In this blog post, we’ll show you the best way to pack your sunglasses for travel, using a weekender bag or a seasoned suitcase. We’ll also discuss the best kind of protective sunglasses case to prevent your frame from being squashed or damaged.

So whether you’re going away for a weekend trip or travelling abroad for a longer getaway, follow this helpful guide on how to pack your sunglasses safely.

What is the best sunglasses case for travel?

For travel, it’s important to use a sunglasses case that is as good looking as it is protective.

Of course, this depends on your destination whether it be a ski holiday in Verbier or a sunny escape to Bali. Either way, when it comes to choosing a case for your sunglasses, there are two main options: soft cases and hard cases.

Soft cases are generally very slimline and take up very little room when empty. Subsequently, they’re much lighter and easier to pack than a hard sunglasses case. Away on holiday, slipping your sunglasses in and out is made much easier, especially if the case can compress or fold flat inside your bag or pocket.

However, soft cases aren’t as protective as hard cases. Whilst they prevent scuffs and scratches, they lack structure or any impact resistance. In other words, your sunglasses could easily be squashed, risking their hinges and UV protective lenses.

Hard cases are a much better option for packing your sunglasses for travel. With a hard shell and structural reinforcement, they’re much better at protecting your glasses from being crushed in your luggage. Their only downside of hard cases is they can be bulkier and more difficult to pack.

To help reduce bulk, luxury glasses cases made from thin metal are the slimmest but most protective way to store your sunglasses. Their sturdy exterior shell safely cocoons your frame and prevents them being crushed.

A nice benefit of a hinged hard case is their tactile simplicity. After adorning your sunglasses, you can easily close them with one hand which makes them easier to use if you have your hands full. Oh, and they make an addictive sound when you snap it shut.

Should I pack sunglasses in my hand luggage?

In a 2022 report, global airline lost luggage rates spiked by 24% in 2021 alone. If you’re the unlucky type, yours could well-be part of the 4.35 bags per thousand passengers that go missing.

Whether you’re heading abroad or just making a domestic flight, it’s imperative that you keep your most crucial possessions to-hand. Amongst your phone, wallet, passport (and perhaps some spare underwear), your eyewear should be packed in your hand luggage, especially if you use prescription sunglasses.

With the aviation industry amidst a post-pandemic bounce back and mishandled baggage rates on the rise, it’s definitely a good idea to keep your sunglasses in your hand luggage. For bright weather or destination car hire, sunglasses are better on your face than amongst a pile of stray suitcases… somewhere else.

Where do you put your sunglasses when travelling?

When you aren’t wearing your sunglasses, it’s best to keep them inside their protective hard case within your rucksack or day bag, ideally in a front pocket or near the top of your pack. This offers quick access to your sunglasses and makes it easy to put them on when you need protection from the sun.

If you’re travelling through developing countries or cities with questionable crime rates, you’ll want to avoid distracting yourself by digging through your bag on the street. The quicker you can access your sunglasses, the safer your possessions will be and your UV exposure will be kept to a minimum.

As a packing tip, it’s best to keep your ‘reactive’ items as the most easily accessed. A lightweight rain coat, sun cream, drinking water and your sunglasses will keep you prepared for weather changes as they come and go.

How do you store sunglasses in a suitcase? 

If you’re using a suitcase or holdall, the best way to store your sunglasses is inside their protective case, ideally between or inside a spare pair of shoes. This will stop them from getting squashed by heavier items and those ruffian “rampies” (airport slang for baggage handlers).

With their hinged temples (arms) and delicate lenses, sunglasses are easily broken. The last thing you need is to arrive at your destination, only to discover they’ve been broken during transit. Whether you’re skiing or sunbathing, sunglasses are crucial for UV protection, so it’s best to keep them safe so they’re ready to wear at the fun-end of your holiday.

How do I protect my sunglasses when travelling?

To protect your sunglasses when travelling, the two safest places for them are either ‘on your face or in their case’. (This rhyme makes it easy to remember.)

By wearing your sunglasses properly, you reduce the likelihood of damage. Avoid hanging them off the collar of your shirt or worse, wearing them on top of your head. Either or these bad habits mean they could fall to the floor or the frame becoming misshapen from being stretched too wide.

Heading somewhere hot?

If you’re travelling to a hot country, be mindful of where you keep your sunglasses. Car dashboards get mighty hot and pose a threat to sunglasses made of plastic.

Premium sunglasses frames made from materials such as acetate are susceptible to warping in high temperatures above 40°C / 100°F. Because the frame is made of a semi-natural material, they become soft inside ferociously hot cars or small enclosed spaces like their hard case, especially if it’s a dark colour that attracts the sun.

If it’s crazy hot outside, the best place to keep your sunglasses is most likely on your face. During the hottest hours of the day, UV levels soar, therefore keeping your eyes protected and wearing sun cream are critical for skin safety.

How do you wear sunglasses around your neck?

If you use prescription sunglasses, perhaps consider using a frame chain or sunglasses strap. Worn around your neck, they’re more easily accessed for reading directions, signs, food menus or exploring your holiday destination.

Sunglasses straps are a great way to keep your sunglasses safe and easily accessible. They come in a variety of materials, including fabric, leather and plastic, and can be purchased from most eyewear retailers.

Most sunglasses straps have a simple hook and loop closure system that makes them easy to put on and take off. Sunglasses straps are also adjustable, so they can be made to fit snugly around your head or neck.

If you’re using prescription sunglasses, it’s a good idea to invest in a good quality sunglasses strap. This will help to keep your sunglasses safe and prevent them from becoming damaged.

