Stretch and Sheen

Arcade’s new flagship lifestyle belt features innovative first-to-market webbing that combines natural rubber and polypropylene created from repurposed, post-industrial plastic scrap. This gives the webbing an attractive satin finish and just enough stretch to ensure all-day comfort.

Lightweight Customized Comfort

The buckle is intentionally designed with mixed materials to deliver lightweight strength and functionality. While eliminating the weight penalty of a completely metal buckle. The motion features a low profile with a side-release, three-piece design that tapers at the ends. This thoughtful detail that allows the belt to pass easily through belt loops. The micro-adjustable buckle system also lets you dial in your perfect fit, so you really do get custom comfort. And pesky excess webbing isn’t an issue either thanks to an elastic loop that secures the webbing neatly in place.

Easy Care, Easy Style

The Motion Belt is built with longevity in mind–to look and perform like new year after year. But if you feel the need to give it a refresh, it’s machine-washable for easy care, with air drying recommended to keep the belt in its prime.

It’s also available in four attractive colorways including black-black, black-nickel, brown-nickel, and charcoal-gunmetal. Easy to pair with casual and formal outfits alike, this belt will become a wardrobe staple with its sleek performance and understated aesthetic. And with a retail price of $54.95, it offers solid value for money too.

Made to Move

The Arcade Motion Belt builds on over a decade of experience crafting performance stretch belts for the outdoors, delivering durability, functionality, and comfort in a sharp design for urban settings. With its freedom of movement and perfect fit, this isn’t your basic belt. It’s a belt made better, proving that attention to detail and innovative approaches to wardrobe staples will make a difference to your day.

The post Belts Made Better: Arcade Motion Belt appeared first on Carryology.

Daily Driver to Camera Companion

The main compartment of the GRIP-12 can store your everyday essentials, work supplies, or travel gear. It also has a separate laptop compartment that fits up to a 14″ tech device for easy access on the move.

The bag also accommodates an optional modular camera insert that stores inside the main compartment. The insert fits a variety of camera configurations, and this new larger size can house a mirrorless set up easily. Or even a multi camera and drone set up!

The optional camera insert comes with Fidlock V-Buckle compression straps. These are handy for securing a tripod or other bulkier items such as a jacket to the base.

Quick Access to Essentials

The GRIP-12 optimizes access to the essentials you need close at hand. Under the magnetic front flap you’ll find a drop pocket that’s ideal for a phone and includes a pass-through for charging. Plus there’s also a zippered pocket with a Fidlock magnetic key ring. These are the type of touches that we love Black Ember for. Simple but functional design choices that improve the user experience.

Comfort That Conforms To Your Needs

The GRIP-12 provides tailored comfort and mobility thanks to a variety of thoughtfully integrated details. Wings on either side wrap around you to fit your shape, providing better comfort on the go. The bag also features Black Ember’s new quick-slide and release Lever hardware on the shoulder strap for easy adjustment, as well as two anodized aluminum pivot points for optimized on-the-go mobility.

The bag can be worn high or low on the back, while the strap has spring-gated hooks that let you alter between left or right-handed use as desired. It can’t be understated how useful this one handed operation is, particularly when on the move.

Conscientious Construction

The GRIP-12 is built with Black Ember’s durable BOND-STITCH construction and custom PFAS-free EmberTex textile. Abrasion-resistant and with a smooth hand feel, the fabric has a 1200×600 denier construction and bonded Hypalon panels for structure to allow easy packing. Paired with dependable YKK AquaGuard zippers with Hypalon theft-deterrent zipper pulls, you get a burly and weatherproof bag built to last a lifetime – and backed by a lifetime warranty too.

The Black Ember GRIP-SLING 12 is currently available on Kickstarter (and has already been successfully funded!), with options for the standalone sling bag or the camera kit including the sling, camera insert, and Fidlock V-Buckle compression straps. If you’re looking for a versatile hybrid that looks sharp in work settings, clean on camera outings, and transitions to travel too, this bag is a savvy choice that will serve you well.

The post Black Ember GRIP-SLING 12 | From Commuter to Camera Carry appeared first on Carryology.

