As you may or may not be aware, Arc’teryx is a parent company which focuses on outdoor/sports/adventure/travel products, with two other sub-brands/product families under their roof: Arc’teryx Veilance (a high end future-forward collection which includes the Nomin backpack and other gear and apparel) and Arc’teryx LEAF (made specifically for Law Enforcement Armed Forces).  The Courier Bag 15 falls under the LEAF product family.

Let’s dig in.

This Courier Bag 15 was specifically designed for the demanding LEAF customers in mind.  That being said, the Courier 15 could fit right at home in the Veilance collection with some minor design adjustments that would tailor the bag more towards a high end civilian customer versus the LEAF customer.  Aesthetically speaking, this bag does not look like a military pack at all, which are normally covered in MOLLE webbing and made from a loud MultiCam camouflage fabric like some of their other packs in the LEAF collection (no disrespect at all, as these features are critically necessary for soldiers in war zones).  While it is a beautiful execution of clean form following function and minimalism, currently only available in a low-shine black (my favorite) and with a simple small black-on-black embroidered icon on the exterior, visually it’s almost… forgettable?

That’s not a negative comment at all.  In fact, it means the designers at Arc’teryx successfully achieved their goal.  Why is that you ask?  Well, the Courier 15 wasn’t made for soldiers kicking in doors engaged in close quarters combat situations.  Just look at the model who is wearing the Courier 15 Bag on the product webpage; he’s not in combat uniform, but rather super subdued civilian looking clothes.  To put it simply, it was designed for Jason Bourne-type operatives (more or less).  “Grey man” is another term that is often used.  Basically a plain clothed officer or soldier who is going undercover and wants to blend into their surroundings, not have any attention drawn to them, and be absolutely forgettable.  Like spies.  More on that towards the end.

The Courier Bag 15 does just that, while carrying all of their critically important gear.  For those who need it, it can carry a firearm, while it can also hold a laptop and gym clothes equally as well.  Whether you’re on the city streets of Singapore, New York City, Auckland, Berlin or the dark alleys of Marrakesh, Baghdad, or Moscow, it blends in seamlessly.  The classic silhouette means it could be carried by a tourist, a local, a business person, student, or anyone for that matter.  A spy could walk right by you on the street with highly classified government documents and dangerous materials in their bag and you wouldn’t think a thing of it.  Not until you take a closer look under the hood anyway.

Other than it’s ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’ sleek and minimal looks, what else does the Courier offer?  Well, it is made by Arc’teryx after all and they’re known to be pretty insane about the details while focusing on the big picture.  Generally speaking, they always nail it.

The materials used here are of the highest quality, made from Arc’teryx’s “DONGJIN 310gsm/9.1osy 630d HT Nylon Plain Weave with DWR”, which means lightweight, super durable, matte finish, and waterproof.  Everything you’ve come to expect from these guys.  And every critical stitch line is then seam taped for extra water resistance.

The zippers are water resistant YKK zippers. Honestly, while this bag can’t be submerged for SCUBA divers (it doesn’t need to be), it can easily float in water.  I tested it out in the bathtub for about an hour and floats effortlessly without anything inside getting wet.

While walking with it down along Town Lake here in Austin, Texas one evening, I tossed it in and let it float by the shore for a while.  Again, no moisture made it in.  While in most situations water will be coming down from above in the form of rain droplets versus from around and below, I’m guessing this bag can handle a constant downpour forever without issue (yes, actually forever).

And at first I was a bit concerned with the buckles as visually they don’t look like any military grade buckles I’ve seen before… upon further inspection, they’re made by ITW (who makes buckles for all of the high end military gear out there).

I was also super excited to discover that the main adjustment hardware on the shoulder strap is actually made from a matte black coated metal, with minimal dead bird branding on it.  Additionally, the shoulder strap is removable/ambidextrous for left-handed folks.

The included stabilization strap that attaches to the main strap with some thick Velcro-backed hypalon fabric is also a bonus, as it is often a separate additional extra ($$$) from many brands.

Now, to my favorite part of this bag.  The access.  This is next level design here.  Super simple yet super functional.  You have your standard flap with two buckles which can be folded over top of bulky items (such as a rain shell) and then closed down.  To keep that webbing clean, they incorporated their own webbing management system as well.  Nice.

Once you’ve got the main flap open, you’re looking at two zippered pockets.

One is a pocket with a water resistant zipper for quick-access smaller items (anything from a pen, a flashlight, multitool, cellphone, etc).