How to pack sunglasses for travel without a case

If you don’t have a protective sunglasses case, there are a number of ways you can pack them safely to prevent scratched lenses or the frame being crushed. These methods include;

• Pack them inside a clean sock
• Pack them inside a glove
• Pack them inside a stiff shoe
• Pack them inside a ski boot
• Pack them inside a food container

If you’ve lost your sunglasses case, the best solution is just to buy another one. They’re readily available online or via high street optical practices. Sunglasses cases are good at protecting your frame because they’re made from a sturdy and durable material and soft-lined with microfibre to prevent scratches. The case will protect the glasses from being squashed or damaged when travelling.

Do you need sunglasses on holiday?

When you go on holiday, it’s important to make sure you’re protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Sunscreen is essential for your skin, but sunglasses are just as important for your eyes.

Sunglasses offer protection from the sun’s glare, which can cause headaches and eyestrain. They also protect your eyes from UV exposure, which can lead to cataracts and other eye diseases.

If you’re going on holiday, make sure to pack a good pair of sunglasses that offer maximum UV protection. Look for sunglasses that have a UV rating of 400 or higher. If you’re going on a ski holiday, make sure to pack a pair of goggles or sports sunglasses that offer the same UV400 protection.

Sunglasses are a must-have item for any outdoor holiday. Make sure to pack them in your luggage so you can enjoy your time outdoors without worrying about the health of your eyes.

A quick word about buying sunglasses abroad

If you purchase sunglasses abroad, it’s worth mentioning the issue of legitimacy. Depending on your location (and the vendor) black market sunglasses can be hazardous.

Whilst RayBan rip-offs are plentiful, it’s really the lenses you should pay attention to. Illegitimate sun lenses can leave your eyes completely unprotected from the sun’s damaging UV rays.

Unfiltered UVA and UVB light is incredibly damaging to your eyes and surrounding skin, therefore you should always check for the UV40 or UV400 rating. Additionally, any CE or ANZI markings on the sunglasses also certify the frame provides sufficient eye protection against the sun.

Oh, and one more thing…

Darker lenses doesn’t mean your sunglasses are more protective.

Tint darkness has nothing to do with UV protection and merely provides visual comfort. In fact, dark tinted lenses without UV protection actually makes your eyes more susceptible to sun damage. As your pupils dilate behind the dark lenses, they’re even more exposed to UV light.

In most circumstances, it’s best to purchase your sunglasses through a reputable vendor or shop who can certify the lenses UV protection.

Can I bring sunglasses on a plane?

Yes, it’s perfectly fine to bring your sunglasses aboard a plane. There’s no reason you cannot wear, carry or have your sunglasses in your hand luggage whilst in the airport or on board.

Whilst there are few reasons to need your sunglasses mid-flight, you may need them at your destination where the weather may be brighter or you need them for prescription or light sensitivity purposes.

When passing through an airport, it’s probably a good idea not to wear your sunglasses inside. If you need to speak with airport staff or security, restricting your eye-contact isn’t a good look and would probably get you the wrong kind of attention.

Do sunglasses set off metal detectors?

Heading through airport security, spectacles or sunglasses are unlikely to set off metal detectors. Unless your frame uses a large amount of metal in their construction, eyewear isn’t usually an issue when passing through these detection systems.

On the other hand, metal sunglasses cases are much more likely to trigger airport security and are best kept in your hand luggage where they can be scanned separately. If you’re the anxious type and would rather avoid the frisk, just keep your frame in your hard case in your bag.

How to keep your sunglasses clean whilst travelling

Sunglasses can get dirty very easily, especially if you’re travelling and doing a lot of outdoor activities. Skin products like sun cream, moisturiser of after-sun can build upon your frame and lenses making them greasy. Here are a few tips on how to keep your sunglasses clean whilst you’re on vacation.

1. Use a lens cleaning cloth to clean your sunglasses lenses. These can be found in most eyewear stores or pharmacies. Make sure to use a fresh cloth each time you clean your lenses, as dirt and dust can build up in their fibres and cause scratches.
2. If you’re not near a lens cleaning cloth, just use a mild hand soap and water to clean your lenses. Rinse off any soap and leave them to drip dry before putting your sunglasses back on. Avoid using your clothes to dry your frame as their fibres are too rough on your lenses.
3. To remove any skin products, avoid using harsh chemicals or household cleaners to clean your sunglasses, as this can damage the lenses and frames.
4. Store your sunglasses in their protective hard case when not in use. This will help to protect them from scratches, dust and other debris.

Wrapping up

With the right protective case, packing your sunglasses for travel is easy. Primarily, you’ll want to make sure they’re well protected from scratches and scuffs. On the other hand you’ll want a case that doesn’t take up too much space in your luggage.

Key points

1. Use a protective case that will keep them safe during transit. For the best protection, a hard shell sunglasses case is the best option.
2. It’s best to keep your sunglasses in your hand luggage, especially if they use prescription sun lenses.
3. If you do pack your sunglasses in your suitcase or holdall, position the case between or inside a spare pair of shoes for extra impact-protection.
4. Keep your sunglasses on your face or in their case to protect them whilst travelling.
5. In your bag, pack your sunglasses near the top or in a front pocket so they’re easily accessed.
6. Extreme heat can warp your sunglasses. Avoid keeping acetate frames inside hot cars.
7. If you lose your sunglasses case, pack your sunglasses inside a sock within a food container, shoe or ski boot to prevent them being squashed in your luggage.
8. When buying sunglasses abroad, make sure the lenses have UV40/UV400 protection and look out for any CE or ANZI markings.
9. Darker lenses only reduce visible light and don’t make them any more UV protective
10. Sunglasses can be taken through airport security and aren’t likely to set off metal detectors

This article was written by Jamie Bartlett, founder of Banton Frameworks.

