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.

Featured Gear:

Backpacks:

Mission Workshop R6
Tom Bihn Synik 30
Black Ember Forge Max
GORUCK GR1 26L Shooter 500D Slick
The Brown Buffalo ConcealPack 21L

Pouches and modular accessories:

HoldFastGear Quiver
Filip Raboch Custom Pouch
Filip Raboch Custom Packing Cube
Mission Workshop Axis VX
Mission Workshop Arkiv Side Pockets
Tom Bihn 3D Organizer Pouch (clear) ; (all-fabric)
Tom Bihn Ghost Whale Pouch
The Brown Buffalo Porterpen Case
The Brown Buffalo MOD 001/002
GORUCK Shooter Velcro Kit GR1
Black Ember Water Bottle Attachment
CDH-TAC X Alpha One Niner Collaboration Wallet
Camera Shown: Leica Sofort
Camera used in filming: Sony RX100 VII

A massive thanks to JT White for the above guide. Our newest team member, JT is a Canadian-born, professional photographer living in Seoul, South Korea. Get to know him below!

The post A Beginner’s Guide to Modular Packing appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

You can download it here now.

If you missed last year’s edition you might be wondering what it’s all about? The Soft Serve Studio Forecast is an annual publication where we share what we’re seeing on the carry horizon for the coming year. From the broad forces that are shaping our everyday lives, down to the small design details that are emerging, we plot what’s changing and how it’s all connected. For us, the report is a practice in taking time to look beyond the day-to-day. It’s an opportunity to take stock of all of the little trends that might otherwise be disregarded. As well as to deep dive into the latest releases, new fabrics, and recent hardware developments. 

So what are the big topics influencing 2022? It goes without saying that Covid is a major theme. But it’s not so much the direct result of the pandemic as the knock-on effects. Richard Kestenbaum from Forbes put it best when he said, “The idea that the pandemic has accelerated pre-existing trends is talked about so much that it’s become a cliché. But it’s become a cliché because it’s true”.

From work to working out, many of our old routines have been flipped on their head in the space of a year with no going back. And for each of these new routines, the design of our everyday gear is racing to keep up. It’s given rise to a new wave of portable work and digital home fitness solutions. As well as trends like Biz-Leisure. “What’s Biz-Leisure?” you may be asking yourself – you’ll have to check out the full 2022 trend forecast.

But the Covid effect hasn’t only brought about a shift in new designs. It’s also highlighted the intrinsic value of the objects around us. For many, it’s spurred on a demand for shopping locally and added more luster to buying locally-made products. And for a small but growing number of people, it’s prompted them to go one step further to start making their own gear. While still niche, designers such as Reese Cooper are now starting to tap into these emerging sewing skills. In 2020 Reese launched a DIY version of his Chore Coat. His pattern and a sewing kit gave homemakers all the tools to make a custom coat for a fraction of the price of the original. This willingness to get hands-on with gear is a promising trend given the growing environmental need to mend and reuse the things we buy.

To get the full, free 48-page report follow this link to download. 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.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the 2022 trend forecast. Get in touch at contact@softservestudio.com to let us know what you think.

The post Design Talk | 2022 Trend Forecast appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

As an autistic adult, I’ve spent a decent portion of my life dealing with isolation, uncertainty, stress, and anxiety, even in entirely normal situations. Over the years I’ve put together a few tools to help me deal with the tough times. Before anything else: mental health is a complex issue and, if things are getting to be too much too often, you need to see a professional. For the rest of us though, here are some carry tips that may work:

Turn it down

The world has a lot going on. Sometimes when your head won’t stop buzzing, you need to control how much information is coming in. Many readers will already have something that I consider ‘sensory aids’ in their carry, but perhaps overlook their benefit for this kind of use.

Sunglasses are an essential for me; I find bright environments stressful, so turning the sun down a few notches really helps me stay calm. Whether I’m driving to work, sitting outside with a coffee, or scrambling up a mountain ridge, my Julbo Shield glasses fit my needs really well. 

Sometimes shades won’t cut it – I want real darkness. I’ve used a lot of sleep masks and the Manta Sleep is by far my favorite. The eyecups adjust to fit the wearer’s face, and the band is broad and soft around the head. That means it applies gentle, even pressure to the cheeks and brows, off the eyes themselves, unlike most flat masks. The mask itself is so effective, I’ve fallen soundly asleep wearing this in airport terminals, those hotel rooms where the curtain doesn’t close fully, and even with the lights still on in my own bedroom.

Earplugs are another great way to soften the world when I’m overloaded. The squishy foam earplugs you’ve seen will help. But I’ve carried Alpine WorkSafe earplugs for years, ever since I worked in a heavy metal venue. They have a passive filter, meaning they cut down the volume and the harsher aspects of ambient sound, but I can still have a conversation with them in. They’re discreet enough to wear anywhere and so easy to carry around since they come with a handy pocket case.

When it’s appropriate, however, I find Active Noise Cancelling to be a gamechanger. I wear Bose QC25 headphones whenever I’m working at a desk, and find them incredibly beneficial to my mood. If you’re someone who gets irritated by small sounds or background noise, ANC headphones are the solution you’re looking for. 

Shake it out

Sometimes settling your thoughts isn’t about blocking the world out, but rather grounding yourself in your senses. Remember fidget spinners? They were a cool fad but for many folks (especially us neurodivergent types), self-stimulation like that serves a real purpose when settling their nerves. When my thoughts begin to carry me away, I focus on what I can feel or touch as a way of staying present and balanced.

Having a ritual or distraction based on the feeling of something whirring or clicking in your hand is nothing new. Clicking prayer beads or squeezing a stress ball are classics. Modern ‘executive toys’ like The Thinket, or a high-quality spinning top (check out Prometheus Lights’ Lambda) serve the same function. 

There are other options for grounding tools that may already be part of your carry: tying knots is a tactile activity that invokes a firm presence of mind. If you’re more of an idle ‘stimmer,’ a good clicky pen (I like the Fisher M4B) can be satisfying enough to hit the spot. 

Write it down

Of course, the other reason to carry a pen is to write stuff down. Dark thoughts can bubble up and it’s good to talk them out, but if you’re quarantining alone that can be hard. However, there’s pretty decent evidence that keeping a journal can have the same effect. Making time for yourself is valuable alone, but taking that time to vocalize and express your emotional state for the day will make everything feel clearer, and easier to bear. 

I carry three notebooks, most days. I use a small Moleskine Cahier (same size as the classic Field Notes) for quick notes and a larger A5 journal (I like Rhodia) for my daily writing. The last one is a pocket diary for dates, plans, and appointments. This is arguably the most important since it also helps keep things organized, keeping me on plan and in control.

Have a system

Being naturally rather disorganized is both a cause and a result of my anxious tendencies. Finding order out of chaos is incredibly calming, and allows me to stay functional. Having a set routine frees up an awful lot of energy that I need for the day, since humans run very well on habit. If you’re someone who struggles to sleep, try instituting a firm routine at a regular bedtime, with several steps that prepare you for shutting down at the end of the day.

Carry is a big part of this: having a system that ensures all my daily essentials are packed and ready to go is a huge weight off my mind (and based on this recent thread in the Carryology Classified group, I’m not the only one). Having a killer pouch setup for switching between packs helps too. Loading in a few just-in-case items like a charge-bank for my phone, a spare pen, a multi-tool, or a pack of tissues means I know I’ll be covered if my worries become realities. 

Care for yourself

It’s impossible (or imprudent) to carry a tool for every eventuality, but there are some inevitabilities you can take care of with your carry and make a huge difference to your wellbeing. You will get hungry, you will get thirsty; these will make a difference to your mood. Carrying a snack will get you through the worst of that. Make it something you enjoy – even a tiny boost can shift the whole day onto a better track. Carrying water (whether that’s a tiny A6 Memobottle or hefty 1L Nalgene) comes with a whole host of benefits to your health, mental or otherwise.

Food and drink are essential to life, but some of us need a little more. Self-care means doing what you need to get through the day and, well, sometimes that’s hard. If your doctor has prescribed you something to help keep your thoughts steady, follow their advice and take them. 

