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IKEA FRAKTA

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more ubiquitous piece of carry on the planet, owned and loved by millions. And yet, it might just be the most ‘humble’ Hall of Famer to ever make the cut.

Because, let’s be honest, the IKEA FRAKTA Bag is a simple bit of kit, sold for $1 inside the walls of the world’s largest flat-pack furniture retailer. But it’s this simplicity and universality that are some of the reasons why it’s such an icon.

Originally designed by siblings Marianne and Knut Hagberg for IKEA’s Japanese store, their design goal was simple: create a solution that would be inexpensive, carry 50kgs and help customers transport their goods home from stores using public transport (Japan’s transport of choice).

They came up with FRAKTA, a version of the blue bag with a zip that could be carried as a backpack. Then, further developing the design, Ingvar Kamprad came home from Asia with a new material – a material used to store rice. It was light, strong, and perfectly priced.

Thus the icon was born, made from synthetic material polypropylene and put on aisles in large tote or box shapes with two carrying options.

They rustled when you shook them and packed flat wafer-thin, they could get dirty and rinsed off with a gardening hose in a flash, and carry anything from groceries to wet surf gear and anything in between. A simple solution for everyone, making toting your stuff easy.

And because of the above, it might just be one of the finest examples of one of our favorite design pillars: ‘Fitness for Purpose’.

You see, great design doesn’t have to have all of the bells and whistles or that premium price tag swinging from its corner. Iconic design can excel in its simplicity, nailing its core task for its core user with supreme ease and efficiency. And the IKEA FRAKTA has done that for decades, remaining unchanged.

Then, of course, factor in the global adoration of the FRAKTA. It’s a design that has captured the imaginations of so many, sprouting fan pages, DIY maker creations and fun plays on the iconic tarp and blue and yellow webbing – even inspiring the highest of high-fashion.

So this year, we’re saluting a humble piece of Carry. Something done so damn well, accessible to everyone, known to many, and loved by all.

The Big Blue Bag!

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Heimplanet

It all started with an idea, a tent of the future. The idea was born from the frustration of pitching a tent in the dark with rain pelting down. The result? The Cave, an inflatable geodesic dome with no poles, pitched in less than a minute and made to withstand the elements. A home, or heim, in the wild.

It was the product that introduced Heimplanet to the world, concreting the brand as a forward-thinker and innovator. A brand not afraid to think outside of the box.

Since then, Heimplanet have kept expanding their offerings, moving into the Carry space with release upon release, designing bags for urban commutes, active adventures, and more. Each release well-considered and quintessentially ‘Heimplanet’ – showcasing clean, versatile silhouettes and smart utility.

But, of course, they’re more than just sharp design. The brand are committed to fostering adventure and travel with quality gear that has your back in demanding environments. And this love of exploring the world also inspires them to protect it.

Heimplanet creates products that are built to last. Tough, long-lasting gear doesn’t need to be replaced often, helping to decrease the use of resources in manufacturing new products and keeping current ones out of landfills.

All their products come with a lifetime warranty and Heimplanet is a member of 1% for the Planet.

They’re also on a quest to implement more sustainable business practices, developing their DYECOSHELL fabric.

DYECOSHELL is a hard-wearing fabric that offers great resistance to abrasion but also uses dope dyeing. This process of dyeing uses far less water, chemicals, and energy than traditional dyeing and also results in far lower CO2 emissions.

Heimplanet’s commitment to sustainable materials is commendable. But it’s not the only way they’re helping to reduce the environmental impact of their products. Their RE:STORE program was launched with a specific goal: to keep their products in use for as long as possible. The longer the life cycle of an existing product, the less need there is to create a new one (which uses a lot of resources in its creation).

So how does it work? You send Heimplanet your used gear, and after a gear inspection you will receive a credit voucher of 10% to 20% of the product’s purchase price (depending on its current condition). Your old gear will be repaired or recycled, and remanufactured gear will be sold at a lower price in Heimplanet’s RE:STORE shop. Quality gear gets a new lease of life, customers get a cool discount, less manufacturing resources are used, and unnecessary waste stays out of landfills. Win-win all around.