With a tough exterior made from 420D Cordura® re/cor RN66, paired with YKK AquaGuard zippers, the FORGE stands up to the elements. The bag’s monochrome, matte black finish feels futuristic and purposeful, though the bag’s silhouette is deceptively simple. You’ll find an array of hidden compartments, thoughtful design choices, and modular add-ons that reflect Black Ember’s DNA. From commute to weekend adventures, the FORGE 30 doesn’t flinch.

Modern Armor

The FORGE 30 MAX is constructed from 420D Cordura® re/cor RN66. This material has a futuristic, almost armored texture, but it doesn’t feel abrasive to the touch. It’s designed to withstand the abuse of everyday urban use while remaining sleek enough for professional environments. The laser-cut, bonded seams ensure that the bag remains sealed off from the elements along with the YKK AquaGuard zippers. I tested the bag during a light rain, and everything inside remained completely dry.

You’ve also got lockable zippers on the main compartment, which adds some peace of mind when traveling. 

One of my favorite things about the FORGE 30 is that whether you’re throwing it in an overhead bin, dragging it across a train platform, or carrying it through crowded city streets, it maintains its structure without sagging or losing its form. Even when fully packed, the bag retains its shape, never feeling overstuffed or unwieldy

Hybrid Carry Options

The FORGE 30 transitions seamlessly between a backpack, a shoulder bag, and briefcase-style carry. This hybrid setup allows it to adapt to your needs throughout the day. The backpack straps are well-padded and contoured to the body, and provide great support for heavier loads or hands-free situations.

The shoulder straps can be quickly tucked away into the back panel, allowing you to carry the bag as a briefcase with the side handles – a feature I found particularly useful when I just need to grab-n-go. If you want shoulder carry, there’s also an optional shoulder strap that can be used on one shoulder or crossbody. Typically, I found myself using the FORGE 30 in backpack and briefcase mode the most, since they transition so easily between one another.

There’s also a luggage pass-through if that’s important for you.

Interior Organization & Capacity

The main compartment offers a solid 20-to-30-liter capacity, which is more than enough for daily use, weekend getaways, or even light travel when expanded. When slimmed down to 20 liters it can even act as a solid daypack or just a cafe-trip briefcase.

The primary compartment opens horizontally, clamshell-style, giving you full access to everything inside. The zippered compartment separator makes this feel very much like a suitcase shrunk down into a backpack which is great for packing. On the flanking side, you’ve got a few mesh pockets.

The dedicated laptop compartment, which can accommodate up to a 16-inch device, is one of the best out there. The sleeve is heavily padded and suspended off the bottom of the bag, which gives added peace of mind knowing that your device is safe from drops. There’s also a tablet pocket and the strap can be docked out of the way if you don’t want it. 

It’s a well organized bag. The front panel features an admin pocket with various sleeves and slots for pens, notebooks, and other daily essentials as well as a magnetic key leash.

Expandability & Modular Features

Black Ember has designed the FORGE, similarly to their other bags, with a minimal PALS-style grid system on the exterior, allowing for a variety of pouches and add-ons to be attached. These are pretty fun to use in practice.

For example, I opted for orange compression straps. They’re pretty easy to open and close with their magnetic clasps, and they add a nice pop of color. There’s also a water bottle pocket you can attach if that’s your thing. The FORGE 30 is pretty dynamic and you can always tailor it to your day.

Final Verdict: A Versatile Powerhouse

The Black Ember FORGE 30 MAX is an outstanding hybrid backpack. Whether you’re commuting to work, traveling, or exploring the city, the bag’s versatility, durability, and hybrid carry options make it an ideal and easy choice. Not to mention its clean, minimalist silhouette is versatile enough for both the professional and casual portions of your day.

I truly believe that Black Ember is at the forefront of innovative bag design and that shines through in the FORGE. The FORGE 30 is more than capable of meeting the needs of modern, on-the-go individuals, all while maintaining a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. If you’re looking for a bag that can do it all and look good while doing it, the FORGE 30 MAX is a worthy investment.

This is a Curated Sponsor Article from our friends at Black Ember.

The post Black Ember’s Forge 30 | A Hybrid Backpack for Modern Demands appeared first on Carryology.

Adapting to Changing Loads

No two trips are the same. Sometimes you need to pack a little extra, while other times you can travel light. And who knows when you might come across that extra-special souvenir you don’t want to leave behind? Luckily, the FORGE 40 easily adapts on the fly, featuring inbuilt expansion that allows the bag to grow from 30L to 40L so you don’t need to stress about where to stash extra gear. And if you do max the bag out, optional magnetic compression straps help cinch the load.