Sadly, the hard times aren’t going anywhere soon. Things will likely get darker before the dawn comes, and we might be best forgetting what ‘back to normal’ looks like. If you’re close to your loved ones, then get each other through this. If you’re able to join the community, then do so; we’re doing better together. 

Many thanks to Jed Edwards for the post above.

The post Carrying My Thoughts appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

This is a true story of how Chrome and Mission Workshop founder Mark Falvai teamed up Lyle Barton and Cesar Villalba to start one of the freshest lifestyle brands in recent memory. Afterschool Projects (ASP) is based in Los Angeles. It’s influenced by the diversity of Southern California’s cities, beaches, and mountains. Their name is a nod to the notion that all the fun happens after school. One look at their website and their product line and there’s no confusing it for any of the previous brands the trio worked on.

The trio chose to start the brand in Los Angeles not only because it allowed them to find inspiration in their backyard, but also it gave them access to a variety of dye houses and manufacturing partners. LA’s Garment District spans 100 blocks wide and includes more than 4,000 independently owned and operated retail and wholesale businesses.

The design philosophy of the brand is refreshingly simple. They build clothing and packs they want to use, and with the best materials and manufacturing partners they can find. With such a small team, all hands are on deck in running the brand. Lyle and Cesar are neighbors and often have design jam sessions in their front yard. Mark sews the samples in his barn in Malibu. Can you imagine a more hands-on founder, still sewing 30 years later?

Their first collection includes three bag designs that show both experimentation and restraint. The common thread between the bags is the whole collection is made in the USA, comes in three colorways (white, black, and camo), and is made from VX. In general, this advanced fabric often features in technical or niche bag companies. Or only as part of a capsule collection or limited release. Given the laid-back vibes of ASP, you would not expect to see this used. But let’s not forget the pedigree of the founders – coming from Chrome and Mission Workshop and with a background in competitive sports.

The largest pack is the ASP Rucksack. It holds 18L which feels like the sweet spot for an EDC bookbag. It has an internal padded laptop sleeve (up to 16″), two external mesh water bottle pockets, a front cargo pocket, and external compression straps. Due to the material choice, the whole thing is very lightweight and highly water-resistant.

Some say 2020 was the year of the sling and you’d be hard-pressed to find a brand launching without one. The ASP Simple Hip Pack is a simple affair. It’s a Made in the USA VX bag that’s as comfortable around your waist as it is worn cross-body. A mesh pocket subdivides the single main compartment. Wings on both ends provide a little more stability and comfort.

Lastly, the Sacoche is Afterschool Projects’ take on the ever-popular Japanese silhouette that is as practical as it is simple. It comes in two sizes – Grande measuring 10″ x 6.5″ and standard coming in at 7″ x 6″. Think of it as the “extra pocket you always wish you had.”

One thing that stands out immediately is the juxtaposition of the component choices on the bags. For example, beefy waterproof zippers, Dimension Polyant fabrics, and thick paracord zipper pulls, but plastic hardware in some places. However, ASP explains that their philosophy is to always design things they want to use and wear and to solve issues that they perceive to be problems. In other words, ASP will focus on areas they think are most important – in this case, waterproofness and weight.

Their practical approach extends to their clothing line as well. For example, the ASP team found an American mill producing some impeccable cotton. So they used it to make their hoodies and crews. Similarly, they found a great partner in Los Angeles making 4-ply swim trunks so now ASP has them on offer. Afterschool Projects has introduced a nice wardrobe collection including: t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, utility pants and shorts, and the aforementioned swim trunks.

The initial clothing collection might seem a little casual (pastels, color blocking, tie-dye). But it’s actually a reflection of the work-from-home vibes that many have experienced this past year. However, never one to be pigeon-holed, the team from ASP is teasing some really exciting upcoming developments. These include more technical fabrics for Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter in their clothing. Plus experiments with Dyneema and a collaboration featuring an interesting “twist” on a fabric not seen before in their carry line.

Afterschool Projects have demonstrated extreme flexibility in their designs and material choices and a willingness to produce the best quality goods, unfettered by material, manufacturing, or image perceptions. With a strong launch collection and the promise of interesting designs and partnerships to come, they’re a brand to watch.

The post Introducing: Afterschool Projects appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

It’s more than strapping bags to bikes

Different riders, bikes, terrain, and weather mean no two rides are the same. A single bikepacking trip can span a wide array of conditions. Bikepacking bag design has to follow the same philosophy as bike design – utilizing the best materials, chosen for their performance, alongside geometry that complements the terrain and riding style, and the most suitable components.

Packs for road riding prioritize storage space and even weight distribution. Mountain bike bags are more abrasion resistant and work around suspension and moving components. Racing-focused packs are more streamlined and focus on weight and efficient construction, rather than extra features. Focusing on your preferred riding style and ensuring the packs fit your favorite bike should guide which style you choose. Above all else, make sure the packs are waterproof and durable – nothing ruins a bikepacking trip faster than wet gear.

In the bikepacking world, seam welding tends to be the gold standard for waterproofing. Bag shapes and designs are difficult to tape and stitched constructions usually lead to water seeping in under sustained rain. Waterproof zips and roll closures are common and reliable ways of keeping water out of packs. But look closely at small details such as zipper garages and flaps of material that divert water away from openings. 

Achieving perfect balance

The most common spaces used for bikepacking bags are found underneath the saddle, inside the frame triangle (as well as on top and below) and mounted directly to the handlebars. 

It can be tempting to pick one space and fill it with the biggest bag possible to carry everything. But this is a surefire way to make your first bikepacking trip an uphill battle. Your goal should be to equally balance the weight of your gear around the center of gravity of your bike. Balancing five kilos off the back of the saddle will seriously alter the way you know your bike to handle. Whereas two kilos in a saddle bag, balanced by two more on the handlebars and the rest of your gear in a frame bag will result in a much more pleasant ride. 

As you ride more with bags strapped to your bike, you’ll develop a system for what goes where. But there are some general rules of thumb that can help guide your packing system until you perfect it:

Saddle bags are ideal for spare clothes and a warm down jacket; things you need after a day of riding. This is also a decent spot for a sleeping bag if it can’t fit in the front.

Frame bags are great places to store heavy items: a water bladder, stove, fuel, tent stakes, food, extra snacks, and gear that can remain static whilst riding.

Handlebar bags are a great space for a small tent, mattress, and sleeping bag. Bungee attachments and accessory pockets provide useful space for storing snacks, camera, documents, and things you need easy access to.

Top tube bags are for items you want easy access to while riding, such as a phone, gloves, snood, warm hat, portable batteries, energy bars, and snacks. 

Food pouches/stem bags are ideal for stashing food, sunglasses, gloves, or water bottles.

Fork bags are ideal for storing compressible items such as sleeping gear and extra clothing. 

These spaces differ between bike types, however. Road, gravel, mountain, and commuter bikes are all completely different shapes and will favor different types of packs. For example, few road bikes have fork pack mounts.   

Less is more

While it is possible to attach a bag to every single part of your bike and carry every creature comfort imaginable, bikepacking is about maintaining ride feel. Much of the challenge (and fun!) is stripping your kit list back to just the essentials. Doing away with the clutter surrounding us in daily life.

You’ll be surprised how little you need. Joe Rass-Court recently rode 1,800km across Colombia with barely more than many would take for a day ride. With 36,000m of climbing, he wanted the weight as low as possible, fully embracing the ‘less is more’ mindset:

“For longer tours, there’s a temptation to pack more. But heavier bikes are less fun to ride and I wanted to focus on enjoying my time both on and off the bike as much as possible, riding hard during the day and enjoying staying in hotels at night. With so much climbing, keeping the weight down was extra important and my kit added just 2.5kg to my setup, despite containing all my clothes and spares.”

Even Jenny Graham, who set the Guinness World Record for the fastest circumnavigation of the world by bike, stripped her kit back to the essentials. She carried just one small luxury for her four months on the road:

“I REALLY love having a lip balm with me. I don’t need it but it’s a wee bit of lush in a grim headwind!”