The post How to Pack Sunglasses for Travel appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Senior Editor, Brandon Vulaj, gives us the details… from behind a very large wall of bags (he comes out from behind them later, we promise )

Featured Gear:

Émigré Boston Bag
Émigré Briefcase
Émigré Backpack
Émigré Tote Bag
Émigré Travel Organizer
Émigré Wash Bag
Émigré Laptop Sleeve
Émigré Garment Organizer
Émigré Shoe Bag
Émigré Backpack Straps
Western Rise X Cotton Tee

Filmed using:
Panasonic Lumix DC-G9
Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7
Tascam DR-10L
Peak Design Travel Tripod

The post Émigré Inaugural Travel Collection | First Look appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

There’s a great number of travel lines out in the market, and while many have their own merits, rarely are they truly unique. When we saw the AXONE line, we were pleasantly surprised. It features three new products: a 90L travel luggage, a 35L travel backpack, and packing cubes.

Wheeled Luggage 90L

The wheeled luggage isn’t your traditional checked luggage, with a curated selection of intelligent features, this could become a favourite travel bag in no time at all. Starting with the construction, this piece of luggage has all of the hallmarks of a great bag. Including water resistant 500 denier polyester, YKK lockable zippers, durable PU backing, and in-line skate wheels that are both quiet and robust.

One of the most innovative features on this bag is invisible to the naked eye initially, but in use is a game changer. This piece of wheeled luggage splits in half thanks to the zipper that runs around the equator of the bag. This is useful for two main reasons. Firstly, storage – which is the bane of checked luggage – is now a breeze because of this unique nesting feature. The 90L wheeled luggage, which stands at 78cm tall, will take up literally half of the space that your traditional luggage will. For those with less interior storage, this will change the way you approach storage and packing!

Secondly, the split volume is perfect for family packing. Whether you are a couple, a family of four, or even travelling with different equipment sets for your adventures, you can now parse out your belongings into separate compartments and easily split them. You could hand off the children’s clothing to them on arrival, or store your adventure gear in the back of your car without needing to bring the whole suitcase!

Other notable features include a hidden AirTag or tracking tag pocket, so that you can track your luggage as you travel. A sturdy aluminium telescoping handle for quick manoeuvrability as you travel. Two quick access pockets on the front of the bag for smaller items such as hats and gloves, and a collapsible interior wall to help you divide the contents.

Simply put, the wheeled luggage 90L is the checked bag, elevated.

Travel Backpack 35L

To partner with your wheeled luggage is the 35L Travel Backpack. This backpack is designed to be your carry-on and daily driver when you are exploring your location, or even a smaller bag for four to five days of travel. It is a bag that can do a bit of everything like a true chameleon.

Featuring 420D water resistant nylon, aluminium ergonomic back support, and an ultra-padded back panel, this bag is made to move! The star of the show here is the U-flow harness by AARN. We first saw an iteration of this on AXONE’s urban 20L pack. A connected shoulder strap webbing allows the pack (and its weight) to move with you and alternate from side to side with your stride. This reduces hot-spots and diminishes the fatigue that you often associate with wearing a larger pack. Once you pair this with the adjustable shoulder strap width, you really have a uniquely customisable harness called the dynamic shifting system.

Other features include AXONE’s Pure X system, where the shoulder straps close together in the middle of the chest, to reduce stress and evenly distribute weight. The reduction of rubbing and padding for the sternum is a nice touch, and we can imagine the comfort on long days of travel will be a fan favourite.

Externally you will find multi purpose straps that allow you attach anything you’d like to the bag from jackets, to boots, to tripods all with a few anodized G-hooks. A sunglasses pocket, a collapsible water bottle pocket, a quick access admin pocket and also a packable rain cover adorn the outside of the bag. These pockets give you access to essentials and peace of mind on your travel adventures.

Internally, AXONE have taken some features from the Urban 20L pack and updated them for this new travel line. A dual laptop (17”) and tablet (13”) sleeve keep your electronics close by and protected, along with a useful admin panel for cables, charging bricks, styluses and the like. The main cavity has enough room for four to five days of clothing, particularly when expanded to 35L and paired with their packing cubes. The travel backpack is a perfect partner to the wheeled luggage and can pull double duty very easily.

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes aren’t necessarily the product that gets everyone’s engines revving, but they are an incredibly useful tool for travel, particularly when they are part of a system like AXONE’s. They are a four piece set, comprising of small, medium, large, and a shoe bag.

The set up is customisable to either of the new bags in the collection, and feature the same high quality components and construction such as YKK® zippers. The see through mesh makes packing and unpacking easier, while the compression feature reduces the volume by up to 50% for efficient packing. The small and medium cubes will work with both the 35L travel backpack and the 90L wheeled luggage, while the large packing cube will only work with the 90L wheeled luggage.

AXONE have impressed since arriving on the scene and this new travel collection shows a progression and maturation of already great design instincts. With innovative features, premium construction, and a wallet friendly price point, the travel collection could be the one for you!

The Travel collection is now available on Kickstarter with early bird discounts!

The post AXONE Debuts Their Innovative new Travel Line appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Travel EDC Gear List:

Carl Friedrik Weston
Carl Friedrik Key Organiser
Carl Friedrik Walden Wallet
TravelCard Battery
Peak Design Mobile Tripod
Fjällräven Seat Pad
Cliffset Cutlery (SAVE 20%, NO CODE REQUIRED!)
Nite Ize RunOff Pouch
Orbitkey Sanitizer Holder
Black Ember Kompak Bag

The post What’s In My Pockets | Travel EDC 2022 appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Now they’re back with a new product, The Dex Duffel. This is designed for the eco-conscious traveller who wants both incredible products, and environmental responsibility. Available in both 30 and 45L sizes, the Dex Duffel has the instantly recognisable Black Ember aesthetic, and is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Under the hood, it has all the hallmarks of excellent design and construction.

