Those afflicted become seized by a sort of irrational hysteria. Caused, we think, by the overwhelming romance and nostalgia surrounding travel trunks. In its grip, the imagination runs amok. Wildly optimistic ideas for contents and features spin out of control, and that most basic of carry equations is forgotten: the bigger the contents, the bigger the luggage. (During one particularly extreme case we received two full pallets of proposed contents from a client, destined for a ‘portable’ trunk, required to be no larger than a good-sized camping pack.) There is, I should say, no known cure. Luckily, it can be treated with design.

Fortunately, no one involved in this commission – developed in collaboration with Glasgow’s Pod Creative for Elgin’s legendary malt whisky specialists Gordon & MacPhail – suffered from the condition. Nevertheless, the sheer range of whiskies that G&M deals in is itself so imagination-defying, that the scope of required contents was still highly challenging. With glass and liquid in the mix too, and mindful of airline hold-baggage maximum weights, we had to watch our weight even more carefully than usual.

The trunk was envisaged as an evolution of Prestige Director Stephen Rankin’s interactive whisky tasting sessions. Built to house and transport the tools and liquids he needs to theatrically communicate the many subtle aromas and flavor profiles to audiences around the world. It needed to be large and sturdy enough to transport all of his apparatus securely; dramatic, detailed, and playful enough to captivate participants. Stephen is a man who spends a lot of his time on the road though – often solo – spreading the gospel of single malt, so genuine portability was rarely far from our minds. It’s a gospel he knows better than most. His grandfather (George Urquhart) was a pioneer, a spirited innovator. Laying down casks, bottling, and championing single malt (that is to say, unblended whisky from a single distillery) when most others were promoting cheaper, younger blends. Indeed, few have done more to foster the vibrant whisky industry we enjoy in Scotland today than his family. Which brings us to perhaps the most precious item the trunk was designed to carry: the brand’s values. A task calling for a little, shall we say, Highland flair.

As we always try to do, we worked with Stephen from an early pre-concept stage, even sitting in on a tasting session to better understand his character and process: when and how he uses each piece of kit. Here we quickly discovered that the digital, visual, and sensory are all key components of the experience. And that like any great showman, the reveal is a crucial part of the performance. Noted.

Where we finally landed on contents, when the range of items had been distilled to the essentials, was still a pretty extravagant list: Six glass bottles of spirit, one decanting funnel, six Glencairn nosing glasses, one crystal water jug, three glass water pipettes, 40 vials of aromatic oils, four hermetically sealed glass sample jars, 100 aroma testing cards, one journal, one iPad, four interchangeable A4 presentation cards and, perhaps most difficult of all, six samples of charred and unsealed barrel stave (showcasing the differing levels of smoky aroma with a light, medium and heavy burn, in both American oak/bourbon, and European oak/sherry casks.) A challenging ask, certainly for a handcrafted portable encasement.

A word here on process. Ours is predominantly a woodworking workshop, where we design and make one-off and small-batch sculptural case goods, objets, and furniture, in solid hardwoods and leathers. As such we generally do not – as Vuitton, Goyard, and Globe-Trotter often do with their suitcases and larger trunks – construct our pieces from vulcanized fibreboard or resin-impregnated canvas. Instead, we choose to use poplar: a light, rigid timber. Because of this, we do sacrifice a little in weight and wall thickness. But we believe it’s worth it in the name of precision, build quality, feel, and functionality.

For this trunk we used a combination of 4, 6, and 9mm poplar for the construction of the drawers and the main carcass. Grafting in strips of solid oak – which is much harder – along all exposed edges, and at fixing points, for durability. Where we could, we stripped weight from this rigid carcass by cutting away extraneous material. Such as in the shelving layers between each drawer housing, and in its hidden outside faces.

The leather we used to wrap the carcass exterior and interior, and the drawers – each of which is lined with our own design of friction-fit HD foam fitment, to both protect and present the contents – was Scottish: split down from a standard 1.5 to nearer 0.7mm to shave precious grams. Even at this thickness, it’s durable, luxurious, fire-resistant, and easy to maintain. It’s local too, which is always a bonus. For touchpoints, like the protective edging, D-handles, and logo patches, we instead chose a veg-tan bridle, laminated for thickness and saddle stitched by hand. Because of its tactility, thickness, and the clean way it takes a de-boss. (To save a few more precious millimeters, the inner-lid logo patch was actually flush-fitted into the panel work.)

Hardware and fittings are, like the bridle, Italian. Solid brass, gold plated to prevent tarnish (and for some of that aforementioned flair). Here again, our methods differ from traditional malletier (trunkmakers) in that we’ve actually re-bored and screwed or bolted on the handles, catches, and hinges – rather than nailing – as we believe this creates a much more reliable fixing. Though we do tack on the edge protection in the traditional hand-hammered style. (Because, frankly, the chance to use a detail this beautiful is just too good to miss.)

Of all the contents, housing the charred-oak barrel stave samples presented a particular challenge. Burned timber like this is essentially charcoal: filthy, and nearly impossible to handle without marking. The surfaces couldn’t be sealed though, as this would eliminate the aroma profiles. What we needed was to be able to repeatedly remove and interact closely with the samples, without actually touching them. The solution we developed was a set of three superlight individual poplar boxes, each containing a pair of stave samples cut thinly, and fitted very close to the lid of the box. This allowed participants to lift the charred oak close to their noses and open the boxes without physically handling the black stuff, adding to the interactive theater (and in fact even helping to retain the aromas).

The great irony in all this, of course, is that like the little sample boxes, the travel trunk itself had to be housed inside its own rugged encasement in transit. It is, after all, designed to be transported through airports the world over – doubtless to be roughly treated by baggage handlers, ferrymen, porters, and taxi drivers from Tiree to Tokyo – without being damaged in the process. And herein lies another significant design consideration. Protection.