While it’s easy to do away with a few spare layers or electronics, tools and spares is one place where the balancing act between ‘just enough to get by’ and ‘ride-ending disaster’ is particularly tough. Part of the bikepacking mindset is self-support and being able to fix your bike trailside to finish your tour. But carrying bulky items (like spare tires) that end up being unused can be extremely frustrating.

Jenny Tough, Apidura ambassador, explains:

“On a short ride, I just carry my little saddle tool bag with a tubeless repair kit and small multitool. Worse than that, I’ll walk. On a longer day ride, I’ll usually take a half-frame bag with a pump, tube, multitool, tubeless repair kit, chain link and tool, chain wipes, spare cable (it’s in the bag already, I’ll probably call for a lift if I actually need it!) and maybe a battery and charging cable for my phone. On an extended tour/race, the only addition to the above would be chain lube, two tubes instead of one, and on the Silk Road Mountain Race I wrongly carried a spare tire the whole way around.” 

Be prepared

One of the side effects of embracing the adventure spirit of bikepacking is finding adventure on your doorstep. Realizing that everyday rides can be made more special by staying out a little longer. Being more flexible. And simply being prepared for anything you might encounter when you take the road or trail you’ve always ridden past and thought, “I wonder where that goes.” 

Josh Kato: “The option of just getting on the bike and going is what I love. Having a nice roomy frame pack gives me so many options as what to carry without having to strap anything else to the bike or myself. Being prepared for the unexpected is key for me. Also, if I decide to make my day ride into an impromptu overnighter I like to know I have an extra layer of clothing to bed down in.”

Consider keeping some bags on your bike permanently and see where the freedom and flexibility they bring take you. Bikepacking might seem big and daunting before your first tour. But after a few longer rides and overnighters, you’ll quickly get into the swing of things and figure out what works for you. 

What to Pack

Well, everyone is different. But here’s a great packing list from Jenny Graham. This is her round-the-world proven gear and curated for a weekend or slightly longer bikepacking trip.

Terranova Moonlite bivvy
Cumulus X-Lite 200 sleeping bag
Klymit Inertia X-lite short mat (discontinued – nearest equivalent)
Endura drop seat bibs
Endura BaaBaa socks
Endura cycling jersey
Endura Pro Adrenaline Race gilet
Endura down jacket
Endura MT500 waterproof jacket
Endura leg warmers
Tire boots (sections of old tire)
Puncture repair kit
Tire levers
Inner tubes
Pump
Gorilla tape
Cable ties
Anker Battery pack
USB cables
Sunglasses
Endura arm warmers
Multitool

This article was written by Ross Arnold, product designer at Apidura.

The post Pro Guide: How to Pack for Bikepacking Adventures appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Mystery Ranch are pros. Time and again, under the watchful eye of Dana Gleason, they have produced attractive, functional, and timeless bags. Their innovative tri-zip design has become a favorite of many, both in civilian and military life. Designed in Bozeman, MT, their products are problem solvers designed to make the mission at hand easier with thoughtful touches, great materials, and an ironclad guarantee. We even teamed up with them to create the Carryology Assault, and it’s easy to see why it sold out twice over in record time.

Even further out west in San Francisco are the impressive folks, our good friends, Huckberry. Over the past 10 years, they have worked tirelessly to create a mecca for all things carry and outdoor adventure. Their mantra of “See You Out There” is echoed in a catalog that includes beautiful Italian watches and hoodies that’ll last you ten years. They’ve become a leader in the carry community as a reliable source for gift shopping, thoughtful journal entries, and of course, great gear.

When two companies like this collide, beautiful things happen! This is the third collaboration between the two, and it could be the best one yet. The Mystery Ranch 2DAP (Two Day Assault Pack) has become a customer favorite (including a Carryology Carry Awards nomination). They adapted it from their reliable 3DAP to fit into more civilian user scenarios, in particular urban surroundings. We were lucky enough to get our hands on this for a first look. Let’s dig in and find out what makes this Desert + Hunter Orange 2DAP backpack a crowd-pleaser…

Looking good

This is a bag that is designed to survive wherever you take it. Mystery Ranch’s catalog has become a favorite of LEAF organizations, particularly in the US. It is not uncommon to hear of MR bags that have survived wildfires, multiple tours of active military duty, and other environments where lesser bags would give up on you. However, some critique MR for their decidedly tactical (or tacticool) fascia. The original 2DAP comes in four understated colors which certainly match that characteristic and highlight the tactical elements of this bag.

The Huckberry edition, however, comes in a rich, versatile Desert colorway. At first glance, this may not seem wildly different from the Coyote or Forest colorways that already exist. However, the subtlety of this choice arguably opens up the bag to a wider array of personal styles amongst the average user. Orange paracord tastefully accents the black zips and zippers and matches the interior. A limited-edition morale patch ties together the collaboration nicely. 

Construction

As always with MR, the materials are robust. The 500D Cordura will allow this bag to endure many adventures and look as good as new with each outing. Durable YKK weatherproof zippers facilitate the tri-zip access. Plus the Futura harness is as comfortable as they come. Internally the bright Hunter Orange liner lights up your contents for quick identification and employment. The Mystery Ranch x Huckberry 2DAP is listed as having approximately a 27L capacity, and that feels about right. It is big enough to carry all that you’d need, without having that extra dead space you can sometimes find in 30-35L bags. Weighing in at only 3lbs, it is exceptionally lightweight for a bag that is so rugged.

Comfortable Loadouts

In the week that I’ve been using this bag, it has been with me in a few scenarios that give credence to the idea that it can be a bag that does it all. As an EDC bag, it held all that I needed to complete a day’s work, including travel to and from the local hot desk I occasionally use. I’ve loaded it out with my 16″ MacBook Pro, my mirrorless camera and lenses, drone, cables/dongles galore, lunchbox, 26oz water bottle, jacket/sweater, and general EDC (wallet, keys, phone). The mile walk to the office has not been troublesome or uncomfortable at all with that sizable load.

When using it at the office, I really appreciated how easy it is to access your laptop from either the long zip that travels down the side of the back panel, or from the internal access underneath the tri-zip opening. The selection of small side pockets inside the bag is perfect for organization. I found myself using one side of the bag for personal effects: water, mask, altoids, hand sanitizer, etc.) and the other for tech: computer charger, cables, card readers. The bright Hunter Orange lining made it easy to find what I needed quickly, even on the dull cloudy afternoons in New Jersey.

It has also filled the role of a hiker: allowing me to carry a 3L reservoir, extra layers, IFAK, snacks, water bottle, victory beer, knife, and a flashlight. Admittedly, in my short time with the bag, I only managed short hikes, but the comfort, or absence of discomfort, was noticeable. The bag’s materials really shine in outdoor settings. While not advertised as waterproof, it handled heavy showers with ease and I wasn’t concerned about squeezing through some overgrown trails knowing that it takes a lot to affect the 500D.

The small pull tabs at either end of the zippers made opening and closing supremely easy, even in gloves, a big win as the mercury plummets. For the outdoor-focused amongst you, the MOLLE allows you to attach essentials where you please, but more on that later. While coaching, it hauled cleats, water, notebooks, extra layers, gloves, and hats comfortably. Thanks to its tough construction, I had no concerns throwing it around between trips to different fields, in any weather.

Supreme Access

In my opinion, the biggest win on the Mystery Ranch x Huckberry 2DAP is the tri-zip opening. For those of you who haven’t used one before, it really is quite an eye-opener. Everything can be grabbed at a moment’s notice, which is a huge advantage in all of the situations that I outlined. It allows you to pack your load as you see fit. We all have our own preferences when it comes to packing, and you can cater to that with this bag. 

Customize at will

While we’re talking about customization, it should be noted that it is another of MR’s strong suits. You can customize this bag in a multitude of ways. There are two Velcro piles that allow you to attach any morale patch you like. Personally, I really like the MR x Huckberry patch included with the bag, but the world is your oyster here! Load lifters, a removable waist strap, and an adjustable chest harness allow you to dial in your comfort preferences as you see fit. Don’t need a waist strap for office travel? Remove it. Like to carry your load high on your back? Raise it up. Mystery Ranch created a bag you can tweak and reconfigure depending on what your day might entail. 