Materials and Aesthetic

Black Ember are the first brand in the world to partner with Cordura® and use their new Cordura® re/corTM RN66. This is the first 100% recycled nylon from the fabric powerhouse, and as recycled nylon six, six it has the same incredible durability qualities that Cordura® is known for. In hand that means you can trust this bag to take years of abuse and likely look no different than the day you bought it. Paired with laser cut hypalon panels and YKK® AquaGuard zippers, the Dex is ready to travel.

The back panel has a high density frame sheet that flexes with you on the move and is supported by the stowable 3D shoulder straps made from an EVA foam that are both comfortable and supportive. A mixture of Fidlock® V buckles and G-hooks are used on the duffle to great effect, and make opening the bag and transforming carry methods an efficient and satisfying experience.

Aesthetically, the Dex Duffel is as clean and streamlined as you would expect from Black Ember. Their understated and urban style make for great crossover bags that carry just as well in hand as they do on your back. Tidy attachment points, matte zippers, and clever handles all contribute to a look that makes a statement, but quietly.

Functional Design

Like all of Black Embers products, the Dex Duffel series aren’t just about looking good. They are incredibly well thought out products that are a joy to use. 

The Dex Duffels are best described as a myriad of clever pockets and expanding volume. They really are tardis’ when it comes to all that they can hold in a polished package. The wide opening is reminiscent of a doctor’s bag, and the full length AquaGuard zipper is folded and secured by two magnetic Fidlock® V-buckles. Once your bag is closed, it stays that way until you need to have it open again. This easy view and easy access volume isn’t just a bottomless pit, but rather a curated selection of zippered pockets for all of your EDC and travel needs. These line the wall of the main cavity to allow you room for packing cubes and your primary carry. 

Once secured, the rear of the bag has a suspended laptop sleeve, keeping your tech protected on the move. Behind this sleeve is where you’ll find the aforementioned shoulder straps, which can be swiftly stowed to refine the look of the Dex even further. When in use, the shoulder straps also have a sternum strap with magnetic Fidlock® closure. Once you’ve used one of these straps, it’s hard to go back to the analog closure we all grew up with!

On either side of the Dex are useful exterior pockets which are well sized to hold a water bottle, jacket, or other quick grab item. There are some slip pockets for organisation and magnetic key leash also, providing quick access on the go.

At the top of the 45L Dex, under the Fidlock® V Buckle, there is your boarding kit. This separate pouch stores everything that you could need on the move, from your iPad, to your headphones, and not forgetting your passport, this quick grab kit will likely become your best travel companion.

On the bottom of the Dex is a shoe pocket with space for a pair of shoes and a second zippered pocket for your Dopp kit. The two grab handles either side of the main zipper remain flush to the body of the duffle until you deploy them. By a short and sharp tug, these straps come to life and become your comfortable hand carry in an instant.

The 30L model is more geared towards your EDC crowd. With enough room for your daily loadout, and perhaps a little extra, this is the perfect size for running from the office to the gym with one bag to take all that you would need. While the 45L is definitely geared towards those weekend trips or short business trips. Whichever size you go for, you’re going to end up with an incredibly well designed and constructed bag. We have always been inspired and impressed with how Black Embers innovative designs are pushing the envelope in the carry space, and we’re delighted to see that tradition continue with the Dex Duffles. 

The Dex Duffle is now available for pre-order on Kickstarter.

The post Black Ember Launches Their Dex Duffle Range on Kickstarter appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

A few years ago they released their Tocayo backpack. While not perfect, I was a fan of that bag. It showed great promise and reminded me of a more EDC-focused GR1. It stood on its own, had a clean silhouette, and lots of simple but thoughtful features that made it a great daily bag for many. A couple of years later, they came back with a smaller bag, the Crossroads 23, which sadly I really didn’t love, it felt like a regression in some ways, almost like it was stuck in the middle of trying to be two things.

However, last year, they unveiled an updated Crossroads collection which I’ve been testing for the last six months. I must say, I am really, truly impressed by this bag. It has built on the promise of the Tocayo, and delivered a well thought out, tough, and reliable bag.

Let’s dig into the YETI Crossroads 27L.

Who’s it for?

If you’re after a do it all bag, and I truly mean “do-it-all”, you can’t go wrong here. This bag performs in every environment, has just the right balance of pockets and open space, along with a few features that you really grow to love. It’s a well priced bag that will serve you for a long time.

Who it isn’t

Ultralight fans keep moving, while this bag isn’t super heavy, it is definitely on the burlier side of the spectrum at 3.6lbs. If you’re after a city slicker minimalist aesthetic, you might not like the rugged look of this bag.

YETI’s Legendary Toughness

YETI are known for their ability to take a seemingly standard product, over engineer it, and let it loose in the wild. From their coolers to their water bottles, their products can take a fierce beating and still perform well. You only have to see the viral videos of a few rogue coolers that were lost from a container ship washing up on the coast of Alaska after a few weeks and then be put to work to understand how bomber their products are. I personally have a bunch of their water bottles and mugs, and some look like they’ve been through the mill, but they still work perfectly.

Now, admittedly that’s a slightly different prospect for a bag, mainly because of the contents, but I was hopeful that this bag would become something of a beater, one that I could take anywhere and rely on it as a hauler and workhorse. Well, I was wrong. It was unfair of me to preemptively demote the bag to just a “hauler”, as it has become one of my most used bags. It has been dragged through snow, dropped on muddy trails, and pulled day duty at the beach. Not to mention the countless downpours sat on the side of a rugby field. 