For something as precious and heavy as this (where hold baggage maximum weight constraints, waterproofing, and good maneuverability are paramount) a standard Penn Elcom style flight case – even in the lighter-weight polypropylene FLight Panel version – was out of the question. They’re just too cumbersome, and the wheels are of frustratingly poor quality. (And the last thing we want is a Master of the Quaich arriving in a bad mood!) A customized hard-shell suitcase, like a Rimowa for instance, could potentially have been used. But the proportions of suitcases have not been designed with bulky, angular contents in mind. They don’t offer quite enough crush or impact protection either. Instead, we chose here to outfit a waterproof wheeled case from Peli (the European trading name for California’s legendary Pelican cases), opting for the brand’s super lightweight Air range.

Like all of their protective cases, the Air range was handsome and well-engineered, with two-stage throwover catches, an extendable handle, and smooth running in-line wheels. Even boasting an automatic purge valve, to keep water and dust out while balancing the air pressure inside. But it was made from their patented HPX material: a honeycomb polymer that Peli claim is still ‘crushproof’ and ‘rebounds without breaking’ but offers a 40% weight reduction from their core range. (The specific 1637 Air model we used weighed in at around 7.5kg including foam.)

Unlike flight cases, however – which can be made to order in any dimensions – the sizes are standard and fixed. And whilst the range is fairly broad, towards the bigger end we found the depths to be a bit of a stumbling block. (With even the largest struggling to meet our 350mm needs.) Tracking down and taking note of this crucial dimension, then, was something we were careful to do before even beginning to sketch out concepts. A factor nearly as critical in the design of this travel trunk, in fact…as checking for symptoms of trunk blindness.

Written by Callum G Robinson, Creative Director, Method Studio & Method Trunk Works, Scotland. Check out Method and their Trunk Works on Instagram for more great designs.  

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Now for the survivalists, the bug-out-bag pros, the grunt bros, and naysayers, this review is an option for people. People often say that they will build out an emergency kit or a bug-out bag, but they never take the time to do this. It takes research, then sitting down to order each item, and also thinking of a bag or how to pack it. So is building your kit better and possibly cheaper? Yes. But for those who are not going to take the time to build their emergency kit, is a pre-fabbed kit better than nothing? Absolutely yes.

Uncharted Supply Co. has been around for several years and has gotten recognition for launching its Seventy2 Survival System. Over their time in the market, they have partnered with Yeti to create their Basecamp Collection. Taking the Yeti GoBox and packing it with items you would need and protecting your survival essentials from bears and other wildlife. Recently, Uncharted Supply Co. partnered with DECKED to create a go-bag utilizing DECKED’s D-Bag to build a survival system for your house or vehicle. 

Do you need to have a DECKED Drawer system to utilize this bag? Not at all, but the D-Bag is designed to fit inside the DECKED drawers, so you have a nice protected place to store the bag. 

But the bag also comes with removable straps, so you can carry this bag as a backpack if needed. 

So What Is the D-Bag?

The D-Bag is a weather-resistant, military-grade, hybrid hard/soft bag. This means that the top and bottom of the bag are thermoformed EVA foam. The foam is heated and shaped to create the sturdy shape needed to protect your gear. The foam is coated in ballistic nylon so it can take a beating and survive.

The soft sides of the D-Bag are TPU-coated nylon, which was designed to give the bag a slight bit of compression/expansion. The standard D-Bag comes with a removable tool roll and mini duffel bag to sort and organize your gear.

What Is Inside the Emergency System?

The kit is designed to keep two people alive for the first 72 hours of an emergency. Many naysayers will complain about specific items in the kit, but these items and quantities are recommended from many reliable sources. Yes, 2400 calories is not that much, but this is an amount to keep you alive, not give you a full meal. If you want a full meal, hunt a deer, forage for vegetables and cook them up after a hurricane, tsunami, tornado, or while stuck in a blizzard. All of these items are about survival, not about comfort. 

For someone like myself who lives in Colorado and now has a fire season, having the air and vision items is a good feature if we have a local fire and need to get to safety while the air is thick. If you travel in an area that receives snow, having a cold-weather emergency kit in your car is a must-have. The DECKED x Uncharted Supply Co. kit supplies all these items.

One of the items that this kit contains that other prefabbed emergency kits do not is a portable power station that you can use to jump-start your vehicle or charge devices. The Zeus Portable Jump Starter can jump-start your car, charge your phone, or even be used as a flashlight. Not many people would think to have this in their car emergency kit, but it could keep you alive when the time comes.

A few other items that are included that are nice to have in this kit are the items in the Warmth pouch. The rule of 3’s for survival states that a person can survive 3 hours without shelter. This rule can be thought of more as maintaining your core body temperature. This also depends on the environment, but keeping items in your kit to keep your body warm is key to survival. If you are stuck in your car in a blizzard, you can use the gloves, hats, hand warmers, and even the emergency shelter to maintain your core body temperature to survive until help arrives. 

The Good

As far as a prefabbed emergency kit goes, this one has it all plus more. The D-Bag is very well constructed and will take a beating. The quality of the items is standard for the kitted emergency industry. Keep in mind that these items keep you alive when a disaster strikes. If you want a top-of-the-line knife or different food, then take the time to build your own kit or supplement this one.

I love the Zeus portable jump starter and the multiple options for starting a fire. The pack also contains a good-sized water bottle that you can use to store the water that you filtered with the Sawyer filter or boiled over a fire. 

The Not So Good

This kit is heavy. So taking it as a bug-out bag would be a bit much. But, leaving it in your DECKED Drawer system or the trunk of your car will provide you with the security you need when on the road. The kit is expensive. The main added cost for the kit includes the Zeus, which alone runs you about $159. While the bag and the zippers are strong, the zipper pulls, which are custom, are lacking. One came off the first time I opened the bag. While this is not something that would bother me personally, I know many would be frustrated with this happening. 