Heimplanet demonstrates that you don’t need to be a big company to lead by example and make a positive impact. They are committed to long-lasting gear that helps you get out there, without overlooking a sustainable approach. They’re not afraid to experiment and seek out innovative designs and push the needle. And all the while searching for ways to support and celebrate the planet.

Bravo, Heimplanet!

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1st Place

EVERGOODS CAP2L

On the surface, pouches are an all-in-one storage option to keep small items together and quickly retrievable from a larger bag. But dig down and you quickly discover the wide variety of designs out there. So creating a pouch that stands out in this already crowded space is pretty remarkable. Then you get your hands on the Civic Access Pouch 2L (CAP2L) and realize just how thoughtful the design is.

One of the key features of the pouch is its angled zipper, which creates an unusually wide opening for super-convenient access. Take a look inside and you’ll find a light gray interior with a useful selection of pockets and a flexible divider, preventing a jumbled black hole of gear inside. Outside you also have quick-access pockets and webbing for securing small items (plus dual webbing handles to easily carry the pouch and store or retrieve it from a bag). Another nifty feature is 360-degree padding, keeping the contents protected while you’re on the go.

The CAP2L not only does a great job of organizing gear but takes things a step further. The self-standing design and wide opening make this a solid little workstation you can set up on a desk, bench, or shelf to keep gear close at hand. Add in the durable and water-resistant 420D HT nylon exterior and this pouch is ready for the long haul.

The thought and attention to detail that has gone into each element of this pouch is exceptional. Highly functional, adaptable for a multitude of loads, and made to last for years to come, the CAP2L is a truly worthy champion. Congratulations, EVERGOODS!

Highly Commended

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

Dan Matsuda SAMPLE Pouch

Dan Matsuda has been a phenom ever since breaking out on his own. As a softgoods designer for over a decade with Triple Aught Design, his designs have garnered fans across the carry industry. But now Dan is doing it his own way, and building a special EDC maker brand in the process. And his limited edition EDC organizer pouches have been that steady drumbeat and momentum builder, pushing SAMPLE to peak popularity within our carry community.

Dan’s pouches are expertly handcrafted and released in ever-changing plays in color and fabrics. Designed in different layouts and sizes, and offering an assortment of elastic loops, adjustable cording, an elastic retention sleeve, a mini zipper pouch, and more. The wide opening and self-standing design provide convenient, quick access to your gear. And there’s something undeniably special about holding a handcrafted, small-batch item in your hand; knowing there are only a few pieces just like this in the world. Awesome work, Dan!

Peak Design Mobile

When Peak Design decide to design something, they go all in, dreaming up innovative solutions that rethink whole categories. So when they turned their attention to mobile phone cases and mounts, we knew things were going to get interesting. And they’ve lived up to their reputation, releasing a line of mobile accessories that not only protect your tech but make it usable in a host of scenarios.

Cases are available for iPhone and Samsung models, but what if you don’t own either? No problem, PD also have a universal adapter that works with most other phone cases, making it compatible with their mounts and accessories. Key to the system is PD’s mounting technology called SlimLink, which connects the case to the arsenal of mounts and accessories. A selection of six mounts for use in a car, on a motorcycle, a bicycle, and even on a wall give you plenty of options for keeping tech secure yet visible on the go or in your home.

Then, of course, there’s more: including a Mobile Tripod and a slim Mobile Wallet with an optional kickstand, making for one very complete and dynamic eco-system.

Bravo, Peak Design!

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1st Place

Trakke Largo

Sling bags have grown in popularity over recent years, finding that sweet spot between pocket carry and pack carry. But creating a truly great sling is no easy feat. There are lots of elements to consider, and they need to work seamlessly together. How easy is it to access gear? What about carry comfort? Is it durable enough to withstand years of regular use? And how will it look while out and about? It’s easy to get wrong. But the Trakke Largo deftly demonstrates how to do it right. And it’s a thing of beauty.

Every element of this bag has been carefully considered in its own right and as part of a greater whole. Trakke’s signature dry waxed canvas, an AustriAlpin Cobra buckle, and waterproof YKK zippers are brought together with excellent craftsmanship to create a burly yet beautiful piece with long swooping lines. This is a sling you can use day in and day out, from work to play, whatever the weather has in store.

