Our top made in the USA backpack brands are:

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

Bike Backpacks Made in the USA

Inside Line Equipment

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

Best backpacks by Inside Line Equipment:

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

ASNMNT, $260: ilequipment.com

Radius Mini, $160: ilequipment.com

North St. Bags

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

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

Best backpacks by North St. Bags:

Belmont, $175: northstbags.com; 

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

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

Chrome Industries

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

Best backpacks by Chrome Industries:

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

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

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

Mission Workshop

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

Best backpacks by Mission Workshop:

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

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

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

Timbuk2

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

Velo Transit

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

Best backpacks by Velo Transit:

Edge Pro 40, $299.95: velotransit.com

Edge Molle 40, $259.95: velotransit.com

Road Runner Bags

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

Best backpacks by Road Runner:

Large Anything Pack, $270: roadrunnerbags.us

Evil Mini, $130: roadrunnerbags.us

Large Roll Top Backpack, $255: roadrunnerbags.us

American-Made Tactical Backpacks

GORUCK

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

Best backpacks by GORUCK:

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

GR1, $335: goruck.com

GR2, $395: goruck.com

Triple Aught Design

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

Best backpacks by Triple Aught Design:

Axiom 24, $425: tripleaughtdesign.com

FAST Pack EDC, $395: tripleaughtdesign.com

Azimuth Pack, $185: tripleaughtdesign.com

Kifaru

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

Best backpacks by Kifaru:

X-Ray, from $454.25: kifaru.net

Stryker XL, from $310.50: kifaru.net

Antero 2.0, from $415: kifaru.net

Stone Glacier

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

Best backpacks by Stone Glacier:

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

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

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

Outdoor Backpacks Made in the USA

Mystery Ranch

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

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

Best backpacks by Mystery Ranch:

3DAP CL, $450: mysteryranch.com

ASAP, $300: mysteryranch.com

Komodo Dragon, $435: mysteryranch.com

McHale Packs

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

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

Best backpacks by McHale Packs:

All custom

Hill People Gear

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

Best backpacks by Hill People Gear:

Tarahumara Pack, $150: hillpeoplegear.com

Ute Backpack V2, $377: hillpeoplegear.com

Umlindi Pack V2, $297: hillpeoplegear.com

CiloGear

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

Best backpacks by CiloGear:

30L Commuter II, $219: cilogear.com

20L WorkSack, $79: cilogear.com

Ski Pack, $299: cilogear.com

Alpine Luddites

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

Best backpacks by Alpine Luddites:

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

Alpine Machine, $750: alpineluddites.com

Pinnacle Rucksack, $250: alpineluddites.com

Hyperlite Mountain Gear

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

Best backpacks by Hyperlite Mountain Gear:

2400 Ice Pack, $359: hyperlitemountaingear.com

Daybreak, $229: hyperlitemountaingear.com

Summit Pack, $199: hyperlitemountaingear.com

Zpacks

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

Best backpacks by Zpacks:

Arc Blast

Arc Scout

Nero

American-Made Backpacks for Urban / Everyday

DSPTCH

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

Best backpacks by DSPTCH:

Daypack

Ruckpack

Bookpack

The Brown Buffalo

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

Best backpacks by The Brown Buffalo:

ConcealPack

DEFY MFG. Co.

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

Best backpacks by DEFY:

VerBockel Rolltop 2.0

Bucktown

Menace Backpack 2.0

Recycled Firefighter

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

Best backpacks by Recycled Firefighter:

24hr Battalion

12hr Battalion 

Battalion Duffelpack

Rucksack Village

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

Best backpacks by Rucksack Village:

All custom

Colfax Design Works

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

Best backpacks by Colfax Design Works:

Project T.O.A.D.

