean, you guys…we work for you, not the other way around. So the people are the best part.
Well, people are the most rewarding and also the most challenging. So I want everybody to succeed. I want classes to succeed. I want my kids to grow up and be happy and confident and successful in however they get to define it. So the hardest times here are when somebody leaves that you love and they say goodbye or vice versa. Because this is a family and a community inside of our headquarters as well. So we feel it when people come and people go. It’s great. It’s just kind of the nature of it and sometimes that’s been pretty hard.
It depends on the day, right? But spend another hour with my kids. Some days I want to work until midnight. I want to work until I don’t wake up in the morning and start it all over again. Some days you’re just shot and you just go home earlier and take the kids to the beach, or something like that. What I don’t want is that there’s not this big divide for me between being at work and being at home and being on the road and all those sort of things.
And the real value in all of this is finding the right balance. Spending time with the people that you love and still an honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work. And figuring out what that looks like in your own life. And only you can answer that. So I’m trying to figure it all out like all of us are. If I could add another hour into my day, I would. If I could add 48 hours more into every day, I would. I go to bed wishing I had more time and I wake up and I say, “Thank God I got another day. It’s awesome.” I’m just at a really good place with the sort of work/life balance. All of that good stuff.
“What I did not foresee was the impact it would have on people. So that became very much a part of where GORUCK stole my heart, those first classes and then subsequent classes after that where I just saw the impact that GORUCK was having on people”
My routine is I wake up in the morning and I take my youngest son, Ryan (he’s about a year and a half) and I put him in a front-loader that we did not build, but that we sort of customized a little bit on the front. It says, ‘Embrace the suck’ instead of the lame-o brand tag that it would otherwise say. And I put my Rucker on with usually a 30-pound ruck plate. Sometimes it’s a 45, but that gets to be a bit much as he’s gotten a little bigger and is now about 30 pounds. So I use that in the morning.
Then I usually bike to work and it’s about four miles. So I’d love to say I ruck everywhere all the time. Not true. I live a little too far away for that. To do every day anyway. But when it’s product testing time, I do that a lot more. And then when I travel it’s my GR1. I have my laptop and I have a windbreaker. So that normal stuff. Nothing crazy. I don’t have some big broken-down AR15 or some 50 Cal everywhere I go, or anything crazy like that.
I still have to think about that. I’m not entirely sure what that is. I mean there might be some answer like: how much it hurts to disappoint them. But hopefully they know that we’re really disappointed if we let people down. In any way. Something fails, or the event wasn’t a home run. Or we weren’t perfectly clear on whatever communication we sent to y’all. And stuff like that. We’re really humans too and so…just that element. We are actually humans, we’re not sidewalks. Maybe that’s it.
Well, the secret sauce is that there’s not really a secret to it. The lessons that have worked, the fundamentals, which it always comes back to the fundamentals, are the same that I learned in Special Forces. Which is how to build a community. So here’s an example. The classic Special Forces mission, that everyone kind of recognizes, post-9/11 a couple of hundred Green Berets moved into Afghanistan, linked up with the Northern Alliance and then worked with the Northern Alliance to defeat the Taliban, with the United States Air Force. What they did not do was just go force on force and have Green Berets vs the Taliban.
So the point of that is saying unilateral action, like a business just doing its own thing and not engaging, and not force-multiplying, and not building communities, is a really expensive way to do things. In war it’s bloodshed and are you really winning hearts and minds? In business we have limited resources as well. So how are you going to deploy those? If you can create raving fans, then they’ll do the work for you. So it really is just modelled directly after my time in Special Forces and that’s what I knew
It’s a major part of what we do. The inception for those was, as you all know, GORUCK stuff costs a lot of money. It’s really expensive. When I was in Special Forces, we always had the best gear and you would pay more for the best gear. That said, a lot of it was issued… You had separate credit cards, you had allowances or allotments that you were given. So you weren’t really paying for your own stuff, at least most of the time.
And $300, about to be $400, for our signature rucksack, GR1, is just a ton of cash. In the early days, I thought that $295 was just a death sentence for us. It was too expensive. We’re an unknown brand. And then I thought… Well, I made my peace with the fact that it’s really an awesome rucksack and then people will buy it. And the truth is that they don’t just come to you. Nobody’s going to do the work for you. The industry is not built around welcoming newcomers into their field. That’s just not how things work.
So the challenge was I don’t know anything about AdWords. I don’t know anything about Facebook ads. I don’t know anything about digital marketing. And this was 2010. But I do know how to build teams. And I know how to engage people and build communities and get them engaged in a mission that we’re doing. So that’s what the Challenge was. It was designed to kind of ‘market’ GORUCK.
What I did not foresee was the impact it would have on people. So that became very much a part of where GORUCK stole my heart, those first classes and then subsequent classes after that where I just saw the impact that GORUCK was having on people. And that was a really powerful thing. So it made it a lot of fun for me to keep going with GORUCK. I’d say, without the Challenge, nobody’s ever heard of us. Because just, I say ‘just’ a gear company. Not like that’s easy because that’s really, really hard.
But the business mechanisms of marketing a gear company are difficult. And it’s kind of in isolation and I kind of prefer communities and teams and stuff like that. So the events and gear have very much always been one GORUCK in my heart and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
The Special Operations Troops, the SOT, Special Operations Forces Troops, the first one is: humans are more important than hardware. And that’s always true. So it always comes down to people. I’ll give you an example. The GR1 is cool. If we build you a perfect GR1 right here, that’s great, right? But the people that have to consistently ensure that it has quality at the manufacturing level, at the quality control level – and you are also in quality control for us. Little secret. Through the GORUCK Challenge. Testing it at 1,000 events a year, stuff like that. It makes sure that we’re doing our very best all the time and that we have the stops in place to find out if anything goes off-kilter.
So the humans are more important than hardware. And to build a team you have to find great people that are aligned with your culture and your mission and you have to empower them and you have to hold a standard. And we have to hold each other to certain standards. Special Forces is at the tip of the spear, but it’s nothing unrecognizable at a human or a foundational level that anyone could recognize. There’s just a small team, a small community, of people that want to do excellent stuff and service to something higher than themselves. The mission, you know, take your pick. God, family, country. And then it’s just like a pack of wolves making sure that they stay as sharp as they possibly can.
And that’s the ethos and the way of life that is internal to GORUCK. It’s a common theme. I mean, yeah, we say a lot of Special Forces this, Special Forces that. Internally here, though, almost everything that we have (I can’t think of anything that’s not) is built upon that background of Special Forces. In the how. How it does. How you do things. Not just the one raid and whatever, with the beards and stuff. But the process of team building and how you hold each other to account and stuff like that, which is great.
So the price increase. We’ve been talking about this and looking at this for a while. GORUCK has been fortunate. Because of our business model, we have events and we have manufacturing, right? So now we have not only rucks and gear, but we have apparel and we have footwear and stuff like that. And we also have events.
Now, the capital outlays for each of those, the cash outlays, if you will, is very different. So events is cash today for a future service. And gear is the opposite. You put money down sooner for gear that’s eventually there. And then you have inventory holding costs. The time value of money and stuff. So it’s expensive to carry inventory.
In ten years, because GORUCK started in 2008, the business has been entirely fueled by kind of taking GORUCK events’ cash to buy inventory and running the events at a future date. And doing all of these kinds of things. Yes, my step-dad invested $150,000 at a more than fair evaluation back in the day. He got 20%. And that’s been the only outside investment to date into GORUCK.
So we have the control to be free to do things the way that we want to at GORUCK. And what I mean by that is, we’re able to do things that we think are right. It’s a lot of times different than what someone in private equity would say, “Oh, you’re not doing this. You’re not doing that. Your growth curve is this and you’re not getting enough return on your money” and all of that kind of stuff. We’ve avoided that entirely in the efforts of building a true brand.
And so where we are now, and where we have kind of always been, is it takes retained earnings, so profits, in order to grow the company. And we’re just not at a stage where we’re able to turn profits for growth. And so you start looking into it and say, “Hey, are we operationally efficient enough?” And we did that for about a year and a half, and looked at everything and it’s like, “Yeah, we’re pretty operationally efficient.” You start looking at what payroll is. You start looking at what labor costs are from the vendors who manufacture our gear and stuff. I mean, prices have gone up, inflation’s happened, all that stuff. So it’s a lot of various factors, but ultimately, if GORUCK were raking in money and we were able to grow at these prices, we would not be raising the prices. So we’re having to eat a lot so far on profit margins and stuff like that.
