John Pangilinan

Arc’teryx Veilance Nomin Pack 2.0

The Arc’teryx Veilance Nomin Pack has been on my radar since it came out. It’s simply a beautiful minimalistic pack with just the right amount of bells and whistles. It’s on the top of my wish list, but a bit out of my budget.

David Vo

côte&ciel Timsah

Mr Zing

Mixed Works Falcon M

I’m gonna go for the Mixed Works Falcon M. I already own the smaller Falcon S. I just love everything about it: 1000D Cordura, Cobra buckle, its style. The Medium version might fit my torso size better. Either that or a crazy expensive British-made leather weekender.

Piotr Ma

Fjällräven No. 21 Large

This is a pack I’ve been coveting…and last week finally I pulled the trigger on it! The Fjällräven No. 21 Large, which I was lusting after for more than a year. I’ve played with a lot of modern technical packs in the last couple of seasons but the concept of a classic ‘canvas and leather’ rucksack was always on my mind. And in my honest opinion Fjällräven simply nailed it with the No. 21 Large. The whole No. 21 series of packs is cool, but that full leather bottom of the Large variant is something special. There is no other pack like that! And surprisingly it’s also comfortable for day trips to the woodland, as a ‘bushcrafting and classic adventure’ pack. Just add a decent knife (like the Bushcraft Model 3 by Sargent Edged Tools), pair of outdoor work gloves (CRUD Sweden ‘Gjora’ in my case), a rain jacket, wool shirt, water and food and you’re good to go for a day in the wilderness, with an old-school flair. This is a pack with a soul; you don’t need to go technical-tactical every time.

Andrew Sporrer

Stone Glacier Avail 2200

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The Stone Glacier Avail 2200 is checking all my boxes for design elements: Organization, access, compression and a capture flap/beavertail… The materials and hardware check out okay too: 500D, Xpac, Duraflex, #10 YKK. It’s got 44 reviews and those that aren’t 5-stars are 4-stars; it could be a case of the brand deleting anything lower, but damned if that’s the case. Third party retailers support the 5-star rating, too. The capacity is right around the 36L mark, plenty for a day in the wilderness, but can compress enough to EDC for the non-suit and tie crowd. It could very well be “the one.”

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Frank Sedlar

Defy Defender Briefcase

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Got my eyes on Defy’s Defender Briefcase in Horween Oxblood Leather. Overbuilt and bulletproof but oh so good-looking with that Oxblood Horween Leather and a pair of Cobra Buckles. It’s sized just right to carry the essentials (9L) and will kindly remind you when you’re packing too much. It’s built by hand in Chicago and is that type of bag that you’re handing down to your kids. Can you even imagine the patina on this thing???

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Andy Fallshaw

Maiden Noir x Mystery Ranch Snap Dragon

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The Maiden Noir x Mystery Ranch Snap Dragon backpack from 2009. Why? Because I can’t have it. The collaboration is based off the 3 Day Assault but offers a more urban-friendly aesthetic. And with Mystery Ranch’s legendary 3-Zip opening you get great access throughout the pack too.

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Vincent Tse

The North Face Access 02 Backpack

I love the look of The North Face Access 02 and they’ve learned a lot from the original design and implemented changes that streamline the bag to be lighter and sleeker. It’s been one of the most innovative designs I’ve seen and not many have come as close to exciting me about a bag as the Access Pack has.

Bo Ismono

Triple Aught Design Axiom 24

I’m currently interested in the TAD Axiom 24. I would love to check out how far I would be able to take it in terms of customizing it with all the panels, pouches and mods. I’d maybe even go so far as to see how many modules you could fit into it.

Nolan Isozaki

Arc’teryx Voltair 30

It would probably be the Arc’teryx Voltair 30! I’m planning on pushing the skiing this year a bit higher, and a bit of security from an airbag would be nice! I’ll still be gauging snow conditions before dropping but it’s for those juuuuuust in case moments!

Mike Weiss

Mission Workshop The Spar

I’m lusting for the new Mission Workshop Spar. The size and utility look perfect for being out and about (especially on my bike). And its sleek weatherproof build, quick magnetic buckle access and side zipper all add to the appeal.

So that’s us… what about you? What’s on your wishlist?

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Liked the article above? Why not check out these:

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The post Staff Picks: The Bags On Our Wish Lists appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

So what are the best ‘back to school’ backpacks? We’ve put the hard graft in on your behalf, selecting the best options for your everyday carry…

Timbuk2 Tuck Pack (US$79)

Don’t have a lot of cash to spare? No problem. You can still pick up a quality pack at a budget-friendly price. Timbuk2’s Tuck Pack features a choice of internal and external pockets, a side-access laptop compartment, and adjustable volume with a rolltop opening. Backed by a lifetime guarantee, this is a nifty school buddy that can handle a variety of additional carry needs too.

Incase ICON Dot Backpack (US$79.95)

The Incase ICON Dot delivers sleek style and functionality without breaking the bank. An interior faux fur lined pocket fits up to a 13″ laptop, with quick-access storage for smaller gear. The lightweight, compact design is great for smaller loads and won’t weigh you down during a busy day.

Harvest Label Rolltop Backpack Plus (US$84.95)

Eye-catching, affordable and adaptable, the Harvest Label Rolltop Backpack Plus works well for school days and weekend use alike. The pack provides handy front and side pockets, a padded laptop sleeve for up to a 13″ device, and further interior pockets for smaller items. In addition to the rolltop opening, the pack can also be accessed through a rear zippered opening for ease of use.

Fjällräven Greenland Top (US$94.98)

The Fjällräven Greenland Top brings outdoor functionality to the campus, with urban-friendly style and reliable durability. Crafted with G-1000 Heavy Duty Eco fabric, this tough and water-resistant pack handles school carry and day hikes equally well. An interior sleeve with a padded base fits up to a 15″ laptop. Side, front and lid pockets take care of smaller items, keeping them secure but within easy reach.

United by Blue 30L Base Backpack (US$108)

The 30L Base Backpack is a great option if you like plenty of organization and a nod to heritage styling. The padded interior sleeve fits a 15″ laptop, while front, side and lid pockets provide useful storage for frequently used items. It’s also water repellent and for each pack a pound of trash is removed from waterways, so you’re helping the planet too.

Chrome Industries Urban Ex Rolltop 18L Backpack (US$120)

The 100% waterproof Chrome Industries Urban Ex Rolltop 18L Backpack keeps your gear protected in trusty rugged style. The pack features Knurled Welded construction and a rolltop design to adapt to various loads. Available in a choice of color options, the pack offers a weatherproof quick-access pocket, a padded tablet sleeve, and reflective webbing to secure additional gear.

Mystery Ranch Rip Ruck (US$130)

Mystery Ranch brings military design inspiration to urban carry with the Rip Ruck. Designed with a rip-zip opening for quick access to the main compartment, the pack also offers front pockets for small essentials and a separate 15″ laptop compartment. Made with durable 500D Cordura and a comfy suspension, this tough pack embraces hauling school gear just as well as supplies for downtime adventures.

Mystery Ranch Urban Assault (US$139)

Another rugged option that brings military functionality to the urban jungle, the Mystery Ranch Urban Assault combines clean style with durable 500D Cordura construction. The 3-ZIP closure lets you easily retrieve items throughout the pack, with interior sleeves for a laptop and tablet. Two interior mesh pockets and an exterior lid pocket provide convenient stashing spots for smaller items. And the comfortable, hard-wearing design works well in outdoor settings when it’s time to swap class corridors for wilderness trails.

pinqponq Large Cubik Backpack (US$149.95)

A savvy option if easy access is a priority, the pinqponq Large Cubik Backpack offers a wide-opening main compartment with multiple pockets to organize tech, documents, small EDC and tools. The pack features padded laptop and tablet sleeves, along with quick-access exterior pockets. Made with bluesign® 100% PET recycled fabric, it’s a solid eco-conscious choice too.

Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus (US$179)

Bellroy’s Classic Backpack Plus combines simple, timeless style with versatile practicality. A piece you can use for school, the gym, EDC and travels, it provides a dedicated laptop compartment and quick-access pockets for smaller essentials. The durable, water-resistant build and comfortable suspension will also see you right wherever the day or night leads.

DSPTCH Daypack (US$180)

Practical organization, a durable build and everyday functionality enables this daypack to embrace the school grind with ease. The designated laptop compartment fits up to a 15″ device, while quick-access storage and interior organization keeps the rest of your gear in order too. Made in the USA with water-repellent 1680D ballistic nylon, the pack comes with a lifetime guarantee for added value.

WANDRD PRVKE (US$184)

The highly adaptable WANDRD PRVKE is designed for life on the go. Three access points including a rolltop closure, clamshell opening, and side access keeps all your gear within easy reach. The durable and weather-resistant pack is backed by WANDRD’s lifetime “Wander More, Worry Less” guarantee, so you don’t need to worry about putting it through its paces. The rolltop enables the pack to expand from 21L to 25L, with multiple pockets and attachment points to keep gear tidy. Plus there’s also a lay-flat laptop sleeve which helps you breeze through airport security if you want to swap the school haul for sightseeing supplies.

Topo Designs Cordura Klettersack (US$189)

Topo Designs merge urban and outdoor readiness with their durable and versatile Klettersack. Available in a choice of colorways, this version ups the urban style with a sleek combination of black 1000D Cordura® and black leather detailing. Inside you’ll find a 15″ laptop sleeve, while an exterior flap pocket and side pockets keep frequently used items handy. And if you need to secure additional items, the exterior leather lash tabs are ready to lend a helping hand.

Trakke Assynt 17 (US$225.20)

Want a handsome pack that offers impeccable handmade craftsmanship, premium waxed canvas and a design that moves easily between city and outdoor use? Meet the Trakke Assynt 17. Inspired by vintage mountaineering gear, the pack tackles urban streets and outdoor settings equally well. Highly weatherproof, durable and adaptable, it includes a 15″ laptop pocket and quick-access lid pocket.