The ergonomic design is comfortable whether worn across the chest or back. And you’ve got excellent access and organization courtesy of two separate compartments, each with interior pockets to store smaller items and keep them within easy reach. Add in the high-vis pop of the orange liner and you’re able to access various items in a jiffy while you’re on the go.

At 6L, the Largo is a great option for carrying a decent amount of gear while still retaining a sleek, stylish and comfortable look and feel. The flexibility to zip in and out of diverse settings gives this bag even more appeal, making it great for everyday, travel, and even outdoor use. An eye-catching blend of heritage and modern, designed with practical access, comfort, and hard-wearing durability in mind, this is a sling that will stand the test of time. Touchdown, Trakke!

Highly Commended

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

Heimplanet Transit Sling Pocket XL

Compact performance, excellent organization, and high-quality construction in a perfect grab-n-go sling? Heimplanet delivers with the Transit Sling Pocket XL. The 3L volume and well-considered organization make this a great option for carrying the essentials with a little flexibility for further items if needed. In addition to the main compartment with its adaptable interior pocketing, you also benefit from a quick-access top and front pocket. So rest assured, there are plenty of options for keeping your gear secure and tidy yet close at hand when you need it.

This sling also shines in its construction. Made with durable and eco-conscious DYECOSHELL fabric, water-resistant YKK zippers, and aluminum hardware, this sling is built to last for many years of dependable use. All in a sleek, portable design that blends into a range of environments and keeps you agile on the go. Great job, Heimplanet!

Bellroy Venture Sling

Tech meets urban-friendly style and adaptability in Bellroy’s Venture Sling. Available in 6L and 9L sizes, both options allow you to carry a good amount of gear. But what about when you just need the basics? No problem; an expandable gusset with a clever compression system easily allows the bag to cinch down for smaller loads. So you can roam sleek and compact or max out the volume on the fly.

A padded back and base keep your gear protected on the go, while a wide opening and a host of thoughtfully positioned pockets make storing and accessing gear intuitive and hassle-free. The zipper on the main compartment also opens from either end, while dual side buckles let you easily secure or detach the strap. And all these elements are brought together in a stylish design made with 100% recycled, water-resistant fabric that offers an attractive finish to round out the thoughtful details and practical nature of this bag. Awesome effort, Bellroy!

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1st Place

EVERGOODS CPL24 V2 & CPL28 V2

Our Best Everyday Bag award is our most competitive category. It’s a bag that needs to perform across multiple uses and environments, keeping up with changing day-to-day needs. It just so happens that the folks at EVERGOODS are crossover carry experts and their updated CPL24 and new big brother CPL28 deliver an award-winning performance for everyday use.

The bags offer the perfect combination of ruggedness, access, and utility. And when you add the supremely comfortable harness and understated style to the mix, you’ve got a winning combination for multifunctional daily use. Work bag, gym bag, weekend away bag? Yes, yes, and yes. On foot and on bike? No problem. Add in hydration bladder compatibility and you can even knock out a hike when the outdoors is calling.

The pack’s thoughtful organization ensures gear is close at hand throughout the day. Quick exterior access to tech and EDC essentials is complemented by a convenient clamshell main compartment. So you can wave goodbye to frustrating rummaging for gear.

Since you never know where your day might lead, EVERGOODS have built this pack to embrace life’s scuffs and scrapes with a smile. A tough, water-resistant 500D HT nylon exterior and 420D HT nylon lining keep you carrying in confidence, knowing this pack will put in the miles for years to come.

Wonderfully versatile, stylish enough for work or play, and tough enough to roam urban streets and outdoor trails, these packs really are do-it-all workhorses and perfection in backpack design. Congratulations, EVERGOODS!

Highly Commended

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

Alpha One Niner Pathfinder

Ruggedly suave, Alpha One Niner’s Pathfinder brings all the durability and clever organization we’ve come to expect from AON, but in a more understated aesthetic than their traditional tactical look. The bag is brimming with well-considered organization, from the pass-through pocket on the front that provides useful carry for a jacket, to quick-access top and side pockets and an exterior-access laptop compartment with its own interior organization. Peek inside the pack and you’ll find zippered mesh pockets, D-rings, as well as hook-and-loop strips for attaching compatible accessories.