So, in order to make sure that we can continue to grow and do a lot of R&D and do a lot of events R&D and do a lot of the things that make GORUCK GORUCK, it’s just a necessary reality. I’m not especially happy about it. I would love for things to cost less. I would love to be more accessible. And the part that I’m very aware of is that GORUCK is more populist than elitist by any stretch of the imagination. And so it’s more how do we stay elite without being elitist? And that’s a fine line that we’re going to have to walk and navigate through because the higher the prices go, the harder it is to remain elite without being elitist.
And yet, the price of the events is still really low, relative to anyone else out there. And we would rather see you than ship to you. So there’s that, right? So there is the community side that’s a lot more accessible. And that’s intentional. That’s where my heart lies. I would rather that we’re able to sort of put more people through our events and actually meet more of you in the real world. I think that’s a really missing thing these days. Where Facebook communities, and all that stuff, are, at times, replacing the need for real human interactions. So our goal is to see more of you and continue to do the things that make GORUCK GORUCK. Like I said, not super happy about it, but it kind of is what it is.
“The GR1 was meant to be a piece of art that just happened to be able to get dragged behind a Humvee from Bosnia to Baghdad and still be fine”
We’ve had a lot of variations of GR1 over the years and, ultimately, as in any business, I mean, we like to love everything that we put out, right? I’m not going to say every T-shirt design we’ve ever put out has been awesome. But the big stuff, GR1, GR2, GR3, Echo, Rucker, all these kinds of things, they’re great. And people wanting customizations and modifications to those is… We’re happy to do it as long as it makes sense for us, for our team here. Because we can’t just go down the rabbit hole of building one-off custom stuff for everyone, unless it is just at an exorbitant price, which gets back to the point of ‘we’d rather be more populist than elitist’. And that’s just a fine line that we’re going to have to walk.
We see a lot of requests come through and we’ve just had to build out a team here that can manage those requests. And it’s an operational process. We would love to do things faster. To service more people better. You know, do you want a bottom handle on the ruck? Great, we can do that. We’ll show you how we can do that. Do you want your side handles? Do you want grommets? Do you want drain holes? Do you want all these things? Sure, great. We can do all of that. And we can and we will. We’re just at the point now where we’re close to being able to offer that option. And Scars, having that here, also keeps us in touch with you all.
So I get that there’s a lot of people who want more customization and they want more alterations. More versions. More styles. As GORUCK gets bigger, there’s natural pressures and tendencies on that to happen. And we’re happy to do that.
There are a lot of gear enthusiasts with a high sense of aesthetic values. The issue of MOLLE webbing coming into play, I mean, MOLLE is a military-used form of how you make your gear modular, right? And so, from the very beginning, from the very outset with GR1, we were reluctant to put it all over the place, which is a really common thing in the tactical carry world. We wanted it to be more beautiful.
The GR1 was meant to be a piece of art that just happened to be able to get dragged behind a Humvee from Bosnia to Baghdad and still be fine. It’s meant to endure all of these kind of Special Forces deployments, and all of that kind of stuff and still function perfectly. And by a piece of art, I mean simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. That’s a Da Vinci quote, I think. And so when you remove everything that you can possibly remove, then you’ve just got the bare minimum and then there’s less things that can break, less things that can go wrong. And it just works better.
So that’s been the goal. That’s our aesthetic. I’m not religiously opposed to MOLLE stuff. We’re actually working on a new pack. It’s 500D that’s got no MOLLE. It’s got some reflective strip on it. It’s built for rucking because that’s kind of what we do here. But we’re happy to explore new and other stuff over time. Without wanting to pigeon-hole ourselves, we’re known as the sort of military Special-Forces-inspired packs that are really tough as hell. And so you can never deviate too far from that.
And yet we had to carry that ethos to apparel and to footwear and try to do that seamlessly. You can never do it seamlessly, but try to do it in a way that one leverages the other and, over time, you know, 10 years, 20 years later, you look at what we kind of have in our GORUCK universe. Notice there’s no MOLLE on our boots or on our pants or anything like that. So we’re happy to do more pieces that have less MOLLE. We just have to come up with a way to sustain the story on those. Meaning a certain line, a certain this, a certain that. And we’ve got to be big enough to where there’s enough of you that are looking for something like that.
We like running that stuff through workshops, which is our version of Kickstarter, I guess. And which served a couple of purposes. Mostly on the business front. It’s cash today for a future liability of a piece of gear. But, even more importantly than that, it allows us to perfectly forecast the known demand at that moment in time so that we can service it better. And that’s fun for us. It’s cool that you guys can get what you want or ‘buy it early at a discount, get it later when it’s done’ and we don’t burn that much cash buying something that you guys don’t want. Because, like I said before, we work for you and not the other way around.
Well, I can share a little more about it now. It looks kind of like lots of our stuff. Just an integrated hip belt. One main compartment. The first prototype is not quite where it needs to be. So it gets sort of kicked back to make some minor modifications. What I’ve found over time is that you spend about 90% of your time on the last 10%, if you want it to do something that’s really, really awesome. And it’s really, really easy to quit at the 90% solution. Meaning you say, “Oh, it’s good enough. Let’s kick it out the door. Let’s not test it. It’s good. It’ll probably work pretty well. People will probably want this.” That’s a really easy thing to do. It’s also a pretty horrific trap to fall into.
I don’t know. We see a broad array of everything. It depends on the usage. We’ll see some of the shoulder straps fray at the seams. The shoulder straps are surprisingly really hard to build. With a fray at the end of the shoulder straps it just means that a sewer missed a seam allowance by this much. Everybody thinks that there’s some machine out there that’s doing graphic design on the gear. It’s not the case. These are really hard to build so we had to replace them after however long. And this is just a component piece.
I also wanted to touch on the dual-density foam. That has been one of those differentiators for us in terms of which exact foam from which exact place, laminated with which exact laminate, laminated to which exact other foam? Because it’s kind of like the workhorse inserts in our boots, right? Usually you get those insoles in any pair of cheap running shoes or almost any shoe out there. It’s that really thin piece of foam and it’s meant to feel kind of ‘cushy’ when you’re at the store or when you try it on. But what happens is that it just disintegrates. All it’s really doing is preventing the abrasion that would happen if you removed it from the actual bottom of the foot. And it just collapses down and it might as well be a Kleenex tissue in there, right?
Well, the same thing with backpacks and rucksacks. If they don’t have this kind of secret sauce of foam or something comparable… If it’s not over-built to carry weight… And, by the way, what’s the purpose of a rucksack or a backpack if not to carry weight over long distances and make it as comfortable as possible? That’s sort of the basic, most foundational goal of what that is.
Then you get into how much weight over how much time and distance, and then you’ve got the need for varying packs and how you distribute the load and stuff. But it’s the same with shoulder straps as it is with a premium insert into the boots. Anything can feel good empty in a store. These are just the small differences that go into making something that’s the product of a commitment to supreme quality. So there’s lots of those little things embedded in lots of our stuff and that’s pretty cool.
“At any one time there’s Green Berets in 75-plus countries, thousands of guys spread across the world. And not in the garden spots. In all the worst spots. That’s where they want to be.”
So the issues were basically the same as getting into GR1. I don’t have this background of, “I’m going to manufacture something.” I’m coming at this from a completely different angle, which is as a user. As an abuser with a background in Special Forces. So you see the best. You know what, when or why or how something’s going to fail. And you just get really comfortable understanding what makes great gear. And it’s usually simple. Simple gear that just works is the absolute best. And so without Paul, the footwear would not have happened. Period, the end.
It’s really easy to get out there and ‘private label’ something. Find someone else and you kind of put your skin on it and then you’re in charge of marketing and all that stuff. But it’s less good, if you’re actually in manufacturing, to do that stuff. At least for us.
I guess the full story is: Reebok. Why it got accelerated. Reebok approached us about working with us on the events space. As a title sponsor and whatever that is. Well, they have to monetize that, of course. And so that led immediately to footwear because Reebok is ultimately a footwear company. And so that started the discussion. That’s where we met Paul. That journey lasted for a year and a half. Something like that. And for what Paul says are very good reasons, we went our separate ways and decided not to work with Reebok, but we had learned a lot in that process. So we got a really good education. There were a lot of great people that I met at Reebok.
The CEO Matt O’Toole called me the first time and just wanted to sort of chat. He said he was a big fan of GORUCKsters. The manager at the Fairmont Hotel in DC, who we worked with on the event space, is who contacted Matt because they’d been friends for a while and small-world stuff. So he reached out and we chatted and got to know them pretty well and really liked them as people. It just didn’t really work out on the business front. But I stayed in good touch with a couple of them from that time and learned a lot. And once you learn a lot, you get kind of an itch. And that was the itch and Paul was looking to do something.
