Our top made in the USA backpack brands are:

Inside Line Equipment
North St. Bags
Chrome Industries
Mission Workshop
Timbuk2
Velo Transit
Road Runner Bags
GORUCK
Triple Aught Design 
Kifaru
Stone Glacier
Mystery Ranch
McHale Packs
Hill People Gear
CiloGear
Alpine Luddites
Hyperlite Mountain Gear
Zpacks
DSPTCH
The Brown Buffalo
DEFY
Recycled Firefighter
Rucksack Village
Colfax Design Works
Remote Equipment
Rickshaw Bagworks
BaileyWorks
Mafia Bags
Truce Designs
Bradley Mountain
Rivendell Mountain Works
Tannergoods
Kletterwerks
Frost River
Filson
Topo Designs
KILLSPENCER
Lotuff Leather
Outlier
Tom Bihn
Red Oxx

Bike Backpacks Made in the USA

Inside Line Equipment

One of California’s lesser-known bike carry brands, ILE are burly and bomber, and, in our book, deserve more cred. Founded in 2012 by Eric Fischer, it’s a brand that keeps it simple. Clean, no BS design, with a focus on easy functionality. Everything’s US-made, from the super tough Cordura to the threads that stitch it together, and built in-house to rigorous standards. If you want a rugged, made in USA backpack for commuting (and nowadays travel and camera gear), ILE are a local brand to check out.

Best backpacks by Inside Line Equipment:

Default, $240: ilequipment.com; velotastic.co.uk

ASNMNT, $260: ilequipment.com

Radius Mini, $160: ilequipment.com

North St. Bags

Lots of great things are coming out of Portland, Oregon, and North St. Bags are no exception. Founded in 2009 by Curtis Williams, their bags are simple and classic and made in-house, right on the store floor. In their early days, they drew acclaim for their ingenious Woodward backpack/pannier hybrid, and have now branched off into noteworthy collabs (recently with Kiriko Made) and experiments with technical fabrics like X-Pac sailcloth.

Their American made backpacks are built with mostly USA-made materials and backed by a lifetime guarantee. And if you fancy a little personalization to your pack, there are custom colorway options too.

Best backpacks by North St. Bags:

Belmont, $175: northstbags.com; 

Flanders, $235: northstbags.com; keus-store.com

Davis, $145: northstbags.com; keus-store.com

Chrome Industries

SF’s infamous Chrome Industries have been carried on the shoulders of tattooed couriers since 1995 and it’s a brand that sparked a new movement into technical lifestyle cycling bags. Instantly recognizable with its Russian-star red hits and Pegasus logo, it’s a brand known for crazy tough bags built to take a beating – and all backed by a lifetime guarantee.  In their stable, you’ll find backpacks for travel, commuting, or hitting the blacktop on a bike, of course. Many of their bags are made in Chico, California. And if you’re local to one of their Chrome Hubs, we’d suggest rolling in and asking them to craft you a custom bag like no other.

Best backpacks by Chrome Industries:

Urban Ex 2.0 Rolltop 30L, $160: chromeindustries.com; amazon.com

Barrage Cargo, $160: chromeindustries.com; amazon.com

BLCKCHRM 22X Bravo 3.0, $200: chromeindustries.com; amazon.com; rei.com

Mission Workshop

Few brands have had such influence on an entire category as Mission Workshop. From their very first pack, the Vandal (the first-ever expandable bike pack), to their Arkiv System, they’ve blazed a trail of innovation like no other. Designed in San Francisco, made in the USA and backed by a lifetime warranty, theirs is some of the finest, burliest and aesthetically pleasing carry you’ll find, period. 

Best backpacks by Mission Workshop:

The Rhake, $380: missionworkshop.com; urbankitsupply.com; condorcycles.com

The Rambler, $335: missionworkshop.com; urbankitsupply.com; condorcycles.com

The Sanction, $215: missionworkshop.com; amazon.com

Timbuk2

One of the original cycling carry brands, Timbuk2 has been going strong since 1989. Forever experimenting and playing with new forms, the San Francisco brand backs their bags with a lifetime warranty and crafts bike-friendly backpacks that embrace work, travel and play. Although, nowadays, if you’re after US-made, you’ll have to invest in one of their custom packs – their non-custom products are now all produced off-shore.

Velo Transit

While weather-resistant bags work for a lot of environments, sometimes you need more protection. And that’s what Velo Transit are dedicated to providing with their waterproof laptop and cycling bags. The bags are made by hand in Seattle and feature RF welded liners for 100% waterproof protection. Even better? They’re backed by a lifetime warranty too. And realizing that people aren’t built the same, Velo Transit also creates gender-specific bags and harnesses to suit different users. If you need a top-notch waterproof bag that organizes and protects your tech and gear no matter what the elements have in store, Velo Transit should definitely be on your carry radar.

Best backpacks by Velo Transit:

Edge Pro 40, $299.95: velotransit.com

Edge Molle 40, $259.95: velotransit.com

Road Runner Bags

Road Runner started with a dream for better bike carry and a tiny manufacturing studio in founder Brad Adams’s bedroom. Founded in 2010, the brand has subsequently flourished and is dedicated to crafting bags for a variety of cycling-related needs. Bike touring? Cycle commuting? Chilled weekend rides? Large loads? Just the essentials? Whatever you need, they’ve got a bag for you. The bags are handmade in Los Angeles using USA-made materials and hardware.

Best backpacks by Road Runner:

Large Anything Pack, $270: roadrunnerbags.us

Evil Mini, $130: roadrunnerbags.us

Large Roll Top Backpack, $255: roadrunnerbags.us

American-Made Tactical Backpacks

GORUCK

GORUCK have made a name for themselves by creating some of the toughest American-made backpacks around. Founded by a Green Beret and made with military-grade toughness in mind, their gear is built to take a beating and keep on performing. Backed by their Scars Lifetime Guarantee, you’ll find GORUCK bags embracing everything from GORUCK Challenges to everyday commutes and day hikes. Rugged 1000D Cordura is the material of choice for their bags, and legions of loyal fans will testify to the bags’ hard-wearing durability and adaptability.

Best backpacks by GORUCK:

Rucker 4.0, $215: goruck.com; huckberry.com

GR1, $335: goruck.com

GR2, $395: goruck.com

Triple Aught Design

Triple Aught Design build gear to help people live more adventurously. It’s reliable and adaptable gear that will get you through the task at hand, whether that’s scaling a summit or commuting to work. Based in Dogpatch, San Francisco, the brand has been one of constant progression. Experimenting with technical fabrics, modularity and expansion, their packs are some of the most exciting on the market. You’ll find packs with military-grade toughness for demanding travel and outdoor use, to sleeker offerings that employ stealthy aesthetics.

Best backpacks by Triple Aught Design:

Axiom 24, $425: tripleaughtdesign.com

FAST Pack EDC, $395: tripleaughtdesign.com

Azimuth Pack, $185: tripleaughtdesign.com

Kifaru

Kifaru is a brand that flies under the radar for most folks, with little spent on marketing and everything invested in crafting the best gear possible. And from that, they’ve built an incredible reputation in durable and reliable hunting and military backpacks. The brand was founded in 1997 by Patrick Smith (also the founder of Mountainsmith) and builds packs to order, focusing on comfort and functionality to ensure years of dependable use.

Best backpacks by Kifaru:

X-Ray, from $454.25: kifaru.net

Stryker XL, from $310.50: kifaru.net

Antero 2.0, from $415: kifaru.net

Stone Glacier

Stone Glacier focus on creating a range of made in USA backpack options that blend lightweight performance with durability and functionality for hunting and backcountry environments. Based in Bozeman, Montana, the brand offers over 15 years of experience refining US-made packs that will stand up to demanding use year after year.

Best backpacks by Stone Glacier:

Kiowa 3200, $329: stoneglacier.com; mountain-archery.com

Avail 2200, $289: stoneglacier.com; scheels.com; blackovis.com

Serac 1700, $239: stoneglacier.com; scheels.com; blackovis.com

Outdoor Backpacks Made in the USA

Mystery Ranch

If you haven’t heard of Mystery Ranch, then you haven’t been reading Carryology.com for very long. Whether they’re making for the military, fire department, or taking those learnings to their everyday line, their packs have a following at cult level. Revered throughout the carry world for their laser-like attention to detail, bomber builds, and comfort when carrying loads, they’re some of the very best packs in the world, bar none.

Note, while many of their packs are now made in the Philippines, Mystery Ranch does build some of their outdoor packs, tactical and fire packs in the USA.

Best backpacks by Mystery Ranch:

3DAP CL, $450: mysteryranch.com

ASAP, $300: mysteryranch.com

Komodo Dragon, $435: mysteryranch.com

McHale Packs

Most might not have heard of McHale Packs. But if you scratch away at the backpacking world (and its burrow-like forums), you’ll discover the army of Dan McHale disciples who swear they’re the greatest UL packs around.

And the best part: they’re reportedly built in his garage. All by hand, using Dyneema and Cordura. Completely custom-built to each individual’s precise measurements. No two are alike. A word of warning, you’ll need to navigate your way through his archaic website to make contact, but trust us, it’s worth it.

Best backpacks by McHale Packs:

All custom

Hill People Gear

Hill People Gear knows that when you’re in the backcountry you need dependable gear that won’t let you down. That’s why they prioritize efficiency in their designs, creating gear for backcountry travelers that focuses on functionality, effective load carriage, flexibility, and long-lasting durability. While they are aware that the do-it-all pack is likely never achievable, they do believe in crafting gear that adapts to a wide variety of needs. In addition to making gear in the USA, they also use American suppliers and are dedicated to maintaining American manufacturing.

Best backpacks by Hill People Gear:

Tarahumara Pack, $150: hillpeoplegear.com

Ute Backpack V2, $377: hillpeoplegear.com

Umlindi Pack V2, $297: hillpeoplegear.com

CiloGear

CiloGear crafts their American-made backpacks in Portland, Oregon on a built-when-ordered process. For them ,‘In Stock’ means they have all of the sub assemblies of the pack. Then they build it for you. Lean and mean, and we like that. While their focus is on crafting lightweight alpine climbing and hiking packs, you’ll find UL urban commuter packs in the mix too, and they’re darn great! 

Best backpacks by CiloGear:

30L Commuter II, $219: cilogear.com

20L WorkSack, $79: cilogear.com

Ski Pack, $299: cilogear.com

Alpine Luddites

John Campbell is Alpine Luddites… quite literally. AL’s a one-person operation. Every pack or bike bag is built to order by him, with his famed attention to detail and quality. John’s waiting list can bounce from 6 to even 12 weeks at times, but you’re getting something special when you wait, especially if you go the custom route, so we recommend you roll into his Colorado workshop with a little patience, and a big plan for your perfect pack.