Côte&Ciel Isar Large Eco Yarn Backpack (US$259)

Parisian chic with everyday functionality? No problem for the Isar Large Backpack. A smart option for style-savvy users, the pack merges an elegant draping construction with a versatile design made with sustainably produced fabric. The pack’s padded laptop pocket fits up to 17″ devices, while the front compartment accommodates a variety of contents to adapt to changing needs.

Côte&Ciel Isar Medium Eco Yarn Backpack (US$325)

Fashion-forward aesthetics meet practical design with the Côte&Ciel Isar Medium Eco Yarn Backpack. Made with silver Eco Yarn and featuring front slogan detailing, the pack offers a choice of two compartments for organization. The back compartment fits up to a 15″ laptop in a padded pocket, while the front compartment includes compression straps and a valuables pocket.

GORUCK GR1 21L (US$395)

Sure, it’s expensive. But the GR1 is built to last a lifetime and offers excellent versatility. You can reach for the GORUCK GR1 during the school day, outdoor hikes, weekend getaways, gym trips and more. The flat opening provides easy access to your gear, while the separate laptop compartment offers trusty protection for your tech. The weather-resistant USA-made pack is backed by GORUCK’s Scars Lifetime Guarantee. And with a choice of interior and exterior pockets and MOLLE webbing, you can tailor your organization to suit a range of setups.

The post The Best ‘Back to School’ Backpacks for Everyday Carry 2018 appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Peak Design

My first appointment at the show was with Peak Design and the timing couldn’t have been better. We met them about 45 minutes before they were going to launch their 8th Kickstarter campaign. I got the full rundown on their new Travel Line and was blown away. The core of the system is, naturally, the 45L Travel Backpack. It opens up with a large bucketed compartment that is designed to be a catch-all for your packing needs. Speaking of packing, they’ve developed a set of camera and packing cubes that are specifically tailored to fit together in the Travel Backpack. The camera cubes come in three sizes so it’s possible to create a combination that fits your needs.

In addition to the camera cubes, there are two sizes of packing cubes (small and medium). They are made of a very lightweight and thin 40D nylon and both expand and compress, plus they have dirty clothes separation. The zippers can even be pulled apart for quick access. Peak has also made a Tech Pouch and Wash Pouch, both utilizing a clever origami opening system. The Tech Pouch is designed so items you drop in can easily be located and accessed, and the accordion shape is designed so bulkier items don’t conflict when closing. The Wash Pouch also opens origami style but has a prominent hanging section in the middle for your toothbrush. It closes magnetically, and has two pull handles to invert the pouch for easy cleaning.

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“We met Peak Design about 45 minutes before they were going to launch their 8th Kickstarter campaign. I got the full rundown on their new Travel Line and was blown away.”

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During the conference, the campaign hit the goal within the first hour and was at over a million before the show was over. You can get in on the action for $235 for the Travel Backpack, with options adding to the cost.

BioLite

This startup from New York came into Denver hot, ready with two new products. First up is the BioLite HeadLamp which expands on their LED and USB rechargeable lighting solutions. I am not sure why I was surprised when this was announced, considering their history of making lights, but I was super stoked to hear about it and even more excited to see it in person. It features what they call 3D Slimfit Construction, which is comprised of three parts: first the front portion is flush even with the electronics integrated, second there’s better balance that’s achieved by moving power to the rear pack, and lastly, the use of smart fabric (moisture-wicking, minimized abrasion points). The Li-ion battery can power the light for three hours on high (330 lumens) and 40 hours on low (5-7 lumens). In addition to white light, it can also do spot, flood, red, strobe and is infinitely dimmable. And for the final touch – it can be articulated with just one hand. It is coming out Spring 2019 and will be priced at $49.95.

If you don’t want to wait that long and want to try out BioLite’s latest, then make sure to check out their FirePit. The aluminum rectangular box weighs 19 lbs and is designed to allow you to have campfires or cook, all while minimizing smoke. They achieve this by using a proprietary airflow system which injects the fire with oxygen, along 51 jets. This causes your fire to burn hotter, vaporizing the particulates that make up smoke. BioLite designed the sides of the FirePit with a mesh so users can see the flame. They found that many people build fires that are too large because they just want to see the flames. This X-Ray Mesh allows you to see the fire from the sides, which means you can build a fire with as little as four logs. Rounding out the features are the fold-up legs, convenient carry handles, and an optional storage bag with a built-in solar panel for recharging. The BioLite FirePit is priced at $199.

Patagonia

The latest in bags this year for Patagonia is their Planing Collection. These wet/dry bags are made specifically for surfers, kitesurfers, fishermen, and whoever may have the need to separate wet and dry clothing. Many of you may already know that Patagonia makes dry bags, primarily used for fishing. They noticed that surfers were re-purposing these expensive and often overbuilt bags for their needs, creating an inefficiency. To address this, Patagonia is releasing a four-piece collection that allows for wet/dry separation; it comes in at a lower price point, and is focus built for anyone who needs that as the main feature, while not forcing users to pay for features they don’t need. The Planing Collection is available in a rolltop, tote, duffel, and divider pack. It will be available February 2019.

As far as travel and techincal clothing is concerned, Patagonia has taken their Capilene series and simplified it with three shirts, each with a specific purpose. The first is a daily tee that fits like a tshirt. It has a higher neckline and is your go-to, do-everything shirt. It has a 50+ UPF rating to protect you from those rays. Next up is a shirt that is geared more like a synthetic climbing shirt. It’s good for warmer trail runs, climbing, etc. It is integrated with Tencel for its benefits. Finally their most lightweight shirt is for trail running, and high performance activities. It has a wider neckline and is more form-fitting. These new Capilene shirts will be available February 2019.

SOG

I’ve been keeping an eye on SOG ever since I picked up one of their blacked-out PowerAssist full-sized multitools. This year, in addition to some nifty little blades like the Flare with its assisted opening, SOG is introducing two small multitools. First up is the PowerLitre which preserves SOG’s compound leverage mechanism for maximum compression, but does it in a smaller package. It measures 5″ in overall length and has 17 tools including a corkscrew! That’s a first for me on a pliers-style multitool.

Similarly, the PowerPint also is 5″ long, has the same compound leverage mechanism, but pulls off 18 tools in a slightly lighter package (4.2 vs 4.6 oz). The smaller PowerPint comes in at $54 and the PowerLitre is priced at $67 and both are available now.

Matador

I swear, everyone I waxed poetic to about this booth was nodding in enthusiastic agreement. With their FlatPak line, Matador solved a problem that nobody knew they had or at least never thought could be improved. We all travel and know what a hassle it is to pack toothpaste, soap, shampoos, and conditioners, especially given our political climate and strict TSA rules. First up is the FlatPak Toiletry Bottle which comes in a 1 or 3-pack and retails for $12.99 or $34.99, respectively. It’s made with a special Cordura fabric that has never been used with this application before. It is 5 times lighter and 3.5 times more compact than traditional toiletry bottles. The best part is it compresses down to exactly the amount of product you have left, leaving you with more room in your bag as your trip progresses.

Next up is their FlatPak Soap Bar Case which really stole the spotlight. Again, using the Cordura material with a proprietary coating, this time the Soap Bar Case has a breathable membrane (they call Dry-Through) which allows the bar to dry when it’s being stored. The rolltop closure means the case is only as large as the remaining bar. No more gross Ziploc bags or bars of soap wrapped in paper towels. The Soap Bar Case retails for $12.99.

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“With their FlatPak line, Matador solved a problem that nobody knew they had or at least never thought could be improved.”

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Smartwool

The story this year with Smartwool is their thoughtful construction, especially in regards to their new men’s and women’s tops, where they are really showcasing their 3D mapping technology. Take for instance their updated men’s anorak which is body mapped and mesh paneled. They put merino where it’s needed and made the garment breathable and vented, to minimize billowing during active pursuits.

Their Merino Sport 150 utilizes a merino that is woven around a nylon core, giving you the benefits of both materials. The use of the aforementioned inset mesh panels adds more style, especially to the women’s tops. The highlights here are the women’s tank top and the men’s tech tee, both under the Merino Sport 150 range. Finally, for men, we also see new boxer briefs, with some models removing the front flap opening for those athletes that are looking for a sleeker fit. There is also a new brief available, with less leg material than the boxer.

Farm to Feet

The evening before flying out, we were having dinner at an Indian restaurant and this lady overheard our conversation about coolers. Jokes were exchanged and at one point, showing her frustration with the exhibit selection, she rhetorically asked “Gosh, could there be any more merino sock companies?” I laughed but as someone who is a big proponent of merino (for everything), I am glad there are lots of options for merino socks.

I would have passed by Farm to Feet’s booth if it had not been for a rep who led me to them during a rapid-fire tour of brands. Farm to Feet’s main selling point is they are focused on a Made in the USA merino sock. This means everything from the wool and nylon to packaging, inks, and workers are American. It was launched about five years ago by Nestor Hosiery which is an OEM that produces socks for some big brands you’ve heard of.

What caught my eye is the Cascade Locks hiking sock, named after the gathering at that site, for the Pacific Crest Trail Days. In fact, all of their socks are named after a trail or region in the country. Farm to Feet does not do any printing so all of their designs are knitted into the sock. It’s quite fascinating when you take a close look at the detailed designs. They have also put thought into where to put extra cushioning and where to keep it less cushioned, depending on the task at hand. For the Cascade Locks sock, this means no cushioning in the arch to minimize weight and bulk, but it does have cushioning on the top of the foot for extra comfort. Priced at $22.50 a pair, which is in line with their other offerings, I am definitely looking to Farm to Feet for my next pair of hiking socks.