So I don’t mean to downgrade the problems. I mean to say that the problems were everything. Like everything. And that’s the same thing that we went through with GR1. This was the only process in GORUCK, the MACV-1 footwear, that reminded me of that original process. So I was very comfortable with that. It’s kind of like if you’re a Green Beret and they send you to Afghanistan, you might be fighting in the mountains. If they send you to Iraq, you might be fighting in Baghdad. You might be fighting in the mountains up north. If they send you to the jungles of Vietnam, back in the day, you’re probably going to fight in the jungles. It’s a lot of different terrain.
But the fundamentals are the fundamentals and you hold the line and you hold the standard and you maintain what that is and you stay true to the value proposition that you’re providing. So the rucks that we build are really tough and they’re really good for carrying weight. Guess what? The footwear is really lightweight. It’s the opposite of the rucks like that, but they’re really good over long distances and while rucking. So while carrying weight.
I was chatting with Rich and we were like, “If you were a Special Forces guy and you were going to do any mission set like that (any of the warfare environments), these are the only boots that we would choose.” And that’s the same thing that we would say about an assault pack, GR1. Now it gets a little specific with some of the medical packs and stuff like that, but the footwear’s kind of a no-brainer on that front. For us, anyway. So you guys will get to decide once you get it out there. We’ve got thoughts and opinions and we welcome yours and your feedback.
I don’t know that we’re going to do it right away, but, yeah, we’d consider that. We haven’t had as much luck with Slick stuff or stuff without MOLLE as we have stuff with MOLLE, but we talked about doing a GR2 workshop. It’s just, the GR1 workshop didn’t kill it with that. I’ll just say that. So we sold, gee I don’t even know how many units. Maybe 1,000 units or something. But there were so many different SKUs. So, look, 1,000 units. That sounds like a ton, right?
The problem is that when there’s that many SKUs, it’s a new process and some of the SKUs were really low. Some of the SKUs were higher. It gets complicated. Why bigger brands are able to offer more styles is because they can support higher minimums at the factory level and all that stuff. And the factory vendor relationships are the thing behind the scenes that make all of this work. Without them, we can’t scale up rucksack production. We can’t grow as a business because that’s the number one driver for what we do.
So I joined Special Forces because of 9/11. I was really mad. I was not super happy about what happened to us and, basically, I wanted to fight. So that’s why I joined up. And, you know, sort of signed up for revenge reasons. And, ultimately, the service component of service to God, family, country. And sometimes none of that mattered and it was only about service to the guy to your left and the guy to your right.
That’s a way of life that I took from my time in the service. And whether the military is for you or whether the military is not, or wherever life leads you, finding a cause to serve that’s bigger than yourself and literally pouring yourself into it is not something you’ll ever regret. I don’t regret it for a second. I’m really proud of my service and I’m proud to still be associated with the guys who’re out there doing it right now.
At any one time there’s Green Berets in 75-plus countries, thousands of guys spread across the world. And not in the garden spots. In all the worst spots. That’s where they want to be. And it’s a hard job. It’s a rewarding job. And it’s an important job. We’re sort of part diplomats, part ambassadors, part all of those things for the American way of life. And I believe that Special Forces guys do an extraordinary job and they do it really well.
So it’s a great community and I hope that’s one of the themes that you take away from this, is that communities really matter. That’s the best part about Special Forces. That’s the best part about GORUCK. And I was really happy to see that the Carryology team started up the community this way. Through Carryology Classified.
It’s been awesome chatting with you guys. Thanks. I appreciate your time and I’ll see you around.
The post A Conversation with GORUCK Founder Jason McCarthy appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.
Japan is renowned for their carry. And many of their brands have achieved international acclaim, think Porter and MSPC. But there’s an undercurrent of smaller brands doing great things locally. So we’re taking the time to single them out, shining a spotlight on the wonderful gear they’re building. Gear that’s captured our imaginations – and will surely do the same for you. Discover the 8 best small Japanese brands you should know…
In the early 2000s messenger bags were hard to come by in Tokyo. Bike messengers imported them in, but with demanding use, wear and tear would set in quickly. So they got down to the business of repairing their gear and customizing it along the way. RESISTANT developed as a local answer catering to these bike messengers’ needs. It began in the garage of a bicycle messenger company, founded very much along the lines of “If you can’t find it, make it.” Japanese design details featured in an early prototype from the get-go, highlighting they were ready to step up and claim their place as a Japanese alternative in a market sorely lacking in local offerings. And it’s grown into a brand creating ‘all-weather’ gear you can rely on to help you explore the unknown in confidence.
Gear of note:
New and on the rise, CIE (Cause In Effect) is a brand to watch, recently teaming up with Cordura. An off-shoot of Lial Works, their designs play with remarkable crossovers of vintage style, military utility and technical fabrics, all at varying levels across their range. Culminating into something that’s bold and fun and unique in its own. Well worth checking out!
Gear of note:
Nruc creates outdoor-inspired pouches, backpacks, and shoulder bags with an enticing mix of vintage silhouettes, technical design and a touch of whimsy. The brand’s intriguing design approach fosters products that are built to perform but with an element of fun thrown into the fray for good measure. Case in point, pieces like their tissue box case. Sure, it’s not necessary. But its out-of-the-box thinking and underlying versatility will make you smile.
Gear of note:
Husband-and-wife team Manabu and Keiko Okada founded Southern Field Industries in 2008. They handcraft beautifully understated wallets, totes, backpacks, shoulder bags, and weekenders in their studio in Saitama. Pieces are designed with premium quality and timeless design in mind, featuring materials such as Japanese vegetable-tanned leather and Japanese heavy-weight waxed cotton canvas. Manabu learned how to craft quality goods through working at his father’s sewing factory, creating products for the racehorse industry. When the factory had to close, they took it upon themselves to continue making equestrian products, eventually introducing bags to their offerings which opened them to the American market. This encouraged them to focus on carry goods, which they now offer in a choice of elegantly clean, durable and practical designs.
Gear of note:
While exceptional craftsmanship stands out, sometimes it’s easy to overlook the craftspeople behind it. But ANONYM CRAFTSMAN DESIGN is a brand committed to saluting underrated craftspeople. Established in 2009 and based in Tokyo, the brand’s bags celebrate superior technique, skills honed through experience and knowledge, and ultimately the passion of each craftsman to showcase these skills through attention to detail at every level, from pattern-making to cutting and sewing. Their designs aim to convey and protect these skills and values, by creating pieces today that will serve you well into the future. Always with an attention to simplicity and functionality, letting the designs speak for themselves.
Gear of note:
WERKS is all about helping you engage in active lifestyles of your own choosing. How? By creating gear that straddles the urban/outdoor divide. Their bags artfully combine mil-spec materials, lightweight functionality and outdoor-inspired comfort, adding a little style personality to the mix too. And the results are impressive. Outdoor DNA in gear that transitions into a variety of everyday active lifestyles. Whether you’re riding a bike, exploring urban cities or taking on wilder destinations, their range of pouches, travel bags, backpacks, and tote/shoulder bags keep up and keep on going strong.
Gear of note:
Blue Lug is a bicycle shop with three store locations in Tokyo. And while they know their way around bikes, they’re no slouch on the bike carry side either. Peruse their bag offerings and in amongst other brands you’ll find a variety of Blue Lug totes, backpacks and pouches. You can also get a great range of Fairweather bike bags through Blue Lug including handlebar bags, stem bags, seat bags, frame bags, and panniers. These dialed-in offerings feature quality materials such as Cordura and Teflon-coated ripstop nylon, water-resistant 16 oz cotton canvas and YKK AquaGuard zippers; tough yet stylish for a host of bike carry needs.
Gear of note:
PaaGo Works takes its name from ”Let’s Pack And Go!” A phrase that embodies their appreciation for the outdoors and the gear that helps them explore it. Established in 2011, the outdoor brand creates a range of functional carry including running and hiking bags, wallets, and pouches. But take a closer look and you’ll find a healthy dose of creativity alongside that functionality. PaaGo Works isn’t afraid to experiment with solutions, whether they’re creating flexible packing systems or detachable back panels that allow for easy airing and cleaning. A well-balanced blend that helps their products stand out and makes them well worth a second look.
