Brand | Jack Spade | Carryology

The Gear We Use Every Day

Carry HQ — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 22:09:07 +0000

The gear we use every day has a specialness to it. A certain something that makes us go “Yes, this is it” – at least for now, anyway. As carry enthusiasts we love to experiment with different pieces, swapping them in and out of our carry setups as needed, or until we find ‘the one’ (sometimes a simple matter, but at other times a lifelong quest). So we thought it would be fun to share the gear some of our contributors use, both in day-to-day and travel environments…

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Andy Fallshaw (Ando)

Every Day

Mystery Ranch ASAP

ZPacks Stuff Sacks and Belt Pouch. These are so light and useful.

Bellroy Card Pocket. Sometimes it’s my daily wallet. Sometimes it holds extra cards in my bag.

IKEA bags. I still live out of these some weeks. Shopping, car trips, works samples, anything.

Travel

CamelBak Tri-Zip. This bag is even better than the Mystery Rancg 3DAP because of the pocketing. It looks too tactical for work trips, but dang it’s good for other travel.

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Samsonite Lite-Cube 82cm spinner (or Firelite). This is a workhorse for luggage that lets me load stuff on top for trolley-free travel with my family. I wish the casters held even heavier loads.

Outlier Ultrahigh Backpack. This pack is just so light and robust, two words not typically put together. It gets used as a travel daypack and on adventure excursions.

Bellroy Passport Sleeve. Leave it loaded with a passport, pen and frequent flyer cards. Then simply grab and go.

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Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack. Really light, and epic for laundry, wet boardshorts, leaking sunscreen, or random protection.

Brian Park

Archival Work Bag — I’m not sure they even make this anymore. Heritage carry isn’t my vibe at all, but for some reason this bag gets pulled out all the time.

Kifaru X-Ray — I have lighter bags and more purpose-built bags for most things I do, but I grab this thing more often than not if I’m heading out for whatever.

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Bellroy Travel Wallet — I will never travel without this (or something like it) ever again.

Various neoprene stash pockets (I like Tom Bihn) to protect and organize electronic gear.

Timbuk2 Copilot rolling luggage — I absolutely love this. It has skate wheels, is semi-structured, offers good organization, and has held up well over the past couple of years of travel.

David Vo

Work backpack – Incase ICON: This pack isn’t perfect but it’s pretty darned nice. I do rotations every six months or so but before that I was carrying some form of messenger, usually the Crafted Goods Carrera.

Weekender duffel – Everlane Weekender

Carry-on luggage – An old beat up Samsonite. I really need a new roller. I’m not a fan of carrying duffels on a plane.

Travel organization – Eagle Creek cubes. I swear by these.

Electronics organization – A set of Tom Bihn zippered cases for USB cables, chargers, etc.

Toiletry bag – Briggs & Riley. I’ve had this for probably 15 years. It won’t die. I want a new dopp/toiletry bag desperately though.

Wallet – Original OG Note Sleeve. I have a Slim Sleeve too. Both are beat to hell but still holding up.

Beach/picnic tote – Jack Spade. This is my go-to when I need to throw in a towel, some sunscreen, my Kindle, etc. for a trip to the park or sand.

Frank Sedlar

Every Day

Incase Tensaerlite ICON Sleeve for MBP

Bellroy Slim Sleeve

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Whatever pack I’m testing for Carryology – sadly I have yet to find an everyday backpack that clicks for me. I guess writing for Carryology has made me too particular.

Defy Defender Workcase – I use this if the day requires something more formal than a backpack.

Travel

Arc’teryx Carrier Duffle 75L – This thing swallows anything.

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Boreas Tsum Trek 55L – For hiking/backpacking trips.

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A few MUJI packing cubes and an unhealthy supply of ziplocks.

Mr Zing

For daily carry I rotate through:

Joshu+Vela Zip Briefcase

Mixed Works Swift Backpack

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GORUCK GR0 and GR1

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Arc’teryx Granville

Bellroy Elements Sleeve: It’s awesome, the leather is really elastic. Before that I used the Bellroy Slim Sleeve, awesome as well.

