From the moment you open the box, the Alto Briefcase shows off thoughtful design and a pleasing silhouette. Every inch is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, boasting clean lines and a streamlined style that effortlessly adapts to various fashion sensibilities, environments, and ages.

The exterior, constructed from a high-quality nylon twill, with full-grain leather trims and furnishings, delivers a luxurious feel while promising durability that will withstand the harshest commutes. The gunmetal hardware and zippers add modern charm, contrasting beautifully with the contemporary design.

Form & Purpose

At the heart of the Alto Briefcase lies an exceptional level of functionality that caters to the demands of the modern professional. The spacious main compartment accommodates laptops up to 16”, securing them with a padded sleeve that ensures protection during transit. And like any good tech-forward bag, there’s a secondary tablet/document sleeve in front of that. On the opposing side, you have access to three leather adorned slip pockets for notebooks, travel documents, or even an e-reader.

The front organizational panel, that opens full-clamshell, is one of the shining stars. Multiple stretch-fabric interior pockets keep your belongings in their place, preventing that dreaded jumble of cords and accessories. The upper leather-adorned pockets, with their own volume, are a pleasure to use, and unlike almost any other bag, I look forward to just using them. It’s a novel design and I really like what Oak & Rove have accomplished here, no matter how simple. There’s a 2/3 panel zippered sleeve on the opposite wall for further organization, and an extra quick access sleeve on the exterior with a handsomely contrasting metal zipper.

Hidden in one of these volumetric pockets is a leather, magnetically attached key fob. Like the pocket it resides in, it’s a novel approach that truly works well.

On the rear side of the Alto, there’s a semi-hidden, micro-suede lined exterior pocket that provides quick access and protection to essentials like your smartphone or other valuables. A discreet luggage strap at the back allows you to effortlessly secure the briefcase to your suitcase during travel, and it even incorporates a secondary horizontal pass-through for that in-flight magazine you picked up.

Seamless Transitions

Whether you’re heading to the boardroom, a cafe between meetings, or embarking on a business trip, the Alto Briefcase is an ever faithful companion. The detachable shoulder strap offers a hands-free carrying option, ideal for those days when you’re juggling a cup of coffee and a tablet. The sleek, rounded leather top handles provide a more traditional carrying style, especially when rocking a jacket, allowing you to effortlessly switch between modes as your day evolves.

The Oak & Rove Promise

Oak & Rove double down on their commitment to their customers, and we love that. The slick leatherwork and clean stitches and seams reflect an unwavering dedication to quality, backed by a 30 day return window for any unsure buyers, as well as a lifetime warranty that lets you get on without a worry. The water-resistant exterior fabrics, luxe lining, and subtle branding underscore this attention to detail, without overshadowing the bag’s refined aesthetics.

Elevated Everyday

When first impressions matter, the Oak & Rove Alto Briefcase seamlessly blends style, functionality, and durability to create a bag that transcends mere utility. With its timeless design and well-thought-out features, this briefcase is not just an accessory; it’s an extension of your persona – a statement of your commitment to both style and substance, without sacrificing the utility you need every day.

This is a #curatedsponsor article from our friends at Oak & Rove.

The post Modern Styling with Oak & Rove’s Alto Briefcase appeared first on Carryology.

The Transit Arkiv Laptop Brief comes in at 14L, smaller than a day bag. However, the layout is roomy enough to accommodate quite a lot. The Transit Arkiv is an excellent option if you need a shoulder bag for the daily commute and carry a small lunch, laptop, umbrella, snacks, raincoat, and other accessories. A multitude of pockets are built into the bag, giving the user plenty of options and organization for any use case. If you have additional bags from Mission Workshop that utilize the Arkiv system, this brief can be attached to those bags.

The organization of the bag’s interior is well thought out, with pockets and dividers galore.

I have been using the Transit Arkiv Laptop Brief for a few months now, and it fits everything I need for a workday at the coffee shop or elsewhere in town. 