Gear of note:
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Sometimes work and play can’t be separated. Busy schedules require an efficient use of time. And that often means packing both your work tools and workout supplies for the day ahead. But when professional style is imperative, a casual gym bag just won’t do. However, there are savvy options out there. Bags that blend professional aesthetics with excellent functionality and practical storage to ensure your gym and work supplies remain separate but accessible when you need them. Discover the 5 best gym bags to take to work…
From their inception Aer has stepped up as a go-to choice for conquering the urban work/play divide. And they’re always keen to make their gear even better. The Gym Duffel 2 offers a considered revamp on the original, with more space, improved ventilation and enhanced organization. Useful gym features include dedicated ventilated shoe storage and a ventilated main compartment. There’s also both an exterior and interior water bottle pocket, as well as separate storage for clean clothing. For your work needs you’ll find a padded 15″ laptop pocket and side pockets for EDC and additional work tools. Portability options include top carry handles and a removable shoulder strap so you can adapt on the go. Crafted with durable, water-resistant 1680D Cordura® ballistic nylon, it will handle the commute and the gym with ease. While it’s not cheap, the versatile design and durable construction make this duffel great value for money.
If you’re going to carry a gym-ready backpack with a suit, this is it. Its modern silhouette earns definite style points, but there’s function here too. The molded internal shell maintains the bag’s structure even when empty and helps protect the contents. The access is on point too. A drop-front design makes it easy to pack and retrieve items throughout the day. And if you’re worried about the bag coming into contact with the floor, the top locker loop has you covered, allowing you to easily hang it. Internal pockets keep smaller items in check, while the interior laptop pocket keeps tech at the ready with external access. A water-repellent exterior and leather detailing round out the design, making for a work-friendly aesthetic that doesn’t mind a challenge from the elements.
If flexible packing space is a priority, the weather-resistant Lexdray Portland Sneaker Duffel is definitely one to consider. The bag’s fleece-lined, roll-top central compartment fits two to three pairs of any size shoes. It’s expandable for shoes size 14 and larger. Alternatively roll it down for more compact carry. Additionally, the bag has two further compartments for clothing, a laptop and work tools. Top handles and a removable shoulder strap let you carry it as desired, while smaller items can be stored close at hand with four exterior zipped pockets. Suitable for carry-on use, it moves smoothly from work to weekend getaways and is a smart choice for a work, gym and travel all-rounder.
When it comes to that perfect blend of formal professional style and a feature set focused on gym life, this is it, without a doubt. The Regimen Gym Bag exudes handsome, minimalist style with discreet gym features that don’t detract from its suave looks. Made with waterproof DuraLite fabric, full-grain leather detailing, and gunmetal hardware, it’s built to go the distance – whether that’s the commute, to the gym or travels further afield. A central compartment provides ample storage for gym gear, with a handy wipe-clean lining. Also on hand is a ventilated shoe pocket, an inbuilt locker hook, and a choice of internal and external water bottle holders. And for added functionality, the bag features a rubberized base if wet floors are unavoidable. Side compartments house work and EDC items, keeping them separate from your gym supplies. In the side compartments is a padded 15″ laptop sleeve and pockets for smaller EDC and tools. The travel-friendly bag also includes a luggage tag with a detachable pen, a leather key ring with a magnetic tab, and a collapsible design for convenient storage when not in use.
You won’t find any sneaker pockets here. Or other gym-specific features. What you will find is a very fine-looking duffel that will hold your gear without fuss. Not to mention looking incredibly dapper in your hand as you stroll through the office in your crisply pressed suit. The duffel is expertly crafted in Italy with water-resistant organic cotton canvas and vulcanised rubber top carry handles. An adjustable and removable shoulder strap also lets you adapt to changing carry needs. The duffel features a quilted yellow lining to increase the visibility of the contents, with an exterior zipped pocket to keep smaller items safe yet accessible on the go. And when those travel carry needs come calling, you’ll want this classy companion accompanying you on the journey.
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Award-winning action sports photographer Lorenz Holder doesn’t do things by halves. When his imagination was captured by the awe-inspiring Westeros locations from Game of Thrones, it sparked the idea for an epic BMX photography project. Holder fanned that spark over the course of many months, flying to Northern Ireland to scout out the filming locations in person. Also key to the project was getting friend and BMX pro rider Senad Grosic on board. An opportunity he literally jumped at. The plan? Spend ten days capturing shots of Senad’s tricks against the backdrop of GOT locations.
The team used two bases during their project. One near the small town of Bushmills to capture rougher coastal locations, and the second near Tollymore Forest Park for the Haunted Forest. From avoiding tourists getting in the shots, to working around unpredictable weather and hauling gear across a variety of tricky terrains, it wasn’t a shoot without its problems. But conquering problems seems fitting for a project named Riding Thrones. Go behind the scenes of the shoot and discover the photographer’s packing list that helped make it happen…
Sukha
We spent a lot of time in the forest on this shoot so the Sukha was perfect for carrying the Phase One and all my lenses. The camera body and lenses are larger than my DSLR gear so I needed a larger pack to protect everything.
Loka & Ajna
It looks pretty funny trying to carry three backpacks around, but my setup for this shoot required it. I used the f-stop Ajna to carry my battery packs and a Loka to carry my strobes. Both packs were also full of cables and other accessories.
The packs also helped weigh down the light stands so they didn’t fall over in the wind!
For this project, I carried the Phase One IQ3 100MP in my Sukha because I thought the large format was the best way to truly capture the beauty of each Game Of Thrones location. The camera captures so many pixels and has an incredible dynamic range. Because of the large sensor size, all of the lens focal lengths are different than traditional DSLR cameras. I had a range of medium format lenses from 35mm to 240mm. The 240mm was my favorite because it really allowed me to compress the space for the Dark Hedges shot.
Camera Unit:
– Sukha Backpack
– Camera:Phase One IQ3
– Lenses:
– 35mm f. 3,5 Schneider Kreuznach LS
– 55mm f. 2,8 Schneider Kreuznach LS
– 80mm f. 2,8 Schneider Kreuznach LS
– 110mm f. 2,8 Schneider Kreuznach LS
– 150mm f. 3,5 Schneider Kreuznach LS
– 240mm f. 4,5Schneider Kreuznach LS
Flash Unit: 2x
– Ajna Backpack
– Elinchrom Ranger RX Flash
+ f-stop Loka (old edition)
ICU’s
f-stop’s XL Pro ICU is a great option for protecting and organizing very large gear setups. The customizable dividers adapt to a variety of loads and keep gear easily accessible when you’re working out of the pack’s back panel opening.
Like the ICU above, this is a good way to protect larger camera gear setups while keeping them tidy throughout the day. The water-resistant material also adds that extra layer of protection when you’re dealing with inclement weather.
Manfrotto’s 055 Aluminum Three-Section Tripod offers excellent versatility, easy adjustment and long-lasting durability. Well worth considering if you want to shoot from multiple angles and on a variety of terrains.
The Elinchrom FreeLite A Flash Head is both compact and lightweight. It offers a good balance of portability with a short flash duration to get those perfect shots, with up to 2400 w/s output.
The Elinchrom Ranger RX Speed AS is a portable battery pack. It can be fired by remote control and pairs with the Elinchrom FreeLite A flash head to provide a fast flash duration.
These were important for long-range remote triggering, particularly useful for the challenging environments we were shooting in and the kinds of photos we wanted to achieve.
Pink boots
In damp, muddy and rocky conditions, a trusty pair of boots is important to keep your feet dry and grippy throughout the day.
Pelican 1510 Protector Carry-On Case for shipping
Airline travel isn’t kind to camera gear. But Pelican’s 1510 Protector Carry-On Case provides some much-needed peace of mind that your gear will survive the journey as well as harsh use environments. It’s waterproof, crushproof and dustproof and meets maximum carry-on size. It’s also easy to transport with its inbuilt wheels and extension handle, as well as top and side carry handles.
If you’re wanting to add an aerial element to your shoot, this camera drone is a worthy pick. It can shoot 4K/60fps video and offers up to a 7-kilometer control range. Additionally it features inbuilt 5-direction obstacle sensing and 4-direction obstacle avoidance, so you don’t need to worry so much about sending your expensive piece of kit on a solo journey.
When you need compact, durable and waterproof lights for demanding conditions, Lume Cubes will get the job done. The Lume Cube provides up to 1500 lumens of dimmable light and includes a rechargeable battery.
The Rylo is a 360-degree camera with a host of features in its compact, unassuming design. It records in every direction in 4K and includes stabilization technology, with easy editing via a smartphone app.
This 12.2 MP camera provides 4K video output, image stabilization and a variety of additional features to adapt to changing environment conditions. All in a lightweight, durable and compact design.