Who It Suits

As a blanket statement, it could suit anyone in need of a vehicle emergency kit. But you would benefit by having a DECKED System in your truck as a secure way to store your D-Bag. Uncharted Supply Co. carries plenty of other options for those who need an at-home kit.

Who It Doesn’t 

If you are looking for a simple kit for hikes or home use, this might be a little overkill. While you could take items out of this vehicle kit and move them around, that is not recommended as you might forget to put them back and miss them when the time arises. Also, if you are a DIY-minded person or a survivalist, this kit is probably not for you. 

Verdict 

Overall, the DECKED x Uncharted Supply Co. D-Bag Emergency Kit is a great vehicle emergency kit if you are someone who wants to have that peace of mind or knows that they won’t take the time to build out their emergency kit. It’s everything you need, all wrapped in an easy-to-use and good-looking carry solution.

It is always good to do your research and know what emergencies you might face in your region when it comes to preparedness and survival. Know what is in your kit and how to use it. Practice where it is in the bag, where the items are, and how to use them, so if you are in an emergency and shit has hit the fan, you can operate without hesitation and save your life and those around you. 

Stay safe, and adventure far.

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The Roew Roll Top Board Bag is the Kickstarter project of Joey Cunningham. Joey is a designer at Peak Design and a surfer. Somewhere in his brain, the frustration of average surfboard bags bubbled up into a project that would not rest. Surfboard bags could be better. 

He had a few key gripes with board bags. Corroded or broken zips, a lack of size adjustability, and (in my opinion, the worst) a soggy, moldy, stinky bag.

So with his bag design pedigree, he set out to change things and the result is a chill and obvious conclusion. A roll-top, breathable spacer mesh board bag.

I’ve had a chance to use a personally sewn proto from Joey over the last three weeks. I managed to snag a surf trip and get some good testing in. I had the bag on roof racks, in the back of my car, stored in a house and at various car parks along Phillip Island and the Surf Coast of Victoria, Australia.

Who It Suits

The Roew sits between a board sock and a board bag. It is soft, compressible, and length/shape flexible… sock. It has handles and a carry strap… bag. It pretty much offers the best of both.

Simply put, it suits most surfers.

There are three lengths available: short, medium, and long. The short fits up to 7′, medium up to 8’6″, and long up to 10′. 

My boards are all within a foot in length of each other. From 5’10” to 6’6″. The small fits them all and the generous nose shape means my more retro boards fit in well along with my shortboards.

Carrying this bag has resulted in a number of positive comments. It does not look like a board bag, there is no reflective silver plastic. It is not a loose, baggy woolen sock. Rather, it is neat, well presented, and pretty tidy.

Who It Doesn’t

The bag does not give off ‘flight safe’ vibes. If you’re not flying, great. If you are… eeek… I would not put this under a plane and expect a healthy board on the other side. If jet setting to surf destinations is your game, then you’d best be looking at some heavier padded alternatives. 

The Good

Roll-top access

Well, the roll-top lets you use the bag’s material to protect and buffer your fins/tail. Additionally, the more you roll, the shorter the bag gets. So you end up with more flexibility in length combined with added protection at the tail.

It also gets rid of zips; they get corroded, break teeth, and age quicker than the body materials.

Spacer mesh body

The breathability of the spacer lets the board dry in-bag. It is simple but effective. The nose of the bag is heavier duty and the nose has a webbing loop at the tip. The combination of materials helps your board slide into the bag and gives a bit more stability at the nose, good for when it is on the roof.

Yoga mat vibes

The bag rolls tight, like yoga mat tight. This may not seem like much; however, it means you can store this bag or transport it without it taking up your trunk. It is such a pain to be carrying around an empty board bag. They’re soft and droopy, hard to control, and generally take up as much space as a board. It is kind of the sleeper feature of the bag that it is not always taking up 100% of its space.

Post-consumer recycled materials

Almost as expected, bottles to bags and post-consumer waste is used to make nearly all of the materials for the bag, the exception being the plastic closing hardware. The claim is 104 to 124 bottles per bag are repurposed, bag size-dependent.

Not So Good

The long access

With the roll-top at one end, you do need to manage getting the board safely in and out of the bag. It can get a bit tricky pushing your board into a sock-shaped bag. I have used a number of zip-opening bags that kind of become taco shells with a surfboard filling. Quick to pack and quick to unpack when you’re going from spot to spot.

Structure of the side handle and strap

It grabs a little softly to the bag. I had a proto with thinner material, but I would still be a little nervous about how much control you have over a more narrow board sitting inside the bag. The grab handle kind of moves independently of the bag, so your board swings around a bit. Not hugely, but more than with a standard foamed-out surfboard bag.

Rain on the roof racks

It pissed down, like totally drenching rain while I was driving with the board on the roof, and the bag was soggy. I also had a silver foamed-out board bag that had shed water like a duck on the body and only had wet binding tape and zippers. The Roew had to stay outside and dry off. If you’re not throwing it on the roof, i.e. you don’t have kids taking up your car space, then no worries!

Alternatives to Consider

There are not any other roll-tops, the Roew sits in its own world. There are socks from many brands and silver bags from many others.

Board socks

Board socks are done by heaps of crew, all the major surf brands and plenty of surf lifestyle crossovers too.

I enjoy Project Blank Board Socks, they are so black and not surf vibes, which suits me great.

Board bag

Single board bags are also done by heaps and heaps of brands. All the majors, most of the minors. They range greatly in price and quality but tend to be a bit of a staple.

For an interesting option the Shelter Board Bag by Db is pretty awesome and stealth… you may be getting a hint at what I like.

Verdict

The bag was great. I got comments in the car park about it, which never happens. It was a good-looking, quick-drying, small-storing board bag for a trip where I swapped boards and cars often, and this was the go-to.

