EDC

CAMP Eyewear by Shwood

Shwood has been delighting customers with their wood and acetate eyewear for years and recently they launched CAMP to bring high-value sunglasses to their fans. A number of frames are available from the Ridge Matte Pearl, available in four colorways and with a rectangular shape and keyhole bridge, to the Crag Tortoise, the largest frame in the collection and its slightly oversized rectangular shape that’s perfect for wider faces. All the shades are made from plant-based bio-plastic, have polarized lenses to decrease eye strain, feature stainless steel spring hinges, and come housed in a retro sleeping bag travel pouch.

Bellroy iPhone 14 Cases

Bellroy have a chic new selection of cases for the iPhone 14. Part of the range is a new fully-compostable Bio Phone Case, along with updates to Bellroy’s Mod System cases, allowing you to mix and match colorways. The Bio Phone Case uses a bio-based polymer blended with 20% bamboo composite filler. Designed to be composted at the end of its life, it will break down in around six months and leave no toxic residue. You can also pair your iPhone 14 with the Mod Phone Case + Wallet. Each can be used individually or together, allowing you to tailor to changing carry and color preferences throughout the week.

Mujjo iPhone 14 Cases

The London-based accessory maker was not just one of the first on the scene with cases for the new Apple iPhone 14, but they also improved on their case design for the 14. The new cases now support MagSafe charging, have machined metal buttons (which are also dyed to match the leather color), and are now using Ecco leather from the Netherlands.

In addition, the interior is lined with Japanese microfiber that is both strong and lightweight, adding padded comfort for the iPhone. A raised bump around the rear camera protects the protrusion and the aforementioned vegetable-tanned leather will patina over time, developing a beautiful finish. The cases are available in three colors (Tan, Black, Monaco Blue) and all sizes of the iPhone 14 are supported.

Urban Armor Gear iPhone 14 Cases

UAG has a number of cases to protect the new iPhone 14 series. This year’s cases put an added emphasis on durability and user convenience and the new MagSafe design allows for convenient accessory carry. The user has lots of options here. From cases made from DuPont Kevlar (Monarch, Metropolis) to biodegradable cases (Outback), UAG has something for every user and use.

Incipio iPhone 14 Cases

Made with sustainable materials and as a member of 1% for the Planet, the new Incipio cases for the iPhone 14 line have something for everyone. Features include antimicrobial protection, raised bevels for added screen protection, 8 to 16 feet of drop protection, and MagSafe support.

Existing cases like the Grip, Duo, and Organicore have been updated for the new iPhone 14 but Incipio has also introduced a few new designs. The Forme is a slim case featuring nature-inspired designs. The AeroGrip is the result of extensive research around a superior grip experience and in-hand feel. Lastly, the Idol offers ultra-slim construction and improved Impact Struts technology.

Orbitkey Ring v2

The original Ring was Orbitkey’s take on the classic split-ring keyring we’re all used to. Their take was to save our fingernails from getting chewed up and chipped through painful interactions with the coiled metal loops. Redesigned and greatly improved for 2022, v2 of the Ring features an all-metal design (getting rid of the plastic pull-down system), a patent-pending locking mechanism that is much easier to operate compared to its predecessor, and a wider opening to fit more keys and car fobs. It’s available in four finishes: black, silver, rose gold, and yellow gold.

Urban

Triple Aught Design FAST Pack EDC Armory

If you love TAD’s FAST Pack EDC but want something a little less tactical-looking for urban settings, you’re in luck. Enter the FAST Pack EDC Armory build; your chance to build a cleaner version of the pack with custom tweaks to make it your very own. The Sterile Edition of the pack can be built in a choice of materials and colors, along with several options for Velcro and PALS webbing placement. Each pack is built in North Carolina and you’ll need to wait around two months to receive it. But if you’re patient, you could very well have your perfect pack in the making.

Olivers Apparel Porter Hoodie

With autumn approaching there’s a crispness to the air. But with the Porter Hoodie you’ll want to get out there and embrace it. Thanks to its 100% Australian merino wool construction, this hoodie offers all the benefits of this wonder material. Odor resistance? Check. Temperature regulation? Sure thing. Anti-microbial and moisture-wicking properties? You bet. So whether you’re getting active on a chilly morning run or taking care of errands around town, the combination of performance properties and casual urban-friendly style makes this a solid wardrobe staple for a range of settings and activities.

Chrome Industries Fog Collection

Chrome Industries are well known for their tough and dependable carry. And with the early nights drawing in, they’ve released a new Fog colorway collection inspired by the grays and blues of Portland. Plus with large reflective panels across the collection’s pieces, you have your very own fog light keeping you safe in low-light conditions. The collection features some of Chrome’s most popular pieces, such as the Barrage Cargo Backpack, Citizen Messenger, Kadet Sling, and more, so you’ve got a range of options to suit your specific carry needs.

Mission Workshop Sansom : SD

The Sansom is Mission Workshop’s take on the rarely seen and underappreciated long-sleeve button-up shirt jacket. Using precision Prym snaps, the Sansom : SD can be worn as an overshirt or on its own. Made in New York City from a stretch cotton fabric by Texil Santanderina in Spain, it features a DWR finish and camo print design made especially for MW. It is available now in three colorways: gray camo, olive camo, and gray.

Mission Workshop Merino Core Collection

Mission Workshop have been busy across multiple fronts and if you’re seeking technical performance with everyday comfort, their Merino Core Collection delivers. Offering all the benefits of merino with added durability and strength, the collection uses extra-fine 18.9-micron 190g/sm Australian merino wool spun around a core of nylon. Versatile for urban or outdoor use, the collection includes the Sector: MC classic crew t-shirt, the Perimeter: MC long sleeve crew, as well as the Gobi: MC lightweight beanie. Each piece is made in New York City and is ready for day-to-day and adventure settings alike.

Aquascutum x master-piece Collaboration

Aquascutum and master-piece have teamed up on a series inspired by the theme of “water shield”, the original concept of Aquascutum. A deft blend of master-piece’s signature functionality and Aquascutum’s club check fabric, the collaboration spans both bags and apparel. Two shirts and two coats give you stylish and practical wardrobe options for everyday and weekend wear, while a choice of three bags provides flexible carry options. The 2Way Backpack, 2Way Tote Bag, and Front Pack all feature master-piece’s original “MASTERTEX” fabric, created with durability and protection from the elements in mind. And for a classy pop of character, the lining uses Aquascutum’s signature 100% cotton club check pattern.

Western Rise Evolution Chino

A twist on their new Evolution Pant, the new Western Rise Evolution Chino offers the same fit but with a different pocket layout and small tweaks that make it a better choice, perhaps, for dressier occasions. It features four-way stretch nylon and spandex for that perfect fit and all-day comfort, a new TechFit stretch waistband, two hidden zippered pockets to keep valuables secure, a PFC-free durable water repellent finish, and a lightweight fabric that packs smaller than a t-shirt so there’s no excuse to not bring them on a trip.

Orbitkey Desk Mat Slim

Fans went wild for Orbitkey’s Desk Mat offerings but many have been demanding a longer, thinner design, and the Australian company have just delivered. The Desk Mat Slim measures 31.4″ long by 12.2″ wide. It is offered in two finishes (black and stone) and features a document hideaway to store loose papers and notes, a magnetic cable holder to keep cables in place, an anti-slip backing to reduce sliding, and a reversible orientation to support both right- and left-handed users.

Mack Weldon Radius Flex Pant

Mack Weldon calls their new Radius Flex Pant the new do-it-all pant built for 24/7/365 wear. That’s not just a mouthful but it’s also an ambitious claim, but we think it has what it takes to back it up. For starters, the Radius is made from Mack Weldon’s proprietary Radius fabric, a four-way stretch, water-, wind-, and stain-resistant performance fabric that is sleek enough for the office but comfortable enough for off-duty wear. The pant features an ergonomic gusset for a greater range of motion, reflective accents for commutes by bike, and seven pockets so there’s a secure home for anything you want to stow. It’s available now in four colors.

Western Rise StrongCore Merino Hoodie Sweater

A refresh on a fan favorite, the StrongCore Merino Hoodie is a super soft, odor-resistant, and temperature regulating take on the classic wool sweater. Perfect on its own or as a light layer, the StrongCore is a piece you can wear day in and day out that won’t show signs of aging or odor. Due to the nature of merino wool, frequent washes are not required nor recommended, which means less wear on the garment and the environment.

Western Rise Adapt Quarter Zip

The Adapt is WR’s take on a classic style with some modern improvements. Built with four-way stretch, it’s also water and stain-resistant, temperature regulating, breathable, and incredibly soft. Available in a full size run and in two colorways (black and anchor), the Adapt is just as at home on travel and to dinners as it is on the trails and golf course.

“A Repair Project” from Reigning Champ

We love it when companies upcycle and repurpose goods, and keep sustainability in mind. This time, the Canada-based brand Reigning Champ teamed up with Western Hydrodynamic Research, taking slightly damaged RC sweats and hand-repairing and embellishing the pieces to give them a second life.

The WHR Repair Project is loosely inspired by kintsugi, the Japanese art of mending broken objects (you may have seen this in repaired ceramics pieces). WHR has restored and transformed a small batch of sweatshirts into one-of-a-kind pieces. Prices range from $250-275 USD.

Chubbies Everywear Performance Pant

Affectionately referred to by fans as the Travertines, the new Everywear Performance Pant by Chubbies is the culmination of three years of customer research and wear testing. This latest iteration is designed to be worn, well, everywhere. Built using the same 90% polyester / 10% spandex material as the Everywear Shorts, the pants are perfect for running errands, hitting the trails, or all day in the office.