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There’s a definite art to one-bag travel. Deciding what to pack, what gets left behind, and staying within those all-important carry-on restrictions can be a struggle. But when you breeze past that baggage carousel, zip easily up and down steps, and have the freedom to embrace more travel experiences, you’ll know it’s worth it. And these 7 packable (and collapsible) travel essentials will help your one-bag packing setup by taking up less room, whilst still remaining ‘essential’…
Space-saving toothbrushes help keep your toiletry packing compact and this toothbrush head folds down neatly into the handle. But there’s an added benefit to this toothbrush. The plastic is infused with Microban which inhibits odor-causing and stain-causing bacteria. And coming in at a super cheap price, it’s a budget-friendly option too. All in, a great pick for a travel toothbrush that fits easily in your toiletry kit or slips into your pocket when eating out.
It’s always handy to have storage for wet or dirty items on your travels. Alternatively how about a little added protection for valuables in wet environments? Matador’s Droplet Wet Bag takes care of both needs. The seam-sealed bag features a water-resistant drawstring closure and provides a 3L capacity, while weighing just 15 grams. The silicone droplet container and stainless steel key ring lets you secure the wet bag to a pack or keychain too. Useful for storing wet swimsuits, sweaty gym gear, electronics, travel liquids to protect the rest of your gear, and plenty more, it’s a compact and versatile addition to your packing list.
Getting sufficient sleep is important for making the most of your travels. This stuffable fleece pillow case from Rumpl helps you drift off into dreamland wherever your adventures take you. It can be stuffed with whatever you have close at hand, such as hoodies, t-shirts or a puffy jacket for a softer pillow or towels or jeans for a harder pillow. The case features abrasion-resistant nylon ripstop on one side and a soft, comfy fleece on the other. Synthetic insulation helps keep your head warm, handy in camping situations. The pillow case stores compactly in its own stuff sack and is machine-washable for added convenience.
No matter where you travel, staying sufficiently hydrated is key. This collapsible, lightweight que Bottle packs down small for your luggage and expands when you need it. Available in 20oz and 12oz sizes and a variety of colorways, it’s BPA-free and plastic-free. Made with 100% food grade silicone and a stainless steel cap, it’s dishwasher safe, taste and odor-free, leakproof, and shockproof. For added functionality it also offers a wide mouth so you can place ice cubes inside if desired. This reusable bottle helps save you money by buying less liquids and instead filling up from taps, drinking fountains and clean natural water sources. Plus your purchase helps the planet too, as que donates 10% of profits to The Ocean Foundation’s Polar Seas Initiative, which protects a wide range of polar wildlife.
Whether you need a little extra warmth on flights, car trips, or long airport layovers, this travel blanket does the job. It’s made with soft jersey cotton and is machine-washable. It also comes with its own zippered pouch and can double as a small travel pillow, making it an adaptable packing list addition that won’t weigh you down at 11oz.
Luggage gets your gear to your destination. But you don’t want to haul all that gear when you’re exploring. Tortuga’s Setout Packable Daypack packs up small for your luggage but opens up into a 19L daypack for sightseeing with just the essentials. It features padded, breathable shoulder straps, water bottle pockets, and a zippered front pocket. Plus it also fits under an airiplane seat if you want to use it as a personal carry-on item.
Uniqlo’s Ultra Light Down Jacket combines down’s great warmth-to-weight ratio and packability with 20D nylon for lightweight comfort. The trim silhouette looks stylish across diverse work and play settings (and packs down into its own pouch), with a choice of colorways to suit your tastes. The water-repellent coating helps protect you from the elements too. A smart and attractive alternative to bulky outer layers, this jacket helps keep the travel chills at bay without eating into your limited packing space.
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They’re breaking out the good champagne at QWSTION HQ, and the Swiss-based brand have a lot to celebrate. Firstly, this October marks the brand’s 10th anniversary. 2018 also marks an environmental milestone with the brand switching all external fabrics to certified organic, a huge effort in terms of sourcing and certification. But perhaps the most exciting announcement was yesterday’s release of a new shell fabric dubbed Bananatex®, a unique banana-based material that promises to be the most sustainable bag fabric yet. According to Christian Kaegi, co-founder and Creative Director, “We are super excited about the launch of our Bananatex® collection, as it’s the culmination of several years of research and development. It’s so difficult nowadays to deliver true innovation – with this we knew we were on to something.” Amongst all the festivities Christian took time to sit down for a chat, share the details of their new fabric, and ponder if bananas can save the world.
One of QWSTION’s defining traits has been their commitment to organic materials, a decision the brand made at the very beginning. The group were searching for a path towards a truly sustainable product, one that factored in the entire product life cycle. Christian and the team took a pragmatic view of the situation, “So long as there is no effective end-of-life strategy for synthetic materials, natural fibers are going to be more environmentally friendly”. Theoretically synthetics can exist in a closed loop with old fabric being recycled into new, but for now natural fabrics have a more established loop. Plants provide a renewable source of material that is able to return to the earth to complete the cycle. The production of natural fibers also produces less emissions and plants even convert carbon dioxide back into oxygen. Whilst the environmental justification was there, the choice to go natural organic was a brave one considering that good-quality nylon is both stronger and cheaper than cotton. Here Christian and the team again questioned the norm, “Sure tech fabrics will always be stronger than an organic material, and can maybe last for 100 years, but is that really necessary?”
A major environmental concern for the majority of natural fibers available is their reliance on large quantities of fertilisers and pesticides to produce high yields. These practices have been linked to a range of environmental issues including water pollution and health problems for farmers. As a countermeasure QWSTION set about developing a shell fabric made from certified organic cotton. However, cotton is generally grown to produce short fibers for soft t-shirts, which isn’t ideal for durable structured pack cloth. Whilst working with a fabric mill to solve that puzzle, the team were introduced to the Abacá plant, a member of the banana family. Christian says right away the plant had two promising characteristics.
Firstly the cultivation of Abacá is almost wild. Commercial growing in the Philippines looks more like a jungle than a farm. As the plant thrives within a natural ecosystem there is no use of pesticides or irrigation, and according to Christian, Abacá has even contributed to reforestation efforts in the Philippines. The farming also has a positive social impact in line with QWSTION’s ethical production values. Secondly, and as important, the fiber from the plant was long and strong. This gave it the potential to make a great pack cloth.
Abacá is by no means a new fiber; it’s been grown commercially since at least the 1500s. Before the rise of synthetic fibers it was commonly used around the world in the form of ropes and basic cloth; these days it’s used mainly to produce tea bag paper. The innovation that took QWSTION three years was in evolving the end product from the primitive to the technical.
“The cultivation of Abacá is almost wild. Commercial growing in the Philippines looks more like a jungle than a farm. As the plant thrives within a natural ecosystem there is no use of pesticides or irrigation.”
The first steps in production are the same for both old and new processes. On site at the plantation, stalks are cut from the plant and stripped by hand into long spaghetti-like strands. These are air dried at the plantation for two days before being graded, bundled and shipped to a processing plant.
It’s at this point where QWSTION developed a unique and slightly convoluted process. The fibers are pressed into large pulp sheets in the Philippines before being shipped to Taiwan where they are then soaked in water to create long rolls of thin paper. The paper is then cut into thin strips and spun into Bananatex® yarn. Once in yarn form Bananatex® has endless possibilities. Its first incarnation is a sturdy shell fabric treated with a natural beeswax for waterproofing. The result is a really likeable fabric with a canvas-like quality to it. The hand feel is unique, smooth like a synthetic and slightly crunchy. Christian says early lab testing is looking good. Its strength and abrasion resistance are still not at the level of Cordura, but more than enough for your daily carry. Or as he puts it, “Our pack can carry 100kg of concrete, a Cordura pack could carry 300kg. Nobody is ever going to carry 300kg of concrete.”
“The fibers are pressed into large pulp sheets in the Philippines before being shipped to Taiwan where they are then soaked in water to create long rolls of thin paper. The paper is then cut into thin strips and spun into Bananatex® yarn.”
Bananatex® is being launched in two new styles each designed with the same dedication to sustainability. There’s an everyday roll-top pack and a hip pouch that doubles as a small utility pouch. To complement Bananatex®, the rest of the fabric palette is meticulously minimal. The backpack is made from only five materials. Vegetable-tanned leather has been used on touch points, and aluminum for the custom-designed hooks. There’s no lining or webbing to be seen, and instead of foam padding for your laptop there is very clever use of thick wool felt. This approach minimises the environmental impact of the bag at both ends of its life cycle as there are fewer production processes, and the bag can be more easily recycled. According to Christian, once the metal and zips have been removed the bag is completely compostable. Put simply – less complexity is less impact.
