Enter the Softside Carry-On roller from Away. Available in Carry-On, Bigger Carry-On, Medium, and Large (for checking or a trunk) this is a back to basics of the rolling bag you might have grown up with, but with all the wise touches and integrated accessories of an experienced traveler put together with the quality of a bag you will have (and use) for years.

Away became “Instagram-famous” (or product of envy) for their hard-sided roller synonymous with the Covid-era desire to travel when you had no reason to. The sleek approach to a piece of luggage became a type of status symbol for the freedom and minimalist ease of walking down a flight corridor or city streets. 

Here, Away takes their lessons learned and applies them to a slightly more economical, soft-sided, four-wheel roller that looks more at home with business casual (or casual casual). It’s almost as if the company moved to the ‘burbs along with their clientele after getting priced out of the city. 

I took this roller for a spin when traveling from car to commuter trains into New York City from two states over packing just my personal luggage.

Who It Suits

The Softside series by Away is a solid piece of luggage for anyone traveling by plane and/or car for a work to casual trip.

The simple construction with quality materials, practical organization, smart functionality, and a hint at style make it a no fuss go-to suitable for business to casual uses. 

The Carry-On size is perfect for peace of mind when traveling with international or budget airlines and you don’t even have to own any packing cubes to get away for a week.

For those of us obsessive about our packing strategies, the expanded compartments and organization are seamlessly integrated and give you additional storage options, so no need to overthink your packing game. Just stack the things you regularly use and get out the door with minimal effort. 

If you are looking for a middle-of-the-road option for luggage and want a bag that feels more modern and elevated than your traditional department store find, this is for you. 

Who It Doesn’t

The Softside Carry-On is not the best if you need more than a large backpack’s worth of items. I found that I was packing it tight even though I’m used to traveling in and out of a 35-45L travel backpack. When I read the storage capacity I realized why it felt so small – it is! Additional sizes are available if interested.

This bag is not the best for cracked sidewalks, old roads, or if you will be navigating cities with lots of stairs.

This is also not the bag for business travelers who are looking to “dress to impress” with their luggage showing a sign of status.

If you need to pack more than a week’s worth of clothes and mostly travel by car or flights with generous overhead bins, or even want to have a family bag you can check and forget (included lock that matches is a nice touch for that) then I recommend the larger versions of this bag. 

Specifications

• Softside Carry-On Suitcase
• AWAY
• Rolling Bag
• 21.9″ x 15″ x 9.1″
• 32.2- 37.2 L (when expanded)
• 9.2 lbs
• Hardware / Materials
• $225

Design

The Softside has a bit of a retro-modern approach to a classic roller, introducing the cloth-like feel and the familiar squish of comfort like a cozy pair of sweats, but with durable nylon and a water-repellent coating. This results in a feel that is surprisingly “hard” to the touch compared to the images on their website. The bag holds up, it doesn’t cave in, and the water-resistant protection helps keep it looking clean. While intellectually I know that this means you can opt for the light Stone color, my instincts forced me to avoid the look of wear and tear with a darker color. 

This bag is deceivingly simple, and has just enough of the bells and whistles that you need in a dependable piece of luggage without trying to over-incentivize you to its usefulness.

The soft colorways available are all about coming home and the comforts of home while on the road. This isn’t your sleekest bag for business travel but a feeling of keeping it casual yet with the elevated touches of modern functionality and athleisure. 

Organization

The exterior of the bag features a ribbed design hiding two no-show slim exterior pockets giving you a convenient place to stash your passport and your laptop or tablet. The lower laptop (or document) sleeve is always in reach, though it’s a tight fit so it takes a little wiggling to extract out. This provides a bit of padding though not guaranteed laptop protection if you checked this bag for whatever reason. This design is not only aesthetically pleasing but it may hide your items from grabby hands or sneaky fingers when you aren’t looking.

When you open the bag you will see a large open cavity. On the backside of the cover is one big mesh organizer with a zipper. Covering the open cavity is a patented interior compression pad system that doubles as small item (cables, chargers, odds and ends) storage with mesh zip pockets, with what could even be used as a shirt sleeve compartment on the backside. This organization sleeve is bound to the bag with two compression straps, holding down the contents behind it. How much it actually compresses your items is questionable, since it’s not going to give the amount of compressing into every nook and cranny that additional packing cubes provide. Away does sell their own proprietary cubes that may fit the bag’s dimensions successfully. At the very least, this compression sleeve ensures that TSA won’t deal with a mess of stuff falling out when they go see what oddly shaped item you packed in your bag that set off their concern.

Expansion

When the built-in compression isn’t doing it, there is some built-in expansion. Away took the expansion (or compression) of the main section from their previous roller and put it to work in this bag. Being a frequent traveler I try to only buy packing cubes or bags that expand so this was a real win for me, especially considering that this bag is meeting international budget airline restrictions in size and it’s easy to run out of room quickly. 

Bonus Items

One of the great things with this bag is that it comes with all the accessories you need for regular travel. 

There is a hanging zippered pouch sewn onto the top of the main compartment. This is just about the size of a toiletry bag, so you can skip the bulk of a designated toiletry bag if you choose and still have your items quickly accessible.

Lockable zippers are nothing new but Away takes the extra effort to help you stay coordinated by including a TSA approved combination lock that matches your bag color exactly. Either they really want to make sure that you can secure your items, look put together, or a bit of both. 

The bag even comes with a tidy laundry bag which you didn’t know you needed, but once you have it you will not go back.

The last included accessory is a black leather luggage tag. Here is one area of the market where there seems to be no innovation to traditional luggage but in lieu of a remarkable approach to something as simple as an identification label, Away has provided a quality leather luggage tag in a traditional design.

Performance

When taking this bag for a spin (or a trip back home) I was getting used to the four-wheel design. Rollers are great for flights and car rides but on my first test drive I took this bag for a ride on commuter rails heading into New York City. The wheels are indeed smooth, but while Away professes that they work over cobblestone, I can say they did not fare incredibly well on the sidewalk on my block in Brooklyn. There also isn’t a locking mechanism so be sure to hold on when the subway rattles back and forth.

The handle extends smoothly and slides back into itself with ease. No complaints there.

The Softside Carry-On size is compatible with budget airlines’ carry-on size requirements. If you rarely ever find yourself on a budget airline you may opt for the Bigger Carry-On as the Carry-On can feel a bit small even with the optional expansion.

The Good

• Size and style for most travel
• Bells and whistles you actually use
• Expansion
• Minimalist design
• Smooth four-wheeler 

The Not So Good

• Not as sleek as the hardcase designs
• Limited capacity in this size
• Rolling not as effective over cobblestones as advertised
• Still will put you out over $200

Verdict

Overall, I can safely say that this is the every-person bag that will get you from point A to B for a 3-5 day work or personal trip (for this size) while feeling a bit cozy all at the same time.

You can purchase Away’s bag on their website for $225.

Many thanks to Elke Sudin for the above guest review. Elke is a NYC based artist, designer, and entrepreneur. Traveling for her businesses turned her into a bag nerd/one bag lifestyle junkie.

The post Revisiting the Roller | Away Softside Carry-On Review appeared first on Carryology.

By the way, be sure to check out additional resources available at www.exomtngear.com, especially their excellent podcast and recently started The Experience Project, which is an amazing resource for backcountry knowledge (not only hunting-related).

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Who It Suits

If you’re planning a severe backcountry expedition, a solo hunting trip to Alaska, extended bushcrafting, or other adventure that includes backpacking in wild terrain with a heavy pack full of equipment, food, etc., the K4 could be your dream carry machine. If you must transport any big, boxy object on your back, the K4 will be your friend. It’s a heavy-load carry tool.

Who It Doesn’t

Ultralight backpackers, who cut the toothbrush in two to save a quarter of an ounce. Also, it’s neither a technical climbing pack nor something I’d recommend for ski-touring or any other dynamic winter mountain sport.

Design

Looks

Exo Mtn Gear packs are very different from your classic alpine backpacks. In a nutshell – they feature an external frame and carry system to which an actual bag is attached. The main reason is to carry an additional heavy load between the frame and a bag comfortably in the backcountry, over a long distance. A typical application for such a pack is mountain hunting in remote areas so that you can carry the game down to the camp or truck. But overall, external frame packs are known as the best and most comfortable heavy haulers in the backpack world. For anything above 60 lbs, this system is superior to any internal frame pack in terms of comfort, and a slight weight penalty is fully acceptable here. They are also scalable and adaptable to a variety of outdoor scenarios. Each size of the K4’s main bags can be considerably compressed, so you could use even the biggest one in a day bag mode on the K4 frame.

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The full Exo Mtn Gear K4 system I used for the last couple of months:

• K4 frame with 3600 cu-in medium-sized bag for general use and that includes a lid of almost 650 cu-in additional volume.
• the above extended even more with a dedicated 3600 cu-in drybag carried between the frame and main bag
• a small 2200 cu-in daypack as an optional day-hiking bag.

With these components, I could scale my carry system from a maximum of 7850 cu-in capacity as a base camp hauling set down to 2200 cu-in as a daypack mode. And anything in between, as the lid can be attached to all K4 bags, even the small one. Of course, if needed, bigger options are available from Exo, up to 7200 cu-in in a main bag. Still, they are more cold-season-oriented options for real expeditions, where you need more volume for warm puffy jackets and pants, low-temp-rated synthetic sleeping bags for drying clothing out during sleep, etc. Whereas what I was carrying was mainly summer or early fall clothes with some optional insulating layers (must-have in the mountains), rain gear, water, food, camping stuff, some gear for my wife and son, and quite a lot of photography equipment (as usual much more than I used, but that’s a classic photographer’s syndrome). So when fully loaded and extended to 7850 cu-in with water, a tripod, trekking poles, and other gear strapped outside, my pack crossed the 80 lbs mark on a luggage scale. That was heavy! But I wanted it heavy for testing purposes on that trip; otherwise, what would I tell you?

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Construction, Materials, and Hardware

The foundation of the K4’s frame is a system of two vertical stays and horizontal links made of dense carbon fiber, connected by sewn-together Cordura parts, which make the frame one rigid piece. In the K3 pack, the titanium welded pipes formed the frame, which was light and rigid, but also stiff. The new frame adds flexibility to the carry equation, so the pack follows all torso movements for less restricted motion and comfort. Other parts of the carry system are made of Cordura, too, with very detailed selection of supportive padding foams. That is especially true for the oversized lumbar pad, as finding this foam was the biggest challenge, according to the Exo Mtn Gear founder. After all, the K4 must support even a load of 100 lbs (or more) safely and comfortably. The Exo team tested every piece of material, hardware (some custom-made for Exo), and even the sewing thread before using it on this pack. All packs are sewn precisely at the Exo Mtn Gear facility in Boise, ID. And yes, the K4 is a true all-in US-made pack, where both the frame and the bag are produced in the US, using US-sourced and made components. It’s also an extremely robust construction – I know because I didn’t baby my K4. I pulled all straps to the maximum, pushed the zippers’ integrity beyond typical use, and scraped the fabric against a sharp rock. After all this, my K4 pack is still in perfect condition, without any damage – just a bit dirty here and there.