Then the 2nd zippered pocket is actually the access to the cavernous main compartment, which is super trick, as that zipper adds even more water resistance to the whole system.  The messenger-style flap plus a zippered lid creates two levels of protection for important items inside.  Awesome.  One additional note, I personally believe all zippers should go left to right.  The zipper slider being on the left when the zipper is closed and then pull it to the right to open it.  Apparently the designers at Arc’teryx think so too.  Cleverly, they made it so when you’re actually wearing the bag, you’re looking down on it (upside down) so the zippers open from left to right from your perspective.

And my favorite two zippers?  The secret quick access side zippers.  Both of these water resistant zippers are hidden with dual rain guards (one on each side of the zipper), which makes them more or less disappear.  They added one zipper on each side of the bag for right-handed and left-handed users, so you can have immediate discreet access to the main compartment without having to swing the bag around in front of you, unbuckle the two buckles on the messenger flap, flip it up, unzipper the main compartment zipper, and grab your item.  Slick.

Because of these zippers, you can actually access the main compartment while the bag is slung over your shoulder and on your back/side/hip.  Reach across your waist, unzip, and you’re in.  This is particularly useful for field agents who need to access their firearm without drawing attention.  And it places your hand directly at the rear female/loop Velcro panel where one would attach their holster for a quick draw.  Or for us civilians, you can attach various modular pouches in order to grab your iPad or a stick of Fruit Stripe bubble gum.

For $279 (MSRP from LEAF), you get a whole lot of bag.  Weighing in at a mere 970 grams (that’s 2.14 lbs), this bag feels like it can hold a whole lot more than 15 liters of volume (its advertised capacity) worth of gear in an extremely well thought out manner, all while being extremely accessible from multiple positions and access points.  Ultimately, this bag is made for undercover agents and spies, so it can definitely hold up to any abuse you can throw at along your travels, adventures, and daily life.

Speaking of spies… the team over at Arc’teryx loved our recent James Bond EDC post so much that they decided to get in on the fun.  After plenty of convincing, John Laviolette, Product Line Manager of LEAF agreed to show us his Everyday Carry (he doesn’t like to be the center of attention, ever).  John is responsible for all specialist military and law-enforcement product development over at Arc’teryx Equipment, so we just knew his EDC would be awesome.  We were not disappointed!

John’s EDC loadout that fits tidily in his Courier Bag 15:

1. ECONOMIST Magazine – The World in 2018
2. LEUCHTTURM1917 – Notebook Medium (A5 – Black)
3. ARC’TERYX LEAF – GORE TOF BD450 MultiCam Document Holder, not available commercially (Note from Editor: I want one of these BAD!)
4. THULE – Gauntlet 3.0 MacBook Pro Sleeve (13” – Black)
5. ARC’TERYX LEAF – Product Catalogue 2018
6. BOSE – QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones II (Black)
7. PETZL – e+LITE
8. ARC’TERYX LEAF – Courier Bag 15 (Black)
9. ARC’TERYX – NORVAN Jacket (Black)
10. BELLROY – Travel Wallet (Black)
11. Canadian Passport
12. APPLE – MacBook Pro (13” – Space Grey)
13. LAMY – Lx Rollerball Pen (Ruthenium)
14. RAYBAN – Cockpit RB3362 (Gunmetal/Gray Gradient)
15. OTTERBOX – DryBox 3250 (Black)

His top 3 travel items and why:

1. The Economist Magazine… in continuous print since September 1843.
2. APPLE – MacBook Pro… the ultimate communications and information management tool for professionals.
3. ARC’TERYX NORVAN Jacket… a multi-purpose tool for the global traveller who wants to conduct PT – rain or shine – and always be able to represent a brand that is globally synonymous with wet weather protection.

The post Unveiling the Arc’teryx LEAF Courier Bag 15 appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

The process builds the wallets in a flat 2D plane, which is why leather is a great material selection for them, as it can then stretch and move as you adapt the wallet to its 3D use. The wallets feature Horween leather which is more typically used in heritage products, showcasing it in a far more progressive form. Currently they’re being built in Arc’teryx’s Vancouver factory.

Who They Suit

If you want a head-nod to your outdoor performance life, but consider style and elegance important, you’ve found your thing. These are minimalist wallets requiring discipline and restraint. They don’t hold much, but what they do hold creates a striking vibe.

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“These wallets are laminated rather than stitched, using tooling and registration techniques that very few brands have mastered.”