I view the Roew Roll Top Board Bag as a complement to my other bags. This is the quick trip, locals-only bag. Not for the long-haul flights or along wild coast adventures, and when it comes down to it, that is most of my surfing.

You can pre-order on Kickstarter now.

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Magnets

The secret sauce to Mobile is obviously: magnets. Peak Design uses a magnet array placed at four corners of a zirconia ceramic ring (really more of a square). This allows the phone to attach to a variety of accessories and mounts. The ceramic ring gives it a stable mating surface and assures the two pieces home in on each other, while the magnets assure the pieces stay attached.

The magnets are at their strongest perpendicular to the plane of the phone so pulling it straight out gives the most resistance while levering the accessory, or rolling it sideways means an easy release.

But what happens when you want to make sure the mount doesn’t come loose?

SlimLink: Dual Mechanisms

Mobile actually has two types of locks. The first, what I described above, is called soft-lock and it relies strictly on the magnets for security. However, there is also a hard-lock option that uses mechanical claws (think: tabs) that position in the ceramic ring. Examples of accessories with hard-lock include both bike and motorcycle mounts and the Creator Kit.

Mounting Options Galore

I described Mobile by Peak Design as an ecosystem and it’s truly staggering the products and solutions they’ve created. For starters, you’ll need to get their case or the Universal Adapter if your phone isn’t one of the ones supported at launch. Right now that’s iPhone 11, 12, and the Samsung S20.

Once you have the case, you can pick your poison. For cyclists, there’s an Out-Front mount that keeps your phone forward of your stem. There’s also a Universal Bike Mount that keeps it on your bars. Similarly, motorcycle owners can mount their phone on their stem for a low and centered approach, or on their bars.

Drivers have access to two mounts (one with a built-in charger and the other without). These attach with 3M VHB tape and have articulating ball heads. Speaking of adhesive backs, the Wall Mount means catching up on last night’s sports scores while you shave in the morning, or referencing a recipe while cooking dinner, is just a glance away.

There are a few fun accessories as well like the Mobile Tripod and Wireless Charging Stand. Be sure to check the campaign to see the full list.

Clean Design, Built To Last

In some ways, the way Mobile is constructed is the opposite of the Everyday Bags we’ve come to know Peak Design for recently. The bags were mostly soft goods with some small details of in-house custom-designed hardware bits. Mobile is primarily hardware but the Everyday Case is where Peak got to flex their material and soft-goods design muscles and they didn’t disappoint. It’s thin at 2.4mm with full drop protection and is covered in a weatherproof nylon canvas that is Bluesign certified. It has a slight texture to it and a soft touch which is really a joy to use compared to a plastic or even leather case. You’ll also find this material in the Kickstand Wallet which features a hinge to let you prop up your phone for those important Zoom calls, while holding seven cards.

Peak Design has really pulled out all the stops here. They created an auto-aligning magnetic connection mechanism that allows your phone to effortlessly be used in a variety of situations where you need it. You are already using your phone on your bike, in your car, and by your bedside. I’ve always felt that in each scenario, there’s always a compromise. The phone doesn’t quite prop up in a stable way or the car mount loses suction right as you are exiting into an unfamiliar town. By having a simple and secure mount and a cohesive collection of mounts and accessories that just work, you can continue using your phone, in the way you want, without it feeling like half a solution.

Mobile by Peak Design is on Kickstarter and runs to December 7, 2020.

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1st Place

Mystery Ranch Tower 47

The climbing world makes certain demands on your gear that have to be met. Suitable toughness to endure rugged climbing environments. Comfortable carry to get gear there and back again while often needing to navigate tricky terrain. And easy access to your climbing gear when you need it, while ensuring it’s secure when you don’t.

Enter Mystery Ranch with their Tower 47. The brand is synonymous with highly durable and extremely comfortable carry. But now they’re bringing that expertise to climbing carry with the Tower 47. The crag pack features Mystery Ranch’s signature burly build and super-comfy Futura Alpine yoke that can adjust to different torso lengths. Then it gets creative on access with a wide-opening main compartment that lays all your gear out for rapid, convenient access. You’ll also find a range of pockets and compression straps, allowing you to tailor organization to your needs.  

Durable and comfortable enough for the approach while serving up great gear access when you get there, this is a dependable and functional crag pack you’ll keep reaching for again and again. Highly impressive, Mystery Ranch!

________________________________________________________

Highly Commended

These are the pieces that just missed out, and in most cases, by the smallest of margins. To them, we award a High Commendation. The below were of outstanding quality, displaying fine craftsmanship and design flair. With honor, we bow our heads in the utmost respect and kudos. If this were a dais, they’d be biting their teeth into silver medals, while their flags were hoisted into the horizon – a feat not to be overlooked. And we’re sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.

Kriega TRAIL18

You can’t think about motorcycle carry and not think about Kriega. Their TRAIL18 delivers a noteworthy performance for demanding adventure use, combining a super-rugged build with great carry comfort courtesy of their excellent Quadloc-Lite harness.

But they’ve also gotten clever with organization, offering multiple compartments, dedicated waterproof storage for valuables, and a waterproof roll-top main compartment. Plus you get a Hypalon net for storing wet or quick-access gear externally. This is a pack that’s clearly been built with demanding riding in mind, dishing up all the comfort, gear security, and durability you need to embrace adventurous use. A truly excellent effort, Kriega!

Thule RoundTrip Bike Duffel

Thule is all about embracing the outdoors and active lifestyles. And that includes bringing all the gear you need to follow your outdoor pursuits. Their RoundTrip Bike Duffel is a cycling-focused duffel designed to organize and carry all the gear you need to enjoy road and off-road cycling alike. And they nailed it with great interior organization utilizing a divider that keeps individual items tidy and quickly accessible from the get-go.