Best backpacks by Alpine Luddites:

White Light / White Heat, $385: alpineluddites.com

Alpine Machine, $750: alpineluddites.com

Pinnacle Rucksack, $250: alpineluddites.com

Hyperlite Mountain Gear

If you’ve ever been passed by a hot white pack hammering up the trail, it’s most likely come from the Maine workshop of Hyperlite Mountain Gear. Building for alpinists, backpackers, thru-hikers, and other adventurers, their made in USA backpack offerings are stripped back and minimal, ultralight, and dialed to increase speed, distance, and efficiency. One of our favorite UL brands. And well worth a closer look.

Best backpacks by Hyperlite Mountain Gear:

2400 Ice Pack, $359: hyperlitemountaingear.com

Daybreak, $229: hyperlitemountaingear.com

Summit Pack, $199: hyperlitemountaingear.com

Zpacks

Zpacks was founded in 2005 by Joe Valesko, a man who knows all about long-distance thru-hikes and the gear needed to conquer them. The brand builds ultralight backpacking gear that finds that tricky balance of shedding grams while remaining comfortable and durable enough for extensive use. Their designs cater to day hikes, short trips and long-distance hikes, with optional modular accessories and a choice of sizes to tailor them to specific users. The bags are made in West Melbourne, Florida.

Best backpacks by Zpacks:

Arc Blast

Arc Scout

Nero

American-Made Backpacks for Urban / Everyday

DSPTCH

DSPTCH is a great example of humble beginnings to global success story. Beginning life in an apartment, their first product (a camera strap) was launched in 2010. They’ve come a long way, with stores in San Francisco, New York and Tokyo and a solid offering of gear that caters to EDC, work, travel, photography and workout carry needs. Products are cut and sewn entirely in the USA, mostly in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Built to be durable, timeless and functional, their gear mixes military inspiration with urban styling and functionality and comes with a lifetime guarantee too.

Best backpacks by DSPTCH:

Daypack

Ruckpack

Bookpack

The Brown Buffalo

The Brown Buffalo is a carry brand based in California, crafting seriously slick and considered pieces. Founded by our good friend and master designer Douglas Davidson (whose extensive experience includes Burton and The North Face), the brand creates quality, functional pieces for urban everyday and travel needs. The USA-made ConcealPack is a fine example of understated aesthetics, excellent craftsmanship and practical design that reliably handles work, travel and play requirements.

Best backpacks by The Brown Buffalo:

ConcealPack

DEFY MFG. Co.

DEFY is a brand built on, well, defying expectations. Founder Chris Tag defied remaining in a “safe” but soulless corporate job in favor of venturing into the unknown with the aim of creating a top-notch American manufacturing company. And he’s done just that. The brand defies fast fashion in favor of what they like to call “slow manufacturing” and an appreciation of enduring quality, building their gear by hand in Chicago. Overbuilt to take years of demanding use and keep on thriving, their backpacks feature rugged materials such as Martexin Original Wax Canvas, M35 Military Truck Tarpaulin, and 1000D Ballistic Nylon. Ruggedly suave style, excellent durability and straightforward functionality lets their packs adapt easily to diverse urban settings and needs.

Best backpacks by DEFY:

VerBockel Rolltop 2.0

Bucktown

Menace Backpack 2.0

Recycled Firefighter

Dig into the history behind Recycled Firefighter and you’ll find a pretty darn inspiring story. It was founded by full-time firefighter Jake Starr who wanted additional part-time work he could do from home to support his family. He taught himself to sew and went through hundreds of failed products and prototypes before getting his big break in the carry community through a wallet made from decommissioned fire hose. Countless hours of work month after month (and learning from plenty of mistakes along the way) allowed him to grow the brand. Now Recycled Firefighter offers a range of bags and wallets, made by hand in the USA. The packs are crafted with 1000D Cordura, USA-made hardware and reinforced stitching in high-stress areas. Designed for everyday use and short trips, these tough packs offer an appealing mix of functionality and dependable durability you can count on for years to come.

Best backpacks by Recycled Firefighter:

24hr Battalion

12hr Battalion 

Battalion Duffelpack

Rucksack Village

Rucksack Village is a custom carry brand founded by James Kamo. Bags are designed based on a thorough understanding of each user’s carry needs as well as influences from their personalities and preferences. Though James is super busy and the packs are a side project now, there’s still a chance to get your own (just be prepared to wait for the carry goodness).

Best backpacks by Rucksack Village:

All custom

Colfax Design Works

Military inspiration meets everyday versatility with Colfax Design Works’ gear. Made with adaptability and durability in mind, CDW bags feature technical fabrics and mil-spec components. All brought together in functional designs that don’t shy away from demanding EDC and travel needs. Their gear is made in small batches, giving nods to modularity and multifunctionality so it’s ready to tackle present and future carry needs equally well.

Best backpacks by Colfax Design Works:

Project T.O.A.D.

Recon Pack

Remote Equipment

Remote Equipment was founded with the goal of creating adaptable gear for urban mobility needs. Gear that could handle active commutes and weekend adventures, embrace the elements, and carry comfortably throughout the day. All while celebrating simplicity and functionality. And while they’re a young brand, it was founded by a designer with over ten years of industry experience. And it shows in their first offering. The Alpha 31 was successfully launched through Kickstarter and is a fine example of technical design honed for everyday use. An impressive debut that has us keen to see future creations by this up-and-coming brand.

Best backpacks by Remote Equipment:

Alpha 31

Bravo 18

Charlie 25

Rickshaw Bagworks

Rickshaw Bagworks are a customizable bag manufacturer based in San Francisco. Founded by Mark Dwight in 2007, Rickshaw Bagworks was born from an appreciation and passion for the maker culture and interaction with customers. But it’s also a brand fully aware that accountability falls on them, driving them to create quality bags and a good employee working environment. Bags are crafted with urban mobility, simple functionality and enduring quality in mind.

Best backpacks by Rickshaw Bagworks:

Sutro Backpack

Potrero Backpack

Medium Velo Backpack

BaileyWorks

BaileyWorks have been in the business of making tough, utilitarian bags since 1993. The brand was inspired by California’s bike messenger culture and their need for rugged, functional bags that could take a beating and keep on performing. Turns out, that kind of bag had widespread appeal beyond bike messengers. So BaileyWorks set out to deliver simple, practical and durable bags for a range of urban carry needs. Over two decades later, you’ll find those design principles haven’t changed. Each bag is made by hand in Newmarket, New Hampshire, and can be customized to suit your particular style and requirements.

Best backpacks by BaileyWorks:

The Nomad

Citi Pack

Upcycled Backpacks Made in the USA

Mafia Bags

Mafia Bags got its start in 2012 in Buenos Aires, founded by brother-and-sister team Marcos and Paz Mafia. As a former professional kitesurfer, Marcos came across piles of sails in storage and knew they could be put to new use. The brand expanded to San Francisco in 2014, now their HQ, and has an in-house production facility. Mafia Bags has a strong commitment to sustainability and uses upcycled sails to make their bags, guaranteeing gear with a lifetime warranty. The certified B Corp offers a variety of unique bags for urban carry requirements, including backpacks, duffels, messengers, and totes.

Best backpacks by Mafia Bags:

Discover

Deep Blue Bag

W-Pack

Truce Designs

Truce was founded by Luke Mathers, who learned to sew industrial-grade fabrics while crafting boat covers and repairing sails at North Sails Oregon. In 2016 Truce Designs joined the TREW family, an Oregon-based outdoor company. Truce still holds true to its commitment to environmentally responsible design and manufacturing, using reclaimed materials such as sailcloths and drysuit fabrics to create unique bags. Made in Portland, Oregon, and designed to offer high-performance functionality, Truce bags are also backed by a lifetime warranty.

Best backpacks by Truce Designs:

Drop Liner Backpack

20L SL Backpack

American-Made Heritage Backpacks

Bradley Mountain

Heritage-inspired carry has enjoyed a huge resurgence during the past few years. But while plenty of brands jumped on the bandwagon of heritage aesthetics, many toppled off hitting functionality and quality stumbling blocks. Not so with Bradley Mountain. Founded in 2012, the brand aims to inspire adventure not just through travels but in everyday life, crafting gear that embraces whatever the day brings. Bags are designed with a considered mix of functionality and durability in addition to handsome heritage aesthetics. Their bags are made by hand in San Diego, California, and where many other brands have fallen short Bradley Mountain keeps going strong, backing their commitment to long-lasting quality by offering free repairs too.

Best backpacks by Bradley Mountain:

The Wilder

The Biographer

Muir Pack

Rivendell Mountain Works

One of the original cottage industry carry brands, RMW was founded in 1971 and has influenced numerous designers and brands within the outdoor industry. While it dropped off the radar in the ’80s, RMW has enjoyed a brand resurgence over the past decade. Staying true to their heritage roots, the brand makes gear by hand through what they like to call a “village” manufacturing process. In addition to the iconic Jensen Pack (a true game changer in the carry industry), RMW offers a variety of backpacks to handle outdoor and urban environments alike.

Best backpacks by Rivendell Mountain Works:

Jensen Pack

Mariposa

Larkspur

Tanner Goods

Based in Portland, Oregon, Tanner Goods was founded on the principle of crafting gear that’s worth holding onto. They do this through gear that fuses heritage styling, modern-day functionality, and long-lasting construction that will have you sighing in appreciation. Made for day-to-day and travel needs, the carry range features quality materials such as waxed 18 oz. filter twill canvas and vegetable-tanned leather, brought together in practical and durable designs built to last for years to come.

Best backpacks by Tanner Goods:

Voyager Daypack

Koru Rucksack

Kletterwerks

Kletterwerks was founded by the legendary Dana Gleason in 1975, his first endeavour in pack design and manufacturing. Though the brand stepped off the carry stage for many years, it was resurrected as part of the Mystery Ranch family. While the enduring, simple designs merited a resurrection, there have been new additions (such as padded laptop sleeves) to set these bags up for modern-day use while still retaining their heritage charm.

Best backpacks by Kletterwerks:

Flip

Drei Zip

Frost River

Born from the need to traverse the terrain of the Northern Wilderness, Frost River builds its gear to withstand just about anything. Handmade in Duluth, Minnesota, their bags are crafted with care and precision, using American-sourced materials, such as Martexin Original Wax Canvas and leather from the SB Foot Tannery. And, the fun part, you’ll never have trouble spotting one from afar. See that brown waxed canvas, chestnut leather and solid brass combo above? That’s the signature vibe, and they darn well stick to it.