Recon Pack

Remote Equipment

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

Best backpacks by Remote Equipment:

Alpha 31

Bravo 18

Charlie 25

Rickshaw Bagworks

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

Best backpacks by Rickshaw Bagworks:

Sutro Backpack

Potrero Backpack

Medium Velo Backpack

BaileyWorks

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

Best backpacks by BaileyWorks:

The Nomad

Citi Pack

Upcycled Backpacks Made in the USA

Mafia Bags

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

Best backpacks by Mafia Bags:

Discover

Deep Blue Bag

W-Pack

Truce Designs

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

Best backpacks by Truce Designs:

Drop Liner Backpack

20L SL Backpack

American-Made Heritage Backpacks

Bradley Mountain

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

Best backpacks by Bradley Mountain:

The Wilder

The Biographer

Muir Pack

Rivendell Mountain Works

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

Best backpacks by Rivendell Mountain Works:

Jensen Pack

Mariposa

Larkspur

Tanner Goods

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

Best backpacks by Tanner Goods:

Voyager Daypack

Koru Rucksack

Kletterwerks

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

Best backpacks by Kletterwerks:

Flip

Drei Zip

Frost River

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

Best backpacks by Frost River:

Summit Expedition Pack

Isle Royale Bushcraft Packs

Arrowhead Trail Rolltop

Filson

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

Best backpacks by Filson:

Journeyman

Rugged Twill Rucksack

Tin Cloth Backpack

Topo Designs

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

Best backpacks by Topo Designs:

Klettersack

Daypack

Rover Pack

Luxury Backpacks Made in the USA

KILLSPENCER

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

Best backpacks by KILLSPENCER:

Special Ops Backpack 3.0

Daypack

Utility Daypack

Lotuff Leather

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

Best backpacks by Lotuff Leather:

Leather Zipper Backpack

Leather Knapsack

Leather Backpack

Outlier

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

Best backpacks by Outlier:

Ultrahigh Backpack

Ultrahigh Dufflepack

American-Made Travel Backpacks

Tom Bihn

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

Best backpacks by Tom Bihn:

Synapse 25, $235: tombihn.com

Aeronaut 45, $320: tombihn.com

Synik 30, $320: tombihn.com

Red Oxx

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

Best backpacks by Red Oxx:

Sky Train

Tres Hombres

C-ruck Carry-on Rucksack

Originally published in September 2018 and recently updated

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

Hyperlite Mountain Gear

Hyperlite Mountain Gear prides itself on finding the right balance between minimalism and functionality. Unnecessary features are stripped away, while still maintaining high-performance designs that can endure a variety of demanding environments. The brand uses a range of fabrics such as Dyneema® Composite Fabrics to achieve lightweight durability and protection from the elements. Gear is handmade in the USA in Maine, with carry pieces ranging from backpacks to totes and stuff sacks.

Zpacks

Zpacks was founded in 2005 by Joe Valesko, whose extensive thru-hiking experience is put to good use in designing and testing the brand’s gear. Zpacks gear is crafted in the USA, with carry ranging from packs to pouches and dry bags. A range of accessories allow you to customize packs to your specific needs, with options for shorter and taller users alike.

Outlier

Founded in Brooklyn in 2008, Outlier first set itself apart through its innovative approach to urban apparel with multifunctional designs and technical fabrics. However, the brand’s dedication to creating quality gear spread to encompass carry too. Pieces such as the Ultrahigh Quadzip, Ultrahigh Dufflepack, and Ultrahigh Waterfall System feature lightweight Ultrahigh Dyneema Composite fabric to keep weight down while maintaining durability.

SDR Traveller

There’s no denying SDR Traveller’s premium price tags, but you get a lot of dependable discretion for your investment. The brand’s gear is designed to be strong, lightweight and discreet in order to fly under the radar in challenging environments. All their gear is made in the USA, with quality materials such as Dyneema composite fabric and X-Pac. And with offerings ranging from a duffel and messenger to pouches, you’ve got options to suit a variety of settings and carry needs.

Mountain Laurel Designs

MLD gear is handcrafted in Roanoke, Virginia, with materials such as Dyneema Composite Fabric, Dyneema X, and Pro SilNylon. Founded in 2002 by Ron Bell, a Yosemite Search and Rescue climber, the brand’s carry gear includes a range of backpacks, pouches, and pockets. Designed for streamlined efficiency and simplicity, MLD gear suits diverse outdoor carry needs, from thru-hiking to skiing and cycling.