The TuffSkin^TM Nylon is inspired by the motorcycle world. That translates to a 700D nylon that is water and abrasion resistant.. Paired with a GroundControl^TM Polyurethane coated base, this bag was made to take the hits. I’ve found great comfort in carrying my gear in the Crossroads, knowing that it’s well protected. Not only can it take the abuse, it also cleans up really easily. My bag has been covered in all kinds of dirt and gunk, but with a quick wipe of soapy water (and a bit of elbow grease for the tough stuff) the Crossroads scrubs up really well. While this is primarily designed for commuting, travel, or weekend trips, don’t be afraid to trust it out in the wild either!

What can it do?

This pack is versatile. YETI have done an excellent job of striking a balance between thoughtful organization and usable space. Sometimes I find EDC bags can get caught in the middle there with too much or too little either way. Using the Crossroads reminds me of my interactions with Bellroy bags, where I’m just doing and not thinking about what to put where, or “what should I do with this pocket”, or “I wish it had…” That’s an invaluable feature for a daily bag in my eyes, there isn’t a steep learning curve with this bag.

Pocket wise, there is a selection throughout the bag that are all different, but just as useful as the last. The front admin pocket is vertically aligned for easy access of the shoulder, and has two horizontal slips inside. These are where I’ve found myself putting an e-reader, pens, notebook, and other miscellaneous EDC. This could easily hold your phone and wallet too, but I always prefer to have those closer to my body rather than further away.

On the top of the bag, you have an excellent quick access pocket. This has its own individual volume (I would say around 2L) and a key leash. I found this to be home to my sunglasses, wallet, phone, keys, and essentials. The whole bag is protected by water resistant zippers, including this pocket, so you needn’t worry about your electronics too much. Like I mentioned, this has weathered many downpours and I’m yet to see ingress. 

In the main cavity of the bag you’ll find three zippered pockets, and two internal water bottle sleeves. On the front wall of the bag there is a pocket, again with it’s own volume, although this time smaller at around 1L. On the back wall you have two zippered pockets which are perfect for tech accoutrement such as chargers and dongles. The top pocket of these two is also accessible from the other side where it meets the laptop sleeve. I found the 27L version great for my EDC, it pulled double duty between outdoor gear and photography gear very easily. The 22L and 35L versions are configured a little differently, so I found this to be the Goldilocks size.

The stretch water bottle pockets are genius in my opinion, and I really do wish all bags had them. It was one of my favourite features from the original Tocayo, and I’m glad to see it new and improved in the Crossroads series. Now made from a stretch material, they can hold a 46oz bottle easily. You can access this bottle from the top of the bag, or, thanks to the two-way zippers, you can hydrate from the side without having to dig into the main opening. THe stretch material also allows you to adjust what you put in there, depending on activity! I’ve easily fit a tripod in there, and it’s a great spot for sunscreen/bugspray too, keeping them out of the way and upright. If you aren’t using them, they slink out of the way and don’t take up much, if any, volume. 

The laptop sleeve is excellent, it is well padded and suspended, surprisingly spacious and has separate access to the main compartment. I’ve managed to have both a 14” MacBook Pro and an iPad Pro in the compartment, with one in the sleeve and one just in front of it. While the main opening of the bag is almost full clamshell, the laptop sleeve entrance comes about a third of the way down the bag, so you don’t have to worry about any escapees from quick opening at TSA!

Extras

I mentioned a couple of extra features of this bag, that I think make it such an excellent all rounder. Firstly there are four handles on the bag. Two on the sides, a traditional grab handle up top, and then one placed right at the base of the front of the bag, just below the admin pocket. These handles are a joy to use, and just make moving with the bag so seamless. Whether you’re grabbing it from an overhead bin, your car, or the floor by your desk, you don’t have to feel around to find the handle, there is just one there waiting for you at all times.

Compression straps are not something that I usually associate with EDC bags, but I’ve come to love them on the YETI Crossroads. Easily adjustable, these can be used to shrink the footprint of the bag, or used to attach any extras to the bag. I’ve mostly used them for a wet rain jacket, or a damp towel at the beach. There are a few subtle loops on the bag so you can keep it tidy, and they also come with elastic strap keepers. Simple and thoughtful design that is well executed. 

The whole back panel is a luggage pass through, which does a couple of things in practice. Firstly, it’s super easy to use as there is room for maneuver, you don’t have to pry the bag over the handles of your rolling suitcase, and secondly, I’ve found it to promote more airflow. Now that isn’t a huge issue for day to day, but on the occasions I’ve used this for hiking, it’s made a noticeable difference.

What can it do better?

This is always a hard part to write about bags that I’ve enjoyed using, as your mileage may vary. However, two things stand out to me as simple tweaks that would make this bag even better. Firstly, I wish the shoulder straps had a little more padding, the ¼” EVA foam is comfortable on the whole for daily use, but on the occasions I carried more gear for longer periods of time, I started to notice some hotspots on the front of my shoulders. A small increase in foam thickness would nullify this instantly I feel. I was using the 27L model (there is a 22 and 35L version too) and I can imagine on the 35L that the thin padding might be more of an issue.

Secondly, I feel like this bag should have locking zippers, at least on the main compartment. These are designed for travel and commuting, and I know there were times where I was carrying a lot of expensive or important goodies, and I would have felt some peace of mind had I been able to throw a security lock on there. Neither of these issues are deal breakers for me, but worth noting certainly.