Best backpacks by Frost River:

Summit Expedition Pack

Isle Royale Bushcraft Packs

Arrowhead Trail Rolltop

Filson

When you think of heritage-style carry, Filson’s name always crops up. Not surprising when you consider they’ve been creating quality gear for demanding outdoor use since 1897. The brand has a manufacturing facility in their Seattle HQ and backs its gear with a lifetime guarantee. Pore over their packs and you’ll find hard-wearing, functional pieces that accommodate work, travel, outdoor and everyday needs.

Best backpacks by Filson:

Journeyman

Rugged Twill Rucksack

Tin Cloth Backpack

Topo Designs

Founded in 2008, Topo Designs was born in a basement in Fort Collins (and continues to make a lot of bags in Colorado) but now enjoys a global fan base. They set themselves apart in the industry by finding that sweet spot between urban and outdoor functionality. Rather than making you choose the city or the wilderness Topo gear embraces both, balancing heritage style with fun and modern practicality. You’ll find designs catering for everything from day hikes to work commutes to weekend getaways, all backed by a lifetime warranty.

Best backpacks by Topo Designs:

Klettersack

Daypack

Rover Pack

Luxury Backpacks Made in the USA

KILLSPENCER

Founded by Spencer Nikosey, KILLSPENCER have been crafting covet-worthy carry since 2009. A suave mix of clean styling, premium materials and excellent construction ensures low-key luxury in every piece. But the Los Angeles brand puts a focus on utility too, so their California-made pieces don’t just look good but perform reliably day in and day out. Their range of fashion-friendly yet functional packs are well suited to work and everyday use in urban settings, featuring chic silhouettes and quality materials such as premium full-grain leather, waxed canvas, and fire retardant and weatherproof nylon.

Best backpacks by KILLSPENCER:

Special Ops Backpack 3.0

Daypack

Utility Daypack

Lotuff Leather

Based in Providence, Rhode Island, Lotuff Leather crafts uber-luxurious leather carry pieces by hand. Many of the team members are artists who create Lotuff’s meticulously crafted pieces – pieces that nail that appealing balance of luxe style and everyday functionality. Each piece is backed by a lifetime guarantee and features premium vegetable-tanned leather.

Best backpacks by Lotuff Leather:

Leather Zipper Backpack

Leather Knapsack

Leather Backpack

Outlier

Brooklyn-based Outlier stand out from the crowd through their commitment to innovative, technical apparel and fabric experimentation, but check out their carry offerings and you’ll find them impressive too. Pieces such as the Ultrahigh Dufflepack, Ultrahigh Duffle and Ultrahigh Backpack have delivered eye-catching modern aesthetics with premium technical fabrics. Made in small batches, their bags sell out fast, so keep an eye out. One better, sign up to their newsletter to be one of the first to know.

Best backpacks by Outlier:

Ultrahigh Backpack

Ultrahigh Dufflepack

American-Made Travel Backpacks

Tom Bihn

Tom Bihn combines over three decades of design experience (four if you consider the founder has been making bags since 1972) with a dedication to eco-conscious production and a rad company philosophy (that they actually genuinely follow). Their gear is known for its functionality and durability and is made in their Seattle factory. Tom Bihn’s travel backpacks handle diverse needs and trips, from outdoor excursions to urban carry-on use. But they also make a variety of other packs that handle work and EDC needs. All backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Best backpacks by Tom Bihn:

Synapse 25, $235: tombihn.com

Aeronaut 45, $320: tombihn.com

Synik 30, $320: tombihn.com

Red Oxx

Red Oxx makes some of the burliest travel bags out there, backed by their legendary “No Bull” lifetime warranty. The bags exude a military level of toughness and dependability (not surprising since the founder and current CEO both have military backgrounds). Wherever you’re going, these bags will get there and back again, multiple times over. Their bags are made by hand in Billings, Montana, using trusty 1000D Cordura, rugged #10 YKK zippers and reinforced stitching for dependable durability.

Best backpacks by Red Oxx:

Sky Train

Tres Hombres

C-ruck Carry-on Rucksack

Originally published in September 2018 and recently updated

The post The Best ‘Made in the USA’ Backpack Brands of 2022 appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

But to really merit a place by your side, a carry-on bag needs to work hard to make your journeys as hassle-free as possible. Whether that’s providing quick and convenient access to gear, ensuring the load stays comfortable on the move, or providing a trusty barrier against the elements. Our Best Carry-On Bag Finalists are designed to thrive on the move, helping you make the most of your trips. But which one delivers a truly first-class performance? Choose your top pick below.

The post Best Carry-On Bag Finalists – The Sixth Annual Carry Awards appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

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.

And speaking of going, we’ve got an amazing carry giveaway that will have travelers stopping in their tracks to pick up a kick-ass Red Oxx prize…

The Prize

Up for grabs is a Red Oxx Lil Hombre. What makes it awesome? Adaptability, durability, lovability…the list goes on. But suffice it to say, as a traveler this is the kind of carry-on bag you’ll reach for again and again. And judging from the brand’s loyal fans, people do love their Red Oxx bags.

So what key features will you love about the Lil Hombre? First up, multiple carry options. The hybrid duffel design includes a detachable shoulder strap, top carry handles, grab loops on either end, as well as stowable shoulder straps for backpack carry.

Next, you’ve got flexible organization with three compartments to store your gear. The 40L (2,470 cubic inches) bag offers a larger main compartment and two smaller side compartments. Additionally, side pockets are on hand for storing smaller flat items within easy reach. And don’t worry if your load is looking a little ungainly. Dual compression straps let you cinch the load for tight spaces and to help meet strict carry-on regulations. Plus you can also use them to attach bulky items externally. And for added convenience, the collapsible design allows for easy storage when the bag is not in use.

Lastly, the Lil Hombre comes with Red Oxx’s legendary durability so you can feel confident hauling it for years to come in a host of demanding (and not so demanding) environments. The weather-resistant bag is made by hand in Billings, Montana, with exceptionally rugged materials. The Lil Hombre is crafted with 1000D CORDURA® nylon, a 1050D Ballistic CORDURA® nylon base, and double box stitching at stress points for added durability. And of course, all supported by the No Bull lifetime warranty.

If you want a travel bag that easily adapts to changing environments with multiple carry options, in a design that’s tough enough for the outdoors and versatile enough for urban use, the Lil Hombre is a trusty companion to have by your side. Find out how to make it your own below…

How To Enter

To be in with a chance of winning your very own Lil Hombre, simply subscribe to Red Oxx’s newsletter!

Red Oxx Lil Hombre Giveaway

The post Red Oxx Lil Hombre: Carry Giveaway appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Foursevens Preon P1 Mini Flashlight (US$ 40)

The compact and lightweight Preon P1 Mini Flashlight is easily portable, slipping into a pocket or bag for illumination on the go. The flashlight offers six different modes, a maximum brightness of 100 lumens, and re-configurable interfaces to suit changing lighting needs.

Matador Beast Packable Backpack (US$ 89.99)

Water resistant and highly packable, the Matador Beast is great for storing in a larger bag or vehicle for use as a daypack during your weekend trips. The pack offers 28L of storage space, with attachment points to secure additional gear externally as required.

Leatherman Wave Multi-Tool (US$ 99.95)

Multi-tools offer a lot of functionality in a single carry item, and are useful for a variety of needs, from helping you out in day-to-day tasks or DIY to providing valuable tools in an emergency situation. Leatherman makes some of the best on the market, such as the Wave which includes 17 tools in a compact and durable design weighing just 8.5 oz (241 g).

Woolrich Limited Edition Camp Blanket (US$ 110)

Woolrich and Protect Our Winters teamed up for this limited edition blanket, made in the USA by America’s oldest continuously operating woolen mill. Warm and durable, the blanket is crafted with a combination of recycled wool, new wool and nylon and is a cosy addition whilst relaxing on your weekend away.

BioLite CampStove 2 (US$ 129.95)

This portable wood-burning stove not only lets you cook food and boil water but also generates electricity to charge USB devices. The stove creates smokeless flame and includes an integrated 2600 mAh battery that works with or without a live fire to keep your devices juiced. Additionally, the stove also comes with a 100-lumen USB light for convenient illumination.

RoamProof MacroBoom (US$ 159)

When you’re on a getaway, good tunes are great for getting into the party spirit. And the RoamProof MacroBoom helps you enjoy them whether you’re in urban or outdoor environments. Shockproof, dustproof and waterproof up to an IP67 rating, the speaker includes a 5600 mAh battery that provides up to 15 hours of playtime. Plus there’s a backup solar panel charger if the speaker needs a boost. And with mounting options you can easily secure the speaker whilst you’re on the move.

Patagonia Black Hole MLC (US$ 199)

The Black Hole MLC is a 45L soft-sided carry-on bag with a clamshell opening for convenient packing and access. With multiple carry options including backpack, shoulder bag and briefcase mode, the bag easily adapts to different travel environments wherever the weekend takes you.

Red Oxx PR4 Safari Beanos Duffel (US$ 210)

Rugged and ready for action, the Red Oxx PR4 Safari Beanos Duffel is built tough with a lifetime guarantee to handle weekends packed with adventure. But it’s just as happy roaming in laidback urban settings, with a wide opening for easy packing and retrieval of your gear. Multiple quick-access pockets keep travel and EDC essentials at the ready, and a luggage passthrough sleeve makes it straightforward to secure to rolling luggage.

Danner Vertigo 917 (US$ 220)

Danner’s Vertigo 917 boots are a great option if you’re looking for trail and urban versatility. The boots feature a full-grain leather upper, complemented by a waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX® liner. Additionally, a Vibram® 917 outsole provides both durability and traction in wet environments to help keep you moving smoothly for years to come.

Malvaux Number 1 Knife – Huckberry Exclusive (US$ 249.98)

This simple, stylish and durable pocket knife lends itself to a variety of tasks, serving as a handy tool to have on your travels. The ergonomically curved handle of the Malvaux Number 1 Knife not only makes it comfortable to use but also provides easier access to the stainless steel blade. The handle is crafted from anodized aluminum and is available in Forest Green exclusively though Huckberry.

YETI Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler (US$ 249.99)

Coolers are often bulky and hard to carry. But not the YETI Hopper Flip 12. This soft-sided cooler is easy to carry with the included shoulder strap or grab handles. The cooler features a leakproof HydroLok Zipper and tough, waterproof DryHide Shell. A wide-opening lid lets you easily access the contents, with closed-cell rubber foam providing superior insulation to keep your drinks cool and refreshing.

Mission Workshop The Grandmaster (US$ 255)

The sleek silhouette of the Grandmaster hoodie makes it a versatile piece for the week and weekend alike, backed up by quality construction with a lifetime guarantee. Crafted from Polartec® Power Stretch Pro® fabric, this hoodie is warm, breathable and water-resistant, while also offering 4-way stretch for greater freedom of movement, so it’s super snug.