The hard-wearing X-Pac exterior is weatherproof and tough enough to handle long-term use day in and day out. The ventilated back panel, padded shoulder straps, and magnetic sternum strap also keep your daily loads comfy on the move, with included excess webbing management. Super-tough, with exceptional organization and stealthy aesthetics for a range of urban missions, this pack will definitely keep your daily carry on the right track. Superb effort, Alpha One Niner!

Black Ember SHADOW 22 & SHADOW 26

Black Ember’s SHADOW 22 and SHADOW 26 represent this award’s most technical and innovative offering. A combination of Black Ember’s proprietary waterproof HTX, YKK AquaGuard zippers, and BOND-STITCH construction serves up an impressive IPX6 waterproof rating in one radical everyday pack. But this pack doesn’t stop at mind-bending construction technique. A killer assortment of pockets, access, and comfortable carry makes this a hard-working pack for your daily hauling needs. And with its clean, minimalist exterior it’s a great option for both work and play.

The full clamshell main compartment makes packing and retrieval of gear a breeze. A choice of interior pockets and suspended sleeves store your tech and smaller items, while a nifty inbuilt tech-kit gives you even more options for organizing your everyday essentials. The SHADOW 22 and SHADOW 26 are sleek, dependable shields against nature’s elements, while offering highly considered organization and a burly build that smoothly adapts to the office, trips about town, and more. Bravo, Black Ember!

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1st Place

Able Carry Max Backpack

The Able Carry Max Backpack has conjured up some serious carry magic. Creating a bag that hauls all your carry-on gear while remaining comfortable and low-key on the go is a hard challenge. The Max Backpack offers 30L of space, yet somehow seems to be able to carry even more, while feeling like a smaller pack on your back. A lot of this has to do with the minimalist aesthetics, keeping the bag understated and avoiding unnecessary attention as you travel.

Now it’s no secret that travel can be downright tough on your gear. Able Carry’s solution? A burly mix of X-Pac and 1000D Cordura nylon shrugs off scuffs and scrapes as you roam, while also offering protection from inclement weather too.

Access and organization can make or break a travel bag. But Able Carry’s thoughtful approach keeps all your gear tidy and secure on the go, but easily accessible when required. A front admin pocket neatly stashes smaller items, with further quick-access pockets at the ready for travel essentials. You also benefit from an easily packable and accessible clamshell main compartment and a separate laptop compartment with a suspended, padded sleeve.

Well-padded shoulder straps, a ventilated back panel, a handy magnetic sternum strap, and Able Carry’s A-frame support take the schlep out of hauling your gear, making travel more enjoyable and encouraging you to roam a little further than you might otherwise have. All in all, this is an incredibly well-thought-out bag that will handle a variety of trips with ease. And its sleek design can double up as a day bag at your destination, ultimately making travel more convenient. Superb work, Able Carry!

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Highly Commended

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

Heimplanet Transit Line Travel Pack 34L

Heimplanet have really stepped up their carry game in recent years and it shows with pieces like their Transit Line Travel Pack 34L. Dialed in to deliver everything you need for flexible and efficient travel, this pack blends into a range of urban environments. Not to mention doing double duty as a day-to-day hauler for larger loads too. The clean exterior and tough, eco-friendly DYECOSHELL fabric let this pack fly under the radar while easily enduring the demands of travel use.

Intuitive organization makes this bag a joy to use. Quick-access pockets keep those smaller essentials secure but within easy reach, while the main clamshell compartment gives you packing flexibility. Inside you’ll find padded, suspended storage for a laptop and additional interior pockets. But there’s also a central zippered divider, giving you the flexibility to keep clothing separate from your tech or open it up to one large compartment depending on your needs. The pack also includes a removable hip belt and sternum strap, load lifters, and side compression straps to keep both larger and smaller loads comfy on the go. Fantastic job, Heimplanet!