The Crossroads 27L has surprised me, in the best way. This bag isn’t a show stopper made out of cutting edge materials, nor is it a limited edition bespoke model. However, it is incredibly functional, easy to use (and clean), and very reliable. This is the type of workhorse bag that you rely on, and come back to time and again, just like I have over the last six months. I also think in the current market place it represents great value for money. For a new Carryologist, it could be a great step onto the ladder of better bags, and a worthy addition to the collection. I think YETI are on to something with this updated Crossroads collection, and I’m excited to see what’s next! 

The post YETI Crossroads 27L Backpack Review appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Featured Gear:

Backpacks:

Mission Workshop R6
Tom Bihn Synik 30
Black Ember Forge Max
GORUCK GR1 26L Shooter 500D Slick
The Brown Buffalo ConcealPack 21L

Pouches and modular accessories:

HoldFastGear Quiver
Filip Raboch Custom Pouch
Filip Raboch Custom Packing Cube
Mission Workshop Axis VX
Mission Workshop Arkiv Side Pockets
Tom Bihn 3D Organizer Pouch (clear) ; (all-fabric)
Tom Bihn Ghost Whale Pouch
The Brown Buffalo Porterpen Case
The Brown Buffalo MOD 001/002
GORUCK Shooter Velcro Kit GR1
Black Ember Water Bottle Attachment
CDH-TAC X Alpha One Niner Collaboration Wallet
Camera Shown: Leica Sofort
Camera used in filming: Sony RX100 VII

A massive thanks to JT White for the above guide. Our newest team member, JT is a Canadian-born, professional photographer living in Seoul, South Korea. Get to know him below!

The post A Beginner’s Guide to Modular Packing appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

For the new Techonaut, Tom Bihn sought to take cues from two of their longest-running and most successful product lines, the Synapse/Synik and Aeronaut, and find a way to combine the features of both into one pack design. I would be remiss to not also mention the Hero’s Journey as a design inspiration for the Techonaut; if you had them side by side, it would be easy to see functional ideas they took from that pack. As a long-term owner and user of both the Synapse and Aeronaut, I was thoroughly curious to see if they had successfully merged the two into one do-it-all travel solution because I have come to rely on the two previously mentioned bags as a nearly unbeatable travel pair for my needs. Could I do more with less?  

The post Tom Bihn Techonaut 45 Review appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Outdoor/Urban Hybrid That Won’t Break the Bank – Mountain Hardwear Men’s Hardwear AP Pant

Carryology Credential: An understated design that looks stylish in the city but packs in comfort and versatility for active and outdoor use.

Price: $45 in the sale!

The Hardwear AP Pant is a versatile pant that’s happy to hike in the hills, explore urban streets, and stride between everyday and travel use with ease. It offers inbuilt stretch, UPF 50 protection, articulated knees, reflective detailing, and secure pockets for small essentials. If you’re after clean urban style with outdoor-ready performance, this pant is ready to roam.

Adventure-Ready and Affordable – Roark Layover 2.0 Travel Pant

Carryology Credential: Tough but comfy and ready for action across a multitude of adventures; plus you can score a great deal in the sale!

Price: From $48

Fully embracing adventure requires tough and comfortable gear. And adaptable styling doesn’t hurt either. The Layover 2.0 Travel Pant gives you all of this in a straight-leg design with two-way stretch and enhanced ventilation. And you’ve got secure pocketing to store your smaller travel necessities too.

Outdoor Performance With Urban Style – KÜHL Renegade Afire Chino Pant

Carryology Credential: Hiking performance meets city style, with plenty of pockets for your small travel essentials

Price: $89

Hiking pants are great for the outdoors. But not so much when you need to spruce things up for a night on the town. And many urban-friendly pants lack the functionality to efficiently tackle active outdoor use. But the KÜHL Renegade Afire Chino Pant combines technical performance and city-ready style in one. It features a tough, quick-drying, water-resistant construction with two-way stretch. You also benefit from articulated knee darts and a gusseted crotch for enhanced freedom of movement. Seven pockets provide lots of storage options for smaller items, while the chino style makes it easy to step off the trail and into a restaurant without skipping a beat.

Best Year-Round Pants – Flint and Tinder 365 Pant

Carryology Credential: Cut like a jean, feels like a chino, stretches like a performance pant; the 365s are a perfect staple for any traveler.

Price: $98

Work. Travel. Play. As the name suggests, these pants are designed to be worn year-round, whatever your day might have in store. So what’s the trick to their versatility? A savvy blend of style and comfort, combining a tailored chino look with the inbuilt stretch of a performance pant, so you can go anywhere and look darn good doing so. Sustainably made with a blend of cotton and spandex, the pant is also garment-dyed for comfy wear as soon as you put them on. And the 8oz fabric weight provides flexibility for wear across the seasons, making this a pant you really can reach for throughout the year.

Best Hard-Wearing Pant – Proof Rover Pant

Carryology Credential: Stretch canvas is the star of the show here. Breathable and stretchy, this pant breaks in wonderfully and looks like a pair of rustic denim jeans, but gives you all the benefits of modern design.

Price: $118

Ruggedly stylish and built to roam, Proof’s Rover Pant strides boldly into adventures near and far. The pants feature a tough canvas fabric with moisture-wicking Sorbtek, offering a great blend of durability and breathability for active wear. And since adventures may require you to leap and bound into action at any moment, the Rover Pant packs in flexible design features such as inbuilt stretch, a gusseted crotch for freedom of movement, and dart seams behind the knees for comfort. Plus with its eco-friendly pigment dye the Rover Pant will wear in like raw selvedge denim, creating a custom fade that complements your quest for adventure round every corner.

Best All-Rounder – Western Rise Evolution Pant 2.0

Carryology Credential: V2 of the award-winning crowd favorites. Stretch waistband, UV protection, and stain resistance make these some of the best pants you can have with you.