Mountain Hardwear Ratio 15 Sleeping Bag (US$ 260)

Considering some Fall camping but worried about cooler weather at night? The Ratio 15 sleeping bag is a cosy solution for keeping the chill at bay. The three-season sleeping bag features Q.Shield® DOWN 650-fill and a Thermo Trap Baffle to provide more consistent warmth even in damp environments.

Solo Stove Bonfire (US$ 299.99)

Sitting round the bonfire is a great way to round off a busy day or to simply enjoy some welcome heat on a cold afternoon. And the Solo Stove Bonfire helps you enjoy that in a convenient and contained way. Compact enough to store in a car for a trip to the beach or campsite, the Bonfire is a wood-burning portable fire pit designed to burn wood more effectively and minimize smoke. Made with hard-wearing stainless steel, the Bonfire provides a simple and easy way to enjoy outdoor fires with convenient clean-up afterwards.

Mountain Hardwear Men’s StretchDown Hooded Jacket (US$ 300)

The StretchDown Hooded Jacket keeps you toasty on your outdoor adventures with its Q.Shield DOWN 750-fill insulation and stretch-welded channel construction to help trap heat. A choice of pockets keep your hands warm and provide storage for small items, and the active fit suits a range of activities.

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Backpacks and Luggage

master-piece Delta Series

Value fast access to your gear? Then look to the master-piece Delta series, which puts rapid access front and center with a rip-open design to quickly get to your gear. And if you don’t want to fully open the bags, no problem. The zippers can be opened from either side to reach specific items. The series features the Delta Backpack, Delta Shoulder Bag and Delta Waist Bag, each combining water-resistant and lightweight builds with eye-catching street style. Great for day-to-day urban use, the bags also include a choice of pockets for keeping your EDC organized and within easy reach.

nunc Traveler’s Backpack

Launched in A/W 2017, nunc is a new Japanese brand focused on designing around the concept of “what is needed now”. nunc designs functional bags for modern-day use, including pieces such as the Traveler’s Backpack. The pack is inspired by origami and features multiple pockets for organizing travel essentials, with a durable 840D nylon construction to embrace the demands of an on-the-go lifestyle.

Chrome Industries Treadwell Travel Collection

Looking for travel bags that combine tough functionality with low-key aesthetics for business or leisure use? Meet the Treadwell Travel Collection, constructed with a hard-wearing 1680D ballistic nylon to endure demanding travel use. The collection features the Juno Travel Tote, Vega Transit Brief, Hightower Transit Backpack and Kilo Dopp Kit. With multiple pockets to organize your tech and travel items, plus a range of carry options to adapt to changing settings, these pieces deliver practical style for a variety of travel needs.

Roark Revival Missing Link 25L Wet/Dry Backpack

Worried about unexpected downpours soaking your gear on your travels? Or maybe you’re looking for a carry option to keep the water in, somewhere to stash your wet towel and swimwear away from dry items? The Roark Revival Missing Link 25L Wet/Dry Backpack is up for either challenge, featuring a waterproof tarpaulin body that keeps water out or in depending on your needs. A weatherproof side pocket comes in handy for valuables such as your wallet and phone, while the side mesh pocket is a handy place to store items that don’t need protection from the elements. And with a front bungee you can easily secure bulkier items for easy access on the go.

Patagonia Black Hole MLC

Adaptability is key when traveling, and the Patagonia Black Hole MLC is designed to provide the flexibility to adapt to a host of travel needs and environments. The soft-sided suitcase can be carried as a shoulder bag, backpack or briefcase-style, and also includes a luggage passthrough sleeve for attaching it to wheeled luggage. The clamshell opening enables fast and easy access to gear, with plenty of pockets on hand to tidily store your travel essentials within easy reach. The 45L bag is made from a weatherproof polyester ripstop and suits maximum carry-on use.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack – Black

Peak Design’s Everyday Backpack delivers great functionality for everyday use, from its customizable organization to its expandability and convenient access to gear throughout the bag. But one thing that was missing was the ultimate EDC colorway option. Until now. Peak Design have introduced a sleek, all-black colorway available for the 20L Everyday Backpack. Understated and stylish, the black colorway makes it even easier to move between work and play with just one bag.

Lasso Backpack

Making a bag can be challenging. But with the Lasso Backpack you can still get hands-on, minus the frustration and time-consuming effort involved in crafting from scratch. The pack is made in France from a single piece of weatherproof wool-felt. However, the self-assembly design lets you get involved in the creative process, with a choice of color options available to suit your tastes. Sleek and minimalist, the Lasso Pack looks equally good during the commute or on downtime adventures, and includes three interior pockets that will fit up to a 15″ laptop and smaller work or EDC accessories.

Mystery Ranch Slick Pack and Crest Mountain Pack

Mystery Ranch are known for their tough and reliable carry gear, and the Slick and Crest Mountain Packs are no exception. Designed for users who want durable, everyday functionality, the packs are crafted with 500D Cordura and water-resistant YKK zippers for hard-wearing reliability. The 23L Slick daypack offers a clean design with a padded 15″ laptop sleeve and a wide-opening main compartment. The 23L Crest Mountain Pack on the other hand is inspired by Mystery Ranch’s military packs, and features a range of exterior organization options including MOLLE webbing, pockets and a front “Stick-It” panel to secure additional gear as required. Additionally, the Crest’s telescoping yoke allows for a custom fit for improved comfort on the move.

Timbuk2 Lug Collection

Built for the city, Timbuk’s new Lug Collection combines urban-friendly styling with rugged construction that takes the daily commute and weekend adventures in its stride. Available in Fall 2017, the collection features two packs and a tote, each crafted from tough and water-resistant sail cloth fabric. The 14L Lug Knapsack features two exterior pockets and a central daisy chain for quick access to frequently used items. The 12L Lug Recruit Pack combines a slim profile with multiple exterior pockets to keep EDC and work tools tidy and at the ready. Rounding the collection off is the 24L Lug Tote, with its versatile design that suits daily or overnight use and choice of shoulder strap or top carry handles for flexible portability.

Red Oxx Lil Hombre

Inspired by the Tres Hombres but intended for smaller loads, the Red Oxx Lil Hombre offers a versatile multi-carry design handmade in the USA and backed by a lifetime warranty. The 40L bag can be carried as a backpack, shoulder bag or by the top grab handles and features exterior compression straps to help cinch the load. A choice of three compartments help keep your travel gear neat and accessible, and the burly build will stand up to years of demanding use.

G-RO Office, Backpack XV, Backpack Light and Check-In Bag

G-RO’s innovative approach to carry-on luggage with axle-less wheels earned them great crowdfunding success. Now they’re back with four new offerings to conquer a variety of travel and day-to-day carry needs. The Check-In and Office both feature G-RO’s axle-less wheels. The Office doubles as an everyday commuter bag and carry-on bag, while the Check-In offers a clamshell main compartment that’s also expandable. The Backpack XV is an expandable backpack for everyday and short travel use. And if you’re after slim functionality for minimalist loads, look to the Backpack Light with its compact design and multiple pockets for organization.

Black Diamond Creek Transit 32L

The Creek Transit Bag from Black Diamond combines the toughness of climbing haul bags with practical features for everyday urban needs. A weatherproof shell helps protect the contents from the elements, and the exterior padded compartment keeps up to 15″ tech devices easily accessible. The pack’s bottom compartment provides useful separate storage for the likes of shoes or gym clothes, while an interior organizer pocket stores smaller items within easy reach.

NSB X Kiriko and Kiriko x Red Clouds Collective

Functionality in a bag is important. But carry with character is valuable too. And with two collaborations from Japanese textile experts Kiriko, you get both. Kiriko teamed up with North St. Bags to create the attractive and practical NSB X Kiriko Davis Daypack and Pittock Travel Pouches. Useful for everyday and travel needs, these pieces deliver eye-catching style without sacrificing functional design. Additionally, Kiriko has collaborated with Red Clouds Collective on a backpack and duffel, crafted in Portland with a handsome combination of durable cotton canvas, Japanese Sashiko, and vegetable-tanned leather.

EDC

Bellroy Made for Google

Expensive tech deserves reliable protection. And if you can carry it in elegant style, even better. So Bellroy and Google teamed up to deliver both. The Bellroy Made for Google collection features simple, stylish and protective carry pieces for the Pixel 2 and Pixelbook. The Leather Pixel Case combines flex polymer and premium leather to create a case that’s chic, slim and functional. The Pixelbook Sleeve combines water-resistant woven fabric with leather detailing to create a handsome sleeve for your Pixelbook and Pixelbook Pen. Additionally, the sleeve doubles as a stand to make using your tech easier wherever the day or night takes you.

Romeo Power Saber

There are a lot of portable power packs on the market. But the Romeo Power Saber aims to push the capability of portable chargers, in a shockproof and water-resistant design that moves easily from urban to outdoor environments. The Saber includes universal AC output and USB ports and can charge multiple devices simultaneously. Additionally, the Saber charges fully in two hours and features short circuit, overcharging and over-discharging protection.

Dango Products P01 Pioneer Bifold Wallet, Pen and Notebook

Wallet, pen and paper. All useful everyday items to have at the ready. But carrying multiple items can start to complicate your EDC. The Dango Products P01 Pioneer Bifold Wallet, Pen and Notebook offer a compact solution. The wallet’s thoughtful design not only holds cards and cash but also provides dedicated space for a Dango notebook and durable pen crafted from 6061 aerospace grade aluminum. The pen works in extreme temperatures and at any angle, so you can capture those important ideas and to-do tasks at any time throughout the day. Even better, the all-in-one carry solution lets you easily slip the wallet into your pocket for convenient access while avoiding unsightly pocket bulge.

GNARBOX

GNARBOX is a portable backup and editing system designed to give you greater freedom while using your camera outdoors and on the go. The system allows you to edit 4K video and RAW photos without a laptop. Simply plug in the camera’s memory card, connect your phone to the GNARBOX WiFi hotspot and open the associated app to start editing. Media can then be uploaded and shared via your phone. The GNARBOX is water-resistant, shockproof and dustproof and comes in 128GB and 256GB options, with a rechargeable 4000mAh battery that lasts around 4-6 hours.

Tile Pro Series

It’s easy to misplace small items like your keys or wallet, but with the Tile Pro Series you can quickly locate them through your phone. But what about if you’ve misplaced your phone? Simply double tap a button on the Tile to make your phone ring even if it’s on silent. The Pro Series Tiles are twice as loud as other Tiles, waterproof up to 1.5 meters for an hour, and feature a range up to 200 feet. And with Sport and Style options you can pick and choose to suit your tastes.

