Carrying less can be initially tough to embrace. But if you’ve found minimalism to be your carry mantra, it’s great for decluttering your EDC and keeping pockets bulge-free. Of course, having suitable tools on hand is important to ensure that minimalist approach really works for you. You might want to roam with the bare essentials. Or perhaps you’re happy to embrace a little extra bulk for added organization and quick access. However you roll, we’ve selected some of the best minimalist EDC wallets available right now…

Trayvax Summit (US$19.99)

Slim, durable, lightweight and with a price tag that won’t break the bank? The Trayvax Summit will appeal to minimalists seeking a solid budget-friendly option. The wallet holds up to eight cards and up to five folded bills and includes RFID protection. Made in the USA and backed by a 65-year warranty, it fits in a front pocket and holds just what you need while keeping bulk down.

Magpul DAKA Everyday Wallet (US$25)

If front pocket-friendly slimness and excellent durability are priorities, scope out the Magpul DAKA Everyday Wallet. Made in the USA from reinforced polymer material, the wallet is resistant to water, oil, chemicals and more. It offers an anti-slip texture and a hardy welded construction that will stand up to demanding everyday and travel use. A windowed ID pocket, slots for cards and a center pocket for bills keeps essentials tidy and within easy reach.

Tanner Goods Minimal Card Wallet (US$34.98)

If you dig pared-back leather for stashing your essentials, check out the Tanner Goods Minimal Card Wallet. Crafted in the USA from hard-wearing bridle leather, the wallet offers two card slots and a central pocket for bills. And it’s slim enough to slip in a front pocket too.

Machine Era Ti5 Slim Wallet (US$48)

Chic and simple, the Machine Era Ti5 Slim Wallet is a smart pick for those seeking straightforward, fuss-free pocket carry. The wallet is made in the USA from aerospace grade 6al-4v titanium for a great strength to weight ratio. It fits up to seven cards and features a thumb slot for easy access, which doubles as a bottle opener.

Bellroy Micro Sleeve (US$65)

Uber-sleek and low-key, the Bellroy Micro Sleeve provides a practical and stylish way to carry just the essentials. The wallet has two quick-access slots along with a central pocket for additional cards and folded cash. The quick-access slots hold up to four cards, while the contents of the central pocket are easily reached through a simple pinching motion.

Ridge Wallet Aluminum Wallet + Money Clip (US$72)

Weighing just 2 oz and sleek enough to fit in a front pocket, the Ridge Wallet Aluminum Wallet + Money Clip offers slim functionality for EDC use. Made from lightweight aluminum, the RFID-blocking wallet holds up to 12 cards. Plus there’s an integrated money clip to store cash at the ready.

Filson Card Case (US$95)

Tough, understated and timeless in style, Filson’s Card Case is a savvy choice for those who want long-lasting durability and a wallet that will only get better-looking with age. It’s crafted in the USA using vegetable-tanned North American bridle leather and offers a choice of pockets to store bank cards, cash and business cards.

Dango Products M1 Maverick Wallet – Single Pocket (US$99)

The Dango Products M1 Maverick Wallet delivers an eye-catching blend of durability and rugged style with a combination of full-grain leather and anodized 6061 aerospace grade aluminum. The wallet holds a maximum of 10 cards plus bills, with an RFID-blocking cavity for up to six cards. And with four loop holes you can attach lanyards, keys or other items for all-in-one portability.

Ridge Wallet Carbon Fiber Wallet + Cash Strap (US$115)

If you like the look of Ridge Wallet’s Aluminum Wallet but want to change things up in the material and cash-carrying department, consider this option. The Ridge Wallet Carbon Fiber Wallet + Cash Strap has carbon fiber front and back plates and weighs in at just 1.6 oz. The RFID-blocking wallet fits up to 12 cards, with a Cash Strap for carrying bills or frequently used cards.

Makr Flap Slim Wallet (US$100)

If you’re someone who prefers a hold-it-all pocket for cards, cash and some coins, the Makr Flap Slim Wallet is a worthy addition to your setup. Sewn by hand in the USA and featuring premium Horween leather, this is a real head-turner with a simple and durable design. The wallet holds up to eight cards and folded cash.

Bellroy Slim Sleeve – Designers Edition (US$139)

If you value slim sophistication for work or play, coupled with a quality build and useful organization, Bellroy’s got just the wallet for you. Their Slim Sleeve – Designers Edition fits up to 12 cards along with folded bills, providing two quick-access slots for frequently used cards. The rest of the cards are stored out of sight but easily accessed through a handy pull tab. The Designers Edition is crafted with premium, environmentally certified European leathers that are wrapped where possible instead of cut and stitched, providing a more refined look and feel.

Arc’teryx Veilance Casing Billfold 78mm (US$250)

Do you appreciate honed construction with a minimalist form that looks at home in the boardroom, in the bar and beyond? Then Arc’teryx’s Veilance Casing Billfold 78mm deserves a spot on your shortlist. The wallet’s laminated, stitchless construction creates an incredibly slim leather billfold built to last for years to come. Made with Horween full-grain combination tanned leather, it weighs only 40 g (1.4 oz) and fits up to eight cards and currency up to a height of 78mm.

Enjoyed this article? Why not have a look at these too:

18 Handmade Wallets for Minimalists

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The post Slim Down: The Best Minimalist EDC Wallets Right Now appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

The start of a new year and the carry world has hit the ground running, dishing up a varied and tempting selection of new gear to tackle everything from the daily commute to emergency survival situations. Keen to find out more? Discover January’s best new gear…

North St. Bags Updated Scout Duffle Collection

The Scout Duffle collection is a classic in North St. Bags’ lineup. But even classics can benefit from a revamp now and then. And the collection gets a variety of updates including the introduction of the larger Scout 44 to replace the Scout 21. The collection features the Scout 6, Scout 15 and Scout 44 duffles, with two new fabrics and four new colorways. Weatherproof X-10 canvas in burgundy, midnight and olive plus weatherproof X-51 X-Pac in black provides enticing options to match your tastes. The Scout 15 and 44 include lengthened carry straps and a new interior hanging pocket for smaller items. Weatherproof zippers round out the features of these durable and versatile gear haulers.

Eagle Creek Gear Warrior Series

Eagle Creek are well known for their functional, reliable travel carry. But they’re also firm supporters of sustainability and their redesigned Gear Warrior series celebrates this more environmentally-friendly approach to manufacturing. The series is made with 100% recycled PET ripstop material and a recycled coating, across a range of carry to suit different travel needs. The series also features laminated exoskeletons for reinforcement in areas of high wear, a new impact-resistant handle system for improved strength, as well as redesigned wheels to provide a larger tire for enhanced off-road capability.

Orbitkey x Everyday Carry Nylon Key Organizer

Orbitkey changed the key carry game with their Key Organizer, bringing clink-free calm to previously chaotic pockets. And now they’re doing so with added stealth style, courtesy of their limited edition collaboration with EverydayCarry.com. The Orbitkey x Everyday Carry Nylon Key Organizer blends minimalism with understated tactical efficiency for EDC use. A combination of 1050D Ballistic Nylon and 500D Cordura Nylon provides durability and water resistance while still retaining suppleness. Plus each Key Organizer adds something special to your setup, featuring a one-of-a-kind digital-camouflage pattern that ensures each piece is unique. The Key Organizer holds 2 to 7 keys and also accommodates a car key.

Mission Workshop Rhake VX Weatherproof Laptop Backpack

Mission Workshop caused some serious buzz with their Rhake backpack. But how to take the pack to the next level? They embraced the challenge with a premium fabric upgrade, Dimension Polyant® VX-21 diamond ripstop. Offering excellent abrasion, tear and weather resistance for its weight, the fabric elevates an already durable pack to premium levels of urban sleekness with robust reliability for whatever the day chucks your way.

RINO Ready Companion

In an emergency you don’t have time to waste gathering necessary survival supplies. So RINO Ready have created the Companion for grab-and-go readiness at home, in the office, in your car or outdoors. The survival system sustains two people for the first 72 hours of an emergency. The system provides essentials covering first aid, water, food, warmth, sight and air, light, comms and tools. All stored within a tough, weatherproof, reflective and fire-resistant backpack that’s easily portable across a variety of environments. The bag opens flat for easy access and has a Velcro backing that allows you to configure the modular sub-sections to your desired setup.

Alchemy Equipment AEL027 City Trek Pack

There’s lots of EDC bags out there. But finding one for the professional who wants a quality build, clean aesthetics, and useful organization without being boring? Now things start to get trickier. But Alchemy Equipment deliver the goods with their AEL027 City Trek Pack. The 15″ laptop sleeve is accessible from the top of the main compartment, as well as through a side zipper for ease on the go. Further organization options include an interior lid pocket and four exterior pockets. The pack also includes a convenient side carry handle, bottom compression straps that can also hold the likes of an umbrella, plus a stowable waist belt. All in a sleek and durable design crafted with Ballistic weave nylon and leather for a sophisticated look and feel.

Teranishi Teardrop Backpack

The Teranishi Teardrop is the kind of pack that can’t help but turn heads. And now there’s an even more eye-catching redesign in the works. The pack digs down on the weather protection front with YKK AquaGuard zippers, a storm flap visor and a floating DWR-coated packcloth lining. The technical vibe of the pack is also enhanced with the use of darts to provide structure. The design is in a test phase and might become available in a small batch to snag for your own collection.

WP Standard Canvas Briefcase

Timeless style, rugged durability and suave flexibility to move from work to the weekend? The WP Standard Canvas Briefcase ticks all the boxes. It’s crafted with a combination of 18 oz green duck canvas and full-grain leather detailing including a leather bottom. The bag can be carried with the detachable strap or top grab handles and provides an interior pocket, two-way zipper and choice of exterior quick-access pockets for storing day-to-day essentials.

master-piece Spring Backpack L and Tact Backpack

Seeking distinct urban styling, excellent Japanese craftsmanship and functional versatility? master-piece are on point with two prime options, the Spring Backpack L and Tact Backpack. The water-repellent Spring Backpack L unzips fully for easy access throughout the main compartment. And with multiple pockets to choose from you can get to small items quickly and conveniently. The water-repellent Tact Backpack can be locked with an included lock and key for peace of mind on the move. It features a wide top opening and choice of interior and exterior pockets for organization. Multifunctional for work, travel and play, built with long-lasting quality and durability in mind, these are adaptable additions to your carry quiver.

Triple Aught Design FAST Pack Scout Special Edition

A project released through TAD’s Foundry, this special edition of the FAST Pack Scout is crafted with Dimension-Polyant X50. A combination of 500D Cordura nylon bonded to X-Pac ripstop polyester, the Multicam Tropic fabric provides solid protection from the elements and hard-wearing abrasion resistance. The 15L pack weighs in at 1kg and offers a sleek profile and adaptable organization to remain agile while conquering a variety of carry missions. The pack’s clamshell main compartment provides ready access to gear, while the removable 1″ stability belt adds functionality. Just 200 pieces will be produced if the project is successful.

UNIQLO 3-Way Bag

Work carry needs to have a certain air of professionalism to it. And a little flexibility in how you carry it doesn’t hurt either. Add in protection from the elements and options to organize your gear and you’re onto a winner. But features like these can start to add up. However, UNIQLO’s 3-Way Bag demonstrates you don’t have to splurge to enjoy all of this. The bag offers work-friendly style, weather-resistant fabric and zippers, three carry options including briefcase, shoulder bag and backpack, plus a choice of exterior and interior pockets to organize tools and EDC items. And all yours for an affordable price tag, making it great value for money.

The post Best New Gear: January 2019 appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

You’re on the go. Moving fast. But not quite sure where you’ll be from one day to the next. Or you take things a little slower, a more definite schedule in mind. But still with the desire to adapt on the fly when duty or fun calls. Fancy the kind of carry that keeps up regardless? Well you’re in luck. We’re giving two winners the chance to score an ARKTYPE Boltpack and Dashpack combo…

The Prizes

First up? The 15L ARKTYPE Dashpack. Which is frankly pretty darn dashing with its rugged yet pared-back style. The special edition waxed canvas pack combines 10 oz army duck waxed canvas with YKK AquaGuard zippers to keep your gear safe from showers and snow flurries.

Your tech gets proper protection with a suspended and padded 15″ laptop sleeve in the main compartment. And if you need to carry some extra devices? An externally accessed compartment on the back panel fits a 13″ laptop (and even a slim 15″ one), with an interior pocket to store up to a 10″ tablet too. The updated version also features additional organization including two zipped interior pockets and two added D-rings.

Also up for grabs? The special edition ARKTYPE Boltpack, crafted with 10 oz army duck waxed canvas and YKK AquaGuard zippers. A tough grab-and-go hauler built to move between assorted everyday and travel carry needs, from a trip to the gym to a weekend away. The 30L duffel features two ventilated compartments for shoes or dirty laundry, along with smaller interior and exterior pockets to store gear such as EDC or travel essentials and a water bottle. And with the removable shoulder strap and top carry handles you have portability options as well.

Both bags are made in the USA with American-sourced materials. And they’re ready to set out on adventures near and far with two lucky winners scooping one of each…

How To Enter

A simple newsletter subscription puts you in the running (with a few extra options for extra points). Sign up below. Good luck!

ARKTYPE Dashpack and Boltpack: Carry Giveaway

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Nite Ize’s TRU-Zip is the best innovation I’ve found in the entire outdoor industry in at least the past 5 years. Yep, that’s a seriously bold statement. And I stand behind it.

In fact, if we gave out Carryology awards at OR winter shows this would have won the “Best Carry Innovation” award… AND the “Best In Show” award. No joke. 

Look, just to clarify, I do love YKK zippers. I’ve probably used the equivalent length of their zippers on products I’ve designed to reach the moon.  I’m sure I’ll use them again.  But this TRU-Zip… I suspect we’ll start seeing this zipper everywhere in the next few years. 

And honestly, I’ve already heard rumors of some very (very) big players in the industry that are interested in using the patented design for their own products. Watch. This. Space. 

So what’s all this hype about?  Nite Ize – the brand you’re probably familiar with for making small accessories for your outdoor adventures (such as carabiners, everyday carry items, small LED lights for camping, and other clever gadgets) – have created a waterproof (yes, water PROOF) zipper without teeth or coils. Truly the very first easy to use and slide, coil-less, toothless waterproof, dustproof, and airtight zipper for real world hard use.

They’ve been prototyping and perfecting this beauty for the past 4 years, thanks to knowledge gained specifically from the development of their other products, such as their extruded Gear Ties. And it’s a total game changer. See you later ‘water-resistant’ zippers! 

Can you personally get your hands on some of these, like right now? Well, kinda. They’ve created a 6-piece collection of RF-welded waterproof organizers for travel, which all utilize their new zipper.  They’re calling the collection the RunOff Waterproof collection, which includes; a small wallet sized pouch, a pocket size pouch, another slightly larger pouch with a 3D gusset, a Dopp kit, a small packing cube, and a large packing cube.  Not only are they great looking and easy to use, they’re actually lightweight too. Oh, and they’re strong.  Really strong. 

Rumor has it, Mr. Dana Gleason himself walked by their booth, was impressed, and stood on one of the airtight packing cubes… and the zipper didn’t pop.  Hearing this, I had to give it a try as well and experienced the same zero failure result. First test – total pass. 

Now, here’s where I’m going to leave you hanging. Technically, you and I both hanging.  I could write about each one of these products in great detail… but I won’t.  Not yet anyway.  Because the incredible folks at Nite Ize have agreed to send over a complete set of these beauties over for a proper test.  We’re very excited to go hands on with these, get them wet, get them dirty, and get some miles on them.  

Stay tuned!

The post You Need to Know about the Nite Ize TRU-Zip. Period. appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

We’d like to give a warm welcome to our new contributor, Jovanni Bello. Renaissance man, adventurer and cell phone photographer, Jovanni is a firm supporter of doing more with less. So putting the WANAKA Adapt to the test was a challenge he couldn’t resist…

When I travel, my aim is to take the least amount of gear possible. I’ve always longed for a bag that can adapt to the different circumstances I will encounter on my trips, especially since my travels tend to involve a gamut of activities; from business and city exploration to more adventurous activities like hiking, biking or kayaking, sometimes all in the same day. Additionally, I am a Type 1 diabetic, so I always need to carry certain supplies with me.

I first saw the WANAKA Adapt System on Kickstarter, and I was intrigued. At this point, my wife was sick of me mentioning bags to her, but even she was impressed by all the things the WANAKA Adapt could do; a veritable Swiss Army knife in bag form.

What attracted me to the Adapt? Let’s look at the features:

The Basics

• 24L of storage space
• 210D/420D ripstop nylon
• YKK zippers
• DWR coating

The Cool Stuff

• Inflatable inner frame
• Air mesh back panel and shoulder straps
• Laptop and hydration bladder compatible
• Packs itself into the sling, or cinches down to the size of the cooler

The Wow Stuff

• Detachable sling/hip pack “what some would call a fanny pack”
• Detachable insulated camera case/cooler
• Internal divider for increased organization
• External zipper to quickly get to the bottom of the bag

Once I got the bag, I put these features to the test on several trips, and here are some notable takeaways:

On a recent trip to Switzerland, the day began with an excursion to Jungfraujoch, “the top of Europe”, followed by a visit to a few high-end watch stores, followed by a hike, and ending in a walk by Lake Geneva. In each of these situations, a different bag was needed; the Adapt System worked perfectly, allowing me to shed the things I didn’t need while providing them when necessary.

The detachable sling bag comes off quickly for those moments when I only needed to carry the essentials: phone, keys, passport, spare battery, glasses, glucose tabs. The main compartment, though, held a Surface Pro 4, Cotopaxi puffer jacket, beanie, Moment lens cases, insulin pens in an insulated case, glucometer, tripod, and a Columbia shell jacket. On a short hike, the cooler held three cans of soda, beef jerky, and a small loaf of bread.

While only the sling bag was needed on some trips, like a day trip to Busch Gardens or walking around town during a visit to Nashville, on rougher trips the full setup utilizing the airframe allows the bag to sit well and distribute weight effectively. 

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“The detachable sling bag comes off quickly for those moments when I only needed to carry the essentials.”

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The entire pack fits a ton of stuff inside; earlier in the year I flew to Boston for the weekend and was able to pack all the necessary clothes and gear in this one bag. Sure, it was stuffed, but the Adapt looks its best when stuffed. That being said, this thing sings when you’re traversing the wilderness, either on foot, on a bike, or on a kayak. It’s lightweight while being rugged, offering comfort features such as a sternum strap and optional hip straps. Additionally, the sling provides a three-point-contact-system that when utilized keeps the bag in place. I tried out this feature while mountain biking and trail running, it’s legit. 

This is an adventure bag for sure. It’s made for being out in the wild, and while it still retains an aesthetic that is passable in the city, especially if you’re only taking the sling bag, it definitely doesn’t command your attention.

I live in Miami and don’t often need an EDC bag in my day-to-day life, but when I do, I go for a more stylish EDC – think of the Alchemy Equipment X Carryology collaboration, the Carryology X Trakke collaboration, the (ridiculously named) WANDRD Prvke, the Nomatic backpack, or the Peak Design Everyday Backpack.  Those are bags you want to be seen with. Those bags call attention and demand to be commented on by passersby. The Adapt is not these things. The Adapt doesn’t care about being hip or stylish. It just wants to get you out into the unknown, exploring and being able to adapt (I see what they did there) to what comes your way.