Outdoors

GiantMouse ACE Jutland

Following the success of their GM9, GiantMouse Knives, out of Michigan, launched the Jutland. The knife is a re-purposed GM8 design, but brings it to the more approachable and affordable ACE line. If you’re wondering, Jutland is a low-lying peninsula in Western Denmark and the wilderness is the perfect inspiration for a knife designed for outdoorsmen and hunters. Available in both Orange G10 and Green Canvas Micarta, the Jutland features an Elmax blade measuring 3.35″ with an overall length of 8.15″. Depending on your handle choice, it may come with a satin or stonewash finished blade.

Volcom x Matador Collaboration

Matador and Volcom have teamed up once again, this time with a Bark Camo collaboration. The new series uses Volcom’s Bark Camo colorway on three signature Matador products. The Freerain 22 is an ultralight, waterproof, packable backpack ready to take on all conditions. Next is the Freerain Packable Hip Pack, a 2L cross-body sling and hip pack that provides quick access and safe storage for EDC essentials. Rounding out the pairing is the Pocket Blanket, a lightweight, waterproof blanket that packs down to the size of a deck of cards and offers a clean, dry seat at beaches, trails, or the park.

BioLite Revamps Headlamp Line

BioLite started out producing wood-burning stoves that also doubled as a power source for developing countries and have since branched out into all manner of energy products. They released their headlamp line a few years ago and for 2022, they revamped the trio. Starting with the most affordable, the HeadLamp 325 now offers more brightness with the same run time in an ultralight package. The middle offering, the HeadLamp 425 is now upgraded to USB-C charging (from micro USB), has two new light modes, and supports pass-through charging. Lastly, the HeadLamp 800 Pro is the most feature-rich offering and now offers increased beam distance, better run time, and an expanded reserve mode.

BioLite BaseCharge and SolarPanel 100

We caught a glimpse of BioLite’s largest and most ambitious project, the BaseCharge, at Summer OR this summer. Now, it has officially launched and is shipping to customers. Available in two sizes, the 600 and 1500, the BaseCharge is a line of high-capacity lithium-ion power stations designed to deliver efficient, intuitive, and easy-to-use power for off-grid customers whether that demand spurs from camping, emergency, mobile office, or DIY projects.

An internal AC inverter gives users a wall outlet wherever they go. In addition, users can plug into an array of DC ports, USB-A and USB-C, as well as Power Delivery at a full 100W rating. The easy-to-read dashboard display calculates inputs, outputs, and remaining battery life in real time.

In addition to the 622W and 1521W BaseCharge stations, BioLite has also released the SolarPanel 100, a compact, foldable, 100-watt solar panel that can pair with the BaseCharge for a full solar generator system. Up to four SolarPanels can be daisy-chained to produce up to 400 watts of power, capable of charging a BaseCharge 1500 in as little as four hours. Alternatively, users can use the SolarPanel in standalone mode, offering direct charging to devices via the integrated USB-C and USB-A ports.

Norse Projects Arktisk Footwear

By using the latest innovations from the technical outdoors world as well as the latest sole technology from Vibram, Norse Projects has engineered the Arktisk, a collection of footwear that imbues the company’s attitudes of versatile pieces that seamlessly transition between the city and nature. Offered in three silhouettes, the shoes provide water repellency and breathability in a lightweight package with extreme grip. Prices range from $270 for the Lace Up Runner to $658 for the Mountain Boot.

Travel

Away F.A.R Convertible Backpack

Away have made a name for themselves with their sleek wheeled luggage. But sometimes wheels aren’t the best option for certain travel environments. So Away created the F.A.R (For All Routes) Convertible Backpack, a design that transitions between pack and duffel mode. All while giving you the flexibility to explore a range of environments, from cobbled streets and winding stairways to campsites and more. The 45L bag features interior and exterior compression straps and a clamshell opening for easy packing and access. It’s made with recycled, water-resistant materials and also features a pass-through sleeve for convenient carry if you want to pair it with wheeled luggage.

Photography

WaterField Designs Cargo Camera Bag

WaterField Designs just introduced their new camera bag, available in your choice of full-grain leather and ballistic nylon or waxed canvas. Designed for mirrorless and DSLR camera setups, the bag is the result of feedback from over 1,000 photographers. It features easy access via an ultra-wide opening, intuitive organization with built-in, adjustable dividers and a removable insert, comfort via the Supreme Suspension strap and moisture-wicking mesh backing, and protection using plenty of dense lightweight foam. The bag features premium materials such as full-grain leather, 1680-denier ballistic nylon, thick waxed canvas, custom metal hardware, magnetic Fidlock snaps, and rare-earth magnets and, as always, is handcrafted entirely in San Francisco.

Our Best New Gear guides are written by David Vo and Catherine Baecker-Khoury.

The post Best New Gear | September 2022 appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

The digital report for our 2023 trend forecast is officially out today and you can download it free right here.

For anyone who missed the last two reports, the Forecast is our annual deep dive into the topics that will be shaping the carry world in the year to come. From the big ideas down to the littlest details, we map out what’s on our radar and plot where it’s all heading. For us, it’s not about predicting the future or prescribing anything. It’s more a chance to take the temperature of carry culture around the globe to make sure that design reflects life. We also take a look at who’s making waves, from the big brands down to the neighborhood makers, plus new developments in materials and manufacturing.

Before we take a look at what’s on the cards for 2023, it’s worth warning readers that the c-word does come up more than we’d have liked. After two long years with Covid-19 at the center of every conversation, we too were ready to put it in the past. Unfortunately, the long shadow of the pandemic still touches everything in one way or another. While life today has mostly moved on from the immediate threat and there are freedoms to celebrate, there are also new risks to navigate. It’s a quasi-post pandemic phase that’s maybe more ambiguous and uncertain than at any time in the past three years.

In response to these strange times, design in 2023 is heading in all sorts of directions, all at the same time. For some it’s lit a fire to make up for the lost time, driving trends like GOAT travel. For others, the response has been to focus on the simple things in life. Humble ideas like the backyard office and the Tom Sachs General Purpose Shoe are striking a chord with an audience that’s looking to get back to basics. Then there are the others who are mixing all these ideas together and more, like in the case of the crazy colorful Kidcore movement.

On top of all of that, there is of course the backdrop of the climate and the ongoing quest for sustainability. Not to mention a war, and some rough economic waters. Too much to mention in one post. To get all the details, download the free 42-page report here. In it you’ll find the full rundown of all the above as well as a detailed look at the styles, fabrics, details, and colors influencing the coming year’s releases. Plus we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch at contact@softservestudio.com to give us your two cents on what’ll be big in 2023.

IMAGES

1. Humble design (Tom Sachs General Purpose Shoe) Vs Kidcore (IWEARUP – Clear Skies Backpack)
2. Flat-packed backyard office ‘A Room In The Garden’ by Studio Ben Allen

The post Design Talk | 2023 Trend Forecast appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

EDC

GiantMouse ACE Nibbler

Michigan-based EDC knifemaker GiantMouse has released one of the more fun drops of the summer. The new ACE Nibbler is a compact folder that comes in five variations (green canvas micarta, titanium, and three aluminum colors: red, blue, green). The Nibbler is the smallest and most affordable GiantMouse to date, which lowers the barrier to entry and encourages its inclusion in your EDC kit.

The aluminum variations come with N690 satin blades while the titanium and micarta-handled Nibblers feature 20CV satin finish and 20CV stonewashed blades respectively. The blades come in at just under 2″ (50.7 mm) with a handle of 2.76″, giving the full knife an overall length of just 4.7″ when open. Lastly, the aluminum versions weigh in at 56 grams, with the micarta 3 grams lighter while titanium tips the scales at 72 grams. With your option of scale and blade materials, and a low price, there’s something for everyone with the new Nibbler.

Urban

WaterField Designs Moto Sling

WaterField Designs out of San Francisco have a knack for taking on carry challenges and coming up with luxe and functional solutions. Their latest release, the Moto Sling is no different. Designed to be a front-worn motorcycle sling to carry essentials, it also works well for e-bikes, scooters, wheelchair users, or just daily EDC. The strap has a grippy underside to prevent sliding even when riding at high speed and maneuvering on the bike. Large zipper pulls operate with ease even with gloves on and organizational pockets can hold a small tablet while keeping more delicate items separated.  At launch, it is available in leather (three colorways) and all-black ballistic nylon.

Mack Weldon Silver Collection

With record-setting temperatures affecting numerous countries and summer travel on the rise, the need for basics that can work in a variety of conditions as well as keep you stink-free is paramount. NYC-based menswear brand, Mack Weldon, just dropped their Silver Collection. The capsule includes underwear, socks, tees, shirts, and sweats and all are woven with real silver fibers which prevent odors from forming due to silver’s antimicrobial properties. The pieces are constructed of Supima cotton for that soft feel, and a touch of stretch for comfort and ease of movement. The Silver Collection is available now with prices starting at $16.

EVERGOODS CAS2

In Montana, EVERGOODS continue to produce useful, thoughtful, and innovative products. More recently, they’ve started to focus on products with a smaller form factor such as the CAP2L, the MHP3.5, and the CAP1. Now, they’ve released their newest friend – The Civic Acess Sling 2L (CAS2). This sling has a new custom material, intelligent organization, and a sleek profile that’ll make it versatile for the user as they crossover between urban and outdoor adventures. 

DSPTCH Slingpack Small

DSPTCH are known for their blend of understated urban styling and tough functionality. And now you can enjoy it all in the new small version of their popular Slingpack. Designed for 14″ tech devices, the bag features an ambidextrous and quick-adjust strap and a padded tech sleeve. Made in the USA and backed by a lifetime guarantee, the bag is available in Ballistic Nylon, Dot Grid, and Dyneema Composite Fabric options and is a versatile piece for smaller daily loads or a day bag for your travels.

Trakke X-Pac Zero Waste Sling, Largo Sling and Kelso Sling

We’ve been big fans of Scottish brand Trakke for a long time. And our long-standing love of X-Pac is no secret either. So bring the two together and you’re in for a carry party. While Trakke are well-known for their waxed canvas, the introduction of X-Pac across several of their slings is a fun twist that brings a slick technical feel to these limited-edition offerings. The Zero Waste Sling, Largo Sling and Kelso Sling have been reimagined in both black and white X-Pac, providing great protection from the elements and dependable durability to tackle everyday needs and weekend adventures alike.