The post Best New Gear: October 2017 appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

But some brands choose to push back against this type of design and manufacturing. Instead they create products that are made to last for years to come, serving you reliably while also helping the planet out. The longer you use an item, the longer it stays out of a landfill, and if it can be put to good use through recycling afterwards, even better. So what makes a bag brand a  ‘Buy it for Life’ brand? Here’s a few criteria they should be nailing:

Materials

A solid foundation is key when you’re building, and for bags that comes down to materials. There’s no point in spending countless hours on meticulous craftsmanship when your materials can’t hack it. If you want a quality product, you have to start with quality materials. Yes, they’ll cost more than cheap ones. But they’ll also stand up to a lot more abuse and ultimately pay for themselves in durability and not having to replace them frequently.

Build quality

So you’ve got good materials, but does the build quality respect those materials? Making a bag properly takes time and care, considering how it will be used and building it in a way that will ensure it’s up to the task. Is it reinforced at the stress points? Is the sewing tidy and reliable? Can you wear this bag without any worries that it will fall apart at the first sign of a heavy load or navigating life’s bumps and scrapes? If so, you’re onto a winner.

Practical and timeless design

One of the key elements to a Buy For Life bag is practical and timeless design. Will it be useful and look good not only when it’s new but also many years down the line, when it’s heavily used and worn in? If you’re going to keep and use a bag for a long time, it has to offer functionality and aesthetics that will shrug off trends and stand the test of time.

Warranty

A bag that’s built to last should have a warranty to back that up. If a brand offers you a lifetime warranty, you know they’re confident about the quality of their gear, so you can be too. However, sometimes faults in materials or craftsmanship do crop up, and a good warranty should cover these. Ideally the brand should also encourage repair over replacement, as often a bag will still have many years of good service left to give following a repair.

Keep in mind though, nothing is made to last forever. Bags will eventually come to the end of their reasonably expected lifetimes. So when a brand offers a lifetime guarantee, they’re referring to the lifetime of the bag, not yours! That being said, some bags are just that tough to become heirloom pieces that will be enjoyed by multiple generations.

So with that in mind, we’ve rounded up 10 ‘Buy it for Life’ bag brands that are well deserving of the title…

GORUCK

“I received the repaired GR1 exactly a week after GORUCK received it which was a very impressive turnaround. Hidden inside the ruck were a few awesome goodies including a note, some koozies, and some patches. By far the best extra item received was the leather Scars patch… this thing is sweet.” – Brian Lohr

GORUCK is extremely passionate about their commitment to ruggedly built bags made in the USA. And so are their legions of loyal fans who put that gear through the wringer, from everyday use to travel and grueling GORUCK Challenges. And the brand backs that passion up with their GORUCK SCARS lifetime warranty.

Repairs covered by the warranty are performed at GORUCK’s expense, and they’ll also handle non-warranty repairs if desired at the gear owner’s expense. Owners are responsible for shipping gear to GORUCK, but they’ll ship it back free of charge.

Red Oxx

“As for their warranty and customer service, we love it! We recently had a zipper on one of our bags fail and sent it back for repair.  It was such a smooth process and the turnaround was quick.” – Sara M.

Building gear that’s tough as an ox? A mission the folks from Red Oxx strive towards – and nail – with every piece. Red Oxx gear is handcrafted in Montana and backed by a no questions asked “No Bull” Lifetime Warranty.

While they’ll always try to repair defects in materials or workmanship first, if that’s not possible they’ll replace your bag with an identical product in the same or similar color at no charge. Return shipping is on them too. Even better, their warranty is transferable for life, and covers all accessories and bags made by Red Oxx at any time in their history, regardless of how you obtained them. Gift? eBay auction? Custom piece? All covered. Plus they also accept exchanges or refunds on unused items up to 90 days from the date of purchase.

Patagonia

“One day, I came home from work and found a brand new Patagonia raincoat hanging on the rack. My boyfriend had taken my old one to the local Patagonia store and showed the salesperson the lining. To my disbelief, she swapped it out for the new model of my now-very-old coat. Though I can’t say I’ve had problems with other Patagonia gear, I’m glad I had the chance to find out that the company is true to its word. It’s the little things that make a big difference.” – Melissa Nyman.

Patagonia have earned a solid and respected reputation for their dedication to environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing, ranging from the materials they use to promoting fair labor practices. The brand also offers initiatives such as Worn Wear which encourages people to trade in their unwanted Patagonia gear for credit towards other worn or new gear, while keeping those functional traded-in pieces in use for others to benefit from.

Patagonia backs their gear with their Ironclad Guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with the gear or it doesn’t perform the way it should, return it to where it was purchased or Patagonia for a repair, replacement or refund. Patagonia also offers to repair non-warranty wear and tear damage at a reasonable charge. In addition, the brand accepts gear that cannot be used anymore, keeping it out of landfills and instead recycling or repurposing it.

Osprey

“I’ve used my Osprey Escapist backpack literally every day for the past 18 years. Only had to send it in once and they had it repaired and returned to me in a week. I’d like to say I’ll buy from them again, but at this rate I doubt I’ll ever have to.” – coldcoast.

Osprey wants you to use their gear as long as you can. So they build it to last, using quality materials and timeless designs that focus on function rather than playing to changing fashion trends. But in the event that something does go wrong with defects in materials or craftsmanship, Osprey has your back with their All Mighty Guarantee lasting over the reasonable lifetime of the bag.

To help protect the environment Osprey will always try to repair your gear first or alternatively replace it if needed. Plus when possible they can help you out with repairs not covered by the warranty for a reasonable cost.

Arc’teryx

“Just had a 10+ year old Theta AR hardshell (that had been through hell and back, including a tear in the Goretex proshell) replaced under warranty, free of charge with no questions asked, because they could not repair the delamination that had occurred. Hoping this one lasts another 10 years. Yes, their products come at a premium, but you also get the reassurance of Arc’teryx standing behind their high quality products. Well worth it, imo.” – turboboost.

Arc’teryx are known for creating topnotch gear that combines quality materials and solid craftsmanship for long-time durability. But for additional peace of mind they also cover all their products with a warranty, and at their discretion they will repair or replace defects in materials or workmanship for the practical lifetime of the product.

Each claim is assessed individually, but assuming your gear is in generally good, well-cared-for condition and any issues are with materials or workmanship, your gear should be covered. In addition, depending on the damage Arc’teryx can repair faults not covered by the warranty for a nominal cost.

Chrome Industries

“Chrome makes great bags. I use a backpack for commuting and one of the shoulder straps was coming apart at the seam. I thought I would have to ship it to California for repair and go without a backpack for weeks. I called the Chrome Hub in Portland and they said they could fix it right there on site. And they gave me a loaner bag, same style as the one I was having repaired. Great service.” – Andy C. 

For over two decades Chrome Industries have been producing tough urban carry that’s ready to conquer city streets on the daily commute and keep pace on weekend bike rides alike. And they back up their tough gear reputation with a lifetime guarantee on all their bags, repairing or replacing gear with defects in materials and workmanship.

Additionally each Chrome Hub offers in-store repairs courtesy of a custom bag sewer who can take care of both warranty and non-warranty repairs. Even better, if you bring your bag in to a Hub for repair, Chrome will loan you another bag until your repairs are fixed.

Mystery Ranch/Kletterwerks

“They do a fantastic job. I’ve used their packs for years and 2 years ago had the bottom reinforced/other misc repairs done to my Big Sky. Don’t remember the specific price, but it was certainly reasonable.” – Nick Stayner.

Mystery Ranch builds gear for some of the toughest environments out there. But the quality stays strong with bags intended for less demanding environments too. Mystery Ranch (and Kletterwerks) products are guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship for the practical lifetime of the product (note, fire packs and accessories have a 3-year warranty).

Mystery Ranch will repair or replace warranty-covered issues or alternatively offer to repair non-warranty damage where possible for a reasonable fee.

Filson

“I had a large duffel that the zipper tape came away from the leather on after 20 years. I probably paid 175 for it. I sent it to them and they said that they didn’t make that anymore and couldn’t repair it. I was out of luck. Just kidding, they gave me 325 in credit for a new one since it was a discontinued model. I got the one that rolls now for some extra dollars. I have probably lost more Filson gear than most will ever own, but if you can hang on to it you will have it for life. Excellent company through and through.” – idontcarethatmuch.

Filson’s dedication to creating long-lasting, functional gear has kept the brand going strong for over a century, and that durability is reflected in the lifetime guarantee that every Filson-made product includes. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship over the lifetime of the product, which extends to the point that it can’t serve its intended function and is worn out beyond reasonable repair.

Filson will first try to repair defects under warranty, but will replace items if this is not possible. Filson also offers to carry out repairs not covered by the warranty for a fee. Wonder what happens to the bags that are replaced? They don’t end up in a landfill. Instead, they head to the Restoration Department where Filson breathes new life into them while retaining their unique stories of years of solid use.

Tom Bihn

“I returned a bag and it was no trouble at all. They sent me a UPS label and offered to send a box as well. I have a Brain Bag that I used for 4 years of school and many trips, and a Pilot that I carry daily as a briefcase/computer bag. Neither has ever shown any signs of wear.” – mattnashbrowns.

Tom Bihn designs and crafts their gear in Seattle, and has earned a loyal following through bags that are well built and functional. That quality has resonated with customers through an extensive history spanning over three decades, and is backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Tom Bihn’s warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, and if damage isn’t covered under the warranty they will repair it if possible for a reasonable fee.

Tanner Goods

“I have a Tanner bifold and it’s absolutely incredible. It’s holding up big time and gets better with age.” – PummerofSunk

Tanner Goods’ philosophy is “Worth Holding Onto”, a philosophy reflected in their timeless and functional products that are handcrafted to last through years of use.

Qualifying leather and bag styles come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty, which Tanner Goods states “is applicable to the lifetime of our bags for up to 4 years and leather goods for up to 8 years and covers defective seam stitching, faulty zippers, hardware defects and fabric defects.”

And if you aren’t feeling a particular product, Tanner Goods will also accept returns for refund, exchange, or store credit on unused, qualifying items up to the first 14 days after receiving your gear.

The post The 10 Best Durable ‘Buy it for Life’ Bag Brands appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

The post Red Oxx Safari-Beanos PR5 Carry-On Duffel appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

It’s of no surprise that a kid like Jim went on to become a rigger in the Marine corp, and would return to live the rest of his years hunting and fishing in big sky country. And what’s a man like Jim do when he’s constantly let down by crappy outdoor and adventure goods, you ask?

He makes his own, of course. Meet the face of Red Oxx. 

So how long have you been in Billings?