NOMATIC Navigator Travel Backpack 32L

Constantly need to flex between just-the-essentials setups and maxed-out loads? The NOMATIC Navigator Travel Backpack 32L provides a slick solution with its expandable design, increasing to 41L when you need to pack for longer trips or stash those all-important souvenirs. In addition to easy expandability, the pack offers a host of further travel-friendly features, while retaining a clean aesthetic that moves smoothly through multiple travel settings.

Your gear stays well organized as you venture, with a front admin pocket, cleverly-designed water bottle pockets, and separate exterior-access laptop storage. Add in the clamshell main compartment and you can easily store and retrieve items throughout the bag. Padded edgeless straps, a removable padded waist belt, and load lifters take the strain out of hauling your travel gear. And it’s all served up in a sleek silhouette that nimbly straddles the work/leisure divide. High-five, NOMATIC!

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1st Place

Bellroy Transit Workpack

Creating a great work backpack requires careful consideration. It needs to look clean and formal enough for work environments, while carrying everything you need for day-to-day work tasks and keeping those items accessible throughout the day. Enter the Transit Workpack.

A welcome addition to their extremely popular Transit Line, and a pack specifically designed to nail work life down to the finest details.

Bellroy excels here with a balance between minimalist aesthetics and everyday utility. And while the exterior is clean and work-friendly, Bellroy still keeps it innovative with their recycled Baida nylon which offers an attractively textured and water-resistant finish.

When it comes to organizing your work gear, you’re well covered. A choice of top, front and side quick-access pockets keep small essentials secure but close at hand if needed. Inside the main compartment you’ll find a zippered pocket and large stretch pocket, while a separate padded laptop compartment stores your tech.

A contoured back panel and padded shoulder straps keep loads comfy during commutes or strolling to after-work pursuits. And the versatile nature of this bag lends itself to a variety of uses outside of work, such as trips to the gym, a quick grocery shop, or even an overnight trip.

The Transit Workpack delivers all of the essential elements of a work bag at the highest level, and delivers them in an understated and multifunctional design, effortlessly transitioning from work to play and back again. Congratulations, Bellroy!

Highly Commended

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

Heimplanet Commuter Pack

Heimplanet may have initially made a name for themselves in the tent industry. But their carry line shows their dedication to excelling in every area of design they turn their attention to. The Commuter Pack is a great example of durable, functional, and sleek design done at a world-class level; not to mention with a nod to sustainability too.

The pack is made with Heimplanet’s tough and eco-friendly DYECOSHELL material and offers a range of thoughtful features to help you conquer the workday. The magnetic rolltop closure accommodates a range of changing loads, while additional side access to the main compartment keeps your gear conveniently close at hand. Heimplanet have also carefully considered how to organize your gear. A suspended, padded sleeve stores your tech, while quick-access pockets store items such as a phone, wallet, sunglasses, and more. Durable enough to tackle daily commutes year after year, understated enough to suit a range of work settings and beyond, and flexible enough to accommodate changing loads, this is a solid work companion for many years of trusty service. Fantastic job, Heimplanet!

Aer City Pack X-Pac

Aer are experts at balancing urban-friendly style with functional, durable design. And the City Pack X-Pac showcases this expertise in a compact 14L that’s ideal for carrying everyday work essentials without unnecessary bulk. Your gear is well protected during rainy commutes thanks to the VX42 X-Pac and YKK AquaGuard zippers. The well-padded shoulder straps, contoured back panel, and sternum strap help keep loads comfy and stable as you go about your day. You also get handy top and side grab handles. And there’s even a luggage passthrough for travel use too.

Aer always deliver thoughtful organization in their bags and this pack is no exception. A front admin compartment offers neat storage for smaller work and EDC items. A separate main compartment holds your tech (in a padded, suspended pocket), an outer layer, lunch, and anything else you might need during the workday. And with a bright orange lining, the contents remain easily visible (not to mention bringing a splash of fun to your work carry setup). Built to withstand long-term use, understated and stylish, and offering great organization for your daily essentials, the City Pack X-Pac is a work partner you can trust to get the job done. Bravo, Aer!