Built to Roam

The FORGE 40 is built with Black Ember’s latest material, EmberTex, a twisted nylon 6 with an abrasion-resistant matte finish containing no PFAS. Trusty YKK AquaGuard zippers enhance protection from the elements and add to the burly, weatherproof build, ensuring the bag is ready to tackle whatever the weather and your travels throw at it.

Three Ways to Carry

The key to optimized travel carry is the ability to adjust to different requirements and the FORGE 40 lets you do so with three carry options. Backpack mode is a great choice for carrying loads over extended periods, with dual-density padded backpack straps, load lifters, a magnetic sternum strap, and a contoured and ventilated back panel boosting comfort. Shoulder bag mode is handy for covering shorter distances, while brief mode is ideal for quick grab-and-go maneuverability, retrieving the bag from tight spaces, and more formal settings such as work trips.

Stay Organized on the Go

The FORGE 40 helps smooth your travels with thoughtful organization including quick-access pockets for small essentials, a top pocket that accommodates the optional Boarding Kit, and three separate compartments. Shoes and clothing fit neatly in the central compartment, while the dedicated tech compartment protects a 16″ laptop and 12″ tablet within layers of quilted EVA foam. Locking zipper pulls provide added peace of mind wherever your next trip takes you.

Black Ember have proven themselves as a dependable brand that prioritizes high-quality, functional, and stylish designs. The FORGE 40 looks set to bring all these benefits to the carry-on sphere, serving as a reliable travel bag that’s in it for the long haul.

Keen to score a FORGE 40 for yourself? Black Ember have launched a Kickstarter campaign but be quick as it’s only running for ten days!

Thanks to our friends at Black Ember for being a curated sponsor.

The post Forging a Better Travel Path With Black Ember | FORGE 40 appeared first on Carryology.

Cotton Transit Polo (US$140)

With its classic polo style and premium construction, the Cotton Transit Polo is a smart staple for anyone’s wardrobe. It’s made in Portugal with 100% organic cotton offering four-way stretch and a subtle sheen. It features a concealed three-button front placket, saddle shoulder construction for freedom of movement, and a tailored fit, making it easy to dress up or down as required.

Merino Crewneck (US$180)

A versatile wardrobe piece across multiple seasons, the Merino Crewneck is crafted in Portugal with 100% Italian-made CASHWOOL® extra fine merino. Odor-resistant and temperature-regulating, this is a handy piece to reach for in changing weather conditions, both as a standalone piece or under an outer layer. The slim fit keeps things neat and tidy, making this an easy-wear piece for everyday and travel use alike.

Merino Popover Hoodie (US$270)

Fancy merino’s awesome properties in a more casual, hoodie style? Look to the Merino Popover Hoodie, which is made in Portugal with 100% CASHWOOL® extra fine merino. In addition to its odor-resistant and temperature-regulating properties, the hoodie also boasts additional travel-friendly features including a side zipper for easy on-or-off wear, an interior kangaroo pocket for securely storing small valuables, and a large hood for added comfort and privacy.

Commuter Chino (US$230)

The Commuter Chino looks sharp enough for the office but offers the comfort and ability to dress down for relaxed days off too. Made with anti-wrinkle, Italian twill fabric that offers two-way stretch, the chino also features articulated knees and elastic hems at the back cuffs for enhanced mobility and comfy wear. Additionally, two concealed zippered side pockets store valuables close at hand for easy EDC or travel carry.

Thermal Travel Gilet (US$250)

The stylish and easily packable Thermal Travel Gilet offers convenient warmth without packing bulk, making it a savvy addition to your next travel packing list. The exterior features a 100% recycled polyester with a DWR finish, while the insulation features 70% polyester from recycled PET bottles and 30% polyester. The gilet offers two interior zippered pockets and packs down small in its own self-contained bag, while the V neck makes it easy to pair with a blazer for smart warmth in professional settings.