Brooks England

At first glance, the new Brooks Discovery Range doesn’t seem to really fit with the other bags in their collection. However, once you place them among their wildly successful Cambium saddles, you start seeing the shared DNA. There are a total of five bags in Discovery, but one didn’t make it to the States (a smaller version of one of the backpacks). Let’s focus on the ones that are available now, stateside. First up are the two backpacks – the Sparkhill in 22L and the Pitfield which starts at 24L and goes up to 28L with expansion. You’ll see similar details on these bags, along with the others in the range. They include: zippers that mimic the shape of the saddle rails, interior lining telling the story of Brooks (you’ll see a man and a horse, which is the origin story of the iconic brand), YKK AquaGuard zippers, waterproof PU-coated nylon and Cordura exterior, and reflective details. A unique feature on the Pitfield is the stretch front which allows you to store a helmet (or jackets) inside. If you opt not to use it for a helmet, there’s an attachment point on the exterior you can attach it to. There is also a place to store your U-lock as well as a padded pocket for your smartphone or sunglasses. The bag can also fit over the handles of a typical piece of rolling luggage, which is super convenient when you are going from gate to gate. Both packs are $200.

The New Street briefcase has attachments to turn it into a pannier. I really thought the system was clever, with you opening two wide straps that then swing around to the front and reattach, providing you with a reflective strip. When it is not in use on a bike, the flaps close in the rear, securing everything neatly. It comes with a shoulder strap but can also be carried briefcase-style, by the handles. It is priced at $200.

Lastly, the Strand shoulder bag features the patented Brooks cycling belt for stability. It comes in at 15 liters and carries a 15″ MacBook, can support a U-lock and has some nicely padded compartments with organization. It sells for $180.

Cordura

Cordura is a real beast to cover here so I want to just focus on a few things that I think are important to the carry industry. First and foremost is the realization that people want items that last longer and continue to look good during wear. To that end, they have created Cordura TrueLock Fiber which is a solution-dyed nylon 6,6. The difference between TrueLock and traditional materials is that with TrueLock, the color is embedded in the fiber. This results in long-lasting and consistently colored products. There is also a water savings of 1.87 liters per linear meter of material plus an energy savings that’s enough to make 170 margaritas on a home blender (I know, random fact but it goes to show how much more efficient this process is). This has great applications in the military where they often are faced with different components on a pack wearing differently and thus creating a non-uniform look. However, this is also crossing over to the consumer market where partners want consistency.

Next up, I asked about microplastics shedding off of clothes and into the water supply or atmosphere. Cordura assured me that they are focused on this and have already completed a study. They are partnering with Tencel and will have innovations debuting in early 2019 in that realm.

Cotopaxi

The biggest news for Cotopaxi at this year’s Outdoor Retailer is the pending release of their smaller 28L Allpa travel backpack. The 35L is a crowdfunding success story and now that the bags have been delivered to backers, the SLC company is releasing a smaller version. Personally, I found the smaller size extremely attractive and a much-needed option. We saw a trend of a few companies releasing products that, on second thought, may have been too large for some of their core demographic. To correct for this, they are releasing smaller bags, with mostly the same feature set as the bigger brothers. In this case, the 28L Allpa has the laptop sleeve, stowaway straps, mesh back panel, and the same anti-theft zippers. The differences are a smaller waist belt since it’s expected to hold less weight, and inside you’ll find just one span pocket on the left side, rather than the two on the 35L. It’s expected in two colorways – shark and phantom, and will retail for a very reasonable $160.

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“The biggest news for Cotopaxi at this year’s Outdoor Retailer is the pending release of their smaller 28L Allpa travel backpack. Personally, I found the smaller size extremely attractive and a much-needed option.”

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Cotopaxi hasn’t done many lifestyle bags recently so for Spring ’19, they are looking to change that. You have the Ostra which is a 30L bag with some cool hardware. It includes a magnetic latch for the main compartment opening, a sleeve to tuck a book or jacket, water bottle sleeve, mesh back panel, and space for both a laptop and tablet. It will retail for $80 when it’s out Spring ’19. They are also coming out with a messenger bag called the Mono which will also feature magnetic straps (starting to see a trend here?), and will hold a 17″ laptop and is compartmentalized for maximum organization in the office. Finally, the behemoth 50L Burro Duffel will feature magnets to secure the straps and unlike their previous duffel offerings, will have more compartments for sorting your goods.

Fjällräven

I am always excited to see what Fjällräven has in store and this year they didn’t disappoint. The main focus of their booth is their new Bergtagen, their first venture into making a dedicated ski-tour/mountaineering pack. It is 38L and is made with their new Bergshell fabric, which is comprised of recycled nylon. It also features two birch stays that make up the frame. While many of Fjällräven’s packs use wooden frames, this particular frame uses sustainable birch and actually gives you weight savings rather than added weight that other species of wood often has. The stays are removable if you decide you don’t need that extra support. The uploading bag has plenty of room, including a pocket for avalanche equipment/beacon. It’s also hydration compatible and the exterior features a latch for securing rope or other mountaineering equipment as well as compression straps to carry skis or poles. It’s a Spring ’19 release and priced at $240.

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“I am always excited to see what Fjällräven has in store and this year they didn’t disappoint. The main focus of their booth is their new Bergtagen, their first venture into making a dedicated ski-tour/mountaineering pack.”

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Next up are some more whimsical and fun items. The Kånken Art sees a collaboration with two young Swedish artists, Erik Olovsson and Cecilia Heikkilä, who add their flair to the iconic Kånken backpack. Made from durable G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco S, the bags are also part of Fjällräven’s Arctic Fox Initiative, meaning a portion of the sales will be donated to conservation research. These unique bags will be priced at $90 for the regular size and $80 for the Mini.

Finally, with hip packs making a comeback (not sure what I think about this), Fjällräven is introducing the Ulvö Hip Pack. The pack also uses Fjällräven’s Bergshell fabric and comes in medium and large sizes. The smaller measures 2L in capacity while the large is twice as large. Both have internal and external pockets and have a vintage vibe to them. They will retail for $50 and $60, respectively.

Osprey

Osprey’s story at Summer Outdoor Retailer is really around four new packs. First is the new Rook/Ren which offers backpackers a fully-featured pack for an entry-priced $150. It uses Osprey’s new Airspeed suspension and harness for excellent ventilation and a dialed-in fit. It also comes with an integrated raincover, zippered sleeping bag compartment and plenty of organization. It retails for $155 for the 50L and $165 for the 65L version.

They’ve also redesigned their premium mountain biking packs for Spring 2019. The Raptor/Raven now features their new Biostrech Harness which uses a winged harness to wrap around your upper shoulders for a comfortable close fit while there is dynamic movement on the bike. The AirScape back panel allows for ventilation while the Hydraulics LT 2.5L bladder offers flexibility for riding in different positions. A removable toolroll organizer, helmet attachment point, and hydration sleeve with direct access round out the features. This is priced at $140.

Speaking of cycling, the Seral is a 7L lumbar pack designed to keep you hydrated and with tools close by, but without the bulk of a shoulder pack. It features an AirScape lumbar back panel, direct access to the reservoir, compartment with tool organization and a front panel bungee for additional storage. It’s priced at $85.

Last but not least is their new travel solution. The Ozone Duplex is available now and is a travel pack they are adding to their travel line. The idea for this pack is to have your laptop closer to your body with a larger daypack and a removable cargo bag. The cargo bag comes off and acts like traditional luggage. It has internal compression, internal mesh pockets, a liquids pouch, and duffel style pouch. The idea is you travel to the airport with the two bags attached. Once you get there, you separate the two items and either check in the cargo bag or put it in the overhead bin, while the backpack acts as your daypack. The same goes for when you arrive at your destination – leave the cargo bag at the hotel or hostel, and take the daypack around town. The daypack opens from the back panel for easy access to your laptop. It has a secret pocket for documents like your passport and a water bottle pocket that is still accessible when attached to the cargo bag. It’s available in 65L for men and 60L for women. Available now, first from REI.

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“The Ozone Duplex is available now and is a travel pack they are adding to their travel line. The idea for this pack is to have your laptop closer to your body with a larger daypack and a removable cargo bag.”

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Opinel

Two new products that Opinel is introducing are their picnic set and a modern take on a classic. First up is a nice little picnic or garden set that includes three tools – corkscrew, No. 12 serated knife (perfect for cutting bread, pineapples, or other hard-to-slice items), and the first over folding peeler. Each tool sits in a designated area, marked by an etching in the cloth, and secured with a loop. Above it sits a cutting board that is made in Italy, using Beechwood sourced from Europe. Everything is wrapped nicely in a bundle with a fiber cloth and secured with an elastic shock cord. This is expected for an end-of-summer release, and will retail for $85.

Next up is the No. 8 Black Oak which takes the 128-year-old classic No. 8 and adds a black oak handle and black annodizing on the blade and locking mechanism. I have always toyed with getting a No. 8 for beach or picnic outings and this Black Oak version was a real stunner in person. It’s $45 and available now.

Snow Peak

The Japanese heritage outdoors company had a team of representatives from their Portland HQ at the show. While they had a handful of cool titanium camping goods available, we were mostly there for the bags. They had a really simple, but impressive, soft cooler tote with them. The rugged canvas bag holds 4.2 gallons and while they recommend using it with ice packs, they had it full with cubes and beer at the show and there was no sign of leakage anywhere. In a world of fairly ugly coolers, I think Snow Peak has a winner on their hands here. It’s available Summer 2018 for $100.

Granite Gear

Like the Crown2 release from last year’s Outdoor Retailer, the Minnesota-based Granite Gear went back to the drawing board and took an existing classic and completely revamped it. This time around, they focused on the Blaze 60 and completely redesigned it. In comparison to the Crown where you can still purchase the Crown 1, this is a new bag, built from the ground up, but with the heritage and foundation of the previous Blaze 60. So what’s new? Where do we start?

First and foremost, there is a higher load rating, 50 lbs, up from the 40 lbs of the last Blaze, and higher than the 30 lbs of the Crown2. They accomplished this in a few key ways. First, there is a non-removable polycarbonate frame sheet that is injection molded instead of compression molded (Crown2). This allows them to vary thicknesses based on the known stress and load points. The new Blaze 2 also has quick-adjusting torso size but utilizing metal buckles that fit into slots in the frame sheet. The sheet is clear so you can easily see what you’re doing as you make adjustments. To ensure a good fit, the Blaze 60 has adjustable hip stabilizers that work by first undoing heavy-duty Velcro straps, pulling the compression straps close to you, then re-securing the straps on the hip belt. Once this adjustment is made, the bag moves with your body.