Carry on the outside

Harking back to their military days, there is also a lot of PALS webbing on the outside of the bag. This is where the color choice comes into its own. For whatever reason, in the Desert shade, that volume of webbing doesn’t look overbearing. The PALS allows you to attach literally anything that you can’t fit or don’t want inside the bag. I could easily attach my hiking poles for trickier hiking routes, a guardian light for walking down busy roads, or even just a few extra Bic’s for quick access on the go.

This PALS is what could make this a useful overnight bag. For the urban traveler, it would allow you to attach a jacket if your extra clothes and washbag live inside for the journey. For the ultralight hiker, you could easily attach a bivy bag and some of your utensils for your overnight jaunt. This would allow you room for your sleeping bag and other backpacking accouterments internally.

Don’t drop your bottle!

While this bag is impressive, that isn’t to say it’s perfect. The water bottle pockets on the exterior are cavernous but short. I found myself on a couple of occasions making sure that my bottle hadn’t shifted too much during transit. On my first day testing, my water bottle slipped out of its short resting spot as I picked it up, thankfully just onto my car seat. For hiking, I defaulted to a reservoir which is my usual preference. However, that decision was compounded by my mistrust in the water bottle pockets. I ended up using them for gloves and some extra snacks, i.e. things that won’t break or dent if they drop to the floor.

The harness, while incredibly comfortable, is also rather rigid. That means regardless of how empty or full the bag is, the harness profile remains the same. This can be a little awkward in some situations; your bag sits “away” from the wall or chair you’re leaning it against. If you load up/unload your bag on a chair, be aware of this! These are by no means deal-breakers, but definitely worth noting.

Verdict

Even though my time with this bag has been short, what I have seen so far has impressed me. It is easy to understand why the 2-Day Assault Pack is a fan favorite. People love its chameleon-like characteristics, nigh-on indestructible materials, and serious customization options. I also get a strong impression that this bag, and the harness in particular, will become more and more comfortable as it conforms to your body and carrying style. That’s something I’m looking forward to as the miles add up. Both of Mystery Ranch and Huckberry’s previous collaborations have set the bar high. With this Mystery Ranch x Huckberry 2DAP iteration, I think the bar just got a little higher.

The post First Look: Mystery Ranch x Huckberry 2DAP appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

After a couple of weeks of dedicated working from home, I decided that I needed to upgrade my workspace with the goals to become more productive, more efficient, and ultimately more comfortable. What transpired after the decision led me down a rabbit hole of desktop options and what was supposed to be a couple of small upgrades has snowballed into an almost completely new workspace – a workspace I’d like to share with you. And so this is a breakdown of my “Work from Home” essentials for a modern creative.

Herman Miller Aeron Chair with Engineered Now Headrest

The first thing that I was in desperate need of was to upgrade my office chair. For a little over a year, I used a combination of a standing desk that my wife had purchased for me and a Modernica fiberglass shell chair.  Although great to look at, the fiberglass chair is a bit rough on the body, especially my lower back. Being confined to my office gave me the justification I needed to splurge on a chair that will hopefully last for years to come.

I did a fair amount of research on my hunt for the perfect office chair. I read countless online reviews but nothing replaces actually sitting and testing out a chair. Yet with stores shut down I narrowed my list down to 2-3 chairs based on the reviews, budget, and overall aesthetics as I can’t stand the look of large monolith-like throne chairs.

Proper ergonomic chairs are a big spend so I searched for deals via Craigslist, OfferUp, and Facebook Marketplace. I found one local seller that had chairs in stock with both refurbished and brand new at reasonable prices. He also offered to let me come into his warehouse to sit and test the chairs from his inventory. I sat in the Steelcase Leap, the Herman Miller Mirra 2, the Herman Miller Setu, and the Herman Miller Remastered Aeron in which there were a couple of variations available.  

After sitting and debating, I went above my initial budget and splurged for the iconic Aeron. It’s the chair that all other chairs are compared to and for good reason. The ergonomic features, the comfort, and with a style that makes a statement made it hard to beat. The attached Engineered Now headrest that matches perfectly to the Mineral color of the chair sealed the deal. The headrest has become a game changer for comfort and the occasional nap. 

Dell Monitor – UltraSharp U2720Q

For years I’ve avoided using an external monitor paired with my MacBook Pro. This was partly because I liked the flexibility and freedom of moving from one location to another, whether it was at home from the dining table, kitchen island, or from the backyard for a change of scenery or while on the road at a coffee shop, airport, or even from the car. I felt that a monitor would hinder the portability.

Now being confined to a dedicated workspace, it was time to pony up and get an external monitor. There were select criteria that the monitor had to provide including the ability to power my MacBook Pro via USB-C to help decrease the number of cables needed, have a minimum of 4K resolution to aid with overall viewing and photo edits, and have a variety of ports.

I decided on the Dell UltraSharp U2720Q. I first saw this monitor at CES and was impressed with its wide color coverage. After using it in person my one regret is not jumping to using a separate monitor sooner. The larger screen makes it easy to have multiple windows and documents open without the need for separate desktops. I’m also able to use my MacBook Pro as a second monitor. The monitor has made it extremely easy to start up and get to work with only a very slight delay after waking it up. Now I’m tempted to purchase one more to pair with it, but that may have to wait a bit as my wallet needs a breather.

Jarvis Monitor Arm

Now with a new monitor in place, I quickly came to the conclusion that I would need a monitor arm to help secure the monitor to my desk. The issue with using just the stock monitor stand with my standing desk was that there was a little bit of wobble as the desk transitions through the various heights. I also have two little kids who eventually would probably yank on the monitor, causing it to fall. So in order to protect my investment, I searched for a monitor arm. I wanted a white arm for aesthetic reasons and the Jarvis has received some great reviews. I also was able to get a great deal by purchasing a slightly used one from a seller on Craigslist.

Aside from the style, the arm is solid and I feel fully confident in its strength to hold this larger monitor in place using the VESA mount. The gas-activated arms make it easy to adjust the tension for security as well as movement. I tend to tilt the monitor down while sitting and slightly upwards while standing. The internal wire management system is easy to use and I was able to hide the monitor’s power cable and the included USB-C cable that connects to the laptop although the latter is a tight reach. The only drawbacks I’ve experienced are the occasional monitor shake while typing as well as the monitor arm did not work with the original desk, which leads me to the next purchase. 

UPLIFT Standing Desk V2

My original standing desk was a generous gift from my wife who purchased it from Costco as I had complained of lower back pain from sitting in the previously mentioned chair. I grew to enjoy having the option of standing while working and sitting throughout the day. The desk had a drawer which was nice for additional storage to keep clutter off the desk and also had a couple of USB outlets to power up items such as my phone. The desk was not without its faults including the glass top, which had to be constantly wiped down to be cleaned as every fingerprint and the like would show up.  The electronic buttons for raising and lowering were touch-sensitive and integrated on the top of the desk, and occasionally would be triggered accidentally, causing the desk to raise or lower. There were now two major issues with this new work setup. One was the overall size with the monitor, laptop, and other items on my desk getting cramped and cluttered as the desk was on the smaller side. Issue two was that the monitor arm could not clamp to the desk due to the thickness in its design, as well as the glass top may or may not have been safe to clamp onto.

At this point, I was all in and decided to invest in a new desk. After what felt like endless research I opted for the UPLIFT V2. This desk received glorious reviews, was somewhat readily available (some other desks were back-ordered for months), and the company, based out of Austin, TX offers a 7-year warranty.  

There are countless options when building this desk including the tabletop color and material, type of electronic controller, and additional add-ons. I opted for a clean all-white solution with a laminate top, 60×30 in size which isn’t too large or too small for my needs, and with a slim and lockable drawer. I purchased a couple of organization trays from The Container Store that fit pretty well with the shallow drawer to keep a few things off the desk, but within hand’s reach.  

The desk came with two free add-ons and I selected the standing mat, which is lightweight and adds some comfort while standing but isn’t the strongest that I’ve seen. I also selected their Modesty panel, but truthfully I probably won’t use it and should have opted for their desk pad or something else. I was tempted to get the 72″ desk which would have allowed me to get the under desk hammock, but after some consideration, I felt it was a bit of a novelty or would hinder my productivity as I would end up sleeping all day. I also got the wire management system and have carefully tucked away all of the cables. I purchased additional wire management solutions on Amazon to keep things as clean and neat as possible.