Travel Ponte Blazer (US$380)

A clean and minimalist silhouette, easy machine-washable care, and wrinkle resistance makes the Travel Ponte Blazer an ideal choice for staying effortlessly sophisticated on your travels. Made in Portugal with a stretch fabric featuring 81% organic cotton, 15% polyamide, and 4% elastane, the blazer offers an unstructured design for easy packing and wear throughout your journey, as well as an assortment of useful pockets for storing small EDC and travel essentials. Adaptable to smart and casual settings alike, it’s a great multifunctional piece for your work-to-weekend-and-travel wardrobe.

Performance Trench (US$750)

Taking inspiration from outdoor apparel performance and classic Mackintosh jacket styling, the Performance Trench delivers timeless aesthetics and dependable functionality in one. Fully waterproof with sealed seams, but breathable and lightweight, the trench also offers a packable design that stores neatly in its own folio (which can also double as storage for small essentials), making this jacket easy to stash in your travel bag. Secure zippered pockets store small essentials like a phone and passport, while the sleek silhouette nimbly straddles the everyday/travel divide.

The post The Best Émigré Apparel to Take You From the Office to the Airport appeared first on Carryology.

The Luma Collection is all about giving you just what you need – nothing more, nothing less. The line is designed with the same robust levels of construction quality as their more professionally-tuned products, but hones in to focus on the essentials. Striking this balance is key when creating a less-is-more approach for the budding photographer. But some important differentiators make the Luma Collection stand out from the rest of the NOMATIC camera-carry lineup. 

Bright Is the New Black

Let’s speak to the most obvious standout differentiator first. NOMATIC has been well-known for its murdered-out colorways since its inception in 2014. This has been a solid approach to help establish the brand as a staple of the professional content creator community – black enables creators to disappear into the backdrops of both events and sets.

But the Luma line is all about embracing the fun of this newfound passion and purpose. To celebrate that vibe, color is key. The collection offers three bright new colorways: an arresting rust, a stunning stone, and a striking sage, all in addition to their classic black.

Streamlined Style for Miles

There are three different styles of bags within the Luma lineup, each with the same thoughtful approach to clean lines. The flagship of the collection is the 18L Camera Pack backpack, complemented by 12L and 9L Camera Slings.

All feature cavernous interiors with sturdy yet flexible module dividers to accommodate a wide variety of gear configurations – all while maintaining a sleek and compact silhouette on the outside. A minimalistic exterior is ideal for urban life, especially when you spend a solid part of each day avoiding snags on the subway. 

Pro-Level Materials Meet Enthusiast-Tuned Innovations

Crafted from water-resistant polyester Oxford fabric, the Luma Camera Pack sports a unique and useful full-zippered entry that leverages a designated 16″ laptop sleeve as the primary opening panel. Two zippered pockets on an additional top-access lid hold and organize your smaller accessories.

The exterior has a cleverly integrated tuck-away boot for carrying a tripod and the side-mounted water bottle holder stows quickly with a magnetic flap when not in use.

An external attachment system with integrated loops is handy for lashing on extra accessories and the whole pack is easy to travel with thanks to an integrated luggage passthrough strap. Added bonus? A side access panel lets you grab and go like a pro. 

If a backpack isn’t your cup of tea, or you’re looking for some additional carrying capacity, check out the 12L and 9L Camera Slings. Both slings offer the same quality fit and finish as the pack, with a splash of added innovation. Once the main opening flap is unzipped, it magically stays right in place. This nifty trick is accomplished by sets of integrated magnets, ensuring that your gear isn’t spilling or visible, while still being easily accessible.  

The Luma Collection by NOMATIC x Peter McKinnon does something few camera carry solutions can—marry pro-grade functionality with urban-friendly styling. With Luma, you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. It’s a lineup that feels right at home for a hobbyist getting more serious, or a freelancer dabbling in more and more paid gigs. So if you’re feeling inspired to bring your kit daily to capture your environments with a little more street cred, consider the Luma Collection as your carry companion.

The post Level Up Your Daily Camera Carry Solution with the NOMATIC x Peter McKinnon Luma Camera Bag Collection appeared first on Carryology.

Émigré is designed for the modern professional who travels; their products honed to fit any boardroom, jet, or hotel lobby. It’s luxurious, refined but with a unique and clean aesthetic – a definitive upgrade to traditional travel bags that lump around airport lounges the world over.

And they’ve now expanded their considerable talents to apparel too. And so as they continue to grow their collection, we’re running a quality 2-piece giveaway for our readers, and sharing our favorite Émigré products, so let’s dig in!