Weekends and holidays:

Tumi Alpha boarding bag

Bergans Trollhetta 75

Accessories:

Tumi pouch

Tech:

MacBook Pro 13″
Bose QC25s
The Roost Stand
Apple keyboard and mouse
iPhone 5

Mike Weiss

Work backpack – DSPTCH Ruckpack: Between work, play and the gym in the mornings, I never run out of room in this bag. Tom Bihn’s Brain Bag was my go-to for 10 years before I found the Ruckpack.

Weekender – Now it’s the Octovo Weekender but before that it was the Amos Bag (now the company is called Alpine Modern). My girlfriend actually stole this one from me and won’t give it back.

Toiletry bag – Topo Designs Dopp Kit

Wallet – My new addition is the Octovo Purist. Before that it was DODOcase’s leather wallet.

Electronics organization – I don’t really have one but I am quickly becoming obsessed with Cord Tacos. These are a game changer for my headphones (and miscellaneous cables).

Travel bag – Osprey Farpoint

Messenger/Miscellaneous bags I throw in rotation: YNOT’s Viken (still one of my favorite “duffels” but I treat it more like a messenger. I use this in lieu of the DSPTCH depending on my needs). Timbuk2 Classic XS when I just need the essentials, or to bring a cold six-pack to a party.

The post The Gear We Use Every Day appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

The Best Briefcases for Dapper Professionals

Catherine — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 14:12:50 +0000

Having the right briefcase is one of the best ways to say you mean business without having to say anything at all.

But what exactly is the ‘right’ briefcase? It’s handy to think of it in terms of ‘right for your needs’ but in general a briefcase should nail it in an office environment, with a certain sense of status and professionalism to it. Rectangular shapes are best for accommodating documents and laptops, while the level of organization should satisfy the specific work tools you need to carry.

Our buyer’s guide of the best briefcases provides a curated selection of cases to suit a range of budgets and needs…

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Incase City Brief

Incase’s City Brief provides plenty of urban-friendly styling and handy work features at a price that won’t break the bank. The 15-inch laptop compartment has a soft fleece lining and 360-degree padding to protect your tech. Quick-access pockets on the outside of the bag store items you need to get to in a hurry and carrying options include a removable strap and grab handles that can be stowed out of sight when not in use.

Tom Bihn Daylight Briefcase

Tom Bihn’s Daylight Briefcase is wallet-friendly and packed full of convenient features such as a key strap, O-rings, interior and external pockets and a removable shoulder strap. Large enough to accommodate a 13-inch laptop, the Daylight Briefcase is lightweight and rollable, making it a handy option for taking on trips where you want the flexibility of a business bag that works in non-business settings too.

BLC Intellect

A number of South Korean brands are doing awesome things with carry and BLC is one of them. Taking inspiration from a book, BLC’s Intellect bag merges style and structure, providing easy access to the contents in a form that can be carried both horizontally and vertically.

Topo Designs Mountain Briefcase

You’re always on the go, equally at home on a board and in the boardroom, and need a bag that can keep up. Topo’s Mountain Briefcase is that bag. It’s got everything you’d expect from a good piece of work carry – tough construction that will stand up to extensive use, exterior and interior pocketing for your work tools and a padded section for your laptop. However, it also includes three carry options. Sling it over your shoulder with the removable shoulder strap, grab it by the handles or wear it as a backpack thanks to the stowable pack straps.

Booq Cobra Brief

The Cobra Brief’s frill-free exterior gives the bag a clean look that complements a range of settings, from the coffee shop to a client meeting. There’s lots of organization options here, with a bright lining to enhance visibility of the contents and a padded laptop section to keep your 15-inch laptop safe and secure. The detachable shoulder strap comes in handy when you’re on the move and the luggage pass-through on the back makes it a cinch to keep your gear together when you’re zipping through airports.