Who It Suits

Convenience connoisseurs. If versatility is important to you, this is a great option.

This bag is excellent for travelers and adventurers who enjoy taking day trips and undertaking a wide range of activities but don’t want to be burdened with packing (and storing) multiple bags to meet each occasion.

Who It Doesn’t

Unless you desire a utilitarian, Swiss Army knife of a bag, you may want to pass on the WANAKA Adapt. Here’s why: It’s a jack-of-all-trades but a master of none. That’s not a bad thing, but some folks may not need all the features this bag prides itself on. If you are looking for a bag that meets the needs of a specific activity, for example a multi-day hike that requires a hefty loadout or even a short trip with heavy equipment, the utilitarian nature of the Adapt will cause you some issues – especially in the comfort area.   

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“It’s a jack-of-all-trades but a master of none. That’s not a bad thing, but some folks may not need all the features this bag prides itself on.”

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The Good

Versatility is where this bag shines, and I am a huge fan of how effortlessly it molds itself to my needs. 

The construction and materials are top-notch; I’ve now taken over fifteen trips with this bag, either by plane or road trip, and it still looks new. 

On longer days, I was thankful for the airframe. At first, I was a little skeptical, but I’ve come around to genuinely enjoy the feel of it. 

One of the points that really intrigued me early on was the camera case/cooler. It works well although I’d suggest purchasing the optional dry bag to line the cooler, so the insulation doesn’t get wet. If you only plan to use it as a camera case, it’ll still prove useful to protect your gear in case of rain or inadvertently falling into a river. 

The main compartment is huge, even with the airframe in place and a laptop in the sleeve. I especially enjoyed zipping up the internal divider and placing my puffer jacket and shell in the bottom compartment, giving me the ability to quickly grab those layers without disturbing the rest of the pack. 

The sides of the bag include Hypalon gear loops. These prove useful when you need to carry a tripod, yoga mat, or any other cumbersome object. 

Both the main compartment and the sling are bladder compatible, fitting a 2L and 1L bladder respectively. Including bladder compatibility is a nice touch and appreciated for those shorter trips where I don’t feel like carrying around a water bottle, or I am careening down a hill on my bike. 

At the end of the day, if storage is at a premium, you can fold the entire bag into the sling and stuff it in a drawer, without the cooler of course. Or you can include the cooler and cinch the whole bag to slightly taller than the cooler itself; the latter is my method of choice when not in use. 

Lastly, the price is astonishingly reasonable. In a time where everyone is promoting $200+ bags, WANAKA is coming in at $119 for the base price, up to $159 for a fully loaded version. This is a steal. Even if you’re not a huge adventurer, this is a no-brainer. 

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“I especially enjoyed zipping up the internal divider and placing my puffer jacket and shell in the bottom compartment, giving me the ability to quickly grab those layers without disturbing the rest of the pack.” 

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The Not So Good

For all the things I like about the Adapt, some glaring issues drive me a little bananas. Right off the bat, not having a bottle holder of some sort is a real drag. Yes, there are Hypalon straps and water bladders, but sometimes I just want to drop a 20oz bottle on the side of my bag for quick access, and the straps just don’t work well for that. 

There is a bit of a learning curve when using the bag and maneuvering in and out of its diverse functions. Thankfully the guys at WANAKA have included instructional videos. Things such as how to place and inflate the airframe can be confusing, as is installing and threading the water bladders.

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“Right off the bat, not having a bottle holder of some sort is a real drag.”

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Against the back panel of the bag are three pockets, one for the airframe, a second for a water bladder, and a third for a laptop. With such a deep cavernous main compartment, working these pockets by touch can be confusing; I’ve stuck my laptop into the bladder pocket at least two dozen times.

Due to its packability, the material, although durable, is floppy. Unless your pack is stuffed, even with a fully inflated airframe this bag will slouch over and fall. This is especially true if the sling bag is full or has anything heavy inside. It isn’t a good look, hence why I mentioned earlier that the bag looks better when stuffed. 

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“Unless your pack is stuffed, even with a fully inflated airframe this bag will slouch over and fall.”

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The zippers on the sling bag can be frustrating at times. A small portion of nylon, meant to ward off water, will sometimes get caught in the zipper. Additionally, when attempting to zip the sling back onto the main bag, you need to align it perfectly, and if the sling has anything inside, this could prove difficult. 

Lastly, the shoulder straps are rather thin, both in width and density. Long hikes or carrying heavy loads could prove uncomfortable. Thankfully the airframe and sternum strap do a lot to alleviate this. I wish they’d sacrifice a little bit of packability to increase the padding and ergonomics of the shoulder straps. This would go a long way to making the Adapt a more likely companion for longer journeys in the wild.    

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“I wish they’d sacrifice a little bit of packability to increase the padding and ergonomics of the shoulder straps.”

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Verdict

The WANAKA Adapt is a jack-of-all-trades, Swiss Army knife, utilitarian dream. It will take you from the city, into the mountain, through the canyon, over the river, and back to the coffee shop. Its well-thought-out design, coupled with high-quality, durable materials can quickly adapt to any situation you throw at it.  Simultaneously not too fancy, or too rugged. It’s the Ron Swanson of bags that will last you a long time. You probably won’t get compliments from people about it, but at the same time, it never looks out of place. 

Yes, it has some issues. And it’s not surprising, as this is a first-time effort from the guys over at WANAKA Outdoors. The missing bottle holder and thin shoulder straps are the most glaring of the issues. All this being said, for its price, this bag is a must-buy if you enjoy light, varied adventure, and appreciate its ability to adapt itself to virtually any situation. 

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The post WANAKA Adapt Backpack Review: Drive By appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Hey all! Yong-Soo here, Founder and CEO of Urban EDC Supply. I’m back with another EDC column for our good friends at Carryology. As we kick off the new year, we’re always on the lookout to upgrade our gear for 2019 not only in terms of functionality but also style. Black is as classy as it gets, and a color that never goes out of style. So I thought it’d be neat to kick things off with a set of all-black everyday carry tools. I’m sure you’ll find something here that you’ll like! Thanks for reading and always carry strong!

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Awarded Knife of the Year at Blade Show 2018, the small but mighty Fox Knives Vox Suru is a masterclass of functional beauty. Designed by Danish knifemaker extraordinaire Jesper Voxnaes, the Suru is made to work and is pleasantly stout and beefy. It packs a robust 2.3″ Bohler M390 blade into a compact 5.91″ frame (one of the best blade-to-handle ratios we’ve seen).

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The Suru features a unique double-choil design which enhances the overall grip and handling of the blade, despite the small frame. The discreet milled pocket clip even comes with a Zirconium ball bearing at the tip for easy extraction. It’s easy to see why it clinched the top prize at Blade Show 2018.

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Urban Organizer Mini

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The Urban Organizer Mini is perfectly sized for your front pocket carry. The compact design allows you to slip it easily into your front pocket without any added bulk. It comes with two front slots for your most essential tools, as well as a card slot in the back for your most frequently used credit card, a convenient place for your folded bills, and a middle slot for everything else. Handmade in California using 100% made in USA materials, each wallet is saddle-stitched with thick waxed poly cord, and stress points are reinforced with brass double capped rivets so you can be sure it’ll last you a lifetime.

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Lucky Bastard Co. Lip Balm

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The Lucky Bastard Co. Lip Balm is the perfect remedy for chapped lips all year round. It’s created from 100% organic material sourced directly from the farmer to create the best possible premium product. The all-organic ingredients used are shea butter, avocado oil, jojoba oil, vitamin E, menthol, chamomile oil and raspberry seed oil. Everything is handcrafted, hand poured and hand labelled in California to ensure the highest quality.

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Inspirs Design Vortex 260 Top

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The humble pocket top is one of our civilization’s oldest and most enduring toys. The Vortex features the high-performance and incredibly stable Si3-N4 bearing (silicon nitride) allowing the Vortex to spin for up to an incredible 8 minutes at a time, depending on your skill and spinning surface. The body of the Vortex is CNC machined from lightweight aluminum, and precision grooves around the stem offer enhanced grip, control and handling. It is then individually hand finished to perfection.

The post 12 Amazing All-Black EDC Essentials appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Crowdfunding is fast becoming the world’s go-to platform for new releases. But do you ever find it hard to cut through the noise and pin down the ones worth your hard-earned? Well, that’s where this sponsored series comes in. We’re vetting carry Kickstarters for you, digging up the facts, and shedding light on the ones we think are worth a closer look.

This week’s selection: WANDRD and their VEER 18L Packable Bag.

Minimalist form meets maximum functionality

Packable bags aren’t a new concept. There’s plenty of them out there, sitting quietly in luggage until called on for day-hauling duties. So when WANDRD stepped into the packable scene, they wanted to bring something worthy to the table. A bag that would go beyond the ability to simply pack down compactly until needed. A bag that would improve on the comfort and multifunctionality that so many packable bags lack. And their answer? The WANDRD VEER 18L backpack. A packable bag catering to photographers and travelers alike with its inflatable back panel and inflatable camera cube.

A buffer for you and your gear

In order to achieve increased packability, packable bags often sacrifice comfort. But the VEER finds a clever solution with its removable, inflatable back panel which provides structure and protection from rigid items in the pack while keeping weight down. Coupled with air mesh shoulder straps and a removable sternum strap, you get the benefits of enhanced comfort while still enjoying packability convenience.

But what if you want to keep a camera safe on the go too? The inflatable camera cube comes to the rescue, providing protection when you need it but removable when you don’t. The cube fits most standard DSLR and mirrorless cameras with up to a 24-70mm lens.

On-body access wherever you are

Wherever your travels take you, you don’t need to worry about wasting time rummaging for gear or having to empty bag contents onto the street to reach that pesky elusive item at the bottom of the pack. In addition to top access, the VEER backpack features a side zip that provides easy access throughout the main compartment. So you can reach your camera, an outer layer or other items by swinging the pack round while still keeping it on your shoulder.

And those smaller items you want easy access to? The VEER has you covered with an expandable water bottle holder that holds up to a 32oz bottle, front and top organizational pockets, external gear loops, plus a key clip that also allows you to clip the pack to another bag.

Built for a lifetime of adventure

A travel bag is no good if it can’t handle a little challenge from the elements. But the VEER is prepped and ready with its weather-resistant build. The main body fabric is water-resistant 100D Robic Dynatec, with YKK weather-resistant zippers for added protection. The pack also comes with a lifetime guarantee so you can travel far and wide without fretting about your bag. And of course it packs down into its own pocket when not needed, creating a compact and easily portable form approximately 8″ x 6″ x 3″ in size.

Veer from hikes to grocery runs to day trips

The WANDRD VEER 18L backpack finds a well considered balance of comfort, functionality and minimalist packability. It’s a great travel companion whether you need to protect fragile camera gear or not and lends itself to a range of short excursions and day trips. Doing a day hike? Need to pick up some groceries? Heading to the beach? Set on exploring city streets? This pack embraces it all, while providing a discreet design that blends into a variety of locations. If you want to snap up this highly versatile pack for your own adventures, head over to the WANDRD VEER Kickstarter campaign which runs until 5 April 2019.

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 A Packable Backpack That’ll Protect Your Camera Gear appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

The name Pelican is synonymous with rock-solid protection for fragile and valuable gear. Their cases are legendary in the amount of abuse they can endure, both on land and at sea. So when they put that design focus and commitment towards personal utility cases, the results were always gonna be good. But just how good are they? Well let’s take a closer look at the Pelican Go Case and Ruck Case…

Ready to go every day

Pelican designed the cases to meet two different needs. The Go Case caters to everyday use, organizing and protecting daily essentials. Two sizes of case give you the ability to store a phone, cords, keys, cards and more. The G10 is great for smaller setups, while the G40 includes a divider tray to store your phone separately from the rest of the contents. The divider features card slots and a cable strap, along with a pass-through point for charging your phone on the go.

The Go Case’s trusty build easily handles day-to-day abrasion, drops and inclement weather. Offering an IP67 rating, the case is waterproof to a depth of 1 metre for 30 minutes. Plus it also passes a 1.2-metre drop test, provides pressure equalization for air travel and endures temperature extremes from -10ºF up to 199ºF. A cushioned EVA lining in the lid and base adds protection inside, while an ABS outer shell, co-molded bumper and gasket and sectioned ribs for rigidity ensure the exterior protection is on point.

And when it comes to portability? The case’s micro-texture improves grip, with a loop for hand carry use or to attach a carabiner.

Ready to ruck anywhere

While the Pelican Go Case takes care of day-to-day needs, the Pelican Ruck Case sets its sights on adventure use. Fully mil-spec tested, the Ruck Case has an IP68 rating and is waterproof to a depth of 2 metres for 30 minutes. It survives up to 12-metre drops and handles temperature extremes from -10ºF to 199ºF. And like the Go Case, you don’t need to worry about pressure equalization for air travel.

The shockproof and dustproof case features a rubberized exo skeleton and an ABS/PC outer shell for reliable ruggedness wherever your next adventure takes you. And how about the interior? Organization-wise you’ve got flexible options including a snap-in lid organizer and a divider tray with a cable routing hole. A loop system with Velcro straps lets you tailor the setup to changing loads. And the base cavity has a cushioned lining for extra protection.

Speaking of changing loads, the Ruck Case comes in three sizes including the R60, R40 and R20 to accommodate a variety of gear. And because you never know who might try to get their sticky fingers on your gear, the case has an integrated lock hasp that allows you to secure a small TSA padlock.

Guaranteed for the long haul

You don’t just want gear protection for now. You want it years from now too. So Pelican have built their cases accordingly. Both the Go Case and Ruck Case have lifetime guarantees. Ruggedly built to endure whatever the day or the adventure brings.

Beyond protection into personal utility

The Pelican Go Case and Ruck Case amply deliver on Pelican’s promise of waterproof protection you can trust. But they’re not content to stop there. These are cases designed to offer real utility. Not only do you get great durability and waterproofness but practical organization too. A versatile means to protect and organize wide-ranging setups, from first aid supplies and outdoor essentials, to electronics, fragile travel items and EDC necessities. Available in the coming months (details below), the Pelican Go Case and Ruck Case are set to welcome your carry setup to the big leagues of elite protective utility.

Release dates:

The Go Case

G40: USA Retail. $39.95. Available now at REI. Worldwide March 1^st

G10: USA Retail. $29.95. Available worldwide March 1^st

Ruck Case

R20: USA Retail. $44.95. Available worldwide March 1^st

R40: USA Retail. $54.95. Available worldwide March 1^st

R60: USA Retail. $64.95. Available worldwide May 1^st

The post Noteworthy New Release: Pelican Go Case and Ruck Case appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Cables. Cards. Multi-tools. First aid supplies. Powerbanks. Stationery. Tech accessories. All the little necessities and good-to-haves that get you through the day are difficult to keep track of if left to their own devices. But a good pouch takes care of such items, storing them in one easily accessible location so you can get to them in a jiffy but don’t need to worry about them when not required. But what things should you consider in your search for such a pouch?

Organization

Single-compartment pouches with no organization quickly become dumping grounds for gear, making it hard to quickly access specific items. Keep an eye out for thoughtfully positioned pockets, webbing loops and the like that let you organize items neatly. And of course, consider what you’ll be packing. If you’re carrying bulkier items like laptop chargers, you’ll need compartments or pockets that accommodate accordingly. Will you be carrying fragile tech like a phone and tablet? In such cases designated protective storage will come in handy.

Weather resistance and everyday durability

The chances are pretty good that you’re not going to be hauling an everyday tech pouch up a mountain in a torrential downpour. So you don’t need something that’s built like a waterproof tank and designed to take a beating. That being said, you can’t always avoid the occasional rain shower, spilt drink or bumps and scrapes that go hand in hand with everyday use. So a water-resistant build that stands up to daily use is well worth considering, especially if you’re carrying tech devices.

Lightweight compactness

Most pouches are carried within larger bags. But you don’t want them taking up a lot of space in your day bag. So a good balance of light weight, compactness and functionality is important. Sometimes this means sacrificing a bit of durability to keep weight to a minimum. So you should decide whether increased durability or lower weight is a priority.

Versatility

Your carry needs and environments can change from day to day. So versatility is a handy feature to have in a pouch. Perhaps you’d appreciate an EDC pouch that can double as a travel Dopp kit. Maybe you want a piece that can carry wet and dry items separately and securely. Or you might want to carry work tools during the week and outdoor trail essentials on the weekend. If these features are important, bear in mind how versatile a pouch is in order to determine whether it will meet the majority of your needs.

So with the above in mind, we’ve selected some of the best tech pouches and organizers to carry daily, with a healthy dose of flexibility to handle EDC and travel needs…

Outdoor Research Backcountry Organizer (US$31.81)

The Outdoor Research Backcountry Organizer offers a well-considered, functional and water-resistant design that accommodates a variety of items. Multiple pockets, compartments and loops make it easy to organize your gear, while the lay-flat design lets you easily access items. Plus it only weighs 2.9oz (82g), so it’s a great lightweight option too.

Osprey Ultralight Zip Organizer (US$35)

Compact and lightweight but packed full of features, the Osprey Ultralight Zip Organizer is ideal for those seeking lots of organization and convenient access to gear. The organizer opens out into three separate compartments (one of which is removable as a standalone mini pouch) with pockets for storing individual items. And with its useful rear hook it’s easy to hang the organizer up for easy access too.

Maxpedition ERZ Everyday Organizer (US$35)

If you’re after protection for precious gear, check out the Maxpedition ERZ Everyday Organizer. The water-resistant, durable build and custom-molded semi-rigid front provide protection against impacts and the elements. Inside you’ll find a choice of pockets and loops plus a key clip. Additionally the organizer has a carry handle and includes two TacTie® PJC3 Polymer Joining Clips for modular attachment to a bag or belt loop.

Side by Side Power Packer (US$38.95)

Need to carry bulky cables and tech accessories? The Side by Side Power Packer lets you do so with tidy ease. The Power Packer includes Adaptable Compression Panels that accommodate bulky travel adapters and laptop chargers, while a choice of three compartments and a range of loops and pockets secure items neatly inside.

Cargo Works ADM Pouch Pro (US$44.90)

Keen on low-key, versatile aesthetics? The understated design of the Cargo Works ADM Pouch Pro works equally well in work environments, urban settings or outdoors. And the organization is equally versatile too. The front flap pocket keeps quick-access items like pens and notebooks at the ready, while the main compartment opens flat and provides a variety of interior pockets and webbing. For carry convenience the pouch also comes with four Annex clips for attaching to a MOLLE system, along with two D-rings if you want to attach your own shoulder strap or clip it to a bag with a carabiner.

Aer Cable Kit (US$45)

Sleek, durable and adaptable, Aer’s Cable Kit lends itself to work, travel and play environments. Dual compartments, interior pockets and loops, plus a quick-access back pocket let you get to items with a minimum of fuss. And its carry handle comes in handy when using it as a standalone pouch or retrieving it from a bag.