Travel Gilet (Giveaway Prize)

Gilet, body warmer, vest. Whatever you may call it, it’s a wardrobe staple for any traveling commuter. The problem with the traditional versions we know is that they can be too puffy and take up too much packing space. But that’s no problem here, Émigré have you covered with this sleek, simple, and stylish gilet that provides all the warmth you’ll need on your travels in a packable silhouette. Available in two colours, this vest is insulated with a synthetic Comfortemp® fibre, that is made from 70% recycled PET bottles and 30% polyester. The outer matte shell is also made from 100% recycled polyester. Featuring two internal zipper pockets, the slim styling with V-neck opening means this’ll comfortably hide out of sight underneath a blazer or jacket to keep you looking pristine and polished. The travel gilet also packs down neatly into its own pocket/stuff sack. Featuring artwork from renowned UK artist R. Fresson, this is the updated travel vest you’ve been waiting for. 

*Win this by entering our giveaway!

Folio Briefcase

Briefcases are an essential part of the business commute, but not all are created equal. Émigré impressed us with their first briefcase, and now they’re back with their updated Folio Briefcase. This two compartment briefcase has all the options you could need for a day at the office or a weekend on the road. One side is all set up for your documents, notebooks and analog accessories, while the other side has space for a 16” laptop, a tablet, and an admin panel for your chargers and cables.

Featuring a robust yet lightweight 100% recycled Robic® Nylon exterior, the folio briefcase is a tool for the modern age, while retaining the function that has kept briefcases a mainstay of offices for decades. The briefcase folio also includes luxury hardware such as custom Duraflex® buckles and YKK® Metaluxe Tough zippers to round out the premium feel.

Each briefcase comes with a limited edition Moleskine notebook, and you can turn this into a backpack for those longer commutes by adding Émigré’s wonderful backpack straps. The Folio Briefcase is a step up from the standard briefcase, in both design and construction. From the quilted interior padding that is reminiscent of a luxury jacket all the way to the hidden fleece lined accessory pocket on the front of the bag, it is made for the discerning commuter who wants to elevate their carry without screaming from the rooftops. This is the type of product that you’ll wonder how you ever went without it before.

Travel Organiser (Giveaway Prize)

Tech kits are part of any travel arsenal and have become a ubiquitous part of any modern carry. The Émigré Travel Organiser is a streamlined and simple companion that carries all that you need with you to operate wherever you may find yourself, whether it’s a hot desk, airport lounge, or cramped seat. The interior is clean and elegant, with a subtle grey liner that allows clear vision, with pen loops, stretch mesh and elasticated pockets and a microfleece lined center pocket for more delicate items such as a phone or glasses. An exterior zippered pocket is the perfect size for a passport or wallet. Self standing allows easy access, and a thoughtfully placed hanging loop means you can store this on the go whether in an airplane seat or by a nightstand. You’ll also recognise the stylish Émigré luggage passthrough which gives the option of using this as your travel companion on top of your luggage. The dimensions of the travel organiser are very pleasing, it holds a lot without being too bulky or intrusive, and of course it marries very nicely with the rest of Émigré’s lineup. The travel organiser is an exemplary execution of functional minimalism.

*Win this by entering our giveaway!

Boston Bag

Some trips require a little more than a briefcase, particularly when on the road. The 21L Boston Bags is the perfect older sibling to the folio briefcase, and is designed to make your 48 hours of work travel or weekend exploration as seamless as possible. If you find yourself travelling for an extended work trip, this bag marries office necessities with wardrobe essentials. The dedicated hotdesk provides space for a laptop, tablet, pens, and the like. While on the other side of the Boston bag you’ll find two built-in packing cubes (one mesh and one waterproof for separating clean and dirty items), a clothing volume and a cinchable pocket for your water bottle.

Featuring the same Bluesign® approved Robic® recycled nylon as the Folio Briefcase and Travel Organiser, this can handle most adventures with ease. There are hidden backpack straps and a shoulder strap which are easily stowed in a zipper pocket on the rear, along with an angled luggage pass through, that not only looks great, but accommodates easy placement and removal from your rolling luggage. The details are impeccable with leather piping and custom hardware, and it can be carried one of three ways–in hand, over shoulder, and as a backpack. A versatile bag, the Boston doesn’t just lend itself to logner trips, it can also pull duty as a daily driver if you need a change of clothes from your active commute. This bag is a tardis, and the clever design allows you to fit a lot within, while maintaining a professional and clean silhouette.