ULA Equipment 

Ultralight Adventure Equipment (ULA) was founded in 2001 by Pacific Crest Trail hiker Brian Frankle. Built with thru-hikers in mind, ULA gear finds a careful balance of comfort, durability, functionality and light weight. Crafted in Utah, the brand’s carry gear includes a range of backpacks, pockets and stuff sacks, with most of the packs made using ULA 210 Robic fabric.

ZimmerBuilt

Founded in 2010 by Christopher Zimmer, ZimmerBuilt offers ultralight packs and pockets sewn by hand in Ohio. In addition to standard pack designs, ZimmerBuilt also creates custom packs tailored to meet your specific needs.

CiloGear

CiloGear crafts their gear by hand in Portland, using US-sourced materials. A lean manufacturer, the brand makes its gear to order and uses a variety of materials to achieve a solid blend of light weight, durability and protection from the elements. And with bags for activities ranging from alpine climbing to skiing and urban commuting, you’re well covered whatever the day’s carry needs entail.

Gossamer Gear

Founded in 1998, Gossamer Gear has spent the past two decades creating lightweight hiking gear to help people carry less and enjoy their time on the trails more. The brand uses custom-made and custom-designed fabrics, and offers a range of multi-day backpacks, daypacks, stuff sacks, pockets, and liners to cater to diverse outdoor explorations.

The post Our Favorite Ultralight Bag Brands appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Ultralight backpacking is all about maximizing efficiency. Lighter loads mean hikers can go further and faster, whilst allowing for a greater freedom of movement. Whittling down a standard backpacking gear list to its most efficient form requires every piece of kit to be scrutinised in terms of function, reliability and weight. This quest for efficiency has led the ultralight movement to be one of the first to experiment with new exotic fibers and fabrics. X-Pac and Dyneema are two technologies quickly adopted by the industry, and both are becoming more commonly used by mainstream brands. Whilst it’s easy to get excited about these super fabrics, it can be hard to find the facts. To help get up to speed we’ve spoken to the innovators to get the current thinking on these two textiles.

WHAT IS DYNEEMA?

Like nylon or polyester, at its rawest Dyneema is a synthetic fiber. Developed by Dutch company DSM, it’s one of the two predominant UHMWPE fibers along with Spectra. According to DSM it all began in 1963 when chemist Albert Pennings fortuitously decided to stir a pot containing a polyethylene solution and noticed strands forming. Those strands proved to be extremely strong. The company at the time had no interest or experience in fibers and was reluctant to pursue the discovery, but the scientist involved persisted, often working in secret, after hours. Almost 20 years later DSM finally managed to turn those super strands into an industrial product, with a patented process called gel spinning. Initially the fiber found applications in industrial, military and medical fields around the late ’70s. Touted as the strongest fiber in the world, Dyneema established an impressive list of uses including fortifying cockpit doors and in low profile surgical implants. As the production of the fiber became more sophisticated, the range of Dyneema textiles grew wider and more suitable for bag and apparel applications. In the carry world, the full capabilities of Dyneema are still being explored. Currently it’s mostly used as a woven or non-woven fabric, or as a composite such as Gridstop or what’s now known as Dyneema® Composite fabrics (formerly Cuben Fiber).

WHAT IS X-PAC?

Not to be mistaken with the WWF wrestler, X-Pac is a composite fabric comprised of multiple layers laminated into a single sheet. The layers in the standard pack cloth consist of a nylon face fabric, a polyester “X-Ply” mesh, a waterproof film and light taffeta backing with a water-resistant coating. Developed and distributed by the sailcloth makers Dimension-Polyant, the company discovered that much of the technology they had developed for making specialized racing sails was also capable of producing a unique bag material. A good sail needs to be as light as possible, whilst strong enough to withstand the forces running through it. To retain its intended shape the fabric needs to be stable across all dimensions. It also needs to survive the elements by not absorbing water and being resistant to UV. With these properties, and with the fabric being relatively accessible, it’s no surprise that cottage industry bag makers jumped on board. In particular, the waterproofness and structure of the fabric was far greater than other lightweight materials used at the time, such as silnylon. The waterproof film provides waterproofness up to 200 PSI, which means packs are pretty much rainproof and don’t gain weight whilst hiking in the rain.