Bellroy Classic Pouch (US$49)

With its timeless style and thoughtful design Bellroy’s Classic Pouch integrates easily into a variety of carry setups. The self-standing design opens wide for convenient access and provides three interior pockets for organizing your gear. And for added convenience it’s collapsible to take up reduced space in storage or during your travels.

Cargo Works EDC Tech Kit V2 (US$49.90)

If you need to carry a variety of larger and smaller items, from over-ear headphones and chargers to pens and cords, the Cargo Works EDC Tech Kit V2 is ready to tackle the job. Dual compartments and a range of pockets and webbing allow you to neatly store smaller and bulkier items alike. And with the lay-flat design you don’t need to rummage in order to quickly access specific gear.

Incase Nylon Accessory Organizer (US$49.95)

Office-friendly styling and straightforward access makes the Incase Nylon Accessory Organizer an attractive pick for organizing workday essentials. But the adaptable design suits weekend getaways too, with a clamshell-style opening and multiple pockets and loops keeping items within easy reach. Plus there’s also a padded faux fur pocket for plush protection for your phone.

Peak Design Tech Pouch (US$59.95)

Inspired by origami, the Peak Design Tech Pouch makes great use of space organizing items in multiple pockets while keeping a compact and sleek form. The weatherproof exterior helps shed off showers or accidental spills and there’s even an exterior pocket with a cable pass-through for convenient charging on the go. The self-standing design also features carry handles that assist in easy access on the move.

Boundary Port Kitt (US$64.99)

Want an organizer that can handle EDC, small tech accessories, toiletries and more? The Boundary Port Kitt adapts to a variety of carry needs thanks to its clever dual-compartment design. The Duramax Kodra compartment suits dry items while the waterproof Hypalon compartment comes in handy for safely storing liquids away from the rest of your gear. The compartments can be carried together or separated depending on your requirements and changing environments. And for added functionality the Port Kitt can be hung up for easy access or laid flat for more compact storage in a bag.

Skinth Solutions Shallow End Dopp Kit (US$65)

A lot of pouches are pretty bulky to pack in your day bag or luggage. So Skinth Solutions came up with a slim solution that keeps bulk down while organizing gear too. The Shallow End Dopp Kit measures just two inches thick but provides a choice of compartments to store cables, stationery, small tech items, travel essentials and more. For added peace of mind the Dopp kit also has a burly water-resistant 1000D Cordura build with YKK AquaGuard zippers.

Knomo Fulham Knomad Organiser 13″ (~US$102)

Knomo’s Fulham Knomad Organiser blends chic style with a host of storage options, ensuring clean elegance and useful functionality for formal and informal settings alike. The design opens flat and offers diverse pockets for storing everything from cards to cables to tech devices. This version fits up to a 13″ laptop in the padded main compartment, though other size and color options are available too.

Bellroy Work Folio A5 (US$199)

Elegantly efficient organization, beautiful materials and suave styling ensures you’ll be reaching for Bellroy’s Work Folio A5 for years to come. Made from premium, environmentally certified leather, the Work Folio fits an A5 notebook (and comes with one), plus a variety of EDC and travel items such as cards, a pen, phone, small tablet, earbuds, tickets and more. A savvy choice if you want to bring practicality and a touch of luxe to your EDC.

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The post The Best Tech Pouches and Organizers to EDC appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Britain certainly has its share of illustrious brands in the luxury carry scene. Think the likes of Globe-Trotter or Burberry. But step outside the sphere of stratospheric price tags and you may fail to discover hard-working, dedicated British brands that don’t get the full recognition they deserve. So we’re set on changing that, flipping the switch on that spotlight and shining some carry love on 10 UK brands you should know…

Trakke

We’ve kept a keen carry eye on Trakke over the years, enjoying their growth as an excellent urban/outdoor crossover brand. They’ve evolved in style and build, inspired by Scotland’s rugged landscapes to create aesthetically pleasing yet tough pieces that balance everyday utility and outdoor adventure. Their dedication to British manufacturing is evident through their commitment to using top-quality British-sourced materials and crafting all their gear by hand in their Glasgow workshop. It’s been a long but impressive journey from founder Alec Farmer upcycling discarded skip gems to the brand’s current position, and one that’s set to only evolve further.

Gear of note:

Storr Carry On Backpack

Assynt 17 Backpack

Linen Travel Towel

Bedouin Foundry

A rebellious streak with a luxe feel. Enduring style with an even more enduring build quality designed to last for generations. Bedouin Foundry bags embody all these aspects. Inspired by diverse sources, from traditional craft to geometric art and surrealism, the brand’s bags stand out from the crowd for all the right reasons. Exceptional Scottish waxed canvas. Premium vegetable-tanned European and British leathers. Swiss zippers. AustriAlpin Cobra buckles. All expertly crafted together by hand in England and backed by a lifetime guarantee. And the name? A nod to the Bedouin tent and lifestyle. A weatherproof and tough nomadic shelter but luxurious and comfortable on the inside. Just like the brand’s bags.

Gear of note:

Delireis SE in Dyneema

Bosun’s Tote

Genghis

Knomo

Embracing a varied life. Stepping outside of the routine every now and then. And doing so in style. All things that Knomo believes in. And they design their carry to help you do all that. Their bags offer a considered blend of urban-savvy aesthetics, functional design, high quality and a pop of personality to boot. The London-based brand is a proponent of long-lasting quality and practicality, ensuring their bags are well made with durable materials sourced from reputable suppliers from around the world. The kind of bags that resonate with the ethos behind the brand’s name, a merging of Knowledge and Mobility, helping you discover more through their adaptability and timeless style.

Gear of note:

Albion Leather Laptop Backpack

Foster Leather Laptop Briefcase 14″

Barlow Backpack

Millican

Founded by two travellers, Millican is a brand that lives and breathes the open road. Venturing off the beaten track. And forming connections with the surrounding landscape along the way. So it’s fitting that they take their name from Millican Dalton, a man ahead of his time who embraced outdoor living, sustainability and simplicity. Based in the English Lake District, Millican utilizes a range of carefully selected materials across their collections ranging from vegetable-tanned leather to organic cotton canvas, recycled polyester, their custom-made Bionic® Canvas, and locally sourced wool. Rather than focusing on a locally-made policy, Millican focuses on sustainability, partnering with both local and international suppliers and manufacturers committed to social responsibility, fair working conditions and environmentally-conscious production.

Gear of note:

Miles the Duffle Bag 28L

Harry the Gladstone Bag 38L

Smith the Roll Pack 25L

hardgraft

Founded in 2007 by partners monie.ka and James Teal, hardgraft has grown from strength to strength as a distinct player in the luxury carry scene. The brand searched long and hard to find and establish relationships with expert artisans to craft their pieces. hardgraft pieces are made in Italy, with many of the workshops run as family businesses that have spent years honing their passion and skill for beautiful craftsmanship. Of course, pairing that craftsmanship with equally beautiful materials is what really makes the designs shine. Key players in the lineup include Tuscan vegetable-tanned leather and sustainable, durable wools sourced from Italy, Germany and Britain. Contrasting materials coming together in striking designs that effortlessly draw the eye. Pieces that can hold their own in the boardroom but lend an air of undeniable creativity to your day-to-day carry pursuits.

Gear of note:

Well-Rounded Wool Backpack

Phone Pack

Small Brick Card Case

Francli

Francli was initially founded as a three-month design and crafting project by Ali Goodman and Frances Baseley. But that project developed into a full-on brand dedicated to handmade British craftsmanship, sustainable production, and a considered fusion of form and function. Francli gear is designed and crafted by hand in a farm workshop in Cornwall using a combination of pre and post consumer waste materials as well as British-made materials and hardware. Due to the nature of salvaged materials, from leather upholstery to military surplus, the process results in distinct collections and short runs. Additionally, Francli also offers custom commissions and embraces collaborations to inspire and further the design process.

Gear of note:

Kit Rucksack R-PD / 0001

Phone Card Case

Custom Kit Rucksack

Restrap

Restrap was born in a bedroom in 2010 but now thrives in a Leeds-based workshop in Yorkshire. The founder initially made pedal straps but growing demand eventually led to the brand expanding, both in team size and offerings with a range of bags. And not just any bags. Rugged pieces made by hand and put through the wringer in demanding outdoor environments, on bikes and on backs, through rain and mud, to ensure top-notch quality, durability and functionality. Pieces designed to improve and innovate on current carry scene offerings, filling gaps in the market. And all the while focusing on meticulous quality and design agility, embracing the flexibility to adapt designs quickly thanks to in-house production. Today the brand offers a variety of bike-friendly bags ready to roll wherever your wheels take you.

Gear of note:

Sub Backpack

Commute Backpack

Saddle Bag 8L

BUILT TO SEND

BUILT TO SEND make obsessively engineered alpine rucksacks. An obsession that has led to the development of a mono-shell construction technique that results in the need for significantly fewer seams and ultimately stronger packs. Additionally, almost all of the brand’s hardware has been custom engineered for exceptional durability and effectiveness in trying conditions. The bags are aimed at big wall climbing and alpine climbing but have the flexibility to adapt to ultralight backpacking too. From comfortable shoulder straps designed to embrace heavy loads, to customisable modularity, each pack is honed for dependable durability and functionality when the going gets tough. The bags are made by hand in the UK, with the main line of packs crafted from lightweight yet tough Dimension-Polyant VX42 fabric.

Gear of note:

BUILT TO SEND X0 Alpine

BUILT TO SEND X2 Alpine

Ally Capellino

Decades of design experience, a focus on quality and timeless aesthetics have helped Ally Capellino foster an enduring appeal in the often fickle fashion carry scene. An appeal enhanced by the brand’s appreciation of function. Not just bags that are attractive to look at, but pieces that perform well too. And pieces that put a touch of luxury within reach of a broader audience. Their offerings aren’t cheap but neither are they exorbitant for the quality materials, reliable craftsmanship and fashionable flair on offer. Add in a distinct sense of Britishness, with a quirky irreverence through bag names inspired by the likes of politicians, and the result is a brand that can hold its own on the global fashion stage while integrating effortlessly into everyday carry needs.

Gear of note:

Hoy Travel/Cycle Rucksack

Kenny Travel/Cycle Satchel

Branca Leather Crossbody Frame Bag

Finisterre

Finisterre was inspired by a love of the sea and the desire to create hard-wearing, functional and sustainable gear for British surfers. Founded in a flat above a surf shop in 2003, the Cornwall-based brand began with an innovative fleece and a commitment to continuing to push innovation and product development in the industry. The Certified B Corporation has come a long way since then, branching out into a variety of apparel and carry items. Always with a focus on functional, sustainable products that will serve people well for years to come. They continue to strive hard on the sustainable textile front with the use of repurposed materials, incorporating Econyl® in their swimwear, developing their own blend of merino wool and eliminating fluorocarbons from their waterproof range.

Gear of note:

Packaway Duffle

Packing Cubes

Nimbus Insulated Jacket

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The post 10 UK Brands You Should Know appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Whether you’re traveling for work or holiday purposes, it’s likely that tech will be tagging along in some form or another. Sometimes it’s a necessity, such as tools for a work trip or travel adapters. Other times, it’s a fun addition to the packing list. Entertainment during a long journey. A means of capturing travel memories. Ultimately though, your travel tech should serve a purpose, making your journey easier or more enjoyable. Especially when packing space is at a premium.

So we’ve rounded up a selection of gear to help make your journey as smooth as possible, from assisting with organization to helping you take great travel photos. Discover our picks for the ultimate travel tech gear survival kit…

Backing up

SanDisk Ultra Fit 256GB USB 3.1 Flash Drive (US$42.99)

Keen on low-key design and straightforward functionality? The SanDisk Ultra Fit USB flash drive delivers both. With 256GB of storage in a compact, easily portable design you can take everything from work files to film and gaming entertainment on your travels. It offers USB 3.1 capability, with read speeds up to 130MB/s and convenient plug-and-play functionality.

Kingston HyperX Savage 64GB USB Flash Drive (US$44.95) 

Fast transfer speeds and plenty of storage space ensures you’ll have ready access to files, music, films and more with the Kingston HyperX Savage USB flash drive. The 64GB version provides 350MB/s read and 180MB/s write performance, with USB 3.1 Gen 1 (USB 3.0) functionality. And its eye-catching aesthetics add a little pizzazz to your tech setup too.

Power

Kikkerland UL03-A Universal Travel Adapter (US$9.72)

It’s important to be able to power your tech wherever you go. And the Kikkerland UL03-A Universal Travel Adapter is a great travel-friendly tool for helping you do so. Small, slim and lightweight, it’s easy to pack and comes in at just 1.6 oz (46g). It’s also compatible in over 150 countries, so you’re covered pretty much wherever you roam.

Anker PowerCore Speed 20000 (US$59.99)

Planning to travel off-grid or just want a handy power boost backup at the ready? The Anker PowerCore Speed 20000 provides charging capability wherever you go, packing 20,000mAh into a compact form that slips easily into a bag or large pouch. Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 technology helps your devices charge quickly, while its impact-resistant build is well suited to a life of travel.

Cables

Cable Matters 2-Pack Retractable Ethernet Cable (US$9.99)

Cables can easily get twisted if you’re not careful, requiring time and effort to store them neatly when not in use. But this Cable Matters Retractable Ethernet Cable provides effortless cable carry and neatness during your travels. The three-foot retractable cable can be used to connect a variety of devices in tight spaces and larger areas alike. And this 2-pack is great value for money, lightweight and easy to carry if you want a spare in your kit.

Anker Lightning Cables

Anker’s wide range of Lightning cables are MFI certified and designed to handle diverse travel requirements. From compact four-inch options to 10-foot cables for maximized reach flexibility. And even multi-functionality with 3-in-1 Micro USB, Lightning and USB-C. So you can pick and choose to adapt to almost any travel situation.

Organizing

Nite Ize Gear Tie Cordable (from US$3.98)

Want to get rid of cord chaos? The Nite Ize Gear Tie Cordable is a clever and convenient solution. A stretch loop on one end of the tie fits over the end of a cord, allowing it to stay securely attached for quick access. The reusable twist tie features a bendable wire interior and rubber exterior that’s durable, waterproof and won’t damage your cords and cables. Plus it comes in a variety of sizes to suit different cables, as well as a choice of colors for helpful color coordination.

Thule Subterra PowerShuttle (US$24.95)

The Thule Subterra PowerShuttle is great for storing a charger, cords, and other small accessories, with a clamshell-style opening and a choice of pockets and elastic loops to keep the contents in order. A cord pass-through lets you charge devices conveniently on the go, with handy exterior storage for quickly stowing a cable or other quick-access items.

Peak Design Tech Pouch (US$59.95)

Keeping all your tech gear tidy and easily accessible can be tricky. But Peak Design’s Tech Pouch makes it simple with its origami-inspired pocket layout and wide opening. The weatherproof, durable build is all set for travel, while carry handles and a cable pass-through pocket for convenient charging round out this useful organizer.

Photo Gear

AMIR Smartphone Lens Collection (US$12.99)

Want to keep packing weight down but still be able to capture good photos? You don’t have to carry a dedicated camera setup in order to get great shots on your travels. This collection of three lenses from AMIR works with a wide range of smartphones and tablets, providing a large variety of photography opportunities while keeping carry bulk to a minimum. The collection includes a 0.4X super wide angle lens, 180-degree fisheye lens and a 10X macro lens.

JOBY GorillaPod Original Tripod (US$14.90)

Tripods can be bulky and hard to travel with. But the JOBY GorillaPod Original combines compactness and excellent flexibility to adapt to a diverse range of photography environments. Designed for point-and-shoot cameras up to a weight of 11.5oz (325g), the tripod has flexible wrappable joints that allow you to secure the camera to a range of items such as branches, railings and more if required. The rubberized foot grips also enhance grip and stability, all in an easily portable design that won’t weigh you down.

Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod (US$24.99)

Sleek and lightweight, the Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod slips easily into a day bag (or even a pocket) so it’s close at hand when a picture-perfect moment presents itself. The tripod supports cameras weighing up to 1kg and has rubber feet for improved grip. It’s also comfortable to hold by hand and includes an easy push-button locking mechanism to secure the ball head in your desired position.

Peak Design Capture Camera Clip V3 (US$69.95)

If you’re traveling with a camera, having quick access isn’t just convenient. It’s often key to ensuring you don’t miss unexpected shots. And Peak Design’s updated Capture Camera Clip is an ideal way to keep your camera at the ready. The clip secures to a belt or backpack strap and holds your camera rigidly and securely when you’re on the go either on foot or by bike. The quick-release button also makes it simple to remove the camera. The V3 updates include a smaller, lighter, all-metal and more ergonomic design.

Panasonic LUMIX G7 4K Mirrorless Camera (US$497.99)

If you want to up your photography game from a phone to camera with 4K capability, the Panasonic LUMIX G7 4K Mirrorless Camera is well worth checking out. The camera allows you to capture 4K Ultra HD video and extract a photo with up to an 8-megapixel resolution from the video. And with three 4K photo modes to choose from, you’ll never need to miss that epic shot again.

Sony DSC-RX100 III Compact Camera (US$648)

Want a camera that’s small in size but big on features? Look to the Sony DSC-RX100 III Compact Camera, which is compact enough to carry in a pocket but still provides a host of handy features, from its pop-up electronic OLED viewfinder and f1.8-2.8 24-70mm Zeiss lens to its 180-degree tiltable screen and 1080p HD video capability.

DJI Mavic Pro Fly More Combo (US$891)

Looking to elevate your photo setup even further? Take to the skies with this DJI Mavic Pro Fly More Combo. The drone’s flight control range is up to 7km, with a flight time of up to 27 minutes. The drone offers 4K video resolution and 12MP camera resolution and also includes FlightAutonomy technology to detect and avoid obstacles. The drone comes with extra propellers and batteries, a battery charging hub and a shoulder bag.

Work

Logitech MX Anywhere 2 Wireless Mouse (US$47.89)

This Logitech MX Anywhere 2 Wireless Mouse helps reduce cable carry, keeping your tech setup tidier and more easily portable. Plus it’s packed with useful features for work or downtime convenience. It can be used with up to three laptops or computers courtesy of the included Unifying receiver or Bluetooth Smart wireless technology. It works on any surface, including glass. It allows for fast scrolling plus more precise navigation. And a single charge lasts up to 70 days, while a minute’s charge provides up to an hour of use.

Microsoft Surface Pro (5th Gen) (US$928)

If you appreciate all-in-one laptop and tablet versatility the Microsoft Surface Pro (5th Gen) is worth considering for your packing list. This version includes an Intel Core i5 processor, 128 GB of storage, 8 GB of RAM and a Surface Pro Signature Platinum Type Cover. It provides fast startup and up to 13.5 hours of video playback. Plus the inbuilt kickstand lets you set it up in laptop, studio or tablet mode.

Reading

Kindle Oasis E-reader (US$249.99)

E-readers are an ideal means of having a library at your fingertips without the heavy bulk of hauling books around. And the Kindle Oasis is a smart pick for travelers who want a little added peace of mind for their tech. The e-reader is waterproof with an IPX8 rating, so you don’t need to worry about getting caught in the rain, poolside splashes or accidental drops in water. This version includes 8GB of storage, with a 7″ high-resolution display offering 300 ppi and glare-free reading even in bright sunlight.