While newer on the scene, Émigré continues to impress with their flawless construction, considered design, and clean aesthetic. These products from their bags, to their apparel, right through to their accessories are elevated versions of classics. So if you’re looking to elevate your carry in your professional life, you need look no further than Émigré. We are excited to see what’s next from the team, because based on what we’ve seen in these short few years, it’ll be exceptional.

Win the Travel Gilet and Travel Organizer!

Keen to score some Émigré goodness?

ENTER HERE

Simply submit your name and email (*no purchase necessary).

Giveaway closes at 11:59PM (Eastern) on January 23nd 2024.

Winner will be chosen at random on Jan 24th 2024.

Prize is limited to 1 x Thermal Travel Gilet and 1 x Travel Organizer

Thanks to the fine folks at Émigré for being a curated sponsor!

The post Émigré | Modern Professional Travel Gear, Elevated (+Giveaway) appeared first on Carryology.

Diver 2.0

The Diver 2.0 boasts a sleek yet robust aesthetic that immediately captures the eye. Its titanium, 44mm case strikes a perfect balance, making a statement without overwhelming the wrist. The unidirectional rotating bezel, engraved and marked with Super-Luminova indicators, not only enhances its dive-ready functionality but also adds a pretty unique touch.

A sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating shields the dial and promises perfect clarity at any angle. The face wields large Super-LumiNova adorned indicators at every hour, and a date window just past 4 o’clock. Underwater or on land, the Diver 2.0 effortlessly adapts to whatever you throw at it. With a water resistance of up to 300M, or 30 ATM, it’s not just a fashion piece but a reliable adventure companion.

The Seiko NH35 automatic movement resting within the Diver 2.0 promises precision with every tick, with 24 jewels. The power reserve of approximately 42 hours gives you some room to leave the watch unattended for a day or two without much worry of having to reset the time.

Beyond its striking appearance and functional overtones, the Diver 2.0 is super comfortable and lightweight on the wrist. Thanks to the full titanium makeup, you’ll barely know it’s there for a watch of its size.

It’s a watch that not only complements your style but seamlessly integrates into your daily life, providing a comfortable and reliable timekeeping experience. And at under $500, we think it’s an absolute steal.

Field 1S

While the Diver 2.0 conquers the depths, the Field 1S embraces a classic, rugged charm for everyday escapades. As I strapped on the Field 1S, I felt I could effortlessly transition it from the office to the trail without batting an eye, and it would be all the better for it.

The Field 1S exhibits a distinct personality rooted in military-inspired design. The 39mm stainless steel case, with its matte finish, is a sleeper with its more understated tones when compared to its sibling. The dial, characterized by bold numerals and markings, brings a truly utilitarian aesthetic without compromising on readability. The subtle, dark orange Super-LumiNova markings on the hands and face add a touch of flair and contrast, transforming this watch into a statement piece for the modern adventurer.

The sapphire, anti-reflective crystal, lits its sibling, ensures that the Field 1S remains impervious to the nicks and scratches that often accompany an active lifestyle. And with its 200M / 20 ATM water resistance, it isn’t afraid of a sudden downpour, an unexpected splash, or even a river crossing, ensuring that it remains functional regardless of the weather.

True to its always-in-the-field design, the Field 1S is also equipped with a reliable Seiko NH35 automatic movement. The precision and accuracy of this timepiece make it an ideal companion for those who demand punctuality in their daily endeavors, and the 41 hour power reserve more than gets you through to the next day (or the next).

Where the Field 1S truly shines is in its day-to-day, crossover wearability. The durable NATO nylon strap, while being robust, is surprisingly comfortable, making it suitable for extended periods of use. Whether you’re navigating a hectic schedule or exploring the great outdoors, the Field 1S seamlessly adapts to your lifestyle, providing comfort, reliability, and a killer aesthetic all for under $300.