Olivers Court Series

Whether you’re looking for multifunctional everyday wardrobe staples or one-bag packing champs, Olivers have you covered with their new Court series. This series is all about adaptability and is designed to be worn across a diverse range of environments, from the gym to lunch at your local cafe or a spot of sightseeing. Key pieces include the Court Jacket, Court Shorts and Court Jogger. Inspired by ’90s retro styles, the Court Jacket provides a modern twist on a classic track jacket. The Court Shorts fare equally well on water or land, moving smoothly from trails to trips around town. And if you’re after easy everyday comfort look no further than the Court Jogger with its slim and tapering fit. Made with Court Dynamic Nylon, a fabric that is odor-resistant, water and stain resistant, quick-drying, lightweight and breathable, these pieces will become go-to staples for a range of day-to-day and travel outings.

Travel

Exped Radical Pack

Exped might be best known for their line of sleeping mats but they make a wide variety of gear. They recently released the Radical Pack, their take on a backpack duffel that has been designed for travel, sports, and recreation. Available in three colorways, the padded backpack straps quickly stow away or can be converted to a shoulder strap. A single, extra-long zipper across the center allows for convenient access and large internal pockets make keeping things organized a breeze. The Radical 45 is constructed of recycled 210D ripstop nylon carbonate and lined with recycled 150D polyester. Both fabrics are PU-coated and PFC-free, as well.

Western Rise Evolution Pant 2.0 and Evolution Short

Carryology favorite Western Rise introduced their do-it-all Evolution Pant on Kickstarter way back in Spring 2018. Four years later, they are back with a new version and are introducing the Evolution Short to the mix as well. The 2.0 improves or changes upon the first version in nearly ten different ways. It features 4-way stretch material, a stretch waistband, bartacked pockets (instead of utilizing a metal rivet), is dirt and water resistant, offers a crisp drape instead of soft, resists wrinkles, and has a slim straight fit. 

The new Evolution Short promises to take the place of your favorite khaki shorts, providing a versatile bottom option for warm weather. It is lightweight and features 4-way stretch, is stain and water resistant, and has a secured zippered wallet pocket and drawstring elastic waistband. A zipper fly and button closure, as well as interior drainage mesh pockets, round out the features and the last feature means you’re ready for the beach or river.

Matador Flatpak Dry Bags

While water-resistant does the job most of the time, sometimes you just can’t afford for gear to get wet. Enter Matador and their Flatpak Dry Bags. Available in 2L and 8L sizes, these roll-top bags have an IPX7 waterproof rating and provide trusty storage for electronics, base layers, food, and more. Both bags feature a flat bottom, enabling them to stand up for easy packing and access. However, they fold flat too, making them convenient to stash in luggage or a day bag to defend your gear in wet weather.

Carl Friedrik Rover Collection

London-based brand Carl Friedrik have made a name for themselves in the luxury carry sphere, bringing functional elegance to everyday and travel settings. And with almost a decade in the industry, their dedication to carry that doesn’t just look good but performs well too is evident in the new Rover Collection. A carefully considered blend of relaxed but refined styling and travel-savvy design, the collection features a choice of two backpacks, two weekenders, and a tote that will handle everything from business trips to spur-of-the-moment weekend getaways.

Integrating community feedback on prototypes in real-world travel use, the collection includes thoughtful features such as wide-opening access on the Anywhere Tote, an interior garment carrier in the Getaway Weekender, and expandability in the Everyday Backpack. Add in the durable yet attractive construction with nubuck leather and Vachetta leather detailing and you’re ready to rove in understated luxury for many years to come.

Outdoor

Danner Panorama Hiker

Invoking memories of the classic Danner DNA, the new men’s and women’s Panorama features a durable suede upper, PU-coated leather rand on the heel and forefoot for added durability, Danner Dry waterproof protection, and an OrthoLite footbed for ultimate support and comfort. The outsole features large, deep lugs for traction in rugged terrain and the affordable price of $160 makes for a great entry point for new hikers.

Solo Stove 2.0 Firepit

Solo Stove has been a huge success since their launch in 2016, and they are a favorite of many for relaxed evenings at home and campsite BBQs. Solo Stove 2.0 may look the same, but under the hood, there is a change that’ll make every Solo Stove owner very happy: a removable ash pan. No longer do you have to lift the whole stove to empty, a simple tray is easily taken to the trash and replaced with no drama or slipped discs. The 2.0 version of the fire pit with the removable ash pan will be available in all three sizes – Ranger 2.0 (small), Bonfire 2.0 (medium), and Yukon 2.0(large). Now with an expanded range of accessories that includes grilling attachments, heat deflectors, and a table top cover. So you’ve got no excuse – get outside and relax!

Dometic CFX3 Coolers

There are many ways to keep your drinks and food cool during an outing, ranging from simple insulated packs to rotomolded coolers. But for those taking extended trips and wanting the comfort and amenities of home, a powered cooler is the way to go. With summer in full swing, Dometic wants to change the notion that powered coolers are only relegated to the overlanding crowd. Why shouldn’t a group lounging by the river enjoy ice-cold drinks?

The CFX3 series consists of seven different coolers ranging from 25L up to 99L. Besides the obvious size differences, they offer different features, such as the 55IM which can make its own ice. They are all powered by a simple 12V connection to any vehicle and without the need for ice, they can store 50% more food and drinks than a traditional cooler of the same size. For extended trips and added versatility, you can pair a CFX3 with the PLB40 portable battery which provides enough juice to run the cooler and electronics for an entire weekend.

YETI Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler

YETI are known for some of the toughest coolers around. They’re the definition of Robust, they can withstand bear attacks, and, most importantly, they keep things cold! However, there is one downside, they can get heavy, really quick! YETI have now added two more wheeled coolers to their collection with the Roadie 48, and the Roadie 60. It’s tall enough to hold your wine bottles, big enough to throw some fish in, and maneuverable enough to take on pretty much any surface. A periscope handle, Neverflat wheels, and easy-open latches make this a joy to use whether it’s relaxed beers on the beach, or home to your fresh catch from a day on the boat. Coming with YETI’s famed warranty, you needn’t worry about taking this with you wherever you adventure.

Bellroy Cooler Tote and Cooler Caddy

Don’t need to carry a lot but still want to keep your food and drinks fresh? Bellroy come to the rescue with two new cooler bags that work great for beach trips, picnics in the park, and storing your lunch during the working week. The 16L Cooler Tote is tall enough for upright wine bottles, while the 6L Cooler Caddy fits a 6-pack or lunch and even has a bottle opener built into the handle. Both pieces are made with 3M Thinsulate Insulation using recycled materials, a seam-sealed waterproof interior lining, and a water-resistant zipper. Both pieces also feature flat bottoms so they can stand upright. And when it’s time for storage, their foldable and compressible designs save space until the next outing.

Topo Designs x TAXA Outdoors Collaboration

A basecamp is your home away from home in the outdoors. And if you’re after an elevated experience, the Topo Designs x TAXA Outdoors Woolly Bear delivers in a big way. This limited-edition collaboration features a custom Woolly Bear basecamp trailer, along with three bags to cater to a variety of carry needs. The Woolly Bear incorporates an outdoor kitchen, inbuilt storage, and an elevated platform for a tent. Teaming up with the Woolly Bear are the Mountain Gear Bag, 16L Mountain Pack, and 10L Pack Bag. The Mountain Gear Bag is a burly hauler for larger loads, while the 16L Mountain Pack works great for carrying essentials during days of exploration and the 10L Pack Bag is a handy packing cube for organizing your gear.

Huckberry x Coors

Two winners team up again! Huckberry and Coors have been building a wonderfully curated collection over the past eighteen months, and with their latest drop, it’s dripping with heritage goodness. Inspired by their 80’s archive, these ripstop nylon baseball caps, cotton t-shirts, and tough western shirts are the order of the day, and they’ll keep you looking good from bar to beach.

Heimplanet x Helinox Collaboration

Who says outdoor furniture can’t have wow factor while also being practical? Certainly not Heimplanet and Helinox, who have teamed up to create a camping chair and table inspired by the new Light Grey color scheme of Heimplanet’s Classic tent. The collaboration features Dope Dye which prevents UV radiation and abrasion from altering the color. The Chair One weighs just 890 grams and packs down small enough to fit in a backpack, making it easy to enjoy comfortable seating wherever adventure takes you. The Table One Hard Top is a highly portable camping table that weighs only 870 grams and also packs down compactly for carrying in a backpack, on a bike, or in a car boot.

Our Best New Gear guides are brought to you by David Vo and Catherine Baecker-Khoury.

The post Best New Gear | July 2022 appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

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

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

Can you make a custom Swiss Army Knife?

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

How much is a custom Swiss Army Knife?

A custom Swiss Army Knife will cost between $200-$400, possibly more or less, compared with $20-$40 for a non-custom one. The reasons are simple – it’s a combination of time, material, talent, and a dedicated audience that is able and willing to pay these prices. There’s also very little competition, or at least a much larger market demand than modders can supply.

Features you can customize on a Swiss Army Knife

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

Scales

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

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

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

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

Liners

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

Tools

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

Brands who make SAK replacement scales

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

Remade Knives

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

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

Swiss Bianco

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

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

Daily Customs

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

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

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

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

Andrzej Woronowski

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

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

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

Brands who make fully custom Swiss Army Knives

SAK Custom 58mm

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

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

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

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

Chris Custom Works

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

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

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

875fps

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

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

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

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

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

DECUSTOMFORGE

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

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

rain.z_knives

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

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

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

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

SAKModder

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

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

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

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

This article was originally published on 17 August 2018 and recently updated.