To maintain essentially the same weight as last year’s Blaze, Granite Gear developed a proprietary and exclusive material (that is similar to Dyneema), that they’re calling Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE). Traditionally, ripstop fabrics have a fiber content of 7% (one vertical crossing one horizontal fiber). In the Blaze 60, they’ve worked with the mill to up that content to 21%, meaning three vertical crossing three horizontal fibers. This creates a denser ripstop pattern and this material is used in high-stress areas. The rest of the pack is covered in 100D fabric. Other features include a removable top lid that can be attached to the hip belt for waist carry, or on the chest for easy access to maps and snacks, taking the weight off the shoulders.

The Blaze 60 is a Spring ’19 release and comes in two colorways (black and pottery clay) in the unisex, along with three torso sizes. And for women, it comes in black and teal and two torso sizes. It will retail for $269. The Blaze 60 looks to be a very versatile offering from Granite Gear, targeting hikers who want more flexibility in dialing in a fit, and who may need the higher load rating.

LifeProof

The brand known for their protective phone cases have come out with a complete line of bags. Four styles – Quito (18L), Squamish (20L), Goa (22L), and Squamish XL (32L), in three colorways, are retailing for $100 to $180 and are available now. The Quito is considered a flash pack – something you can just pick up and toss some items in and run out the door. The next size up is the Squamish and it has side access, a 13″ laptop compartment, and external storage to support cycling shoes, a jacket or helmet. The Goa has four different tech pockets, side access for a 15″ laptop, and fleece-lined pocket for a smartphone or sunglasses. Finally, the Squamish XL is the king of the collection and comes in at 32L. It has a zip area at the bottom of the pack for wet/dry separation. All packs have a Cordura exterior for water resistance.

Well that wraps up Part I of our OR Summer Market 2018 coverage. Keep your eyes peeled for Part II plus our awards post so you can get the complete picture. If you have any questions, feel free to ask down below. There are a few other brands that we met with briefly, or unofficially, that I didn’t get to touch on here. If you are wondering about a brand, you can check if we came by them, by asking in the comments.

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The name ‘duffel’ stems from the 17th century and a Belgian town called Duffel, where the original duffel bag fabric was made. The duffel became particularly widespread during WWII, issued to numerous army and navy personnel as a simple and durable means of transporting their gear as well as military supplies. Commonly crafted from canvas and featuring a cylindrical design, duffel bags were sometimes also referred to as kit bags (stemming from carrying military kit), sea bags or ditty bags. Following WWII, many duffels became readily available through sources such as army surplus stores, encouraging their spread through civilian carry spheres. The duffel bag was popular in American and Australian surfer subcultures until around the mid 1960s, and the past few decades have played their own role in shaping this humble hauler, both from a fashion and functionality standpoint.

Duffels vs. Weekenders

Modern-day duffel use varies greatly, from travel to carrying sports gear or outdoor adventure/expedition equipment, to everyday use. The terms ‘duffel’ and ‘weekender’ are sometimes used interchangeably, though weekenders tend to be a little more boxy in shape, more formal, and more compact – essentially big enough to store a weekend’s worth of clothing and toiletries. Weekenders have a strong short-trip association (and usually within urban settings, such as airport to taxi to accommodation). Duffels on the other hand lean towards a little more versatility (for example carrying your work supplies one day and gym gear or a stash of travel essentials the next).

KILLSPENCER Duffel vs Billy Kirk Carryall

So now that you know a bit more about the duffel’s history, let’s dig a little into the key points to consider if you want to add one to your carry collection.

Size

Obviously it’s important that a duffel meets your needs in terms of available space. Check the size dimensions to ensure it will fit everything you have in mind. Also make sure it fits airline baggage restrictions if you plan to travel with it.

Style

More neutral colorways (such as black, tan, gray or navy) will make it easier for the duffel to blend into a greater range of environments. That being said, some users will be happy to go bold with a style that expresses their personality or signals fashion-forward sensibilities. Ultimately make sure the duffel style fulfils your needs and personal preferences, whether that’s low-key flexibility or a style statement that will really stand out.

Durability

Duffels have expanded greatly from their traditional canvas construction and are now available in a wide range of materials. If you want to get the most out of your bag, ensure it’s made with durable material, quality hardware and dependable construction. A good duffel will haul gear reliably without you having to worry about it holding up to the demands of frequent travel or regular EDC use. Features such as a reinforced base or feet will add durability, along with reinforced stitching in stress points. And water-resistant fabrics and zippers will add an extra layer of defence to protect your gear on the go.

Something to bear in mind though, in general the more durable a duffel is, the heavier it will likely be. So decide beforehand where your compromise point will be. Perhaps a lighter but slightly less durable duffel will better suit your needs if you won’t be dragging it through harsh environments all the time.

Access

While you should ensure a duffel offers sufficient space for your needs, how you access that space is equally important. Being able to easily access the main compartment makes that space more usable, so consider things like wide openings, large D-shaped zippers and clamshell designs for maximized access. Additionally, you’ll want readily available pockets for smaller items to be stored within easy reach.

Carry Options

In addition to carry handles, some bags may offer shoulder straps and/or backpack straps for flexible portability. Grab handles on multiple sides can assist with moving the bag in tight spaces or over shorter distances. If you know you’ll be using the duffel across a range of environments, it’s best to opt for one with a choice of carry options to help you adapt as required.

Now that you have some ideas about key factors to consider, let’s make your duffel search that little bit easier. We’ve rounded up some of the world’s best duffel bags to cater to a range of carry needs. Check them out below…

Best Tough Duffel Bag: GORUCK Gym Bag (US$ 95)

GORUCK have built a reputation for crafting some of the toughest carry gear around. And their Gym Bag doesn’t disappoint, made in the USA with 1000D CORDURA® and backed by GORUCK’s SCARS lifetime guarantee. The 38L duffel features a wide-opening main compartment, an interior pocket for smaller items, and reinforced carry handles, with the option to add a shoulder strap if desired.

Best Rolling Duffel: Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel (from US$ 209.30)

With its rugged wheels, telescoping handle and durable weatherproof build, the Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel easily traverses a range of terrains while keeping your gear safe from the elements. A great option when you don’t want to shoulder the load on your travels, the duffel comes in a range of sizes such as 40L, 70L and 120L and offers a large opening to the main compartment, along with easy-access interior lid pockets and an exterior side pocket.

Best Duffel Bag for College: Fjällräven No. 6 Large Duffel Bag (US$ 187.95)

With its roomy 110L volume this duffel offers plenty of space to haul all your college essentials. Complementing its ample storage space is a durable and weatherproof build, flexible portability with carry handles and concealable backpack straps, pockets for smaller items, and a smart-casual styling that looks right at home on campus.

Best Packable Duffel: Triple Aught Design Azimuth Packable Duffel (US$ 130)

Whether you’re traveling or hauling groceries on the way home, sometimes you just need to be able to pack extra. And this is where the TAD Azimuth Packable Duffel comes to the rescue. Lightweight and compact enough to fit inside your luggage or day bag until needed, the 33L duffel features top and side handles as well as a removable shoulder strap that can be configured for backpack carry. Made in the USA with a weather-resistant VX-21 ripstop and VX-07 ripstop shell, the duffel also offers pockets and interior attachment points to keep your gear tidy.

Best CORDURA Duffel Bag: Topo Designs Mountain Duffel (US$ 149)

This rugged hauler lends itself to a variety of travel and day-to-day needs. The padded base and sides offer protection against the duffel’s contents, while a choice of carry handles, stowable backpack straps and a removable shoulder strap give you the flexibility to handle a range of carry settings. Plus with exterior and interior pockets at the ready, smaller items will remain close at hand when you need them.

Best Leather Duffel: WP Standard Boxcar Duffel (US$ 400)

If you love leather bags, the Boxcar Duffel is sure to tug on your heartstrings. Crafted with durable full-grain vegetable-tanned leather, this handsome bag is carry-on compatible and includes a leather ID tag for your travels. In addition to the top handles the duffel also includes a removable shoulder strap, and features a removable zippered pocket to keep smaller items within easy reach.

Best Waterproof ‘Submersible’ Duffel: YETI Panga Submersible Duffel (US$ 349.99)

While weatherproof bags are sufficient for a lot of carry situations, sometimes you need that extra peace of mind. And the YETI Panga delivers it in rugged style. Extremely tough and fully submersible, this duffel will take a beating for years to come, while keeping your gear safe and dry wherever the next great adventure leads. And with multiple grab handles and the option to carry the bag backpack-style, you can easily maneuver it wherever you need to go.

Best Waxed Canvas: KILLSPENCER Duffel (US$ 490)

The KILLSPENCER Duffel offers a great balance of durability and clean, classy style, with a versatile design that can haul your travel essentials or gym gear equally well. The duffel is made in the USA with 18 oz. filter twill waxed canvas, bullhide leather detailing, and Riri zippers. In addition to top and side handles, the duffel also includes a removable shoulder strap.

Best Duffel With Backpack Straps: Boreas Erawan Duffel Pack (US$ 159.99)

Boreas are well experienced in creating carry gear to help you get out there and explore. So when they make a duffel designed to embrace travel with plenty of carry comfort, you know it’ll be good. The Erawan Duffel Pack features comfy stowable shoulder straps for backpack portability, as well as grab handles for hand carry. The clamshell-style main compartment lets you easily pack and reach your travel gear, while further features include a useful wet/dry compartment and a waterproof pocket.