My usual loadout for a day like this tends to be:

• 15″ MacBook Pro w/ charging cables
• Wireless mouse
• 1-2 external hard drives
• Power bank
• Notebook
• Two sets of headphones (phone and computer)
• 1-2 snack bars
• Nalgene or Earthwell (both 32oz) 

I can fit everything in and still have room to stash a light jacket or rain shell without the bag being too full. The shoulder strap is wide, and due to the bag only being 14L, it doesn’t need a pad even when fully packed. I am a huge fan of waxed canvas, so I picked up the brown waxed version for this review. 

Who It Suits

The Mission Workshop Transit Arkiv Laptop Brief comes in several fabrics and colors. You have options if you are looking for a shoulder bag that can be used in an office environment or a more rugged setting. At 14 liters, you have more space than a sling, but not as much as a daypack, so consider what you would use this for and how you would travel with the bag. This is a perfect bag for your carry-on item as it fits nicely under the seat and can hold all you need on a flight. As mentioned above, this shoulder bag is perfect for everyday use as a commuter or office bag. 

Who It Doesn’t

While the Transit Arkiv brief is great for commuting by public transport or your vehicle, I would not use this as a bike commuting bag unless you were to strap it to a rack. If you tend to need more for your workday or pack larger bulky lunches, you might have issues fitting everything in the bag as it is only 14L.

The Good

The layout of the pocketing and the bag’s design are exceptionally well thought out. Several zipped and drop pockets throughout the bag can house various items. You have one big roomy compartment in the interior, with one large drop pocket on one side and an admin panel opposite. The admin panel consists of two pen slots, a drop pocket that can easily fit a hard drive or power bank, and a zippered mesh pocket.

There is no lack of organization in the bag, which is always excellent for travel and the office. The exterior has two pockets on either end. These pockets are not big enough for a water bottle but could hold a compact umbrella, wallet, or some snack bars. There is a laptop pocket that easily fits my 15″ MacBook and should fit up to a 16″ laptop. You might think that the pocketing stops here, but you’d be wrong.

The rear of the bag houses a small drop pocket. This can be used to house the hand strap or to keep items such as your wallet or passport close to your body. On the front of the bag, there is one full-sized drop pocket. Being that this is a large pocket, you can use it for documents, your tablet, or that delicious pita you just picked up. Finally, one small waterproof zip pocket is on the front of the bag. I found myself using this mainly for my headphones and keys as it was easy to reach and secure.

If you are a bike commuter and have a front rack on your bike, Mission Workshop has built-in detachable straps that can secure the brief to your bike for commuting. 

The Transit Arkiv provides the user with a shoulder strap and two hand straps. These options were perfect for travel as the bag carries well over the shoulder while walking through the airport, but the hand straps are great for carrying the bag through the plane aisle. The rear of the bag also has webbing for attaching your brief to your luggage as you navigate the airport. 

The Not So Good

The large drop pocket on the interior is somewhat flimsy. What I mean by this is that when you are filling your bag, this pocket tends to flop in the way and create more of a jumble than help organize. Personally, if this pocket was split in two and provided smaller drop pockets, this might solve this issue and help separate your items better. 

I like that the hand straps have stow pockets for when they are not in use, but the shoulder strap is not easily detachable. This could be an issue for some who prefer not to utilize the strap. It does give the bag a cleaner look by not having buckles, but the strap can get in the way if you want to use just the hand straps. You can remove the strap, it just takes some effort. 

Verdict

If you’re looking for a compact, well-organized shoulder bag that will do double-duty on travel and everyday commuting, the Mission Workshop Transit Arkiv could be a great option for you. Sleek enough for the office, tough enough for travel, and easily able to accommodate your tech and essentials, this is a stylish and dependable piece for office professionals, creatives, and travelers alike.

The post Mission Workshop Transit Arkiv Laptop Brief Review appeared first on Carryology.

Who It Suits

Professionals in environments ranging from business casual to business formal will find this bag excellent. It can also be dressed down to casual with the right outfits and styles. Think smart casual or preppy. If you’re constantly on the move, then you’ll appreciate the quick-access compartment and the magnetic pocket on the outside.

Who It Doesn’t

If you need a ton of space, either upgrade to the “double” version of this bag which is slightly larger or maybe opt for a backpack. Of course, if your own style and wardrobe don’t match the vibe of this bag, then it’s going to look out of place in use. This probably wouldn’t go well with streetwear, athleisure, etc. However, style is subjective, so be sure to use your own discretion.