I have been in and out of here since ’86 when I was in the military. I’d come here on leave and go hunting up in Jordan and eastern, north eastern Montana. The place just kind of drew me in as they say.

You were a rigger, correct?

Correct, I was a parachute rigger in the Marine corp.

Did you sew before that at all?

A little bit. I messed around with some stuff my dad had. He was also a Marine, and he was a rigger and a HALO instructor. Since I was old enough to walk, I’ve spent my time around nylon and parachutes. I made backpacks, but not a lot. I made duffel bags. Back in those days, I’d make one or two things, and that’d be it for the year. I’d use them though—somewhere in my junk, I still have bags that I made, shoot, when I was 12? Now they hold tow straps and things like that, but yeah, that’s what I did in the Marine Corp.

My business partner, he was a Navy rigger. They spent most of their time in the rigger’s shop making stuff on the aircraft carriers. So he’s a way better rigger than I’ll ever be because he made all the holsters on the Navy pilots’ survival equipment. His ability to customize and make things is legendary. I’m more like, “Yeah, I can sew…I can make stuff…” but I don’t have his abilities. He was always getting challenged by officers coming to him: “I need to put my granola bar here and my pistol here. You know what I’m talking about.”  Riggers always had a little side racket going.

And the riggers’ moto is, “I will be sure always.”

Exactly. “I will be sure, always.” If you’re not sure, you have to take it apart and repack it. Our inspection process. Our build process. All of it. So now, when I bring on new hires, I say, “You have to remember that somebody is getting an impression from this product. You’re making it. Would you spend your hard-earned money on it, if you knew that you cut a corner?” And they’ll say, “No.” So there you go. “Don’t let anything sloppy off your table…”

Everything we do is double stitched and finish taped. Our webbing handles go all the way around the bag to provide extra support. If you look at the webbing structure in your mind’s eye and pretend the Cordura disappeared, and imagine how much webbing would be floating in space, it’s almost enough that it’s like a cargo net around the load. This helps with dispersion and controlling the load, and that’s one of the things that makes the bags last.

And that’s obviously our brand: stuff that lasts outdoors. Adventuring. Traveling.

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“Somebody is getting an impression from this product. You’re making it. Would you spend your hard-earned money on it, if you knew that you cut a corner?”

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If you want to kind of keep it on why we exist—the gear that I was using for hunting just couldn’t stand up to any sort of continued use. 100-120 days of use in a year was just too much for the stuff that was coming out in the nineties as everything was being transitioned to offshore manufacturing. The initial quality was really poor, and I would argue that it hasn’t gotten much better. The look may be better, but overall, under real conditions and real living with it and using it, gear just falls apart.

The start of what we did was hunting stuff, because when you think about “What did I wear out and destroy?” it was gun cases. You reach into the back of your pickup truck and the case has been riding there for three hours in -10° weather. You go to pick up something out of the back of your pickup truck—and I’ve literally had other gear bags before I started making my own, just break. It was so cold that the poly or vinyl or whatever would become brittle, and it would just break. Between the gun cases that I was just flat out wearing out from using them, or duffel bags… That’s where the initial need for our products came from, because we were always out doing something.

I can go on about hunting and fishing all day, but… Are you specifically talking about the hardware?

The hardware, or zippers, or the construction, or the fabrics a lot of stuff is made from is subpar, and occasionally manufacturers will splurge a little and use a decent fabric, but most companies are going to cut a corner somewhere whether it’s the zipper or the hardware.

Why do you use 10mm Vislon zippers over coils?

With the Vislons, they lock in… [Jim uses his middle knuckles to demonstrate the locking integrity of the zipper teeth]. You can put them back together if they do pop loose… Vislons cost more, they’re harder to put into the bag, and most companies avoid them. They really are a bear, but we embrace them because it’s the function and durability that’s most important. Not how quickly we can build the product in our factory.

Coming from the apparel world, I’ve only seen Vislons on waterproof jackets, so seeing bulky 10mm Vislons on bags is jarring.

That comes from me being a freaking jarhead Marine. When I want something out of that bag and it’s -10° below, I’m not going to mess around and warm it up in the cab. I just grab the bag and yank the zippers open, get what I want, zip it closed, throw a dead deer on top of it, and drive home. Coil zippers are not going to stand up to that. I’ve been known to hold my bags by the zipper pulls and do ugly stuff to them, and the Vislons last. Pack it, pack it, pack it, and then put your knee into it, and zip it shut. I’m not saying they’re indestructible, but they’re very, very durable. If you’re a hardcore user you’ll appreciate our gear. You’ll be like, “Damn—“ 

I’m not saying it will never break, but it’s not like other products.

Back when we were just getting started, I asked myself what the competition was doing. “What are they using on their bags?” And then, “Why are we using these huge zippers?” Because we parachute-riggered it, we had to overdo it. When we started comparing ourselves to the competition, we had to let our own style—like you said, shocking, jarring, big honking hardware—we let that become our look and our house style. That’s kind of how it really developed. It was use first, and then not wanting to chase the other guys. We wanted to create our own silhouette and profile.

I look sometimes to the European luxury brands not so much for what fashion models are using them or whatever, but how they stay true to themselves. They establish a craftsman culture at the factory. They have a look and a feel for the brand, and they create their own trend and live it.  We’re not for everybody. We’re not for the ultra-light guys. You want hyper light Cuben Fiber blah-blah-blah?  I’m never going to sell to those guys, and nor should I try to.

You say that you look to the European brands in deciding who they were going to be—their identities. Do you feel like you’ve accomplished that?

Yeah, I think. We’ve been in business long enough that we’ve been in eight different factories, and we’ve finally built what I call the ultimate factory for us. [fittingly referred to as Factory #8]. That craftsman culture is now firmly established within the culture of the people who work here, and I think nearly everybody has actually worked in the factory at one point.

How many employees do you have?

28 right now, plus a ton of subcontracting, but in-house we have 28 on payroll.

One of the cooler things I came across on your webpage was everyone’s little bio and their picture… I want to talk to you about that company culture a bit. What’s it like? How have you gone about creating that?

Again, I kind of look to Europe. How have people who have made things for generations and generations sustained a brand? You have to be proud of what you do. You have to believe that what you make is valuable; that your contribution to the world means something. For somebody like myself who is a maker, the act of creating and building things is a very self-satisfying feeling, you know? This thing was a chopped-up pile of fabric, and I put it together, and it became something that’s going to go on. So, looking for that maker’s mentality—you’re a creator, you’re a craftsperson. That’s the first step.

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“I look sometimes to the European luxury brands, how they stay true to themselves. They establish a craftsman culture at the factory.”

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The other side of it is that most everyone who makes these products uses them in their everyday life. We’re all Montana people. You either like the outdoors or you don’t like Montana. They’re using our stuff themselves—it’s not a company where, like Rolls-Royce, how many people who work at their factory do you think drive a Rolls-Royce? I would argue zero. At Red Oxx, everyone lives that lifestyle.

We also have fun. Or we try to, and that’s a big part of it. We do collective lunches and events, and it’s a pretty cool environment. It’s a beautiful work space, too. We worked with the contractor and the architect to build a factory that, I think, is modern and yet pleasing to be in. It has good sound control, excellent lighting, and good work flow and efficiency so you don’t feel like you’re wasting your time. Have you ever gone and done something, and asked why you’re doing it, like, “This is stupid”? We tried to remove all the stupid aspects and make it more satisfying. You’re not doing crappy, cheap work here, you’re not doing stupid work, so it’s a thinking factory in some ways I guess. We’re continually improving.

Was it always Red Oxx, even before your dad first brought you on?

Yeah. Way back in the ’80s. It was: Red, and strong as an Oxx.

That’s where the namesake came from?

Yeah. Red is his favorite color…

Those days were interesting days at work. We did high volume back then. It was always tens of thousands of units and it was truly Red Oxx manufacturing. We were like any other manufacturer, but I looked to the future and didn’t see that as a viable thing with China coming online. A lot of my personal interests were not so much in the gym anymore either because I wanted to be out in the field. I still have a hard time working out even a couple days a week because given half a chance to run and play outside—I’m going to go run and play outside.

So, pardon my asking, but do you have a business background? The foresight that you had to have to determine that economic trends were going one direction, being uncomfortable with the way China was positioning themselves, and to depart from what you were doing and move toward something new… The amount of insight, the decision-making, and then actually being able to pull off a change of course like that… Most people would be dead in the water.

You know…no. I joined the Marine Corp. at 17. I’ve always been doing stuff—trying to make money. As a kid, my old man cut me off at five, so I started mowing lawns, I had paper routes, I had a car washing business. By the time I was 12, I had thousands of dollars in the bank. I bought my first motorcycle at 13, not even old enough to drive. I bought my first vehicle… the old man was just like… He couldn’t stop me because he never gave me anything! He said, “You want a car? Go buy one!” So I did.

I remember, I pushed that motorcycle home, and he just started shaking his head. He goes, “Where’d you get that?” I said, “I bought it!”  It was just instilled in me, that self-dependent thing. I’ve always worked for myself.

I was never a very good student either. I did lousy in school. I tried to go to college, I tried to go to high school, I just couldn’t do it. I can’t sit there for that long. I envy people who are able to get a degree in anything…

Did you graduate high school?

No, not with my class, I left when I was 17! I didn’t even finish my senior year!

So you’re CEO of a company… [Jim got a kick out of my disbelief and laughed] … and you don’t have a high school diploma?

Well I got one, yeah, I tested out.

That’s nuts, man, how that all worked out.

Yeah, it’s funny. I went and guest-taught at an entrepreneur class up in Bozeman and afterwards the teacher asked me, “What did you think?” I said, “One, maybe two people out of all your classes are entrepreneurs.” She said, “You’re exactly right.” It was really weird. She could recognize the certain kind of behavior, the certain kind of mindset, that makes a true entrepreneur. It really can’t be taught. It’s almost made in another way, or people are born that way and then shaped by the world around them. I would argue it has a lot to do with risk tolerance, wanting to control the situation in some way—that’s why I like to row the boat instead of fish. It’s just an intrinsic thing in who I am. Anyway, I love business.

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“You have to be proud of what you do. You have to believe that what you make is valuable; that your contribution to the world means something.”

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One big take-away from my military experience was not the skills of being a parachute rigger, it was the ability to recognize that if 99% of people are going one way, you want to be the 1% going the other way. That’s how you avoid ambush, because you do something that they’re not expecting. You’re jumping into the ocean in the middle of the night and then swimming ashore. Who does that? Well Navy SEALs and Marine Recon, that’s who does that shit. They don’t expect you to come this way—the hard way. “Oh there’s a hundred miles of desert. Nobody can cross that desert.” Guess what? We’re crossing that desert. We’ll sleep all day and move all night. That sort of asymmetrical mindset always appealed to me.