Music

Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker (US$79)

When it comes to Bluetooth speakers that make great travel companions, the Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker ticks a bunch of boxes. Compact and lightweight? Check. Great sound quality for its size? Yep. Drop-proof and waterproof? Tick. Plus it comes with a tear-resistant strap that lets you secure it to a bag, bike handlebars and more.

Jabra Elite 65t Wireless Earbuds (US$151)

If earbuds rather than headphones are your jam, the Jabra Elite 65t Wireless Earbuds could be music to your ears. The earbuds are dust-resistant and water-resistant and offer up to five hours of battery life or up to 15 hours with the included charging case. The Alexa-enabled wireless earbuds also come with a choice of EarGels to tailor the fit to your specific ear shape.

Sony WH-1000XM3 Noise-Cancelling Headphones (US$348)

Love listening to sweet tunes on your travels without outside disturbance? You’ll be reaching for these Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones on all your journeys thanks to their excellent noise-cancelling capability and Adaptive Sound Control that easily adjusts ambient sound settings depending on your surroundings. The Quick Attention feature lets you turn the volume down simply by placing a hand on the housing, so you can engage in conversation at a moment’s notice without needing to remove the headphones. The wireless headphones also provide up to 30 hours of battery life, with an included carry case and a cable for wired listening if desired.

Cleaning

iRoller Screen Cleaner (US$17.98)

Can’t stand smudges on your touchscreen devices? This nifty iRoller Screen Cleaner lets you quickly and easily clean screens with a simple rolling action. No liquids or cloths required. It’s reusable and compact for easy portability, whether you want to store it in a pocket or bag.

Security

BASU eAlarm Jr. (US$14.99)

The BASU eAlarm Jr. is a personal emergency alarm designed with ease of use in mind. It emits a 120dB alarm by simply pulling out the pin. The alarm will continue for 30 minutes unless the pin is returned. Additionally a carabiner is included to secure it to a bag or keychain. Lightweight and versatile, it’s handy outdoors to draw attention or serves as a deterrent in potentially dangerous situations.

Ping GPS Locator (from US$79.99)

Want a way to keep track of loved ones or belongings nearby or across the globe? The Ping GPS Locator works in 157 countries and lets you track everything from pets and children to luggage or other personal items. It utilizes Bluetooth, cellular and GPS for maximized range and provides a durable, waterproof and compact build. Additionally the check-in feature lets the wearer send their location with a simple button push or alternatively they can hold down the button to send a distress signal.

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The post The Ultimate Travel Tech Gear Survival Kit appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Carry a lot of small tech, cables and accessories throughout the day? The Side by Side Power Packer is a cable organizer designed to keep such items together and accessible when you need them. Is it suitable for your needs? Check out this video review for details…

The post Side by Side Power Packer: Video Review appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Years ago, I never put much thought into the clothes I packed for a trip. I would follow the standard formula of different outfits, centered around a unique cotton t-shirt each day. I would bring nearly as many pants or shorts because I knew they couldn’t last more than a few wears. Part of that was my naiveness but it was also largely due to the state of the industry. Performance travel clothing, like travel shirts for instance, are a relatively recent phenomenon (say the last 2-3 years), but this progression has changed the landscape of travel, forever.

Purposefully designed and constructed travel clothes marry the technical advantages gleaned from sports and fitness to well designed clothes that work well in a variety of situations on your trip. Besides looking great, travel shirts are much more versatile than normal clothing. They are often constructed of merino wool or a combination of polyester, nylon, and spandex. They usually are antimicrobial (which means they don’t stink), quick drying (meaning you can wash them in the evening and they’ll be ready by breakfast), anti-wrinkle (so go ahead and fold it up in your carry-on), and they are constructed with stretch (so you can articulate all you want).

Together, this means you can pack less, without sacrificing anything. But every brand or piece in this space isn’t exceptional. So in this ‘Best Men’s Travel Shirts and Jackets’ article, I’ll be showcasing the pieces I think are, and because of that, they’ve made it into my personal packing list.

A quick note: these are all men’s shirts and tops, that I tested. Often, these brands make the same or a similar version for women, so make sure you visit their websites for more details.

What is a Travel Shirt?

You can choose to bring any shirt or top on your trip, but a travel shirt is an article of clothing that is purpose built for the voyage. Instead of merely looking good, they are usually made of technical fabrics (either man-made or natural), and have some extra features built in.

What Makes A Good Travel Shirt?

Versatility

I want to pack as few shirts as possible when I travel. That means I value shirts that look great in the city but also can pass at dinner or a meeting. I care about how I look and I want to be presentable and dress appropriately. For me, having a shirt that does not look out of place is very important. For t-shirts, I want simple designs, void of any major branding or logos or offensive imagery. For dress shirts, I’d like colors, decorative buttons, and a nice tailored fit.

High Performance

Anyone can make a shirt, but it takes some real design chops and knowledge of material and body science, to make a good travel shirt. I look for shirts that exhibit some of the following features: moisture/sweat wicking, quick drying, anti-microbial, odor resistant, wide temperature support and stain-resistant.

Quality Materials and Construction

Merino wool is the name of the game here. While not all good travel tops are made of wool, this is nature’s miracle fabric that has replaced much of my travel wardrobe. We’ve extolled the virtues of wool before, but briefly: it keeps you warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot and doesn’t stink.

Here’s my list of the best shirts I’ve used and tested for the past six to twelve months. I’ve worn them on weekend trips to LA for weddings, to Portland for the holidays, to DC during a heatwave, a couple of weeks in Japan and just plain EDC to work and about town.

Best Travel T-Shirt

Western Rise Dryweight Merino Tee

I had been wearing Western Rise’s StrongCore tee for a few years but I yearned for something a little lighter and more versatile, especially for warmer summer months. The Dryweight tee is perfect and actually my go to year round, except for the coldest of climates.

What I Liked:

Instead of a 100% Merino t-shirt, the team at Telluride put in equal parts wool and Tencel. The latter is derived from Eucalyptus plants and excels at wicking and cooling, so perfect for high intensity, warm weather activity. Combining it with the natural Merino, gives the shirt super-fabric capabilities; performing better than pure Merino alone.

What I Didn’t Like:

This is my go to t-shirt so there isn’t much I don’t like. A small niggle is the $80 price tag. I received mine as a test sample and I still would buy it, especially after testing it, but I can see how it could be a hard pill to swallow for a t-shirt.

Pros:

• -Lightweight and perfect for most climates
• -Regulates temperature and quick wicking

Cons:

• -May be expensive for the price sensitive

Softest Travel T-Shirt

CIVIC The Antoni Tee

CIVIC was born from Taylor Stitch, one of my favorite San Francisco brands. While TS has figured out the secret sauce and makes everything from suits to leather boots, they needed a way to design and sell an essentials line. I almost said “basics” but that does a disservice to CIVIC because they produce a cohesive collection of clothing that could serve as staples in a very impressive wardrobe.

What I Liked:

The handfeel of this shirt is amazing. It’s a heavier weight (falls sort of between the DryWeight and StrongCore shirts), yet drapes nicely and has a luxurious feeling weave. This shirt keeps you a little warmer than the DryWeight and its thickness lends itself well to wearing to a semi-nice restaurant if you needed.

What I Didn’t Like:

CIVIC is not the only maker affected by this but I really don’t like how the edges of the shirt, particularly at the bottom, sort of curl or roll up. This could be my drying technique (low tumble, no heat), or the fact that I don’t iron my tees, but it sort of irritates me. I don’t really think people even notice it but I know it’s there. Again, really minor issue that is entirely cosmetic.

Pros:

• -Super soft and feels substantial to wear
• -The cut and material means it pairs well with a nice pair of jeans for a clean, slightly dressed up look

Cons:

• -Edges (bottom, sleeves) have a tendency to slightly curl. You may want to consider ironing after you wash

Best Basic Travel T-Shirt

Woolly Ultralight Short Sleeve V-Neck Tee

Woolly was founded by three friends in Seattle who wanted to bring Merino wool to the masses. Their garments are made from certified Australian Merino and have a satisfaction guarantee.

At $50, this is a fair price for a basic tee of this caliber. I am just using the word basic to simple in design and not lacking in features. At 150 GSM, Woolly calls this Ultralight but I’d call it “just right”. It’s actually has some heft and weight to it, which you can feel when you pick it up on the the hanger.

What I Liked:

This shirt is a wardrobe staple. The neckline is not too aggressive and it’s reinforced which means it lays better on your body instead of crinkling or curling. The weight keeps you warm but is not too heavy so it should be comfortable in everything but the hottest days.

What I Didn’t Like:

The fabric is not the softest. Certain Merino can have a slightly rough, almost cotton feel to it. The logo and wash directions are printed behind the neck where you’d normally find a tag but has a tendency is rub off after a few washes. While I appreciate minimal (and in this case, disappearing) branding, it also means I lose laundering directions with it.

Pros:

• -Great price for an intro to the world of Merino
• -Versatile; pack one t-shirt for your whole trip
• -Nice weight

Cons:

• -Hand feel is not that great; kind of rough. Feels fine when wearing though
• -Laundry directions can rub or wash away after a few wears

Also consider:

There’s nothing more core to a travel wardrobe than the Merino tee and pretty much every company in this article will sell you their version. It’s really hard to narrow things down and at the end of the day, it just came down to personal preference, and not because of any major issues. If the Woolly doesn’t check your boxes, you can take a look at the Conyoy Tee from Olivers, and tees from Unbound Merino. Outlier’s Ultrafine line is also a staple amongst our contributors and but is in the top-tier pricetag at $110. And if you haven’t already tried shirts from heavyweights like Icebreaker and Smartwool, you really owe it to yourself to stock some of their wares in your closet. If not their basic tees, then their socks and boxers should make an appearance. They consistently make some of the best performing wool clothing.

Best Travel Henley

Olivers Convoy Henley

David Wolfe launched Olivers in 2013 after his successful Kickstarter campaign for the All Over Short. I’ve had my eye on them since after wearing a different short of theirs, The Capital. At that time, I took it all over Washington D.C. exploring the sites and trying to stay one step ahead of the July heatwave. I declared it the best travel shorts at that time, and no others have usurped it since. I’ve kept in touch with the team and in six years, they’ve grown their collection into something mature and refined, but playful and fun at the same time. Designed and manufactured in Los Angeles, I feel like Olivers has one of the more complete one-stop shops for performance everyday clothing, which happens to be perfect for travel as well.

What I Liked:

I have to admit, I wasn’t much of a henley guy until this past winter. Personally, I have issues regulating body temperature and comfort exactly and often get hot quickly if I go out in a sweater or jacket but I also have goosebumps when I am out in only a tee. What’s the solution? At least one that still looks great? The Convoy Henly is super soft, slim fitting, and has four buttons which helps you regulate your body temperature. Wear it unbuttoned for a more casual beach vibe or bundled up for a cleaner look.

What I Didn’t Like:

The price might be a little high for some but I think it’s well worth it for an item that should last years.

Pros:

• -Excellent cut, fit, and comfortable to wear
• -Nice variety of colors
• -Versatile; works in casual and nicer scenarios
• -Easy to regulate temperature with buttons; can be paired with a warm vest for core warm while keeping arms cool

Cons:

• -Pricey

Also consider:

There are a number of brands that make excellent henleys. Another to consider is the Zaha from Civic. Imagine the soft plush Civic tee I described above but in a long sleeve form. It uses their Mercerized wool which is a treatment to remove the itch from traditional Merino. It’s one of the most comfortable pieces I own and I just love the drape and how it fits. At $125, it should definitely be on your radar.

Best Long Sleeve Travel Crew

Unbound Merino Long Sleeve Crew

Similar to Woolly, Unbound Merino was also founded by three friends. They followed a rock band around the country, and found a passion for living abroad. Constant travel and minimal packing is the perfect use case for Merino and Unbound is perfectly suited to create solutions based on their experience in this arena. If you are looking for a long sleeve crew that is a little more basic and less frills than a henley, this might be the perfect top.

At 190 g/m2, Unbound considers their long sleeve crew ultralight. This is certainly the case and unless you’re in temperate conditions, I’d use this only as a baselayer, with at least something light on top or a vest. The material is ultra soft, maybe among the softest and most comfortable of all base tops I’ve worn but it is certainly light. Holding it up to the light, you can see the silhouette of your hand through one layer.

What I Liked:

The construction is no-frills but well done with reinforced stitching at critical areas. It naturally is moisture-wicking, antibacterial and anti-wrinkle. I found the fit to be slim but not limiting and the simple colors, black and navy, make it a no-brainer to pack on a trip.

What I Didn’t Like:

I found the sleeves to be a bit too narrow but of course, your mileage (and build) my vary. I don’t mind form fitting clothes but, in my case, it took about twenty minutes to get used to.

Pros:

• -Each product comes with a little booklet with care instruction
• -Super soft and luxurious feeling, 100% Merino
• -Flattering cut

Cons:

• -Depending on your build, arms may be a bit slim

Also consider:

Wool & Prince also offers a long sleeve crew neck and it works a treat. This is truly a no frills shirt and won’t win any fashion awards but as a baselayer or paired with a vest or sweater, it does quite well. It’s 160gsm Merino with about a quarter nylon blend for an excellent drape and handfeel. I love the deep blue in my navy sample and it’s a staple for me during fall and winter months.

Also Duckworth’s Comet Crew is super solid.

Best Travel Polo

Wool&Prince Polo

Wool&Prince are no strangers to wool but whereas some companies above are focused on the basics market, Wool&Prince have their sites more upmarket, targeting someone who is regularly dressing up, for work or play, but wants the benefits of technical fabrics. While they are mostly known for their wool dress shirts, the item that find myself always grabbing from my closet, is their polo.

I received a polo in Heather Gray for testing and it’s my go to piece. I know that for some men, polos are relegated to the golf course or seem like a lazy way to look presentable when you were in grade school, but hear me out: I think that anytime you have a collared shirt, you are already showing some amount of effort. And while short sleeves often designate a casual look, having that collar paired with buttons and a clean, modern cut, makes for a convincing outfit for a nice lunch or even an early dinner.

What I Liked:

The heather gray color of my sample is so non-polarizing which makes it versatile. I loved the 205 g/m2 weight which is a tad heavier than some baselayers listed above, but gives enough coverage and warmth without being sweater-like. They also designed the collars to stay upright more for a more modern look. The best thing I like about the Wool&Prince polo is they managed to get it as comfortable as a t-shirt but while ticking off some of the formal boxes.

What I Didn’t Like:

After a couple of wears, the button holes in my shirt are showing wear. This is true of most polos and in this case they do look reinforced. I think that it may be a con of Merino to not be rigid enough to handle repeated stretching that comes with operating buttons.

Pros:

• -Great construction and comfortable
• -Easy solution to look dressed up without much effort
• -Just the right weight
• -Priced under $100

Cons:

• -Button holes show wear easily. Be careful when operating

Also consider:

If you are into polos, and want a more slim, perhaps more minimal look, check out what Woolly has to offer. I often wear one in black and I just love it. It’s closer to a t-shirt – a bit slimmer, feels a bit lighter weight, and more form fitting. It’s extremely comfortable and works best untucked and unbuttoned (at least the top one) due to how the collar rests. At just over $50, it’s a downright bargain.

Best Formal Button-Up Travel Shirt

Mizzen+Main Leeward

Mizzen+Main is a brand after my own heart. They were started when the founder saw a D.C. staffer run up the hill is a sweaty, wrinkled shirt. So he sought out to combine the advances in athletic wear with custom dress shirts. While we often think of Merino as nature’s super-fabric, there have been many advances in man-made technical fabrics and the Leeward is an example that leverages this.

I received a Hampton (in the Leeward collection) in Blue Check and it is a great all around shirt, but I primarily focused on using it during the summer. It’s constructed of a mix of 85% polyester and 15% spandex. You may have seen similar compositions before, especially in travel pants. The advantages are clear – four-way stretch, moisture-wicking, machine washable, and anti-wrinkle.

What I Liked:

Whenever I find a company that is making dress clothes with technical fabrics, I am usually weary that they are an athletic company trying to break into fashion. It’s never a good look. What I like about Mizzen+Main is they are a dress-shirt maker first, and they were able to apply that knowledge and construction using non-traditional fabrics. They added features that you’d find in traditional dress shirt makers like darts for a slimmer fit, contrast stitching button holes, optional magnetic collar stays, and a spread collar.

What I Didn’t Like:

At first, polyester dress shirts always take some time getting used to, especially if you’ve gone all your life wearing traditional materials. I also wish they included metal collar stays.

Pros:

• -Beautifully tailored modern dress shirts with great features
• -Three different fits available means there’s probably something that works for everyone
• -Plenty of pattern choices
• -Fairly priced for a shirt that is no hassle and so versatile (does great in wet weather, stretch for comfort, washes easily and doesn’t wrinkle)

Cons:

• -Plastic collar stays
• -Polyester may not be for everyone

Also consider:

I only brought one dress shirt with me on my honeymoon and it was from Wool&Prince. Their button-downs are 100% Merino but look and feel just a tailored shirt. If you have any experience with Merino, you know there are limitations of how you can cut and sew it but somehow Wool&Prince cracked the code. Their shirts are super comfortable, are offered in over a dozen styles and prints, and three fits. I went with the regular but I think I’ll try slim next time for a more modern look.

Ministry of Supply also has a number of shirts on offer, but I am really drawn towards their Apollo 3 Dress Shirt. It was one of their first offerings and it takes its name from the fact that it’s made of the same material that NASA invented to keep astronaut body temperatures regulated.  It’s reportedly 19x more breathable than comparable cotton shirts. And last, but not least, how can we forget about Bluffworks? I  have their first Meridian Dress shirt in blue check and I’ve worn it to many a meeting and, of course, on trips. The 2% spandex added helps with stretch and it maintains all the key features you want: quick drying, doesn’t wrinkle, cool in all temps, and antimicrobial.

Best Casual Button-Up Travel Shirt

CIVIC The Jack

Purposely or not, performance clothing companies tend to slot themselves into certain categories. You have Mizzen+Main which prefers to use polyester and spandex paired with traditional shirtmaking to up the performance while giving wearers the same good looks they expect. And you have some other companies that focus on the basics of a wardrobe (simple tees, henleys, boxers, maybe a polo). CIVIC is one of my favorite companies because they lie somewhere in between. Merino wool is their weapon of choice but they have some great design chops as well; not surprising given their heritage from Taylor Stitch.

The Jack has become one of my favorite pieces to pack on a trip. In fact, I did just that when I visited some friends in Portland a few weeks ago. It uses their blend of 70% Merino and 30% Sorona, a plant-based fiber which gives increased strength and movement. The result is a perfectly balanced 220 gsm that provides both warmth and structure. It’s difficult to make certain types of clothing out of 100% wool. It’s a naturally soft material so you cannot get that crisp look that people expect from certain items (like dress shirts). The buttons are high quality and the construction is great.

What I Liked:

First and foremost, I love the fit of The Jack. I think the chest, shoulders, and waist are perfect. It’s a slim fit which is usually flattering, but not too tight as to restrict movement. It looks great tucked or not, so it’s perfect for many different occasions. I paired it with a jacket for a meal at an upscale sushi restaurant and it definitely filled the role.