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Who They Don’t

If you’re after budget-friendly wallets, these aren’t them. They’re not cheap – this is premium leather in a futuristic construction. Additionally, if you like to shove loads of cards, coins and receipts into your billfold, these are not for you.

Materials

The wallets are crafted with fine grain, water-resistant Horween leather. This leather is excellent, feeling durable with just the right level of softness. You get wrinkling on the spines as you have to keep folding them back against themselves for access, but that’s fine. The wallets also feature nylon woven linings laminated to the flesh side of the leather.

Construction

The construction of these wallets is really precise and beautiful. Panels are aligned with registration tools, so they fit snug and straight. The formed leather panels give you a starting point for card volume, which you then stretch into depending on how many cards you want to carry. The joins at the top of card sections can feel a touch vulnerable, even though they are actually okay. Heat-set adhesives keep it all together, and radii are spot on, avoiding rabbit ears with age.

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“These are minimalist wallets requiring discipline and restraint.”

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The wallets also feature minimalist laser-etched branding, along with unfinished edges that work well against the precision of everything else.

Casing Billfold 78mm

The Casing Billfold 78mm suits low currencies like USD, CAD, and AUD. However, there’s an 89mm version also available for taller currencies like EUR, GBP, and JPY.

Arc’teryx claims this billfold fits up to 8 cards, but we found it fit 6 cards more comfortably. With 8 there is almost zero room for cash. With 6 cards there is room for a few bills with only some distortion. With 4 cards you can fit 6-8 bills in there with only some distortion.

In terms of cash, the wallet fits unfolded bills up to 78mm tall, but only a handful at most. The Casing Billfold is built without bill allowance. Bill allowance is that extra curve of leather most wallets typically have around the spine, to create room for more bills to fit around the fold without distorting the inner spine. This means you’ll max out the cash-carrying ability at around 5 or so bills, before the wallet starts to distort around the inner spine. An additional construction note, this wallet has a lovely tongue detail coming up inside the bill section from the base.

It’s worth noting that since this wallet is built flat, there’s some breaking in required to get it working in three dimensions. I generally only would use a maximum of 6 cards and it handled them fairly well. The interaction did get a little bit awkward when trying to fumble for the card at the base of the stack and I felt I really had to open it fully wide to get access. You need to peel back past flat to access cards.

There are a few things I think they could do better in finishing, particularly the lining and how the crinkling comes through.

Casing Passport Wallet

Arc’teryx says this wallet will hold 8 cards. If you really want to stretch it, you can jam 12 into it, but it needs some forcing for that.

It carries international standard-sized passports that are 125mm tall. That means most countries should be fine, other than recently superseded German hardcovers and some Irish passports. If you have a double thickness passport (frequent travellers), it’s going to be really tight.

There’s no room for a pen down the inside of the spine, as the passport goes right to the inside of the spine. However, there’s some lovely detail as the backing liner ducks inside the leather between card slots.

Casing Card Wallet

Arc’teryx claims up to 8 cards fit in the Casing Card Wallet, but we found with 8 you have trouble closing the wallet and access is tricky. Four cards is really comfortable, and 6 cards are manageable but require a touch of fiddling.

You can three-fold and tuck a small amount of bills, but in general this wallet isn’t great for bills. Where it shines is as a great-looking card slip.

In terms of breaking it in, the wallet wants to stay open for the first few weeks, but will eventually rest closed. Cards start to push through and get easier to access, but it is initially very tight. I would not recommend using it for more than 6 cards.

It’s so tight that you have to bend it back on itself for card access. That’s fine if you’re only in and out occasionally, but for frequently used cards it can slow access down.

Verdict

The Arc’teryx Veilance wallets deliver a clean combination of progressive construction and premium materials. They look and feel great, exuding a minimalist style that’s sure to draw admiring glances. However, like any design, there’s room for improvement such as reexamining how the crinkling comes through and making access easier. Overall, these wallets are an exciting development in Arc’teryx’s design direction and we’re keen to see where they’ll lead.

The post Arc’teryx Veilance Wallets Review: Drive By appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

I didn’t want to like this bag. When I got it I was feeling ready for a bit of a takedown on something unnecessarily expensive.

Most reviews of ultra-expensive products follow a familiar formula: gush over the features and design, acknowledge the price, and set out conditions for when the product is justified. I’m guilty of it, as is anyone else who has ever reviewed anything nice. As a result, I was feeling ready for a takedown on something expensive and unnecessary. I kind of didn’t want to like this bag.