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Features

As I mentioned before, the flagship feature of the K4 is the ability to put an additional heavy load between the pack and frame. But some other features of this pack include:

• elastic open side pockets with optional pass-through channels for side compression straps and additional small pockets with angled openings
• long side zipper pockets
• angled compression straps prevent the pack from sagging down with cargo between the frame and pack
• the front and bottom compression straps cleverly compress even the biggest 7200 bag to a tiny daypack mode. It’s a great way to bring just one pack for multiple uses.
• PALS panels on the shoulder straps and waist belt for easy attachment of small pouches, knives, or other items that are MOLLE-compatible
• angled PALS between the belt and pack for a dedicated 32oz Nalgene (or similar) bottle carry insulated pouch (brilliant!)

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Performance

Space and Access

The K4 as a pack system is as scalable and adjustable as you can dream of. There are 4 different bag sizes – each bag is distinct in design as they serve slightly different purposes: 2200 daypack, 3600 extended weekender bag (or a lightweight week bag), 5000 all-year weekly bag, and 7200 one for long expeditions – anywhere, anytime. Add to this a removable lid, and the K4 system allows for any volume starting from 2200 cu-in and up to almost 8k cu-in… plus that frame-cargo space. All bags except the smallest one share a roll-top top-loader design, and all have additional side or front openings for easy loading and quick access to any part of the bag. All pockets can be quickly accessed too and all zippers are glove-friendly. The 2200 cu-in pack is a panel loader style with an integrated lid pocket – a very convenient solution on a daypack. Overall, it’s evident that the K4 system was designed for and by avid outdoors people.

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Pockets and Organizing

Depending on bag size, the organizing can vary. Still, as a principle, you get one substantial central cavity, a dedicated hydration bladder compartment, two long side zipper pockets, and two side open pockets. The hydration pocket has a waterproof lining, so the pack’s interior will not get wet in case of a bladder leak. The 2200 daypack has a slightly different configuration with an additional top pocket and inside “hidden” zipper, as it’s by default a bag to be carried without the additional lid. However, with the optional strap extenders, you can use the K4 lid also on the smallest bag. Long side pockets are great for a spotting scope, tripod, or other heavy and long objects you’d like to protect from the elements. Side “bottle pockets” can be used with compression straps going crosswise inside, leaving the pocket open for storing bottles, a cooking system, or a rolled jacket. Or with compression straps over them to tighten down long objects that are partly kept inside (like a tripod). There’s even a tiny flat extra pocket there with an opening accessible with a pack on the back, which is great for snacks or for clipping a pocket knife inside. My 3600 cu-in bag also had a stretch front pocket, which I used mainly for quick-access items like my rain jacket (folded flat). And you have the lid – a removable, spacious, double compartment. It’s a classic design with no frills and no gimmicks, and it stays perfectly in place when cinched down with front and back straps.

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The K4 has PALS slots on the straps and waistband. I avoid adding bulky pouches to my waist belt as they often interfere with natural arm movement, but a slim pocket on a belt is always welcome. The dedicated K4 Hipbelt Pouch holds my EDC kit ready and close at hand. I also usually carry a small fixed blade on my shoulder strap, and with the K4’s attachments it was comfy and easy.

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But the real hidden treasure is the way the Exo guys attached the Nalgene bottle holder – at about a 30-degree angle, located between the waist belt and the bag. It never gets in your arms’ way and is naturally easy to access with the pack on your shoulders. Why did no one think of such a water bottle placement before? It’s brilliant!

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And finally – using the cargo space. To use it, unbuckle the side compression straps, release the lid held by the top hooks, and open the cargo area between the frame and bag. Now, you can place the load, tighten it to the frame firmly with dedicated straps, and re-attach the bag. Buckle up all straps, attach the lid, and you’re ready. The whole process is considerably easier and faster than it was on the K3. The angled compression straps prevent the bag from sagging, so a pack with cargo sits balanced on the back. If the object you need to carry is wider at the bottom, you can also lose the bottom compression strap and create a cargo shelf. But in most cases, it’s still better to carry the additional load high, wedged in a V-shaped space between frame and bag.

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Comfort

The frame and support are the most critical aspects of a heavy hauling pack. Not the weight, not the bag design, but the frame and carry system are everything if you put 80-100 lbs on your back. The base weight of the K4 3600 (frame, pack, lid) is just 5 lbs 8 oz, and it is remarkably lightweight for an external frame pack of this comfort. It’s even lighter than many classic internal frame packs of this size! In a base camp hauler or a cargo-carry pack, a couple of ounces more or less do not matter – but comfort and strength do, oh yeah! Big external frame packs are entirely different animals than ultralight packs, which seldom carry more than 40 lbs.

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The K4’s entirely new carbon frame transfers hefty load via an upgraded carry system and distributes that weight to the hips and torso of the carrier. But that frame still has some flex, so it follows all the body movements. The shoulder straps and an enormous waist belt are well padded with special foam, which the Exo guys selected after months of testing of various types. The lumbar pad is sized to support a heavy pack, but the foam inside is not the same as in the pack’s shoulder straps. It’s also very different from what other brands use in classic packs. The standard foam would instantly compress to almost zero cushioning under a fully loaded 7200 cu-in pack plus 60+ lbs of cargo load. But that special K4’s lumbar pad works great, and together with the waist belt, they transfer most of the weight to the hips. That is more comfortable and safer for the backbone than putting excessive weight on the shoulders. Undoubtedly, it’s the most comfortable heavy hauler I’ve ever had on my back!

To ensure maximum comfort, you first need to measure your body and order a specific size of frame and belt, then micro-adjust it to your body shape. It’s easy and intuitive, but you can still check Exo Mtn Gear’s excellent video guides to ensure a perfect fit. The back panel and straps give some ventilation and keep sweat away thanks to heavy-duty mesh. But if you think you won’t sweat when carrying 80 lbs for a couple of hours in the mountains – you are wrong. No pack would help you in this regard – the brutal truth is, the only help can be your stamina and training throughout the year, well before hiking season starts.

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The K4 remains very comfortable in a daypack mode but is still heavier than most dedicated daypacks. Even with the smallest 2200 bag, the system at 4lbs 9oz is not lightweight by today’s standards of alpine packs. However, the K4’s primary role (as a pack made with mountain hunters in mind) is to bring that weighty game back to the base camp at the end of the day. But it would also work great as a recon pack for the backcountry or as a platform to carry a heavy and bulky load one way to the camp (to be used later in a daypack configuration). I hiked and even scrambled quite a lot with the dedicated 2200 cu-in panel-loader bag or a compressed 3600 one (after utilizing its total capacity as a base camp pack). It worked fine, but a full-size frame is still more optimized for backcountry hiking than climbing or scrambling. So, for pure non-hunting use on technical routes, via-ferratas, or for moving in rocky vertical terrain, I’d instead use a lightweight and agile dedicated climbing pack, which I could still carry comfortably between the K4 bag and frame on approach to the base camp or mountain shelter.

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Weatherability

It’s a seriously weatherproof pack, and I tried it the hard way! The main fabric is waterproof, so it’ll be fine in light rain or snow. But still, some water can leak to the inside through stitching lines, especially during a long-lasting downpour. If this is your primary concern, use either an aftermarket rain cover or (better) get a dedicated waterproof drybag insert for your pack. Exo offers them for all bag sizes except the 2200 daypack. Additionally, you can Velcro these bags inside for perfect fit and operational convenience. Only a sealed drybag like this provides total waterproofness – so if you expect super rainy weather or when crossing rivers and waterfalls, there’s no better option for you. Of course, the lid or side pockets are still unprotected, and side access to the bag is impossible – but that’s a compromise I accept. Still, it’s the best solution to protect your main gear from water. As a side note – remember that a fully sealed pack can sometimes be more of a nuisance than a benefit. Especially on more extended expeditions, it can prevent moist clothing from breathing and drying out, which can quickly start gross issues like odor or mold buildup inside a pack.

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Alternatives to Consider

Hill People Gear – Decker Pack Frame

Stone Glacier Sky series

Mystery Ranch Metcalf series

Kifaru ARK Frame system

The Good

This pack is lightweight for what you can carry with it, super scalable and adjustable, and not overly complicated to adjust and use. It’s incredibly comfortable with a heavy load, and the manufacturer offers excellent service and warranty. The K4 system is tough as nails. It was designed by avid outdoorsmen who test and try everything they make. It has useful, unique, thought-out features and clever accessories. And it’s all made in the USA.

Not So Good

This is not the best option if you’re on a tight budget ($675 for the base K4 3600 system: frame, bag, and lid). It’s also not lightweight and nimble when used as a mountaineering daypack.

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Verdict

If you’re looking for a heavy-duty and tough-as-nails base camp-style pack to carry a lot of gear, the Exo Mountain Gear K4 should be on your shortlist. And if you’re also a mountain hunter, the K4 should be on top of it. It’s a very sturdy pack, crazy comfortable, and can play many roles thanks to its scalability and modularity. The K4 would be great for leading backcountry expeditions and hunts. It’s a fantastic option for bushcraft instructors, expedition photographers, etc. And if you want to use it as a daypack after getting to your base camp with all your gear, you can just use the compressed 3600 (or bigger) bag on the K4 frame or a dedicated 2200 panel loader bag. I plan to use my Exo K4 primarily as a base camp hauler, as it can handle weighty loads comfortably, which an internal frame pack can’t offer. Still, remember that the Exo Mtn Gear K4 is a specialized product, and it’s not a universal solution for everyone.

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The post Exo Mtn Gear K4 Review appeared first on Carryology.

Who It Suits

If you’re a tortured soul struggling in the battle between beautiful modern design and luxurious heritage materials, this bag was made for you. You no longer need either/or; you can have both.

Who It Doesn’t

If you’re looking for lightweight technical fabrics and bold colors, this isn’t the bag you’re likely to choose.

Design and Aesthetics

Almost from the very second I opened the box and pulled the Everyday Pack from its recycled cotton storage tote (included by the way!) it made a decidedly quiet statement with its sleek, simple exterior. This pack embodies a gentle style that whispers rather than shouts, making it an attractive option for those who like to fly under the radar whether commuting or exploring.

The design philosophy here is very much “less is more,” but it’s executed with such finesse that the minimalism feels deliberate and sophisticated, rather than an afterthought. We shouldn’t be surprised, of course, as Wingback’s previous products, namely their stationery, are executed with the same attention to detail. It is, however, easy to forget that the Everyday Pack is the company’s first foray into bags. 

Materials, Hardware and Construction

Wingback’s choice of materials here is a testament to their commitment to durability and elegance, and they’ve pulled out all of the stops. The pack exterior is crafted from 100% organic weatherproof waxed cotton from the one and only Halley Stevensons in Scotland. As a heritage fiend, it doesn’t get much better than this from a materials point of view, and it of course feels exemplary in hand and will continue to age fantastically.  The interior is a reinforced ripstop cotton and is a good example of how Wingback blends heritage materials and modern advances in their pack. You have the hand feel of a nice gentle cotton, but the durability of a more technical fabric.