Specifications

Name: The Cary Briefcase, Single

Brand: Stuart & Lau

Format: Briefcase

Dimensions: 16.0″ (W) x 12.0″ (H) x 3.9″ (D)

Zippers: YKK Excella

Material: DuraLite fabric and full-grain leather

Price: $375

Design

The Cary Briefcase has a timeless aesthetic. It’s sophisticated, stylish, and versatile in what it can be worn with. The leather accents complement the bag and add luxury that gets better with age. The navy and tan colorway that I went with looks good with most of my outfits, never looking out of place. One thing I appreciate about the look of the bag is the difference in textures. The soft leather contrasts against the canvas-like fabric, and the metallic luster of the hardware contributes to an overall premium look.

Speaking of materials, this briefcase does not disappoint. The exterior fabric feels like a thick nylon canvas, the leather is full-grain, the hardware is rugged and burly, and the lining is soft to the touch. Every single material choice here is exceptional.

The material choice wouldn’t really matter too much if the bag wasn’t built well. However, Stuart & Lau killed it on the craftsmanship. Clean stitch lines, nice finishing on the edges of the leather, and not one loose thread in sight.

Although the finishing on the edges of the leather looks and feels nice, in use it causes a lot of friction against clothes. It did break in over a few weeks, but it’s still something to think about. It also peels off into tiny little strings on the shoulder strap. I do wish that the pad on the shoulder strap was lined with some sort of fabric instead of just being leather since it’s hard to adjust, especially when it’s on your shoulder.

Another pain point I have with this bag is the laptop sleeve being just barely too small. Although their website doesn’t explicitly say that it will fit a 16″ MacBook Pro, on their website, they do show a laptop that closely resembles it. A 16″ MacBook will fit, but it’s uncomfortably tight and I’m worried that the zippers will scratch my laptop. This is important to mention because the removable laptop sleeve is a pretty integral part of the bag and its organization. If you have a larger laptop that you need to carry for work, then be sure to refer to their provided measurements to make sure it will fit. I know there’ll be some folks who are running with a larger laptop for their jobs, especially if your workflow requires one with a lot of power.

Features

This is such an unexpectedly innovative bag, and there are so many useful, non-gimmicky features. The aforementioned detachable laptop sleeve, although being slightly too small for a 16″, is seriously awesome. It’s got some organization that seamlessly works whether it’s in the bag or out, a nice carry handle, water-resistant zips, nice padding, and a microfiber lining. It’s easy to put in, and easy to take out. I really like being able to take out the whole sleeve and put it on my desk.

There are some straps on the front that you can slip an umbrella through that don’t look out of place when not in use. This is an awesome feature, and it makes it super easy to access your umbrella, newspaper, or jacket while saving space on the inside of your bag.

I also love how everything is included, from the tote bag, to the shoulder strap, to the luggage tag. It makes the product feel complete.

I personally think that when done well, magnets can really add to the experience of a bag. On this briefcase, there’s a sleeve on the outside with a magnetic closure. I use this to store my keys, the tote bag, and papers that I just need to put away quickly. Some other features include a zippered quick-access pocket, a magnetic key ring, and a luggage passthrough.

Performance

In use, this bag has great access if you’re on the move or if you’re seated at your desk. I love how the organization is considered and useful, and the quick access coupled with the magnetic pocket on the outside makes it easy to grab certain items on the go.

The strap isn’t the most comfortable on the shoulder as it does dig into your skin a bit. It’s not unbearable, but it is worth mentioning. If you’re just holding the bag by its handles, then it feels nice and luxurious. They’re stiff, but not rough on the hands. Trust me when I say that the handles are delightful.

Their proprietary fabric feels sturdy and durable and has handled rainy weather quite well. While the zippers on the bag aren’t water-sealed, the ones on the laptop compartment are, so I feel okay with walking in the rain as long as I have an umbrella to at least cover part of the bag.