Best Duffel for Travel: Red Oxx Air Boss (US$ 275)

The Red Oxx Air Boss is a rugged carry-on bag designed with one-bag travel in mind. The duffel features three clamshell compartments to organize your gear, with compression straps in the side compartments and quick-access exterior pockets for smaller essentials. The Air Boss includes a removable non-slip shoulder strap and top carry handles for flexible portability. And since traveling is often grueling on your carry, you can enjoy extra peace of mind that this extremely tough, American-made duffel is backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Best All-rounder: Thule Subterra Duffel 45L (US$ 139.95)

The Thule Subterra Duffel 45L is an adaptable and understated duffel that lends itself to a variety of uses, from short business trips to weekend getaways and day-to-day carry needs. The duffel suits carry-on use for most airlines and opens wide for easy packing, with an interior pocket for smaller items. Externally a quick-access top pocket keeps items such as your phone within reach. The duffel’s top flaps can be secured down for a sleeker look or kept up for a tote-style bag. Grab handles and a removable shoulder strap provide convenient carry options, and the low-key style works well across formal and informal settings alike.

Best Duffel for the Gym: Aer Gym Duffel 2 (US$ 170)

When you’re putting the effort in at the gym, why not have a bag that works hard for you too? Aer’s Gym Duffel 2 is that bag, packing in handy features such as a ventilated main compartment and shoe compartment, separate storage for clean clothes, and a choice of top handles or shoulder strap carry. Multiple pockets keep your EDC and gym accessories tidy, and there’s even a padded 15″ laptop pocket. Pair the bag’s useful organization with smart aesthetics that suit work and play, and you’ve got a great one-bag solution for gym and the office.

Best Inexpensive Duffel: Matador Transit30 Duffel (US$ 49.99)

You don’t have to shell out a lot of money in order to get a good duffel. The Matador Transit30 Duffel is a tough and weatherproof duffel made with CORDURA 30D material, water-resistant zippers, and reinforced stitching at stress points. The design is both ultra-lightweight and highly packable, with two carry handles that can be slung over the shoulders to carry the bag in backpack mode. All for under $50, making this duffel great value for money.

Best Duffel for Sneakers: Lexdray Portland Sneaker Duffel (US$ 279)

If you love your sneakers as much as you love your carry, the Portland Sneaker Duffel is the bag for you. Crafted with durable, weather-resistant materials, the duffel features a central rolltop compartment designed to hold sneakers of any size. Two side compartments and plenty of pockets provide storage for clothing, tech and other travel or day-to-day essentials, making this a versatile piece for trips to the gym or further afield.

Best Adjustable Duffel: Piorama The Adjustable Bag (US$ 149)

Your carry needs change, and sometimes one bag is just too small or too big to meet them. So you could get multiple bags…or you could get The Adjustable Bag. One bag that adjusts to three different sizes, expanding from 31L to 46.5L to 62L to handle a variety of loads. And for added functionality, you also get three carry options for each size, including backpack, shoulder bag and carry handle mode.

Best Luxury Duffel: Troubadour Fabric + Leather Duffel (US$ 1240)

Refined and elegantly eye-catching, this Troubadour duffel is handcrafted in Italy with premium Italian fabric and vegetable-tanned Italian leather. The duffel combines function and fashion, with easy access to the main compartment, exterior and interior pockets for storing smaller items, and a choice of carry handles or backpack straps. If understated luxury is what you’re after, this duffel delivers.

Others duffels that we love!

Arc’teryx Carrier Duffel 

Mystery Ranch Mission Duffel

What’s your favorite duffle? Hit us in the comments. 

The post The Ultimate Guide to the World’s Best Duffel Bags appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Chrome Industries Cardiel ORP Backpack (US$ 80)

The Cardiel ORP is a versatile rolltop backpack that adapts easily to daily and travel use. Store your EDC gear for a trip around town or roll the bag up and stash it in your luggage for use at your travel destination. The pack features a lightweight and water-resistant construction and fits up to a 13″ laptop internally.

Harvest Label Campus Backpack (US$ 80)

The multifunctional Campus Backpack glides easily between everyday and travel use, with a variety of interior and exterior pockets to keep EDC and travel essentials conveniently accessible. There’s also an interior padded sleeve for up to a 13″ device, as well as top and back zipper access to the main compartment to reach items throughout the bag.

Harvest Label Outlander Backpack (US$ 89.95)

Top and rear access combined with multiple internal and external pockets makes it quick and easy to reach your gear in the Outlander Backpack. Exterior attachment points give you the flexibility to secure additional items as required, making this a handy pack for both EDC and travel carry needs.

Topo Designs Trail Pack (US$ 98)

With its simple and durable design the Topo Designs Trail Pack is equally at home in the outdoors or roaming down city streets. Made in the USA with 500D Cordura, the pack includes an interior padded laptop sleeve and a pocket for smaller items.

Fjällräven Räven 28L Backpack (US$ 100)

With its clean looks and functional design, the Fjällräven Räven is a versatile piece for work and the weekend alike. Multiple pockets and compartments keep your gear tidy and accessible, and the durable build featuring G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco fabric will withstand years of solid use.

RAINS Scout Backpack (US$ 125)

Looking for pared-back aesthetics and protection from the elements? Meet the RAINS Scout Backpack, a weatherproof pack that looks equally sleek in the office and about town, and fits up to a 13″ laptop inside. Additionally, a front pocket keeps frequently used items within easy reach.

Alchemy Equipment AEL004 20L Roll Top Daypack (US$ 127.95)

The Alchemy Equipment AEL004 combines an eye-catching silhouette with a stripped-back design that’s great for minimalists and those who don’t need a lot of organization. The rolltop pack handles a variety of carry needs, from the commute to the gym or a day of sightseeing, and includes an internal sleeve for up to a 13″ device.

MIS Mil-Spec 18L Backpack (US$ 135)

Rugged and multifunctional, the MIS Mil-Spec 18L Backpack is made in the USA with water-resistant 1000D Cordura. The main compartment includes a padded sleeve for up to a 15″ laptop, along with a mesh pocket for smaller items. Additionally, a front pocket and exterior webbing keep quick-access items at the ready.

Lexdray Symmetry Rome Pack (US$ 139)

The Lexdray Symmetry Rome Pack exudes urban style, complemented by a tough and weather-resistant build to withstand daily use and protect your gear from the elements. The pack fits up to a 15″ laptop and keeps smaller items close at hand in the front pocket.

Ortlieb Vario QL2.1 (US$ 140)

The two-in-one Ortlieb Vario QL2.1 functions as both a pannier and a backpack, moving easily between cycling and off-bike use. Water-resistant up to an IP64 rating, the pack fits a 15″ laptop, with two exterior non-water-resistant pockets for quick-access items.

M.R.K.T. Mateo Backpack (US$ 145)

A handsome combination of form and function, the M.R.K.T. Mateo features a striking silhouette and a weather-resistant build. The self-standing design makes it easy to pack and retrieve items, and a choice of organization options including a removable 15″ laptop sleeve and exterior back pocket for valuables keep your day-to-day items in order.

Arc’teryx Sebring 25 Backpack (US$ 149)

A great pack for the trails or urban settings, the Arc’teryx Sebring 25 combines a sleek exterior with full access to the main compartment thanks to a wide-opening front panel. The pack includes two water bottle pockets, a hydration bladder sleeve and a choice of top interior and exterior pockets for storing smaller items.

pinqponq Large Cubik Backpack (US$ 149.95)

The wide-opening main compartment makes it easy and fast to access your work tools, EDC or travel items inside the pinqponq Large Cubik Backpack. There’s space for documents, a laptop and a tablet, along with a range of interior and exterior pockets to keep smaller items neat and tidy. And with its urban-friendly styling this pack is right at home in the city or moving through airports on your travels.

Incase ICON Slim Backpack (US$ 149.95)

With its low-key aesthetics and variety of organization options, the ICON Slim works great for the office but moves easily to after-work carry tasks too. Multiple compartments and a choice of pockets keep your tech, documents, EDC or travel essentials tidy on the go, with dedicated storage for up to a 15″ laptop.

The post Sportique Presents: Best Everyday Backpacks under $150 appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Huckberry

Huckberry have an eye for curated carry goodness, showcasing topnotch brands across their Everyday Carry collection. With pieces from the likes of Mission Workshop, Mystery Ranch, Peak Design, GORUCK, Bellroy, Topo Designs, Aer, Filson, Heimplanet and more, it’s a veritable carry feast waiting for you to tuck in with a tasty 10% discount site-wide.

REI

REI have been helping people enjoy the outdoors since 1938 and now the co-op is dropping some serious discounts on great carry pieces. Enjoy discounts of up to 40% on pieces from brands such as Osprey, Patagonia, Chrome Industries, Eagle Creek, The North Face, Timbuk2, Gregory, Backcountry Access, Mammut, Sea to Summit and REI’s own line of carry goods.

Backcountry

Backcountry offers a host of quality outdoor gear to help people pursue their passions, from embracing the snow slopes and hitting the MTB trails, to climbing gnarly peaks and taking in amazing hiking views. And with up to 50% off on brands such as Patagonia, Osprey, Mountain Hardwear, Marmot, The North Face, Gregory, EVOC, Outdoor Research, Deuter and Mountainsmith those activities can be enjoyed with some sweet savings.

Tumi

Tumi have built up a solid reputation in the premium carry niche with pieces that merge sophisticated aesthetics and functionality for work or play. And when you can enjoy such pieces with savings of up to 50% off? A definite bonus. Pick up some great deals on a variety of pieces from backpacks and briefcases to luggage and shoulder bags.

Chrome Industries

Chrome have been pedaling hard since 1995, with a range of functional and tough bags designed primarily for urban users. The brand has a big focus on bike-friendly gear, though their designs easily glide from pedal power to two-foot exploring when the need arises. Hook yourself some great deals with up to 50% off on messengers and backpacks in their sale.

Samsonite

One of the big names in luggage, Samsonite has been innovating and helping people travel better for over a century. Currently you can unpack some tempting deals on the likes of spinners, garment bags, duffels, briefcases and more. Plus you can get 20% off your first order by submitting your email address. Want more? Enter the code LBRDAY at checkout through 4 September for even more ace savings.

