Best New Gear: February 2019

Waterproof innovation to take your pouch game to the next level? Head-turning luxurious travel carry? Decluttered EDC? Find out more as we get into the best new gear in February…

WANDRD VEER Backpack

Packable backpacks? Great for stashing compactly in your luggage to use as a daypack at your destination. But often not so great when it comes to carry comfort or protection for fragile camera gear. So WANDRD set out to offer the best of both worlds. And they’ve done it with the VEER Backpack. A packable 18L bag that comes with an inflatable back panel, allowing you to store it compactly but boost the comfort when it’s time to explore. And for protecting your camera the pack can also be paired with an inflatable camera cube, there when you need it and easily stowable when you don’t.

F/CE DRY Line

With Spring on the horizon it’s an ideal time to spruce up your performance street collection. And F/CE are all for stepping out boldly with their ’19 SS new Spring colorway across their DRY line. An attention-grabbing mix of red and black features across the seamless and completely waterproof line. The bags are made with a Cordura 500D ripstop fabric developed together by F/CE and Invista, with a welded construction for durability and waterproofness.

F/CE Robic™️ Nylon Air

Next up, F/CE’s Robic™️ Nylon Air line. The line utilizes a 420D hollow fiber Robic™️ material that keeps weight down without sacrificing strength and tear resistance. The material features a matte sheen in a nod to the outdoor and sports spheres of the ’80s and ’90s. And the functional, unisex pieces lend themselves to a range of everyday and travel uses.

F/CE XPAC Line

And lastly from F/CE: X-Pac… but in orange!. This line expertly brings technical and fashion-friendly design together. The line uses Dimension-Polyant X-PAC for its top-notch strength to weight ratio and weatherproofness. If bold performance is your jam, then this line is

hardgraft [ON DEMAND] 1st Edition Travel Bag

Striking style. Premium Italian craftsmanship. And robust functionality. Leave it to hardgraft to deliver all three in a luxurious travel bag that will have you looking for any excuse to hit the road. The holdall is handcrafted with Italian vegetable-tanned leather and premium wool felt to create a piece that exudes elegance while turning heads. It opens wide for packing convenience and has two interior compartments to organize your gear.

Arc’teryx Granville Collection

Pared-back urban styling, technical construction and everyday practicality? A careful blend that Arc’teryx gets just right with their Granville collection. Sleek, highly weather-resistant and versatile bags that can store work tools one day and weekend travel essentials the next. The collection features the Granville 16 Zip Backpack, Granville 20 Backpack, Granville 16 Courier Bag, Granville 10 Courier Bag and Granville 18 Tote. Featuring Arc’teryx’s weatherproof and durable AC² (Advanced Composite Construction) build quality, these pieces will go the distance while protecting your gear from the elements each step of the way.

Thule Landmark Collection

Thule take on diverse travel needs with their signature Swedish efficiency courtesy of the Landmark collection. Clean silhouettes partner with comfortable suspension systems and discreet anti-theft features to keep you moving smoothly and securely for extended periods of use, following wherever the adventure leads. The collection includes the Landmark 40L backpack, Landmark 60L backpack and Landmark 70L backpack, each designed with gender-specific fits. The Landmark 40L is a great carry-on pack for shorter trips and smaller loads, while the Landmark 60L includes a detachable daypack for exploring with just the essentials in tow. And if you need to carry a lot for extended travel, the Landmark 70L has you covered and also comes with a detachable daypack.

Tumi Alpha 3 Collection

Tumi’s Alpha Bravo collection has endured and thrived for over three decades. And in a salute to its functional fortitude, Tumi celebrate the collection with a series of updates that give a nod to Tumi’s dedication to quality, practicality, and functional style. The Alpha 3 collection is made from Tumi’s tough FXT® ballistic nylon and includes a range of understated, practical pieces for business and travel including wheeled luggage, laptop briefcases and backpacks, travel satchels, travel kits and more.