The Good

· Stylish

· Luxurious materials and hardware

· Great craftsmanship

· Innovative and feature-packed

· Well-thought-out organization

· Easy access

· Decent water resistance

The Not So Good

· Laptop sleeve is a little tight

· Edge finishing on the leather peels a bit

· Shoulder pad on strap is hard to adjust and a bit uncomfortable

Verdict

The briefcase is a format that has stood the test of time. Stuart & Lau managed to take a classic style and elevate it through innovative features that are genuinely useful. These great features coupled with the premium-feeling materials create a bag that is a pleasure to use day in and day out.

The Breakdown

Space & Access- 8

Organization- 8

Comfort- 6

Look & Feel- 9

Build, Materials, & Hardware- 8

Features- 8

Warranty & Support- 8

Brand Experience- 7

Value- 8

X-Factor- 8

The post Stuart & Lau Cary Single Briefcase Review appeared first on Carryology.

Our Best Work Shoulder Bag finalists are all solid performers that are ready to put in a hard day’s work on your behalf. But which bag merits a promotion to category champ? Cast your vote below.

The post Carry Awards VIII: Best Work Shoulder Bag appeared first on Carryology.

Who It Suits

Anyone who wants to lug around a ton of stuff with them for work, a trip, or play, but prefers the aesthetic of an over-the-shoulder carry.

Who It Doesn’t

The commuter who prefers a bike to public transit or the minimalist who prefers to be lean and mean.

The Good

The first thing that stands out about the bag is the design. There are three independent compartments to the bag. With the outer pouch pocket, I found myself placing those slightly bulkier items that didn’t fit in the “hidden” sleeves that I’d want easy access to, like my point-and-shoot, Field Notes or Kindle. The pouch contains one of my favorite features of the bag: the magnetic closures (that’ll be a theme) and Fidlock attachment. It’s one of the few times where you both feel and hear a sound so pleasant and so sweet that you want to be a 5-year-old and keep playing with it. The clack of the Fidlock Stripe and snap of the magnet means you’re ready to move on to the next section. 

The main compartment, like the master bedroom on an MTV Cribs episode, is where all the magic happens. The clamshell design makes it easy to open as if it’s a top loader or fully open to unload, pack or whatever floats your boat. Inside there’s a dedicated laptop sleeve or spot for your newspaper/magazine/files that is within quick and easy access. It’s closed by, you guessed it, a magnet.

There are two full-length mesh zippered pockets that are perfect for external battery packs or anything you’d not want to get mingled into the central compartment. On the other side of this area are two elastic mesh pockets which are perfect for lens caps, filters and the like. Much to my surprise, there is a camera padding accessory that fits on the left half of the compartment, turning this briefcase into a camera bag in a moment’s notice. I didn’t use this accessory in full transparency but I have no doubt it’s convenient and easy to use like everything else Fuller Foundry does.

Both the left and right side have access pockets to get into this main compartment. Each has an elastic pocket for quick and easy access to SD cards or for me, a smaller external battery that I can snag without having to take the bag off.

The back side is yet another area that is the smaller sibling to the main compartment. Inside this clamshell comes down to reveal another laptop sleeve and more pockets for organization! The outer part has a passthrough for luggage which turned out to be a life saver while traveling as you’d expect.

There is also another hidden pocket for quick access to your passport or gum. The handles are on either side of the main compartment, firmly padded and soft to the touch. They don’t have any lining so there are no marks left on your hand should you decide to go strapless.

This bag is a steal at just under $300 given its space, size and quality of the materials. The rubber-like material on the bottom of the bag is Hypalon which is renowned for its durability. The YKK zippers are water resistant and word to the wise, will break in over time. But the first few goes they are tough. And honestly that’s a good thing. There’s no way the zippers will randomly just open which has happened before on other bags. The bag itself is made of Cordura with a water-resistant coating on the side to help protect your gear. I can vouch for the weather resistance of the bag. During many December rainstorms, this bag took it like a champ and not a drop of water ever permeated the outer lining. 