Like a chef cooking with top-quality ingredients, the designs are simple and allow the fabrics to be the hero. The patterns have zero cutting waste which Christian says was a challenge to achieve whilst aiming for maximum functionality. A good example of the thinking is the versatility of the backpack. Its simple detachable leather handle allows you to roll and carry the pack in a number of ways, giving you a range of personalities to choose from. And the aluminum hooks are used again on the pouch to convert it into hip pack form. By creating flexible products that can be used in a number of ways Christian hopes to reduce the need for people to buy multiple products.
As dyeing is one of the chief causes of environmental impact in the production phase, both styles are being released in two colors chosen to minimise harm. The classic all-black has been yarn-dyed using the most sustainable practices available. But to go one step further and eliminate the problem altogether there is an undyed natural white.
As someone who’s seen the realities of fabric manufacturing I have a huge appreciation for the effort that has gone into creating Bananatex®. The textiles industry has one of the longest and most complex supply chains and creating change takes commitment at all levels. Once the material is produced there are further challenges in quantifying the environmental impact, which often makes it hard to promote the benefits achieved. QWSTION seem to be asking the right questions and are showing a commitment to sustainability like few others. They are even offering Bananatex® as an open source material, meaning other brands can take advantage of their good work in order to maximise the positive environmental benefits.
For Christian and the team the greatest opportunity for Bananatex® is also its greatest challenge. “The biggest impact lies in the communication and how this can help to change consumer awareness and behavior”. For Bananatex® to make a real difference it’s going to require a shift in customer thinking similar to the one that occurred in the car market in which environmental impact became a major purchasing consideration. The majority of the bag market is currently filled with cheaper synthetic bags and big brands in an arms race for ultimate functionality. Spending time with the QWSTION bags I notice that the simplicity of the design does sacrifice some ease-of-use. There is a level of forethought required to pack and use the bags which I’m comfortable with only because I understand the thought behind the design. Ultimately, given QWSTION’s clear dedication to sustainability and commitment to balanced design over pure functionality, I can’t help but think that the brand’s name is directed at us, the customer, as a challenge to ‘question’ our own choices and to look more deeply into the things we buy.
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While bigger bags are great for larger loads, they’re unnecessary (and add extra weight) when you’re carrying smaller loads. If you’re after more compact alternatives to carry the essentials, these 8 sling bags are ideal for EDC…
Chrome Industries MXD Notch Sling Bag
Heimplanet Transit Line Sling Pocket
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This month’s curated sponsor is an EDC sling well worth a look…
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With Fall sweeping in, there’s plenty to look forward to. Welcoming nature’s colorful autumnal display. Embracing invigorating outdoor excursions followed by warming bonfires and toasty drinks. And poring longingly over Huckberry’s enticing Fall catalog offerings. A curator of quality gear, Huckberry is a one-stop shopping destination for top-notch clothing, EDC, outdoor gear and much more. And we’ve rounded up some of their best Fall gear and EDC offerings below…
The YOSAR Guide Belt forms part of a capsule collection created by Huckberry and the Arcade Belt Co. in honor of the members of Yosemite Search and Rescue (YOSAR). The weatherproof belt is made with durable tech web nylon in an exclusive River Bed Green colorway. Reinforced stitching and a lightweight alloy buckle round out the sleek, functional design that’s equally at home in the city or adventuring outdoors. Additionally, Huckberry donates 10% of every belt sale to YOSAR.
Carabiners are handy for securing small items to your belt or bag. But there’s a chance items will slip off when you remove or attach it. The Mehlville does away with this through a dual-compartment design, allowing you to secure and detach it without losing items. Made with lightweight yet strong aluminum, it features an anodized finish for wear and corrosion resistance. And as an added bonus, there’s an integrated bottle opener too. Perfect for popping a brew after a busy day.
Don’t want to sacrifice comfort or performance in your apparel? With Proof’s 72-Hour Merino Tee, you get both. It’s made with exceptionally soft yet strong Global Merino Rapt wool and features a special blend of merino wool and nylon. So you enjoy all the benefits of merino in a tee that retains its shape and is machine washable. As the name suggests, the tee can be worn for 72 hours and still delivers excellent moisture wicking, temperature regulation and odor control properties. All in a clean, versatile design that dresses up or down for urban and outdoor wear.
From lazy picnics to emergency shelter, the Seasons Blanket packs a bunch of handy features into a durable, practical and versatile design. The two-sided blanket’s waterproof and stain-resistant base is a tough, DWR-coated canvas. On the top you’ll find a comfy, quilted cotton twill. Grommets let you stake the blanket down or string it up as a shelter. And the roll strap and buckle closure keep things compact for easy portability. Ideal for a range of terrains and uses, this blanket is a worthy addition for your Fall adventure packing lists.
A multi-tool is useful to have during any Fall excursion. But if you’re looking for maximum functionality and flexibility, the Leatherman Signal is hard to beat. Offering a host of features, this 19-in-1 multi-tool brings adventure readiness to the fore with tools such as a firestarter, hammer, one-handed blade, saw, emergency whistle and can opener. It also includes a removable pocket clip and is backed by a 25-year guarantee for many years of reliable roaming.
When those Fall trips come knocking, Mystery Ranch’s Mission Rover is the answer to your travel carry needs. With multiple carry options including stowable backpack straps, a removable shoulder strap, and grab handles you can easily adjust to different environments and maneuver it in tight spaces. And with its clamshell main compartment you don’t need to waste time rummaging for gear. Add in its shoe and dirty laundry pockets, padded laptop pocket, and further pockets for storing smaller items, and you’re onto a carry-on winner.
With chillier weather setting in, the stylish and practical Proof Field Jacket is a go-to option for day-to-day and travel use alike. Taking inspiration from the iconic M65 field jacket, the jacket has a water-resistant exterior with two-way stretch. The storm hood can be zipped away if not required, while the breathable insulation retains its warmth even when wet. And to ensure you don’t lose all that cosy warmth, all five pockets are accessible without needing to unzip the jacket.
When you’re out and about, this stylish timepiece helps you stay on track with your schedule, whether you’re hiking to a camp spot or commuting to work. This limited edition collaboration is available exclusively on Huckberry and combines quality construction with everyday functionality. The watch features a domed sapphire crystal, green lumed dial, and stainless steel case. Designed and assembled in the USA, the watch is also water resistant to 200 meters (650 feet) and includes free battery changes for life.
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Pack Hacker takes the Mission Workshop Radian for a spin to determine how this rugged backpack handles one-bag travel. Is this burly and highly customizable pack right for your travel needs? Delve into the details in the video review below and check out the written review here…
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Approximately a year ago, Shiro Suzuki launched his company Code of Bell and their freshman effort, the X-PAK, on Kickstarter. After successfully delivering slings to some four hundred backers, Shiro is back with a new product, which he hopes will advance his grand vision for not just his brand, but how we all carry our (small) things.
You see, Code of Bell believes that most of the time people don’t need a large backpack or messenger because they aren’t really carrying that much stuff. You can ignore students or business folk, who are lugging large laptops, chargers, and books around; they clearly need the size and weight of larger bags. However, for cruising around town, a visit to the county fair, or even trekking through the streets of London on an extended vacation, what do you really carry with you? Phone, cash, water, mints, earbuds and sunglasses? You get the picture. You’re carrying light.
With respect to his first launch, Shiro thought it would be too jarring to start off with a smaller bag, so X-PAK was still capable of carrying a laptop. With this second iteration, Code of Bell has the opportunity to iterate and improve and convince the carrying public to re-imagine what an EDC bag is and what size bag they really need to carry daily essentials.
The X-POD launched on October 1, 2018 and is the smallest bag that Code of Bell offers to date.
I’ve tested it and I’m totally digging. Here are three reasons why the Code of Bell X-POD should be your next sling.
The X-POD is all about flexibility and adjusting to fit your carry needs and style. For starters, the bag can be worn, comfortably, in a variety of styles. You can wear it on your back in a classic sling style, on your waist behind or in the front, or even across your chest. The main strap has two adjustment points which moves the position of the respective buckle halves and this provides incredible flexibility on bag position on your body. Note: In the shot above, I am actually wearing the pack upside down, depending how you look at it. Since it has access on both sides, there is no real concept of what’s the top or bottom. I actually think this way is more comfortable so I’m sticking to it.
Focusing on the main compartment, you have a 2L volume that expands to 4L in a very clean and clever way. In its default compact configuration, the X-POD tucks the extra space underneath. At a quick glance, it would be hard to tell that it has an extra 100% of storage space hidden away. When you need the space, it expands effortlessly to accommodate. I easily fitted a pair of sunglasses (with case) and a 21 oz water bottle inside on my walk. I could have easily stuffed more in there if I wanted.