The desk itself feels solid and strong and has a high weight limit. Assembly took me about 45 minutes as I took my time to ensure I did it correctly while watching an episode of “The Last Dance.” This desk has a nice wide range for the heights from a minimum of 25.3″ to 50.9″ tall. Adjusting the height is easy with the touchpad and is fairly quiet. However, there is an initial jolt when going in either direction, but it’s not enough to say spill a glass of water. Perhaps I should have invested in their commercial version with the extra support between the legs. I also have experienced the desk stalling while being raised and then lowering itself. The white itself does pick up and show its fair share of blemishes such as ink from freshly printed paper, scuffs, and other marks that are easily wiped clean.  

Overall, I’m happy with this purchase, although I do find myself sitting more these days while working due to my back hurting more as I stand.

Keychron K2 Keyboard

I’ve heard great things about mechanical keyboards, with Keychron at the top of the list. It took a couple of days to get used to the wireless keyboard from the previous and controversial MacBook Pro butterfly keyboard. Typing is definitely louder, but in a satisfying way, with each click providing a tactile experience. The keyboard is compact, has a large battery, and I opted for the version with the RGB backlight and aluminum frame just for fun. I do appreciate the customization factor as well, but honestly haven’t looked much into those options. The ability to change the RGB colors is a bit of a novelty but my kids seem to get a kick out of typing on it, though I just need to make sure I don’t have any important documents open.

After a few months of using the keyboard, I can honestly say I prefer it to the old flat MacBook Pro keyboard. The battery life lasts me a couple weeks and charging it is as simple as connecting a USB-C cable to my monitor’s USB-C plug. One drawback is that it is a bit cumbersome if I did want to travel with it.

Logitech MX Master 3

I used the Apple Magic Mouse for years as it was sleek, lightweight, and includes all of the built-in Apple gestures, yet I did begin to experience some carpal tunnel symptoms such as numbness in my right hand, which happens to be the hand I use my mouse with. So with this new setup, I was determined to find a solution and was suggested the Logitech MX Master 3 for its ergonomic design.  

I didn’t do much research on this mouse but am glad I made the switch. My hand rests comfortably on the mouse and the scroll wheel is nice as well. The mouse is customizable and I’ve been able to create a couple of convenient shortcuts to help improve my workflow. This has been a great upgrade and has worked well with programs such as Lightroom and Photoshop for more precision while editing photos. Another bonus is the cool grey color that was available that pairs well with the Space Gray finish of the laptop.

Nomad Mousepad – Horween Leather

The new mouse needed a new home and I opted for the Nomad Mousepad in slate gray Horween leather. The mousepad is a great size and the leather is buttery smooth on top with a bit of grip on the bottom to prevent it from sliding around. I was also very impressed with the packaging, which left a great first impression.  

It’s the little details that matter and Nomad spends a great deal of time perfecting their products. Compared to my older mousepad this one simply has a better finish and feel, from the high-quality Horween leather to the finished edges. It simply works well and will last forever and I look forward to seeing the patina over the years showing a life of hard work.

Nomad Base Station Stand

One of my favorite additions to my workstation has been the Nomad Base Station Stand. It not only makes it very convenient to view my phone quickly with a simple glance as text messages and other alerts pop up, but also keeps the phone charged wirelessly. The design is sleek and modern using premium materials.

Nomad Cables

I’ve grown frustrated with regular cables that often fray or simply stop working after some time. So when I came across these cables it was a no-brainer. Not only do they match the other desktop products, but they are built to last. With a Kevlar outer braid and center core I knew these were the solution I was looking for. They easily roll up to store away and even come with a built-in cable tie to help keep them organized. I use a Lightning cable to keep my iPad charged and a USB-C to USB-C to charge the keyboard or mouse from the monitor. This makes it easy to keep the amount of cables down to a minimum as well as convenient to charge.

iPad 10.2 with Pelican Voyager Case

I simply use my iPad for entertainment purposes. Having it on my desk allows me to stream from any of the various accounts I’ve managed to sign up for. From Netflix to Hulu to ESPN+, I’m never short on content and while editing photos, I’ve been known to binge an entire series here and there. The Pelican Voyager stand provides protection and allows it to sit upright easily for better viewing. It’s a little heavier than other cases, but is durable and gives peace of mind while I take the iPad on the road.

Twelve South Curve Laptop Stand

I came across this stand via Instagram (those targeted ads got me this time) and although it’s not the cheapest stand on the market, it’s a solid option to help use my MacBook Pro as a second screen at an ergonomic height. I appreciate the clean and modern aesthetic with the matte white finish that complements the desk nicely. The stand is stable and I haven’t had any issues with my MacBook slipping off or sliding around the desk.

Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones and Master & Dynamic headphone stand

I’ve owned this pair of headphones for a few years now. They practically go with me everywhere from flights to coffee shops and have come in clutch while trying to concentrate while working with the kids at home. They are extremely comfortable, lightweight, and the noise canceling works wonders. I did have to replace the earpads this year from normal wear and tear, but it was a small price to pay rather than upgrading to a new pair of headphones.  

Rather than keep the headphones laying around on the desk, I invested in the Master & Dynamic headphone stand as it had great reviews and after owning a couple of other stands that have broken over the years, I decided to get one that is a bit more durable. Crafted from steel, this is an elegant option that fits the style of the workspace. The banana holder design is simple but effective and makes it easy to grab or rest the headphones on each day. Thankfully, the battery lasts a very long time and I don’t have to recharge often, but when the time comes I may switch to the new Bose or Sony headphone options with USB-C charging.

PhoneSoap 3

You can never be too cautious when it comes to your health and with everything going on in the world, the PhoneSoap 3 was something that caught my attention. Research has stated that in most cases a phone can carry ten times more germs than the average toilet seat, which made me re-evaluate the cleanliness of the device I use the most. The product uses UVC technology to kill germs and bacteria inside the mini tanning bed-like space and can fit even larger phones with the case and other items to safely sanitize things within ten minutes. It also has two charging ports to charge devices. I’ve found myself using it to clean not only my phone but my keys, wallet, and earbuds almost every other day and after most trips out. Maybe I’m being a bit too cautious, but at the price of my health it’s worth the extra effort. The only thing I would have changed is the color of the device itself, but it does add an extra pop to the monotone desktop.

Hydro Flask Coffee Mug and Tumbler

I start off each morning with coffee. My Hydro Flask coffee mug accompanies me with a full cup of Joe to my desk to begin each day. I love the feel of the soft-touch finish and the double insulation works very well to keep the coffee hot – almost too well as I typically use it sans the lid to allow it to cool down.  

I then transition to the Hydro Flask Tumbler for my water as my wife constantly reminds me to stay hydrated. One thing that is great about using both of these products is that they don’t “sweat” and unlike using traditional mugs or glasses they won’t leave a mark on a desk and there’s really no need to use a coaster.  

Anker PowerExpand Direct 7-in-2 USB-C Adapter

This little device has made it into my daily workflow without the need to keep multiple adapters on hand with the new MacBook Pro and its four USB-C slots. I can maximize the number of devices connected at any given time, which comes in handy as I often use multiple portable hard drives to access photos from projects and can directly back up images off an SD card or micro-SD card directly, although I still need another adapter for Compact Flash cards. It also still allows for two USB-C connections to be made so you don’t lose that capability. It’s compact, lightweight, and its minimalistic style goes well with the MacBook’s aesthetic.

SanDisk 128GB iXpand Flash Drive Go

One thing I still require from a work from home setup is the ability to still be portable. Despite not traveling as much as before and having less events, photoshoots, and overall reasons to leave the house these days, I’ve managed to still find projects that take me on the road. This unique device has been something I’ve looked for ever since Apple introduced the Lightning cable.  

I use it to quickly back up photos and other things on my phone while traveling and then can back them up on my laptop or another hard drive when I get back to my desk. So in the case that something were to happen to my phone I have a little bit of peace of mind. Or in a pinch it helps to free up space on my iPhone. Sure there is iCloud too, but with over 53,000 images on my phone that’s been full for a long time and requires cell service or WiFi, which if I’m in a remote location is not always available. It also has the ability, although I haven’t tried it yet, to shoot video directly on the drive. All of this in a super compact and portable design, which can fit conveniently on a keyring.