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

Our top made in the USA backpack brands are:

Inside Line Equipment
North St. Bags
Chrome Industries
Mission Workshop
Timbuk2
Velo Transit
Road Runner Bags
GORUCK
Triple Aught Design 
Kifaru
Stone Glacier
Mystery Ranch
McHale Packs
Hill People Gear
CiloGear
Alpine Luddites
Hyperlite Mountain Gear
Zpacks
DSPTCH
The Brown Buffalo
DEFY
Recycled Firefighter
Rucksack Village
Colfax Design Works
Remote Equipment
Rickshaw Bagworks
BaileyWorks
Mafia Bags
Truce Designs
Bradley Mountain
Rivendell Mountain Works
Tannergoods
Kletterwerks
Frost River
Filson
Topo Designs
KILLSPENCER
Lotuff Leather
Outlier
Tom Bihn
Red Oxx

Bike Backpacks Made in the USA

Inside Line Equipment

One of California’s lesser-known bike carry brands, ILE are burly and bomber, and, in our book, deserve more cred. Founded in 2012 by Eric Fischer, it’s a brand that keeps it simple. Clean, no BS design, with a focus on easy functionality. Everything’s US-made, from the super tough Cordura to the threads that stitch it together, and built in-house to rigorous standards. If you want a rugged, made in USA backpack for commuting (and nowadays travel and camera gear), ILE are a local brand to check out.

Best backpacks by Inside Line Equipment:

Default, $240: ilequipment.com; velotastic.co.uk

ASNMNT, $260: ilequipment.com

Radius Mini, $160: ilequipment.com

North St. Bags

Lots of great things are coming out of Portland, Oregon, and North St. Bags are no exception. Founded in 2009 by Curtis Williams, their bags are simple and classic and made in-house, right on the store floor. In their early days, they drew acclaim for their ingenious Woodward backpack/pannier hybrid, and have now branched off into noteworthy collabs (recently with Kiriko Made) and experiments with technical fabrics like X-Pac sailcloth.

Their American made backpacks are built with mostly USA-made materials and backed by a lifetime guarantee. And if you fancy a little personalization to your pack, there are custom colorway options too.

Best backpacks by North St. Bags:

Belmont, $175: northstbags.com; 

Flanders, $235: northstbags.com; keus-store.com

Davis, $145: northstbags.com; keus-store.com

Chrome Industries

SF’s infamous Chrome Industries have been carried on the shoulders of tattooed couriers since 1995 and it’s a brand that sparked a new movement into technical lifestyle cycling bags. Instantly recognizable with its Russian-star red hits and Pegasus logo, it’s a brand known for crazy tough bags built to take a beating – and all backed by a lifetime guarantee.  In their stable, you’ll find backpacks for travel, commuting, or hitting the blacktop on a bike, of course. Many of their bags are made in Chico, California. And if you’re local to one of their Chrome Hubs, we’d suggest rolling in and asking them to craft you a custom bag like no other.

Best backpacks by Chrome Industries:

Urban Ex 2.0 Rolltop 30L, $160: chromeindustries.com; amazon.com

Barrage Cargo, $160: chromeindustries.com; amazon.com

BLCKCHRM 22X Bravo 3.0, $200: chromeindustries.com; amazon.com; rei.com

Mission Workshop

Few brands have had such influence on an entire category as Mission Workshop. From their very first pack, the Vandal (the first-ever expandable bike pack), to their Arkiv System, they’ve blazed a trail of innovation like no other. Designed in San Francisco, made in the USA and backed by a lifetime warranty, theirs is some of the finest, burliest and aesthetically pleasing carry you’ll find, period. 

Best backpacks by Mission Workshop:

The Rhake, $380: missionworkshop.com; urbankitsupply.com; condorcycles.com

The Rambler, $335: missionworkshop.com; urbankitsupply.com; condorcycles.com

The Sanction, $215: missionworkshop.com; amazon.com

Timbuk2

One of the original cycling carry brands, Timbuk2 has been going strong since 1989. Forever experimenting and playing with new forms, the San Francisco brand backs their bags with a lifetime warranty and crafts bike-friendly backpacks that embrace work, travel and play. Although, nowadays, if you’re after US-made, you’ll have to invest in one of their custom packs – their non-custom products are now all produced off-shore.

Velo Transit

While weather-resistant bags work for a lot of environments, sometimes you need more protection. And that’s what Velo Transit are dedicated to providing with their waterproof laptop and cycling bags. The bags are made by hand in Seattle and feature RF welded liners for 100% waterproof protection. Even better? They’re backed by a lifetime warranty too. And realizing that people aren’t built the same, Velo Transit also creates gender-specific bags and harnesses to suit different users. If you need a top-notch waterproof bag that organizes and protects your tech and gear no matter what the elements have in store, Velo Transit should definitely be on your carry radar.

Best backpacks by Velo Transit:

Edge Pro 40, $299.95: velotransit.com

Edge Molle 40, $259.95: velotransit.com

Road Runner Bags

Road Runner started with a dream for better bike carry and a tiny manufacturing studio in founder Brad Adams’s bedroom. Founded in 2010, the brand has subsequently flourished and is dedicated to crafting bags for a variety of cycling-related needs. Bike touring? Cycle commuting? Chilled weekend rides? Large loads? Just the essentials? Whatever you need, they’ve got a bag for you. The bags are handmade in Los Angeles using USA-made materials and hardware.

Best backpacks by Road Runner:

Large Anything Pack, $270: roadrunnerbags.us

Evil Mini, $130: roadrunnerbags.us

Large Roll Top Backpack, $255: roadrunnerbags.us

American-Made Tactical Backpacks

GORUCK

GORUCK have made a name for themselves by creating some of the toughest American-made backpacks around. Founded by a Green Beret and made with military-grade toughness in mind, their gear is built to take a beating and keep on performing. Backed by their Scars Lifetime Guarantee, you’ll find GORUCK bags embracing everything from GORUCK Challenges to everyday commutes and day hikes. Rugged 1000D Cordura is the material of choice for their bags, and legions of loyal fans will testify to the bags’ hard-wearing durability and adaptability.

Best backpacks by GORUCK:

Rucker 4.0, $215: goruck.com; huckberry.com

GR1, $335: goruck.com

GR2, $395: goruck.com

Triple Aught Design

Triple Aught Design build gear to help people live more adventurously. It’s reliable and adaptable gear that will get you through the task at hand, whether that’s scaling a summit or commuting to work. Based in Dogpatch, San Francisco, the brand has been one of constant progression. Experimenting with technical fabrics, modularity and expansion, their packs are some of the most exciting on the market. You’ll find packs with military-grade toughness for demanding travel and outdoor use, to sleeker offerings that employ stealthy aesthetics.

Best backpacks by Triple Aught Design:

Axiom 24, $425: tripleaughtdesign.com

FAST Pack EDC, $395: tripleaughtdesign.com

Azimuth Pack, $185: tripleaughtdesign.com

Kifaru

Kifaru is a brand that flies under the radar for most folks, with little spent on marketing and everything invested in crafting the best gear possible. And from that, they’ve built an incredible reputation in durable and reliable hunting and military backpacks. The brand was founded in 1997 by Patrick Smith (also the founder of Mountainsmith) and builds packs to order, focusing on comfort and functionality to ensure years of dependable use.

Best backpacks by Kifaru:

X-Ray, from $454.25: kifaru.net

Stryker XL, from $310.50: kifaru.net

Antero 2.0, from $415: kifaru.net

Stone Glacier

Stone Glacier focus on creating a range of made in USA backpack options that blend lightweight performance with durability and functionality for hunting and backcountry environments. Based in Bozeman, Montana, the brand offers over 15 years of experience refining US-made packs that will stand up to demanding use year after year.

Best backpacks by Stone Glacier:

Kiowa 3200, $329: stoneglacier.com; mountain-archery.com

Avail 2200, $289: stoneglacier.com; scheels.com; blackovis.com

Serac 1700, $239: stoneglacier.com; scheels.com; blackovis.com

Outdoor Backpacks Made in the USA

Mystery Ranch

If you haven’t heard of Mystery Ranch, then you haven’t been reading Carryology.com for very long. Whether they’re making for the military, fire department, or taking those learnings to their everyday line, their packs have a following at cult level. Revered throughout the carry world for their laser-like attention to detail, bomber builds, and comfort when carrying loads, they’re some of the very best packs in the world, bar none.

Note, while many of their packs are now made in the Philippines, Mystery Ranch does build some of their outdoor packs, tactical and fire packs in the USA.

Best backpacks by Mystery Ranch:

3DAP CL, $450: mysteryranch.com

ASAP, $300: mysteryranch.com

Komodo Dragon, $435: mysteryranch.com

McHale Packs

Most might not have heard of McHale Packs. But if you scratch away at the backpacking world (and its burrow-like forums), you’ll discover the army of Dan McHale disciples who swear they’re the greatest UL packs around.

And the best part: they’re reportedly built in his garage. All by hand, using Dyneema and Cordura. Completely custom-built to each individual’s precise measurements. No two are alike. A word of warning, you’ll need to navigate your way through his archaic website to make contact, but trust us, it’s worth it.

Best backpacks by McHale Packs:

All custom

Hill People Gear

Hill People Gear knows that when you’re in the backcountry you need dependable gear that won’t let you down. That’s why they prioritize efficiency in their designs, creating gear for backcountry travelers that focuses on functionality, effective load carriage, flexibility, and long-lasting durability. While they are aware that the do-it-all pack is likely never achievable, they do believe in crafting gear that adapts to a wide variety of needs. In addition to making gear in the USA, they also use American suppliers and are dedicated to maintaining American manufacturing.

Best backpacks by Hill People Gear:

Tarahumara Pack, $150: hillpeoplegear.com

Ute Backpack V2, $377: hillpeoplegear.com

Umlindi Pack V2, $297: hillpeoplegear.com

CiloGear

CiloGear crafts their American-made backpacks in Portland, Oregon on a built-when-ordered process. For them ,‘In Stock’ means they have all of the sub assemblies of the pack. Then they build it for you. Lean and mean, and we like that. While their focus is on crafting lightweight alpine climbing and hiking packs, you’ll find UL urban commuter packs in the mix too, and they’re darn great! 

