For years, there wasn’t much movement in the fidget community but sometime in 2017, fidget spinners hit the scene. The early iterations were created on a 3D printer and consisted of a skateboard ball-bearing friction fitted into the center of a 3-lobe spinner. Circles cut out in each of the three arms allow for additional bearings to be installed, adding weight. The user would simply pinch the center with his or her index finger and thumb and spin the stress-relieving toy.

Soon, savvy entrepreneurs found ways to turn a simple and inexpensive DIY project into something more professional and serious. The first of these inventors was Scott McCoskery who invented the two-lobed Torqbar, the first high-end fidget spinner, and the rest, they say, is history…

Types of Fidget Toys

Despite their popularity, fidget spinners are not the only type of fidget toy. In fact, any sort of device that helps with stress or anxiety, or just boredom, could be considered a fidget toy. Usually, these devices are small, and pocketable, and promote some sort of movement; whether the toy itself or the user handling the device.

Spinners

Previously discussed fidget spinners are still among the most popular fidget toys today. They are typically simple affairs consisting of a capped sealed bearing in the center and weighted arms or wings that allow them to achieve long spin times. Like tops (arguably a fidget toy in its own right), makers have worked on improving spinners by using high-quality bearings and experimenting with different (exotic) materials and weights. For example, Torqbar offers everything from stainless steel to titanium spinners, and even some with Mokuti buttons for that extra show.

Sliders

Enjoying their time in the spotlight right now are Sliders. They typically consist of two plates with flat surfaces that are joined using magnets. Occasionally, sliders like the Lautie Shuffle have small slits where metal nubbins slot in and keep the sliding on track but most rely on the unique and seemingly-magical way magnets work to get things homed to the right position. With different arrangements and numbers of magnets, slider designs can allow for multiple stages or clicks, and some even allow the user to spin the plates before bringing them to a reset position.

Some sliders are downright artistic like the Camera-M, meant to invoke memories of a Leica M-series film camera. Produced by WANWU Studio, the Camera-M has separate clickers for both the lens and shutter.

Finally, makers like Magnus Macdonald of New Zealand have experimented with different textures and grooves on sliders, which add a different dimension and feeling to the sliders.

Haptic

This could be a whole category itself but it simply refers to any fidget toys that provide a tactile and sensory experience. One of my personal favorites in this category is the Chill Pill, which like the name implies, consists of two halves of a (medicine) pill, connected with a pair of strong magnets that you can roll around your palm, clicking the pill apart and then together again. Made from both metal and plastic, and coming in a variety of colors and alloys, the Chill Pill functions as a flipper and slider. A combination that’s super addictive!

Buttons

Button fidget toys are exactly like the name implies – one or more buttons mounted on a device that is often spring-loaded and allows you to click. Lautie, a popular fidget toy maker, recently released the Puffercrash, which is meant to mimic popping bubble wrap, something we’re all familiar with! A variation to a button fidget toy, but a lot less portable, are mechanical key testers. These are small devices that allow the user to install different types of keys to test for actuation, noise, and pressure before committing to an expensive build. However, some users keep them around to fidget with.

Rockers

Rockers are fidget toys that work by snapping a plate back and forth over a fulcrum, much like a see-saw on a playground. Again, utilizing strong magnets, the rocker allows for satisfying repeatable motion back and forth with distinct homing in with each pass. Like Sliders, different grooves and designs can be incorporated to add different tactile experiences. The choice of plate material also has a large impact on performance as well, with Teflon, brass, titanium, and zirconium being popular choices.

Cubes and Combo Devices

The Fidget Spinner’s creator gives credit to the Fidget Cube as a source of inspiration. It still remains the third most backed product in Kickstarter history and was unique in that it brought six different functions (one for each side of the cube) into one vinyl desktop toy. The brothers Matthew and Mark McLachlan went on to raise nearly 6.5M from backers. There are plenty of variations now and some makers even allow you to customize the function on each side.