Unfortunately, the Nomin is amazing. The only thing that will pry it from my cold dead hands is a future version of the same thing. Mine. Gimme. Justifying it over an Eastpak is as fruitless as justifying a LaFerrari over a Civic.

Details

Price: $650.00 USD* (*the price has jumped around a bit in the last year.)

Materials:

– AC² plain weave nylon urethane laminate

– Water-resistant, 100% nylon face

– Taped seams

– WaterTight external zippers

– Fidlock Snaps

Manufacturing: Made in Canada

Features:

– Front compartment with internal organization pocket and key hook

– Rear compartment with removable rigid laptop and document divider with bungee cord and snap closure

– Low profile, laminated shoulder straps

– Integrated new top and side carry handles

Fit

One of the first things I noticed about the Nomin when I first picked it up is that the shoulder straps feel, well, different. They’re incredibly pliable and supple, soft with no padding or bulk at all. It made sense the moment I shouldered the pack.

Last year the Arc’teryx crew did a Reddit AMA. I asked about how they made the Nomin shoulder straps so comfortable, and the reply was “25 years of building climbing harnesses.” I guess it makes sense that if you can make a climbing harness comfortable, an urban daypack should be child’s play.

Whether it’s strap shape, materials, or their experience with harnesses, the pack is comfortable to wear. Even with a laptop, charger, magazines, files, camera, jacket, and a pound of coffee in there.

Another striking thing about the Nomin is how well it seems to fit a variety of people. It sits as naturally on my 5’1″ wife as it does on a friend of mine who is 6’2″ and pushing 240 lbs. More climbing harness experience?

In terms of adjustments, the Nomin has a novel little loop of material that holds the silky grosgrain strap adjusters to the body of the pack. This keeps things tidy, with nothing dangling off the front pack, while also keeping strap adjustments close at hand. Having unequal strap length bothers me more than it should, and this system makes it easy to keep everything just right.

Taka Kasuga, Veilance Design Director

Fashion

Let’s be honest for a moment and admit that we all buy products to represent us. Even the choice of not buying products to represent ourselves is an attempt to refine our personal brands. In my opinion, the Nomin looks awesome. It’s part stealth fighter, part panther, part insect, part future android hybrid.

It’s fully murdered out—all black, no logos, but distinctive. I was stopped in the street in Taichung by a young guy who recognized the bag and wanted to check it out. There was a bit of a language barrier, but he definitely told me I was “going to get all the b****es, for real man.”

Veilance was ahead of the curve on the pendulum swing from craft to tech, but the Nomin is as unobtrusive as you want it to be. The silhouette is refined and minimal, a far cry from the bulky roll-top bags you see at every LA coffee spot.

One of my favorite things about craft materials like leather and canvas are how they wear in comparison to many outdoor textiles. Shitty old canvas has patina, but shitty old Gore-Tex is kind of sad. That’s not the case with the Nomin’s AC² fabric; I’ve beaten it to hell over the last few years and if anything the bag has only gotten more character. The little scuffs and marks on it feel like they have stories, without making the bag look imperfect or ruined.

It’s also worth a quick note that this bag is handmade in a high-tech facility a few minutes outside Vancouver, Canada. I was sworn to secrecy when I toured the place, so I can’t give up many details now, but seeing the technology and craftsmanship that goes into building these bags is amazing. In contrast to a lot of the other items that Arc’teryx manufactures in that facility, the Veilance line is almost exclusively done as individual pieces rather than on an assembly line. I’m hoping to give you guys more of a peek behind the curtain there soon!

Function

To afford the Nomin you need a job (or a trust fund), so it stands to reason that it should be a functional work bag. It has a two-partition, removable laptop/file sleeve in the main compartment. The sleeve actually elevates your laptop off the bottom of the bag, acting as a sort of suspension system and allowing me to just dump my MacBook in there without a second thought. It’s the little things.

File organization with the Nomin is excellent, and loose papers stay nicely protected. Throw some reading material in the second sleeve partition, hold it all together with a Fidlock Snap bungee system, and it’s a tidy package. The Fidlock Snaps come with big warnings and use instructions, but I found them fairly intuitive.

The rest of the main compartment isn’t roomy, but has enough space to be functional. It also has an awesome discreet pocket made of some stretchy, neoprene-like material. I carried an engagement ring around France in that compartment for two weeks last year. I’ve never been more paranoid about losing a bag.