Both of these timepieces marry style with functionality, and sprinkling of value, resulting in watches that effortlessly integrate into the rhythm of everyday adventures. The Diver 2.0, with its contemporary, yet timeless look and dive-ready capabilities, is a statement piece that transitions seamlessly from formal occasions to underwater adventures. If you’re looking for less of a statement,the Field 1S, with its military-inspired design and everyday functionality, caters to those who seek a reliable, easy to wear companion that can take them anywhere. Both are shining examples of how a timepiece can be more than its namesake.

The Diver 2.0 and Field 1S are available directly from Minus-8 at $498 and $298 respectively, in a number of colors and styles.

This is a Curated Sponsor Article from our friends at Minus-8.

The post Minus-8 Elevates Your Wrist with the Diver 2.0 and Field 1S appeared first on Carryology.

The Citadel 18 and Citadel 25 impress with their minimalist yet sophisticated design. Crafted from CORDURA’s new 420D Velocity, from their fully recycled re/cor RN66 collection, these packs are durable, water resistant, and repel dust, dirt, and grime. The matte-shine finish adds an extra touch of refinement, making them ideal companions for both casual outings and professional settings.

The YKK Aquaguard zippers, adorned with theft-deterrent hypalon pulls, check a few more boxes, adding a heavy waterproofing for use in all elements.

The newest size, the Citadel 18, strikes a perfect balance between size and functionality. Ideal for those of us who prefer a more agile approach to their daily commutes and adventures. This was my favorite of the two, since I don’t often carry a ton unless I’m traveling, and I really liked the laptop compartment.

The two exterior front panels of the Citadel 18, both providing their own volume, can hold quite a bit; I’d guess 3-5L with some napkin math. The top even has a nice padded divider, for a phone, small e-reader, or notebook. There’s also a Fidlock key strap.

The main compartment features a clamshell opening for easy loading, with a laptop sleeve that’s really fun to use. Seriously, it’s basically a fidget toy and works really well. The back panel has two magnets near the top that you can pull down to access your 14” laptop, and snaps back into place afterwards. It’s a really intuitive way to introduce a separate laptop compartment into a small, compact pack.

The front organizational panel, which the 18 (mostly) shares with its larger sibling, has a lot going on, but it works. The magnetically secured tablet sleeve is easy to access even if your bag is packed full, and the other pockets all have their own volume, which is a hallmark of the Citadels design elements.

Transitioning to the Citadel 25, the larger sibling in the series, it caters to those that need a bit more space, whether about their day or for travel. The additional space allows a bit more organization, making it an ideal choice for those who carry larger laptops, extra clothing, or gym gear.

The Citadel 25 inherits the design principles of its smaller counterpart but expands on the concept – or maybe a better way to see it is that the Citadel 18 shrinks the concept of the 25. The laptop compartment, which is accessed from the top-rear of the bag, comfortably accommodates devices up to 16 inches.

The most notable difference between the 25 and 18 is the 25’s inclusion of multiple attachment points, for any of Black Ember’s available compression straps or modular handles on the top, sides, and front of the bag. Other changes you’ll notice; a document sleeve on the back wall and an extra slip pocket on the front wall.

Comfort is a make or break point with any backpack and Black Ember has it dialed here. The Citadel series incorporates a molded back panel, utilizing durable EVA foam for a solid balance of support and breathability. The ergonomic shoulder straps, padded with high-density foam, distribute weight evenly, ensuring a comfortable fit even during extended wear. I also really liked the hypalon loops where the sternum strap is attached. Last thing to note; both bags have a vertically oriented luggage pass-through.

I found the new Citadel series to be a really lovely set of bags to use. The intuitive use of space and compact design of the Citadel 18 suited my day-to-day, providing easy access to my essentials while, in my opinion, looking great. On days when my schedule demanded more, the Citadel 25 seamlessly accommodated my additional camera equipment and gear, all while maintaining a sleek profile. The attention to detail in each of these bags is truly superb. From the discreet branding to the precision patterning, every aspect exudes a sense of craftsmanship.

Put the Black Ember Citadel 18 and Citadel 25 on your radar. The modularity, durability, and considered design make this set more than worth a try, especially if you’ve been finding your bags a bit boring as of late. There’s something new and different here. The Citadel 18 and 25 retail for $239 and $279 respectively and are available directly from Black Ember.

This is a Curated Sponsor Article from our friends at Black Ember.

The post Black Ember’s Citadel | A Masterclass in Modern Backpack Design appeared first on Carryology.