G-Technology ArmorATD Portable Hard Drive

As a photographer, one accessory that I rely on that is often overlooked is my hard drive, or in my case many hard drives. Typically, I’ll have one main portable hard drive, one backup drive for myself, and one for the client. The main hard drive needs to be reliable and provide assurance that it will not only work, but offer protection, as it’s the one that will most often be with me at all times.

This G-Tech portable hard drive is built tough with a rain, dust, and triple-lay shock resistance. The rubber bumper not only adds protection but provides some grip to grab on the go as well as prevents it from sliding around, which is handy when trying to edit images on a flight or from the passenger seat of a moving vehicle. You never know what can happen during a shoot or to your gear so I tend to be extra cautious as footage is irreplaceable.

The USB-C connection is convenient and works well with my mobile and desktop workstation. Transfer rates are up to 140MB/s.

The extra-rugged protection from the elements came to play recently on an outdoor photoshoot, where it began to rain heavily and I didn’t realize I left my backpack on the ground at the basecamp. By the time I had gotten back to the bag, the bottom of it was soaked including the contents of the pack, but the hard drive helped to protect the footage.

Overall, I’m pretty happy with my current setup. A workstation like many other things is a constant evolution and I’m already planning my next upgrade with a pair of nice desktop speakers.

The post Modern Creative: Work From Home Essentials appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

But before we dig in, let’s take a few steps back to understand Heimplanet’s journey: after they introduced the Motion Series in 2017, with its rather active and lightweight approach, they wanted to focus on their urban travelers again. Back in 2013 they did the Monolith Series with a set of packs and bags which they pictured to be their Jack of all trades – covering all kinds of travel relevant to Heimplanet. Despite some of them being successful and much appreciated by customers and reviewers alike, they had to learn that a system like this may not be the final solution they hoped it would be. It was not just their first attempt to enter the carry game but also a product design bachelor thesis which may explain the intransigency and bit of a conceptual overload. 

The Transit Line was introduced via Kickstarter in 2018, offering a set of items from EDC to one-bag travel. A little less modular and tactical, a little more elegant and specific. During that time Kickstarter was huge, especially in carry. They had really tough competitors launching in the same carry category – more or less at the same time (Peak Design, EVERGOODS and Nomatic… just to name a few). Nevertheless, they managed to get a good amount of money which helped them start production and gained a bit of attention. From there they learned that we are in the year of the Fanny Bag (they named it Sling Pocket) and that some people really like the way they do things. 

The first production showed them where there was potential for improvements and over the last 2.5 years they collected a lot of feedback. Now it’s the right time to go into the second round, with new versions, general updates and some completely new items.

The Travel Pack always was the centerpiece of the whole line-up. With 34L of max. volume and a back length of about 46cm it’s made to fit a medium-sized male body. While thinking about sizing they realized a rather obvious fact –  it is easier to wear a short pack on a long back than the other way around (given that the harness is doing a good job). That’s why they decided to add a smaller/shorter version to their portfolio – the Travel Pack 28. It has the exact same features with a back length of about 43cm. It actually has the same depth but is shorter, to prevent it from bumping on your butt lower back and a little narrower as well. They also modified the harness a tiny bit to make it fit – it still works fine on someone around 190cm and even one of their videographers (203cm!) was pleased with maxed out straps.

The most surprising item of the initial Transit Line was the Sling Pocket. They didn’t expect it to become the best-selling item, not just within the Transit Line but in general. For that reason it was a rather easy decision to start working on a bigger version, adding the Sling Pocket XL to the line-up. They also updated the branding and some other details according to the rest. You can identify the latest versions by the smaller but brighter logo on the front.  

They will keep improving the latest iterations along the way and with every production run but there is one major product missing in the line-up. You can expect them to complete the picture in the next step and do their best to do it properly.

Filling the gap – Carry Essentials

When they started to think about the concept of the Transit Line they took a look at the whole carry universe (past and present) of Heimplanet. And after days of discussions they were able to draw a pretty clear picture. They put the active, lighter series (Motion) on a map, making it one end of their spectrum. The other end was the urban and travel-related line (Transit). Each item takes a bit of its own place within each line but there also was a lot of empty space in between. That was when they realized that there is a need for a new category – which they later called Carry Essentials. It is far less specific than the rest and uses all the knowledge and materials they came across in the other categories. It should work standalone but also in combination with products of other categories.     

Following this, they worked on new items but also updated some existing ones which fit the category naturally. The Packing Cubes, the Dopp Kit Better Half, the Simple Pouch and the all-new Kit Bag V2, just to name a few new ones. They are made to work great on their own but also fit nicely inside the Travel Pack.

DYECOSHELL fabrics and hardware

Besides the new models they also worked on their materials. They already had their first DYECOSHELL fabrics introduced in 2018 but they saw some potential to further improve them. For Heimplanet, durability is a key feature of sustainability – their goal was to have a long-lasting product with a low initial footprint. Therefore, they kept all yarns dope dyed (solution dyed) to continue what they started in 2018.

A brief excursion about Dope Dyeing

The majority of regular synthetic fabrics are produced from bright undyed yarn (greige/off-white) which’ll be dyed in any specific color after weaving – this process is called piece dyeing. On average this step consumes the most resources producing such a fabric. You massively cut water, energy and chemical consumption (by over 50%) as well as lowering the CO² output about the same at least, by eliminating this step. Dope dyed yarns are extruded from molten pellets like any other synthetic yarn but by adding a highly concentrated colorant to the masterbatch you get a colored yarn right away – without regular dyeing. Sounds too good? Well there are a few obstacles to tackle, like bigger MOQs and higher costs, BUT at the end you get a more sustainable fabric that is as strong as any other new high-quality fabric. It also is extremely UV and color-fading resistant since the color particles are not just on the surface but throughout the whole yarn – that is why this is common practice for any good carpet.  

To further improve the fabrics of 2018 they switched from 800D Nylon x 660D Polypropylene to all Nylon. That makes it a tiny bit heavier and more expensive but at the same time it’s a little softer and together with a new finish, also even more durable. Alongside the 800D x 660D Nylon (DYECOSHELL I) they developed a lighter version of it: DYECOSHELL II. It is a 400D x 330D Nylon using the exact same yarn as the original one but as single ply instead of double. It offers a nice mix of classiness and techiness while being pretty lightweight and very abrasion resistant, making it their personal favorite. So far they use it at the bottom of the new Motion Series, the Simple Pouch, the main compartment of the Neck Pouches and the all-new Commuter Pack but you can expect them to use it more often in the future.

In addition to the technical aspects they finally made the all-black version of both fabrics which they already talked about during their Kickstarter but barely missed the stretch goal. You’ll now find most new Transit Line items in Castlerock Gray and Black.

A rather small item albeit a big improvement is their custom hardware named Slitlok which they now have in different sizes. For Heimplanet it’s things like these that make them really like what they’re doing. It represents the very basics of what they feel product design is about. Whenever you encounter a problem that is not solved in a way you are satisfied with or even not solved at all – the challenge begins and Heimplanet describes it as a weird, thirsty mini-me crawling to the surface not caring about costs and deadlines. They wanted to create a general piece of hardware that would allow them to connect webbings to each other in a way that doesn’t look detachable, is strong enough to be used for a shoulder strap and is made from one piece – eliminating small parts that can break and reducing noise while in use. They made many iterations and modified the shape by 1/10th of mm to get it right. The final pieces are made from 6061 Aluminum and are sandblasted before anodizing to boost abrasion resistance. The cherry on top is a small laser-etched logo on each piece. The average tensile strength of the 38mm version is 132.5kg (292lbs) – slightly over-engineered.

In combination with their previously developed G-hook, they now have covered all areas they felt the need to offer their own solution for until they face the next challenge.

They will continue their journey and hope to get through these hard times with just a few dents and scratches – to steadily complete the picture of the brand Heimplanet.