Not So Good

Let’s start with a couple of things that stand out the moment you start rifling through the bag. For one, of the three available colors, Whisky (as modeled by yours truly) is one I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. It’s a weird mix of yellow and brown that doesn’t exude the tasty beverage. Second, there are logos everywhere. A detail is one thing but the logo being on the pull tabs, zipper pulls, outer locking mechanism and inside every compartment is simply overkill. There are literally as many logos on this bag as I have fingers. Like whoa. 

The one spot where me and the bag truly felt off-key was with regard to the shoulder strap (on both bags to be honest). It’s one of the most comfortable straps I’ve had the pleasure to use on any of the bags I’ve reviewed. The seatbelt webbing is soft and the padding is plush. The exterior of the shoulder strap has a daisy chain system which is well designed and easy to use. So you’re probably wondering, what exactly is my problem with it? 

via GIPHY

With the buckles. The Fidlock snap buckle system that holds the strap to the bag has proven a worthy foe. I’ve reached for the bag pulling the strap only to have one unbuckle. I’ve gotten off the subway and for no apparent reason it unsnapped. Whenever I commuted by bike to the office, I was a little nervous every time I’d hear a “click” as if the strap had temporarily disengaged and then got back in place as I went over any type of bump. I am happy to report that I never had any issues while biking but the fear was real and present. I call it ‘strapaphobia’. The question is how much of this is user error and how much of it is design? The shoulder system is ingenious and I love that any strap works on any Foundry product. But man, I’m still getting a hang of it!

Last but not least, I wanted to bring up a potential con for the minimalists out there. The weight of the bag. When I weighed it empty, it came in at 3.7 lbs. Once loaded up, it weighed 14 lbs. The strength of this big bag is its endless supply of space and organization. As I like to say, “your greatest strength is your greatest weakness.”

Others to Consider

With its quick access, flexible organization and expandable volume, Peak Design’s Everyday Messenger might be a good fit for your needs. Depending on your personal tastes and carry setup, you might also find an alternative in our roundup of the best briefcases for men.

Conclusion

This bag is one that I’m excited to make a staple of my daily carry. It has so much space with what you’d regularly carry and need in a pinch that I see myself using this as the lone bag on soccer days packed with work, cleats, shin guards, etc. This bag has that certain X-factor that makes you fall in love with it the more you use it. Sure it has its quirks, nothing is perfect. My hope is that I can figure out the strap system and never look back. 

Most of all, this gets me really excited to see what the folks at Fuller Foundry have up their sleeve. Their unique perspective is a breath of fresh air in the carry space. Plus as a brand they are donating 2% of their profits to giving back. I say bring on more gear!

The post Fuller Foundry Briefcase Review appeared first on Carryology.

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A quick step back before we get started though. Readers of Carryology will be familiar with Unbox Therapy as he is a popular voice in the tech and EDC community. He even was kind enough to review the Z400 Pacsafe x Carryology collab. And after years of having his own bag, he decided to put his own spin on one of his favorite bags.

And the honest answer is that I never quite vibed with this bag for a variety of reasons below. This bag was truly meant for those quite literally on the go and while I commute a whopping five miles to the office, I’m not battling security lines at the airport nor packed like sardines worrying someone is going to slash into my bag.

Who It Suits

Someone who lives or travels to high pickpocket areas and likes peace of mind. The consultant who has PreCheck or Global Entry and more hotel points than they know what to do with. That or a lawyer who wants to go with the casual yet professional look.

Who It Doesn’t

The maximalist who packs their lunch, brings all of their work files/folders home with them, and generally prefers more to less. Someone who likes things ‘easy’; the security features here do add a few extra steps to your interactions.

The Good

With the word “anti-theft” in the name, let’s be honest, those are some big shoes to fill. I have to hand it to Pacsafe, they nailed that aspect. There’s a barrage of wires everywhere hidden below the surface to prevent any cutting, slashing or tearing. The shoulder strap, THE SHOULDER STRAP!, is reinforced so no one can slash and run and so it can safely be anchored to stable objects when you’re having coffee or working in a public place. The fabric has an “eXomesh slashguard” or put into English, a hidden stainless steel wire mesh to again prevent any theft attempts. 