The #10 RC YKK zippers are a joy to use on any bag, and they’re a perfect fit here for the main clamshell opening. But the zippers are only one part of the opening equation here because the pullers are a design feature themselves. Aerospace grade steel, CNC machined in Birmingham, UK. Little touches like these are what make this bag feel like a worthy investment and a wonderful tactile experience.

Continuing in the vein of high-quality materials, the hardware is just as impressive, with AustriAlpin COBRA® FRAME Ladder Locks on the shoulder straps, and the optional Halo Strap which can be used as a sternum strap or an accessory strap. The build quality is flawless throughout and I’ve not yet seen a loose thread after my testing over the last few months.

Functionality and Features

The Everyday Pack is a very easy-to-use, well-made daily bag. I think it performs best as a commuter; even though the build quality and materials can handle the great outdoors, it feels optimised for everyday carry. It’s a slender bag that carries equally well in its traditional backpack format or even in its nimble horizontal briefcase style.

The clamshell opening reveals a spacious well-padded interior that feels surprisingly large for a 21L pack. It comfortably accommodates a laptop up to 15 inches, thanks to a dedicated, padded sleeve on the rear wall that keeps your tech secure and accessible. I have mostly used this sleeve for a tablet though, and put my laptop in the dedicated external-access laptop sleeve.

There is a gusseted pocket on the front wall of the bag, and this is the natural home for your midsized items like a Kindle, a small tech kit (like theirs), or even a point-and-shoot camera.

The exterior of the pack features a few pockets that are best used for your EDC. On the front of the bag you’ll find a vertical zipper that runs almost the full length of the front panel, and this houses two horizontal slip pockets that feel tailor-made for a mobile phone, Field Notes notebook and a slim wallet. There is still a good amount of room outside these two slips and you can comfortably fit a lightweight waterproof in there. These slips essentially become your quick access, and are easy to navigate when the bag is swung around on your shoulder.

Now you can also pair the Everyday Sling 2.5L with the Everyday Pack, and I was pleasantly surprised by this little fellow. While it is designated a sling, and can be used as one in conjunction with their Halo strap, that’s not really how I roll and I found it to be a phenomenal travel/tech caddy. Firstly, it has a full clamshell opening which allows you immediate access to all of your essentials. It can hold a healthy amount of tech and EDC, all in the same fabulous materials and machined pulls as the pack itself.

One side has admin slots for pens and the like, while the other has a zipper closure and slip pockets for your cables. It’s slimline and elegant, and doesn’t feel out of place on your desk or by your bedside in a hotel. There is an external grab handle if you’d like to use it as a sling, but this is also just as useful for pulling it out of your bag.

Some will note the similarities to another favorite bag of ours, the EVERGOODS CPL, but I think this is a different beast. The material/hardware choices, the slender silhouette, and the custom machined pulls make this a bag that’s designed to be an elegant investment piece that’ll slide under the radar wherever you are. In our world, bags often share similarities, but have different souls, and I think that’s the case here.

Comfort and Wearability

On the whole, the Wingback Everyday Pack is comfortable for loads up to 15lbs or maybe even 20lbs. I found it housed all of my EDC with ease, which usually constitutes a 14″ MacBook Pro, an iPad Pro, a tech kit, a Kindle, a water bottle, and a camera kit of sorts. The shoulder straps distributed this weight evenly, and the back panel, while simple, is plenty comfortable for your commute to the office. The back side also gives you access to your laptop sleeve, and another small hidden side pocket, where you could stash some cash, your passport, or anything else you might want to keep out of sight. I also loved how slender the profile is on your back, it stays close to you, even when full, without looking like you have a tortoise shell on your back.

However, I did find that when you have heavier loads in the bag, the thinner straps don’t offer the best comfort. Now your mileage may vary, and putting much more than 20lbs in a 21L isn’t common, but it’s worth mentioning. The 2″ Cobra ladder locks could be construed as overkill, and I found myself on a couple of occasions putting my bag down on tables very gingerly as I didn’t want to take a chunk out of the surface. I feel like a tapered strap with a 1″ COBRA might have been more apropos to a bag of this size.

As the back panel is pure Halley Stevensons waxed cotton, it isn’t the most breathable on warmer days. No waxed cotton breathes well, so if you’re looking at a heritage pack, the chances are you’re painfully aware of this fact already! And of course, there is the lint factor which comes with most waxed canvas bags. If you have pets, be prepared to lint roll every once in a while. That effect will subside the more the bag is used and the wax breaks in, but it will catch your surroundings. I don’t think these are negatives per se, but rather notes you should be aware of when using heritage products.

The handles that run all around the exterior of the pack are fantastic. They stay out of the way, flat to the pack while not in use, but provide extra carrying options and lashing points for the Halo strap if you need to carry more. I like that you can grab the bag from almost any position and be moving quickly. The visual of the bartacking is a confidence boost too; this bag is made to last.

The Good

This is undoubtedly a well-made, well-executed bag. Especially for the brand’s first effort. I think for many it’ll be the happy medium between two styles of bags and become a trusty companion that, like most heritage bags, will get better and better with more use. Mine is already showing a beautiful patina, particularly around the handle and the front panel. I’m excited for it to become “mine” even more. This is a statement investment piece. 

Not So Good

While the Everyday Pack is very good, there are some considerations to take into account. The straps and back panel may be a struggle for those who are more accustomed to a more dedicated harness system, and the large COBRAs feel a little unwieldy on a smaller bag like this. Be prepared to lint roll!

Verdict

In a market where many backpacks can often lean towards the over-engineered or flamboyant, the Wingback EVERYDAY PACK 21L is a hark back to simpler times. Now I know I’m English, and this is a bag from an English company, but I promise you it’s more than that. The Wingback Everyday Pack has a certain mellowness to it that is captivating and the elegant minimalist design doesn’t sacrifice practicality or style. Heritage fans will love the marriage of modern design choices with robust timeless materials. It’s the kind of pack that says, “I know what I want, and I don’t need to shout about it.” And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

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Who It Suits

Looking for bags that do double duty on and off the bike? Each of these pieces offers a multifunctional design that moves easily from on-bike carry to traveling around on foot. The roll-top designs also suit users who want flexible carry capacity, while the weatherproof constructions offer peace of mind in wet conditions, making them useful for rainy commutes or outdoor explorations in changing conditions.

Who It Doesn’t

With no quick access or internal padding, these bags aren’t the best option for photographers. If your camera gear already has its own padded protection and you don’t need to access it regularly, you’ll be okay. Otherwise, you’re better off going with specialist camera carry.

Some travelers will be fine with the roll-and-go approach but if you lean more towards ready access throughout the bag, check out a clamshell-style design instead. These bags are also on the minimalist end of organization, so if you’re into packing cubes and pouches, you’re sorted. But if you love front admin panels and plenty of pockets for bits and bobs, you won’t find them here.

Design

Looks

These bags share a relatively pared-back design language, with clean exteriors stripped of unnecessary elements. There’s a sense that each part of the bag is there for a reason, lending to the clutter-free vibe. Each bag comes in a choice of classic black or white, contrasted with a high-vis orange lining. While not unattractive, there’s a definite function-over-fashion feel here – these bags are meant to be used and proudly gather the scuff marks accordingly, rather than serving as style statements that venture out only on special occasions. They’re sleek and practical for the rough and tumble of everyday use and outdoor adventures.

Construction, Materials & Hardware

Restrap bags are handmade in-house in the UK and come with a lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship. Each bag has held up well in multiple use scenarios, from grocery hauls to rainy bike commutes and outdoor rambling, with no tears, loose stitching or any other construction issues to report to date.

The exterior fabric is a durable TPU, paired with an orange nylon lining. The plastic hardware feels more than adequate for the daily grind and outdoor weekend adventures, with a Fidlock magnetic buckle on the roll-top opening and weatherproof zippers for the laptop and quick-access pockets on the packs. There’s also some Hypalon detailing and a PU Restrap brand label.

Overall, each bag feels durable and well made. I never worried about chucking them in and out of vehicles, hauling a variety of lighter and heavier loads, and placing them on the ground if needed.

Features

On the 22L pack you’ll find a 14-inch laptop compartment that can be accessed both internally and externally. On the right side of the pack is a smaller externally accessible zippered mesh pocket that can also be accessed internally through an open drop top. This mesh pocket includes a key clip. There’s no external water bottle pocket but you could store a small bottle in this mesh pocket if you wanted to. There is also a Hypalon tab above each zippered pocket that serves as a safety retention loop for the zipper pull to help protect against opportunistic thieves.

The 40L pack features the above pockets as well (though the laptop compartment is suitable for a 15-inch laptop) but also offers additional organization with an external side slip pocket (where you could store a water bottle) and an internal slip pocket on the opposite side to the mesh pocket.

The packs have webbing on the front panel and shoulder straps, as well as D-rings on the straps, allowing you to clip on items or secure a pouch.

The key feature of the Utility Hip Pack is its dual functionality as both a hip bag and a bike bar bag. The waist belt lets you comfortably carry the bag on body. However, a nifty bit of design on the back panel lets you partially detach the waist belt to fold away the straps. The top of the waist belt is sewn onto the main body but the bottom of the belt is secured in place using Velcro. So you simply lift the belt away from the main body at the Velcro’d base, tuck the side straps in, and then secure the belt back in place with the Velcro again.

Underneath the belt (where the straps are stored when not in use) is an elastic cord, which combined with two removable retention straps allows you to secure the bag to a bike. Additionally, the retention straps let you secure the bag to other items too, for instance, the handle of a buggy. While a little lopsided, I’ve used this setup to create quick-access storage for drink flasks on a buggy. The Utility Hip Pack also features stretch mesh pockets on either side for storing quick-access items like water bottles. I’ve found these pockets surprisingly secure and was able to carry a large water bottle on uneven terrain without worrying about it falling out.     

Performance

Space & Access

Each bag features a roll-top main compartment, secured with a Fidlock magnetic buckle. The roll-top obviously makes accessing gear at the bottom of the bag more time-consuming but on the plus side you have a lot of freedom in terms of how much you can pack. The smaller pack offers 22L while the larger pack has a 40L volume, though it’s easy to adjust the volume as needed thanks to the roll-top closure and side compression straps. One thing to note is that the TPU is quite structured and will stand up on its own. This is useful for packing the bag and retrieving items but also means you have to be intentional in firmly securing the roll-top closure and cinching it in place or the opening might start to unroll. Most of the time it’s fine but can be an issue when the bag is full and there isn’t a lot of roll-top material to work with.