Best backpacks by CiloGear:

30L Commuter II, $219: cilogear.com

20L WorkSack, $79: cilogear.com

Ski Pack, $299: cilogear.com

Alpine Luddites

John Campbell is Alpine Luddites… quite literally. AL’s a one-person operation. Every pack or bike bag is built to order by him, with his famed attention to detail and quality. John’s waiting list can bounce from 6 to even 12 weeks at times, but you’re getting something special when you wait, especially if you go the custom route, so we recommend you roll into his Colorado workshop with a little patience, and a big plan for your perfect pack.

Best backpacks by Alpine Luddites:

White Light / White Heat, $385: alpineluddites.com

Alpine Machine, $750: alpineluddites.com

Pinnacle Rucksack, $250: alpineluddites.com

Hyperlite Mountain Gear

If you’ve ever been passed by a hot white pack hammering up the trail, it’s most likely come from the Maine workshop of Hyperlite Mountain Gear. Building for alpinists, backpackers, thru-hikers, and other adventurers, their made in USA backpack offerings are stripped back and minimal, ultralight, and dialed to increase speed, distance, and efficiency. One of our favorite UL brands. And well worth a closer look.

Best backpacks by Hyperlite Mountain Gear:

2400 Ice Pack, $359: hyperlitemountaingear.com

Daybreak, $229: hyperlitemountaingear.com

Summit Pack, $199: hyperlitemountaingear.com

Zpacks

Zpacks was founded in 2005 by Joe Valesko, a man who knows all about long-distance thru-hikes and the gear needed to conquer them. The brand builds ultralight backpacking gear that finds that tricky balance of shedding grams while remaining comfortable and durable enough for extensive use. Their designs cater to day hikes, short trips and long-distance hikes, with optional modular accessories and a choice of sizes to tailor them to specific users. The bags are made in West Melbourne, Florida.

Best backpacks by Zpacks:

Arc Blast

Arc Scout

Nero

American-Made Backpacks for Urban / Everyday

DSPTCH

DSPTCH is a great example of humble beginnings to global success story. Beginning life in an apartment, their first product (a camera strap) was launched in 2010. They’ve come a long way, with stores in San Francisco, New York and Tokyo and a solid offering of gear that caters to EDC, work, travel, photography and workout carry needs. Products are cut and sewn entirely in the USA, mostly in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Built to be durable, timeless and functional, their gear mixes military inspiration with urban styling and functionality and comes with a lifetime guarantee too.

Best backpacks by DSPTCH:

Daypack

Ruckpack

Bookpack

The Brown Buffalo

The Brown Buffalo is a carry brand based in California, crafting seriously slick and considered pieces. Founded by our good friend and master designer Douglas Davidson (whose extensive experience includes Burton and The North Face), the brand creates quality, functional pieces for urban everyday and travel needs. The USA-made ConcealPack is a fine example of understated aesthetics, excellent craftsmanship and practical design that reliably handles work, travel and play requirements.

Best backpacks by The Brown Buffalo:

ConcealPack

DEFY MFG. Co.

DEFY is a brand built on, well, defying expectations. Founder Chris Tag defied remaining in a “safe” but soulless corporate job in favor of venturing into the unknown with the aim of creating a top-notch American manufacturing company. And he’s done just that. The brand defies fast fashion in favor of what they like to call “slow manufacturing” and an appreciation of enduring quality, building their gear by hand in Chicago. Overbuilt to take years of demanding use and keep on thriving, their backpacks feature rugged materials such as Martexin Original Wax Canvas, M35 Military Truck Tarpaulin, and 1000D Ballistic Nylon. Ruggedly suave style, excellent durability and straightforward functionality lets their packs adapt easily to diverse urban settings and needs.

Best backpacks by DEFY:

VerBockel Rolltop 2.0

Bucktown

Menace Backpack 2.0

Recycled Firefighter

Dig into the history behind Recycled Firefighter and you’ll find a pretty darn inspiring story. It was founded by full-time firefighter Jake Starr who wanted additional part-time work he could do from home to support his family. He taught himself to sew and went through hundreds of failed products and prototypes before getting his big break in the carry community through a wallet made from decommissioned fire hose. Countless hours of work month after month (and learning from plenty of mistakes along the way) allowed him to grow the brand. Now Recycled Firefighter offers a range of bags and wallets, made by hand in the USA. The packs are crafted with 1000D Cordura, USA-made hardware and reinforced stitching in high-stress areas. Designed for everyday use and short trips, these tough packs offer an appealing mix of functionality and dependable durability you can count on for years to come.

Best backpacks by Recycled Firefighter:

24hr Battalion

12hr Battalion 

Battalion Duffelpack

Rucksack Village

Rucksack Village is a custom carry brand founded by James Kamo. Bags are designed based on a thorough understanding of each user’s carry needs as well as influences from their personalities and preferences. Though James is super busy and the packs are a side project now, there’s still a chance to get your own (just be prepared to wait for the carry goodness).

Best backpacks by Rucksack Village:

All custom

Colfax Design Works

Military inspiration meets everyday versatility with Colfax Design Works’ gear. Made with adaptability and durability in mind, CDW bags feature technical fabrics and mil-spec components. All brought together in functional designs that don’t shy away from demanding EDC and travel needs. Their gear is made in small batches, giving nods to modularity and multifunctionality so it’s ready to tackle present and future carry needs equally well.

Best backpacks by Colfax Design Works:

Project T.O.A.D.

Recon Pack

Remote Equipment

Remote Equipment was founded with the goal of creating adaptable gear for urban mobility needs. Gear that could handle active commutes and weekend adventures, embrace the elements, and carry comfortably throughout the day. All while celebrating simplicity and functionality. And while they’re a young brand, it was founded by a designer with over ten years of industry experience. And it shows in their first offering. The Alpha 31 was successfully launched through Kickstarter and is a fine example of technical design honed for everyday use. An impressive debut that has us keen to see future creations by this up-and-coming brand.

Best backpacks by Remote Equipment:

Alpha 31

Bravo 18

Charlie 25

Rickshaw Bagworks

Rickshaw Bagworks are a customizable bag manufacturer based in San Francisco. Founded by Mark Dwight in 2007, Rickshaw Bagworks was born from an appreciation and passion for the maker culture and interaction with customers. But it’s also a brand fully aware that accountability falls on them, driving them to create quality bags and a good employee working environment. Bags are crafted with urban mobility, simple functionality and enduring quality in mind.

Best backpacks by Rickshaw Bagworks:

Sutro Backpack

Potrero Backpack

Medium Velo Backpack

BaileyWorks

BaileyWorks have been in the business of making tough, utilitarian bags since 1993. The brand was inspired by California’s bike messenger culture and their need for rugged, functional bags that could take a beating and keep on performing. Turns out, that kind of bag had widespread appeal beyond bike messengers. So BaileyWorks set out to deliver simple, practical and durable bags for a range of urban carry needs. Over two decades later, you’ll find those design principles haven’t changed. Each bag is made by hand in Newmarket, New Hampshire, and can be customized to suit your particular style and requirements.

Best backpacks by BaileyWorks:

The Nomad

Citi Pack

Upcycled Backpacks Made in the USA

Mafia Bags

Mafia Bags got its start in 2012 in Buenos Aires, founded by brother-and-sister team Marcos and Paz Mafia. As a former professional kitesurfer, Marcos came across piles of sails in storage and knew they could be put to new use. The brand expanded to San Francisco in 2014, now their HQ, and has an in-house production facility. Mafia Bags has a strong commitment to sustainability and uses upcycled sails to make their bags, guaranteeing gear with a lifetime warranty. The certified B Corp offers a variety of unique bags for urban carry requirements, including backpacks, duffels, messengers, and totes.

Best backpacks by Mafia Bags:

Discover

Deep Blue Bag

W-Pack

Truce Designs

Truce was founded by Luke Mathers, who learned to sew industrial-grade fabrics while crafting boat covers and repairing sails at North Sails Oregon. In 2016 Truce Designs joined the TREW family, an Oregon-based outdoor company. Truce still holds true to its commitment to environmentally responsible design and manufacturing, using reclaimed materials such as sailcloths and drysuit fabrics to create unique bags. Made in Portland, Oregon, and designed to offer high-performance functionality, Truce bags are also backed by a lifetime warranty.

Best backpacks by Truce Designs:

Drop Liner Backpack

20L SL Backpack

American-Made Heritage Backpacks

Bradley Mountain

Heritage-inspired carry has enjoyed a huge resurgence during the past few years. But while plenty of brands jumped on the bandwagon of heritage aesthetics, many toppled off hitting functionality and quality stumbling blocks. Not so with Bradley Mountain. Founded in 2012, the brand aims to inspire adventure not just through travels but in everyday life, crafting gear that embraces whatever the day brings. Bags are designed with a considered mix of functionality and durability in addition to handsome heritage aesthetics. Their bags are made by hand in San Diego, California, and where many other brands have fallen short Bradley Mountain keeps going strong, backing their commitment to long-lasting quality by offering free repairs too.

Best backpacks by Bradley Mountain:

The Wilder

The Biographer

Muir Pack

Rivendell Mountain Works

One of the original cottage industry carry brands, RMW was founded in 1971 and has influenced numerous designers and brands within the outdoor industry. While it dropped off the radar in the ’80s, RMW has enjoyed a brand resurgence over the past decade. Staying true to their heritage roots, the brand makes gear by hand through what they like to call a “village” manufacturing process. In addition to the iconic Jensen Pack (a true game changer in the carry industry), RMW offers a variety of backpacks to handle outdoor and urban environments alike.