The shallow front compartment is odd at first glance. I find this compartment less useful than the main one, but since it’s separated from the main compartment by a waterproof AC² layer it’s nice for keeping things like sunscreen or bug spray away from computers and files. The contoured shape of the front compartment is also what helps the bag stay unobtrusive; it doesn’t catch on things and it’s easy to wear in a crowd without feeling like a jerk.

Much of the front compartment volume is taken up by a floating ripstop bag that flips out sideways and is accessible from either side. It took some getting used to, but I like the ability to keep odds and ends from settling into the bottom of the bag—once you unclip the snap and flip the pocket out of the bag, access is fast and organized.

The bag’s touch-points are perfect. The webbing for the handles is silky smooth, and everything feels incredibly solid. Having the option to carry it by a side handle is really nice. Turns out there are still boardrooms where it’s not okay to wear a backpack.

One big surprise for me is how the bag is up for anything. Being bombproof, low profile, and waterproof (they say “resistant,” but that’s overdoing cautious wording), I find myself bringing it everywhere. From poorly planned day hikes, to grimy road trips, to rainy bike commutes, to business travel, to being tossed in the heli because I was one bag short for our gear, it stood up to whatever came my way. It may be a fashion bag, but it’s ready for absolutely anything.

Q&A with Taka Kasuga — Veilance Design Director

I swung by Arc’teryx’s North Vancouver Design Headquarters to speak with Taka Kasuga, the Design Director at Veilance. He’s a gregarious, fascinating guy, with lots to say on carry.

What is Veilance all about? How separated is Veilance from the rest of Arc’teryx?

Veilance was launched in 2009, aimed at taking the pinnacle of outdoor technology and applying it to an urban environment. Its goal is to create a system that advances how people live in the urban environment.

Functionally it’s not separated at all from Arc’teryx—we’re in the same building, and relying on the same core competencies that make Arc’teryx so successful. But conceptually it’s a well-defined shift. Veilance allows us to take a minimalist aesthetic even further, and apply it to the cultural relevancy that’s a norm in those urban settings.

Does greater history inhibit or free up innovating on new techniques? Are the Veilance team fresher and newer than others in the company? Or drawn from the more experienced ranks of the Arc’teryx team?

I’d say neither, and both. We have a great mix of experience and creativity, and we’re fortunate to have the most innovative pattern maker in our team. There is also a lot of crossover and collaboration with the outdoor team—we have the ability to share construction methods, materials, ideas, and tooling.

I’ve heard it took five years to design the Nomin. Why so long? How long do most projects take from kick-off to first unit sold?

I don’t think that’s actually the case. I wasn’t at Arc’teryx when development began so I’d have to double-check, but generally a bag design takes approximately three years to bring to market.

What is AC²? Is the material on the Nomin the same as on your more moderately priced Arc’teryx bags?

AC² is a tough, nylon fabric with a urethane laminate. It allows us to use a variety of textile fusing and construction techniques. The fabric on the Nomin is the most advanced type of AC² material we use, and not the same fabric as in the rest of our bags like the Granville or Alpha FL. It’s made in the USA, the face fabric is different, and both the interior and exterior coatings are different. [Ed. Note: the Nomin I’ve been testing has a ripstop face fabric, but they’ve since switched to a plain weave face fabric that looks even sleeker and Taka says is plenty strong]

What did the product brief look like for the Nomin? Was it a shared vision that evolved during the design process? Were there commercial concerns, or was it more of a singular creative vision that ignored constraints?

The goal with the Nomin was to bring the performance and functionality of our outdoor gear to a more urban-focused bag. Its silhouette needed to be instantly recognizable as Veilance.

Commercial relevance is a consideration, but a bag like the Nomin starts from personal passion. Lots of people like me grew up with backpacks and sneakers, regular streetwear, and they’re professionals now who want quality things. But, they don’t associate with “heritage” products and they don’t necessarily want a briefcase.

Leather and other traditional textiles don’t have the same performance as high-end outdoor materials, especially in harsh or wet climates, so that’s always a key part of what we are trying to accomplish. It’s a detail-oriented, weather-resistant, aesthetically minimal backpack that works in both professional and casual settings.

Where does the pack sell best? What cities around the world most inspire Veilance?

It’s always hard to gauge demand of a product that you produce in limited quantities. That being said, Japan absolutely loves this pack. We definitely get the most feedback from there. And of course people in Vancouver like it, since we get so much rain.

Inspiration-wise, it’s urban centres all over the world. I lived in New York for a long time, and Japan before that, so a lot of my own design cues are informed by that history.