East Dane

Fancy carry with some fashion-friendly flair to it? Men’s fashion site East Dane is dishing up savings of up to 70% off on pieces from brands such as Timbuk2, Tumi, Michael Kors, Shinola and Atelier de l’Armee that are well worth a look.

Moosejaw

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast you should definitely make time to mosey on over to Moosejaw’s site, as the outdoor goods retailer has some impressive discounts on offer across a variety of great brands. Score up to 40% off gear from the likes of Osprey, Gregory, Black Diamond, SealLine, Arc’teryx, Deuter, CamelBak, Kelty and Thule to name just a few. As an added bonus, you can snack on 20% off one full-priced item through 4 September by entering the code HOTDOG at checkout.

Sierra Trading Post

Off-price retailer Sierra Trading Post is ready to deliver awesome savings with their 24In24 picks that offer 24 discounted picks over 24 hours, as well as great deals on pieces from the likes of Granite Gear, Gregory, Thule, Topo Designs, Boreas and High Sierra.

Mountain Hardwear

Keen on 50% off select items from Mountain Hardwear? You’re in luck as they’re offering just that between 15 August and 31 August, so it’s a great time to get stuck in and kit out your adventure gear collection.

U.S. Elite Gear

Head over to U.S. Elite Gear for up to 25% off a selection of great gear from 25 August to 4 September. Keep an eye out for savings to be had on pieces from Arc’teryx LEAF, Eberlestock, Vertx and Granite Gear.

Fjällräven

One of Sweden’s most famous outdoor brands, Fjällräven will be offering 20% off everything on their US site except Kånken backpacks and new Fall styles. Additionally there will be up to 35% off on select styles across the site. The Labor Day sale will run from 1 September to 4 September.

Update:

Topo Designs

Runs until the 4th!

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Functionality on a budget 

Harvest Label Trekker Flaptop Backpack (US$ 74.95)

Carry a diverse range of loads? The Harvest Label Trekker Flaptop Backpack can help you out with its expandable design that gives you more space when you need it, or cinches down when you don’t. Two front zipper pockets provide convenient storage for frequently used items, while an interior padded compartment safely stores up to a 15″ laptop. For added flexibility, a rear zipper enables easy access to the main compartment without having to undo the top.

Topo Designs Y-Pack (US$ 79)

Simple, tough and versatile, the Topo Designs Y-Pack can move from school to the streets or outdoor trails. Crafted with 1000D Cordura fabric, the bag features a drawstring closure and flap top, with handy storage in the flap for smaller essentials. Inside is a 15″ laptop sleeve, while externally you’ll find dual side pockets for a water bottle or other quick-access gear.

M.R.K.T. Carter Mini Backpack (US$ 85)

Slim and stylish, the M.R.K.T. Carter Mini Backpack is a compact companion for minimalist carry setups. The pack features a removable small sleeve compartment, along with a quick-access pocket on the back panel and a convenient top grab handle.

Fjällräven Re-Kånken Backpack (US$ 89.95)

Fjällräven’s iconic Kånken gets an eco-friendly makeover with the special edition Re-Kånken backpack. The Re-Kånken is made with polyester from 11 recycled plastic bottles and a spin dye process that uses reduced amounts of water, energy and chemicals. The pack features a wide-opening main compartment, a removable seat pad, as well as two exterior side pockets and a front zippered pocket for stashing smaller EDC and study tools.

RAINS Waterproof Mini Backpack (US$ 95)

Looking for sleek, weatherproof protection for your gear? This pack delivers, offering around 10L of storage space in an attractive design that will keep the elements at bay. The pack has an interior sleeve for a 13″ laptop and a quick-access back pocket that’s handy for keys or your phone.

Incase ICON Lite Pack (US$ 99.95)

The clean silhouette of the Incase ICON Lite brings a touch of professional, urban-friendly aesthetics to your school carry. The 12L pack offers a faux fur padded sleeve for up to 15″ tech, and the main compartment is well shaped for carrying books, magazines and papers. Plus with quick-access pockets you can keep smaller items within easy reach.

Keeping things organized

pinqponq Large Cubik Backpack (US$ 149.95)

With its wide opening the pinqponq Large Cubik Backpack provides ready access to items throughout the main compartment. Interior sleeves keep your laptop, tablet and papers tidy and easily accessible, with additional pockets ready to handle smaller items. An exterior base pocket is a handy place for storing cables and chargers, and the pack also salutes sustainability with fabric made from recycled PET bottles.

Incase City Commuter Backpack (US$ 159.95)

The Incase City Commuter Backpack offers a great combination of urban style and practical organization for your daily gear. The pack’s laptop compartment provides 360-degree padding for superior protection, while the quick-access front pocket includes a soft lining for smaller tech devices. Multiple pockets are available for organizing individual items, and the expandable back compartment comes in handy when you need to fit in a little extra.

Arc’teryx Blade 20 Backpack (US$ 169)

The Arc’teryx Blade 20 can adapt to the school day, gym trips or overnight stays thanks to its clamshell design that offers separate storage for clothing and tech devices. The pack’s exterior front pocket includes a choice of inner pockets for organization, while the main compartment features dedicated storage for a laptop and tablet. There’s also a discreet back pocket that’s ideal for storing a passport, wallet or phone.

Lexdray Symmetry Vienna Pack (US$ 415)

Fancy useful organization and a premium feel to your carry? The Lexdray Symmetry Vienna Pack is definitely one to check out. Tough and water resistant, the bag handles demanding use while keeping your gear tidy on the move. The main compartment opens wide for easy packing and access and offers designated storage for a laptop and tablet. One of the key features of the pack is its extensive range of pockets, from quick-access front pockets to back-entry pockets, ensuring plenty of options for storing smaller items.

Heritage Vibes

Filson Small Day Pack (US$ 120)

Combining heritage aesthetics with durable construction, this small day pack is a versatile piece for school, EDC needs, and outdoor day trips. The pack is constructed with ballistic nylon and a water-repellent Rugged Twill base, and includes Bridle leather lash tabs for securing items externally. The bag shuts with a drawstring closure and features a removable inner wool pouch so you can conveniently transfer smaller items in and out of the pack.

United By Blue 45L Range Daypack (US$ 138)

A pack with a host of handy features that also helps you do your bit for the environment? Meet the United By Blue 45L Range Daypack, which features a water-repellent finish, top and front openings to access gear easily, a 17″ padded laptop sleeve, plus a variety of pockets for keeping items tidy and accessible. In addition, United By Blue will also remove a pound of trash from oceans and waterways for every product sold.

Topo Designs Rover Pack (US$ 139)

Happy to roam between the city and the outdoors, the Topo Designs Rover Pack is made by hand in Colorado with a durable 1000D Cordura fabric base and a lightweight and water-resistant coated pack cloth upper. The front and top pockets are ideal for storing frequently used items, while the side pockets come in handy for a water bottle, small umbrella or other quick-access items. In addition, you’ll find a 15″ laptop sleeve inside for keeping your tech secure.

Topo Designs x Woolrich Klettersack 22L Backpack (US$ 198.95)

Topo Designs and Woolrich® teamed up to create this handsome and multifunctional pack that can hit the study halls during the week and the trails during the weekend. Crafted in the USA, the bag features a Woolrich® wool exterior and a leather base. Side pockets and a top pocket provide ready storage for quick-access items, and leather lash tabs serve as exterior attachment points for bulkier items.

Minimal and Sleek

Heimplanet Monolith Minimal 18L Backpack (US$ 120)

Clean and compact, the Monolith Minimal 18L Backpack is a stylish option for minimalist carry setups. The pack is made with weather-resistant 500D Cordura Nylon 6.6 fabric and offers three front quick-access pockets. An interior sleeve fits up to a 15″ laptop and internal webbing provides options for attaching additional items.

Aer Fit Pack 2 (US$ 135)

The sleek and tough Aer Fit Pack 2 helps you cut down on carry by combining a gym bag and EDC bag in one. A front-access compartment provides storage for clothing, with separate storage for your shoes. A secondary compartment takes care of your tech, tools and small EDC and includes a padded laptop compartment.

Mystery Ranch Urban Assault Backpack (US$ 139)

The Mystery Ranch Urban Assault puts access front and center with its 3-ZIP design that offers access to gear throughout the main compartment. Comfortable and durable, the pack is made with 500D Cordura and provides a lid pocket for quick-access items. Inside are two interior pockets for keeping small items within easy reach and a laptop sleeve for up to 15″ tech.

côte&ciel Isar Small Memory Tech Backpack (US$ 250)

Keen on fashion and function? The côte&ciel Isar Small Memory Tech Backpack offers both, combining a striking silhouette with a padded laptop sleeve, pockets for EDC and small tools, and a front compartment for extra items such as an outer layer and snacks.

côte&ciel Rhine Coated Canvas & Leather Backpack (US$ 295)

The côte&ciel Rhine carries your school and EDC essentials in slim, chic and weatherproof style. The pack offers a range of pockets including front pockets for frequently accessed items, as well as a padded laptop pocket and space for books or papers in the main compartment.

Commuting by Bike

Chrome Industries Urban Ex Daypack (US$ 150)

With its 100% waterproof construction, you can breathe a sigh of relief that your gear is protected against downpours in the Urban Ex Daypack. And with its wide-opening main compartment, quick-access pockets and reflective webbing, you can get to that gear in a jiffy when you need it. A padded sleeve fits up to 13″ tech, and the compact design moves easily through crowds when it’s time to swap the bike for crowded hallways.

Chrome Industries Bravo 2.0 Backpack (US$ 160)

With its welded waterproof main compartment and flexible capacity the Bravo 2.0 Backpack accommodates a variety of loads come rain or shine. The rolltop pack includes a quick-access laptop pocket and cross compression straps that can secure bulkier items such as a jacket externally. And with a lifetime guarantee, you don’t need to worry about getting active with this bag.