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1st Place

Greenroom136 METRORUNNER01

Greenroom136 have been in the bag-making business for a decade, honing designs that are tough, practical, and made to help you get out there. The METRORUNNER01 takes the standard Metrorunner model to the next level, decking it out with technical materials and hardware and delivering a feature-rich bag ready to tackle active use.

Factor in the value you get in return for your hard-earned and this becomes one truly epic release.

This bag is handmade in Greenroom136’s very own Malaysian workshop and is built like a beast. Fidlock magnetic buckles, durable X-Pac fabric, and a beefy AustriAlpin Cobra buckle for the shoulder strap bring a sense of high-quality ruggedness to this bag. Speaking of the strap, it offers a wide and well-padded design for comfy carry, with a stabilizer strap when it’s time for action. The strap is ambidextrous and the Cobra buckle offers an easy way to release and secure the strap, so you can quickly access gear or adjust the bag on the fly.

Dual compartments and an assortment of pockets provide convenient organization, with a bright lining making it even easier to quickly spot and retrieve individual items. Want even more options? The Tactical version of the bag includes exterior PALS webbing too, great for securing pouches or other items you want to keep quickly accessible. And while this burly bag can haul a surprising amount, when you want to keep things lean and agile, side compression straps cinch things down neat and tidy.

When you need a bag that can handle demanding use, embracing everything from bike rides to urban sightseeing trips and more, all while keeping gear well organized and comfy on the go, the METRORUNNER01 confidently leaps forward. Tough and versatile, it’s a dependable companion for day-to-day and adventurous use alike. Highly impressive, Greenroom136!

Highly Commended

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

Apidura City Messenger

Apidura have extensive experience creating bags for bikepacking. The kind of bags that will take a beating, laugh at the elements, and keep on going strong while securely hauling your gear across the far-flung reaches of the planet. But why couldn’t that expertise be useful in an urban setting too? Turns out, it’s incredibly useful. Tough, lightweight, and waterproof, the Apidura City Messenger is built to handle whatever weather the daily grind has in store. All in a clean, urban-friendly style that sheds traditional bike messenger aesthetics for a more work-friendly look.

The slim but comfy neoprene strap lets you carry the bag high and tight and is ambidextrous to suit your carry preferences. You’ve also got flexible access, with a hook-and-loop and G-hook combo; quickly open or secure the flap throughout the day and attach the G-hook when you want a little added security on the go. The organization is simple and effective, with a zippered pocket under the flap, as well as a laptop sleeve and some slip pockets in the main compartment. The City Messenger achieves the tricky task of merging technical construction with work-appropriate functionality and style. All in a piece that moves nimbly from the bike to two feet. A refined take on a bike-friendly work messenger, it’s a solid choice for daily commutes and bike trips about town. Inspiring work, Apidura!

Ally Capellino Kenny

Bike carry and fashion-forward aesthetics don’t often go together. But Ally Capellino asks the simple question, “Why not?” Followed up with the simple and elegant Kenny satchel. Built with lightweight durability and weather protection in mind, the bag features water-resistant Cordura© nylon and bridle leather details for that luxurious touch. A weatherproof quick-access pocket provides handy storage for small essentials, while interior pockets provide options to store tech (ideally in a sleeve) and other work or EDC items.

While the shoulder strap isn’t the traditional messenger-style design, it’s comfortable and adjustable, allowing you to easily move between shoulder bag or cross-body carry. Suavely functional, the Kenny offers a classy take on a daily commuting bag. Creating a piece that can move from the bike to the boardroom is no easy feat, but Ally Capellino have done it with this stylish satchel. Great work!

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1st Place

Hill People Gear Umlindi V2

Hill People Gear have been making rugged backcountry gear since 2010. And over a decade of experience clearly shows through with the Umlindi V2. This popular pack has welcomed a variety of updates to enhance its functionality, including dual top compression straps, a top zippered pocket on the lid, dual aluminum stays within the removable HDPE frame sheet, enlarged side pockets, and more. Each update has been added not for the sake of it (that’s simply not HPG’s way), but instead to offer truly enhanced functionality.

Now when it comes to toughness, you’d be hard-pressed to beat this pack. Produced completely in the USA, its burly 500D Cordura construction is Berry Amendment Compliant. So rest assured, whatever outdoor adventures your wanderlust is dreaming up, this pack will triumphantly tackle them head-on.