On the go, you have options for accessing your stuff. The main compartment has the normal shorter zipper on top which is how most users will get to their gear. However, if you put the X-POD down on a flat surface, you can flip the bag upside down, exposing a longer zipper that runs the length of the compartment. This gives you a wider, sort of doctor’s bag opening for maximum access and visibility of your belongings. Both zippers are water resistant so you can rest assured your items will stay dry.
The main compartment is best for larger, bulkier items, or items that are easier to grab, but that doesn’t exhaust the storage options. Closer to your body is a large compartment framed by 1680D ballistic nylon, while lined with that sweet high-vis orange. Inside you’ll find a flat area with some decent expandability, with zippered pockets on both sides. The area at the rear of the bag is one large zippered pocket, while the other side has two zippered areas. I found these pockets perfect for small and easy-to-lose items such as memory cards, flash drives, and chapstick. The mesh walls mean you can easily spot them, and the relative snugness of the pockets means there’s little jiggling around or space for items to get lost in. Inside, you’ll also find a key clip attached to a strap that’s the perfect length.
The production bag is going to come with two compression straps which you can use to tighten things down in the main compartment, or to carry additional items, laced to the outside of the bag. So if you want to carry a travel tripod or a rolled up jacket, you can just put it in front of the bag and tighten the straps.
Finally, each of the wings that hugs your waist or your shoulders, depending on your mode of carry, hides little zippered pockets that can hold a surprising amount of items, so long as they are small – think coins, keys, lip balm, or a spare battery for your digital camera.
When I received the X-POD sample, I was immediately impressed with the build quality. But only after using it a few times and really looking at how it all pieced together to make a great sling, did I come to appreciate the excellent materials and build quality. Let’s start with the materials.
The front of the X-POD is constructed of a 4-layer sailcloth material, similar to X-Pac. The main body is a 1680D ballistic nylon for abrasion resistance and durability. YKK weatherproof zips keep your valuables dry. There’s a generous helping of Hypalon throughout the bag from the zipper pulls to the loops for the compression straps. Zippers without pull loops have nice plastic tabs which make grabbing a breeze. The stock plastic buckle is beefy and secures soundly, while the plastic strap keepers do a great job, even accommodating rolled up slack.
I primarily wear the X-POD on my back, and even then, there are so many positions you can choose to position it. You can keep it high near your shoulder, in the middle of your back, or lower near your hips and side. The wings that flank the bag, similar to what you’d find on a hiking pack’s waist belt, are padded and designed to contour to whichever body part you place them near. This means that the wing acts as a shoulder pad if you have it behind you and up high, or holds on to your side if you wear it as a waist pack. The rear of the bag is made of soft, breathable padding which is really comfortable. It doesn’t take long to adjust the bag once it’s on your body, and if you want to switch positions, taking it off and moving it to a new location doesn’t take long at all.
The X-POD represents the next step in Code of Bell’s journey to bring the best sling bags to market, but also is their way to subtly influence that same market. With the belief that the sling can be an extension of one’s pockets, the X-POD’s size encourages users to really evaluate what they need to carry on a day-to-day basis. Chances are, you may need more than what you can fit comfortably in your pant pockets, but not nearly enough to fill a typical 16-24L daypack. The answer probably lies somewhere in between; closer to the smaller end of the spectrum. With construction rivaling high-end makers, top-notch material choices, flexibility in how you carry it, and plenty of options for stowing your goods, the Code of Bell X-POD should be a top contender if you are looking for a small, organized, and fashionable sling.
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We asked you what your dream collab would be. And now, we’re extremely excited to announce our third collaboration project is with one of our all-time favorites – and one of the brands you asked for. Scotland’s inimitable adventure travel brand, Trakke.
To combine our knowledge and passion for great carry with Trakke – a Carry Award champion that has delivered timeless design and supreme quality, release after release – has been an opportunity to revel in. We started with some questions: How could we weave their mastery of craft with our hard-earned knowledge? What could we do to take it to the next level? How could we incorporate real innovation?
Read on to find out how we designed the answer.
Storr: Starting at 1st class
As a team, we’d played with the world’s great travel bags, collecting a dossier of the features that make a truly great ‘one bag’ travel bag, but we’d never found one that had it all. So that’s what we decided we wanted to create with this project.
We wanted to create something that blended rugged durability, versatility and good looks. That made excellent work of ‘usable space’. And that had everything a bag like this needs, with nothing it doesn’t. Of course, we were also sure it needed 10/10 X-factor.
So we dug into Trakke’s stable and locked on their Storr – loved by reviewers all over. It would be our foundation design onto which we could build something remarkable. And, with Trakke’s open invitation, I was on a plane from Austin, Texas to Scotland.
Trakke’s HQ is located in the hip corner of Glasgow. There’s a dozen brands, artists, startups, and organizations all located in the massive shared warehouse space where Trakke calls home. Through the winding hallways of the complex and up the elevator, I’ve arrived. Trakke’s workshop is a warm antidote to the brisk Scottish weather outside, in more ways than one. Upon meeting Alec (founder, owner), Madeleine (designer, studio manager), Alexander (head of marketing), and Rowan (head of production) I’m incredibly pleased with the team I’m here to work with. I’ve said this before in my life, but this time I really mean it… we were immediately close friends.
Alec gives me a tour of their headquarters and workshop. Craftsfolk sew away at beautiful waxed cotton packs and messengers, rolls of the world’s finest cotton stack head-high from wall to wall.
We share jokes, laugh, and probably man hug one too many times. But I’m here for “work” and we’ve got to keep the progress of the collab rolling. Into the design room. Out come the sketchbooks, material swatches, and some very rough prototypes they’ve already worked on. It’s on.
Days fold into days, and the final form starts coming together. A serious one-bag solution, that still uses Trakke’s design language and roots, with Carryology’s special spin on it.
We reach into the archives of some previous Trakke designs that couldn’t be done before, some ideas they had already been working on, and some secret features and construction methods that I have been squirreling away for some time.
We agree to take advantage of this opportunity, to push Trakke beyond its usual borders of ‘tradition’. And to introduce something that’s dear to our Carryology family – cutting-edge tech. This would be something daring and special, that without our teaming up, Trakke would probably never have the license to try. Party!
We jam on the makeup of a perfect travel pack, the need for that ‘ruggedness’ that can help a pack move from urban worlds to the outdoors, to ride those bumps and scuffs and whips of heavy weather. But every pack we’d carried that nailed ‘rugged’ had come with a weight penalty… lightbulb… we’d use the world’s strongest and lightest fabric on the planet. A fabric which first came to infamy in the sails of racing yachts. Dyneema! But not just the black or raw colorway we’ve all seen – we agree we need to go bigger, better. So we reach out to the Dyneema Project – an elite program for premium brands – to gain access to their newest experiments. And we find just what we’re looking for: CT5K.18/wov.32c. In normal speak: mind-bending translucent orange.
Not only would it trim weight, add strength and weatherproofing, clean easily, and increase visibility when rummaging for essentials, but it’d totally fit with our now signature collab internals – orange pop lining.
That’s right, the lining and lining only. You see, going all Dyneema would have been too much. It wouldn’t have been, well… ‘Trakke’. Everything else will be sourced from the UK. Canvas and steel and loveliness.
If you’re familiar with Trakke’s offerings, which have long been Carryology favorites, you know they’re fans of waxed cotton. Not only is waxed cotton a main ingredient in their products; you could say it’s in their DNA. Waxed cotton’s history dates back to the 18th Century sailors from England and Scotland who used it to make clothing and sailcloth. That’s right: sailcloth.
So this one bag travel pack will be the representation of 200 years of sailing innovation combined. Dyneema meets waxed cotton. Past meets present. Or maybe even the future?
We don’t want to just pick out a color off a roll and call it a day. Nope. Alec and I hop in his van and take a few hour road trip up to Dundee, the home of Halley Stevenson. Halley Stevenson makes arguably the best waxed cotton on planet Earth. And they’ve been making it right here within the walls of their Dundee factory since 1864. Alec and the team here have a close working relationship and they’re constantly experimenting with different fabrics, coatings, patterns, colors and more. When we explain the project to their team of mad scientists, their eyes light up.
They pull out a fabric I’m familiar with (after handling the Trakke’s Bannoch messenger bag), and this stuff deserves its own article. The base fabric is made from cotton mixed with stinging nettles. Stinging nettles! This idea actually came from the Swiss during World War 2. Switzerland, being such a small country with a neutral position in the war, had to maximize what little resources they had available within their borders. And cotton was nearly worth its weight in gold during this time. But they discovered that they could use stinging nettles in a cotton blend, which adds strength as well as a unique ‘salt and pepper’ coloring.