The 22L option will likely hold everything you need for day-to-day use (I did manage to squeeze a 15-inch HP laptop in the tech sleeve even though it’s designed for 14-inch devices). If you need to carry a larger tech device or big loads, the 40L big brother (with plenty of room for 15-inch tech) is the way to go. I ended up using the 40L pack as my grab-and-go hospital bag for the birth of my baby and was very impressed by how much it could hold. I wanted one bag that could hold all my gear and it did so admirably. Specifically, three days’ worth of clothing for both me and baby, a whole bag of nappies, a tablet, a book, toiletries, slippers and medical notes. Did I overpack? Heck, yes. Did the bag allow me to? Heck, yes. In hindsight I stayed one night and didn’t need a lot of the stuff I packed but given the circumstances and hospital packing guidelines, I opted for overprepared peace of mind! Suffice it to say you’ll have plenty of space for several days’ worth of travel gear or larger day loads with the 40L pack.  

Comfort

Both backpacks feature padded airmesh back panels and shoulder straps, along with removable waist straps and removable/adjustable sternum straps. The waist straps are simple webbing straps without any padding but they do a sufficient job stabilizing the load. The shoulder strap webbing has Velcro to keep excess webbing neat on the go.

In use, both backpacks were comfortable to carry. I’m glad they both include sternum straps and waist straps as you notice the difference with and without these in use. For most loads you’ll probably be fine not using the waist strap for the 22L pack but it’s handy to have when you do want it. One small addition which would be nice to see in a potential future iteration is load-lifter straps for the 40L pack. I don’t think they’re necessary for the 22L pack but 40L is getting into decently heavy carry territory (depending on the contents) and could merit some extra assistance on occasion. When it’s stuffed with clothing the load is fine but swap that out for heavy groceries and you’ll start noticing the weight.

I found the hip pack very comfortable to carry, with the wide padded belt distributing the load well. The design works well for accommodating different carry positions low on the hips or higher up (which I found very handy while pregnant and navigating a baby bump!).  

Weatherability

All of the bags feature waterproof TPU exteriors, weatherproof zippers and roll-top closures, so you get solid protection from the elements. While I wouldn’t recommend submerging the bags, they hold up very well in the rain and will shield the contents during wet commutes or outdoor exploring in inclement weather. This can also come in handy in reverse with the Utility Hip Pack, using its waterproof and tape-sealed interior compartment as a storage option for liquids like coffee flasks or baby bottles on the go. 

All of our products are made from durable outers and linings that are 100% waterproof. All of our roll top products, for example our Panniers, Saddle Pack, Bar Pack and City Loader, are 100% fully waterproof.

However, as most of our products (the Frame Bag for example) are stitched, we cannot guarantee 100% waterproofing on these products due to water penetrating the seam in very wet conditions.

The Good

• Durable and weatherproof handmade construction
• Flexible volumes accommodate diverse loads
• Versatile, multifunctional designs for urban and outdoor use on and off the bike

The Not So Good

• May lack sufficient pocket organization for some users
• 40L pack could benefit from load-lifters for heavy loads
• Structured roll-top material can partially unroll if not securely cinched

Verdict

Restrap have made a name for themselves in the technical bikepacking sphere but these three bags show their gear’s versatility across a diverse range of environments and loads.

Price-wise the Utility Hip Pack comes in at $142.99, the 22L Rolltop Backpack costs $277.99, and the 40L Rolltop Backpack is $314.99.

While these bags aren’t cheap, when you take into account they are handmade in the UK, built to last and backed by a lifetime warranty, with multifunctional designs that work on and off the bike in urban and outdoor settings alike, I think they offer good value for money. 

The Breakdown

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Tough as Nails

TAD has a well earned reputation for creating robust and reliable packs, inspired by a love for the rugged outdoors. The question is, how does a company like TAD level up an award winning backpack that is both an every day champion and a capable outdoor pack? 

The moment you pick up the Axiom S2 it is immediately apparent that it’s here to stay, and it’s going to be here far longer than you are. The attention to detail is second to none, with no sign of a single loose thread or stitch out of place, while the materials feel premium and best in class. The S2 comes in both VX and WX variants, and both styles look equally excellent.

From a materials standpoint, I was obviously excited for the WX version. I’m a heritage fiend, and when those heritage elements are melded with modern technologies, I’m instantly intrigued. In the S2’s case, the material in question is the TexWax^TM shell. This material is a 15/85 Cordura® and 12oz Duck cotton blend that is perfect for a bag designed for every adventure. After waxing, the finish weight is a burly 16.6 oz! TAD are known for their trusty construction and the Axiom S2 is no exception. Sewn in the USA, this hard-wearing pack is built to take a beating, dependably hauling your gear whatever life’s adventures throw at it. 

The wax duck cotton provides an excellent handfeel, traditional style, and weather protection, while the Cordura® provides reinforcement. The blend used provides an aesthetically pleasing matte finish to the bag, and will help you avoid the sheen sometimes associated with waxed cotton bags. Available in Black or Dark Oak, this is an elegant bag, and certainly makes the Axiom more flexible for those who carry in more formal situations. This is a bag that’ll be equally at home in the office, on the trail, or roaming city streets.

Aside from the high quality exterior material, there are no shortcuts on the rest of the bag with YKK AquaGuard zippers, Duraflex hardwear, and hypalon trims. When you spend $395 on a bag, I believe that it should feel premium and unique, the Axiom S2 WX certainly does.

Function

As always, this is the critical part of any review. How does it function in daily use? The original Axiom is such a favourite and champion for a reason, so how does the S2 perform?

19L is a smaller capacity than I would traditionally choose for a daily bag, but thanks to its ingenious design and intelligent pocketing, the S2 feels more capacious than bags I’ve used in the 25L range. The clean silhouette hides a plethora of pockets, sleeves, and organisation options that can enhance your day to day very quickly. It was a bit of a learning curve, but once dialed, most people will enjoy how seamless the use is.

At the front of the bag, you’ll find the main admin compartment, this wide opening pocket has organisation slots for all of your daily essentials such as pens, cables, earbuds and other small items. Behind this wall of slotted admin, you’ll find a zippered pocket with a d-ring, and that could be a great home for more important items you want to keep out of the way. This admin pocket is wonderful to use with its wide opening and the full view of your gear is excellent. Perhaps they could have used a contrasting liner as seen in some of their other packs for increased visibility, but I haven’t found that to be a huge limitation. On the front panel of this admin area you’ll find a large slip pocket which I’ve used for my back up bag or waterproof shell. I usually carry a packable tote (such as the Bellroy Market Tote) in case I need to grab anything on the go, and this sleeve feels made for that type of use case. It’s easy to access but out of the way when you don’t need it.

The other external pockets on the S2 are numerous and equally efficient. Just below the main handle, there’s a slender quick access pocket. This has become a natural home for sunglasses, keys, maybe some earbuds. However, the best feature of this QAP is that it is lined with a stretch mesh that allows a good amount of give to squeeze some extra goodies in there. For example, thanks to the stretch, you can fit a full sized iPhone 15 Pro Max in there. The other benefit of this mesh is that the pocket stays out of the way, i.e. It doesn’t hang down into the main volume, if you don’t fill it. These types of touches on a bag make the user experience all the more enjoyable, as the bag works with you rather than against you.

The water bottle pocket lives on the right side of the bag and comfortably holds slender bottles like the 20oz MiiR bottle that is a favourite of mine for EDC, and it doesn’t protrude or disrupt the silhouette of the bag either. I personally love it when my contents are hidden within the confines of the bag, and this pocket does that very well. It takes up some room in the interior, but not enough to be an interference. 

The laptop sleeve can be accessed from the left side of the bag via the weatherproof zipper and features a floating wall design. This is a clever piece of design from TAD as it also allows you access to the main volume without having to open the full clamshell. So whether you’re carrying a laptop or not, you can still use that to snag something quickly without taking the bag off, setting it down, and opening it. It’s a clean implementation, and my laptop felt very secure in there as I bounced around from studio, to field, or the travel inbetween.

The main volume might be the one of the most functional I’ve encountered for quite some time. Most bags prescribe one way or another–all pockets or no pockets. Now there are use cases for both styles without doubt, but the Axiom S2 sits on the fence very nicely here. Between the admin pocket on the front, the bellow pockets on the rear of that panel and a large open cavity, you have all the bases covered. You can toss things in freely, or you can half organise with your own pouches (like the excellent TAD Transport pouches), or fully organise with a mix of your own carry and the admin panel and expansion through the Helix system. It’s a versatile style that lends itself to being used in multiple situations rather than being cornered for one use purpose. As an EDC bag, that’s a home run in our books.

Comfort

It’s great to see a waxed pack taking comfort seriously. One of the new features for the Axiom S2 WX Pack is a redesigned back panel that aims to offer maximized airflow. Padded with closed cell cross-linked polyethylene foam, the channeled back panel provides all-day carry comfort. This channel that runs down the center and it allows for great airflow, and I didn’t find myself overheating. There are also load lifters on the Axiom, which you don’t always see on smaller EDC packs, so I’m glad to see them here. It makes a real difference to comfort, particularly if you’re being active or carrying heavier loads. For example, it helped me when carrying camera equipment and I felt the bag was secure and moved with me well as I was buzzing around. The sternum strap does the job, but it would have been great to see a Fidlock V buckle or similar here, for that smooth one handed function, but that’s easily swappable with one of your own if you feel the need. Comfort is critical to a good EDC bag, and I have no complaints here. 

A Worthy Addition

After using the TAD Axiom S2 WX, it’s easy to see why it has such a loyal following. This is a truly versatile bag, for both EDC and Travel, and it’s designed in such a way that your relationship gets better with each use. I found its balance of differing carry styles to be really helpful on multiple occasions, I wasn’t pigeon holed into X, Y, or Z. The materials are phenomenal, and not once have I been concerned about the protection offered to my gear. Style wise it’s a looker, and while that opinion may vary from person to person, this isn’t a bag that’s too garish, or too tactical, or too minimalist, it finds itself a nice sweet spot that could appeal to most. It carries more than it looks like it will, it’s exceptionally comfortable to wear, and it is customisable with a slew of different accessories based on your needs and wants. I think this is a fantastic Everyday Carry Bag, and the WX variant is a welcome addition to the T.A.D Lineup. The TAD Axiom S2 WX is a bit like a tightrope walker from the circus – somehow it balances it all with grit and grace!

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Who It Suits

Backpackers, trappers, bushcrafters, backcountry mountaineers and explorers. If you need a sturdy pack intended for a heavy load, which you want to haul in rocky or bushy terrain for multiple days – UTE Light is tailored for you.

Who It Doesn’t

That is still not an ultralight pack, so if you want to carry a minimal kit in a featherlight pack (and don’t prioritize long-term durability) – look for a different option. There are better choices for technical climbers and alpine ski-tourers who need a pack solution tailored to their sport, usually with specialized features (like avalanche kit pockets or climbing gear loops).