Gerber ComplEAT

Tired of inefficient sporks mucking up dining time on your camping trips? The Gerber ComplEAT aims to provide a more functional alternative. The ComplEAT includes a fork, spoon, spatula, and 4-function multi-tool that serves as a bottle opener, can opener, vegetable peeler and package opener. Plus you can combine the spatula with the fork or spoon to create tongs. And they all stack together in a nesting design that weighs just 2.3 oz.

Nite Ize RunOff Collection

Waterproof pouches are useful for protecting small tech and valuables from the elements. But Nite Ize takes that waterproof protection to the next level with their RunOff collection. The collection includes a wallet, pouches, packing cubes and a toiletry kit, all featuring Nite Ize’s unique and patented TRU Zip waterproof zipper. The sliding zipper is toothless, silent, waterproof and dustproof, with an IP67 rating that withstands submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Tough TPU construction and RF-welded seams round out the rugged waterproofness of these useful and adaptable pieces that move from travel to EDC as required.

Orbitkey Nylon Key Organizer

Efficient key organization with a generous dose of durability and style? Meet Orbitkey’s new Nylon Key Organizer. The organizer features a durable weave of 420D/210D synthetic nylon for water resistance and abrasion resistance. Not to mention clean urban-friendly styling. The Nylon Key Organizer comes in four attractive colorways including Onyx Black, Granite Grey, Deep Navy, and Terracotta Orange. It holds 2 to 7 keys in a tidy, silent stack that keeps them easily accessible when needed but out of the way when not, so you can enjoy clink-free key carry throughout the day.

Keyport Anywhere Tools

Multi-tools are great for conquering a range of DIY and day-to-day needs. But you don’t always need every feature they offer all of the time. However, Keyport Anywhere Tools allow you to pick and choose as required. The modular, stackable, and customizable system works with the Anywhere Pocket Clip and a variety of Keyport Modules that meet different needs, including a knife module, flashlight module, charger cable module, and 11-in-1 multi-tool module. So you can enjoy your EDC your way, adapting your setup as required for maximum efficiency.

Descente Allterrain Multifunction Backpack

If durable, adaptable minimalism is your jam, the Descente Allterrain Multifunction Backpack is well worth a second look. This exceptionally sleek pack is made from lightweight yet durable CORDURA® Polyester 450D material. The seams are sealed with high frequency welding for enhanced weatherproofness to protect your gear on the go. And with its expandable main compartment you’ve got the flexibility to squeeze in extra gear if needed. Further flexibility comes through the reversible front pocket, while tech protection is covered with a laptop sleeve that fits up to 15″ devices.

Descente Allterrain x Porter Sling Shoulder Bag

If you’re digging Descente Allterrain’s killer sleek styling but want the nimbleness of a sling bag, pore over the chic, agile and practical Descente Allterrain x Porter Sling Shoulder Bag. Slim in profile, the sling is made with lightweight, durable and water-repellent Nylon 840 backcloth material. The Boa® fit system allows for easy fit adjustments on the fly, while the quick-release buckle assists with ready access to gear. Front and back zippered pockets stash your essentials, while the compact form works well for everyday and travel use alike.

Black Crows Dorsa 27 Backpack

How do you make sure that a backpack meets the needs of ski mountaineers? You design it in collaboration with expert Chamonix mountain guides. And that’s what Black Crows co-founder Bruno Compagnet did, teaming up with the mountain guides to design a pack that would perform and thrive in demanding ski conditions. Fusing urban styling and technical design, the pack offers rolltop access as well as a front zip to reach gear at the base of the pack on the go. The pack enables A-frame or diagonal ski carry and includes a removable hip belt, comfortable dual-density foam shoulder straps, a sternum strap, interior pockets and two ice axe loops.

Magpul DAKA Window Document Pouch and DAKA Window Pouches

Magpul’s DAKA pouches have won many fans thanks to their slim, tough and weatherproof builds and versatility. But now Magpul welcomes new members to the family. The Magpul DAKA Window Document Pouch is ideal for protecting documents from the elements. The pouch features a translucent TPU side panel for visibility of the contents, as well as a welded construction and YKK AquaGuard zipper to keep water and dust out. Additionally the TPU panel also allows touchscreen devices to be used while stored in the pouch. And if you’re looking for all the weatherproofness and durability of DAKA pouches with the added benefit of being able to see the contents at a glance, check out the DAKA Window Pouch. Currently available in small and medium sizes, the pouch’s RF-welded construction and YKK AquaGuard zipper provide solid protection from the elements, while the translucent window keeps the contents visible.