The Grip Sling is a modular sling, and like all of Black Ember’s products, the focus is on versatility and accessibility. The Grip Sling is sleek, streamlined, and ready for adventure, particularly if you’ve got a camera with you.

Construction

Black Ember’s design language has always been very sleek and muted, but also very functional. That directly influences the manufacture of their products, and is clear to see in the Grip Sling. At 8 litres, this is their biggest sling yet, and arguably the most versatile. The body material is 420D Velocity Cordura® Re/Cor Nylon 6.6 which is a three layer, 100% recycled textile. Internally it’s lined with a light grey 210d nylon which aids visibility. The Grip Sling has great hand feel and you needn’t worry about being delicate with it, this is a very hardy and weatherproof bag.

YKK® Aquaguard zippers (with hypalon pulls) continue to add to the outdoor capabilities, and will provide peace of mind for anyone carting around expensive electronics such as tablets and cameras. Black Ember uses an innovative blend of laser cutting, sewing, and bonding to create their bags, and that technique contributes to their recognisable look, and their renowned durability.

Elsewhere on the Grip Sling you’ll find custom aluminium hardware on the strap and the accessories that is laser etched with the Black Ember logo. These add an element of refinement to the bag, and have held up well over testing. As a whole, this is an incredibly well built sling that is ready for any urban adventure, whatever the weather.

Functionality & Modularity

The Grip sling is designed for comfortable carry with quick access on the move. As such it features a top-loading main compartment that provides easy access to all your gear. The wide opening makes both view and access simple, allowing you to grab a camera, water bottle, or whatever else you may need without much thought. That may seem like a necessity on any bag, but it is especially critical on a daily carry sling.

Rotating pivot joints on the wings mean that the sling moves with you as you explore, and helps to avoid the dreaded hotspots. The Quick-Slide Lever on the strap makes adjusting with one hand easy, for either access to the sling or a comfort adjustment.

The main compartment can hold up to an 11” tablet in its magnetic sleeve, and an internal zippered pocket is an ideal home for items such as wallets. On the front of the grip sling is another pocket that is split into two. Perfectly made for EDC, this front pocket will fit a larger phone like mine (iPhone 15 Pro Max) and also has a detachable key clip that uses a magnetic connection for quick release.

Camera Carry

With the addition of the Grip Sling camera insert and Fidlock V Buckle straps, you can comfortably carry a field shooting set up complete with tripod (I fit a Peak Design Travel Tripod easily), extra lenses and any other necessary accoutrement. The reverse hooks used to attach the V-Buckle straps are incredibly low profile, sitting no more than a few millimetres off the face of the sling. In practice this means not only a slim profile, but a snag free user experience too.

The Camera insert is a wonderfully designed addition to the Grip Sling and turns this into a creators powerhouse. The insert comfortably fits smaller cameras like APS-C and Rangefinder models, along with a plethora of lenses. While testing the Grip Sling, I’ve housed a Sony A6700 and four lenses comfortably, with room to spare.

The outer wall of the insert houses up to four extra batteries or SD cards. The batteries do protrude a little from the shape of the insert, but I’ve not found it enough to affect any functionality. I think the placement of this battery pocket on the upper half of the insert is very useful as I can access easily with one hand thanks to the hypalon pull tab.

The folding dividers are well padded and offer excellent protection to your camera bodies and lenses, they’re also fantastically constructed without a thread loose, this is a common theme throughout the Grip Sling. The dividers also hinge in the middle, allowing you to make shelves for your gear and store multiple lenses in the same footprint. This has been great for travel and using the sling on the go, as I don’t have to worry about them falling out when opening up the sling to use.

It’s also worth noting that the insert works excellently in many standard sized daypacks, and could be used as insert either on it’s own, or when encased in the sling. I often travel like this, with a camera sling pulling double duty as a camera cube, and the Grip Sling’s insert does it better than most!

We previewed The Grip Sling prior to launch, and I was incredibly excited to get my hands on it. While I usually defer to heritage styles and materials, including some of my favourite camera slings, this has been a wonderful surprise. The sleek styling and materials, excellent functionality, and wallet friendly price point should make the Grip Sling a serious consideration for any travelling creators.

This is a Curated Sponsor Article from our friends at Black Ember.

The post Black Ember Grip Sling | Minimalist Tech Carry appeared first on Carryology.