Staff Picks: The Bags On Our Wish Lists

by Carry HQ, December 14, 2018

We’re lucky enough to get our hands on a wide variety of great gear. But some bags particularly stand out, tugging at our heartstrings and making us covet something fierce. So we’re sharing our staff picks of the bags currently on our wish lists. They may just be on yours too!

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

I’ve always been a fan but lately, côte&ciel has been really impressing me with their packs. I love the look of the Timsah and it offers a variety of functional features as well. Two main compartments for storing tech and everyday or travel items, plus an integrated and stowable hood for inclement weather.

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

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.”

Frank Sedlar

Defy Defender Briefcase

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???

Andy Fallshaw

Maiden Noir x Mystery Ranch Snap Dragon

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.

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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