There’s also plenty of space for shoes, a helmet, and bike tools. All in a tough build crafted with attention to detail. If you need to travel with bike gear, this duffel won’t disappoint. Fantastic work, Thule!

–

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One of the most important points I would like to address before going on is the violence taking place. The VAST majority of the people attending these protests are there for the sole reason of making their voices heard, as is their Constitutional right.

I have personally seen and photographed multiple individuals attempting to incite chaos forcibly removed by protesters.

We must continue to support our fellow Americans who wish to have their voice heard, as that is a right we are all granted no matter the color of our skin or political ideology.

What I Carry

Nikon D750 w/spare battery and Really Right Stuff L Bracket – I have shot with a D750 for a couple years now, it provides a great combo of size/weight while still having very impressive autofocus.  The L bracket stays on as it provides additional protection the camera and is quick to go on the tripod in my car if the need arises for long exposure shots.

Sigma Art 50 1.4 – I bring one lens and one camera, in the past covering similar events I carried multiple cameras, lenses, flashes etc.  I have found due to the hectic nature of these protests being as light and mobile as possible is more beneficial than additional camera gear. I prefer this lens as 50mm can handle everything from portraits to wide shots of the city if I back up enough. 

iPhone XR w/ battery bank and charger – Pretty simple, I bring a backup battery as I will occasionally livestream the events and want to avoid being stuck with a dead phone. 

Griffin Pocket Tool – This is part of my EDC, the Griffin pocket tool comes in handy for a variety of tasks and helps keep my keys sunk deep in my pockets.

DPx Gear Urban Hest – Not only is this knife a part of my daily EDC, but I consider it to be one of the most crucial pieces of gear I bring with me due to the inspiration it provides. The DPx line of knives are designed and produced by my number one role model in the world of photojournalism, Robert Young Pelton. The conversations I have had with Robert along with his work and stories have been the primary inspiration behind my pursuit of photojournalism both here in the USA and abroad. 

Note: this is my personal preference, and carrying a knife in different states or countries would be problematic. Fellow photojournalists also choose not to carry knives or shears to minimize risk.

Streamlight ProTac 2L – Always good to have a light when darkness falls, I like this one as it is small and cheap, I tend to lose flashlights so the price point is important to me. 

SKD PIG Brigandine with AR500 plates – While I am not too worried about being shot at these protests, this carrier not only provides an easy way for me to stand out from the crowd as a member of the press, but also allows quick access to the IFAK mentioned below.  This carrier was purchased for use at the gym, but has been pressed into service here due to having it on hand. In the future I plan to upgrade to a Velocity Systems package that will be lighter weight and provide better protection. 

HSGI IFAK – I keep this on my chest, it has the usual supplies in it. CAT, gloves, quick clot etc. I bring it not only for my safety, but incase I need to help anyone else. 

Oakley Tombstones – Eye protection is good to have as these protests have included everything from flying rebar to rubber bullets. I can’t take good photos if I am blind. 

Mestel gasmask – This is for handling the tear gas, it gets the job done. 

Surgical mask – Because Corona.

Team Wendy Exfil Carbon Fiber Helmet – This helmet is incredibly comfortable, offers “bump” protection and due to its carbon fiber composition is very lightweight. With the various rocks, bottles, rebar, tear gas canisters etc. flying around covering your noggin is a wise idea. 

Press badge – It might surprise you to learn that press credentials are non-existent in public spaces.  The credentials you see many wear come from the agency or company they work for, I have those, but they are essentially meaningless.  The City of Atlanta, Atlanta Police Department etc. do not issue “press credentials” as press is already issued credentials at a national level via the United States Constitution.

Wallet with ID and emergency contact – Wallet is a pretty simple accessory, but I wanted to mention it as it contains emergency contact information incase something were to happen to me. This is a smart idea in situations like this due to the volume of people emergency personnel might end up dealing with. 

Water – One of the most important items to have on hand, I am on my feet for hours at a time in 80 degree plus weather, staying hydrated is a must. 

Salomon X Ultra 3s w/ Darn Tough socks – As mentioned with water, you are on your feet a lot, comfortable shoes are needed. These Salomons provide a great mix of ankle support, traction and ability to run when the stampedes start. I pair them with Darn Tough socks as they tend to last forever and are very comfortable. 

TruSpec 24/7 Series pants – I have many pairs of these pants, they provide plenty of pockets for carrying the various items I have mentioned and hold up well to any abuse you can throw at them. They are local to me too, so that’s another reason I support their brand. 

Mean Gene Leather belt – This is my EDC belt, it is stiff and accommodating to any additional weight you might add to it.

Nike or Under Armor golf shirt – Looks halfway professional, breathes incredibly well and the collar helps keep the sun off my neck. 

Tips for staying safe

No matter what you bring to a protest like this, your brain is the most important asset. Press often end up between law enforcement and protesters which puts you in a risky position. You are trying to balance staying out of the way of LEO, while still documenting the situation as best you can. Using your brain to stay aware of the situation you are in is a good way to avoid being run over by police or attacked by violent members of the crowd. 

When dealing with law enforcement it is best to listen to anything they tell you, now is not the time to argue with them about “freedom of press” unless you want to finish that conversation in zip ties.

When it comes to the protesters, the large majority of the people attending these protests are there for the sole reason of peacefully protesting. The primary objector you will run into are those who are scared of the press capturing their faces in photos, these situations are easy to de-escalate. I simply point out the 20+ government cameras mounted around the surrounding areas, mention the government drones flying overhead and point out a few of the law enforcement photographers on nearby buildings/parking decks. Once the protesters realize that you are not playing a part in government surveillance they tend to calm down.

If confronted with a protester that turns violent (I have not), my plan is to do everything I can to escape and evade the situation.