Price: $128

One pant for everyday and travel wear, from urban settings to outdoor trails? Western Rise delivers an impressive all-rounder with their Evolution Pant 2.0. The pant features a new air-texturized nylon fabric with four-way stretch and better wrinkle resistance (because who wants to iron on their travels?). The fabric is highly durable yet soft, breathable, and lightweight. Additionally, the pant is also resistant to stains and water, so you can keep travel laundry to a minimum and dry off quickly after wet weather. Packable and multifunctional, this pant is all about doing more with less, so you can cut down on luggage bulk while confidently tackling a wide range of travel environments.

Work to Play – lululemon ABC Pant

Carryology Credential: Easy transition from formal to informal, with a range of fit styles to choose from

Price: $128

lululemon’s ABC Pant is popular for a reason. Made from lululemon’s Warpstreme fabric, the pant is breathable, quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant and offers four-way stretch and an ergonomic crotch gusset for enhanced comfort and mobility. The sleek design moves easily between formal and informal environments, while a hidden zippered pocket keeps small valuables safe and secure.

Technical Performance With One-Bag Versatile Style – Western Rise AT Pant

Carryology Credential: Classic jeans style with lightweight durability and comfy stretch

Price: $128

The folks at Western Rise excel at making multifunctional clothing to help you do more with less. And the AT Pant is a fine choice for a pant that looks suitably stylish at work but has savvy performance features for weekend and travel adventures. It’s made with AT Cloth, a durable yet lightweight woven canvas that’s water repellent, bluesign® approved, and offers two-way stretch. Ready for work, active outdoor use, and traveling in versatile comfort, the AT Pant is a dependable one-bag travel pant.

Best for the heat – DUER Weightless Poplin AC Pant

Carryology Credential: Stretchy super-lightweight cotton, nylon, and spandex mix make these the perfect pants for dinner or a chilled evening strolling around town. Our “Best in Show” winner of 2022!

Price: $129

Looking for the best travel pants for hot weather? DUER will help you beat the heat with their Weightless Poplin AC Pant. Weightless Poplin is DUER’s lightest fabric, offered in a tapering style that’s easy to dress up or down, making this a flexible pant for both work and leisure trips (or a mix of both). The pant’s hidden gusset and elastic waistband keep you comfortable while you’re on the go, while zippered back pockets securely store small EDC or travel items for peace of mind. Moisture-wicking and breathable, this pant will help you stay cool and collected whether you’ve got a day full of meetings or a night on the town.

Modern Urban Looks Meet Outdoor Functionality – Foehn Brise Pant 2.0

Carryology Credential: Sustainably made, with modern style for the city and active performance for the outdoors

Price: $130

If you’re after men’s travel pants with modern style, sustainable construction, and technical performance all in one, Foehn has you covered. The Brise Pant 2.0 offers a well-considered blend of casual urban style and adventure-ready performance features. The pant features a tough, abrasion-resistant, and sustainably made Schoeller® fabric with inbuilt stretch and a DWR coating for protection against stains and the elements. The pant also has articulated knees, a gusseted crotch, and zippered ankle to keep you moving freely and comfortably.

Award-Winning Everyday Pant – Western Rise Diversion Pant

Carryology Credential: Excellent everyday pant combining durability, comfort, and style; ready to adapt to diverse environments while keeping you smart and flexible on the go

Price: $138

The ultimate men’s travel pants? Well, you be the judge. But the Diversion Pant did scoop our Best Travel Clothing 2020 award for a reason. Several, actually. The pant is packed full of great travel features such as four-way stretch, breathability, water and stain resistance, and wrinkle resistance. It’s tough enough for active use, smart enough for urban or business travel, and an excellent all-rounder for everyday, weekend, and adventure use.

Smart Style With Subtle Performance Features – Rhone Commuter Pant

Carryology Credential: Boardroom-ready styling with flexible comfort for after-work activities

Price: $138

The Rhone Commuter Pant brings smart style to your work trips. But its four-way stretch and gusset let you move freely when it’s time to embrace active pursuits. Breathable, comfy, lightweight, and ready to hop nimbly between urban, outdoor, relaxed, and active use, it’s ready to conquer multiple travel environments. Plus with various options including regular, slim, and skinny styles, you can pick the one best suited to your personal tastes.

Technical Expertise With Elegant Style – OUTLIER Futuredarts

Carryology Credential: Technical fabric and construction, in a design that moves smoothly from meetings in the city to last-minute getaways

Price: $175

OUTLIER’s Futuredarts pant is cut using long darts rather than side seams to allow for a tapered and free-moving silhouette. The pant features OUTLIER’s F.Cloth fabric that’s lightweight, quick-drying, breathable, and includes two-way stretch and a DWR finish. Easy to dress up or down, it’s a versatile work/play/travel pant for both everyday use and ventures further afield.

Weekend Comfort With Travel-Friendly Features – Relwen Air-Stretch Windpant

Carryology Credential: Laid-back, casual styling with a lightweight, breathable, and water-resistant build that brings welcome comfort to your travels

Price: $188

If you’re looking for men’s travel pants with understated weekend-ready styling and travel-friendly features such as lightweight construction, breathability, wind and water resistance, and a versatile athletic cut, Relwen’s Air-Stretch Windpant should be on your radar. Comfortable and adaptable for a variety of travel situations, they’re a solid addition to your packing list.

Stronger But Lighter Than Denim – OUTLIER Bomb Dungarees

Carryology Credential: Love the toughness of denim but not the weight? These pants are stronger but lighter than denim, providing jeans style with technical performance

Price: $198

Like the look of jeans but want something that’s lighter yet tougher than denim? Meet the Bomb Dungarees, OUTLIER’s take on the 21st-century jean. The pant features Bombtwill, a fabric custom developed to offer excellent durability and structure while retaining a light weight. The fabric also includes a DWR coating for water and stain resistance, as well as subtle stretch, in a design that’s tough enough for travel yet comfy.