The James Brand The Ellis

Looking for multifunctionality in your EDC while still retaining minimalist form? Meet the Ellis, a multifunctional knife that offers useful everyday features but strips back unnecessary clutter. In addition to a partially serrated blade, the Ellis also features a combination screwdriver and bottle opener, a scraper/prybar and a bail to secure it to a keychain or carabiner. The Ellis has a lockback design and anodized aluminum scales available in a choice of colorways and finishes.

Outlier Experiment 154 – Paper Nylon Cross Chest Bag

Outlier are well known for their dedication to utilizing innovative fabrics and their Experiment 154 – Paper Nylon Cross Chest Bag makes fine use of just such a material in a stylish and versatile crossbody bag. The bag is made in the USA with a combination of Paper Nylon, an Ultrahigh Dyneema gusset and Fidlock closures. Paper Nylon is made in Japan and is a crackly, semi-rigid fabric with almost no stretch and an attractive depth of color. The bag weighs in at 320g and includes two rows of Dynylon Molly webbing on the back.

ALMS NYC Daypack

Inspired by minimalism and the freedom of motorcycles, the ALMS NYC Daypack is built to tackle rainy commutes and leisurely weekend explorations alike. Its tough, water-resistant build combines a 12oz waxed canvas body with a weatherproof Hypalon hood, coated zippers and a durable suede base. The pack includes a padded 15″ laptop pocket, with an exterior slip pocket and zippered pocket for quick-access items. The pack also has mounting loops if you want to secure the pack with your own mounting straps.

Triple Aught Design Axiom 24 Pack Special Edition Multicam Black Xpac

TAD’s Axiom 24 Pack is a sleek and solid choice for users seeking a bag that can alternate between everyday and short travel use. The pack’s clamshell opening and multiple pockets make it easy to organize, with a dedicated padded 15″ laptop compartment. But what if you want the pack’s adaptable functionality with a touch of exclusivity? TAD delivers with their Axiom 24 Pack Special Edition. Part of their Foundry projects, the pack comes in a limited edition Multicam Black Xpac colorway, with just 150 units being made (and 50% of those already out the door). You know what to do!

WaterField Sutter Sling Pouch

Got too much to carry comfortably in your pockets but not enough to warrant hauling a large bag? The WaterField Sutter Sling Pouch provides a chic and compact middle ground. The crossbody bag can be worn across the back or chest and has a quick-adjust strap to conveniently get to your gear. It’s made in San Francisco and comes in a choice of tan waxed canvas or black ballistic nylon with full-grain leather detailing. A stylish carry companion whether you’re on foot or cycling, it features a front soft-lined pocket that’s handy for your phone, with interior pockets in the main compartment for further organization. And if you’re a gamer, you can also opt for the Sutter Sling Pouch for Nintendo Switch.

Eagle Creek x National Geographic Adventure Series

Designed with family adventure in mind, the Eagle Creek x National Geographic Adventure Line combines sustainability, durability and functionality in a series of versatile bags made for exploring. The collection utilizes recycled PVB collected from broken car windshields and turned into a water-resistant and scratch-resistant coating. The Adventure Line is backed by a 10-year warranty and includes backpacks, wheeled carry-on luggage, packing cubes, a duffel, sling pack and waist pack.

DSPTCH Fidlock Key Chain Collection

Love plenty of options when it comes to key chain carry? DSPTCH have you well covered with their Fidlock Key Chain collection. In addition to their Key Chain Set, you can purchase attachments (male side) and mounts (female side) individually. The mounts come in three options including Snap, Belt Clip, and Gated D-ring versions. The attachments come in four choices including Mini Key Ring, Apple Watch, AirPod Case, and ID Card options. Ready-made convenience if you like to mix things up on a day-to-day basis.