Specifications

Name: UTE Light
Brand: Hill People Gear
Format: Backcountry backpack
Capacity: 52L
Load capacity: 150 lbs (68kg)
Weight (just pack): 3.75 lbs
Weight (w/ Praire Belt): 4.75 lbs
Materials: 500D & 330D Cordura, YKK zippers, 7075 Alu stays
Price: 355 USD (just pack) or 472 USD with Prairie Belt

The Good

If you’re familiar with HPG packs – you’ll be immediately at home with UTE Light. It looks like a classic backcountry hauler. It is tall, with an oversized hip belt, unique harness, and two spacious side pockets. It immediately gives the impression of a serious piece of kit. The “dimensional capacity” (as HPG calls the size) is 52 liters, which is just the pack’s total geometrical capacity. The problem is – most manufacturers re-calculate that, so most packs are rated as bigger than they are. We can call it “comparative size” – HPG suggests a volume of 76 liters to compare UTE Light to classic backpacks. It’s a good size, easily big enough for a weekend hike with food and shelter and even a week-long backcountry expedition.

UTE Light is made in the USA, mostly of 300D cordura, with high-stress areas reinforced with 500D. Quality webbing, YKK zippers, and US-made hardware make it a rugged carry tool. It’s a pack that can be used and abused in the harshest environments in thick forests and snowy winter backcountry terrain. With Hill People Gear, sturdiness is the name of the game.

But the main feature of HPG is not even that toughness, but the legendary harness system, which is capable of super heavy loads. That is the foundation of HPG packs and the secret of the company’s success among backcountry enthusiasts and modern trappers. So you’ve got a one-piece ultra-wide horseshoe-shaped shoulder harness combined with a super-wide Prairie hip belt, which hugs nicely around the hips. Prairie belt has multiple molle attachment points (for pouches, a knife, or other gear) for extra versatility.

But does it even work? Absolutely! I’ve been carrying various HPG packs for over a decade, sized up to the Qui-Ya 100-liter behemoth. Long story short – this system is one of the best available for heavy hauling today. The pack’s weight is spread over the extensive area, easily twice (or more) than the contact area of traditional shoulder straps. The wide hip belt easily transfers most of the weight to the hips. This system is genius. And if you’re concerned about sweating under that wide harness… when hiking with a pack of 50+ lbs, sweating is just part of the game – it doesn’t matter what magic the straps are made of. The critical factor is the contact area between the pack (load-bearing parts) and you. The other factor is you and your strength and stamina.

The penalty for such a bomb-proof construction and overbuilt carry system is usually extra weight. Classic UTE with Prairie Belt weighs 5.7 lbs (2.6kg), and this Light one is practically a pound lighter at 4.75 lbs (2.15kg). And while not ultralight, it’s still lighter than the equivalent 70-liter mainstream pack and on the level of classic “light” packs. Sure enough, the Ultra Light category is a different story, but try to haul 60-100 lbs (or more) in a UL pack – good luck! So, that “Light” in the name makes sense for an expedition backcountry heavy-load backpack.

Organization on UTE Light is just right for me. Interestingly, this pack is not just “UTE made of thinner cordura” but has a considerably different construction. Despite being lighter, UTE Light also has a higher total volume (by about 10-12 liters) thanks to an additional big front pocket. It’s like a sawn-on HPG Pals pocket, adding another almost pound to classic UTE if installed. There’s a top pocket in the brain and an open quick-access flat pocket (perfect for map storage) between the front pouch and the main sack. Oversized side pockets come as standard on HPS backpacks, so you’ll find them here too. Bottom attachment points, top attachment straps, side compression cords, etc. – it’s a feature-rich pack that can be loaded with gear in a structured way, not just inside but on the outside as well.

Weather resistance is acceptable, but this is not a waterproof pack – so put a sealed liner inside the bag (and lid) or use a rain cover. I’m not a big fan of pack covers, but with so many attachment possibilities on the outside of the pack, a decent cover would be a great idea, as it’d also protect the gear strapped outside.

The Not So Good

As I said, it’s not a genuine ultralight pack. Yes, it’s lighter, but if you’re looking for a vast decrease in the pack’s weight (including what you carry) – there are better options than HPG. It’s as simple as this.

Only a little organization is inside and in the pack’s brain. And that saves weight. But if you’re used to small zippers, mesh pockets, and slots every here and there – it’s not the case on UTE Light.

UTE Light comes in just the one color scheme of Khaki-Ranger. With HPG, that can expand, but for now, it’s just this. Overall, it also looks different from a generic hiking pack and has a bit of military styling. So, it’s not a pack that goes unnoticed, which still can be a good conversation starter. But if you’d be going for a gray man’s look – there are better choices than HPG.

And finally, the price – HPG is not an option if you’re tight on budget. Sure, that top quality, mil-spec build, and US production can’t come cheap, but $472 (for the complete system) is a price tag that your wallet will notice. Still, even with that price tag, purchasing may be challenging as HPG is not a big-scale operation company. So, immediately sign up for email notification if your HPG pack is unavailable.

Verdict

UTE Light is undoubtedly not a pack for everyone. It’s a pack for modern trappers and explorers who need a product that won’t fail when abused and lasts for many seasons. If you haul heavy equipment, have to carry a rifle and ammo (often the case for backcountry hiking within areas with a significant population of dangerous animals), or carry a spotting scope, heavy camera gear, etc. – this is where UTE Light shines. Or you hike often below tree lines, through the wild thick forests. Yes, then this pack should be golden for you.

I’ve been hiking multiple times with my UTE Light and used it for almost three seasons in my local forest, low tree-covered mountains, and even as a hauling basecamp pack for family trips before completing this review. It’s been my most used multi-day pack for the last couple of months. It’s tough as nails and works. And after all that, it still looks untouched after seasonal cleaning. But you need to be ready to spend almost half a grand USD at a starting point. Would it be worth it? Well, only you can answer this question.

The post Hill People Gear Ute Light Review appeared first on Carryology.

Who It Suits

The Osprey Aoede Briefpack will suit users looking for a multifunctional bag that can move smoothly from work settings to varied day-to-day use or short trips. The understated aesthetics look right at home in a range of urban environments and the versatile carry options and well-considered organization make this a great option for commuting, travel, and EDC use alike.

The Aoede Crossbody Bag will appeal to those who want a small, lightweight bag for EDC or travel essentials, with practical organization and urban-friendly aesthetics. If you want a versatile option for storing essentials during a night out on the town, walking the dog, sightseeing on your travels, or commuting with minimalist loads, this small but capable carry option offers a lot of flexibility.

Who It Doesn’t

The Osprey Aoede Briefpack is not designed for remote outdoor environments, so if you’re seeking a hybrid pack you can take from the city streets to the mountain trails, you’re better off finding another option. The aesthetics and material are also very discreet, urban, and low-key, so if you’re looking for visual flair that grabs attention or you enjoy a more heritage feel to your gear, you’ll likely find more suitable options elsewhere.

The Aoede Crossbody Bag is compact and not designed to haul very large or bulky items like larger cameras, large tech items, or chunky water bottles. While you may be able to fit small camera setups in the bag, you won’t be able to fit much else, so photographers who carry a lot of accessories will be better served with a dedicated camera bag.

Specifications

Design

Looks

The Aoede series has been designed with minimalist aesthetics in mind. The sleek silhouettes are versatile enough for everyday use, work carry, and travel needs in urban settings. Both bags come in two color options including Black and Concrete Tan.

These bags aren’t going for a head-turning aesthetic punch but rather understated flexibility. Clean and discreet, they’ll move easily between a variety of work and weekend environments and not draw attention in travel settings.

Construction

Both bags are very well made. I haven’t experienced any issues with stitching, materials, or hardware. The bags are made in Vietnam and backed by Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee and from use, I think they will hold up very well in urban environments for many years to come.

Materials and Hardware

Both bags are sustainably made with bluesign® approved, 100% recycled 840D ballistic polyester with a PFAS-free DWR treatment. The material feels durable and more than capable of holding up to the rigors of daily use year after year. Inside you’ll find a bluesign® approved 200D mixed mélange lining. While not super bright, it does aid in increasing the visibility of the contents and offers some visual interest while remaining subtle for professional settings. The YKK reverse racquet coil zippers work smoothly and have cylindrical zipper pulls. The zipper pulls have texture on them with discreet raised branding, making them easy to grip and use.

Performance

Space & Access

The Aoede Briefpack is essentially split into three compartments including the main compartment, a front organizational panel, and a rear external-access laptop compartment. The main compartment provides panel-loading access, the front admin compartment offers J-zip access, and the rear laptop compartment zips open all the way along the top and down one side. This thoughtful access makes it very easy to store or retrieve items in each of the compartments.

The Aoede Crossbody Bag has one main compartment that can open wide for easy access, along with additional front and rear pockets. This is a small 2L bag that’s meant for essentials so don’t expect to carry loads in it. However, you’ll have plenty of space for the likes of a wallet, phone, passport, snacks, a packable jacket or other similarly compact items. I was pleased to discover it holds a small flask, which was great for staying hydrated while walking the dog. However, depending on the shape of the items you store inside, you might not be able to fit much else inside. It seems like an obvious statement but you’ll fit a lot more inside if you’re packing smaller and flatter items than bigger, bulkier ones.

Pockets and Organizing

I think the Aoede Briefpack does a great job of providing practical, useful organization while still retaining an uncluttered feel. There’s a quick-access, scratch-free zippered exterior pocket on the front of the pack. This is perfect for a wallet, phone, or other small essentials. The front admin compartment provides three slip pockets, one zippered pocket, and a key clip. You can also easily fit A4 documents in the compartment itself. There’s no internal organization in the main compartment, making this a flexible space for bulkier items or using packing cubes or pouches. The padded rear compartment has more than enough space for a 15″ laptop (Osprey states it will fit most 16″ laptops too) and a large internal slip pocket that can be used to store flatter items like A4 documents or smaller tech like a tablet. Additionally, there’s a discreet zippered pocket concealed within the storage pocket for the backpack straps. This pocket is easy enough to access whether the bag is in backpack or shoulder bag mode but offers a more discreet option for storing valuables.

In my mind, the Briefpack’s organization is almost perfection for my personal needs and preferences. However, one thing I would have liked was dedicated quick-access storage for a water bottle. You can theoretically slip one in the front admin pocket but I’d much prefer some sort of external option that kept the bottle within easy reach and separate from other items. There’s space on the right-hand side (if wearing the bag on-body in pack mode) that could work for a simple mesh pocket or the like that could stay unobtrusively tight to the body of the bag when not in use but be ready to use if required. I appreciate not everyone is a fan of external water bottle pockets and this is a personal nitpick, but if this is something you like in a bag, just be aware you’ll need to store your bottle elsewhere in the bag.

As touched on above, the Aoede Crossbody Bag provides a main compartment along with front and rear pockets. Inside the main compartment are two slip mesh pockets and a key clip. There’s also padding in the main compartment, making it useful for small tech items like a small tablet or e-reader. The front pocket seals with two magnets (one on either end of the flap), making this useful for quickly storing or accessing frequently used items. If you want more discreet, secure storage, the zippered back pocket has you covered. Both the front and rear pockets run the length of the bag and will easily hold items like a passport, wallet, or phone.