---

“X-Pac is a composite fabric comprised of multiple layers laminated into a single sheet.”

---

WHAT DO ALL THOSE TECHNICAL TERMS MEAN?

UHMWPE stands for Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene and it’s the highest quality form of polyethylene used today. What separates it from standard polyethylene is its extremely long polymer chains and obviously its high molecular weight which make it an extremely tough material. Ironically, these same properties mean it can’t be processed with normal plastic processing methods such as the extrusion process used to create nylon yarns. Hence the invention of gel spinning. In basic terms, gel spinning involves dissolving the polymer in a solvent to form a gel, which is then spun. On a molecular level the best description of the result is that it’s like turning a mess of fresh tangled pasta into a neat pack of dried spaghetti.

A laminated fabric is made by taking multiple layers of material and bonding them into a single sheet using either heat, pressure or glue. Like plywood, this can result in a fabric that’s stronger than the sum of its parts, or it can be used to combine the desired characteristics of various materials into one super fabric.

WHAT ARE THE KEY DIFFERENCES?

Because X-Pac is a laminate technology and Dyneema is a fiber it’s impossible to do a direct comparison of the two. The raw Dyneema fiber can be used to produce all sorts of fabrics such as the knits and leathers starting to appear through the Dyneema Project, and there are a bunch of different X-Pac variations commonly available. To complicate things further there are variants of X-Pac made with Dyneema. But looking at the different gear being produced in either material today there are some useful takeaways. Through an ultralight lens the factors to consider are weight, cost and durability.

As Dyneema is the strongest fiber it’s logical that it produces the lightest material. A 100D Dyneema yarn is roughly twice as strong as a 100D nylon yarn, therefore you can reduce the Dyneema to 50D and achieve the same strength. For a 30-liter pack Dyneema will save you around 100gms over X-Pac. But this comes at a cost as it’s also the more expensive of the two. You can pay up to twice as much for a similar pack made from a Dyneema composite than one made from 210D X-Pac. Anecdotally X-Pac has been the more durable of the two; its better abrasion resistance means gear is going to last longer in the field. That said, CiloGear have developed a unique Woven / Non woven Dyneema laminate that they say is the most durable fabric they’ve ever seen.

---

“As Dyneema is the strongest fiber it’s logical that it produces the lightest material. But this comes at a cost as it’s also the more expensive of the two.”

---

To clarify those comparisons, we’re talking about fabrics that are predominantly Dyneema. There are starting to be more fabrics that blend small amounts of Dyneema into weaves, such as Gridstop. In theory incorporating a small amount in a smart way gives you the benefits without as much cost. But sometimes I get the sense that it’s as much about marketing as it is about durability.

SUMMARY?

If the ultralight movement is about pushing efficiency to the extreme, then it’s hard to go past Dyneema as the ultimate fiber for the job as right now its strength to weight ratio can’t be beaten. And funnily, the combination of Dyneema and X-Pac into a single composite fabric looks to produce the most extreme fabric currently available. However, it does raise the question of how much a gram is worth to you. Whilst still not cheap, the more affordable varieties of X-Pac produce great packs that offer significant weight savings over a similar style nylon bag. And for those wanting to make their own gear, X-Pac is a lot easier to get hold of and comes in a range of colors. So for those starting out on their ultralight adventures or for more pragmatic mountain climbers, the standard X-Pac varieties offer a reliable, high-performance option.

The difficulty as a consumer is that sooner rather than later another super innovation will come along with a new set of pros and cons to wrap your head around. Word from those in the industry is that there are exciting developments just on the horizon. Spectra are reportedly working on some amazing new stuff and totally new synthetic fibers are being developed. In the end, I think the best lesson we can all take from the ultralight scene is to put more time and thought into the things we buy and make. And that less is more.