Arc’teryx staff are known for pushing it outdoors. How does the Veilance team push their own performance and understanding when it’s based around more of an urban lifestyle?

There are a lot of technologies being developed for outdoor applications that can be adapted to other environments. We get the best of both worlds, running our fabrics and innovations through the gauntlet of outdoor testing for “worst-case” scenarios, as well as the sometimes surprisingly harsh scenarios of daily urban wear. Veilance kit enables people to do more in their daily lives, and we test for that.

How do you use the flip-out floating pocket?

It sounds like I use it similarly to you. I put the things I need quick access to in the floating pocket, and less used items below and in front of the pocket. To be honest I almost never flip it out, because I generally access the bag from the side rather than the top. Some of the other designers are different though, and it’s a nice option.

Did you mean to build laptop suspension?

Yes. A bag like the Nomin should be designed around a laptop and files, and raising the laptop off the bottom of the bag was an important design choice. We wanted something less bulky than padding, but still convenient and safe for a laptop.

What makes it $650 USD?

First and foremost, the materials we use to make the Nomin are the best we can find, period. Veilance allows us to work with fabrics and components that would otherwise be impractical from a cost-benefit perspective in our outdoor gear.

Second, we design, pattern-make, prototype, and actually manufacture the Nomin all in-house here in Vancouver. It’s not cheap, and they’re not easy bags to make, but this allows us to manage the smallest details and have the greatest control over the final product.

Nobody blinks at an expensive luxury briefcase, and we try to bring the same quality and attention to detail to Veilance pieces—but with functional, high-tech materials.

Can we expect more carry pieces from the range?

TBD. There are some projects that we’ve been thinking about.

Nothing is Perfect

No product is ever finished, and the Nomin is no different. After trying really hard to find flaws and things I’d change, here’s what I’ve come up with.

The bag struggles with square things that aren’t laptops or magazines. Cameras don’t work especially well. The front compartment’s shape is not as useful as it could be for boxy, bulky items, but that’s a trade-off for the bag’s unique, low-profile silhouette. It’s less of a flaw and more just something to consider depending on your needs. I wouldn’t mind it being squared off ever so slightly.

The front compartment zipper only goes to the bottom of the bag on one side, preventing the front panel being flipped down. I’d prefer to see a full-length zip here, to make access easier and maybe for using the front compartment as dedicated shoe storage. I’d also like to see rubber-coated or fabric zipper pulls—maybe ITW GT Zip Lines or something like that. If you’re going to be a backpack ninja, you don’t want jangly zipper pulls.

While the floating flip-out pocket is cool, I’d be interested in seeing how Veilance might approach more traditional organizational elements in the front compartment. A flip-out admin panel would be pretty tech here.

Finally, one last not-exactly-a-criticism note. I learned early on that the Nomin doesn’t deal well with being overfilled. It’s built like an incredibly elegant tank, so there’s no stretch to the fabric at all. As soon as you put too much crap in there, organization breaks down.

Buy this if

– You’re an affluent professional who likes streetwear but wants a unique, high-end bag

– You’re an outdoorsy minimalist with a high-powered job, so you need your only bag to transition effortlessly to business settings

– You’re a trust fund health goth, your Spotify is full of The Haxan Cloak, and you’re trying to forget all the expensive heritage craft stuff you bought last year

Don’t buy this if

– You have your priorities in life straight

Conclusions

There is no value proposition to the Nomin’s durability. If you can afford it, you can afford to replace it. However, it is a tough, beautiful bag that should stand up to anything you can throw at it. It’s comfortable, unique, nails the details, and looks sharp. In my opinion Veilance is pushing the envelope with the Nomin’s design, and I’m glad packs as nice as this exist.

The post 2 Years with the Arc’teryx Veilance Nomin 1.0 appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Billykirk x Uncrate Stopover Collection

Billykirk are all about quality gear with a timeless aesthetic that’s built to last. And their collaboration with Uncrate celebrates these values in three handsome pieces. The Billykirk x Uncrate Dopp Kit, Commuter Tote and Carryall are designed to work together for a long weekend away but also as standalone pieces for daily use. The pieces are trimmed in American Bison hide and include a durable Ranger Tan nylon lining for easy interior visibility. Each piece is cut, sewn, and trimmed by hand in Billykirk’s New York studio, and ready to roam at home or further afield for years to come.