Best for Wet Climates – DUER All-Weather Denim

Carryology Credential: Wind and waterproof membrane keeps you warm and dry wherever you end up!

Price: $199

Jeans are great for their versatile styling, easily adapting to a wide variety of environments. But they traditionally stumble in the wet weather department (schlepping around in wet jeans puts a dampener on your travels real quick). So DUER thought, “How about waterproof jeans?” and went right ahead and made them. Their All-Weather Denim integrates a waterproof and windproof membrane that keeps water away from your skin. So you don’t need to whip out the technical hiking pants in the city. But they don’t stop there. A hidden gusset enhances your freedom of movement, while reflective cuff and waistband detailing help keep you visible in low light, making these great jeans for a quick hike or cycling too.

A One-Bag Icon That’s Stood the Test of Time – OUTLIER Slim Dungarees

Carryology Credential: Enduring functionality and versatility, with timeless style that can be dressed up or down

Price: $225

OUTLIER says if you’re only going to have one pair of pants, this should be it. A bold statement perhaps, but they back it up with the Slim Dungarees’ excellent versatility, premium construction, and travel-ready features. It uses Workcloth Doubleweave Canvas offering water and stain resistance, two-way stretch, breathability, and quick-drying functionality. It’s tough yet comfy, and the design is understated enough to work in casual settings or to be dressed up for smarter environments. And with five pockets, you can keep those important travel items close at hand.

The post Best Men’s Travel Pants 2022 appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

We’re big fans of the team at Western Rise, they constantly produce excellent apparel products for life on the road, in the wild, or wherever your days take you. They’ve be featured in buying guides of ours multiple times, we’re always excited by their updates and they’ve won best travel clothing in the Carry Awards three times!

It’s safe to say that we think they’re awesome and one of the best innovators out there in the apparel space! As summer comes into view, they’re having an epic summer sale, with 25% off all of their products, including some of their latest and greatest releases! Use discount code ’SUMMER’!

Below, we’ve picked out a few select items that are likely to make you pack less and adventure more!

Evolution Pant

Western Rise was founded on the basis of creating crossover products that meant carrying less and doing more. The Evolution pant are at the core of that philosophy. These are lightweight, water and stain resistant and very breathable. All our team at Carry HQ love these for travel, and the 2-way stretch means they are comfortable enough for both commuting and roaming free in the wild! These pack small, and are a true do-it-all pant. Coming in a multitude of staple colours, you’ll find yourself wanting a few pairs!

Limitless Merino Button Down

A good button down is an essential part of the modern man’s wardrobe. However, for many of us, gone are the days of sitting in a boardroom staring at the clock, we are more active, more fluid, and sometimes no two days look the same. Enter the Limitless button down, smart enough for your performance review, comfortable enough for your flight, and breathable enough for your weekend hikes. Moisture wicking, odor resistant, and wrinkle free, this shirt will help you attack the day!

Boundless Short

One of my favourite things about the summertime is having full day adventures from the moment you wake up, to the moment you collapse into bed. There is something freeing about just seeing where the day takes you. To do that, you need shorts that you can trust in the water and on land! With one of their newer releases, western rise have you covered! The boundless short is a Swiss Army Knife pair of shorts. Four way stretch, quick drying, mesh pockets, and water/stain resistant (like all of Western Rise’s gear!) These are sure to become firm favourites in your collection. Similarly to the Evolution pant, these will cover all of your bases this summer!

X Cotton T-Shirt and X Cotton Henley

I’m always in a quandary when it comes to T-shirts. I love all of the benefits that come with merino wool but I love the softness and comfort of cotton. I’m certain that the Western Rise team has been in my head as I’ve pontificated and that’s what brought them to creating the X-tee. The perfect middle ground T-shirt. It’s moisture wicking and odor resistant (just like merino), but it has that luxurious comfort and weight to it like your favourite old tee-shirt. With an improved cut (ever so slightly tailored) you can wear this at home, out to dinner, or as a layer under your favourite sweater. I have bought these in pretty much every colour, they are hard not to love.

If you need more sleeves in your life, they come in a Henley version too.

Movement Short

I love the movement short. Ever since I tried my first pair a couple of years ago, they come with me on every trip I take, and they pull double duty as my gym/running shorts and swim shorts. They are perfect to stick in your suitcase as they pack down to nothing but give you options at your destination. The updated material is featherweight, comfortable and super stretchy. Over the last month I’ve used these for rugby training, running, hiking, and swimming. They look as good as new. These are sportier than the boundless shorts and excellent for those of you on the move all the time!

Versa Hat

How could we write our suggestions without including one of our favourite hats? The Versa was an epiphany for me (not a huge baseball hat wearer) a year ago. Crushable, waterproof, and stretchy, this baseball hat is the insurance policy for hot days, wet days, and everything inbetween. It easily slips into a bag or pocket, and comes out ready to go! I swear by this hat, and if I’m outdoors, it is never far behind. Coming in a great range of colours and patterns, your head will stay dry and your nose or forehead will stay unburnt! That’s a win in my books!

Western Rise are one of those brands that we always get excited about. They aren’t interested in making 50 new products a year, or making their version of someone else’s product just to do it. They are in the business of making items that you can use, trust, abuse, and use again–without even thinking about it. If you’re looking to level up your wardrobe, take advantage of their summer sale (Use discount code ’SUMMER’!) and get out there!

Thanks to our friends at Western Rise for sponsoring this article.

The post Level up your Style with Western Rise’s Summer Sale! appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.