Thanks to CiloGear and Seek Outside for their input. 

Janis Lacey is the founder of Soft Serve Goods design agency. 

The post Dyneema vs X-Pac: Ultralight Fabrics appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Ezra Arthur

Rivendell Mountain Works

.
KILLSPENCER

KILLSPENCER excel at bringing a touch of luxury to everyday and travel carry. The brand’s clean designs merge sleek urban style and premium materials, with each one made by hand in KILLSPENCER’s Los Angeles HQ. Founded by industrial designer Spencer Nikosey, what started out as a personal project is now a thriving business crafting timeless and elegant pieces for work and play.

The Brown Buffalo

The Brown Buffalo is owned by Douglas Davidson, a product designer (and Carryology contributor ) whose extensive experience includes serving as Senior Design Director for Burton Snowboards and Design Director for The North Face. The Brown Buffalo creates a diverse range of carry gear in California, including backpacks, totes, luggage and more that fuse urban-friendly aesthetics with versatile designs.

 

ZimmerBuilt

McHale

CiloGear

Forestbound

The post Our Favorite US Makers (Part 2) appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

–

CamelBak TriZip

CamelBak worked with Mystery Ranch to produce the TriZip which features Mystery Ranch’s adjustable Futura harness and 3Zip design. CamelBak are known for their focus on hydration and the TriZip is no exception, incorporating a 3-liter hydration bladder and a choice of exit ports for the drinking tube. The pack also comes with a removable padded hipbelt, MOLLE webbing for attaching items externally, quick-access pockets on the top and sides, along with inner mesh pockets located high up on the pack’s interior away from crush zones. For more details, check out our TriZip road test.

Tom Bihn Synapse 25

The Synapse 25 is a good choice for travelers who don’t need to carry a lot of stuff during their journey (think the essentials that you don’t want to put in check-in luggage or alternatively enough for an overnight or short trip). The aesthetics offer leeway for business or leisure travel, with a choice of fabrics and colorways available. The bag features water-resistant YKK zips and a thoughtful design approach to the exterior pockets so the contents don’t reduce the available space in the bag’s main compartment.

Tom Bihn Western Flyer

If you’re looking for a compact clamshell-style bag, Tom Bihn’s Western Flyer is one to consider. The bag has two main compartments that both open out flat for easy packing, along with a selection of quick-access external pockets. There’s also three ways to carry the bag. Use the top or side grab handles, the backpack straps that can be stowed away when not in use, or hook on a shoulder strap using the strap attachment points (note the bag doesn’t come with a shoulder strap but you can purchase one from Tom Bihn as an optional extra or use a strap from another bag).

CiloGear 30L Commuter II

Inspired by alpine packs but designed for everyday use, this bag features a streamlined silhouette and stowable shoulder straps if you want to make the profile even cleaner. The pack’s exterior pockets provide storage for items needed on the go, while the water-resistant construction offers protection when showers strike and reflective detailing enhances visibility at night. There’s also the option to exclude the exterior logos if desired.

SLICKS Suit25

Traveling with a suit is not the easiest of tasks, especially when using a backpack. The SLICKS Suit25 aims to change this, with an integrated suit cover and hanger that can be removed from the pack if you want to hang the suit separately. The main compartment has a clamshell design for convenient packing, along with interior and exterior pockets and a laptop section on the back panel that accommodates 15-inch laptops. The shoulder straps can be tucked away for a cleaner look when carrying the bag with the side grab handle and a rain cover is also included for protection against the elements.

Ethnotek Raja Pack

No matter how much you love your pack, it can start to look a little…well…the same, day in and day out. This isn’t a problem with Ethnotek’s Raja Pack however thanks to a wide choice of threads that can be easily attached to the front panel, so you can alter the look of your pack to suit your mood at any particular time. Not only do the threads provide a way to mix things up with the aesthetics, but the textiles utilized in them are also carefully created by artisans from around the world, so you’re helping to support traditional craft techniques – which is pretty awesome. The pack has plenty of pockets – even pockets within pockets – so gear can be kept tidy, while the laptop section accommodates up to 17-inch laptops. The main compartment has a roll-top opening but items at the bottom can be accessed through a side opening on the pack too.