The organization is top-notch, offering easily accessible pockets for smaller gear, as well as exterior attachment straps for bulkier items like a jacket or tarp. Velcro under the top lid accommodates compatible accessories too, while a range of HPG accessories provides even further options for setting the pack up just right for your specific needs. Add in the thoughtful compression strap system and you can dial the pack in perfectly to suit ever-changing active missions.

Outdoor-ready durability and convenient gear organization are important in an active pack and the Umlindi V2 nails these criteria with ease. But equally important is carry comfort. When you’re hauling heavy loads for hours on end, an uncomfortable pack will ruin your excursion. Luckily, that’s not a problem with the Umlindi V2. This pack carries exceptionally comfortably courtesy of its Cordura horseshoe-shaped harness. This cleverly designed harness evenly distributes the load on your shoulders and back and offers a larger contact area than you would normally get with standard shoulder straps. The back panel is padded and also features a removable frame sheet and aluminum stays for enhanced carry comfort. Looking for an extra helping hand for really heavy loads and long outings? HPG’s optional Recon Belt does a great job of hugging the hips as you roam and is also MOLLE-compatible for additional organization options. 

As 30L packs go, this pack isn’t light (coming in at 4 lbs). But what you sacrifice in weight you more than make up for in incredible durability, excellent carry comfort, and flexible organization that adapts to a range of different loads. If you need a dependable backcountry pack for heavy hauling, the Umlindi V2 is a definite winner. Touchdown, Hill People Gear!

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Highly Commended

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

Arch Ind. Grisetti BaseCamp 30

There’s just something about customized carry that gets the senses tingling. Your creativity starts sparking as wild visions of your ideal bag float across your vision. But bringing those visions to life in a practical piece is often downright challenging. Andrea Perici, the man behind Arch Ind, is not afraid of a challenge. Most definitely a good thing, since we get to enjoy excellent pieces such as the Grisetti BaseCamp 30. The pack is handmade in Italy and working off a base design, you pretty much have free reign over customization options. Material choices and colors, zippers, attachment points, additional pockets, and even a bespoke fit that suits your specific frame. If you can dream it, ask, and Andrea will try to make it happen.

We stuck pretty close to the standard Grisetti BaseCamp 30 for evaluation purposes and were highly impressed by its performance. The rolltop design gives you the flexibility to overload the pack if needed, while external daisy chains and quick-access pockets keep essentials at the ready. Fancy even more convenience? A side zipper allows access to the main compartment so you don’t need to undo the rolltop. How about carry comfort? Well catered for with a ventilated back panel, ergonomic and padded shoulder straps, a sternum strap, load lifters, and a removable waist belt. Just what you need for a 30L pack. And with its high-quality materials and excellent construction, it easily embraces a variety of active pursuits. This is the very first custom pack to be nominated for a Best Active Backpack award. And its High Commendation demonstrates it can more than hold its own against production packs. Bravo, Arch Ind!

Osprey Talon 22

Osprey are no strangers to the active outdoor scene. Founded in 1974, they have an exceptional history behind them. And that design pedigree is evident in the Osprey Talon 22. This classic pack welcomed a variety of updates in 2021, making it even more functional and ready for active use. The primary update is the suspension, which now features an injection-molded back panel with die-cut foam and a mesh overlay. Super comfy and breathable? You bet. The harness and integrated hip belt are designed to move with you, keeping the load comfortable and stable while moving quickly over rough terrain.

The Talon 22 doesn’t overlook useful organization either. Quick-access pockets keep all your smaller essentials secure yet close at hand, with large zipper pulls enhancing the ease of access. And gear loops will handle larger pieces such as an ice ax or walking poles. You’ll also find a bike helmet attachment point and an exterior pocket for a water bladder. The pack is made with recycled 210D and 100D high-tenacity nylon and an abrasion-resistant 420HD packcloth bottom. Tough enough where it’s needed to handle active use, yet still lightweight (coming in at just 0.9 kg). When moving light and fast is the goal, the Talon 22 shines as a highly versatile active daypack that carries really well. Bravo, Osprey!

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