First Look: Motion Series and Commuter Pack

I had the opportunity to get my hands (and eyes) on the updated version of the Motion Arc 20L and the Motion Ellipse 25L and the new Carry Essentials Commuter Pack. Let’s dive into some specifics.

Motion Arc 20L Light & Ellipse 25L Dark

The first thing that catches the eye is the colorways; muted grays with a pop of marine blue, or all-black with a pop of white. Secondly, these packs are feather-light, which is a testament to Heimplanet’s design team – they’re well thought out without being over-engineered. The website says 1.63lbs and 2lbs, respectively, but they feel lighter than that.

The exterior is made of weather-resistant materials with a reinforced bottom, namely a proprietary 210D Rip-Stop Melange with PEVR lamination, DYECOSHELL II, and a Nylon Spandex. That sounds nice on paper, but how does it feel and perform? The mix of fabrics works well together. The top portion shed water quickly and didn’t soak. The laminated material is surprisingly silent and doesn’t wrinkle, a concern I had when I first saw it. The reinforced bottom is thicker than the rest of the pack but soft to the touch; I found it to be abrasion-resistant and it wipes down clean.

Lastly, the middle section of Nylon Spandex was a risky move that pays off.  It has the right amount of give, allowing it to be useful in all sorts of situations, but is attractive whether loaded or empty. It’s great for either storing a few essentials or stuffing a jacket. Both bags implement this material a little differently. Where the Arc uses it as a large pocket in and of itself, the Ellipse has a dual-pocket beaver-tail that’s strapped in on either side of the bag. Both implementations have their pros and cons. Where I like the simplicity of the Arc’s pocket, the Ellipse’s beaver-tail provides two deep water bottle pockets or two pockets for other gear.

The back panel and shoulder straps are comfortable, even under load, featuring a 3D EVA foam in the geometric Cairo Camo pattern Heimplanet is known for. There’s not a ton of padding here, but the padding included does the job well, and that’s because there’s some teamwork happening between the padding, strap width, and a firm frame sheet. This mix allows the bags to be lightweight yet still feel comfortable under load. If it’s not enough, a sternum strap and a hip strap are available to further distribute the weight.  The Ellipse, given its larger capacity, includes load lifters!

What else? Throughout the bags, there’s what appears to be YKK #5 zips.  These zips are super smooth and include generous and easy-to-grab zip pulls. They’re not AquaGuard, but nevertheless provide a measure of water resistance. The water bottle pockets on either bag easily fit my 25oz Hydro Flask. I am a little concerned that the pocket on the Arc may not be as deep as I would like. 

As for the insides, where the Arc includes a large front pocket with spandex webbing for expansion, the Ellipse has two medium-sized rip-stop pockets. Both include a cavernous main compartment. Inside the main compartment, there’s a fleece-lined laptop/hydration pocket with a false bottom. I seamlessly placed my 13-inch Surface Book 2 and my Osprey 2.5L bladder inside – not at the same time, though! A buckle with webbing will keep both in place. Above the laptop/hydration pocket is a small essentials pocket. It’s useful when the bag isn’t too packed out, but cumbersome when fully loaded as either the pocket is in the way, or the gear is in the way.  When using the Arc, I often opted to use a small exterior side quick-access pocket instead. Further inside, there’s a compression band. At first, I didn’t think I’d find it useful, until I stuffed some loose clothes inside and strapped them in, giving me space for my Peak Design Tech Pouch and gear. 

Even at 20L, there’s a lot of space in the Arc, and the domed top affords more room for things. This is especially so on the 25L Ellipse; I could pack enough for a week-long trip in there. 

Either bag could easily be a daily driver if the aesthetics fit where you’re going. Still, they’re at home while traveling or on a hike exploring the wild unknown. Both Motion bags are crazy light and fit a lot of stuff, yet have the right mix of padding and straps to make them comfortable. Also, they pack flat!

Carry Essentials Commuter Pack

Unlike its wild, outdoorsy cousins, the Commuter is made for the city. It’s your daily driver, the bag you take to work, to the gym, to run errands. The outside is made entirely of DYECOSHELL II. It’s soft to the touch but strong, durable, and abrasion-resistant. During my time in use, I became more appreciative of this fabric. Why? I own an Attitude Supply ATD1 and at one point, an EVERGOODS CHZ22. Both easily attract and show off lint and dust. I’ve been using the Commuter for a few weeks now, and I only had to dust it off once when I placed it down on a dirty floor. Additionally, the fabric just feels pleasant to the touch; it has an understated softness. It’s soft, but not weak. That’s a good thing because the DYECOSHELL is everywhere on this pack, even lining the straps. 

First and foremost, this is a roll-top pack with side access. The roll-top is sealed with a G-hook that feels sturdy. At first, I found the G-hook to be a little cumbersome and thought to myself that it was a deal-breaker. Once I found the proper motion, removing the hook was a breeze and the roll-top became enjoyable. The roll-top includes a magnetic lip that made it easy to close and roll the bag down; it’s a simple yet elegant touch. There’s only the minor annoyance of the magnets closing the pack when I want it to stay open. I’d rather have the magnets than not have them. In use, unfurling the roll can get you about an extra 4 liters of space. 

If you’re not a fan of roll-tops, though, the Commuter may not be for you.  Although the large side opening gives access to the main compartment, I couldn’t get to my laptop from the side. Each time I went for my device, I’d have to open the roll-top. Personally, I was okay with this as I only remove my laptop once I am settled into where I am going. 

On the outside, there is a top and side handle that make grabbing this bag a breeze. Both handles are lined with the same material as the rest of the bag, meaning it’s a pleasure to handle and feels nice in-hand. In fact, sometimes, it just felt right to carry this pack tote-style. 

The back panel seems to feature the same frame sheet as the Arc and Ellipse, while the padding is slightly slimmed down – it’s fine. This pack isn’t meant for long excursions anyway, even though I never felt uncomfortable or overburdened. The geometric design is present, although not as pronounced; even under load, the Commuter was comfortable. The sternum strap comes with a Fidlock buckle, while the hip strap is a standard, albeit cool-looking plastic buckle. Really though, I don’t see the need for a hip strap on a bag this size unless you unfurl the roll-top and stuff it – even then. The shoulder straps are soft and conform to the body; they aren’t as rigid as other straps within the same category. Again, at 19L, a robust harness system isn’t needed. What’s here works; not once did I long for something more substantial. 

The front of the pack holds a large horizontal quick-access pocket with some organization and a small side pocket. I was curious about the design of the horizontal pocket, as there is a gap between the pocket itself and the main bag. I reached out to the pack’s designer Moritz Grebe to ask him about it, here’s his response: “The “hover” pocket (that’s what we call it) is a combination of thoughts. First of all, we wanted to have a dedicated pocket for small things – always a bit more difficult with roll tops. We also wanted to give it a utilitarian twist without looking too techy, but distinguishable. The gap [between the pocket and main compartment] can be used to store a jacket or your U-lock, for example. By using the G-hook closure of the main compartment, you can secure both and stash/stow the actual item in the “gap.” FYI: The hover pocket is 10mm wider to have it be relaxed even when the pack is pretty full.” It works. Also, the small side pocket was great for grabbing small essentials without taking the pack off. 

Marketing doesn’t show any pictures of the inside, so here goes. The inside of the Commuter is no frills. It has a false bottom fleece-lined laptop compartment with a Velcro strap, enough to store my 13-inch Surface Book 2. However, I am doubtful anything bigger would fit. The laptop compartment doesn’t stretch, so I sometimes struggled to align my device with the pocket – this could just be that the Surface Book has a weird shape to it. The main compartment is lined in light gray and absurdly big. It’s stated to be 18L, but feels much larger. I can probably carry my kid around in this thing (I won’t, though). I made several grocery runs with the Commuter, picked up packages from Amazon, and went to work with a full gear loadout. In everything I did for several weeks, within reason, there was always room. Also, the side access made retrieving items from the main compartment relatively easy. 