Arc’teryx Khard 30

If you love the ready-for-action durability of tactical packs but want something that doesn’t actually shout tactical, the Khard 30 is a great option. Designed for Arc’teryx’s LEAF (Law Enforcement & Armed Forces) range, the pack has awesome pattern-making, fantastic access, rugged construction and a host of configuration options when using the internal Velcro panels and daisy chains. The external side pockets are large enough for 3-liter hydration bladders or alternatively water bottles. If you’re keen to learn more, check out our Khard 30 road test.

Timbuk2 Command

Timbuk2’s Command backpack has a TSA-compliant section for your tech – so you just need to open it out flat and send it through airport security, without needing to remove gadgets. The aesthetics don’t look out of place when you need to travel for business, but they work just as well in casual settings too. The external pockets offer storage for items you require on the go and the bag’s 32-liter volume is large enough for it to serve as the only bag you need for a short trip (or if you’ve nailed the technique of packing light).

Heimplanet Monolith Daypack

Heimplanet’s Monolith Daypack plays between work and leisure travel. It can be carried as a backpack when you need to haul loads comfortably but can also be converted into a shoulder bag for a more businesslike appearance. The interior has zipped pockets for storing smaller items and the external webbing and front straps can be used for attaching extra gear. The bag also incorporates a side-access padded laptop section and water-repellent zips.

Mission Workshop Rambler

The Mission Workshop Rambler is packed full of nifty features. One of the primary ones is that the volume can double in size from 1,350 cu.in. to 2,700 cu.in. – great for when you need to squeeze in extra gear for long trips or you got a bit carried away with souvenir shopping. Another handy feature is that the bag can be utilized in a roll-top format or a flap-down format. If you’re carrying tech, the roll-top section is large enough to fit a 17-inch laptop, while the front pocket fits a 13-inch laptop or tablet.

Triple Aught Design FAST Pack EDC

If you’re happy to roll with a tactical vibe to your carry, TAD’s FAST Pack EDC offers flexibility for carrying a variety of gear. The external webbing and removable Transporter Tail are a handy combo for attaching oddly-shaped items or extra gear to the pack. There’s a range of exterior zipped pockets including side and top pockets, a hydration bladder pocket and what TAD calls the Flashlight Cave (a bottom exterior pocket that when combined with a gear retractor makes accessing gear quick without taking the pack off). In addition, the pack’s padded hipbelt can be removed if you’re not using it or want to shed some carry weight. If you’re interested in the pack, our road test provides further details on it.

–

*If there’s a piece you love and you think it deserves consideration, let us know in the comments below. 

The post Buyer’s Guide :: Best Travel Backpacks Part 2 appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

So it is with this in mind that we descended into Salt Lake to mine the most magnificent caravan of Carryology curiosities.

Duluth Pack Co.

It’s always nice to see some classic bags at OR. The folks at Duluth Pack welcomed us with their characteristic mid-western friendliness. They clearly have a lot of pride in their products, each being signed by the sewer. You rock, Carol!

Topo Designs

Topo seems to be a brand defying the industry expectation. I love a company who makes a simple pack that you can take hiking or live day-to-day out of without being either too urban or too tech. Their popularity continues to grow – a bellwether of customers seeking durable, simple products that will stand the test of time. As new products in the line tend to gear more toward functionality, expanding beyond their pared-down patterning, the tenuous balance of their simple roots begins.

Alchemy

Everyone I talked to kinda freaked out a bit when they found Alchemy Equipment. Rarely have I seen products so stellar right out of the gates from a new brand. This New Zealand brand jumped into Outdoor Retailer with both feet, stealing the show. Veilance by Arc’teryx comes to mind, yet feels more humble and less ostentatious than the fashion-forward product. Subtle patterning cues carry over from their clothing line, and expertly craft the oft-sought balance between form and function. Expect to hear a lot more from Alchemy in the future on Carryology.