Have you ever YouTubed anything about breaking into people’s bags? Me, never. But a friend told me that zippers, it turns out, are pretty terrible at keeping intruders out. A pen or a flathead can be all it takes to get into that compartment. (Side note, Carryology did a great article on this here.) Thankfully Pacsafe and Unbox Therapy saw said videos and added puncture-resistant Toughzip zippers to minimize tampering.

Last but certainly not least (for now) on this anti-theft train is the RFID-blocking outer pocket which prevents any unwarranted scans. This is important for a variety of reasons, one of which is: big brother is always watching. If you’re interested to learn more about RFID, Carryology has you covered.

Let’s talk self-healing. No, this isn’t a recommendation for an app or self-help book. It’s this incredible technology that with the aid of a heating device (like a hair dryer) lets you remove scratches from the surface of your bag. The result, a bag that has found the fountain of youth and refuses to age. I would like to have reported that I’ve tried it but the honest answer is that the canvas is so durable that despite my best attempts, I haven’t been able to scratch the damn thing!

All of these things make you feel comfortable carrying this bag. But a few other details help take it to the top. The classic passthrough for luggage ensures it never leaves your side and fits in with that executive mindset we laid out earlier. The handles are comfortable in hand should you decide to go that route. Even better, there’s a snap to keep them together!

Also once you get the bag open, its near full clamshell design does give you an insane amount of access to the interior. Once inside, you’ll notice not one but two padded sleeves and just the right amount of organization to keep cables, external batteries, Field Notes, pens and the like nice and handy. There’s even a “hidden” pocket that is placed closest to you to ensure any essentials you wouldn’t want touched, like a passport, stay out of harm’s way.

Not So Good

Upon the unboxing, the first thing that stood out was the noise. This is a weird and very particular gripe, I know. But one of the first things I do when I get a bag is pore through the details, open and close every pocket, touch the fabric and get a feel for what I’m about to embark on. And immediately like a baby crying on a plane, I came upon the loudest sliders on a zipper I’d ever experienced. Worse yet, the only way to tone them down was to connect them to the Roobar locking system which we’ll get into next. Exaggeration alert, but it felt very George Costanza and the squeaky suit. I hate being that guy. 

Aside from all the hidden steel and tamper-proof zippers, a key feature to the bag is the Roobar locking system. It’s what your strap connects to. It’s where your loud sliders slide into to help ensure you’re safe. Overall the locking mechanism is easy on and off body. It is a quick tug and slide and you have access to whatever is on the slider. Again, nitpicky, but the overall mechanism is big and bulky against the rest of the bag. It adds an extra step or two every time I want access to something inside. It’s a great idea, perfectly executed. But again, just not for me.

Another item that I loved was the shoulder strap which was truly one of the best I’ve worn for any type of briefcase or messenger. That said, despite being pulled as small as possible, it still sat lower on body than I wanted with the bottom half of the bag always hitting my rear with every step. And that back hidden pocket we loved so much? Unfortunately it’s that zipper with each stride saying “hello world”. 

The last thing that stood out to me was that despite the clamshell and internal organization, you couldn’t fit a lot of items in the bag. In fact this is one of the only bags I found myself constantly having to reach for a second bag to put my lunch and snacks in because between my laptop and book (sometimes I go old school), there wasn’t much room along the spine to add a whole lot else. I had to be very deliberate and conscious about what I was packing and how. Thankfully a real executive and big wig will eat out all the time and charge it back. That must be nice.

Verdict

If you are someone who travels a bit light with just the essentials, this bag will truly ensure your gear is as safe as whatever’s locked in the vault of the NSA. The operative word for me is travel. The details of this bag are made for someone both comfortable (i.e. the airport) and uncomfortable (i.e. a new city) with their environment.

The post Unbox Therapy X Pacsafe Anti-Theft Briefcase Review appeared first on Carryology.

Premium performance for the professional

The Fuller Foundry line of bags are designed to meet the needs of business professionals, while simultaneously catering to their wanderlust. They offer a premium yet rugged build quality, fusing performance materials with stylish, clean aesthetics and useful features for everyday and travel use.

Durable, weatherproof materials are paired with water-resistant zippers to protect your gear from the elements. And magnets thoughtfully integrated into the designs enhance their user-friendly functionality, from magnetic buckles to magnetic pocket fastenings that complement the sturdy zippers and metal hardware. The result? Adventure-ready construction with urban-ready aesthetics to help you smoothly transition between work and play.