What I Didn’t Like:

On me, the arms are a little long and this picture exaggerates it a bit. In practice, I don’t feel the bagginess at all but as always, your mileage may vary.

Pros:

• -Perfect construction; great trim fit.
• -Blend of Merino and Sorona is just right to give softness while maintaining some crispiness you expect from a dress shirt
• -Great everyday shirt

Cons:

• -Arms may be a bit baggy

Also consider:

If you are traveling for business, especially in less secure areas of the world, check out the Clothing Arts Pick-Pocket Proof Business Travel Shirt. While being a mouthful to say, it’s a shirt built from the ground up with travel and security in mind. It features UPF 30+ sun protection, quick dry for easy travel laundry, and a combination of hidden and secure pockets so you can rest assured you’ll be able to access your passport or emergency cash if you do get targeted. The look is a little less fashion forward compared to The Jack, but the cut and materials are more suited for warmer weather (even tropical) while looking perfectly passable for business casual.

Best Travel Blazer or Travel Jacket

Ministry of Supply Kinetic Blazer

Ministry of Supply is a company that is rooted in Boston and got its start on Kickstarter. After numerous successful campaigns, they now operate multiple stores, as well as a modern online presence. Aman and his team really fancy themselves clothing scientists, studying pressure, doing temperature scans, poring over stretch details and surveying users. I view them as the Tesla of the clothing world, up there with brands like Nike and Lululemon which operate performance labs, except they may be the only ones doing it for the performance fashion sector and not sports.

What I Liked:

My Kinetic Blazer is a beautiful navy and the texture reminds me a bit of an old jacket a professor or your father might have worn. It’s made with a Japanese warp-knit Kinetic fabric which gives it four-way stretch, great wrinkle resistance, and quick-dry features. What I like most though is it looks and performs just like a regular blazer and fits like a glove.

What I Didn’t Like:

It’s not the cheapest jacket, weighing in at just over $300 but I think it’s worth it. It is a more considered blazer than one you’d find off the rack with performance features built in.

Pros:

• -Japanese Kinetic fabric has four way stretch, dries quickly, and is less likely to be wrinkled when you arrive to your destination
• -Comfortable and fits well; pairs with any dress shirt and slacks
• -Fabric has a great feel and looks different depending on lighting

Cons:

• -Pricey

Also consider:

When I think of performance travel blazer, the first thing that comes to mind is the Bluffworks Gramercy Blazer. I met Stefan at OR a few years after I had already been testing his clothing; first with his pants then later shirt and blazer. It has been amazing to see a small company tackle one item at a time and work with factories and fabric companies to get it just right. The Gramercy Blazer uses 100% polyester that is engineered for stretch, breatheability, machine-washable, and most importantly, looks great. I’ve seen plenty of polyester clothing but when you feel the Gramercy Blazer, you’d swear it’s a natural material. Besides the performance features, Bluffworks knocks it out of the park by adding in 10 pockets (many hidden) to make the jacket a perfect travel companion.

Best Travel Jacket For Wet Weather

Clothing Arts Cubed Travel Jacket

I’ve gotten to know Adam from Clothing Arts and through our months of communicating, you can tell that he is one passionate traveler and maker. Like others on this list, he found a need and a market that was not being addressed and he started Clothing Arts to tackle the problem of how to travel safely, anywhere in the world. Their clothing has stopped over 70 pickpocket attempts worldwide, with more stories coming in all the time.

What I Liked:

The first Clothing Arts sample I was sent was the big daddy, their flagship, the Cubed Travel Jacket. This thing is a beast, featuring an eVent DVStorm Membrane, innovative pocketing, and 4 season versatility. The jacket is waterproof and windproof while maintaining breathability. It weighs 1lb 11 oz so it’s not exactly lightweight but you get loads of performance in return. Luckily, it folds down quite nicely and can easily be stowed in a packing cube.

What I Didn’t Like:

Depending on your torso height, when it’s fully zipped, the jacket can encroach on the neck and lower half of your face. This is not unlike other shells but I found the upper part of the jacket/hood to be somewhat stiff and I didn’t like having it fully zipped at all times. This is rarely an issue since the hood is so easily removed and you’ll most often be wearing it unattached.

Pros:

• -Top in class rain and wind protection from eVent DVStorm fabric
• -Quick-attach hood system
• -Multiple security pockets
• -Cinch pulls, waterproof zippers, velcro closures – all make for great protection against the elements

Cons:

• -Neck and hood area stiff and can get uncomfortable if fully zipped
• -Pricey

Also consider:

On the surface, this is a purely technical jacket. It uses eVent which is a high performing wind and water resistant fabric. If you’re just looking for a shell, you have a lot of choices including offerings from Patagonia and Arcteryx, they’re classic and awesome. The difference is Clothing Arts is a travel and security focused company so they put in a bunch of security and hidden pockets. If that’s not vital to you then any good technical shell would work great for travel.

Summing up

I tested over a dozen tees, henleys, button-downs, and jackets to find what would work best for traveling. We are big proponents of packing not just minimally but intelligently and the only way to do that effectively is to ask more from our clothing. Companies like Western Rise, Civic, Wool&Prince, etc are taking modern fabrics and pairing it with research and adding in clever features, to make clothing that looks great and performs even better. I don’t expect you to mimic my choices exactly here. Instead, I hope that by giving you information about the brands and products, you can start thinking about what features you need and want in travel shirts and this article can serve as a guide to help you when you’re packing for your next trip.

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The post The Best Men’s Travel Shirts and Jackets for One-Bag Travelers appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

So here’s the thing. There’s no ultimate best travel backpack to suit everyone at any time, anywhere. It’s impossible for one bag to meet every carry need and adapt to every carry environment. But then, you don’t actually need a bag that does that. You need a travel bag that’s best suited to your particular needs. So we’ve put together this carry guide to help you think about what those needs may be, what features will meet those needs, and to dish up a selection of solid packs that may just be right for you.

Why backpack over luggage? 

But first, why might you want a travel backpack over other luggage? If you’re set on embracing one-bag travel or know you’ll be encountering a wide variety of settings, from stairs to cobbled streets to rocky trails, skipping the wheels and opting for a pack will make traveling easier. A backpack lets you move more easily through crowds and changing terrain than with a wheeled bag in tow. And it keeps your hands free too. And hey, if you need to check luggage, you still might require a great carry-on backpack by your side.

So if you’re keen to find the best travel backpack for you, these are some considerations to bear in mind.

Weight versus durability

Those packing pounds are precious and overweight baggage fees are certainly to be avoided whenever possible. So shedding some weight in your actual bag will help you stick within carry-on limits. But you also want it to be durable enough to withstand demanding travel use. After all, if it fails that leaves you and all your travel possessions in a tricky situation. In general, you may find yourself needing to sacrifice light weight for increased durability. But on the flip side, you don’t want to be carrying a tank on your back either. Ultimately it comes down to a balance that suits your needs. If you know you’ll be rough on your bag and ask it to endure tough use, it’s better to take the weight penalty for greater durability. The less strain it needs to endure, the more weight savings you might make.

Think about how durable the material is (is it Cordura or X-Pac or canvas, for example?) and consider things like zipper and hardware quality too. For example, you’ll want a burlier zipper for the main compartment where there will be more tension than on pockets. A quality name such as YKK is a good pick. Also look for good warranties. You want a bag that will last. But if something does happen to go wrong, a warranty can be reassuring.

Weather resistance

Sometimes it’s sunny. Sometimes it’s a drenching downpour. You should be prepared for both. Think about features such as water-resistant materials, water-resistant zippers for tech pockets, and raincovers for added protection. Most travel situations won’t require completely waterproof bags so water-resistant should suffice for the majority of your trips. Plus you can always get waterproof pouches to store valuables and tech you don’t want to get wet.

Size versus usable space

If you can manage it, opt for a bag that’s suitable for carry-on use. This lets you keep your luggage with you and reduce the risk of losing it. It also helps you avoid checked luggage fees. Of course, it’s important to confirm carry-on dimensions with your intended airline to ensure your pack fits the bill. But then things can start to get tricky with usable space. Two bags may claim to have the same volume but offer differences in the amount of usable space they provide. Awkward designs, tapering silhouettes and rigid materials with no give to them can restrict the gear you can pack. If you want space flexibility consider expandable designs, along with options for securing larger items externally to the pack, like PALS webbing.

Aesthetics

Sure, you might be a tourist. But that doesn’t mean you want to look like one and draw unnecessary attention to yourself. The aesthetics of your travel backpack play a big role here, not to mention affecting versatility. Outdoorsy packs will look out of place in urban settings. Discreet and minimalist designs with subdued colors stand out less in a crowd. And such designs are easier to transition from a work meeting to a weekend away.

If you need a bag for work and play, consider one that lets you stow the straps and carry it briefcase-style for a more professional look. This also helps reduce the potential for snagging when fitting the bag in overhead bins, under seats or in small vehicle trunks. A pack with a slim profile is also easier for moving through crowds with. All that being said, you should feel happy with the style of bag you’re carrying. And there’s no reason you can’t let a little bit of personality shine through in fabric or colorway choices. Just bear in mind how versatile you want that bag to be and how much you want to blend in.

Access

How easy is it to get to the main compartment for packing and retrieving gear? Clamshells or lay-flat designs are good options for being able to reach items easily throughout the main compartment. And quick-access pockets will keep essential items at the ready. Carrying tech? Dedicated easy-access storage for a laptop or tablet will come in handy too, especially for going through airport security.

Comfort

The degree of carry comfort you require will depend on how much load you’re carrying and where you’re traveling. Some packs also come in specific men’s and women’s options to better suit different body types. But comfy padded, ergonomic shoulder straps are pretty much a requirement for any good travel pack. If you need to carry a lot of weight you may want a hip belt, load lifters and a sternum strap to help stabilize and support the load. However, hip belts do add weight and aren’t necessary for lighter loads, so you can shed weight when required by choosing a bag with a removable hip belt.

Also a breathable back panel with features such as air mesh or air vents can assist in keeping you cooler. This is particularly useful for traveling in hotter and humid climates. However, even in colder climates you’re unlikely to be able to completely avoid sweat if you’re walking around for an extended period of time with a load on your back. Being able to carry the pack as a shoulder bag or with a handle can help keep your back cooler.

Organization

If you favor packing cubes, you may prefer a main compartment with minimal interior organization. However, features such as internal dividers can help you adapt to different loads and you may still appreciate a few interior pockets for stashing smaller items. Regardless of interior organization preferences, pick a pack with at least a couple of quick-access pockets. These come in useful for storing items such as a passport, tickets, pen, wallet, phone or water bottle within easy reach so you don’t need to rummage for them and undo your careful packing. You might also want options for carrying bulky items such as sleeping mats, tripods, pouches and the like externally. If so, look for features such as external stretch pockets, attachment straps and loops or webbing to secure carabiners.

Security

You should mostly have your bag on you or close by during your travels. But opportunistic thieves may still chance their luck. Security features such as lockable zippers, anti-theft zipper loops, and discreet storage pockets for valuables can help deter them and protect your gear. Ultimately if they’re determined enough they’ll get in but such features make your bag a less appealing target and increase the chances that thieves will pass over it for an easier alternative.

Now that you’ve got some useful considerations in mind, get inspired with our pick of quality travel packs that we’ve tried and tested that could be joining you on your next trip…

Osprey Farpoint 40 (from US$98.74)

Osprey’s Farpoint 40 offers a lot of travel-friendly features in a versatile design for urban or outdoor use. Wide-opening front panel access allows for easy packing, while the stowable suspension system reduces snag potential in tight spaces. Top and side carry handles and a removable shoulder strap aid with portability. Plus a hip belt, sternum strap and exterior compression straps help stabilize the load too. Look inside and you’ll find interior compression straps and a choice of pockets including a padded laptop sleeve to keep your gear in order. And it’s backed by Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee for peace of mind.

Weight: 1.44 kg; 3.17 lbs.

Dimensions (L, W, D): 54 x 35 x 23cm; 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (M/L)

This might suit you if you’re searching for:

– Great value

– Durable design

– A great warranty

– A lockable compartment for tech

– Easily packable

– A pack that can travel and hike

REI Co-op Ruckpack 40 (US$139)

The REI Co-op Ruckpack 40 does a solid job of blending outdoor and urban functionality. The backpack straps and hip belt are stowable for tidy storage, with side handles for grab-and-go maneuverability. In terms of organization the pack offers external trekking pole attachments, daisy chains, water bottle holders and quick-access pockets. The front panel opens wide for ready access to the main compartment where you’ll find further pockets including storage for a hydration bladder or laptop. The pack also includes a raincover and comes in men’s and women’s versions to suit different body types.

Weight: 1.9 kg; 4 lbs. 3 oz.

Dimensions: 61 x 33 x 25cm; 24″ x 13″ x 10″

This might suit you if you’re searching for:

– Urban and outdoor flexibility

– Options for men’s and women’s specific fits

– Stowable shoulder straps and hip belt

– Raincover for weather protection

The North Face Overhaul 40 (US$144)

The North Face Overhaul 40 fuses urban-friendly styling with practical organization to suit a variety of trips. The lay-flat laptop compartment makes getting through airport security easier, while multiple pockets are on hand to stash travel essentials, work tools and EDC items within easy reach. Plus there’s a separate storage space for shoes or dirty laundry. The stowable shoulder straps and hip belt clean up the silhouette for carrying the bag briefcase-style, with a luggage pass-through sleeve for securing to rolling luggage if needed.

Weight: 1.45 kg; 3 lbs. 3 oz.

Dimensions: 53 x 30 x 18cm; 21″ x 12″ x 7″

This might suit you if you’re searching for:

– Urban-ready design that adapts to work or downtime use

– Multiple pockets and compartments for organization

– Lay-flat tech compartment

– Separate storage for shoes or dirty laundry

– Luggage pass-through sleeve

Eagle Creek Global Companion 40L (US$159)

Eagle Creek’s Global Companion 40L combines the mobility of a carry-on pack with the convenience of a clamshell suitcase. The clamshell main compartment lets you quickly pack or reach items, with exterior access to a 17″ laptop sleeve to easily get to tech. A handy range of front pockets keep quick-access items tidy, while a bottom pocket stores shoes or laundry separately. The pack, which comes in men’s and women’s options, also provides lockable zippers, a comfy hip belt with a pocket, a sternum strap with a whistle, and a raincover. And it’s backed by Eagle Creek’s No Matter What Warranty.

Weight: 1.62 kg; 3 lbs. 9 oz.

Dimensions: 35 x 55 x 20 cm; 13.75″ x 21.5″ x 8″

This might suit you if you’re searching for:

– Clamshell main compartment for easy packing and access

– Separate storage for shoes or dirty laundry

– Options for men’s and women’s specific fit

– Lockable zippers

– An included raincover

– Hip belt, load lifters and sternum strap for load support and carry comfort

– A trusty warranty

Cotopaxi Allpa 28L (US$170) and 35L (US$220)

Available in 28L and 35L carry-on options to suit a range of loads, the Cotopaxi Allpa is a versatile pack for weekend getaways, work trips or longer holidays. Both sizes feature a clamshell main compartment with interior organization and an exterior laptop sleeve. Durable, weather-resistant construction and an included raincover embrace regular use in all weathers, with useful grab handles on all sides for convenient portability. You can also stow the shoulder straps and hip belt when not needed, while anti-theft zippers help keep your gear safe on the go. And if you like a bit of personality in your pack, the pops of color will hit the mark and add a little fun to the journey. Added bonus? Cotopaxi is a certified B Corporation, so you’ll get that added feel-good buzz that your pack purchase is spreading a little good in the world too.

Weight 28L: 1.47 kg; 3lbs. 4oz.

Weight 35L: 1.56 kg; 3 lbs. 7oz.

Dimensions 28L: 48 x 30 x 23cm; 19″ x 12″ x 9″

Dimensions 35L: 51 x 30 x 33cm; 20″ x 12″ x 13″

This might suit you if you’re searching for:

– Clamshell access to quickly reach gear

– Durable, weather-resistant build with included raincover for added protection

– Stowable shoulder straps and hip belt

– Anti-theft zippers

– Color pops for added fun

– Dedicated quick-access tech storage

Tortuga Setout Divide Backpack (US$179)

Sometimes you need to carry a lot. Other times you’re traveling with a more minimalist setup. Tortuga’s Setout Divide has you covered regardless. The design expands from 26L to 34L to accommodate changing loads. And regardless of what you’re carrying, you’ll be able to easily access it thanks to the clamshell main compartment, quick-access front pockets, dual hip belt pockets, and dedicated laptop compartment. The hip belt is removable and the shoulder straps are stowable when not required. And for added convenience the pack also has a luggage pass-through sleeve. All in an understated, weather-resistant design for work and play alike.

Weight: 1.7 kg; 3.8 lbs

Dimensions: 50 x 33 x 15 (expands to 20) cm; 20″ x 13″ x 6″ (expands to 8″)

This might suit you if you’re searching for:

– Expandability to adapt to different loads

– Clamshell opening and quick-access pockets for organization

– Quick-access laptop storage

– Removable hip belt and stowable shoulder straps

– Luggage pass-through sleeve

– Stylish, weather-resistant design for work or holiday use

Thule Landmark 40L (US$179.95)

Thule’s Landmark 40L backpack offers a considered mix of clean style and functionality. The SafeZone compartment and concealed CashStash protect and organize small valuables, while LoopLocks secure zipper pulls for added security on the move. The pack provides an externally accessed laptop and tablet compartment and has a front panel opening for duffle-style packing. Additionally, the shoulder straps and hip belt tuck away when not required.

Weight: 1.8 kg; 4.05 lb

Dimensions: 44 x 33 x 55 cm; 17.7″ x 13″ x 21.5″

This might suit you if you’re searching for:

– Discreet storage for valuables

– Anti-theft zippers

– Exterior-access tech compartment

– Stowable shoulder straps and hip belt

– A clean silhouette

– Durable, multifunctional design

Mystery Ranch Mission Rover (US$185)

From wilderness road trips to overnight city breaks, this rugged 43L bag is designed to adapt on the fly and keep going strong. The Mission Rover offers backpack, shoulder bag and top and side grab handle carry options. A clamshell opening with interior organization makes it easy to pack and retrieve gear, with separate storage for shoes or dirty laundry. There’s also quick-access storage for tech and the shoulder straps are stowable too.

Weight: 1.6 kg; 3.5 lbs

Dimensions: 56 x 33 x 28 cm; 22″ x 13″ x 11″

This might suit you if you’re searching for:

– A burly build for demanding use

– Multiple carry options

– A clamshell main compartment for packing convenience

– Separate storage for laundry or shoes

– Stowable shoulder straps

– Quick-access tech storage

Topo Designs Travel Bag 30L (US$189) and 40L (US$229)

The carry-on-friendly 30L Topo Designs Travel Bag packs plenty of organization into a slim profile for short trips or small loads. A variety of pockets and compartments ensure your gear is accessible when you need it, with a lay-flat main compartment for maximum access. The pack also includes a dedicated laptop compartment and anti-theft zipper loops. A luggage pass-through sleeve, top and side grab handles, a removable shoulder strap and stowable shoulder straps give you lots of carry flexibility to adapt to different environments. And if you dig all this functionality but need more space, you can turn to the 40L Travel Bag which also suits most carry-on restrictions.