As mentioned previously, this bag isn’t large so you have to be somewhat strategic with your packing if you want to carry bulkier items. If you place any bulky items in the main compartment, this will eat into the volume of the front and rear pockets, potentially making them unusable. I wouldn’t say this is a flaw but rather forces you to use the bag as intended. It’s not designed to haul the kitchen sink but rather those frequently needed EDC or travel items you want secure but within easy reach. If you’re looking for a sleek, lightweight, and compact bag for essentials, it’s great. If you regularly carry bulky items, you’ll want something bigger as you’ll end up negating access to the bag’s inbuilt organization.

Comfort

One of the key features of the Aoede Briefpack is the multiple carry options. The bag can be carried as a backpack courtesy of stowable backpack straps, as a shoulder bag by using the removable shoulder strap, and in briefcase mode using the side grab handle. Additionally, there’s also a handy top grab handle and a luggage pass-through sleeve on the back panel. The grab handles are well padded and feel nice in hand.

The padded back panel uses Osprey’s AirScape design with ridged foam and suspended mesh for comfort and ventilation. I tested the pack during cooler autumn months so I can’t comment on how it would perform in very hot or humid conditions. However, during my testing I found the pack to be very comfortable. The stowable backpack straps clip in easily at the base of the bag and are easy to adjust with the webbing (though there’s no webbing management for loose, dangling excess webbing). I found the back panel surprisingly comfortable given the bag’s jack-of-all-trades approach to portability. There are no load lifters but I never missed them and don’t think a bag of this size requires them.

Alternating between backpack and shoulder bag mode is straightforward. Simply store the backpack straps and clip on the included shoulder strap (or leave the strap off for briefcase mode). The shoulder strap has an adjustable shoulder pad for carry comfort. While the backpack mode is (unsurprisingly) more comfortable than shoulder bag mode, the padded back panel provides cushioning when the shoulder bag is leaning against your hip. Additionally, the side grab handle is well positioned for easily maneuvering the bag in shoulder bag mode. I found the backpack strap storage pocket a useful spot for storing the shoulder strap when not in use, keeping it secure and out of the way but easily accessible if needed.

The Aoede Crossbody Bag includes a simple, adjustable webbing strap. There’s no padding on the strap but you shouldn’t need it for a bag of this size. The webbing itself feels soft and flexible and the bag is lightweight. You can wear it crossbody or over one shoulder. The strap itself isn’t removable but you could theoretically store most of it inside the rear zippered pocket and use the bag as a pouch inside a larger bag if you wanted to.

Weatherability

These bags are not waterproof but they are water-resistant, which should be more than sufficient for most users’ needs the majority of the time. The DWR finish will protect your gear from snow and light rain, so you should be fine if caught in an unexpected shower during a commute or trip. However, I like to push things a little in the weatherability department testing so I left both bags outside in heavy rain for an hour. While the rain did eventually soak into the exterior fabric, I’m pleased to report it held up fairly well so the interior contents of your bag should be fine in the event you have to deal with inclement weather. I did notice the rain had soaked through the zippers but after a solid hour of drenching this wasn’t surprising. You’re not getting the likes of YKK AquaGuard zippers here so eventually rain will get through. But the chances of your bags being exposed to a solid hour of heavy rain with no source of shelter are probably not that high. And even if they are, your gear won’t be drenched afterwards. In summary, if you’re planning to venture out in monsoon conditions for an extended period of time then consider a raincover or store your gear internally in a plastic bag. Otherwise, you’ll be good to go for most urban settings and intended use cases.

The Good

• Easy access and useful organization
• Understated styling for work, travel, and EDC in diverse urban settings
• Sustainable, durable construction
• Multiple carry options for the Briefpack
• Good value for money

The Not So Good

• No dedicated external water bottle pocket on the Briefpack
• No loose webbing management on the Briefpack
• Bulkier items eat into the volume of the front/back pockets on the Crossbody Bag

Verdict

Both the Aoede Briefpack and Aoede Crossbody Bag are multifunctional and well-made carry options for a variety of EDC and travel needs. The organization is pretty much spot on for their intended uses without feeling cluttered. Additionally, the understated aesthetics lend themselves to both work and play. These aren’t fashion-forward or head-turning bags but equally they are fairly timeless in their own way. Kind of like a go-to jacket or your favorite pair of slippers – and I mean that in the best possible way. Easy to use, comfortable, and versatile, you’ll likely keep these pieces in your regular carry rotation for years to come, reaching for them regardless of current trends.

Finally, it would be remiss of me not to mention the price. At US$150 for the Aoede Briefpack and US$40 for the Aoede Crossbody, I think both bags offer very good value for money. In the realm of carry where bags can often cost several hundred dollars, Osprey’s Aoede series offers a more affordable yet still dependable and practical alternative that will serve you well for years to come.

The post Osprey Aoede Briefpack and Aoede Crossbody Bag Review appeared first on Carryology.

For Kuiu’s ‘No Offseason’ philosophy to succeed, their gear needs to handle serious wet weather. The Karluk is a waterproof rolltop backpack for hunters working near the coastline, riding into their grounds on a boat or ATV, or spending brief periods in the water themselves. That said, it’s less strictly a hunting pack than some of Kuiu’s line, and could work for photographers or conservation workers with similar needs.

Who It Suits

Hunters, adventurers and outdoors professionals working around water.

Who It Doesn’t

Long distance backpackers. Tactical gear junkies who want a pocket for every single item.

Specifications

• 28 x 12 x 8.75 in / 71 x 31 x 22 cm
• 1850 cu in / 30 L
• 2 lb 7.1 oz / 1108g
• 840D Matte Nylon Ether-Type TPU, 840D Hypalon Reinforced Bottom Panelling, Duraflex Buckles, YKK Zipper 
• $179USD

Design

Just glancing at the Karluk, it’s obvious that water resistance is the priority. Even with modern waterproof zips and other technologies, the rolltop remains the simplest and best way to create a seal. I quickly learned to squeeze out excess air from the main compartment, or else it’d simply inflate like a balloon when I tried to close it. Kuiu’s seal sealing is really that good. 

The fabric pulls a lot of weight in this department as well. Although it has a tough, almost ballistic-looking woven look, none of that comes through in touch. Instead the TPU finish is slick and stiff, with water simply bouncing off. It’s also slightly translucent, which keeps the interior bright and contents visible, mercifully.

Between the high denier and the hypalon reinforcement at the base, I had no concerns about my Karluk handling whatever I threw at it, whether that was dragging over wet granite or bouncing around in the back of a Toyota Hilux.

Unboxing the Karluk, I was sceptical about the straps. They are slim and straightforward, with little in the way of adjustment. The simplicity of these straps belies Kuiu’s expertise – on my body they keep the pack high and close to my back, without cutting into my shoulders or wobbling around in movement. There’s a limit to how much weight I’d want to carry without a belt, but up to that point it rode without a problem.

Features

The Karluk is an utterly spartan design: it’s a rolltop with a big, empty space inside, making it perfect for large or odd-shaped gear. When filled up with a casual day’s load things tend to swim around. After a few hours walking, I opened the bag to gaze onto the worst case of ‘gear soup’ I’ve ever come across. Looking inside, the only feature you’ll find is a pair of female buckles, welded behind the shoulder straps. Even after scouring Kuiu’s website, I have no idea what these are for. They don’t seem to match any of the current pack accessories they have on sale, or correspond with any other features on the Karluk. 

Likewise, I couldn’t find much use for the external straps which run through the daisy-chain on the Karluk’s front panel. With the air-tight seal, compressing the pack once it’s closed up simply isn’t an option. The fabric’s slippery property acts as a downside here, since anything tucked behind those straps will slide out after a few steps

For small items, Kuiu have included one external pocket on the pack’s face side, closed with an Aquaguard zip. This is flat, with little volume to itself, and as such I found it hard to use with anything deeper than a notepad. Worse still, being zipped, this pocket isn’t as impermeable as the rest of the pack. After some particularly intense testing, I was disappointed to find that the wool hat I’d stowed inside had soaked.

Performance

Missing quick access might not be so bad for the core user, who will probably keep essentials at-hand using their clothing pockets, or one of Kuiu’s binocular harnesses. The Karluk’s pocketing lingers as a point of frustration for me. If I wanted to take a drink while hiking, I had to drop the pack and unfurl the rolltop to grab my bottle; compared with my friends who could take a draw from their bladder hoses without stopping, it slowed me up a touch. 

That said, when I finally reached a hide, or a spot where I wanted to stop and glass, the rolltop was perfect. The fabric isn’t totally silent, but it’s a world apart from the crinkle of dyneema or x-pac, and ditching any zips or hook-and-loop from the closure means the Karluk will open up quietly, and stay open by itself.

When sealed, the waterproofing on the main compartment is completely reliable. It kept my gear dry when floating in a river or dumped under a waterfall, so I know it’ll handle whatever my adventures might throw at it. 

With its simple straps and flat foam back panel, the suspension isn’t awful, but it’s not top-league either. Kuiu knows this: compare this pack to their super-technical DeltaStorm backpack, and the Karluk’s limitations are obvious. The difference is nearly 2lbs, and over $200, which means this isn’t a straightforward upgrade, but each user will need to decide what they need before buying.

Verdict

If your priority is waterproofing first and everything else second, the Kuiu Karluk is a great backpack. This is the unapologetic focus here, both in the Karluk 1850 and the larger Karluk 3000.

If not, the weak points might outweigh the positives: hunters require a more robust suspension, hikers favour low weight and compression, urbanites will want quicker access to their gear. The truth may be that laser-focus isn’t always the best approach after all.

This article was written by Jed Edwards. Based in east Scotland, Jed’s spent as many nights camping in the highlands as he has crashing on sofas with crusty punk bands. Whether it’s full of hiking gear or science fiction paperbacks, he always has a bag on his back.

The post Kuiu Karluk 1850 Review appeared first on Carryology.

Features

Part of the Bairn’s evolution over time has been the adoption of Austrian-made COBRA® buckles for the main flap closure. Previously only available on limited edition variants, the Bairn Pro features two 25mm (1-inch) AustriAlpin COBRA® ProStyle quick-release buckles as standard. Fans of fidget toys will enjoy the solid and satisfying click when engaging and releasing these buckles.

There’s a good amount of additional webbing length to keep the buckles secured while hauling more bulky items inside. Both buckles have easy-to-grab D-rings to help quickly cinch down.

The Bairn Pro has added additional organization pockets over its smaller namesake. Under the main flap you’ll find the standard full-width covered pocket which is now large enough to securely hold A4 and letter-sized documents.

Flanked on either side you’ll find new vertical zippered pockets to securely store additional items. These pockets feature YKK laminated water-resistant zippers with Trakke’s signature round metal pulls. Both pockets are gusseted to accommodate more bulky items. The right pocket also has a small aluminum snap hook key leash.

Inside the main compartment you’ll find a single flat zippered pocket and Trakke’s well-padded and raised laptop sleeve. 

The Bairn Pro is most notable for its larger size which will now comfortably fit most common 15-inch and 16-inch laptops.

YMMV with larger or thicker devices. 

On the back side, a folded webbing carry handle provides excellent stability when picking the Bairn Pro up even fully loaded. The handle remains low profile when not in use.