There’s hope on the streets

While the general outlook on these protests has been bleak, I believe it is important to focus on the positive interactions taking place, as I saw many.

One of my favorite photos I captured shows Command Sgt. Maj. Roy Marchert of the Georgia Army National Guard speaking with a protester about their common love for music.

This wasn’t a cherry-picked moment either, the examples of peace and hope were endless at the protests. 

Here we see a protester saying goodnight to a member of the Atlanta Police Department moments before curfew sets in.

Whether you are viewing these photos, protesting or standing on the front lines as a law enforcement officer or member of our military I would encourage you to look at those around you as people just like you.

Jocko Willink drove this point home in a recent video addressing both protesters and law enforcement. “Please please remember the same thing, that you are looking at a person, a person like you, a person with a family, a person with aspirations, a person with hope, a person with pain and sadness and joy and misery, a person with hate and a person with love. A person like you.”

This guest post was written by Luke Crawford.

If you wish to view some of his photos, feel free to follow him on Instagram @L_Craw or Facebook.  

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Neon soaked streets, dark alleys and a futuristic skyline of man-made monoliths. Hong Kong has been the setting and inspiration for countless fictional tales that have helped define popular culture and shape our vision of the future. A tiny outcrop of rugged hills and islands, it also has one of the most densely populated urban areas in the world.

As a documentary photographer my work has taken me to some of the world’s remotest regions, the deserts of the Sahara, the Himalayan range and the dense jungles of central Borneo. However, I always find myself drawn to cites; perhaps it’s the people. The interaction between people and spaces, inventive innovations in urban architecture and infrastructure or simply a love of the future and of the possibilities it can offer us.

Living in Singapore, I’ve visited Hong Kong a number of times over the years. I knew from the first time walking the streets that it was a special place and that any kind of attempt to change the spirit and culture of the people was sure to be met with stern resistance. The British handed back Hong Kong in 1997 after the expiry of its historic 99-year lease, a century-old legacy from the Opium Wars of the 1800s. The former British colony had one of the world’s most developed economies and was now facing assimilation into one of the world’s greatest surviving autocracies.

In order to protect the Hong Kong economy and people, China and the UK signed the Sino-British Joint Declaration which permitted democratic autonomy for 50 years, until 2047 by which time it was thought that China would have developed enough to allow for an easier integration.

At the beginning of the summer a new legal bill was introduced which would allow for extradition of those people considered guilty of crimes including sedition against Beijing to be sent to China for punishment. It has been seen by Hongkongers as another worrying indication that the Communist Chinese Government, the PRC are accelerating the inculcation of Hong Kong into mainland China. Protests have been taking place on the streets now for the last three months. Police have fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protests in an attempt to subdue the resistance movement who are calling for the withdrawal of the proposed extradition bill and an enquiry into police conduct amongst their five key demands.

My curiosity started to get the better of me as for weeks I saw reports of police and protesters fighting pitched battles amongst the high-rises and streets I have come to know and love. I asked my wife if I could leave her and our almost two-year-old son again for a while, having just returned from working in Thailand. She knows these kinds of situations are my professional specialism; she told me in no uncertain terms ‘go to Hong Kong’. Great, thank you my love, now which pack do I choose?

When working in urban areas with high populations there are a number of risks to consider. Having worked previously in Palestine I’m used to tear gas and rubber bullets. I have been gassed plenty and was shot in the leg with a rubber-coated steel bullet. They made a film during my time in Palestine, it’s called Five Broken Cameras, it won an Emmy. The best preparation for working in hostile environments is professional training, a key element of which is Risk Management. It is vital that you think not only about the physical risks to which you’re going to be exposed but also the psychological risks you might encounter, or indeed those created by your very presence.

The PDW SHADO is a great pack and works incredibly well in a number of environments and does a great number of things. However, the tactical look of the pack and the straps and gear retention loops are not really conducive to keeping a low profile or moving swiftly in an urban environment, especially amongst 1.7 million peaceful protesters and commuters all wielding open umbrellas. Also it’s important to keep in mind if you turn up at a peaceful demonstration dressed in preparation for conflict, helmet and gas mask at the ready, you’re going to scare people, and when people get scared terrible things can happen.

Documentary work requires me to be a passive observer, not to directly or indirectly provoke or influence a situation. To remain as objective as possible and record what takes place. To this end I decided that all my personal protection equipment or PPE had to be contained within the pack, with nothing visibly showing. Either a stripped down TAD FAST Pack Scout or the Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 18L would both be excellent in this regard.

My typical working day in Hong Kong takes the form of attending a demonstration or march that will inevitably move off its pre-authorised route, proceeding in any random direction for hours, likely in the pouring rain and then possibly end in a considerable amount of violence. Threats can include gas and projectiles as well as physical assault, exhaustion, muscle strains and dehydration. My choice of pack and EDC kit is vital in mitigating these risks. I ended up with the TAD FAST Pack Scout to keep things light and agile, and the PDW SHADO for longer days and marches so I could pack for more mileage.

Due to the illegality of military PPE in Asia, which includes ballistic body armour, it was necessary to source a legal equivalent once in the country. 3M have a number of commonly available respirators designed for industrial use that can be equipped with filters for organic gases, which includes tear gas. The lack of ballistic protection was a concern, but having experienced being shot with a rubber bullet before I knew carrying heavy level IV ballistic plates wasn’t necessary. Considering the 90% humidity in Hong Kong the thought also came as a welcome relief. I am a climber and when not travelling for work I travel to climb. Outdoor climbing in Southeast Asia is a hot and sweaty affair, so I’ve learned a few things about protective equipment and high humidity. I have a Black Diamond Vector climbing helmet as protection for my head from airborne projectiles. It is extremely lightweight and very comfortable over long periods of time.