Vans x Mission Workshop Collaboration

What do you get when you combine skateboarding heritage with sleek urban carry? A slick collaboration between Mission Workshop and Vans featuring the Vans x Mission Workshop Backpack, Vans x Mission Workshop UltraRange MTE shoes and Vans x Mission Workshop Sk8-Hi MTE shoes. Crafted with ballistic weave Cordura and a coated internal lining for convenient cleaning, the Vans x Mission Workshop Backpack features Mission Workshop’s Arkiv® system that accommodates a range of Mission Workshop accessories, as well as a system to secure a skateboard, snowboard or bike wheel. The 20L pack can be used in flap-down or rolltop mode and also includes a removable tool pocket.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L – Huckberry Exclusive

Peak Design’s Everyday Backpack is one of the most versatile EDC offerings on the market, with customizable organization, expandability, awesome top and side access, and a weatherproof build. But what it hasn’t offered is a black colorway option – until now. Huckberry and Peak Design have come together to create an exclusive version of the 20L Everyday Backpack in black with tan leather detailing. A sleek piece for daily and travel use that’s available only through Huckberry.

Tortuga Homebase Collection

Are you a digital nomad living out of your bag? Or maybe a traveler looking for lightweight yet durable carry-on bags suited to a range of environments? Meet the Tortuga Homebase Collection featuring the 32L Homebase Backpack and 45L Homebase Duffle Case. Both pieces are built with lightweight, weather-resistant and durable custom sailcloth, complemented by lockable weather-resistant YKK zippers. The backpack features a clamshell opening and includes a packing cube, a 15″ laptop sleeve and 10″ tablet sleeve, a front organization pocket, and a water bottle pocket. The shoulder straps are stowable if desired, with top and side grab handles offering additional portability. The duffle also offers a clamshell opening for convenient packing and access, interior mesh pockets and an exterior pocket. The top straps can be stowed away or removed, with further carry options including a padded shoulder strap and top and side grab handles.

Mission Workshop Mission Jean and Unagi Knife

Looking for a quality knife that will last the rest of your life and beyond? The Mission Workshop x Kingdom Armory Unagi Knife is just such a knife. Designed by knife maker David M. Rydbom of Kingdom Armory, the limited edition framelock knife features a durable yet light 6AL-4V (Grade 5) titanium frame, while the blade is crafted from CPM154 stainless steel. Each knife is made by hand by Chad Nichols and the crew from Mississippi-based Nichols Damascus, before being inspected, tuned, and sharpened by Dave. Produced in a limited production run of just 200 and guaranteed forever, this is an heirloom-quality piece that can be passed down through the generations.

For utility of a different kind, turn to the Mission Workshop Mission Jean, a fine addition to a one-bag travel packing list. Made in Los Angeles, the Mission Jean combines extreme four-way stretch with a water-repellent finish to create a flexible wardrobe piece that works in a range of settings. The Mission Jean is crafted with custom fabric developed exclusively for Mission Workshop by Mectex S.p.a. and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Tanner Goods Varsity Wool Collection

Tanner Goods are known for crafting durable and handsome gear. Their new Varsity Wool collection lives up to their reputation with a suave combination of durability, weather protection and eye-catching style. The collection includes the Wilderness Rucksack, Everyday Tote, Voyager Daypack and Drifter Dopp Kit, each featuring a water-repellent Shetland wool from the renowned Halley Stevensons fabric mill. The wool is complemented by 18oz waxed canvas and vegetable-tanned Cambara English bridle leather, creating bags that are ready whatever the weather has in store.

Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth® Speaker

Having music on the move is great. However, small and easily portable speakers can often fall short when it comes to good sound quality. But not the Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth® Speaker. This highly portable speaker offers excellent sound for its size, a battery life of up to 6 hours, and a wireless range up to 9 meters, all in a compact and lightweight design weighing only 290.3 grams. A tear-resistant silicone strap lets you easily attach it to a bag or bike as part of your EDC or outdoor gear setup. The completely waterproof speaker exceeds an IPX7 rating so you don’t need to worry about rain or accidentally dropping it in water. Plus with a durable silicone rubber exterior it’s built to embrace adventure.

Farrah Design Weekender and Duffle

Passionate about quality materials, handmade craftsmanship and timeless luxury? So is Tom Farrah, well evidenced by beautiful and functional carry pieces such as the Farrah Design Weekender and Duffle. The Weekender is crafted with durable vegetable-tanned leather that will stand the test of time and only look better with age. The bag is available in a choice of colorways and offers an interior pocket for storing smaller items. The Duffle comes in 29L and 80L options, with a hard-wearing construction featuring Australian-made waxed canvas and vegetable-tanned leather detailing. The Duffle secures with a rolltop closure and includes an interior loop for attaching keys or other small items.