Mystery Ranch

We love the folks at Mystery Ranch. As a carry geek of the highest order, a visit to Mystery Ranch is always awesome. They get it. They understand materials like few other companies in the industry. Their quality control is unrivaled. Their products are well considered, smartly patterned and expertly crafted. Keep your ear to the ground for an exciting announcement coming from these folks. Some products at the show were under media embargo! I want to tell you! I really do!

Check out the massive Flight Monster Duffel, designed for the needs of Wildland Firefighters, but would be a great fit for those who need a stunningly overbuilt and wildly versatile 100L duffel.

Also check out the Java. A new daypack from the Ranch. I expect this 21L urban pack will make waves with the EDC/office set, particularly in the Midnight colorway. I know I want one.

Arva

Ski packs apparently went full euro this year, and loud colors were on parade at Outdoor Retailer. We haven’t seen this much fluorescent since the 1990s. Featured here is the Rescuer 30 and 32, designed for skiing with easy access to emergency equipment.

Incase

The ReForm Collection from Incase really caught our collective eyes. The brand sourced Ecoya Brand fabrics, which are post consumer plastic bottles then solution dyed – lending a wooly look that was easy on the eye. I personally loved the combination of highlighter yellow and grey in this series. It simply worked whereas many other brands attempted this balancing act and failed miserably.

Incase also developed a system of carry for the GoPro and Sony Action Cam markets, building cases which not only organize and protect your stuff, but do so in a sleek, sexy way. Yeah, I said sexy. I want a GoPro just so I can demo this kit.

Peak Design

I ran into the folks from Peak Design everywhere. On day one, founder Peter Dering witnessed the sad state of affairs with my “round the neck” style carry, and offered one of his “Slide” camera straps as a replacement. I took him up on the offer, and had a better show because of it. As a Carryologist, I was disappointed in myself for not knowing better, or seeking a better way. For this, I will receive 10 lashings.

KAVU

We poked into KAVU to say hi, as their offices are right down the street from where I live in Seattle. They toured us around their booth a bit, and pulled out these crazy patterned sling packs, with straps made of 4 soft adjacent ropes, adjustable with a standard SR buckle. They mentioned it was their bestselling Paxton Pack – and despite the seizure I had after taking this photo, I think if the wild colors had a place, it would be on this bag.

Osprey

Okay, I have to say I was bummed to miss perhaps the biggest carry scoop at OR Summer 2014 with the Osprey Atmos and Aura series packs. The treat is the AntiGravity suspension design, which floats the load off your body by a clever combination of fabric tension and a nifty frame; so there is Air between your hips, back and shoulders and the pack. Super neat, and not nearly as cool as seeing it and wearing it on your own. It is like Occulus Rift for your back. Game Changer. Also featured is the lightweight Exos 38 and 58L packs.

Gregory

Gregory, if you’ve heard the news, was recently sold to Samsonite. Since being purchased by Black Diamond only 4 years ago the pack maker continues to expand their offerings.

CiloGear

CiloGear has been a brand we’ve been following for a number of years now, and have simplicity on their mind at all times. They work hard to minimize waste material, and are known for the exclusive use of the amazing combination of woven and non-woven Dyneema. While you can spend as much as $1500 on their Ultimate Mountaineering Pack, more humble material options bring a smaller version of the bag, the WorkSack, down to $182. All for a product made in Portland, Oregon from mostly American-made materials. Rad.

Filson

Filson had a few tricks up their sleeve for this show. The brand it seems has been wrestling with avenues of growth while maintaining the reputation of durability and construction they are known for. We were baffled by some design choices with their waterproof collection, such as the cheap poly webbing and shoulder strap positions – and the whole thing didn’t seem in step with their line. On the other hand, a canvas “maximum legal carry-on” piece hit the mark for today’s traveler’s needs, and the new nylon backpacks could very well give the Fjallraven Kånken a run for its money.