Tear gas not only affects your respiratory system, it also stings skin and gets worse with sweat. Long sleeves and gloves are beneficial when first exposed, eventually the effects lessen with each repeated exposure. I still find the backs of my hands get irritated so I carry a pair of Outdoor Research Aerator Sensor warm weather gloves. For eye protection I’m using my ESS Advancer V12 goggles which I’ve had for years. They continue to stand up to whatever I throw at them, whether it be sandstorms or days on the bike.

For recording I’m using both Fujifilm X-Pro2 and X-T2 cameras. They both take the same batteries and work pretty much the same. The X-Pro2 is easier to carry due to the rangefinder design, it’s flat without a protruding pentaprism so carries better in the pack. Attached to them are the Fujifilm XF-23 f/2 and XF-35 f/2 lenses. In 135 photographic terms they are 35mm and 50mm lenses. The 35mm gives me a nice environmental portrait and wide establishing image, whilst the 50mm I use mostly for portraits due to its depth of field, or when I don’t want to get too close to the action. Both are weather sealed and have a fast and silent autofocus. For video I’m using an iPhone XR of which the video quality still continues to surprise. I also have a GoPro HERO5 for live video streaming. My wireless headphones are Jaybird X4s, they work when wet and have fantastic sound quality. Backup power is supplied by a 20,000mAh Anker PowerCore II. Everything is recharged via USB, even the camera batteries. I dumped the camera ‘power brick’ a long time ago in favor of a Nitecore FX1 dual charger for Fuji. They make them for almost every camera battery, simply brilliant.

For digital editing I’m using a 10.5″ iPad Pro which is fast and makes the task a joy. Recommended apps include LumaFusion for video editing, and Lightroom with creative cloud for backup syncing and organization. As I also supply the media with images I’m also having to carry an 11″ MacBook Air. The reason being I’m unable to edit the IPTC metadata required for media work on the Lightroom mobile app, sigh. Last but not least is a Western Digital My Passport Wireless Pro 3TB hard drive and Nokia 8110 4G which allows me to backup, share files and provide an internet connection on the go. The Nokia 8110 4G is also dual sim, so I can effectively move between three networks when travelling abroad. All my cables, adaptors and chargers are kept in a Peak Design Tech Pouch. For hydration and coffee I carry a couple of Klean Kanteens and a 32 oz. Nalgene. I also have my AeroPress and Porlex grinder. They travel with me everywhere; researching local coffee is my hobby and also very much a necessity.

To be honest Hong Kong’s protest movement is equally well equipped. Over the last few nights I’ve seen quite a few Mystery Ranch packs including the 1DAP, Street Zen and Sweet Pea as well as multiple Urban Assaults. It is an honour and a privilege to be able to witness and document these historic times. I only hope that everyone involved remains safe and remembers to look out for each other no matter which pack they carry.

Packing List

The TAD FAST Pack Scout is a minimal pack that’s lightweight and comfortable all day long. The pack’s low profile means I can move swiftly on the street through crowds and busy public transport without any issues. Attached to the shoulder strap is a Nitecore NU05 safety signal light. Most of the equipment I’m using day to day is designed to continue to work when wet. This is very important because tropical downpours can saturate everything in minutes.

The PDW SHADO is a favorite airport transit pack. Everything shown here fits perfectly. Two Fuji-X cameras are carried inside a Domke F-5XB. The iPad and MacBook Air 11″ are in neoprene sleeves or a TAD Control Panel 2. Batteries and chargers travel in a Peak Design Tech Pouch. I also carry a Nitecore LA10 CRI flashlight to help me find things from my pack on night flights, and an insulated 20 oz. Klean Kanteen to keep hydrated.

The Western Digital My Passport Pro features 3TB storage, a built-in card reader with automatic backup and the ability to act as a file server and mobile network router when connected to the internet via Wi-Fi.

My personal protection equipment is stored inside an Extra Small North Face Base Camp Duffel. The panel organizer from the PDW SHADO holds my trauma kit, which travels in the hold luggage together with a Leatherman Wave, my medical kit and a Nitecore SRT3 flashlight. The Black Diamond Vector helmet and ESS goggles are carried on wrapped in a TAD Topo Skull Shemagh to ensure they’re not damaged in transit.

To follow Matt’s work, check out his website: https://www.matthewaslett.com/

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1st Place

ONFAdd Wrapping Backpack

A lot of bags are created to hold specific items, and won’t offer much versatility beyond a small sphere of gear. But ONFAdd’s Wrapping Backpack takes a different approach, standing out by specializing in incredible carry versatility.

The bag takes inspiration from Japanese furoshiki, a traditional wrapping cloth that can accommodate a variety of items. The pack can be opened out flat and then secured around objects with straps and buckles. And the carry possibilities are impressive. Need to carry a chair? No problem. How about a bike wheel? Sure thing. Large bulky boxes? You’re covered.

However, the Wrapping Backpack can also be carried in a default slim, compact profile. So you can easily use it as an everyday bag for smaller day-to-day loads. And with a choice of pockets for organization, including a dedicated 15″ laptop pocket, smaller items remain easily accessible.

With its highly adaptable design, the Wrapping Backpack – by a small boutique brand with a big imagination – is a truly clever solution for carrying bulky, awkward items. All the while delivering the flexibility to serve as a sleek and streetwear-vibed EDC bag too. Fantastic job, ONFAdd!

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Highly Commended

These are the pieces that just missed out, and in most cases, by the smallest of margins. To them, we award a High Commendation. The below were of outstanding quality, displaying fine craftsmanship and design flair. With honor, we bow our heads in the utmost respect and kudos. If this were a dais, they’d be biting their teeth into silver medals, while their flags were hoisted into the horizon – a feat not to be overlooked. And we’re sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.