Getting into the bags

The Fuller Foundry Briefcase is a versatile piece for everyday use and short trips. The bag offers considered organization including a collapsible shelving system and a range of zippered and magnetic pockets. You’ll also find a rear quick-access pocket for laptop and tablet storage, as well as dual side pocket and top pocket access. And speaking of access, the Briefcase unzips to open wide for convenient packing and gear retrieval throughout the main compartment. The removable magnetic shoulder strap secures quickly in place and complements the top grab handles for flexible carry.

Got a longer trip lined up or need to haul a lot of gear? The Fuller Foundry Duffel is a 45L carry-on bag equally ready for adventures close to home or further away. The duffel also doubles as a backpack with stowable straps that are quickly connected via magnets. The clamshell opening provides easy access to your gear, while handy organization includes a padded laptop pocket, separate shoe or laundry storage, and interior magnetic compression straps.

And for those times when you just need to carry a smaller load? Fuller Foundry have a sleek solution on hand with their Quick Bag. A compact, sling-style bag that features a magnetic strap and straightforward zippered access.

All of the bags share the same interchangeable magnetic shoulder strap system, partnered with weatherproof materials in practical designs that perform well while looking good doing so.

An adventure-loving brand committed to giving back

Fuller Foundry are serious about making a difference to the way you carry and embrace work and play. But they’re also serious about protecting the planet and fostering renewable energy. So they’ve committed to donating a portion of their profits to funds for national parks and renewable energy. Smart for the planet, smart for people, and a solid way to support eco-conscious initiatives.

If you want carry that can move from the boardroom to the airport and the outdoors, venturing in style while thriving with demanding use, check out Fuller Foundry’s Kickstarter campaign which runs until 23 October 2019.

The post Fuller Foundry has Versatility and Style appeared first on Carryology.

Well, the Laflore bobobark bag might just offer it all.

Parisian chic with functional flair

Father and daughter team Elie Soroussi and Natacha Soroussi founded Laflore as a means to express their combined passions of fashion, functional design and sustainable construction. Elie has been in the fashion industry for over three decades and is the founder of fashion house Cecile & Jeanne Paris. Natacha shares her father’s love of design and craft and together they have created a brand that offers luxury and sustainability in one. And the Parisian brand’s first offering, the bobobark bag, is a piece that elegantly blends all of these values.

The bag’s clean, geometric aesthetic is designed to flatter the wearer’s silhouette and transition easily between the office and nights about town.

But what takes the bag to the next level is the fusion of functional features and designer looks, which is a combination, I personally, have found hard to find.

And there’s a lot more to it: three carry options make it easy to adapt to different settings and loads. bobobark can be carried as a backpack, shoulder bag or briefcase. And transitioning between carry modes is a straightforward process of clipping or unclipping the bag’s straps.

Additionally, the bag has a lovely range of pocketing options and convenient access to ensure the contents remain tidy and within easy reach throughout the day or night.

The bag opens 180 degrees to provide clear visibility of the contents and easy access. A zippered pocket in the center of the main compartment doubles as a divider, creating handy compartmentalization. The padded 13″ laptop pocket offers both internal and external access to your tech, while the phone pocket also offers both interior and exterior access and features a cable port for on-the-go charging. And with further pockets on hand, you can store work and EDC items neatly and avoid annoying rummaging for specific gear.

Style meets sustainability

It was important to Natacha and Elie that the bag not only looks great and functions well, but is also sustainably made. So they turned to nature for inspiration and found it with cork skin. Each bobobark bag is carefully handmade using premium cork skin harvested from cork oaks in Portugal. The bark from the trees is harvested every seven to nine years, which does not harm the tree and actually helps the tree to grow and release more oxygen. The forest where the bark is harvested shelters many endangered flora and fauna species and combines biodiversity with eco-friendly farming.

The cork skin is polished to create a soft and supple texture like leather, resulting in a durable material that lasts a lifetime and is waterproof, while also being three times lighter than leather. And the bag is meticulously crafted to ensure long-lasting quality so you never need to replace it.