Best backpacks by Rivendell Mountain Works:

Jensen Pack

Mariposa

Larkspur

Tanner Goods

Based in Portland, Oregon, Tanner Goods was founded on the principle of crafting gear that’s worth holding onto. They do this through gear that fuses heritage styling, modern-day functionality, and long-lasting construction that will have you sighing in appreciation. Made for day-to-day and travel needs, the carry range features quality materials such as waxed 18 oz. filter twill canvas and vegetable-tanned leather, brought together in practical and durable designs built to last for years to come.

Best backpacks by Tanner Goods:

Voyager Daypack

Koru Rucksack

Kletterwerks

Kletterwerks was founded by the legendary Dana Gleason in 1975, his first endeavour in pack design and manufacturing. Though the brand stepped off the carry stage for many years, it was resurrected as part of the Mystery Ranch family. While the enduring, simple designs merited a resurrection, there have been new additions (such as padded laptop sleeves) to set these bags up for modern-day use while still retaining their heritage charm.

Best backpacks by Kletterwerks:

Flip

Drei Zip

Frost River

Born from the need to traverse the terrain of the Northern Wilderness, Frost River builds its gear to withstand just about anything. Handmade in Duluth, Minnesota, their bags are crafted with care and precision, using American-sourced materials, such as Martexin Original Wax Canvas and leather from the SB Foot Tannery. And, the fun part, you’ll never have trouble spotting one from afar. See that brown waxed canvas, chestnut leather and solid brass combo above? That’s the signature vibe, and they darn well stick to it.

Best backpacks by Frost River:

Summit Expedition Pack

Isle Royale Bushcraft Packs

Arrowhead Trail Rolltop

Filson

When you think of heritage-style carry, Filson’s name always crops up. Not surprising when you consider they’ve been creating quality gear for demanding outdoor use since 1897. The brand has a manufacturing facility in their Seattle HQ and backs its gear with a lifetime guarantee. Pore over their packs and you’ll find hard-wearing, functional pieces that accommodate work, travel, outdoor and everyday needs.

Best backpacks by Filson:

Journeyman

Rugged Twill Rucksack

Tin Cloth Backpack

Topo Designs

Founded in 2008, Topo Designs was born in a basement in Fort Collins (and continues to make a lot of bags in Colorado) but now enjoys a global fan base. They set themselves apart in the industry by finding that sweet spot between urban and outdoor functionality. Rather than making you choose the city or the wilderness Topo gear embraces both, balancing heritage style with fun and modern practicality. You’ll find designs catering for everything from day hikes to work commutes to weekend getaways, all backed by a lifetime warranty.

Best backpacks by Topo Designs:

Klettersack

Daypack

Rover Pack

Luxury Backpacks Made in the USA

KILLSPENCER

Founded by Spencer Nikosey, KILLSPENCER have been crafting covet-worthy carry since 2009. A suave mix of clean styling, premium materials and excellent construction ensures low-key luxury in every piece. But the Los Angeles brand puts a focus on utility too, so their California-made pieces don’t just look good but perform reliably day in and day out. Their range of fashion-friendly yet functional packs are well suited to work and everyday use in urban settings, featuring chic silhouettes and quality materials such as premium full-grain leather, waxed canvas, and fire retardant and weatherproof nylon.

Best backpacks by KILLSPENCER:

Special Ops Backpack 3.0

Daypack

Utility Daypack

Lotuff Leather

Based in Providence, Rhode Island, Lotuff Leather crafts uber-luxurious leather carry pieces by hand. Many of the team members are artists who create Lotuff’s meticulously crafted pieces – pieces that nail that appealing balance of luxe style and everyday functionality. Each piece is backed by a lifetime guarantee and features premium vegetable-tanned leather.

Best backpacks by Lotuff Leather:

Leather Zipper Backpack

Leather Knapsack

Leather Backpack

Outlier

Brooklyn-based Outlier stand out from the crowd through their commitment to innovative, technical apparel and fabric experimentation, but check out their carry offerings and you’ll find them impressive too. Pieces such as the Ultrahigh Dufflepack, Ultrahigh Duffle and Ultrahigh Backpack have delivered eye-catching modern aesthetics with premium technical fabrics. Made in small batches, their bags sell out fast, so keep an eye out. One better, sign up to their newsletter to be one of the first to know.

Best backpacks by Outlier:

Ultrahigh Backpack

Ultrahigh Dufflepack

American-Made Travel Backpacks

Tom Bihn

Tom Bihn combines over three decades of design experience (four if you consider the founder has been making bags since 1972) with a dedication to eco-conscious production and a rad company philosophy (that they actually genuinely follow). Their gear is known for its functionality and durability and is made in their Seattle factory. Tom Bihn’s travel backpacks handle diverse needs and trips, from outdoor excursions to urban carry-on use. But they also make a variety of other packs that handle work and EDC needs. All backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Best backpacks by Tom Bihn:

Synapse 25, $235: tombihn.com

Aeronaut 45, $320: tombihn.com

Synik 30, $320: tombihn.com

Red Oxx

Red Oxx makes some of the burliest travel bags out there, backed by their legendary “No Bull” lifetime warranty. The bags exude a military level of toughness and dependability (not surprising since the founder and current CEO both have military backgrounds). Wherever you’re going, these bags will get there and back again, multiple times over. Their bags are made by hand in Billings, Montana, using trusty 1000D Cordura, rugged #10 YKK zippers and reinforced stitching for dependable durability.

Best backpacks by Red Oxx:

Sky Train

Tres Hombres

C-ruck Carry-on Rucksack

Originally published in September 2018 and recently updated

The post The Best ‘Made in the USA’ Backpack Brands of 2022 appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

EDC

GiantMouse ACE Corta

GiantMouse knew they had a winner on their hands with the Limited Edition GM6 Integral folder. So they worked with Reate to repurpose the design into the ACE line. When teased, the new ACE Corta proved to be one of the most anticipated new releases from both GM fans and enthusiasts. Available in three handle finishes (green micarta, natural micarta, and black G10 with black blade), the Corta features an M390 blade of 3.1″ in a stonewashed finish. It rides on ball bearings and is 3.5mm thick. Brass spacers complete the look and promise some nice patina with use and age. And the whole package is just under 4 oz.

In the hand, the Corta (which is a play on the word “cortar”, meaning to “cut”) is comfortable, with the pinky resting on the pocket clip where it attaches to the knife. Jimping is placed towards the center of the blade, encouraging proper thumb placement, hold position, and the optimal leverage point. The blade bevels to a nice slicey edge while retaining a decent spine thickness, indicating it’d be great for outdoor tasks. Finally, the action is extremely smooth and noticeably easier to deploy than some of GM’s other offerings. Truly, a knife worthy of any EDC kit.

Vaer A3 Atlas Automatic Watch

One of our favorite microbrands at the moment is Vaer. Founded in 2016 in Venice by Ryan and Regan, they bring interesting and affordable designs to market, with a number of features and options that fit a broad range of personalities. Starting 2022 off with a bang, they’ve introduced the A3 Atlas Automatic. What you get is 36mm of their best-selling USA assembled automatic watches. Available in two colorways (Navy and standout star here, Atlas Orange), the A3 is powered by a Miyota 9015 automatic movement, boasts 10ATM of water resistance, has C1 Swiss SuperLume, and is assembled in the United States. Typical of Vaer delivering the total package, each watch comes with two 20mm interchangeable straps, with the option of upgrading to a bracelet or Horween leather.

With a universally wearable 36mm diameter, a small date window that’s there when you need it but disappears at the 6 o’clock position when you don’t, multiple strap options, highly legible markers, and a contrasting second hand, the Vaer A3 Atlas is the ideal do everything, go anywhere, EDC field watch.

Urban

prAna Transit Range and Friction Rain Jackets

Prepping you for autumn, the team at prAna have two new jacket collections to keep you comfortable. First up is the Transit Range where you’ll find outerwear that is packable and windproof. This currently consists of two jackets, the Transit Jacket and Transit Windbreaker, each available in three colorways. Next is the Friction Rain series known for its rainproofness and urban-sleek styling. Again, we see two pieces here (the Rain Jacket and Rain Parka), with three and two colorway options respectively. With prices starting under $100, the new collections from prAna offer something to fit any inclement weather you might find yourself in.

Autumn Headwear Spring/Summer Collection

Hailing from just north of San Diego, CA, Autumn is coming in hot with their Spring/Summer 2022 collection featuring the new Snowflake icon designed by August Studio as well as new caps, beanies, bucket hats, and artist tees. Five-panel snapbacks are adorned with embroidered wordmarks by surf and snow artists and athletes, while the Camp Cap is available in black and natural ripstop nylon with mesh side panels and a clip closure. This collection truly has something for everyone.

DSPTCH Unit and Utility Totes

Looking for sleek totes that blend clean urban style and tough versatility? DSPTCH provide ample options with their clean and classy Unit Tote and Utility Tote series. Both designs come in a choice of portrait or landscape modes, as well as a range of hard-wearing materials. One of those options for the Unit Tote is ECOPAK; an eco-friendy material made from 100% recycled polyester with a C0 DWR coating. The totes are made in the USA and can be carried by hand or over the shoulder. And if you fancy additional organization, DSPTCH also offers clever optional inserts for both models.

Pacsafe Metrosafe X Anti-Theft Urban Sling

Pacsafe are experts at delivering anti-theft features in understated style. And with their new Urban Sling, they deliver their signature security-conscious design in a compact bag that’s great for carrying the essentials. Discreet features such as lockable zippers, a cut-resistant strap and materials, as well as an RFID-blocking pocket keep your gear safe on the go. And with its wide opening and choice of pockets, organizing and accessing gear is straightforward too. Add in the sustainable construction featuring 8 recycled plastic bottles and 100% PFC free water repellency and you’ve got a solid, stylish sling for both everyday and travel use.

Trakke Wester Roll-Top Backpack

When it comes to handsome heritage aesthetics, premium materials, and multifunctional design, you can trust Trakke to deliver the goods. Their new Wester Roll-Top Backpack offers all of this in a tough, 21L design that rolls easily from urban pursuits to outdoor adventures. In addition to the main compartment, the pack provides a quick-access 16″ laptop compartment, dual side pockets, and a handy pocket on the front with its own internal organization.