Weight 30L: 1.2 kg; 42.4 oz.

Dimensions 30L (W, H, D): 35.6 x 50.8 x 28 cm; 14″ x 20″ x 11″

Weight 40L: 1.65 kg; 58.4 oz.

Dimensions 40L (W, H, D): 40.6 x 55.9 x 28 cm; 16″ x 22″ x 11″

This might suit you if you’re searching for:

– A variety of pockets and compartments to organize your gear

– A lay-flat main compartment for ease of access

– Anti-theft zippers

– Dedicated laptop storage

– Luggage pass-through sleeve

– Multiple carry options

Tortuga Setout Backpack (US$199)

The Tortuga Setout Backpack scored top honors in our Carry Awards for Best Carry-On Bag. And it’s not hard to see why. The pack suits maximum-sized carry-on use, with 45L of storage and understated aesthetics that look good for business travel and holidays alike. Quick-access pockets store essentials, while the clamshell main compartment and dedicated laptop compartment take care of the rest. The pack also features a removable hip belt, stowable shoulder straps and a durable, weather-resistant build for years of trusty travel use.

Weight: 1.5 kg; 3.3 lbs

Dimensions: 56 x 36 x 23 cm; 22″ x 14″ x 9″

This might suit you if you’re searching for:

– Chic aesthetics for work or leisure use

– Clamshell main compartment

– Dedicated quick-access tech storage

– Removable hip belt and stowable shoulder straps

– Durable, weather-resistant construction

Tom Bihn Synapse 25 (US$200)

Love lots of quick-access organization? Look to the Synapse 25 which offers plenty of pockets and O-ring attachment points for stashing smaller items. You can also pair the bag with an optional Cache for storing tech in the wide-opening main compartment. Made in the USA, the pack comes in a choice of colorways and material options to suit your tastes, with water-resistant zippers. The pack also includes removable sternum and waist straps for added comfort and stability on the go. Versatile for urban use or outdoor day hikes, its discreet and compact design helps you avoid looking like a tourist too.

Weight: 400d Halcyon/420d nylon ripstop: 1 lb 13 oz / 832 grams; 525 denier Ballistic: 2 lb / 900 grams

Dimensions (W, H, D): 34 x 50.8 x 23 cm; 13.4″ x 20″ x 9.1″

This might suit you if you’re searching for:

– A backpack that can double as an EDC and travel pack

– Multiple quick-access pockets for smaller items

– Durable, USA-made construction

– Removable sternum and waist straps

– A range of colorway and fabric options

OPPOSETHIS Invisible Carry-On (~US$208)

The OPPOSETHIS Invisible Carry-On lives up to its name as an understated pack that blends into a variety of environments for low-key travel. The main compartment has a clamshell opening, with separate 15″ laptop storage on hand for your tech. The pack’s front compartment provides quick-access pockets, while a top pocket and bottom pocket further enhance your organization options. And for increased versatility the bag is compressible for use as a day pack at your destination.

Weight: 1.45 kg; 3.2 lbs.

Dimensions (H, W, D): 52 x 34 x 15-20 cm; 20.5″ x 13.5″ x 5.9-7.9″

This might suit you if you’re searching for:

– Stylish, low-key aesthetics that glide from work trips to weekend getaways

– Clamshell main compartment for easy packing and access

– Compressible design that serves as a day bag

– Dedicated quick-access laptop storage

Heimplanet Travel Pack (~US$209)

Built with sustainably made DYECOSHELL fabric, Heimplanet’s Travel Pack is a durable and stylish 34L pack for urban roaming and day trips. Features such as the lay-flat main compartment with interior divider, suspended laptop sleeve, 3D lay-flat pockets and exterior quick-access pockets help keep your gear neat and accessible throughout your travels. Additionally, a U-shaped zipper provides ready access to gear near the front top of the main compartment without having to undo the main zipper. The harness features a soft yet durable Cordura polyester stretch fabric on areas that will come into contact with your skin, enhancing wearer comfort and helping to protect your clothing. And with lower side compression you can cinch the pack for compact carry with smaller loads.

Weight: 1.66 kg; 3.66 lbs.

Dimensions (H, W, D): 53 x 34 x 19 cm; 21″ x 13″ x 7″

This might suit you if you’re searching for:

– Carry crafted with sustainably made material

– Easy access to gear with lay-flat main compartment and quick-access zipper

– Understated design for outdoor exploring, urban streets and work environments

Aer Travel Pack 2 (US$230)

Aer’s Travel Pack 2 packs in plenty of tricks to keep your travels smooth. Its durable build and versatile aesthetics suit work or play environments. And you can cinch it down to suit smaller day-to-day loads. The lay-flat main compartment enables easy packing and access, while the front organization compartment steps up to keep smaller items in check and at the ready. The pack also includes separate shoe storage as well as separate laptop storage with a water-resistant zipper for added protection. Lockable zippers on the main and front compartments help thwart pickpockets. And for carry options you’ve got a luggage pass-through sleeve, top and side handles, and the ability to add an optional hip belt.

Weight: 1.68 kg; 3.7 lbs.

Dimensions (L, W, D): 55 x 34 x 22 cm; 21.5″ x 13.5″ x 8.5″

This might suit you if you’re searching for:

– Sleek urban-friendly style for work trips or holidays

– Ready access to gear with an assortment of quick-access pockets and lay-flat main compartment

– Dedicated quick-access laptop storage

– Lockable zippers

– Luggage pass-through sleeve

– Cinchable design for day use

EVERGOODS CTB40 (US$289)

Inspired by the outdoors but built to embrace multiple environments, the EVERGOODS CTB40 offers a tough and water-resistant build to tackle city streets and wilderness trails alike. The clean silhouette reduces snag potential and helps the pack blend in to both work and play settings. Comfortable to carry, the pack also includes top and side handles for easy maneuverability. It’s fully padded on all sides for gear protection and keeps tech safe in a suspended laptop compartment. The main compartment features a clamshell opening, with pockets on one side and raised walls with compression straps to secure bulkier items like climbing helmets on the other. Additionally, both sides retain their structure and can serve as catch-all storage space while the pack is open.

Weight: 1.94 kg; 4.28 lbs.

Dimensions: 46 x 20 x 28 cm; 22″ x 14″ x 9″

This might suit you if you’re searching for:

– Rugged build quality

– A clean silhouette that suits formal and informal settings alike

– Outdoor and urban versatility

– Convenient clamshell access

– Catch-all storage space for a mobile workstation on the go

Minaal Carry-on 2.0 (US$299)

The Minaal Carry-on 2.0 gets the thumbs-up for its sleek and discreet aesthetics, lightweight and comfy build, durability backed by a lifetime warranty, and convenient access. The main compartment lays flat for fast and easy access, with inbuilt pockets for organization. The pack’s shoulder straps can be stowed away for a more professional-looking briefcase-carry mode, with dedicated storage for a 15″ laptop, documents and smaller items. And for inclement weather? The pack has you (and itself) covered with an included raincover. A sternum strap whistle and lockable zippers on the main compartment round out the elegantly practical design.

Weight: 1.42 kg; 3.12 lbs.

Dimensions (L, W, H): 55 x 35 x 20 cm; 21.6″ x 13.7″ x 7.87″

This might suit you if you’re searching for:

– Lightweight yet durable build

– Low-key aesthetics that adapt to work trips or holiday use

– Lay-flat main compartment for easy access

– Dedicated quick-access laptop storage

– Weather protection with an included raincover

Peak Design Travel Backpack (US$299.95)

Peak Design brings their signature savvy take on design to the travel world with their Travel Backpack. The pack offers a default 35L volume, but can expand to 45L for larger loads or compress into a 30L pack that’s handy for use as a day bag at your destination. There’s multiple ways to get to your gear, including back panel access with a lay-flat opening and dual side access. Additionally, the pack has a front organizer panel that also serves as a dividing panel. Depending on your needs, you can zip the organizer panel away for direct access to the main compartment through the front of the pack. Quick-access top and side pockets provide extra organization. And for bulkier items? No problem, with external attachment straps at the ready to secure them. The shoulder straps and waist belt can rotate to suit different body types and are stowable with nifty magnetic storage. Plus top, side and back panel handles are on hand for adaptable portability.

Weight: 2.05 kg; 4.5 lbs.

Dimensions: 53.34 x 38.1 x 14.61 cm; 21″ x 15″ x 5.75″

This might suit you if you’re searching for:

– Multiple access points to reach the main compartment

– Expandability and compression to suit changing loads

– A clean, stylish design for work and play

– Stowable shoulder straps and waist belt

Trakke Storr (~US$422)

If striking heritage-style aesthetics, excellent construction and premium materials sound like your cup of tea, check out the Trakke Storr. This handsome pack is handcrafted in Scotland with beautiful and weatherproof waxed canvas. Durable, straightforward and versatile for work or downtime adventures, the 30L design features a clamshell opening and an exterior-access laptop sleeve. Top and side grab handles assist with maneuverability in small spaces and the shoulder straps are stowable to reduce the risk of snagging.

Weight: 1.4 kg; 3.1 lbs.

Dimensions: 48 x 33 x 18 cm; 18.9″ x 13″ x 7.1″

This might suit you if you’re searching for:

– Handsome heritage aesthetics

– Excellent handmade construction

– Long-lasting durability

– Premium weatherproof materials

– Versatility for work or play environments

GORUCK GR2 (US$495)

With its legendary durability, adaptable aesthetics and versatile functionality, the GORUCK GR2 is a bag that can move from off-road adventures to city streets and back again. At 4.75 lbs it’s not light, but it’s undeniably burly. Going where you go and delivering reliable practicality for a wide range of loads and environments. While the military inspiration is clear, the aesthetics are just understated enough to move from play to casual work environments. It’s made in the USA with rugged and water-resistant 1000D Cordura and backed by GORUCK’s Scars Lifetime Guarantee. Compliant with TSA carry-on requirements, the pack keeps on top of gear organization with three compartments, a variety of pockets and exterior and interior MOLLE webbing to tailor travel setups to your needs. There’s also quick-access laptop storage with a false bottom for protection, along with a lay-flat main compartment for packing and access ease.

Weight: 2.15 kg; 4.75 lbs.

Dimensions 26L (W, H, D): 31.75 x 45.7 x 20.3 cm; 12.5″ x 18″ x 8″

Dimensions 34L: 31.75 x 52 x 22.9 cm; 12.5″ x 20.5″ x 9″

Dimensions 40L: 31.75 x 55.9 x 22.9 cm; 12.5″ x 22″ x 9″

This might suit you if you’re searching for:

– Exceptionally tough durability

– Understated tactical aesthetics

– Easy packing and access to gear in main compartment

– Option to tailor setups with interior and exterior MOLLE webbing

– A pack backed by an excellent guarantee

– Versatility for urban and outdoor environments

The post Carry Guide: Find the Best Travel Backpack for You appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Kickstarter is crammed full of great projects. But it’s also full of pretty poor ones. And sifting between them to find the gems can be irksome and time-consuming. So we’ve done the hard work for you. Hunting down innovative, functional Kickstarters designed to make your EDC or travel carry just that little bit more enjoyable. Delve into our 8 favorite Kickstarters right now…

Airo Collective Stealth Wallet 

A bifold that’s as tough as body armor but chic enough to carry with a suit? The Stealth Wallet steps up to the challenge with its exceptionally tough, slim and understated design. It’s made from a material used in military body armor that is 15x stronger than steel, but remains razor-thin for easily slipping into a pocket. The wallet’s patent-pending Exo design utilizes your cards to provide structure so that extra internal layers aren’t required for structural integrity. So it remains incredibly thin even when full. Plus it won’t warp, stretch or lose its structure over time, and it’s super lightweigh too at just 3.9 grams. The wallet holds 8 cards and includes a ballistic bungee loop for cash. And it also offers RFID-blocking protection for added peace of mind.

Malboro & Kane Sub Flashlight

Want the benefit of illumination without adding bulk to your EDC or travel setup? Meet the Malboro & Kane Sub Flashlight. Described as the world’s smallest flashlight, the Sub measures an inch long and weighs just eight grams. It comes with an IP67 rating and features a waterproof, fireproof and dust-tight build available in a choice of space grade aluminum or titanium. The Sub provides 40 lumens of illumination and is so compact you can store it just about anywhere, from keychains, bags or in a pocket, to secured on a jacket zipper, belt loop or a neck chain.

MOFT Laptop Stand

Laptops are a common addition to EDC and travel carry setups. But they can leave a lot to be desired when it comes to ergonomic user comfort. The MOFT laptop stand aims to change this. The slim, lightweight and durable design folds sleekly against your laptop until needed. When you do want it, the MOFT deploys quickly and can be set up in two different height positions depending on your preferences. Much easier to carry than traditionally bulky laptop stands, you can leave the stand attached to your laptop for all-in-one portability without it getting in your way. And if you do want to detach it, it won’t leave a mark on your laptop and can be easily reattached when required. The MOFT stand is exceptionally quick to open and close, measures only 3mm thick, weighs just 2.3 oz, and is strong enough to support up to 18 lbs.

Zendure SuperTank

Portable chargers are useful for keeping tech juiced on the go. But a lot of them take a long time to charge your tech and quickly exhaust their capacity. The Zendure SuperTank is designed to overcome these problems. The 27,000 mAh portable charger features dual USB-C PD (100W and 60W) and dual USB-A ports. The four USB ports offer a total maximum output of 138W and allow you to simultaneously charge up to four devices including laptops, tablets, cameras, phones, and more. The 100W output allows it to fully charge a 15″ MacBook Pro within 1.5 hours. Plus you can fully recharge the SuperTank itself within an hour. The battery also includes a digital display to indicate how much capacity is left and comes in an attractive, durable design that looks equally good in work, travel and play environments.

MasterSpace Pacum

Ever struggled to get all your gear into your luggage? Maybe you need to pack a few extra layers or got a bit carried away with souvenirs? The Pacum is designed to come to the rescue. This handheld vacuum compressor lets you quickly compress items such as travel clothing in vacuum-sealed storage bags so they don’t take up as much space in your luggage. The Pacum vacuum compressor offers two modes, an Eco mode for compressing food storage bags and a Super mode for compressing a Pacum vacuum-sealed bag in approximately one minute. For added convenience it also comes with a Padaptor that works with most other brands of vacuum-sealed bags. The Pacum stops automatically after compression is finished and is compact enough to fit in a pouch or store easily in your luggage. Additionally, the Pacum can also be used to pump air into inflatable items such as balls or pool toys.

Evo Global Travel Adapter

Travel adapters are important tech accessories when you’re globetrotting. But they can be bulky, heavy and offer limited suitability for different countries. The Evo was designed with the aim of creating the world’s smallest global travel adapter. It fits easily in a pocket or bag and weighs just 50g (1.76 oz). It works in over 150 countries and provides two USB ports for simultaneous charging of two lightning, Micro USB or Type-C devices. It’s also made with fire-resistant and cold-resistant material and designed to avoid short-circuiting and overheating.

Magno-Ink

A lot of pens are simply functional additions to your daily or travel setup. But there’s no reason you can’t have a little fun with that functionality too. And that’s what Magno-Ink provides. This elegant everyday pen features a multi-magnet propulsion system to extend and retract. And once you get a feel for that satisfying magnetic action, you’ll likely not want to put it down. Fusing beauty and practicality, the pen is made from aircraft grade aluminum and is both scratch-resistant and water-resistant. Plus it’s backed by a lifetime warranty. And it tucks another neat feature into its sleek form. An anti-roll design cleverly provided through an offset center of gravity.

ManualPen

Pens often incorporate multiple parts in their construction, which increases the chances that something might go wrong along the way. But the ManualPen is different. It’s precision CNC machined from a solid piece of metal with no mechanical parts. Available in a choice of copper, stainless steel and brass, it comes with a Fisher Space cartridge and a pen sleeve. Setting it up for writing involves a simple manual slide to remove the cartridge, then switch the cartridge round and reinsert it to write. The design holds the cartridge securely in place while you write but allows the cartridge to be smoothly removed when required. Elegantly minimalist and durable, the anti-roll design will hold up to a lifetime of use while looking stylish in any setting.

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A “grail” is defined as something that is being earnestly pursued or sought after. If you love baseball, your grail might be a trip to Fenway Park. To the carry enthusiast, your grail very well may be the Arc’teryx Nomin, widely recognized as one of the carry world’s most coveted packs. The Granville Zip 16 clearly shares a similar design aesthetic with the Nomin. However, an area where the Zip 16 differs from the aforementioned white whale of carry is in its price tag. The Nomin is cost prohibitive for many of us. But the Zip 16 may be an attempt to provide a pack of similar style and quality to a broader spectrum of the carry community. At $249, the Zip 16 is by no means cheap, but it is an unquestionably awesome backpack that can perform in the boardroom and trailhead with equal proficiency. To use another baseball metaphor, Arc’teryx hit the proverbial home run here.

I have been a huge fan of Arc’teryx for some time. Founded in 1989 and located in North Vancouver, British Columbia, the company formerly known as “Rock Solid” makes some of the highest quality outdoor kit on the market. The name “Arc’teryx” refers to Archaeopteryx which is one of the earliest known birds and the logo is a nod to the skeleton of said long-dead bird. They have a Veilance product line which began in 2009 and is focused on high-luxury performance goods and a LEAF line which stands for Law Enforcement and Armed Forces. With these two seemingly diametrically opposed target markets, Arc’teryx produces top-tier goods across the entire spectrum, ensuring the now ubiquitous dead bird logo can be observed from the slopes of Aspen to the deserts of Fallujah. Despite the diversity of their customer base, there are a few consistencies generally found in their products. Quality, innovation and price tag. I have owned several pieces of their gear, including several packs, and each item has been high quality and performed well in their intended purpose. While I feel strongly that you can’t effectively discuss cost without also looking at value, I think most of us would also agree the majority of Arc’teryx gear has a relatively hefty price tag. With that said, when gear is being designed and manufactured for customers whose use case can be a matter of life and death, it is easier to understand the price.

Who It Suits

The Zip 16 most likely won’t be carried into war zones or on the back of alpine explorers but I do believe its high quality and fantastic materials would allow it to perform admirably in any role in-between. This bag resides firmly in the category of “Crossover Pack”, which has been a pretty exciting segment of the carry community as of late. Triple Aught Design, Alchemy Equipment, Prometheus Design Werx, EVERGOODS and many others have recent offerings marketed towards this customer base. The customer who wants a backpack they can feel comfortable carrying into a business casual office setting and confident carrying down the trail. Anyone seeking to carry a beautiful pack that will stand up to the elements, exudes quality and provides all-day comfort will find the Zip 16 VERY suitable.  

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“The Zip 16 is by no means cheap, but it is an unquestionably awesome backpack that can perform in the boardroom and trailhead with equal proficiency.”

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While it is offered in Black and Pilot (grey), I carried their Bushwhack colorway. It is essentially a really amazing version of the old OD green. I have been and will continue to be partial to black or grey packs (as they are most acceptable in an office EDC role) but the Bushwhack color is pretty stunning. It somehow is able to be both different and discreet at the same time. It stands out but it doesn’t. It is vibrant but also subdued. I really, really like it.