Who’s doing product development over there?

It’s collaborative. Sometimes I come up with an idea. Sometimes customers come up with an idea. A lot of times, the products come from inside the company. We have crazy contests where we invent products and everybody votes on them, and last year we said we’ll make 50 of these as Christmas presents for the staff to give to their families, and they became my initial test group for the product.

The Tool Roll you folks had as a contest piece, and ended up going to product with…that’s awesome.

When I saw that in the group, I thought no way. Here’s where the owner got it totally wrong. I personally thought, there’s no way this is a viable product. I also thought, who the hell would use it, and then there’s no way it’s going to win the contest. Sure as hell, it wins the contest. We put it out as a product and it’s become a solid seller. I mean solid. I wouldn’t call it a runaway launch, but it’s been steady. Every week, three or four of them, and I shake my head.

What’s funny is that I recently traveled with it: I took it to Guatemala, I put all my stuff in it, and I went down for like a week. Oh man, it’s freaking awesome! If you’ve got to run and gun on a trip, especially a tropical country, it’s all you need. It’s super organized. I felt weird not having my typical ruck and secondary bag, but I thought, “I’ll try this,” and it was awesome. I like having my packing cubes and being able to set those out on the counter and leaving all your stuff in the room. When this thing is all rolled up a certain way—bam! bam! bam! Roll it up and you’re good to go. It’s a cool bag. The crazy thing is now we have people coming in like that’s going to be a med kit or a kitchen kit.

What are your most in-demand products?

The PR5 has been a really solid seller since back in the day we won Gear of the Year with it in 2004, and it’s still a staple product for us. That whole product line—all four sizes. The PR5 (our fifth design) was the original one-bag carry bag, meant for the casual traveler.

Then we started getting a lot of people interested in business travel, so the Air Boss became a big seller, and it’s still a big product for us as well. We kind of crossed the line then from adventure traveler to business traveler, but still more like casual business traveler.

Another big one is the Sky Train, that’s a big seller for us. It’s a one-bag travel piece as well.

Photo via Gear Moose

What does Red Oxx stand for if you had to boil it down for us?

Well I think about our mission statement: We build power and mobility by building the best bags on the planet. That’s our original mission statement. What do we mean by power? We mean the strength to load that thing down and go anywhere you want in the world. Mobility? That’s what it means, anywhere in the world, in any condition, and for an extended time. Beat the hell out of it and keep living out of it. That’s really what we stand for. Really use it. Takt time.

We’ve done some computer modeling. Some of our bags get used 87 days a year. For example, our little Gator Bag has a high takt time. That means we’re in our customers’ hands as much as possible, which is what we want. I don’t want to just sell product—I want people to live with our product.

You have a lot of really fanatic customers, like, really fanatic—truly loyal. How did that start?

That behavior was recognized quite early, and I think it boils down to the balance we’ve struck between quality and design and usability. We all play that as product makers. There’s something about our designs and we’ve established that it’s okay to be a little overbuilt. When push comes to shove—we get to shoving. Our stuff lasts. Customers respect that. We won’t let them down on the other side of the world; there’s the mobility again. We always try to do the absolute right thing, whether that’s sourcing the materials, the way we build it… There are people who look at something and see it from 10,000 feet and then there are people who really get inside the product and they look at every seam and every stitch—and those people go, “Holy cow! They really didn’t cut any corners.” That is baked in. You can’t separate those aspects of the product design, the build, or the brand—it’s all intrinsic.

In line with your fanatic customers, can you share a story or some customer feedback that really verified what you’re doing?

Back at the beginning of the Internet age, when we finally got the review function on the website—everybody thinks that that’s been around forever, but we were online before we had that feature on the website. So reading those, the one thing that really stuck out was our warranty: no matter what happens, we take care of people. Sometimes bad things happen to our customers. They’re coming from a bad place and we provide something right in their life, which, in a lot of ways, is lacking in the world. Communicating that is really a big part of what we do—we’re here for them because they’re here for us.

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“I think it boils down to the balance we’ve struck between quality and design and usability.”

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What validates what we’re doing is that our customers will go out, use the hell out of our products in all these extreme situations, and then they share the love. They write these great reviews and I like to think that we become a valuable part of their travel experience and their life. I really get a lot of satisfaction out of that; that they can rely on us to provide what they need.

Red Oxx Trivia: How many reviews does the Air Boss have on its product page?

In the world of carry, the brand of customer that might be most loyal to you are the one-bag travelers. Do you feel like that’s true from your perspective?

I would say that we have a big following with people who get a lot of time in the airplane. Again, back to takt time. The experienced one-bag traveler, or the one-and-one-half traveler, who recognizes that they need a certain kind of kit that can stand up to the use and abuse that they put their stuff through, well they fall right into the sweet spot with us. Their days of travel are higher than the average person, so they recognize that under normal use and normal wear and tear an inferior product will fail on them, whereas something like a Red Oxx bag is designed for that.

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“I don’t want to just sell product—I want people to live with our product.”

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Sometimes people say, “Well, it’s a little robust in some ways,” or like, “Man, it’s a little overbuilt.” So I joke and say, “Well there’s no such thing as overbuilt, because the minute something fails on you, it was underbuilt.” And if it does happen to ever get damaged, we’ll fix it. Not a lot of people offer that warranty. There’s a couple here and there, but I like the fact that we don’t ask any questions, we just take care of you.

Do you charge customers for user error?

No.

We both took a few seconds to sink in. No questions asked. No charge.

We’ve heard some stories though. Sometimes those become awesome marketing stories.

Jim shared a story about a customer who’d been in a car accident which resulted in this gentleman’s car catching fire. He lost everything, including his luggage, save for a notebook-sized, charred corner of his Red Oxx bag. He turned the bag into warranty and Red Oxx replaced his bag. No questions asked. No charge.

One of the things I like to ask people is what they’re proud of, whether that’s a product or the business, or where you’re at now…so in terms of Red Oxx, what are you most proud of?

Wow, that’s an interesting question—I guess a simple answer would be that it’s working: my vision is working. I have to thank the people who buy our products and believe in us, not only how we do it, but also what we actually make. People can acknowledge that the business model is great, but easily say that they don’t like the product. The fact that there’s this acceptance…the whole concept of small batch manufacturing, super high quality, durability…yeah it costs a premium, but we’ll support you. That’s a validation of everything because I’m that customer myself. To me that validation, and that the business model continues to thrive, it allows me to do a lot of things. It allows me to hire people and train them in skills and help them build their personal pride—I’m very proud of that. It allows me to buy a couple old buildings down here in the industrial part of town and clean those up—I’m proud of that.

What are you currently using for Everyday Carry?

Well, right now I’m carrying a prototype bag—nothing official yet, but it’s called the Micro Manager.

Jim walked me through the bag. It’s a single strap with briefcase-style carry handles and a full clamshell opening that provides easy access to the main compartment’s tablet sleeve and organizational panel. It’s just the right size for everyday needs and support items while flying. Jim removes some of the contents of his bag, small glass pendants that he makes in his spare time and sends to friends in Guatemala, a few ceramic plates with glass inlay that he jokes will be used at a corporate dining event in the future, and his notebook and other personals.

Keep an eye out in September for the launch of the Micro Manager, and check out Red Oxx on Instagram and Facebook to get a closer look at their state-of-the-art factory.

Red Oxx Trivia answer: 754 as of July 26, 2017.

The post Rigger to Red Oxx :: Jim Markel Interview appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Finally, it’s worth thinking about the environments you’ll be navigating on your travels. Will you be bringing your bag into a boardroom or meeting? If so, does it look the part or will it draw unwanted attention for its too-casual aesthetics? Do you need to look sharp or pack a lot? Wheeled bags are convenient for heavy loads and can lend a more professional air to your appearance.

On the other hand, if you’ll be experiencing busy streets, public transport and changing terrains, backpacks can be a great option for navigating crowds, rough terrain and steps. Nothing says you mean business like a briefcase, and shoulder bags can be a good option if you want to balance easy portability and smart style.

Choosing bags for business travel is a decision that requires time and consideration. But to help you out we’ve rounded up some of the best bags for the job…

–

The Backpack

Thule Accent Backpack 28L (US$ 129.95)

The 28L Accent Backpack is a practical, adaptable choice for short work trips and overnight or weekend stays, and packs plenty of features into its sleek form. The bag’s wide-opening main compartment provides ready access to your gear, and you’ll find a useful mix of interior and exterior pockets to keep your travel essentials tidy. A choice of top and side access lets you easily reach your laptop on the go, and the luggage passthrough sleeve allows for handy all-in-one portability with rolling luggage.

Arc’teryx Blade 28 (US$ 138.98)

The Blade 28 is ideally suited to overnight or short trips, with a range of features to organize your work and personal items. The main clamshell-style compartment is handy for storing clothes and documents, while a front pocket with interior organization is useful for keeping frequently used items tidy and within easy reach. The pack’s internal padded sleeve fits up to a 15″ laptop, while exterior top and side handles provide additional carry options.

Incase EO Travel Backpack (US$ 179.95)

Incase’s EO Travel Backpack offers a convenient clamshell opening for easy packing and access, with an expandable main compartment when you need to pack a little extra. The flat-lay laptop compartment makes passing through airport security easier and fits up to a 17″ laptop. Rounding things off are a choice of quick-access pockets for travel and EDC essentials, as well as top and side grab handles for flexible portability.

Tom Bihn Synapse 25 (US$ 235)

The versatile Synapse 25 lends itself to a range of uses, from carry-on companion to urban daypack at your destination or outdoor bag if your trip allows you to squeeze in a day hike. A range of front pockets keep your work and travel essentials easily accessible. The main compartment opens wide for handy access and includes a large elastic-topped pocket for organization. Take note, there’s no dedicated storage for a laptop so you’ll need to supply your own sleeve (or go with Tom Bihn’s optional Cache). The pack comes in a choice of fabrics and includes a lifetime guarantee.

Aer Travel Pack (US$ 220)

Winner of our Best Carry-On award, Aer’s sleek and stylish Travel Pack offers a variety of handy features for the business traveler. A clamshell-style main compartment allows for easy packing and access, a suspended laptop pocket stores up to 15″ tech, and a dedicated shoe compartment keeps your shoes or dirty laundry away from the rest of your gear. There’s also plenty of pockets for organizing smaller items, and compression straps to cinch the bag into daypack mode for use at your destination.