KILLSPENCER Briefcase 3.0

KILLSPENCER are the kings of luxuriously cool carry and their Briefcase 3.0 brings undeniable elegance to your work setup. Made by hand in Los Angeles, the briefcase exudes quality with its full-grain leather construction, bullhide leather handle, Riri zipper, and Cobra buckles. Inside you’ll find a padded 15″ laptop pocket and two flat pockets, along with two exterior pockets under the flap. The briefcase also includes a removable shoulder strap so you can easily alternate between hand and shoulder carry.

MiiR Climate+ Collection

Drinkware is something you likely carry regularly; perhaps a water bottle for the commute or drinking vessels packed in a travel bag for a weekend getaway. MiiR’s new Climate+ Collection offers a sustainable drinkware option that uses 25% less stainless steel, no virgin plastic, and also has 110% of its carbon footprint offset. The collection includes a tumbler (12oz or 16oz) and a wide mouth bottle (20oz), made from lightweight 18/8 stainless steel. The drinkware also features Thermo 3D double-wall vacuum insulation and a 100% recycled and recyclable food-safe lid.

Travel

Weatherman Travel Umbrella

After several months of being out of stock, and gathering a waitlist numbering over 15,000 fans, the Weatherman Travel Umbrella is finally back in stock. The best traveling accessory is the lightest one that Weatherman makes, weighing just under a pound. It’s also the most packable, coming in at less than 12 inches collapsed. Despite its diminutive size, it shares the same durability as its larger brothers thanks to its industrial-strength fiberglass shafts and ribs and quick-dry water-repellent canopies. Said canopies are vented, which allows the Travel Umbrella to withstand winds up to 55mph without breaking or inverting. It’s available in ten solid colorways with reflective accents as well as a number of college-branded versions.

Mountain Hardwear Redeye 45 Travel Pack and Echo Lake Hoody

Mountain Hardwear continuously innovates, and sometimes under the radar! Whenever we get the chance to test their products, we jump at the chance to have a play around with them. Two new items from their team have caught our attention – The Redeye Travel Pack and the Echo Lake Hoody.

The Redeye Travel Pack is quintessential Mountain Hardwear; excellent construction, no frills, just good thoughtful design. Coming in two colorways and two harness sizes, the Redeye has all that you could need for a few days on the road. 500D CORDURA® nylon is a great blend of robust and lightweight, and a lined laptop sleeve keeps your tech close at hand. Top and rear access allows you to either drop in or unload quickly, and the stowable hip belt and shoulder straps give you the option to “tidy” the bag for different situations. If you’re on the road regularly, this is worth a look!

The Echo Lake Hoody is an excellent addition to your spring and summer wardrobe. A lightweight hoody that combines both windproof protection and sun protection (UPF 40), this packable layer is an easy choice to bring with you. Four pockets, a full-size hood, and subtle styling for under $90? Count us in!

Outdoors

Western Rise Session Tee, Movement Short, Boundless Short

The husband and wife dynamic duo out of Colorado knows that the weather is heating up and folks are itching to spend quality time outdoors. They’ve recently added some welcome improvements to three warm-weather pieces. First up is the Session Tee, which receives new inline sleeves and updated sizing to accommodate more body shapes. Next, the Movement Short is now constructed from a lighter, more moisture-wicking and quicker drying fabric. They also decreased the inseam a tad for better movement. Lastly, the Boundless Short is trimmer with a lighter weight fabric and shorter fit, and is now rocking a stretch waistband with a new drawstring.

We’ve been enjoying these pieces on runs, pickleball sessions, and pre-noon hikes. They are lightweight, quick-drying, don’t smell, and allow a wide range of movement. And if you’ve ordered any Western Rise gear recently, be sure to check out their new luxe packaging!

Daybreak Ultralight Daypack (White)

We’re fans of HMG and their Daybreak, and it tested well in the field. And so when they recently released a white version of their Daybreak Ultralight Daypack with some orange shock cord for serious pop points – we were all over it.

Multifunctional for trips on the trails or around town, this new colorway brings a bright colorway to your excursions while maintaining the pack’s lightweight appeal.

Prometheus Design Werx SPD STS-B G10 Combo Frame Lock Folder

Compact and capable, the STS-B G10 Combo Frame Lock Folder is a new release from PDW’s Special Projects Division. The knife offers a variety of carefully considered features including a premium Böhler M390 blade, titanium bolsters, jimping for saber and reverse grips, glow-in-the-dark cabochons, and OD Green G10 handle scales installed. However, a set of Black G10 scales are also included, allowing you to swap out scales depending on your preferences.

QWSTION + MOVER Hip Pack

QWSTION have long been known for their sustainable approach to carry. Now they’re stepping up once again, this time to tackle the outdoor scene with the QWSTION + MOVER Hip Pack. This 0% plastic bag features a combination of ripstop cotton, Bananatex®, wool felt padding, and aluminum buckles. The bag is designed to accommodate a range of use environments, from skiing to cycling and hiking. Limited to 100 pieces, the hip pack is available to pre-order now with delivery scheduled for June.

Huckberry x The James Brand Redstone Collaboration

Our friends at Huckberry often do a great job of choosing unique and timeless collaboration partners. They’ve done the same here with their new TJB knife–the Redstone. A lightweight knife perfect for both EDC and Outdoor pursuits, the Redstone features a slide lock design, Sandvik 12C27 steel, a wire clip, and a paracord lanyard complete with Huckberry bead. Simple, stylish, and functional, this could be a great addition to your kit!

Superfeet Comfort Insoles

If you spend any amount of time on your feet hiking, walking, or running, you’ll know that all insoles are not created equal. Even in some of the best shoes on the market, the insoles can be lacking. Superfeet now have you covered with their two newest customizable insoles – The Trailblazer and the Run Comfort. Easily cut to your shoe size, these insoles provide great comfort, energy dispersion, and odor resistance. Foot and leg health is often an underappreciated part of activity and recovery; with a simple insert, you can help ease discomfort and decrease fatigue. Superfeet provide a wide range of activity-specific insoles too! Look after your feet, and they’ll look after you!

Our Best New Gear guides are brought to you by David Vo and Catherine Baecker-Khoury.

The post Best New Gear | April 2022 appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Now, that line includes three items; pants, chinos, and shorts. Each pair stays true to the ethos of the Evolution collection, enabling travelers to pack light and stay on the move. The brand new four-way stretch fabric ensures that you can wear these all day in comfort, and for multiple days without worrying about any odor developing. Even in our extensive use of the 1.0 Evolution Pants, we almost never found it necessary to pack another pair for a long weekend trip, even if we needed to dress them up. The only time we packed anything else was when we wanted to tag in some shorts on a hotter day.

The fabric upgrade is wonderful. While the 1.0 was comfortable, the fabric didn’t have much stretch, and the waistband wasn’t quite as soft as we’d have liked. The new air-textured nylon twill is a huge upgrade in our eyes. It’s got a nicer handfeel, and the stretch lets me eat dinner without feeling ashamed after every bite.

This goes double for the new waistband. Gone is the everyday double-needle waistband, and in its place is a modern, super soft, smooth, four-way stretch waistband. The old waistband was honestly one of the only things I didn’t love, and Western Rise listened and delivered.

While the Chinos and Shorts have typical seamed pockets, the new Pants have sharp-looking, shaped, bartacked pockets. The slight angle at the midpoint adds a bit of overall length to the entrance to the pocket. This means access is easier, even when sitting down. Something I didn’t think would make much of a difference was the removal of the metal rivets at the corners. But I actually noticed it quite a bit. These pockets overall feel sturdier and easier to get your items in and out of.

While mostly everything else will feel familiar here, like zippered pockets within pockets, one of my favorite little upgrades is the new device pocket. The old Evolutions had a more typical five-pocket setup. But along with the newly shaped front pockets, Western Rise has also redesigned the “fifth” pocket to actually be usable. It fit my Pixel 6 Pro perfectly, and still left me room to dump my wallet and keys in the pocket right below without access issues. It’s a pleasure to use.

In the “personal security” department, Western Rise has opted for a locking YKK zipper on each item in the lineup. This means no accidental zipper mishaps that aren’t self-inflicted. Below, you may also notice the drawstrings, and they are wonderful. They’re only on the Shorts, but I almost wish they were on the Pants as well. The Evolutions are well known for being lightweight, and often more warm-weather oriented; so sometimes I don’t want to rock a belt if I don’t have to, especially in the middle of summer. Drawstrings feel a bit more grab-n-go.

The Evolutions are some of my most worn pants over the last few years. And on more than one occasion they were the only pair of pants I brought on a long weekend or even week-long trip. The 1.0s were comfortable and great looking, and the 2.0s have improved on them in every way; from fit to finish. In general, Western Rise makes some of our favorite travel and everyday clothing, and not just pants. Their StrongCore merino shirts are some of the softest out there. And lately, their X-Cotton t-shirts have become my absolute favorite everyday shirt – I own multiple in almost every color.

If you loved the 1.0s, you’ll love everything about the 2.0s. We recommend ordering your normal waist size for slimmer-cut pants. If you’re familiar with Western Rise’s fit, you’ll feel right at home here as well. Go check them out on Kickstarter, grab a deal on your next favorite set of travel pants, and stay tuned for more in-depth coverage on Western Rise’s Evolution 2.0 lineup!

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Urban

Buck Mason New Spring Sweaters

Los Angeles-based essentials brand, Buck Mason, just dropped a new collection of 100% cotton Spring Sweaters. These lighter weight sweaters are warm-climate friendly and are the perfect transitional piece. They are made from a medium weight, soft yet durable, textured ribbed knit. Available in a number of colorways as well as a crewneck and shawl cardigan version, there’s something for everyone. Lastly, the Vintage Dyed Cotton sweaters are garment dyed and washed to give the look of a well-loved piece out of the box. All the sweaters are easy to care for and are machine washable.