Mustang Survival Greenwater Waterproof Deck Bag

Heading on an ocean voyage? You’ll likely need gear with you. And when you can’t afford for it to get wet (such as electronics, documents or a dry change of clothes), the Greenwater Waterproof Deck Bag steps in to save the day. Built tough to embrace demanding outdoor environments, the bag combines a 420D Hypalon shell and a YKK Aquaseal zipper. And the result is a hard-wearing, waterproof carry option for protecting essentials from the elements. The rubberized, reinforced handles will withstand none-too-gentle handling, with tie-down points also available to secure it in place. And with 35L and 65L options, you’re covered for smaller and larger loads alike. Solid work, Mustang Survival!

Colfax Design Works Project T.O.A.D. DryBag

Adventures can be hard going. Not to mention a prime opportunity for the elements to get at your gear. But Colfax Design Works doesn’t think that should stop you from getting out there. So they created the Project T.O.A.D. DryBag. A burly, 100% waterproof bag that is part of their Tactical Operations Amphibious Drybags collection. The rugged bag is made in the USA (a huge achievement for such a small brand) with waterproof coated Cordura and YKK Aquaseal zippers. An integrated locking buoyancy valve allows you to easily inflate or deflate the bag on the go, and the submersible build will protect your gear every splash and dunk of the way. And because adventures often require you to adapt on the fly, the T.O.A.D. DryBag provides flexible portability options too. Haul it as a duffel or backpack or utilize the lash points to secure it to vehicle racks. When adventure calls and you need a rugged, reliable way to carry your gear while keeping it safe and dry, this bag is ready to answer. Bravo, Colfax Design Works!

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Both pieces are wrapped in Bentley’s own bull leather, and detailed in a startling bright orange (also bull leather) and custom-made black nickel steel hardware.

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Materials: birch, black nickel steel, bull leather, aluminium

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.Campaign Watch Case: Robinson Edition

Designed in homage to the classic steamer trunks and portmanteaus of the Grand Tour era, our campaign watch case Robinson edition (my family name) was a true labour of love, initially developed as a hidden detail on a watch chest for a $1M Vacheron Constantin one-of-a-kind.

For us owning a special timepiece is all about celebrating and revelling in the ritual; the winding, the cleaning, the admiring…it’s about personal experience. We wanted to bring the opening of the travel case and the reveal into that arena too.

Also, most watch travel cases and boxes are chintzy, ostentatious and glossy. We don’t like glossy.

Bridle leather straps, solid brass saddlery closures, a hardwood wrist-last to the dimensions of the client, personal embossing, unique hides for internal and externals. Authentic, tactile detailing.

Over the years we’ve created these cases in some truly remarkable combinations. With custom wabi-sabi leathers, scorched timber, gold-plated hardware…to name just a few. We’ve even developed custom versions in ultra-limited numbers for some of the UK’s finest bespoke watchmakers (including a double-wide edition for the unique-looking, world’s first atomic powered watch, from Hoptroff).

Materials: various leathers, suedes, woods and metals

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Method X Johnnie Walker: Master Blender’s Trunks

A single oak tree from the highlands of Scotland.

Over 600 hours.

Over 1000 custom components.

In one of the most challenging and labour-intensive commissions we have ever undertaken, and working closely with Johnnie Walker’s legendary master blender Dr Jim Beveridge, the studio developed and designed a very special series of tailor-made travelling trunks; housing all of the instruments, rare liquids and glassware he requires to create the legendary John Walker & Sons signature blend, anywhere in the world.

The Master Blender’s trunks were crafted from a single oak tree, sourced from a very special secret location, on the banks of the river Spey, on the Kinrara Estate near Aviemore in the highlands of Scotland, and were very much designed to add magic, theatre, ritual and drama to the very technical and scientific blending process.

This emphasis on place, provenance and the importance of water is no accident. These ingredients are as fundamental to the art of whisky blending as they are to fine cabinetmaking.

Each of the three trunks, which – when combined – form the Master Blender’s Trunk, are detailed in beautiful Tokyo-tan organic leather, solid brass, glittering gold leaf and thick bridle leather.

The trunks are an invaluable tool in the remarkable bespoke whisky blending process – undertaken with only a very lucky chosen few – by Dr Beveridge.

Truly a humbling project, and one which again combines some of our favourite things; whisky, wood…and the dramatic reveal.

Materials: Scottish oak, brass, bridle leather & gold leaf

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Casks of Distinction: Rare Whisky Tasting Trunk

Designed and meticulously handcrafted to augment one of the most prestigious and rare whisky experiences in the world – the tasting and selecting of ultra rare casks of single malt whisky.

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Developed after painstaking research into the ritual and individual process of guest interaction, the Casks of Distinction trunk was designed to add drama and mystery to the tasting and selection process of some of the world’s most unique liquids.

Each trunk was handcrafted at our workshop in Scotland from birch and oiled, local oak, before being traditionally wrapped in sumptuous full grain and bridle leathers. Detailing is in custom-made, gold-plated solid brass and superfine goat suede.

Materials: Scottish oak, Scottish burgundy leather, bridle leather, gold-plated solid brass, superfine goat suede & silk

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Casks of Distinction: Attache

The second piece we designed and created for the prestigious Casks of Distinction programme was very much inspired by traditional British suitcase design, and the work of one of our favourite heritage brands: Globe-Trotter.

Ninety five percent of the components and contents were designed and custom made specifically for the project, including the precision engineered solid brass corner protectors (of which I am particularly fond). The piece houses hand-cut Cumbria crystal decanters and tumblers and allows the user to picnic in rather inimitable style.

Designed and meticulously handcrafted to augment one of the most prestigious and rare whisky experiences in the world – the tasting and selecting of ultra rare casks of single malt whisky.

Materials: Scottish oak, full-grain leather, hand-cut bridle leather, custom-engineered brass hardware & handmade full-lead crystal

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All of the other images are courtesy of Graeme Hunter Pictures and Method Studio.

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