Zero Halliburton Attache

Zero Halliburton’s range of attache cases are a striking combination of sleek styling and rugged construction. With aluminium, polycarbonate and carbon options in a variety of colorways, these cases provide superior protection for the contents – and look damn fine doing so.

Filson 72 Hour Briefcase with charger

Filson are known for their hard-wearing gear and this briefcase is no exception. Rugged construction using oil finish Tin Cloth, a selection of interior and exterior pockets and a luggage strap on the back of the briefcase are just some of the handy features. Then Filson ups the functionality with an integrated Joey charger so your devices can stay juiced while you’re on the go. Missing that important phone call is a thing of the past now.

Jack Spade Waxwear Base Brief

Functionality meets clean aesthetics with this brief. Constructed out of waxed cotton canvas with a leather base and leather-wrapped handles, the Waxwear Base Brief can slide between casual and more formal business settings with ease. A range of pocketing on the inside and exterior of the bag keeps your tech, pens, cards and other daily work items in order so you can get on with business..

KILLSPENCER Briefcase 2.0

If it’s sharp city looks you’re after, KILLSPENCER’s Briefcase 2.0 fits the bill. Available in a choice of materials, the bag’s sleek silhouette keeps things stylish during the commute, at work, in the airport and during leisure hours. The hardware is solid, with Cobra buckles and a Riri zipper, and a mix of internal and external pockets accommodate your work gear, including a 15-inch laptop.

Tumi Alpha 2 Expandable Organizer Laptop Brief

This bag is another great option if you’re looking for something that can handle your work carry along with a change of clothes. There’s plenty of organization options, with exterior pockets, separate internal sections and a removable laptop sleeve that fits a 15-inch laptop. When you need to pack a bit more in, whether it’s a busy day at the office or an overnight trip, the main compartment can be expanded to provide an extra two inches in depth.

Linjer Soft Briefcase

Linjer was born from the desire to provide fine leather goods that don’t come with the luxury markup as standard. The materials and craftsmanship of the Soft Briefcase are top-notch, with a pared-back minimalist style that beautifully showcases the full-grain vegetable-tanned leather. Carry it with the grab handles or removable shoulder strap, while keeping your daily work essentials organized in the range of pocketing which includes a padded section for a 15-inch laptop.

Tailfeather Kestrel

Luxurious top grain leather and careful hand stitching make for one handsome piece of carry. Combine this with a top that folds open for easy access, brass feet for self-standing stability, internal pockets and a choice of sizes to fit 13-inch and 15-inch laptops and you’re onto a winner in any work setting.

Seventy Eight Percent Dimitri

The Dimitri’s contrasting materials – vegetable-tanned Italian leather and Japanese cotton canvas – give the bag great visual appeal. However, there’s plenty of functionality too with space for pens, documents, a 15-inch laptop and other small items you may need, along with a detachable shoulder strap. If you want a slim and eye-catching briefcase for minimalist work carry, this is a fine choice.

Oppermann London Palissy

Sometimes you want the suave style of a briefcase but the capacity of an overnight bag. Meet the Palissy. This beautifully understated bag has the stylish looks and functionality of a briefcase, with pockets for your work tools and a padded laptop compartment. However, there’s enough space for a change of clothes too, making this a great option for overnight business trips or just hitting the gym after work..

Mismo Wessel

If you’ve got a passion for the sea and quality materials, the Wessel is sure to float your boat. Taking its name from Danish-Norwegian naval officer Peter Jansen Wessel, the bag features a lamella construction referencing sailboat construction. The full-grain vegetable-tanned leather will only look better the more you use it, while the interior pockets keep your work tools tidy.

Parabellum Briefcase

Gorgeous free-range Bison leather, a soft suede lining, military-grade ceramic hardware and superior construction make the Parabellum Briefcase a thing of beauty. A choice of external and internal pockets provide organization, while the removable shoulder strap lets you swap between briefcase and shoulder bag carry as required. Yes it’s pricey, but nothing says “boss” quite like it.