Of course, Halley Stevensons applies wax to this base fabric after it’s combined together, giving the salt and pepper a darker grey appearance. But, again, we’d need to go bigger. Find a way to weave in a modern twist – the ‘tech’. As the suggestion escapes my mouth, one of the Halley Stevensons’s representatives stands and runs out of the room. And a few moments later she returns holding an experimental fabric that was even darker. A mixture of PU coating (common on all of today’s modern nylon packs) and waxed coating. We need no more exploration. Alec and I carry the roll, which contains barely enough yardage of this magical fabric, out to the van and run it back to HQ for prototyping.
Over the next few days we adjust the pattern of the SP, bringing it to a healthy 35 liters. We add in a much-needed exterior water bottle pocket (that can also be used for accessory storage). We tweak the shoulder straps with a version of a WWII-style felt padded backpack strap (another nod to wartime ingenuity) but with super premium high-density felt. Stowable for when you need to check it in, of course.
A dual diagonal zipper on the front panel adds more versatility and gives the pack an aggressively awesome two-zip smile (high-fives all round). We then reconfigure the internal pocketing so you can gain access to them without opening the full clamshell. WIN.
My favorite addition? The bright orange Dyneema packing cubes. I’m a huge fan advocate of packing cubes while traveling. And these can’t be purchased anywhere else. Rare like hen’s teeth.
Some other fun bits worth noting: We initially planned to experiment using custom titanium hardware, but that would have increased the cost by a few hundred dollars per bag. So, we land on tried and true, real metal hardware, stainless steel. No plastic stuff here. This is ‘buy it for life’ stuff. Of course, we opt for YKK AquaGuard zippers, as they slide nice and smooth and are extremely water resistant, just like the rest of the bag. We design three exterior grab handles so you can carry it however you prefer (top, bottom, side), which helps when maneuvering the pack in or out of overhead bins. And finally, the luxurious hipbelt and sternum strap are designed to be removable, so folks can choose to add-on or trim down when a fully-loaded pack calls.
After several prototypes, dialing in all the details, the Storr SP is born. Our ideal one-bag travel system using the original Storr as the foundation. A pack made with only the finest materials, classic and cutting-edge, combining the beauty of traditional craft with the smarts of modern technology. All while being handmade in Scotland at Trakke’s headquarters.
We all stand around it super proud. It’s everything we wanted to achieve.
Next step: testing. In the morning, we pile into Alec’s van and head to the Highlands. It’s beautiful and rugged and wild – and the perfect testing ground. Rains fall and the winds bite. We jump across streams, traverse up mountains and through gullies, and the pack performs like planned. It’s gorgeous. It’s a wrap.
After I return home, Alec’s team continues to tinker and finesse and make it ready for its final reveal to the world. A reveal only days away. And boy are we excited to unveil it to you.
Drop date.
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Ever heard the words ‘waterproof backpack’, dug into the design a little, and discovered the primary feature is the waterproofness? Not a bad thing in and of itself, but it can leave things lacking in the design potential. A standard backpack that’s waterproof is alright. But a highly versatile backpack that just happens to be waterproof is better.
Well, the latter is what Tillak have spent a year and a half developing. And now they’re ready to show the world.
Meet the Tillak Siletz Modular Carry System.
One bag can’t effectively do everything. But with a carry system you can meet a wide range of needs. So Tillak developed a modular system that caters to work, travel, photography and more. The base of the system is the Siletz 35L backpack. The 100% waterproof pack features quick-access pockets for convenient access to smaller essentials and a removable waist belt.
To protect your tech the system includes a modular Laptop Sleeve. The neoprene sleeve fits up to 15″ devices, with two pockets to store smaller items. And with its MOD.U.LOX® hardware you can easily remove the sleeve from the backpack with the push of a button.
If you plan to travel with the pack or want to carry a photography setup, the Travel/Photo Insert has you covered. The Tricot-lined insert includes removable dividers to customize it to changing kit. Plus it adapts to photography setups, travel gear or a mix of both.
Complementing your travel setup is the Night Bag/Gear Pouch, which features two interior dividers for organizing toiletries, small accessories or other travel essentials. The pouch also features MOD.U.LOX® hardware for easy inserting or removal from the backpack.
For ready access to small items, the modular system offers the handy Shoulder Pouch. A weatherproof pouch that conveniently secures to the backpack’s shoulder strap to keep your phone, small camera or other essentials within easy reach.
Want to keep wet or dirty items away from the rest of your gear? The 25L Wet/Dry Bag Insert is your go-to solution, allowing you to store anything from wetsuits to sweaty gym gear or dirty shoes. Or you can switch things up and store valuables or dry/clean items inside away from the rest of the backpack’s contents.
And for those times when you want to kick back with a refreshing beverage for some good old R&R? The Cooler Insert is your chilled companion. The waterproof and airtight TIZIP® opening prevents leaks and the insert is designed to keep drinks cool for over 48 hours.
The efficient modular system easily keeps up with busy lifestyles and changing needs. But Tillak wanted to go beyond efficient design and focus on the entire product experience. Considering not just how it works, but how it’s made. So they used rugged Cordura and bluesign® certified materials and hardware for sustainability and durability from the get-go.
Additionally, as part of its Goods That Give Back program Tillak will donate 25% of profits from the sale of the Tillak Siletz Modular Carry System to Native Fish Society’s Landslides to Logjams Campaign. The campaign aims to stop irresponsible timber harvesting practices and watershed destruction and is a fitting choice for Tillak, a Certified B Corp passionate about protecting the environment.
The Tillak Siletz Modular Carry System offers more than just waterproof storage. It’s a system that integrates seamlessly into your lifestyle. Ready to go where you go and carry whatever you need it to. Whether that’s taking on a drizzly commute to work, exploring the outdoors by kayak, traveling or looking for that extra piece of mind when carrying your camera kit. If this kind of versatility is right in line with your needs, head over to Tillak’s Kickstarter campaign to make this all-in-one carry solution your own.
Note: this is a sponsored series, but only the best candidates are given this feature placement.
Above are the facts, but there’s always a little risk when backing a crowdfunder, so keep that in mind before you decide to back/purchase.
The post Kickstarter Highlight: Tillak Siletz Modular Carry System appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.
The items we carry every day are important, not just for what they help us do but for what they represent. Your EDC bag isn’t just a way to carry work tools, daily personal items or downtime essentials. It’s a means of projecting a particular view of yourself to the rest of the world. And if you want those first impressions to reflect quiet efficiency and adaptability, you need to look at the BOND Travel Gear Attache 13.
The first thing that stands out about the Attache 13 is the fact that it doesn’t. It’s all clean lines and slim form here. No unnecessary bells and whistles. No obtrusive branding. Just simple, timeless design that moves easily with you throughout the day. Need to take it to work? On your travels? To grab a quick coffee? No problem. This slim briefcase is ready for the daily grind, suitably professional in formal settings but adaptable to casual environments too. And with its top handles and removable shoulder strap, it’s easy to adjust to your preferred carry method.
The bag measures 14.5 in (36.8 cm) x 11 in (28 cm) x 4 in (10 cm) and weighs 1 lb 7.5 oz, compact and conveniently portable for day-long use. It also comes in two understated colorway options, a classic Black/Tan as well as a stealthy Multicam Black.
The BOND Travel Gear Attache 13 keeps everyday essentials at the ready with a functional blend of access and organization. The clamshell design lets you fully open the bag so you can easily see and reach items. And with the “no-slip” elastic and mesh pockets providing good organization without cluttering up the interior, you’re firmly on the rummage-free road to carry bliss. No more hunting for escaped cables or hiding pens.
With dedicated tech storage you’ll have your device out of the way but quickly accessible too. The Attache 13 fits up to a 13″ laptop in the laptop compartment, which features a soft loop field lining to prevent scratches. Alternatively the lining allows you to attach Velcro accessories, so you can adapt the bag as required.
The versatile aesthetics and functionality are present, but how about the durability? BOND Travel Gear creates pieces not just for right now, but many years from now. And while the timelessness of their designs is integral to that commitment, so is the reliable construction. The Attache 13 combines a rugged PU-coated ballistic nylon exterior with a tough Hypalon base and weatherproof YKK zips. This is a bag built to endure and thrive with everyday use, from the commute to the cafe to the airport and everywhere in between.
The Attache 13 already offers great value for money at US$109. But you can score a 10% discount using the code CARRYOLOGY at checkout! Even better? The discount code will provide 10% off all BOND Travel Gear products until the end of the year. So whether you want to treat yourself or give someone special an awesome carry gift, BOND Travel Gear just got even more enticing. Enjoy!
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