Patagonia

Patagonia vexes me a bit, but I’ve sought and received answers to some of the questions I have about their product. Why would they re-release some of their old packs from the Chouinard days and not use leather lash tabs? Turns out, Patagonia won’t use leather in their products except their shoes. Oh, an exception is made for an item from which the material may provide exceptional strength? How about a lash tab then? Well, not so fast. Wolverine, the company making the shoes for Patagonia, has dumped the manufacturer of the Ventura, California company’s shoes – Patagonia’s footwear line has been cut to zero. Now, where were we?

Timbuk2

One of my favorite things to do at OR is run over to Timbuk2 to chat up Greg Bass, Director of Product and Design for the brand. Of all the companies attempting relevance with their target demo, Greg’s vision is leading the industry. Every product resonates with me because they seem to hit their design objectives so square-on.

New stuff from them includes the Impossible Collection, a combination of technical elements from the Especial Collection merged with the more classically oriented Distilled Collection. While I think the trampoline frame is a little messy on the messenger bag, I loved the Fidlock buckles and unique leather flap.

Also featured is an update to their now ubiquitous Especial messenger bag, featuring mitering on the flap for ease of access while wearing it, plus a host of other details.

Dakine

Dakine came to the show with a showroom packed with new carry. I found a couple pieces I really liked, including an update to the Heli Pro, which I’d love to put head to head vs. the original one that gave the brand its carry cred for hardcore skiers. Does the new one continue that legacy, or are they trading on the past? Criticism sandwich time: Great colors! Use better materials! You guys are always stoked to see Carryology, and we like that.

We can’t wait to come down and visit you in Hood River!

The North Face

TNF has a booth the size of a Walmart, it must have cost ten million dollars. I never got the grand tour of the place, but I did catch the awesome new ABS modular avalanche bag system they launched. The bag mates with any pack you want to travel with in the backcountry, so long as it is over 12L in volume. You unpack it from its carrying case and strap it to the pack of your choice, pull on the leg loops which are used in lieu of a secondary waistbelt, mate the shoulder straps to the ones on your pack, set up the pull-handle and you’re off. Basically.

I want to try jumping my bike into a lake and inflating it in the air, and I’m still not sure why.

Dynafit

Most of OR was packed with bags that looked like this…

Salewa

And this. Bright colors that smacked of the part of the 1990s that never happened.

Crux

Crux is a new company making mountaineering packs with a blend of Cordura and Kevlar – the US importer John Campbell is an old-pack junkie and enjoys making reproduction vintage alpine packs. A man after my own heart. Featured here is their AK line of packs as well as their MAG (urban) series of carry.

Quadcopter carry sling roaming the halls

JanSport

JanSport is excited this year, and more excited yet to see us come through their doors. The Alameda, California company has been making strides toward bettering their quality and image.

There was a lot to see at JanSport, and I hope to see more in the future. They’ve been keeping busy with collaborations such as the Jansport x HippyTree collab, and I particularly enjoyed the LRG (Lifted Research Group) collaboration utilizing fabric supplied by Dimension Polyant. The material was also used on their collaboration project with International Mountain Guides under the Guide Series name. We liked the alternate hip belts, it makes the pack more versatile for different types of use, which is what it’s all about. This pack might have logos which are perfect for professional athlete use, but, for me, they are WAY TOO MUCH for normal branding.

Thule

Thule is at a point where they don’t constantly need to explain why/how they are making packs – and I’m sure they are excited about that. I understand how people don’t immediately make the leap, but get it. It is all carry after all. The question simply becomes what/who is carrying it.

Here is the Thule Upslope 20. I like the side access zipper, it’s clever without being cheeky.

EVOC

Bravo EVOC. These packs look great. Having done a road test on the FR Enduro 16 way back in 2013, I know to keep an eagle eye on their products. It makes me happy that they are starting to make waves over here in the old U-S-of-A. My comments about the Guide Series JanSport packs apply here too. TOO MUCH BRANDING. Screening your logo 50 times on each bag doesn’t make it a pattern. Your packs are awesome already, guys! This looks like…too much.

The post Outdoor Retailer :: Winter Market Recap appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

The post Cilo Gear 30L Commuter II appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.