Schlepping around a 16-inch laptop and a day’s full of stuff can get heavy. The Bairn Pro’s adjustable strap now features a large cushioned and very comfortable pad for easier carry. The thick and wide cotton strap is adjustable from 29 inches (74cm) to 53 inches (135cm) in length. The strap pad is remarkably large – clocking in at 19 inches (48cm) in length and 4 inches (10cm) in width. The combination of dry waxed canvas and air mesh on the underside makes for a comfortable carry when draped over a shoulder.

An optional stabilizer strap is available for those who wish to carry the Bairn Pro more like a traditional messenger. There are webbing attachment loops on the bottom of the bag to hook in either direction.

Below the strap attachment points are two very discreet water bottle pockets on the outside of the bag. These are not particularly large bottle pockets. You’ll want to stick to smaller and likely uninsulated varieties or single-use plastic types.

Shown here with a 27oz Klean Kanteen, this is probably on the larger end of what would be comfortable to carry in these bottle pockets. Note that this bottle is not insulated so it remains fairly slender. YMMV with thicker insulated bottles.

Last but not least is the Bairn Pro’s quiet party trick – a removable hook-backed label. Yes, you can now affix your own patches to the front of Trakke’s bags!

Materials and Construction

Trakke has opted for beautiful dry waxed cotton canvas throughout their product line. Trakke’s dry wax does not take on the shiny “wet” look of some traditional waxed canvases. It retains its weatherproofing qualities while keeping the wax emulsion neatly baked into the textile. Trakke also sells a reproofing spray that can be applied periodically to reinvigorate the weatherproofing qualities. 

For the Bairn Pro we opted for the “Port” color. A handsome shade that transforms from a warm chocolate brown in some light to a deep reddish brown in others. Trakke’s other colors of dry waxed canvas for the Bairn Pro include Black, Olive, and Whisky.

Trakke’s signature orange dry waxed canvas lining is present through every compartment. The orange lining is a lighter weight of canvas than the exterior. Everything is easy to see inside and the lining fabric has just the right drape so as to never feel too heavy. 

A common theme with Trakke is all-natural fibers – the webbing used for the shoulder strap and front buckles are no exception. The 2-inch (50mm) cotton shoulder strap webbing starts life relatively stiff. But don’t let this scare you off. Within a week of regularly carrying a 16-inch laptop and our EDC kit around we found it wore in nicely. And as long-time Trakke owners will attest – things only get better with age. With enough use you should expect the cotton webbing to become wonderfully soft and well worn.

The shoulder strap webbing features polished stainless steel triglide hardware and split rings on the ends. These split rings allow you to remove the strap and take the strap pad on or off.

The Bairn Pro’s main flap closure comes standard with two 25mm black AustriAlpin COBRA® ProStyle buckles. Machined from 12mm aluminum, these are true load-rated buckles that will outlast you and every piece of textile on the bag. Overkill in the best possible way for your messenger bag. 

In Use

TL;DR – the Bairn Pro is a joy to use. 

There’s just no way around it. This size is a very welcome upgrade from the original Bairn. The small amount of extra space afforded by the larger laptop sleeve gives the Bairn Pro just the right amount of space to be an ideal EDC bag.

The materials and hardware are beautiful and will only get better with age. The design is understated and you’ll easily blend in with any crowd. It’s not often we come across brands that appeal to such a wide range of end users but Trakke really nails it here. The Bairn Pro feels right at home in a professional office environment or at the corner coffee shop – and everywhere in between.

Something that not all messenger bags do well is allow comfortable use as a shoulder bag. The Bairn Pro’s wide stable strap webbing and comfortable strap pad allow for equally comfortable carry on a single shoulder, cross body, or on your back as a traditional messenger.

Our daily commute typically involves a car, a parking lot, and a short jaunt to the office. For this daily task, or on days that involved extra pit stops the Bairn Pro carried as a shoulder bag was our go-to carry method. 

For quick cycling trips the Bairn Pro carried well even without the optional stabilizer strap. The dry waxed cotton canvas has enough grip against a cotton shirt to keep it from shifting around too much like smooth slippery synthetic fabrics can. The stabilizer would come in handy if you’re wearing a synthetic jacket while cycling. 

The Bairn Pro also works as a compact overnight bag. This was not something we considered with the smaller Bairn. A recent business trip to Indianapolis gave us a chance to pack out the Bairn Pro with a change of clothes, laptop, toiletries, water bottle, and our favorite Micro 4/3 camera setup. 

Improvements

All this praise also comes with some downsides. Messenger bags come with some asterisks – they’re not hermetically sealed carry devices. We found that while carrying a larger laptop and a moderately sized loadout the main flap did not provide complete coverage at the sides nearest the laptop. We don’t often find ourselves commuting in inclement weather but if rainy bike rides are your jam, you may want to look at a more sealed offering from Trakke.

Love ’em or hate ’em, COBRA® buckles are large and bulky things. When moving around in transit they perform their job dutifully and without being noticed, but if you’re working out of the Bairn Pro on hard surfaces you’ll find them clanking and knocking around quite a bit. This is addressed well by Trakke’s new Portobello Laptop Briefcase which brings a lot of Bairn Pro features in a briefcase-y package.

As photographers, this size of messenger hits a very nice sweet spot for carrying a small kit around for the day. We’d love to see just a bit more depth in the main compartment. Our favorite Tenba BYOB 10 camera bag insert kinda sorta fits, but it’s a tight squeeze, especially with a 15-inch or 16-inch laptop in tow. If you rock a slimmer camera insert or go without the laptop you may have better luck.

Verdict

Trakke’s Bairn Pro is a fully competent evolution of the original Bairn lineage (now in its fourth iteration). A big brother that adds more functionality and versatility to an already capable messenger bag lineup. It’s not overburdened with features – it’s just the essentials executed exceedingly well. Whether you’re in a professional or casual environment Trakke’s entire line of bags blends in and will elevate your carry in a classy and tasteful way. We’re excited to continue using the Bairn Pro for our daily carry needs.

The post Trakke Bairn Pro Review appeared first on Carryology.

And please, don’t treat this article just as a review of 5 knives – instead, look at them as the 5 types of knives and decide which characteristics are most vital for you so that you can find your ideal blade (within your budget) for your next adventure.

Disclaimer: I measured all of these cutters by myself. Also, in my article, I refer to the weights of knives only, so without any sheath. That’s because each sheath can be modified, or you can make or order a custom sheath in Kydex or leather. You can add a firestarter, pouches, specific carry attachments, etc. So, the sheath weight for each knife can be between 150 and 400 grams – it’s up to you what and how you prefer to carry it.

1. GiantMouse GMF4

Knife weight: 231 g

Total length: 267 mm

Blade length: 145 mm

Blade thickness: 4.90 mm

Blade material: Bohler N690 Cobalt steel

MSRP: 245 USD (satin), 265 USD (DLC)

This is the lightest of the bunch, making it easy to carry all day on my belt. It’s a modern iteration of what has been considered a classic camp knife for decades. It was designed beautifully by two renowned knifemakers from Denmark, Jens Ansø and Jesper Voxnaes. It’s a true cutting machine, most optimized for that exact task. High grinds, a relatively thin edge, and fine tip make it the most slicy knife among this bunch here. 

Cutting is one thing, but the ability to craft wooden camp equipment and carve wood is another. Geometry and edge retention are everything in push-cut kind of work. When heat treated properly, Bohler’s N690 Cobalt steel offers a good mix of edge retention, cutting performance, rust resistance, and… cost. The GMF4 performs considerably better than expected due to perfect heat treatment. I’ve had an excellent experience with N690 in custom knives by Alexandr Afonchenko (from Ukraine), who perfected the heat processing of this steel – the GMF4 is on par with that. It whittles wood easily, with nice thin curls, so feathersticking with the GMF4 is a joy. When whittling, you can put your finger into the big ricasso for outstanding blade control.

Firewood processing is another critical area for a camp knife. You can’t beat a proper axe in this field, but sometimes, especially when camping with a backpack, a lightweight option of a folding saw and camp knife should be more than enough. Chopping with the GMF4 is certainly possible, but the weight distribution on a fine-tipped knife doesn’t make it a perfect chopper. Batoning, however, is okay – with .192-inch blade stock, it easily splits 2 to 3-inch branches into pieces. 

After 12 months of use I can say with confidence: the GMF4’s handle is stunningly comfortable and secure with that set of finely textured and contoured canvas micarta scales. The handle is not too thick or thin – just right for virtually any hand. Also, the curves and cut-outs are gentle enough to use in a handy chest-lever grip. The GMF4’s spine is smooth and finger-friendly but has no 90-degree edge to strike a ferrocerium rod (which is a pity). So you should either carry a rod with a striker or simply a good lighter to get the campfire going quickly and efficiently.

The GMF4 comes with a nice Italian-made leather sheath with a security strap and snap – the classic solution for a camp knife. Leather vs. Kydex is a never-ending debate. I still prefer Kydex, so I made one for my GMF4. 

Time for conclusions. The GiantMouse GMF4 offers a good mix of characteristics of a proper camp knife – optimized for slicing, cutting, and camp crafts rather than heavy chopping. It’s also lightweight enough for a backpacking trip, especially with a lightweight custom Kydex sheath. For overlanding, canoeing, or longer bushcraft camping, I’d pair it with a medium bushcraft axe and folding saw – such a set would be a joy. The price of $245 (or $265 for a DLC-coated variant) is not a budget option, but you get a seriously good outdoor tool for the money. 

2. Ka-Bar BK72

Knife weight: 442 g

Total length: 270 mm

Blade length: 133 mm

Blade thickness: 6.35 mm

Blade material: CPM S35VN

MSRP: 285 EUR (stonewash), 325 EUR (DLC)

This thing is a TANK! It looks similar to the classic Ka-Bar Becker BK2, but… it’s a different animal. If you’re after a highly heavy-duty survival knife that can still cut stuff (it’s not always the case with other “survival” knives), then this specimen is incredible… here comes the BK72, the up-specced version of the classic BK2, made exclusively for knivesandtools.com 

There are upgrades in almost every aspect of this knife: excellent canvas micarta scales, a genuine custom-made Kydex sheath, premium stainless S35VN blade steel, and either classy black PVD or a stonewash finish. Still, starting at 285 EUR, the BK72 is not a cheap knife by any means… but it was never intended to be. It’s a premium variant of the proven classic with an adequate premium price tag.  

I took the knife to the wild mountains in Poland as a camp knife this summer, using it for chopping wood for evening campfires, sharpening sticks for cooking outside and BBQ, preparing feathersticks, plus some basic bushcraft work. With a 0.25″ (6.35mm) blade thickness, this knife is ideally suited for wood chopping and batoning – you can use and abuse this beast all day long. Firewood splitting was just as easy and as quick as with an axe – place it on a 3″ or even 4″ diameter log, smash it with a mallet – job done! It was crazy efficient, even with hard oak. But it was equally easy to prepare small kindling and scrape birch bark with the edge to start a fire.