DUER Spring ‘22 Collection

The spring collection, which includes the new women’s No Sweat Everyday Pant and Live Lite High Rise Jogger, along with new styles in the men’s No Sweat Jogger, No Sweat Pant and Live Lite Pant, features natural, breathable materials including eucalyptus-derived, bacteria-inhibiting TENCEL and cotton.
“By focusing on plant-based fibers rather than plastic, we’re offering a natural alternative to reduce collective environmental impact,” said Director of Product, Elizabeth Davey. “Our summer collection will offer an ultra lightweight fabric that’s natural fiber-rich as well.”

Heimplanet Transit Line Daypack and New Commuter Pack Colorways

Heimplanet’s trusty Transit Line welcomes a slick new member in the Transit Line Daypack. This clever commuter-friendly pack blends clean style, great access, and efficient organization. But it goes beyond the office too, adapting to gym trips and short travel as well. A clamshell main compartment and additional side access makes packing and retrieving gear quick and simple. And the durable and sustainable DYECOSHELL fabric will take daily use easily in its stride.

If you’re looking for a more compact commuting companion, Heimplanet’s Commuter Pack has welcomed new colorways including Dark Grey and Castlerock/Light Grey; great if you fancy a little color pop in your daily workhorse.

Outdoors

Swiftwick Flite XT Trail

We’ve been using Swiftwick socks for hiking, cycling, and about-town adventures for years now. So we were excited to learn about their new Flite XT Trail. Combining the best of all worlds as a performance sock, they feature a merino wool upper that wicks moisture and regulates temperature, along with grip fibers and ankle support for stability. 

The GripDry Fiber is integrated into the ball and heel of the sock, providing micro treads that result in a firm grip with each step. Strong elastic around your ankles, by way of AnkleLock Technology, provides support while moving. Finally, the seamless toe box eliminates annoying points of friction on the forefoot. The Flite XT Trail is available now in five-inch and two-inch cuff heights.

Weatherman Umbrella Arnold Palmer Camo Collection

Weatherman Umbrella was created after nationally recognized meteorologist Rick Reichmuth couldn’t find an umbrella suited to take on the severe weather he spent his career covering. He decided to design one himself and now all Weatherman umbrellas feature industrial-strength fiberglass shafts and ribs, quick-dry and water-resistant vented canopies, and the ability to withstand winds of up to 55mph without breaking or inverting.

They just released their Arnold Palmer collection, inspired by the legendary golfer. Available in a number of colorways, the Fairway Camo version is the keystone of the collection and brings some visual flair to an often forgettable carry accessory.

LifeStraw Peak Collection

LifeStraw’s new line of water filtration for the outdoors, the Peak Collection, launched earlier this month. Building on the success of the original LifeStraw design, the Peak Collection features six models, offering durability and versatility in lightweight compact carrying options. The Personal Water Filter Straw, Collapsible Squeeze Bottle Water Filter System (in both 650 ml and 1L sizes), 3L and 8L Gravity Water Filter System, and the 8L Gravity Water Filter + Water Storage Bag. Most of the collection is available in two colorways: Mountain Blue and Dark Mountain Gray and their long-lasting membranes can filter between 500 and 1000 gallons before needing replacing.

Tifosi Rail Sunglasses

The Rail provides cyclists with a minimal weight frame, maximum protection via an oversized shield, and increased airflow to limit fogging. As always, what sets Tifosi’s Rail apart is its affordability without the sacrifice of best-in-class materials. Tifosi believes you should spend more money on your bike, not your eyewear.

Travel

Western Rise Evolution Collection

Western Rise, one of our favorite do-anything clothing companies, have returned to their roots on Kickstarter. Launched early March 2022, the team from Colorado have a new Evolution Collection consisting of three pieces: the Evolution Chino, the Evolution Pant, and the Evolution Short. Working closely with their partner mills, they developed their Evolution Fabric which offers 4-way stretch, increased durability, and wrinkle and stain resistance.

The Pants are a jeans-style pant with patch back pockets. The Chinos are a Khaki-style pant with welt back pockets. Lastly, the Shorts are a Khaki-style short with welt back pockets. They are truly versatile; able to adapt to many situations. This means they can be dressed up for a meeting or wedding, yet are rugged enough for outdoor excursions. The pants even pack smaller than a t-shirt, making them ideal as travel bottoms. Back now to save 20% off retail price!

ORTLIEB Metrosphere Capsule

Now in its 40th year, ORTLIEB is proud to unveil its first collection of mainstream travel luggage – Metrosphere. A capsule of three bags (a duffel and two backpacks), the Metrosphere collection builds on ORTLIEB’s heritage of highly durable, RF-welded, waterproof bags, which are all made in ORTLIEB’s German factory. 

Matador NanoDry Towels + Waterproof Pill Canister

Matador is back again with an update to a fan favorite and the introduction of a new product. For starters, the new NanoDry Packable Shower Towel and NanoDry Trek towels are significantly updated versions of the brand’s best-selling travel towels. They are designed for lightweight, efficient travel and come with a convenient silicone case for storage. Constructed of a quick-drying nanofiber material, they are capable of absorbing up to 2.3 times their own weight in water. Matador added five inches to the Shower Towel, for an even better drying experience.

New to Matador is their new Waterproof Pill Canister – an ultralight and durable case designed to keep pills and supplements dry and organized during travel. The case is food-safe and dishwasher-safe and offers an airtight and waterproof solution for transporting up to a week’s worth of medication.

Our Best New Gear guides are brought to you by David Vo and Catherine Baecker-Khoury.

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IKEA FRAKTA

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more ubiquitous piece of carry on the planet, owned and loved by millions. And yet, it might just be the most ‘humble’ Hall of Famer to ever make the cut.

Because, let’s be honest, the IKEA FRAKTA Bag is a simple bit of kit, sold for $1 inside the walls of the world’s largest flat-pack furniture retailer. But it’s this simplicity and universality that are some of the reasons why it’s such an icon.

Originally designed by siblings Marianne and Knut Hagberg for IKEA’s Japanese store, their design goal was simple: create a solution that would be inexpensive, carry 50kgs and help customers transport their goods home from stores using public transport (Japan’s transport of choice).

They came up with FRAKTA, a version of the blue bag with a zip that could be carried as a backpack. Then, further developing the design, Ingvar Kamprad came home from Asia with a new material – a material used to store rice. It was light, strong, and perfectly priced.

Thus the icon was born, made from synthetic material polypropylene and put on aisles in large tote or box shapes with two carrying options.

They rustled when you shook them and packed flat wafer-thin, they could get dirty and rinsed off with a gardening hose in a flash, and carry anything from groceries to wet surf gear and anything in between. A simple solution for everyone, making toting your stuff easy.

And because of the above, it might just be one of the finest examples of one of our favorite design pillars: ‘Fitness for Purpose’.

You see, great design doesn’t have to have all of the bells and whistles or that premium price tag swinging from its corner. Iconic design can excel in its simplicity, nailing its core task for its core user with supreme ease and efficiency. And the IKEA FRAKTA has done that for decades, remaining unchanged.

Then, of course, factor in the global adoration of the FRAKTA. It’s a design that has captured the imaginations of so many, sprouting fan pages, DIY maker creations and fun plays on the iconic tarp and blue and yellow webbing – even inspiring the highest of high-fashion.

So this year, we’re saluting a humble piece of Carry. Something done so damn well, accessible to everyone, known to many, and loved by all.

The Big Blue Bag!

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Heimplanet

It all started with an idea, a tent of the future. The idea was born from the frustration of pitching a tent in the dark with rain pelting down. The result? The Cave, an inflatable geodesic dome with no poles, pitched in less than a minute and made to withstand the elements. A home, or heim, in the wild.

It was the product that introduced Heimplanet to the world, concreting the brand as a forward-thinker and innovator. A brand not afraid to think outside of the box.

Since then, Heimplanet have kept expanding their offerings, moving into the Carry space with release upon release, designing bags for urban commutes, active adventures, and more. Each release well-considered and quintessentially ‘Heimplanet’ – showcasing clean, versatile silhouettes and smart utility.

But, of course, they’re more than just sharp design. The brand are committed to fostering adventure and travel with quality gear that has your back in demanding environments. And this love of exploring the world also inspires them to protect it.

Heimplanet creates products that are built to last. Tough, long-lasting gear doesn’t need to be replaced often, helping to decrease the use of resources in manufacturing new products and keeping current ones out of landfills.

All their products come with a lifetime warranty and Heimplanet is a member of 1% for the Planet.

They’re also on a quest to implement more sustainable business practices, developing their DYECOSHELL fabric.

DYECOSHELL is a hard-wearing fabric that offers great resistance to abrasion but also uses dope dyeing. This process of dyeing uses far less water, chemicals, and energy than traditional dyeing and also results in far lower CO2 emissions.

Heimplanet’s commitment to sustainable materials is commendable. But it’s not the only way they’re helping to reduce the environmental impact of their products. Their RE:STORE program was launched with a specific goal: to keep their products in use for as long as possible. The longer the life cycle of an existing product, the less need there is to create a new one (which uses a lot of resources in its creation).

So how does it work? You send Heimplanet your used gear, and after a gear inspection you will receive a credit voucher of 10% to 20% of the product’s purchase price (depending on its current condition). Your old gear will be repaired or recycled, and remanufactured gear will be sold at a lower price in Heimplanet’s RE:STORE shop. Quality gear gets a new lease of life, customers get a cool discount, less manufacturing resources are used, and unnecessary waste stays out of landfills. Win-win all around.

Heimplanet demonstrates that you don’t need to be a big company to lead by example and make a positive impact. They are committed to long-lasting gear that helps you get out there, without overlooking a sustainable approach. They’re not afraid to experiment and seek out innovative designs and push the needle. And all the while searching for ways to support and celebrate the planet.

Bravo, Heimplanet!

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