Minaal Carry-on 2.0 (US$ 299)

The Minaal Carry-on 2.0 looks suave in urban settings but is tough enough for regular travel use. Complementing the clean silhouette are a host of features such as a rain cover, an adjustable sternum strap that clips out of the way when not in use, top and side handles, and a protective backpack strap cover to prevent unsightly dangling or snagging in tight spaces. The device compartment offers suspended and adjustable storage for a laptop, a passport pocket, plus a document sleeve. Peek inside the main compartment and you’ll find 3D pockets to help keep your gear tidy on the move.

Tom Bihn Tri-Star (US$ 360)

Functional and adaptable, the Tom Bihn Tri-Star offers great organization, a durable build with a lifetime guarantee, and a choice of handy carry options. Quick-access front pockets are useful for smaller travel, work and EDC items, while three compartments provide storage for clothes, tech and documents. The bag includes top and side carry handles and stowable backpack straps, and can also be used with an optional shoulder strap.

Slicks BIZ (US$ 369)

The Slicks BIZ is a sleek carry-on with plenty of features to keep you organized during your travels. A dedicated suspended laptop compartment fits up to 15″ devices, while front pockets offer storage for bulkier items and shoes. The clamshell-style main compartment includes pockets for documents and valuables, and storage space for the modular Slicks Suitcover to keep work clothes wrinkle-free and the Slicks Tripcover. The Tripcover provides multiple pockets for additional clothing, along with a removable laundry bag, wash bag, and Slicks Shirtcover to protect shirt collars and assist with folding.

Briefcases and Shoulder Bags

Red Oxx Mini Boss (US$ 245)

A more compact alternative to Red Oxx’s Air Boss, the burly Mini Boss is suitable for carry-on use and provides two compartments for clothes and tech. The first compartment includes a flip-out pocket for smaller items or toiletries, while the second compartment includes a suspended laptop sleeve. Exterior full-length pockets on the front and back let you stash frequently used items for easy access. In addition to top grab handles, the bag also comes with a detachable non-slip shoulder strap. And for peace of mind, this handmade bag includes a “No Bull” lifetime warranty.

Red Oxx Air Boss (US$ 265)

The Red Oxx Air Boss offers all the durability of the Mini Boss, but with a larger 40.4L capacity (compared to the Mini Boss’s 24.3L). A detachable non-slip shoulder strap and top handles provide carry flexibility, while a choice of three compartments provide storage for clothes, work documents, and tech. It’s worth noting the Air Boss does not include dedicated storage for a laptop, so you’ll need to provide your own protective sleeve. There’s also a choice of exterior pockets for storing items such as a phone, passport, and magazine.

Mandarina Duck Carry Borsa Da Lavoro (around US$ 310)

The Mandarina Duck Carry Borsa Da Lavoro moves smoothly between formal and informal settings alike with a slim and understated design. In addition to a shoulder strap the bag includes top and side carry handles for easy portability. Well suited to carrying work essentials, the bag offers space for a laptop, documents and organizer pockets to keep smaller work tools and travel items in order on the go.

Rimowa Salsa Deluxe Hybrid Notebook (US$ 425)

Lightweight yet durable, the Salsa Deluxe Hybrid Notebook is crafted from polycarbonate and Keprotec® fabric reinforced with Kevlar fiber. The bag can be carried with the top handles or a removable shoulder strap, and offers a variety of exterior pockets for storing quick-access items. In addition, one of the exterior pockets can convert into a trolley passthrough sleeve for easy transport with larger luggage. The main compartment opens wide for hassle-free access and includes a removable laptop sleeve, along with further pockets for organizing smaller items and space for a change of clothes.

Tumi Alpha 2 Expandable Organizer Laptop Brief (US$ 455)

A premium offering from Tumi, the Alpha 2 Expandable Organizer Laptop Brief looks right at home in the boardroom but adapts to a range of environments. The bag includes a main compartment and a secondary compartment with multiple dividers for organization. A tablet sleeve and a removable padded laptop sleeve take care of your tech, while a host of exterior pockets provide convenient storage for smaller work tools and travel items. And not forgetting one of the main features, the bag is expandable so you can easily store a change of clothes for an overnight trip or additional work supplies.

Travelteq Briefcase Original Special Edition (around US$ 455)

The elegant Travelteq Briefcase Original Special Edition gives a solid nod to style while providing practical features for carrying business and travel essentials. Crafted with vegetable-tanned Florentine Vacchetta leather and waterproof Limonta nylon, the bag offers a range of slip and zipped interior pockets and dedicated storage for up to a 15″ laptop. An exterior pocket for smaller items and a concealed newspaper pocket provide further organization, while a luggage strap lets you easily secure the briefcase to trolley luggage.

Wheeled

Eagle Creek Expanse International Carry-On (US$ 189)

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Eagle Creek’s Expanse International Carry-On adapts to smaller and larger loads with a 33.5L volume that expands to 36.5L when you need to pack in extra. Additionally, exterior attachment points allow you to secure bulky items externally. The bag’s heavy-duty wheels handle a range of terrains with ease, and a choice of top, side and bottom grab handles help you maneuver the bag in tight spaces. Quick-access items can be stored in a range of exterior pockets, including a padded tablet sleeve. Inside the main compartment a further pocket offers additional organization, along with compression straps to keep clothing tidy. Security features including a Central Lock Point and Secure Zip Toggles provide peace of mind, as does the No Matter What warranty.

Timbuk2 Copilot Luggage Roller (US$ 225)

The Timbuk2 Copilot Luggage Roller packs in plenty of useful features such as grab handles on all sides, two front pockets for a laptop and quick-access items, and a choice of pockets in the main compartment. The bag can be opened in a clamshell-style mode for easy access throughout the main compartment. Alternatively a front flap provides fast entry when you don’t want to open the bag completely. The Copilot is also backed by a lifetime warranty so you can feel confident it will hold up to years of use.

Raden A22 (US$ 295)

The Raden A22’s sleek aesthetics are complemented by a variety of smart luggage features to help make your journeys smoother. An integrated battery and two USB ports allow you to conveniently charge tech devices on the go. In addition, proximity sensors utilize Bluetooth to provide location updates and help keep the case by your side, while the case’s handle also serves as a luggage scale. Made with lightweight yet impact-resistant polycarbonate, the Raden A22 also features spinner wheels for convenient maneuverability.

Thule Crossover Carry-on 56cm/22″ (US$ 299.95)

This rugged roller bag will stand up to years of demanding use thanks to its tough oversized wheels, V-Tubing telescoping handle, hard-wearing exoskeleton and molded polypropylene back panel. The clamshell main compartment makes it easy to pack and retrieve items, and there’s dedicated storage for a 15″ laptop and fragile items. Even better, it’s got a carry trick up its sleeve. Concealable backpack straps let you quickly convert the roller bag to pack mode, so you can easily navigate stairs, rough terrain and crowds when the need arises.

Incase Kaskade Carryon with Luggage Tag (US$ 349.95)

Designed in collaboration with DJ KASKADE, this roller offers urban-friendly style combined with useful travel functionality. Top and side handles assist with maneuverability in awkward spaces, and a quick-access front pocket is handy for the likes of toiletries. A choice of mesh pockets in the main compartment prevent a jumbled mess, and the clamshell-style opening enables easy access throughout. As an added bonus, the roller also comes with a luggage tag.

Rimowa Salsa Air Multiwheel (US$ 495)

Crafted from lightweight yet tough polycarbonate, the Salsa Air Multiwheel brings style and easy maneuverability to your travels. The bag includes spinner wheels, top and side carry handles, a TSA-approved combination lock, and two interior mesh pockets for organization. The 33L case also comes with a five-year warranty and looks good in any setting.

Samsonite Lite-Cube Spinner 55cm (around US$ 485)

The Lite-Cube Spinner offers a sophisticated combination of elegance, durability and easy movement. The case is crafted from impact-resistant yet lightweight Curv material and comes with a 10-year warranty. The clamshell opening reveals a choice of interior pockets for organization. Complementing the interior are useful exterior features including a TSA lock, recessed top and side carry handles, and an integrated ID tag.

Tumi Alpha Bravo Peterson Wheeled Backpack (US$ 545)

Can’t decide between a pack or wheeled luggage? Have both with this adaptable hybrid design that can be carried as a backpack or wheeled as rolling luggage to suit different environments. The bag offers a retractable pull handle for wheeled use, along with stowable backpack straps and a wheel cover to protect your clothing in backpack mode. Quick-access travel and work items can be conveniently stored in a variety of exterior pockets, including dedicated space for a 15″ laptop and tablet. The main compartment opens wide for easy packing and access, with a pocket for further organization and compression straps to keep clothing secure.

Garment Bags and Suit Carriers

Eagle Creek Pack-It Garment Folder – Medium (from US$ 28.01)

Eagle Creek’s Pack-It Garment Folder provides a convenient way to reduce wrinkles in your clothing, with Compress Wings that provide stretch compression. The folder comes with a handy folding instruction board and is constructed with water and odor-resistant material. A grab handle lets you easily transport it to and from your bag, and a choice of three sizes accommodate different loads (with the small and medium fitting in most carry-on bags).

Henty CoPilot (US$ 229.98)

The Henty CoPilot tackles the challenges of business travel with a two-in-one design. The exterior garment bag is designed to roll around an inner tube bag that can hold shoes, accessories, toiletries and other travel essentials. Exterior pockets on the garment bag let you keep a laptop and smaller business or travel items within easy reach. A choice of grab handles and backpack straps keep you moving smoothly in changing environments, and a rain cover protects your gear against the elements.

Mismo M/S Suit Carrier (around US$ 555)

Mismo’s M/S Suit Carrier deftly merges functional design and refined style. The carrier can be unzipped fully for easy access, revealing two interior pockets for additional storage and organization. An exterior zippered pocket is convenient for housing frequently used items, and the premium materials and construction will stand up to the demands of travel for years to come.

VOCIER C38 Travel Bag (around US$ 710)

The VOCIER C38 is a handsome and luxurious carry-on bag designed to carry work clothes wrinkle-free. VOCIER’s Zero-Crease System provides curving storage for a suit to prevent wrinkles, and can also be hung up in your accommodation for easy access. A quick-entry opening lets you remove items such as a wash bag from the inner compartment without having to open the main zipper. A removable interior compartment stores additional items, while an exterior pocket in the handle provides secure and convenient storage for a passport and ticket.

Tumi Alpha 2 4 Wheeled Extended Trip Garment Bag (US$ 975)

If money is no object and wrinkle-free clothes are a priority, Tumi’s Alpha 2 4 Wheeled Extended Trip Garment Bag may be just what you’re after. The bag includes two brackets for hanging clothes on either end of the main compartment, with straps to keep items secure on the move. The bag also includes removable zippered pouches for organizing smaller items, as well as dedicated storage for three pairs of shoes. In addition, exterior pockets provide further storage for extra clothing items and travel or business essentials.

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