My main complaint was the lack of an external water bottle pocket. I rarely leave the house without a drink. Again, I wanted to understand the reasoning behind this decision, so I asked Moritz.  Here’s his response: “Water bottle pockets are always a polarizing topic – some need it, while others don’t care. For a few, it has to be there, otherwise they won’t even consider the pack. But in this case, we feel very comfortable not having one. We wanted the pack to be slick and streamlined for your daily commute with your essential work items. In this scenario, you don’t need your water bottle within reach at all times. The quick-access side zipper to the main compartment lets you skip the roll-top, and if you leave a little room in the pack, you can put your bottle there.” It makes sense. Once I understood the reasoning, the lack of an external water bottle pocket didn’t bother me – I appreciate a bag with clean lines and a streamlined look.   

The Commuter Pack is an exciting move by Heimplanet; the entire package as a whole speaks to a high-quality pack.

After almost a month of use, I can confidently report that it’s worthy of consideration. It’s a pleasure to handle. It feels comfortable in-hand and on my back. Access is simple enough once you get used to the G-hook, and the side access is big enough to be useful. Additionally, the quick-access pocket does not interfere with the main compartment, even when loaded.

After going through these three bags, I can see the design principles at work here. They’re products that, as Stefan brought out, don’t get in the way; they’re simple and clean – meant to get you where you want to go.

I can’t wait to see what Heimplanet has up its sleeve with their Transit Line and the rest of their Carry Essentials Line. 

This article was written by Jovanni Bello. Renaissance man, adventurer and cell phone photographer.

The post First Look: Heimplanet’s Transit Line V2, Motion Series and Commuter Pack appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

This is how Hamburg-based Heimplanet began in 2010. For the last ten years, they’ve developed a brand that has seen their gear used in the most rugged and exotic places on the planet. Heimplanet’s aim has been to create pieces that spark joy, make travel easier, and facilitate connections to the places around us. From their first product, The Cave, to their Motion Series of active wilderness-ready bags, and Transit Line of travel gear. There’s a desire to “erase the room for improvement” and work until nothing can be improved upon. A lofty goal.

The folks at Heimplanet have recently revamped both their iconic Motion Series and Transit Line while adding a slew of well-thought-out Carry Essentials (Packing Cubes, Dopp Kits, Simple Pouch). There’s also an EDC-friendly Commuter Pack as well!

Given the excitement of their tenth anniversary and their new releases, I had a virtual sit-down with Heimplanet co-founder, Stefan Clauss.

Grab your favorite stein of beer and let’s make a connection with Heimplanet.

Being in Germany, what is your favorite beer?

Okay, I admit, I do like beer a lot. I do not really have a favorite one, but if I had to choose one, I would pick Tegernseer Hell.

How long has Heimplanet as a company been in existence?

The idea for our first product was born in 2003 while traveling along the Portuguese coastline. Then to transform the idea into a real product and brand was in 2008. The company was finally founded in 2010, and our first product, an inflatable tent – The Cave – was presented in 2011.

What was the catalyst in creating the company?

The initial idea was born out of our first-hand experience and some frustration. We wanted to build the tent of the future. In 2008, my founding partner and I decided that it was the right time to give it a try. We always wanted to create something on our own and do something that meant more than just a job.

You started out with a tent, what made you branch out into other gear?

Right from the beginning, it was clear that we wanted to be a modern outdoor brand and represent the excitement that is connected with it. I remember watching the surf movie Castles in the Sky by Taylor Steele and thinking, “That’s it, that’s the Heimplanet feeling.” Scenes that really express how I connect with the beauty of traveling. While traveling, products should make things easier and, ideally, help along the way, although they are not the reason why you leave the house.

Over the years you’ve seen some great success, what has been your proudest moment?

There have been many great moments like receiving awards or being featured in a magazine or by a person I really respect. Personally, I am proudest when I spot a random person on the street wearing one of our products. Or I read a customer comment that points out a feature that we discussed for endless hours in development.

What do you attribute your success to?

I believe our customers appreciate our attention to detail and the clarity of our product design. It’s easy to overload a product with features and complexity. The difficult part is choosing the right functions and integrating them in a way where they almost disappear so that the final product becomes simple, clean and nothing is redundant. We are trying to create products that create joy while in use because they make sense and surprise you. It’s like finishing someone’s sentences. If we create that kind of experience, we have succeeded.     

What’s the most unique place you’ve seen your gear go?

Our tents have been to some of the most amazing and remote places around the planet. It would be tough to pick only one. Still, there’s one story that’s extraordinary. We received a phone call one day from a huge production company that was working on one of the biggest movies of 2019. They told us how the production team fell in love with one of our backpacks. At first, I thought it was some kind of scam, but the person explained that they decided to make our bag a present for everyone on set and that they would like to place an order. I would have loved to be there for the moment when they received it!

What are some influences behind your designs?

Function is always our first concern. The Cave was born from a technical solution, the structure of a geodesic dome or buckyball perfectly represents the principles that we were searching for in a tent. It’s the most stable and economical way to construct a room.

Afterward, we realized that with this construction, it is impossible to separate function from design; they are one. This defined our product design principles. It was a long and challenging process to find our voice. Still, with the Motion Line, we were able to translate this concept into our backpacks, and it defined our direction from then on.

We are also inspired by patterns and forms that you find in nature. Nothing in nature is random, everything follows a principle and makes sense; we are trying to infuse some of that into our products.

 To quote Buckminster Fuller:

 “When I am working on a problem, I never think about beauty, but when I have finished, if the solution is not beautiful, I know it is wrong.”

Can you talk a little bit about the geometric design that is featured on a lot of your gear?

A couple of years ago, we were contacted by multiple customers, they wanted one of our tents, but in a colorway that would disappear in nature. We looked at the different possible solutions and were not happy with the options. A green tent would be a bit boring, and a classical camouflage was not really what we wanted either. Out of the thought process, we decided to develop our very own pattern with camouflage functionality.

Once finished, we started realizing how much this pattern actually represents our design approach and aesthetics. From then on, this pattern appeared more often in our products, like on the three-dimensional back panel of our Motion Series. We then decided to make it part of our design DNA and our signature pattern. Nowadays, you can find it in most of our products in one form or another. 

How much does customer feedback affect future designs?

A lot. The development of our signature pattern was inspired by customer feedback. The new Dopp Kit Better Half was inspired by customers, as were a lot of modifications to existing products. We really appreciate customer feedback. None of our products are untouchable. We continuously work on improving them.

You have a few new pieces being released, that’s exciting; can you tell us about them?

We invested a lot of time and resources over the last two years developing our own, more durable and eco-friendly materials and hardware. Last year was hectic for us, we were really focused on bags. We started by launching our Neck Pouches a couple of weeks ago, followed by the launch of our redesigned Motion Series. Both the Carry Essentials and Motion Series are made from the same mix of materials and feature our new DYECOSHELL II fabric. This is now an essential part of the redesign, especially in the Motion Series since it focuses on the outdoor context and is designed with active usage in mind.

After that, we launched our redesigned Transit Line, including an all-new Travel Pack with 28L next to the 34L version. This line also features new materials and custom hardware that you’ll find across our products from now on.

At the same time, we introduced a collection we call Carry Essentials. This collection features packing cubes, a new version of our Dopp Kit, plus a smaller version of the Dopp Kit Better Half and a new Simple Pouch.   

In September, we are going to launch a brand-new pack that we are very excited about. We call this the Commuter Pack. We shared some details about the development during the Carryology Meetup in Hamburg at the beginning of this year. The pack is made from our new DYECOSHELL II fabric, and it’s an excellent pack for everyone who is looking for a compact everyday solution.

What would you like to see your customers do with Heimplanet gear?

When we started with the development of our first bags, I shared my experience with the team about a bag I owned for 10 years. It was my go-to pack for every trip and every day. In the end, this bag had a wealth of memories and experiences. That’s what I want for our products. I want them to be catalysts for the experiences and memories you make while traveling.

What’s next for you and Heimplanet?

We are already working on products for next year, but for now, we believe we have an exciting line-up. We want to put these products into more hands and in front of more eyes. We are working on expanding our distribution so that more people can touch, try, and experience Heimplanet.

A special thank-you to Stefan Clauss and Moritz Grebe for spending some time with me and discussing Heimplanet.

This article was written by Jovanni Bello. Renaissance man, adventurer and cell phone photographer.

The post A Decade of Heimplanet: Interview appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.