Timbuk2 Especial Medio Cycling Laptop Backpack (US$ 179)

Timbuk’s Especial Medio Cycling Laptop Backpack glides easily from two wheels to the classroom, with a weatherproof build and useful organization to keep you moving smoothly throughout the day. The pack features a waterproof drop liner, reflective detailing, laptop sleeve, and a choice of quick-access pockets for a water bottle, U-lock, wallet, phone and more. For added functionality it also offers expandable storage for additional loads or bulky items such as a bike helmet. All wrapped up with a lifetime warranty.

Mission Workshop Sanction Backpack (US$ 205)

The 20L Sanction Backpack is an accomplished combination of slick urban styling and tough functionality. Made in the USA, the weatherproof pack comes with a lifetime warranty so you can ride hard secure in the knowledge that this bag will keep up. Complementing its durable build are multiple pockets for keeping EDC, school supplies and bike tools tidy and within easy reach.

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BioLite

While not a bag company, BioLite has branched out tremendously from the CampStove that put them on the map. They are still focused on bringing lighting and power to off-grid scenarios and whether that means a village in Africa or #vanlife nomads, they had all the bases covered.

The star of the show was the SolarHome 620, which includes a solar panel, three lights, and a control panel that provides an MP3-compatible stereo, charging for mobile devices. The lights are all energy-efficient LEDs with dedicated on/off switches and one of the three even has a motion sensor. Again, this would be great in any scenario where light is just needed for an evening and can charge during the day.

In addition, we also got to see their new NanoGrid series which consists of a base station, hanging string lights that can be infinitely expanded, and the PowerLight Mini which has really cool edge lighting, taking a cue from fiber optics. Lastly, they put their own spin on portable battery packs, producing three sizes with quite a unique look.

Black Diamond

A raucous party was going on in the Black Diamond booth, complete with a live band featuring an upright bass, when I had my appointment. This made it difficult to check out the bags in person, but luckily BD is only introducing six new trail packs for Spring 2018. Actually, for next year, they are revamping their whole day trek series to make things more cohesive.

Starting off with the most full featured of the bunch, the Nitro comes in both 22 and 26 liter sizes. This is the high end of their day trek packs and comes with water bottle straps, swing warm hipbelts, and ice axe compatibility. The 26L will be priced at $150.

The Bolt comes in just the 24L volume size and it is the little brother to the Nitro. It shares many of the same features, but at a lower price point.

The Magnum will be available in both 16L and 20L, for shorter trips, and has a simple belt, as opposed to the beefier ones we saw with the Nitro and Bolt. Lastly, the runt of the group, the Bbee 11 is made for fast runs and quick ascents. It’s priced at $50 and represents the entry level pack.

All packs are hydration compatible but do not include bladders. They all use Black Diamond’s open-air, high flow back panels and are constructed out of BD’s own version of Dyneema.

Cotopaxi

The big story for Salt Lake City locals Cotopaxi is their wildly successful Allpa travel pack which raised over $1M on Indiegogo. The pack comes in two colorways, black and blue, and is 35L. The exterior is a TPU-coated 1000D, with 1680D ballistic paneling. The bag is carry-on compatible and has carry handles on all sides, and all the straps can pack away to avoid any snagging during transport.

The bag has a butterfly splay open feature for easy packing and unpacking, with a mesh panel interior on one side and a large main cavity on the other. The mesh side allows you to see all the contents while offering separation.

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“The big story for Salt Lake City locals Cotopaxi is their wildly successful Allpa travel pack which raised over $1M on Indiegogo.”

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Compression straps on both sides keep things nice and compact. The back panel has an air mesh material to keep things cool and can support a 15″ laptop in the compartment. What’s great is the bags also come with the Batac 16L daypack in Cotopaxi’s Del Dia colorway, which is to say, every bag is different. This packs flat so it’ll serve as your city/daypack while the Allpa is your base camp.

I’m personally really excited to try this system out. While the weight might be a little higher than comparable one-bag solutions out there, I think the system as a whole and the size is really attractive.

Deuter

The 119-year-old German backpack brand introduced four full lines of completely new bags, or at least revamps of existing bags.

The Futura series uses the new Sensic Back System which provides maximum ventilation while transferring up to 70% of the weight to the hip fins. The Futura Vario feature the VariFit slide for easy one-touch adjustment. The bags are all hydration compatible and come in 17 sizes including women-specific and extra long models. They range in price from $120 to $230.

The Aircontact Lite bags are designed for long treks. They feature an open-cell foam back for ventilation, and an adjustable X-frame to transfer weight to the hip belt. Speaking of the hip belt, it’s a dual density hip belt that is stiffer on top to promote weight on top of the hip, and softer on the bottom for comfort. There are plenty of external straps for axes and poles and of course they are hydration compatible. The Aircontact Lite bags come in 6 sizes and are priced $190 to $220.

The Speed Lite series light/fast packs were revamped for 2018. They are lightweight with the largest size (32L) weighing just 870 grams (under 2 lbs) and it’s meant for multi-day trips. Nine sizes are available ranging from 12L to the aforementioned 32L and are priced reasonably at $60 to $140.

Last but not least is the Race and Race Air series of bags. They offer maximum ventilation and comfort, thanks to the Aircomfort Flexlite suspended mesh back system. There’s lots of practical features like loops for bike lights, sunglasses attachment loop on the front strap for easy access during a ride, detachable rain cover, and 3M reflective elements. They are priced at $105 to $135.

Eagle Creek

The company that has kept my travel luggage organized for as long as I could remember has a few new interesting products for Spring 2018.

Things start off with the Morphus International Carry-On. The Morphus has been in the line for a while but what’s new is the size is now international carry-on compatible (just 0.5 inch difference). They also took everything they learned from the first release to improve this new iteration. The concept is from one bag, comes two. The front bag zips off the framed roller and essentially becomes two carry-on bags. If you don’t pack the front bag fully, it’ll even fit under the front seat on your flight. It’ll retail for $329.

The new special edition Cargo Hauler is made with X-Pac sailcloth. The fabric also has Kevlar embedded for increased tensile strength as well as reinforced handles. There is a new pocket on the inside of the lid and the bag can be carried as a backpack. It only comes in one size, 60L, and will be $199.

The Global Companion Travel Pack which tries to improve on the 40 years of Eagle Creek Travel Packs. The problem they were trying to solve with this one is access. Usually you have to get in top load or front load, which makes it hard to get stuff at the bottom. This new pack has a full butterfly opening. It’s available in a 40L carry and 60L checked size. The 40L comes with a separate shoe compartment with water-resistant fabric, organization, a stash pocket for a jacket, sunglasses pocket on top, storm flap on the bottom to prevent water from leaking in, and a 17-inch laptop compartment with pass-through access to the main compartment. The 40L also comes with an attached rainfly, while the 60L comes with a separate “check-in” rainfly that basically self-contains the whole bag and straps into a clean package. They are $159 and $229 respectively.

Finally, the Packables line was redesigned with a new lightweight fabric. The line includes a day pack, duffel, and tote and now packs down smaller and lighter.

Fjällräven

If you’ve been to Outdoor Retailer recently, you’ll know that the Swedish brand Fjällräven has one of the sweetest booth setups around. This year was no different and we were invited to go through their new bag releases, high up above the Salt Palace convention hall floor, in their crow’s nest. It was one of the few reviews where we were seated and had relative privacy. We were shown a new tote that comes in two sizes as well as three bags celebrating the company’s history with Greenland.

Totepack No. 4 comes in both wide and tall sizes and is a great everyday bag to haul groceries, baby gear, a yoga mat and clothes, or your laptop and documents for work. It is made with Fjällräven’s famous G-1000 material and can be waxed for waterproofness. Both models are 19L and can be carried in either tote or backpack style.

Fjällräven was part of the Greenland expedition and to celebrate the 50th anniversary, they released a line of apparel and bags. The first bag we’ll cover is the Greenland Top. It comes in two sizes, large (38L) and small (28L). Again, it’s made with G-1000 and features metal hardware, a top drawstring closure, laptop compatibility, and a quick-access front compartment. They’ll retail for $120 and $150.

Next up is the Greenland Zip Backpack which is a little smaller than the Greenland Top. It also comes in two sizes, 16L and 23L, and will be priced $90 and $100. Pretty straightforward features here – padded laptop sleeve, double top carry handles, and padded shoulder straps for comfort.

Last but not least, now what’s a Fjällräven celebration without the classic Kånken. The Greenland Kånken just improves on a good thing with a leather logo, Scandinavian handle and burlier design. The 16L pack will retail for $100 and will come in a variety of colorways.

Hydro Flask

One of the biggest showings this show, for me, was Hydro Flask with their Unbound Series of soft coolers. Traditionally known for their insulated water bottles, Hydro Flask is entering the soft goods world and while the apparel is mildly interesting, what really caught everyone’s attention are the two new soft coolers. The 22L Soft Cooler Pack and 24L Soft Cooler Tote feature their new TempShield Soft insulation and Advanced Thermal Mapping to keep food and drinks chilled for 24 hours.

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“One of the biggest showings this show, for me, was Hydro Flask with their Unbound Series of soft coolers.”

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The coolers have thick insulation on the top and bottom where they found that the most cold is lost, while keeping things light and comfortable in the middle portions. Welded Aquaseal zippers mean no leaks in or out of the coolers. Both styles feature dry storage areas, tear and abrasion resistance, and can free-stand on their base. They will retail for $275.

Leatherman

This American knife company from Oregon has some of the most loyal customers and like most EDC’s, they want to carry their multitools with them anywhere. By now, you’ve probably heard of the story of how Leatherman president Ben Rivera tried to bring his Wave into Disneyland but security wouldn’t let him. This led him to creating the Tread. It’s been a great seller for Leatherman but customers were clamoring for two changes – first they wanted a smaller and narrower Tread. Second, for those wearing wrist watches, they hated having two bracelets on their wrist. They asked Leatherman to combine the two.

Leatherman came through with a small unit, called the Tread LT. It’s 20% lighter than the standard version, still comes with nine different tools, and is still TSA approved. It’s priced at $175.