Basic wood-crafting projects are also fine with this knife. It was delivered crazy sharp from the Ka-Bar factory, with the cutting edge surprisingly thin and precise for such work. Preparing feathersticks was a piece of cake as well, especially with the ‘knife stuck in the log’ method, which was more convenient and safer.

The original Kydex sheath holds the knife fine and has multiple rivets for virtually any carry system – for a belt or backpack. It keeps the blade in place with zero rattling and doesn’t dull the edge like most injection-molded FRN sheaths. Just be prepared for occasional scratches on the blade, which always happens with Kydex sheaths. Still, that plain black Kydex was a bit too basic for me – I’ve been making Kydex sheaths for many years, so I made myself a fancier one in OD-Green with a classic brown leather belt loop.

The BK series handle shape is considered one of the most comfortable (and versatile) in the fixed blade world. The BK72 with upgraded micarta scales is not only crazy comfy but also very secure in all conditions. The grip area is really generous, so you can operate the knife even in heavy winter gloves. The spine is finger-friendly but not sharp enough for a ferrocerium rod, so either use a lighter or carry something with a striker built in (like the Exotac nanoSTRIKER XL).

The heavy-duty flat pommel can be easily used as an improvised hammer, and it’s pretty effective considering the knife’s overall weight. If it was 90 degrees sharp on the edges (for scraping and ferrorod use), the knife would be perfect! But you could easily do that at home with a diamond file.

The Ka-Bar BK72 is a heavyweight knife – carrying a pound of steel on a belt during hiking and backpacking could be too much. It’s best fitted for stationary camping, canoeing, or 4×4 overlanding adventures, where it shines like a pound of pure gold. It’s undoubtedly the most formidable knife of all 5, so if you need an indestructible tool the BK72 is for you.

3. TRC Apocalypse 

Knife weight: 400 g

Total length: 300 mm

Blade length: 172 mm

Blade thickness: 6.50 mm

Blade material: Elmax

MSRP: 490 EUR

And here we go, another beast of a knife! It’s the largest of all the knives here, but not the heaviest (this title belongs to the Ka-Bar BK72). It’s seriously thick at the spine (6.5mm, so slightly above 0.25″) and has the longest blade. TRC nailed the edge geometry – the saber grind goes relatively high, making the Apocalypse an impressive cutter and whittler (especially among other heavy-duty camp and survival knives).

The blade is almost like an artistic creation – intricate grinds and an immaculate satin finish with crisp grind lines. The spine is rounded, but the edge between that round part and the flats is still sharp enough to strike a ferrocerium rod to produce a rain of hot sparks. The edge was scary sharp out of the box. The handle scales are not as rounded as the Ka-Bar, but the Apocalypse is still comfortable to grip and very secure due to the pronounced texturing on the canvas micarta. The false edge looks fantastic and helps in bushcraft projects, where you must drill a hole in the wood. Overall, the attention to detail and final finish are A+.

Batoning even through 4″ diameter logs with such a thick blade is quick and effortless – it just splits timber like a dedicated splitting wedge. Chopping is also easy – the knife has a lot of mass concentrated in the front portion of the blade, so it swings well and bites deep. Heavy-duty work with the TRC Apocalypse gives the user a good dose of satisfaction. 

The Apocalypse comes with a Kydex sheath, one of the best Kydex works I’ve ever experienced on a factory knife. It looks good and works just great. A perfect sheath. You could also purchase it with an additional custom-quality leather sheath.

But such perfection will seriously drain your wallet – at 490 EUR it is the most expensive knife on this list. But also, without any doubt, it’s a top-tier knife, of which the manufacturing is just flawless. It’s a bit oversized to carry around the whole day comfortably on a belt, but it could be a perfect knife for a wild adventure in a canoe or Jeep or even attached to an expedition backpack. It’s big, bold, and beautiful – a class of its own.

4. Helle Nord

Knife weight: 285 g

Total length: 281 mm

Blade length: 144 mm

Blade thickness: 3.70 mm

Blade material: Sandvik 14C28N 

MSRP: 249 EUR

Such an article would only be complete with a Scandinavian Leuku knife, but this time with a modern twist. First, it’s a full-tang knife, so it’s more robust than a traditional hidden-tang Leuku. Also, the Scandi grind on the Helle Nord is not a true zero-grind variant, but there is sort of a delicate secondary bevel. It makes the edge more robust and considerably easier to maintain on the go (especially with a small hand-held field sharpener).

Initially, the Leuku knives were used by Norsemen for all kinds of jobs, including chopping and splitting wood. Even if it’s not a heavyweight knife, it’s still long and hefty enough to be an adequate chopper, especially if you grip the knife by the oversized pommel, designed precisely for that. It extends the “chopping arm” by at least another 3 inches with a shockingly good effect. Chopping through forearm-thick branches with the Helle Nord is easily possible.

It’s a genuine multitask forest tool – not only is the Nord an effective cutter and chopper, but also, with the 90-degree sharp spine, you can scrape fatwood, remove the bark, or strike a ferrocerium rod. A broad and flat portion of the blade is a fantastic tool for smashing nuts, mincing garlic, etc. The Nord can be used as a draw knife, too. Or even, thanks to nicely polished flats, it could work as a signaling mirror in critical situations. Its relatively low grind angle doesn’t make it the most practical kitchen knife, but you can easily use it for general food prep at a camp.

The handle comfort on the Helle Nord is exemplary. It works with multiple grips in both bare hands and when wearing gloves. Oiled curly Siberian birch is not only a beautiful material to look at but also dense, solid, and relatively grippy. The handle has no hot spots – I could use it for the whole day without any hand fatigue. Plus that oversized pommel for chopping. Overall, it has an excellent handle design. Well done, Helle!

The leather sheath is simple but works fine, especially if paired with the recently introduced Belt Clip accessory – essentially a dangler loop with a carabiner. It helps to carry such a long knife comfortably on a belt, and should be supplied with a knife as standard. So just add that Belt Clip to the cart when shopping for the Nord – it’s easily worth the $25. 

Overall, we’ve got here a surprisingly practical camp knife from Helle – it blends a traditional look with all the modern features you may ask for. Sandvik 14C28N steel is also a good performer – it keeps the edge sharp for a long time and is truly stainless. It’s also relatively lightweight for its size (below 300g) and easy to carry in a dangler sheath. It’s a well-composed adventurer’s package for all-day on-belt carry.

5. Spartan-Harsey Tactical Nessmuk

Knife weight: 308 g

Total length: 268 mm

Blade length: 135 mm

Blade thickness: 4.80 mm

Blade material: 1095 Carbon 

MSRP: 190 USD

This knife means a lot to me. It all started about a decade ago at the Blade Show, with my crazy idea that I could convince Bill Harsey to make me a special knife. So there was me, Bill, a bottle of fine Scotch, another one of Zubrowka (Polish hunter’s liquor), a gallon jar of awesome Kentucky moonshine, and some outdoor and bushcraft stories Friday night in the Pit (official Blade Show bar). The next day at the show, we discussed some Nessmuk knife elements, perfect size, handle shape, etc., and one year later, Bill delivered me the custom knife #001, which you see in the photo (the uncoated one). Then, I flooded Curtis and Mark with photos, stories, etc., throughout the years. So, one day, the decision was taken, and now you too can enjoy the Spartan-Harsey Tactical Nessmuk in the field. True story! So, please forgive me, but I might be biased when talking about that knife!

The production variant is slightly different from my prototype. The overall shape is the same, but the production model is made of 1095 Carbon Steel (with a protective black coating) and has injection-molded scales. But in principle, it’s the same Nessmuk knife of Bill Harsey design – US-made by Spartan Blades.

At almost 5mm at the spine, it’s a pretty hefty knife, with a full flat grind and a truly keen edge. Which, combined with a front-heavy blade, makes a surprisingly good chopper. With such blade geometry, it is also an excellent general cutter. 1095 is US-made carbon steel – a time-proven blade material for big outdoor knives – tough, very easy to sharpen, and takes a remarkably aggressive edge. It’s not stainless, but the black coating protects the blade, so rust shouldn’t be a problem if you take care of the exposed cutting edge. Another benefit of carbon steel is using it with an ordinary flint stone to generate hot sparks, adding another fire-starting method to your arsenal. 

The coated spine won’t work either as a scraper or a ferrocerium rod striker. If you plan to use a firestarter, bring a dedicated striker or use the actual edge in a last-ditch scenario. But it won’t be good for the cutting edge, so I don’t recommend it if your safety doesn’t depend on this. The handle has an enhanced pommel, which can extend the effective “arm” when chopping through either branches or green vegetation. The Harsey Nessmuk can be used as a splitting tool, too, of course – the front portion of the blade is thick and heavy, so you can pound it hard with a mallet to split the arm-thick logs. It’s a sturdy knife, and 1095 steel will take even severe abuse with its head held high.

The handle slabs are made of rigid polymer with a finely fluted texture. The material and overall appearance are so good that one could easily take it for a finely finished Micarta or G10. The feel of the handle is smooth, solid, and super comfy- it easily rivals the Helle Nord in that area. No hot spots – still, the grip is sure and secure. But that comes as standard with all of Bill Harsey’s designs.

The sheath is sound and secure – no complaints. Even the nylon webbing belt loop is heavy-duty and comfortable to use. But still, it’s an injection molded sheath, so it can dull the blade if it contacts the very edge. That’s why I made my own Kydex sheaths, which don’t do that. In Coyote Brown, since black sheaths are a bit too standard for me (almost boring). 

The Spartan-Harsey Nessmuk is the most budget-friendly of all the presented knives. At $190 you get a perfectly designed wilderness tool, made in the USA, and backed by the legendary Bill Harsey – one of the most respected knifemakers and knife designers. I’ve been using the custom prototype #001 for almost a decade, so I know what this design can do in the wild. It’s a wilderness animal and my usual companion in the forest. This knife blends toughness, ease of carry, and multitask performance. If you’re in the market for a sub-$200 tough fixed blade, this one should be on top of your shortlist.

Final Thoughts

This is my subjective choice of the top 5 high-end camp knives on the market. Of course, you can purchase the Mora Pathfinder at a considerably lower price and still get a capable camp knife. But knives are like packs and other gear. After owning a basic model, you naturally drift towards more refined ones with better steels, advanced construction, finer grinds, and sophisticated designs. But even this is not the end of the journey – where factory models end, custom work begins. But that’s another story for another day. 

Here is my bullet point summary of which knife is for whom:

• GiantMouse GMF4 -> fast and light, a classic camp knife, can be carried easily on a belt
• Ka-Bar BK72 -> heavyweight chopper and survival blade, perfect for 4×4 overlanding or stationary camping
• TRC Apocalypse -> high-end, heavy-duty modern survival knife to carry on a pack, in a 4×4, or canoe
• Helle Nord -> long, lightweight, and beautiful outdoor knife for a traditional outdoorsman
• Spartan-Harsey Nessmuk -> tough and functional all-around outdoor knife for all-time on-belt carry 

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