Who It Doesn’t

If you are a person who prefers the tactical look and needs a highly compartmentalized carry, you likely need not apply. This pack has no PALS webbing, doesn’t use Cordura and has no load lifters. To me, these could all be considered positive traits in its favor, but your mileage may vary. This pack also may not be your go-to bag if you tend to over-pack. While the pack has capacity that clearly exceeds the 16L moniker, it is still not a large pack and due to the rigidity of the exterior fabric, it really doesn’t allow the user to over-pack.

The Good

There is a ton to love about this backpack, very little wrong with it and I will spare you the suspense, there is nothing ugly about it. No deal breakers or weird character flaws that would force this pack to the dark cavernous graveyard where average packs go to die (aka the back of the closet). Aesthetically, it is beautiful. Now, looks are arguably the most subjective and hotly debated aspect to gear so let me describe what I personally look for in a bag. I prefer visually slick bags in the 20-26L capacity that don’t scream tactical, are devoid of superfluous external branding and buckles, have a dedicated laptop compartment and carry high on the back. The Zip 16 checks these boxes for sure.

At the current $249 price point, one should expect a certain level of quality construction and Arc’teryx nailed it. It is constructed with water-resistant AC² (Advanced Composite Construction) technology to protect your gear from the elements. I managed to get caught in a pretty severe rainstorm with this bag and it was exposed to torrential downpour for at least 25 minutes. Not even the slightest hint of water on the inside of this bag. The most important and expensive part of my carry, my MBP 15″, sat safely tucked away in its protected laptop sleeve safe and dry until it was pulled from its slumber and called into action. The AC² material is an exquisite and in my opinion tactilely pleasing material that just looks fantastic. If ballistic nylon and X-PAC had a love child, this laminated material could potentially be the beautiful offspring. They say every time a new pack is created in AC², an angel gets its wings. They don’t actually say that, I don’t think. But it sounds right. I will also say that this material holds up really well to scuffs, dust, hair and all manner of things. I have been using mine daily for some time and it still looks virtually new.

There are three main compartments which are all externally accessible, a trait which I really appreciate. They also utilize a WaterTight zipper and from experience, I can say the WaterTight title appears to be well earned and accurate. You may have read about these zippers before as it is a card carrying and first ballet member of the Carryology Hall of Fame. This urethane-coated zipper took years of testing but has been a mainstay since its 1999 inception. I will also add that the Arc’teryx-branded custom zipper pulls are perfect. They look and feel great in the hand and are relatively quiet. I find quality zipper pulls are one of the most overlooked elements of packs and also one of the first things a user customizes (generally due to an issue with either the aforementioned looks, feel or sounds). The pack also includes a removable HDPE frame sheet to give it some structural integrity. The inclusion of at least a semi-rigid frame is something I consider crucial to carry comfort with any load that exceeds 10 pounds. It also gives a pack nice structure when even partially packed and helps it to stand up straight. It certainly does all three as it not only has structure and carries fantastic, but it also stands up on its own. Thank you, thank you, thank you. The material, zippers and frame sheet add up to an extremely svelte 26 oz (1.625 lbs). This is pretty phenomenal when you consider anything under 2.5-3 lbs to be relatively lightweight for a crossover pack. Awesome.

As I mentioned previously, there are three main compartments. Starting from closest to the back panel, you have the largest compartment. This area includes a suspended and well padded laptop pocket that can hold up to a 15″ computer. It swallows my 15″ MBP perfectly and with room to spare.  

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“There are three main compartments which are all externally accessible.”

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The well designed laptop pocket sits on top of a thin sleeve that is supposed to be a document holder (although you can also fit an iPad). This is where you will find my first callout regarding this pack. If they had only made this pocket 0.25″ wider or added small gussets, it would be great for carrying all your documents including the ubiquitous “manilla folders” that many people carry. However, as it exists now, it is just too small. You can absolutely fit documents, but it is difficult, crammed and in many cases you are forced to fold something you may have not wanted to fold. On the outside of the laptop compartment is a zippered pouch made of a very fine and semi-transparent mesh. It doesn’t feel all that robust, but so far it has held up well so no complaints as to the material itself.

There is one other zipper in the main compartment that is across from the laptop compartment (on the side opposite of the back panel). This opening is an internal access point to the second main compartment (that can also be accessed from the outside of the pack via a vertical side zipper). I love this and think more packs should incorporate it. This compartment does have dedicated volume so you can stuff it pretty good and not encroach on the primary compartment’s volume. In my opinion, the ability to fill a compartment without stealing space elsewhere is extremely important. I tend to compartmentalize my work and play gear so the main compartment is where I kept everything for work (laptop, chargers, cables, documents, pens, etc.) and this second compartment is where I kept everything else (glasses, sunglasses, shemagh, small EDC/Boo Boo kit, a couple snack bars and Yeti Tumbler). You could easily fit an outer layer here such as a soft-shell or rain jacket.

The final compartment is a horizontal zipper at the top of the pack that is essentially a top stash pocket. It also has dedicated capacity and was designed to hold keys, a wallet, phone or the like. It is devoid of organization other than a red tether with a hook clip that I used to secure my keychain and key fob for air travel. The only other area of the pack to mention is the tiny black strap area at the front base of the pack where the wearer could attach a carabiner or bike light. I won’t use it, but I do like the look of it and since this pack is otherwise devoid of attachment points, I suppose it is good to have in a pinch.

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“If they had only made the document pocket 0.25″ wider or added small gussets, it would be great for carrying all your documents including the ubiquitous “manilla folders” that many people carry. However, as it exists now, it is just too small.”

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All of these compartments supposedly add up to 16L and I just find that way hard to believe. This pack feels and carries like a 22L pack. So, please do not let the published capacity prevent you from purchasing it if your primary concern is that it may be too small. I assure you, this pack is more in line with what other popular companies call 20-24L. With all that said, I wouldn’t turn down a couple extra liters.

As for looks and carry comfort, this pack is pretty amazing. From a looks perspective, it is right in my wheelhouse. Slick, sleek and exudes quality. Not a stitch out of place and hugs the back perfectly. It carries great and travels even better. I used the Zip 16 on several trips from Boston to SF and a couple international trips and it was a fantastic companion. It rode under the seat like a champ and felt amazing on my back during the countless miles I put on it. The black low profile straps offer just the right amount of padding while in no way being bulky. Arc’teryx seems to excel at this. The pack includes a sternum strap which I only use periodically, but absolutely feel all packs should include. This one is adjustable and works well. No issues.

The Not So Good

My first of two gripes with the outside of this pack is the lack of strap management. Not a huge deal, but inexcusable for a pack of this price point. It would have been simple to include and would have gone a long way. My ONLY other gripe about this bag is the “Made in the Philippines” tag that sits where the shoulder straps meet the back panel. Why in the world they would choose this location to display the tab is beyond me. It may be nitpicking, but for this price point the tag should be hidden so as not to stain what is an otherwise slick bag.

As for the pack’s internals, there are only a few things I didn’t love or wished had been executed differently. Clearly what someone qualifies as a miss is relative to their use case but I do think the majority of users will likely agree with these. First, I found myself wishing it had an extra 1.5″ in depth. This wouldn’t have affected the overall look or weight but I do think would lend itself well to the overall layout. The second area I wish had been done differently, and arguably my biggest issue with the pack, is the zippered semi-transparent pocket on the outside of the laptop pocket. The issue here is the capacity. If Arc’teryx had only given this pocket its own capacity via gussets, it would be the perfect place to carry your MBP charger, spare cords or anything else you may want to access easily. Unfortunately, they did not. While it is still functional, it does make the retrieval of said items challenging and it’s difficult to store anything on the thick side. My last issue is the outside “stash pocket” and the complete lack of organization. This pocket is perfectly adequate from a size perspective but I really wish they had included some kind of organization. Two medium-sized pockets and a couple pen slots would have been perfect.

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“My first of two gripes with the outside of this pack is the lack of strap management. Not a huge deal, but inexcusable for a pack of this price point.”

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Verdict

The Arc’teryx website states “The Granville Zip 16 Backpack was created to carry a laptop and daily essentials in a slim, urban profile.” And it absolutely achieved that. It’s a beautiful pack created with fantastic material and carries like a dream. I would have to imagine Arc’teryx intended on building a Nomin-like pack at a price point that would be more realistic for most people. I think they absolutely nailed it and really hope they produce a second version.

To make a comparison, Triple Aught Design created the Axiom 25 which was a fantastic pack. It then evolved into the Axiom 24 which incorporated a few small pieces of feedback and is now a FAR superior pack. If the Granville Zip 16 had a tiny bit of admin organization, a larger document pocket, a gusseted internal zip compartment and perhaps an extra 1.5″ in overall depth, it would pretty much be the pack of my dreams. These small critiques are relatively minor and I will certainly continue to use the pack. If they do eventually create a v2.0 I truly believe this already great backpack will move from really great to PERFECT, aka Grail.

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The Chrome Industries Summoner Backpack is a stylish travel backpack designed with multiple access points for smoother journeys. Is it suitable for your particular travel needs? Unpack the details in this video review…

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When it comes to uber-slick urban design and modularity, Black Ember are right up there with the best. Well demonstrated by their Citadel collection that combines performance, style and adaptability to conquer diverse everyday and travel needs. And we’re giving two lucky winners the chance to embrace Black Ember’s badass design prowess in our carry giveaway…

The Prizes

Up for grabs? Two drool-worthy prizes. First up, the Black Ember Citadel Minimal Kit. This kit includes the Citadel Minimal Pack, two compression straps, and two handles.

The Citadel Minimal Pack features a sleek, tough and weatherproof bonded construction combining rugged, stealthy 900D 3-layer Micro-Hex material with YKK AquaGuard zippers. The result? A highly durable yet understated pack with an IPX-06 waterproof rating. The contoured back panel and 3D shoulder straps help you carry comfortably throughout the day. And with two handles you can set the bag up for easy grab-and-go top or side carry and maneuverability. The pack has you well covered for access too thanks to its lay-flat main compartment that makes packing and retrieving specific items a cinch. Speaking of cinch, the compression straps let you compress the bag for smaller loads and also allow you to secure bulkier items when you need to carry more.

And the second prize? The Black Ember Citadel Sport Kit. This highly versatile kit includes the Citadel Modular Pack, Sport Pack, SML Admin, two sets of compression straps, and a handle.

The Citadel Modular Pack offers the same great design benefits as the Citadel Minimal, but with added modular capability. A variety of Black Ember MODs (modular accessories) can be attached to the pack via magnetic hardware. Quick and easy to attach yet secure on the move, these MODs allow you to tailor the pack to a wide and ever-changing range of carry needs. Even better? You get to enjoy this modularity from the get-go thanks to the handy MODs included in the kit. The Sport Pack is great for storing gym gear or a change of clothes for travel needs. It offers separate storage for wet/dirty and dry/clean items.

The SML Admin is a nifty organization pouch that allows you to keep small essentials tidy and secure yet within easy reach when required. It offers exterior pockets for a phone and pen, along with interior pockets and elastic webbing.

Two prizes. Two winners. Could one be you? Put yourself in the running by entering…

How To Enter

To be in with a chance of scoring one of these awesome prizes, enter our giveaway below.

Ultimate Black Ember Giveaway

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Backpacks are considered the carry comfort kings. Duffels are the gear haulers. But when it comes to access and agility, messengers and shoulder bags step up for their time to shine. For many users, crossbody bags are go-to choices for quick access to gear on the move. They also tend to draw people who want to carry smaller loads or shed unnecessary carry bulk. And they also tend to get the nod of approval in work settings, where in many cases they bring a more formal and professional feel to your work setup than a backpack.

Messengers vs shoulder bags

So you might have heard the terms ‘messenger’ and ‘shoulder bag’ used interchangeably. But they aren’t actually the same thing. Messengers tend to be associated with more active use (think bags used by bicycle messengers), while shoulder bags play well in sedate settings. Features such as stabilizer straps are more common in messengers (again, to assist in load stability during active use). And in general messengers will wrap round the body more (a rigid design isn’t great if you’re pounding the pedals during a bike ride or trying to move nimbly in outdoor environments). That doesn’t mean you can’t use messengers in less strenuous settings or find shoulder bags that will tackle a little adventure now and then. Ultimately, a lot of factors come into play to determine where messengers and shoulder bags will excel.

Style

Messengers and shoulder bags vary greatly in style, colorways and materials. So to help you choose, it’s useful to think about where you’ll be using the bag. Do you need it for work purposes? If so, is your work environment smart-casual or formal? In these cases, understated colorways like black, gray, navy, or tan will blend in better (no matter how much you may be digging that blazing orange, it’s best saved for after-work hours). Clean silhouettes or soft draping designs will also be easier to fit in formal environments than “busy” designs that draw the eye (but not for the right reasons). If you won’t be using the bag for work purposes (or your work environment is more laid-back), you’ve got a little more freedom in the style department. Yep, bring on that blazing orange…

Size and weight

Obviously your messenger or shoulder bag needs to be large enough to hold all the gear you need it to. But you’ll want to be careful here. The bigger the bag is, the more bulk you’ll be carrying around. Ask yourself if the added space is worth the increased weight and bulk penalty. Maybe you need it or really value the ability to accommodate a variety of loads from one day to the next. But if you tend to carry a set amount of gear, picking a bag that’s just big enough without adding unnecessary weight may be a better option.

Access

So you’ve got a bag that’s the right size and suits your style, but how about getting to your gear? One of the key advantages of messengers and shoulder bags over other types of carry is the on-body access they provide. The ability to easily swing them round to your front to get to frequently used essentials or to access gear from the main compartment without having to remove the bag from your shoulder. Features such as quick-release shoulder straps, exterior pockets, magnetic or one-handed flap buckles, and multiple access points to the main compartment will help you get to gear in a jiffy.

Durability

Are you going to be putting your bag through the wringer on regular cycle commutes? Shoving it in and out of overhead compartments or heading off into the wilderness for a day of exploring trails or outdoor photography? The more demanding you are on your bag, the tougher it will need to be. Abrasion-resistant and water-resistant materials along with trusty construction will help your bag cope when the going gets tough. If your bag will be living a more relaxed or sheltered life, you can dial back on the durability, which may help you cut some weight.

Comfort

While shoulder bags and messengers don’t offer the same level of load distribution that backpacks do, they can still be comfortable to carry. Keep an eye out for a wide shoulder strap that will help spread the load a little, as well as padding on the strap to help enhance comfort. For more active use your chosen bag should offer good breathability in the back panel, a design that hugs the body, and a stabilizer strap or waist belt to help secure the load. And carry handles come in useful too when you want to give your shoulder a breather or are carrying the bag over shorter distances or in more formal environments.

Now we know it can be time-consuming and a hassle to search through countless bag options. But we’re here to shoulder the load. With the above considerations in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best messenger and shoulder bags to suit different needs and settings… but, hey, it’s worth noting most of the below bags cross categories, they’re not only suited to certain needs, but they’re versatile too. Win!

Best shoulder bags for travel

Patagonia Lightweight Travel Courier Bag 15L (US$59)

Easy to store. Lightweight. Adaptable. If these are top priorities for your travel carry, then this bag is one to add to the packing list. Patagonia’s Lightweight Travel Courier Bag weighs just 232 grams (8.2 oz.) and stows conveniently in its own pocket. Great for stashing in larger luggage until needed, this weather-resistant shoulder bag provides front zippered and side stretch pockets, with an additional interior zippered pocket. Whether you’re carrying essentials on the plane or sightseeing with day supplies, it’s a solid pick that won’t eat too heavily into your bank account either.

Pacsafe Intasafe Sling (US$79.95)

Pacsafe have spent years honing carry with integrated anti-theft features that don’t draw unwanted attention. With its slim, low-key design and discreet anti-theft features, their Intasafe Sling is a great choice for both business and leisure travel. Features such as Pacsafe’s eXomesh slashguard, Roobar locking system, a Carrysafe slashguard strap, secure zipper tab, and RFID-blocking storage protect your gear from opportunistic thieves. And to keep the rummaging at bay, there’s also a range of interior pockets and space for a 10″ tablet.

Pacsafe Metrosafe LS200 (US$79.95)

The Metrosafe LS200 packs a host of anti-theft features into its compact design that suits carry-on use or a day trip equally well. An integrated Lockabout security clip, eXomesh slashguards, Carrysafe slashguard strap, zipper hooks, and RFIDsafe blocking pocket are just some of the features that will keep sticky fingers away from your belongings. The bag’s main compartment has a padded 10″ tablet sleeve and there are plenty of pockets in the front compartment to organize small essentials.

Best heritage-style shoulder bag

United by Blue Lakeland Laptop Bag (US$148)

Fancy a blend of classy heritage styling and everyday functionality? United by Blue’s Lakeland Laptop Bag delivers in dapper style. The weather-resistant bag is made with organic waxed 18 oz. cotton canvas and vegetable-tanned leather. And with its lifetime guarantee you know the durability is on point too. Suitable for work or play, the bag offers quick-access pockets, along with interior pockets and a padded 15″ laptop sleeve. On the portability front you’ve got options too, with a removable crossbody strap and top carry handles.

WP Standard Vintage Leather Messenger Bag (US$295)

If you have a soft spot for leather carry, it’s hard not to be drawn towards WP Standard’s gear. They do a darn fine job of combining old-school charm and modern-day functionality. Just like with their Vintage Leather Messenger Bag, which gives a nod to antique postal bags but provides a leaner, modern design. It’s crafted with full-grain vegetable-tanned leather that will only get better with use. Inside you’ll find a suede-lined laptop compartment, with further exterior and interior pockets to store smaller items.

Best heritage-style messenger

Trakke Bannoch Messenger (~US$342.08)

Trakke’s Bannoch Messenger is a handsome fellow that’s equally up for a day in the office or a stroll outdoors. And if you love bags with lots of organization, this is not one to miss. Handmade in Scotland with Salt & Pepper Canvas, it’s designed to keep the weather at bay and also includes a dry-finish waxed canvas lining for added peace of mind. With 17 pockets on hand including a Gask pocket array and interior 15″ laptop sleeve, you’ll have no problem keeping your bits and pieces tidy and accessible on the move.

Bedouin Foundry Barbarossa (~US$356)

Bedouin Foundry make some of the most beautiful messengers around, with sophisticated silhouettes and premium materials that exude quality from day one to years down the line. But it’s not just pretty looks here. The Barbarossa is meticulously handmade in Lincolnshire, England, and built for years of demanding use. It features a suave combination of 12 oz. waxed canvas from Halley Stevensons and Italian vegetable-tanned leather. A sleek and uber-strong AustriAlpin Cobra buckle does the honors of securing the flap, beneath which you’ll find two sleeve pockets. An interior laptop sleeve holds your tech on the go, while the bag’s fully padded design also makes it an attractive choice for camera carry.

Best shoulder bags for tech

Cargo Works 13″ MacBook EDC Kit (US$59.90)

If you’re after a rugged build, organization options galore, and all in a design that remains slim and adaptable, look to the Cargo Works 13″ MacBook EDC Kit. The bag offers two compartments to carry your tech and everyday or work items. The front compartment features elastic webbing and pockets for smaller accessories and a tablet, while the padded main compartment keeps up to a 13″ laptop safe within its soft microfiber lining. You can carry the bag by hand, with the removable shoulder strap, or secure it to the handle of rolling luggage when travel calls.