Aer Flight Pack

Smart looks, versatile carry options and useful organization make Aer’s Flight Pack a great companion for work travel as well as everyday use. Suitable for carry-on use, the bag can be carried as a backpack when you’re on the move or as a shoulder bag or briefcase-style bag when a more professional appearance is called for. Multiple pockets keep your work and travel items tidy and easily accessible, while the water-resistant 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon exterior easily handles the demands of travel. And with a luggage passthrough on the back panel you can conveniently attach the bag to wheeled luggage for all-in-one portability.

Airpaq

Many car airbags, seat belts and buckles are relegated to the scrapyard when they still have years of potential use left in them. But the Airpaq Backpack aims to change this, upcycling these materials to create a bag that’s durable and functional. The Airpaq uses airbags for the body and rolltop, a seat buckle for the closure, and seat belts on the back panel and shoulder straps. Due to the nature of upcycled products, each pack will also differ slightly in the details, making each one unique. The pack offers a choice of interior compartments including padded storage for a 15″ laptop, while an exterior pocket provides handy storage for small quick-access items.

ARKTYPE Dashpack

Whether you’re enduring the commuter crowd crush or roaming on your travels with the essentials in tow, the ARKTYPE Dashpack’s slim profile and durable, water-resistant build will keep you right. Made by hand in the USA, the 15L pack also offers a choice of useful options for organizing your gear, such as a concealed vertical front pocket, two side water bottle pockets, front webbing and an interior mesh pocket. Your tech is also well protected with a 15″ laptop sleeve in the main compartment and a separate compartment that fits a 13″ laptop and includes a pocket that holds up to a 10″ tablet.

Triple Aught Design Azimuth Duffel

Packable, lightweight and multifunctional, the Triple Aught Design Azimuth Duffel works well for both travel and everyday use. Stash it inside a larger travel bag until needed, or have it by your side as a daily carry companion. The duffel can pack down into its own pocket for compact storage, and offers top and side carry handles along with a removable shoulder strap that can also be configured for backpack-style carry. An exterior pocket keeps small essentials within easy reach, while the interior offers a zipped pocket and four attachment points for TAD accessories or other organization options.

Arc’teryx Veilance Leather Goods

Arc’teryx Veilance always strives for technical performance and innovation. But their collection of ultra-thin leather wallets introduces these elements in a category that’s uncharted territory for the brand. The collection features a card wallet, a billfold in a choice of two sizes, as well as a passport wallet. Arc’teryx Veilance utilized an innovative laminated construction process to create leather wallets that are incredibly slim yet strong. Constructed with Horween full-grain combination tanned leather, the wallets will be available in November 2017.

Grovemade Minimalist Tough Case

Tough phone cases often sacrifice style in the quest for durability. But Grovemade follow a different path with their Minimalist Tough Case. The case is shatterproof, shock-absorbing and lightweight, combining an aluminum frame and elastomer bumper that provides solid protection with sleek aesthetics. Your phone can be slid easily in and out of the case, which comes in a range of options to suit your personal tastes and is available in a choice of sizes to fit the iPhone 8, 8 Plus and X.

Topo Designs x REI National Parks Collection

Want to support the great outdoors while enjoying great carry too? Topo Designs have teamed up with REI to offer a collection of bags featuring custom patches in support of U.S. National Parks. And for each collection product purchased, 5% of the wholesale cost will be donated to the National Park Foundation. The collection is available from REI’s website and select REI Co-op stores.

Bellroy Bags Collection

After honing their craft and delighting folks with items that sit in pockets and on desks, our buds over at Bellroy have finally entered the bag world: 3 collections. 6 new bags. All with Bellroy’s considered design detail, and geared for everyday use. From a backpack that doubles as a tote, to a weatherproof work bag with expandable sides to a classic daypack with surprising detail on the inside, there’s a lot to like here. Check out our write-up of the full collection here.

Mismo Legacy Collection

Mismo gives a respectful nod to the past while celebrating timeless design with their Legacy Collection. In 2008 the Danish brand launched bags in a durable tight-woven cotton canvas originally developed for the Italian military. Following several years of exploring other materials, that premium fabric is now available to enjoy again across a range of understated pieces in a choice of attractive colorways. Combining quality materials and construction, the Legacy Collection caters elegantly to a range of day-to-day and travel carry needs, all with Mismo’s refined minimalism ensuring these pieces will remain stylishly functional for years to come.

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