*Editor’s Note: Oppermann London has now rebranded to Carl Friedrik.

The post The Best Briefcases for Dapper Professionals appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Carryology 2012 Holiday Gift Guide

David Vo — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 22:46:38 +0000

With the holiday season right around the corner, we thought our readers could use some help with last minute shopping ideas for that special Carry fan in your lives. Though we have a handful of Buyer’s Guides, this is a more focused list with just two bags per category. We’ll present an “affordable” option as well as a more luxurious option for those who want to splurge. You may find some repeats in our guides or even mentions of bags we’ve covered on Facebook or in Road Tests, but all that means is we really, really dig them. Let’s get started.

Work Messengers

Unless your job literally is working as a bike messenger, it’s unlikely that the same casual messenger bags that work on the bike do that well once you’re off it and in the boardroom.

Jack Spade Messenger

For a basic no frills bag, we’ll have to go with something from Jack Spade. Their products are always very well designed with clean lines and no frills. This bag is straightforward and functional and comes in different materials and colors, though in this case we definitely recommend black. You can find the nylon canvas day bag version here for $175.

Property Of … Tommy Work Bag

We have been following this brand for a while and their Tommy Work Bag is a real treat. The bag’s waxed cotton exterior makes it seem a little less stuffy while the leather straps and accents keep things professional. You can pick it up for about $300 USD (Hint: check out Gilt and other flash sale sites as they often feature Property Of …).

Casual Backpacks

This is probably my favorite category because it’s the type of bag I use most often. It’s perfect for using around the city, taking to work or school, or even on short trips. The emphasis is on comfort, durability, and of course price.

Topo Designs Daypack

Let’s get things started off right. This recommendation should come as no surprise to readers of this site. We are big fans of this company out of Colorado. They make all their bags in their LEED certified facility and quite frankly we think they offer a great product for a very reasonable price point. I still use the Daypack (Generation 1) as my go-to bag each day; in fact, there’s one sitting by my feet as I type this. If you haven’t had the chance, check out our review here. You can pick up the Daypack here.

visvim Backpack

For a nicer pack that is still considered casual, we would be remiss to go with anything but a visvim. This cult brand out of Japan makes some of the nicest bags we’ve ever seen and the 20L size is just perfect for a daypack. There are plenty of models and collaborations to choose from but one you can check out is the SOPHNET x visvim 2012 FW Collection. You can find it direct from visvim. Just a word of caution: get ready for sticker shock.

Weekenders

I don’t travel much but when I do it’s usually just for two nights. If you find yourself with a similar setup, a weekender is perfect for you. While bigger is usually better, there’s something sleeker and more refined about just hopping in the car and throwing a small bag in the backseat.

Everlane Weekender

Our pick for the more affordable travel bag is the weekender from Everlane. The bag features dual leather handles, a canvas body, and an internal zipper pocket for small items like keys or contact lens cases. It’s currently available in six colors and comes in at under $100; a true bargain. You can buy it direct from Everlane.

KILLSPENCER Weekender 2.0

For something more refined, look no further than this bag from our favorite Carry shop out of Los Angeles. With a choice of fabrics ranging from Nubuck leather to waxed cotton canvas, there’s a style to fit everyone’s personality. The size is just right for a 2-3 day trip and the attention to detail (e.g. Riri zippers from Switzerland) make this a bag that will last a lifetime. You can find it here for $475 in waxed cotton canvas.

Duffel Bags

Topo Designs Duffel

What can we say? We love this company. Their duffel bag is no exception, sporting a hefty 42L in capacity and coming in five colors. We are partial to the black or navy. We especially like the pull tabs in contrasting colors and the classy use of leather on the handles and sides. You can pick one up directly from Topo for just $129.

Porter 2Way Boston

One of a handful of “grail” companies out of Japan, Porter usually finds a way into any list we can dream up. The 2Way Boston duffel is gorgeous in its simplicity with a craftsmanship that is hard to beat. You can pick one up for $385.

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