The second request, the watch, was a lot harder to accomplish. You can’t simply hook up a Tread to a watch because the torque that’s applied when using the Tread tools often resulted in damage or failure of the watch component. They were finally able to overcome the obstacles with the Tread Tempo. It mates a Tread bracelet with a Swiss-made timepiece, utilizing a Quartz movement. It comes in two colors (silver and black) and both come with a sapphire crystal watch face for hard wear. It’ll retail for $575.

Osprey

A lot of buzz had already formed around the Osprey booth before OR even started. They were coming off a high from their European trade show, so the Outdoor Retailer attendees knew what to expect.

Kicking things off are the new Levity/Lumia packs. Osprey has always had Ultralight packs but now with the help of their own lightweight fabric called NanoFly, they have entered the Super Ultralight category. They come in two sizes, 45L and 60L, and weigh 1.76 and 1.83 pounds respectively. Think about the bags out there that weigh under 2 lbs and what that feels like to carry a load in, for long distances. What do you have to give up in terms of features and comfort? From what we saw, Osprey answered: not much. The pack has an actual (ultralight Airspeed) suspension, uses an Exoform harness, and a lumbar that pushes into your back and wraps around your waist for support. It’s made from Osprey’s proprietary fabric called NanoFly, which is like their version of Spectre or Dyneema, and it’s mated to a 30D silnylon underneath. It includes a top lid and side pockets. There is a men’s and women’s specific version in two colorways and two sizes, costing $250 and $270 and dropping in January 2018.

Besides that, there were some updates to existing bags. For example, the Exos was the last bag in Osprey’s backpacking line to not have a women’s specific version. They are finally fixing that with the Eja. Adjustments were also made to the hipbelt to make things easier to adjust and repair in the field. The lumbar rack was also taken from what they learned developing the Levity. This is a pack for someone who wants to carry 25-35 lb loads.

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“Osprey has always had Ultralight packs but now with the help of their own lightweight fabric called NanoFly, they have entered the Super Ultralight category.”

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Lastly, the Aether/Aerial line was updated with AG tech on top of the custom-molded hipbelt. And a removable day lid was added to round things off.

Pacsafe

The company best known for keeping your belongings safe is back with a new line that keeps your things safe while you play in the water. The mission of Pacsafe has always been to allow customers to enjoy their travel but not be encumbered by worrying about security. With the popularity of dry bags and water activities, Pacsafe saw an opportunity to combine the two and came up with the Dry Series. The bags are constructed with high-frequency heat welding and fitted with high-frequency sealed seams and YKK water-repellent zippers.

The most heavy-duty of the bunch is the Dry 15L Travel Safe. It has a rolltop closure, and can convert to a backpack. It comes with a custom designed marine lock which is a combination lock that is stainless steel and water resistant. It’s been water tested to IPX6. Next up is the 25L backpack featuring Pacsafe’s Roobar locking system, with a wet/dry separation on the inside.

Then there is the 36L beach bag/tote which seems perfect for carrying all your gear to the beach for a surf outing. Again, you’ll find the Pacsafe locking system and wet/dry separation inside. Lastly, a small 4L Dry Stash Pack is perfect for a tote or just carrying your hotel key card, wallet, and phone for a trip down to the pool. You can secure it around the lounge furniture while you take a dip.

Pelican

Initially Pelican’s philosophy was to design tough cases and the customer could decide what to put in them. Now, they’ve changed their mindset and are taking a more prescriptive approach to things, creating cases that are designed for particular uses. Pelican had backpacks before, but they were really just the hard cases with straps tied to them. For Spring ’18, they partnered with a design firm to come up with the Pelican Mobile Protect series. For the series, Pelican wanted to focus on the extreme traveler, someone who is on the road often and is hard on their gear. They wanted to preserve the brand ethos of protection, but also address comfort and organization.

First up – the backpacks. They feature 1000D nylon canvas that has been DWR coated, YKK PU-coated zippers, a suspended laptop sleeve, and one-piece EVA back panel and shoulder straps. Pelican believes that by reducing stitch points, they eliminate a source for wear and tear. What makes it a Pelican case is the ballistic nylon coated EVA pods on the bottom and corners, to protect against impact. It comes in 20L, 25L, and 35L and has a lifetime guarantee.

In addition, the MBP (Mobile Protect Duffel) line comes in 40L and 100L sizes and features shoulder straps for backpack carry, heavy reinforced bartacking for strength, a weather flap instead of coated zippers, and laptop support.

Both bags will be dropping early 2018.

Topo Designs

New for Topo Designs Spring ’18 is the Core Pack. It is a great starter pack for their line, with expandable water bottle pockets, easy access to organization pockets and a U-shaped opening. There’s a dedicated laptop sleeve, and it comes in red charcoal, khaki, black, and olive. It’ll retail for $119 and will be available in March. The Mountain Pack is also refreshed. It’s gotten quite a bit bigger. The side water bottle pockets were updated to be more streamlined. It was also given a larger flap pocket.

There are lots of new colorways in the Rover. The Y-Pack ($79) is also getting new colors but also new water bottle holders and padded straps. The story with the Y-Pack and Core Pack, as well as a few others, is Topo is moving some production to Vietnam. This allows them to add more features to the bags and reduce costs, which is passed on to the consumer as savings. Most of the packs will still be made in Colorado.

The Mountain Duffel has been available in the 60L size but now they are introducing a 40L size as well, which will be available in the Fall. The Classic Duffel will now be available in X-Pac as well. Speaking of X-Pac, expect to see a lot more use of the material across their lines. The Klettersack will be available in black X-Pac in the Spring.

Lastly, a new collaboration with Danner featuring a black Horween leather lower and a matching boot. Both will have co-branded labeling.

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Fjällräven Rucksack No. 21 (from $104.99)

Constructed from Fjällräven’s durable and water-resistant G-1000® HeavyDuty fabric, this sturdy pack lends itself to a variety of carry requirements, from nature rambling to everyday use. The main compartment includes a laptop compartment, removable seat pad, and a pocket for holding a thermos or water bottle upright, while exterior front and side pockets stash quick-access items.

Treesizeverse Waxed Canvas Backpack ($229)

Handmade in Belgium with waxed canvas and leather, this eye-catching pack includes a flexible roll-top closure for accommodating diverse loads, three exterior pockets, and a padded laptop compartment.

Trakke x Kestin Hare Assynt 17 ($240)

Trakke team up with menswear label Kestin Hare for this limited edition release of their Assynt 17 backpack. Featuring a striking Cairngorm Mountain print on dry-finish waxed cotton, this pack is nimble enough to hop between urban and outdoor adventure with equal relish.

Stone & Cloth Book Bag ($245)

Useful features such as a 3/4 zip for easy access and packing, a convenient front pocket, and a quilted laptop sleeve for up to 13″ tech makes this a practical pack for everyday use. And urban-friendly styling keeps it looking good on the campus, at work, in your local cafe, or on travel day trips.

Tanner Goods Voyager Daypack ($250)

Compact and multifunctional, the Voyager daypack is happy to roam city streets and outdoor trails alike. The pack’s exterior pockets keep frequently used items within easy reach, while an interior padded laptop sleeve takes care of your tech.

DSPTCH x 3sixteen Daypack ($275)

DSPTCH’s daypack collaboration with 3sixteen pairs waxed cotton canvas and leather in a functional design that suits urban and travel carry needs. Made in the USA, the pack provides a mix of pockets to keep your tech and EDC tidy, and comes with a lifetime warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship.

Mission Workshop Waxed Canvas Sanction Rucksack ($285)

Attractive, durable and versatile, the waxed canvas Sanction rolls between bike and on-foot carry needs with ease. Made in the USA, the pack includes a lifetime warranty and keeps your essentials safe from the elements with its weatherproof and hard-wearing construction.

Bleu de Chauffe Woody Backpack (~$290) 

The Woody Backpack takes inspiration from climbing bags, and can be carried as a backpack or with the top handles. Crafted by hand in France and dated and signed by the artisan who made it, the pack offers an attractive combination of cotton canvas and vegetable-tanned leather, with two exterior pockets and a removable interior pocket for storing smaller items and valuables.

Ally Capellino Ashley Waxed Cotton Utility Rucksack ($343.34)

Crafted with water-resistant British waxed cotton and a waterproof lining, the Ashley features a practical and unisex design that lends itself to a variety of uses, from work to the gym or leisurely days out. The bag packs in a host of interior and exterior pockets for organization, and offers easy access with its wide zipped top opening.

Ateliers Auguste Caulaincourt Roll-Up Backpack ($348)

Fancy a little French chic in your EDC? With its solid craftsmanship, durable materials, and clean lines, this slim and elegant roll-top looks equally dapper in a work setting and around town on your days off.

Teranishi Venture LT ($350)

A lighter version of Teranishi’s Venture backpack, the Venture LT delivers the same handsome aesthetics with significantly reduced carry weight. Crafted from 10.10oz waxed canvas and vegetable-tanned leather, the Venture LT combines a roll-top opening with handy side zip access and fits up to a 15″ laptop.

Bedouin Foundry Delireis (~$356)

Beautiful. Versatile. Built to handle whatever you throw at it and keep on going. It’s easy to fall for this plucky pack. Handmade with premium materials including waxed canvas from renowned Halley Stevensons, the Delireis comes with a lifetime guarantee on workmanship and materials.

Filson Journeyman Backpack ($395)

Ready for journeys near and far, this rugged pack will go the distance with its tough and water-repellent build. Suitable for EDC, as a carry-on or travel day bag, or for outdoor day trips, this pack isn’t afraid of demanding use and includes a range of pockets for organizing your bits and pieces.

Yuketen Triangle Backpack ($440)

Heritage styling expressed with quality materials, the Triangle pack is built to last using vintage U.S. army tent fabric and vegetable-tanned leather. A front pocket keeps frequently used items conveniently within reach, while interior pockets ensure small items remain readily accessible inside the pack.

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