Incase Reform 15″ Brief with TENSAERLITE (US$89.95)

Incase takes tech protection to the next level with their Reform 15″ Brief. An integrated compression-molded cage crafted from impact-absorbing Tensaerlite material ensures bumps and shocks aren’t a concern for your precious tech. The Tensaerlite cage fits a 15″ MacBook and includes a faux-fur lining for added protection. The bag’s lay-flat opening helps you move quickly through airport security screening. And for smaller accessories and EDC, the front organizer compartment has you covered with multiple pockets and a tablet sleeve. Sling it over your shoulder with the included detachable strap or carry it with the top handle for briefcase-style mode.

Best messengers for tech

DSPTCH Tech Messenger (US$230)

DSPTCH are well versed in creating durable, practical bags for urban needs and their Tech Messenger is no exception. The Tech Messenger’s free-standing design creates a useful mobile workstation, with plenty of pockets keeping items tidy and easily accessible. The bag offers padded storage for a 15″ laptop, along with separate tablet storage. And with its tough, water-resistant build and lifetime guarantee it’s a bag you can rely on for years to come.

Best budget messenger bag for laptops

Incase Compass Messenger (US$69.95)

If you’re after sleek simplicity that blends into work or play environments, Incase’s Compass Messenger will steer you right. The understated design works equally well in an office or your local cafe. Straightforward organization complements the low-key design, with a padded 15″ laptop sleeve and a choice of internal and external pockets to store small items throughout the day.

Best shoulder bag for laptops

Bellroy Tokyo Tote (US$129)

Totes are great for quick access on the go but a lot of them lack organization. Bellroy’s Tokyo Tote is different, providing a range of thoughtfully positioned pockets that keep smaller items tidy and easily accessible including a 13″ laptop pocket. Additionally, the tote has a water-resistant build for protection from the elements and a zipper to secure the main compartment when you’re on the move. As an added benefit, its clean and versatile design moves smoothly from work to play too, whether you’re carrying it by hand or slung over your shoulder.

Bellroy Laptop Brief (from US$159)

With its understated, water-resistant design and variety of useful pockets for organization, Bellroy’s Laptop Brief is a fine pick for the office, travel use or catching up on a couple of emails in your local cafe. Available in two sizes to suit 13″ and 15″ laptops, the bag includes a luggage pass-through sleeve and a padded shoulder strap that can be tucked away when not required.

Best tactical messenger

Vertx EDC Courier (US$176.61)

Some messengers are very overt in their tactical vibes. But if you want a more subtle tactical approach, consider the Vertx EDC Courier. The design is low-key enough to fly under the radar in informal settings, while offering useful features to keep you prepped for a busy day. Inside you’ll find a 15″ laptop sleeve and multiple pockets for smaller EDC or work items, while the concealable front panel is MOLLE compatible for additional organization. There’s also an additional Velcro-lined concealment panel to further customize your carry setup.

Best tactical shoulder bags

Mystery Ranch Load Cell Shoulder Bag (US$55)

Built tough and flexible to adapt to changing loads and environments, the Load Cell Shoulder Bag is made with hard-wearing Cordura fabric to embrace demanding use. The low-key design stealths easily into a variety of settings and accommodates a range of setups, from EDC to travel essentials. Plus it won’t break the bank either, which is always a bonus.

Mystery Ranch 3 Way Briefcase Expandable (US$150)

If you love carry that offers a lot of flexibility, the Mystery Ranch 3 Way Briefcase Expandable is definitely one to scope out. It adapts to a range of carry needs thanks to its stowable backpack straps, removable shoulder strap and top grab handles. There’s also plenty of pockets on hand to neatly store items, including a padded 15″ laptop compartment. And if you need more space? The design expands to provide an additional 5L of storage for larger loads.

Best shoulder bags for photography

Thule Aspect DSLR Shoulder Bag (US$58.06)

The Aspect DSLR Shoulder Bag keeps a small camera setup safe with trusty Thule functionality and excellent value for money. The bag features padded tablet storage and customizable dividers in the main compartment to tailor it to different needs. You’ll also find top, front and side pockets for camera accessories and EDC items. The front-folding lid makes it easy to access gear on the go. And speaking of on the go, there’s a top carry handle and an adjustable shoulder strap for shoulder or crossbody use.

Chrome Industries Niko Hold Camera Bag (US$60)

Keen on versatile camera carry with the freedom to convert an existing bag into a camera bag? The Niko Hold could be just right for your needs. The bag can be used as a standalone camera bag, with carry handles and a detachable shoulder strap for convenience. However, you can also fit the Niko Hold inside almost any Chrome bag (or another bag if the dimensions suit) to convert it into a camera bag. The Niko offers a wide opening for easy access and customizable dividers to adapt to different loads.

f-stop Florentin (US$99)

With its water resistant, low-profile design the f-stop Florentin is an appealing option for carrying camera gear under the radar in urban settings. Suitable for a small camera setup, the Florentin includes a removable padded main compartment with three dividers. There’s also storage for up to a 12″ tablet or laptop, as well as a front organizer pocket. You’ve also got portability options on hand here too, with a luggage handle sleeve, top carry handles and a shoulder strap.

HoldFast Gear Roamographer Camera Bag (US$560)

The Roamographer is a head-turner for sure, merging vintage charm with luxurious construction. The bag is handcrafted with durable and beautiful American Bison leather and features a removable camera insert with multiple pockets to protect and organize your photography gear. A camera can also be secured to the shoulder strap for ready access on the go. The Roamographer comes in a choice of sizes to suit smaller or larger loads too.

Best messenger bag for photography

Peak Design Everyday Messenger (from US$219.95)

One of the most innovative camera messengers to hit the scene in recent years, Peak Design’s Everyday Messenger does double duty as an EDC bag and camera bag. Available in 13″ and 15″ options, the bag thoughtfully combines a variety of features into a stylish and functional whole. From expandability and one-handed access to highly customizable organization with FlexFold dividers and multiple pockets, the folks at Peak Design have pretty much thought of everything. All brought together in a weatherproof, durable and stylish design that moves easily between diverse carry environments and requirements.

ONA Brooklyn Camera Messenger Bag (US$269)

The ONA Brooklyn takes inspiration from 1940s school bags but delivers a photography twist. The tuck lock closures provide easy access to the soft interior, where three dividers help organize your gear. Externally you’ll find a front pocket as well as a back pocket suitable for slim items such as a tablet. Handmade with full-grain leather, it’s a stylish pick for both formal and informal photography shoots.

Best messenger bags for professionals

Lexdray Symmetry Mumbai Messenger Bag (US$189)

Lexdray’s Symmetry Mumbai Messenger Bag offers flexibility and a little personality, while still retaining a functional, work-ready design and aesthetic. Multiple compartments and pockets keep your tech, work supplies and EDC easily accessible. But that organization is also adaptable, with a large main compartment that stays slim for smaller loads but accommodates larger loads or bulky items when duty calls. And with its tough, highly weather-resistant build, you don’t need to worry about rainy commutes.

Troubadour Messenger Bag (US$375)

If you appreciate carry designed with clean sophistication and minimalist loads in mind, this Troubadour Messenger Bag is a suave addition to your setup. The bag offers a honed blend of excellent craftsmanship, timeless style, and simple versatility. The padded laptop pocket protects tech on the go, while the adaptable design moves from work to the weekend with effortless ease. And with its magnetic flap closure, you’ll enjoy struggle-free access wherever the day leads.

WANT Les Essentiels Jackson 15″ Messenger (US$495)

Classy, functional and luxurious, the WANT Les Essentiels Jackson is a boss on the business bag front. The efficient, clutter-free organization includes a 15″ padded laptop pocket, along with smaller interior pockets and two additional pockets under the flap. And while the buckle closures are straightforward, as an added bonus the bag also features a top zip for easy access to tech or documents. Whether you carry it as a briefcase or shoulder bag, this refined piece will elevate your work carry to executive level.

Best shoulder bags for professionals

Bellroy Duo Work Bag (US$279)

Bellroy’s Duo Work Bag packs a lot of functionality into an understated, clean design that suits formal and informal work settings alike. Top carry handles, a removable shoulder strap and a luggage pass-through sleeve provide portability options. The bag has a padded 15″ laptop compartment and a variety of additional pockets organize work tools, EDC and travel items. Plus it’s expandable when you need extra packing space. Rounding things off is a durable, water-resistant build that will protect your gear from the elements while looking stylish every step of the way.

Ally Capellino Jeremy Small Ripstop Satchel (~US$330)

With its lightweight yet durable build and sleek lines, the Jeremey Small Ripstop Satchel cuts a dashing figure in the workplace. Made from waxed cotton fabric with silicon buckled closures, and fitted with a soft leather base, it won’t you down during the commute. A quick-access back pocket stashes small essentials, while the main compartment suits minimalist loads and includes a padded tablet pocket.

Best cycling messengers for professionals

Restrap Pack Messenger Bag (US$69.99)

With its stealthy looks, weatherproof and durable build and versatile design, the Restrap Pack Messenger Bag wheels smoothly from the cycle commute to the office. The tough 1000D Cordura build rolls with demanding use and there’s a stabilizer strap for enhanced load stability during active use. The bag fits a 13″ laptop and has sufficient space to stash a change of clothes if needed.

Brooks England Strand (US$180)

The Brooks England Strand exudes pared-back professionalism with its clean design made from weatherproof coated nylon and Cordura. Inside you’ll find a padded laptop compartment and pockets for small items, while an exterior back pocket stores quick-access items. And for carry comfort on the go, the bag has an adjustable shoulder strap and a belt to secure the load.

Mission Workshop The Monty Advanced (US$205)

Made in the USA with water-resistant, durable HT500 fabric, the Mission Workshop Monty Advanced is tough enough to embrace whatever the commute throws at you, while delivering sleek work-friendly styling. It fits up to a 15″ laptop in the main compartment, with a selection of pockets to store smaller gear. It secures with Mission Workshop’s Arkiv® closure system and provides a removable stabilizer strap. Plus it’s backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Brooks England Barbican Hard Leather Shoulder Bag (US$490)

Pricey but oh so chic, the Brooks England Barbican Hard Leather Shoulder Bag is crafted in England with vegetable-tanned leather (the same used in their saddles). Simple, suave and adaptable, this shoulder bag looks slick in office settings, out and about in town or on your travels. The adjustable shoulder strap also serves as a waist belt for securing the bag during more active use.

Best men’s outdoor messenger

Mystery Ranch Invader (US$77.97)

Looking for a messenger that’s tough enough to embrace the outdoors but does double duty on city streets? Check out the Mystery Ranch Invader, ruggedly built with 500D Cordura and flexible in design to accommodate trail or urban essentials. There’s multiple pockets for stashing smaller gear and a padded laptop sleeve for up to 15″ tech. And the padded shoulder strap and handy stabilizer strap keep you comfy while you’re out and about.

Chrome Industries Welterweight Citizen (US$112)

Built as a lighter version of the original, the Chrome Industries Welterweight Citizen is a tough and adaptable messenger for carrying work supplies and weekend essentials alike. The water-resistant bag includes a stabilizer strap, reflective detailing and a quick-release buckle for life on two wheels, along with sufficient space for up to a 17″ laptop and pockets for storing smaller items.

Timbuk2 Especial 22L Messenger (US$179)

With its abrasion-resistant build, waterproof lining and reflective detailing, Timbuk2’s Especial 22L Messenger takes commuting or outdoor exploring in any weather in its stride. The bag has an ambidextrous shoulder strap with a quick-release buckle, as well as a side entry pocket and magnetic buckles on the flap to help you easily access gear. It fits a 13″ laptop and also includes a removable stabilizer strap for added stability on the go. And its lifetime warranty is a welcome bonus too.

Best women’s outdoor messengers

Patagonia Black Hole Mini Messenger (US$89)

Tough and versatile, Patagonia’s Black Hole Mini Messenger packs a punch with its all-rounder adaptability, making it a solid pick for outdoor and urban use alike. The lightweight bag is made with water-resistant bluesign® approved fabric and offers a selection of webbing loops and pockets to organize your gear, including a 15″ laptop sleeve.

Osprey FlapJill Courier (US$100)

Osprey’s FlapJill Courier Bag features a w0men’s-specific fit, along with a variety of pockets to keep smaller essentials tidy. Inside you’ll find storage for a 15″ laptop, while externally there’s a removable webbing hip belt and a handy top grab handle. The flap secures with a buckle and Velcro, allowing for quicker Velcro-only access or added security with the buckle closure.

Arc’teryx Fyx 13L Messenger (US$149)

Arc’teryx blends sleek technical construction with everyday functionality to create a messenger that looks good on urban streets but is tough enough for outdoor adventures too. The Fyx 13L Messenger provides a padded and suspended 15″ laptop sleeve and quick-access pockets for organizing your gear. And it maintains its structure when empty, ensuring it looks smart wherever it’s used. The water-resistant AC² fabric flap helps protect your gear from the elements and there’s a reflective bike light loop too for added security on two wheels. Additionally the ambidextrous shoulder strap and waist belt help keep the load comfy and stable while you’re out and about.

Best ‘designer’ shoulder bag

Ally Capellino Brin Granular City Bodybag (~US$255)

Looking for a dash of designer flair in an understated and practical design for work and play? Ally Capellino’s Brin Granular City Bodybag is a worthy pick, fusing attractive styling with straightforward functionality. The bag is made with handsome Italian textured granular cotton mix fabric, an Italian bridle leather strap and reinforced corners for added durability. It can be worn across the back or chest and has a double zip opening for convenient access. Uncluttered in design, the bag includes an interior zipped pocket for storing valuables.

côte&ciel Oder-Spree Mimas Messenger Bag (US$325)

A lot of designer bags lean heavily towards fashion over function. But côte&ciel delivers a great mix of both with the Oder-Spree Mimas Messenger Bag. The bag combines a slight stylish sheen with reflective detailing, in an ergonomic design that carries close to the body for comfort. Complementing the fashion-forward styling is functional organization including a padded laptop pocket, two exterior zipped pockets and an open rear pocket for quick-access items.

Best large Japanese messenger

AS2OV Cordura Dobby 305D 2Way Bag (US$263.61)

Rugged street style, flexible carry options and plenty of space makes this AS2OV Cordura Dobby 305D 2Way Bag well suited to overnight trips, hauling large day-to-day loads or combining gym and work gear for convenient one-bag carry. The bag can be carried as a messenger or a tote and offers a variety of pockets including a padded laptop pocket.

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What’s your favorite shoulder bag or messenger? Hit us in the comments. 

The post The Ultimate Guide to the World’s Best Messenger and Shoulder Bags appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

As the workhorses of the carry world, duffel bags are designed for grab-and-go gear hauling. And that kind of carry capability and adaptability, partnered with rugged build quality, lends itself well to adventure use. When you’ve got a diverse range of gear to carry in challenging environments, you want a bag that will swallow it all and not shirk its duties during demanding use. And that’s what these 8 rugged and durable duffel bags are built to do…

BAD Bags #3 Backpack Duffel Hybrid 47L – Exclusive (US$104.98)

Seeking badass American construction backed by a lifetime guarantee? The BAD Bags #3 Backpack Duffel Hybrid 47L is happy to oblige. Made from durable and water-resistant 1000D ballistic Cordura nylon, this hard-wearing hauler features reinforced stitching at stress points and tough #10 YKK zippers. And to keep you carrying on wherever the adventure leads, it also offers multiple carry options including a shoulder strap, stowable backpack straps and top and side grab handles. The duffel opens wide for easy packing and helps you step out in rugged style with this exclusive Huckberry colorway.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 45L (US$119)

A worthy companion for weekends away or smaller loads, Patagonia’s 45L Black Hole Duffel is made with water-resistant, durable and bluesign approved fabric. A wide-opening main compartment, choice of pockets and webbing attachment points keep your gear easily accessible throughout your adventures. Plus there’s also a padded base for added gear protection. The bag can be carried as a backpack or by hand using the top and side handles. And it stuffs inside its own pocket for compact storage when not needed.

GORUCK Kit Bag (US$160)

GORUCK’s 32L Kit Bag embraces a variety of urban and outdoor settings with trusty dependability. Built with military-grade toughness and adaptability in mind, it’s made in the USA with water-resistant 1000D Cordura and backed by GORUCK’s Scars Lifetime Guarantee. The bag includes top carry handles and D-rings for attaching an optional shoulder strap. The wide opening lets you easily pack and retrieve gear, with interior and exterior pockets on hand for smaller items. The low-key aesthetics let the bag blend into a variety of environments, while its 32L design is carry-on friendly so you’re all set whether you’re traveling by plane, train or car.

Ortlieb 40L Duffel (US$169.95)

Planning water-based adventures? Venturing into heavy rainfall areas? Simply want peace of mind that your gear is protected from the elements no matter what? The Ortlieb 40L Duffel provides that peace of mind. The bag is made with PD620 fabric and a waterproof TIZIP zipper closure, creating a tough and waterproof build with an IP67 rating. Durable and easy to clean, the bag also offers flexible portability and can be carried as a backpack or by hand. Interior straps compress the load on the go, while two interior and one exterior pocket organize small items. And with daisy chain attachment points you can secure additional items externally or use them to help strap the bag to a kayak or roof rack.

Arc’teryx Carrier 40L Duffel (US$175)

Ac’teryx are no strangers to creating top-notch adventure gear and their Carrier 40L Duffel is an adaptable companion for a variety of trips. The weatherproof bag features taped seams, a WaterTight zipper and a white interior to enhance the visibility of the contents. Dual zipper sliders assist with easy packing and retrieval of your gear. In addition to top, bottom and side grab handles the duffel carries as a backpack courtesy of removable shoulder straps. And this lightweight duffel folds up compactly for easy storage at home or in larger luggage.

Mystery Ranch Monster Duffel (US$190)

Sure, the Mystery Ranch Monster is intended for firefighters. But that doesn’t mean you can’t run it as your bombproof weekender or travel duffel. This burly hauler comes with stowable backpack straps, top carry handles, a shoulder strap and multiple grab handles. The bottom compartment is handy for a sleeping bag or shoes, while the main compartment opens wide for quick access throughout. And with an inbuilt compressible laundry bag you can store dirty items separately for added convenience.

Colfax Design Works ADP_39 Adventure Duffle Pack (from US$220)

Lightweight, weatherproof and durable, the Colfax Design Works ADP_39 Adventure Duffle Pack ticks plenty of boxes for adventure-ready design. It weighs just 1.06 lbs (0.48 kg) and is made in the USA with a VX nylon featuring an X-ply tear-resistant layer and laminated PET waterproof membrane. Water-resistant YKK zippers enhance protection from the elements. The straps double as traditional carry straps or backpack straps. Plus there’s a removable sternum strap on hand for added stability and comfort.

YETI Panga 50 (US$299.99)

For uber durability and waterproofness in demanding settings, look to YETI’s Panga 50 to see you and your gear right. The fully submersible bag offers a rugged build combining laminated, high-density nylon with an EVA molded base and a HydroLok Zipper. Six lash points double as a means to secure the duffel in place or attach items externally. And you’ve got backpack straps and side grab handles at the ready when adventure calls.

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The post 8 Rugged and Durable Duffel Bags Built Tough for Adventure appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.