Working with nature

The bobobark bag stands out as a fine example of high-end yet ethical design. A bag that celebrates sustainability, style, function and versatility. A piece that doesn’t make you sacrifice form or function, but instead provides it all with practical access and organization, adaptable portability and timeless aesthetics. If you’re keen to step up your work carry with this chic and sustainable bag, check out the bobobark Kickstarter campaign which runs until 13 September 2019.

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1st Place

Stuart and Lau Cary Double Briefcase

There’s a tough balance to strike in the briefcase world. Some brands tip way too high into luxury, whilst others skimp too much on the materials and aesthetics, when they matter most. But Stuart and Lau have landed the perfect balance, delivering a piece that has timelessness and class, smart features, capacity, and a price tag that feels like the right value proposition.

The Double smartly expands on their briefcase collection, offering an understated piece with added space. With Stuart and Lau paying attention to each aspect of the design, from the quality materials to the modern utility and handsome styling.

To ensure solid foundations, Stuart and Lau designed a durable nylon twill bonded to a thin layer of rubber foam on the back side. Fully waterproof, tough, yet lightweight, the material strikes a great balance of technical practicality and dapper looks. And this is paired with leather, where it works best, so you’ll find the briefcase handles and shoulder strap will soften and shape nicely over time.

You can also enjoy a variety of colorways to suit personal tastes and work environments. A classic navy and tan leather and tobacco for nailing that boardroom look, or more ‘quiet’ colorways like all-black and navy and black, better suited to more relaxed work settings.

Stuart and Lau have also focused closely on daily functionality. You’ll find a range of organization like dual compartments and multiple interior and exterior pockets to neatly store your tech, EDC and work tools. A magnetic key fob. Luggage sleeve. Phone pocket with soft microfiber lining. And an umbrella holder provides straightforward storage for transitioning from rainy commutes. While the strap and carry handles let you alternate between briefcase and shoulder carry as desired.

The Cary Double Briefcase is a life-long work partner. A piece that brings professional style to your work day, without weighing you down. A bag that looks right at home in the boardroom but adapts easily to more casual environments. Modern yet timeless. And backed by a lifetime guarantee so you’ll be enjoying its chic reliability for years to come. Top-notch work, Stuart and Lau!

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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.

Incase Kanso Convertible Brief

Work needs change. Casual cafe meetings can transition to more formal office settings. Daily commutes can flow into airport trips. And the Kanso Convertible Brief is a compact piece that can accompany you every step of the way. Doing so with considered mix of clean, understated aesthetics, multiple carry options and useful organization to handle a range of work, EDC and travel essentials. The Kanso can be carried as a shoulder bag, briefcase or backpack, allowing you to carry in comfort when you need to cover more ground, or to exude a more professional air in work environments. The bag also includes a luggage handle attachment for convenient travel carry. And when it comes to organizing your gear, you’re well covered. Dual compartments including padded laptop storage are complemented by smaller pockets to stash day-to-day items within easy reach. If you’re seeking an adaptable work companion that glides effortlessly between diverse settings, keeps your gear neatly at the ready, and lets you switch up your carry style quickly and simply, the Kanso is hard to beat. Great job, Incase!

Vermilyea Pelle Tech Messenger

Vermilyea Pelle founder Dustin Spencer is a man obsessed by craft. But in a good way. From an early age he was intrigued by traditionally crafted leather goods and spent many years developing and refining his own crafting skills. That dedication is well displayed in the Tech Messenger. A piece that expertly blends classic and modern, tech and tradition. The bag is handcrafted with Wickett and Craig English Bridle leather, 1050D Cordura ballistic nylon and an X-Pac lining. AustriAlpin Cobra buckles enhance the satisfyingly rugged yet understated feel of the bag, not to mention serving up easy access on the go. The practical design is straightforward and versatile, with front pockets and a padded laptop sleeve. And you’ll also find a luggage handle attachment for smoother travels. The overall result is a bag that brings a luxurious touch to your work day. And a piece that finds that tricky balance between old-school charm and modern performance. Well done, Vermilyea Pelle!

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