At the end of the day, a fidget cube is just a specialized multi-function fidget toy. The Camera-M device mentioned above is both a slider and clicker/button. These types of fidget toys are not unusual and offer multiple experiences in one package, which is ideal if you’re the type of user who likes to mix things up.

Rings

Last but certainly not least are fidget rings which look like traditional jewelry you wear, except they are able to freely spin with the use of ball bearings. Like all rings, they come in a variety of materials and sizes and have the added benefit of always being there all the time. Tangentially, a company from Ukraine called Fingears has introduced a unique product with the same name. It’s a set of three rings that attach to each other, magnetically, through the outside surface. With enough practice, there are at least ten tricks you can master, rotating and spinning the rings around each other.

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Introducing: the GORUCK X Carryology Kaidan capsule.

The post Exclusive Release | GORUCK x Carryology Kaidan 2.0 appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

There’s only a few things in this world that can shape you as a human, like really shape you and make you better, and stronger. And one of the things that do it so damn well is travel. Breaking out of your regular and comfortable and normal and slingshotting into the new, the undiscovered, the raw, and the real. There’s nothing quite like it. 

So when Jason messaged me minutes after Guerrilla X sold out with an expletive followed by a ‘WOW’ I knew we had to work on a GR2 next. Indisputably one of team Carryology and our community’s favorite travel packs to ever exist. A pack that can carry to the ends of the earth, and take a beating in the process. 

We’d start with that, and then we’d go deeper. Build an entire capsule. And pull inspiration from my heroes, ancient stories, and vintage sports cars. 

Introducing the GORUCK x Carryology Kaidan capsule collection. A 3-piece travel combination built for a life of adventure. 

The launch of the Kaidan collection v1.0 was a wild success

THE ICON THAT IS THE GR2

To look to the future, we often refer to the past Carry Awards winners for inspiration. And this one was easy. One of our favorite and one of the most iconic travel packs of all time, the GORUCK GR2. Like its little brother, the GR1, they both have a cult-like following. For great reason. Back in 2013, the GR2 won 1st place in The Carry Awards for “Best Carry On” for its perfect balance of utility and ruggedness, and has been carried and loved by our team all over the world. 

The GR2, a One Bagger’s dream. This pack would act as the driving inspiration for this project – a bag made for travel and adventure. After our extensive testing over several thousands of miles using the 34L and the 40L size, unanimously we found the 34L to be the perfect size (for an overhead bin) and weight (once filled) for travel. It would be the heart of this travel collaboration.

BULLET AND 2-BAG TRAVEL

Now, this term “One Bag” doesn’t necessarily mean ONLY one bag. One Bag travel is a practice, a philosophy, a challenge. And sometimes it actually can mean more than one bag. 

Give me a moment to explain the concept. After you’ve deplaned, the immigration officer has stamped your passport, and you’ve checked into your sleeping quarters, the first thing you want to do is put down your 34L travel backpack. It’s too cumbersome to carry on daily missions. 

You don’t want to walk through the tightly crowded streets of Tokyo with the volume of 34 liters on your back or walk up snowy mountain inclines of Zermatt with the weight of 34 liters worth of gear on your back. 

The solution? Drop your large One Bag backpack onto your bed. Then, like a Matryoshka doll, pull out your 10-15L “walk around bag” that was packed flat inside your GR2 among your other gear. Toss in just your essentials and you’re off to explore with a whole lot less on your shoulders. 

So to build upon the famous GR2, we selected a finalist in the Carry Awards IV (“Active Backpack” category) and another cult classic from the GORUCK brand, the Bullet 15L. Slim, agile, rugged – the perfect day trip pack. 

THE FINAL PIECE – THE FIELD POUCH

The third necessary component for a proper travel capsule is an organizer pouch. For tech, for toiletries, and all your little essentials. A favorite among Carryology readers as well as the Carryology team, the GORUCK GR2 Field Pocket. It’s padded, it’s simple, it’s complex, it’s perfect. We selected the larger GR2 size to make it more versatile for changing setups and uses.  

There we had it, the ultimate travel capsule: GR2 34L, Bullet 15L, and GR2 Field Pocket. And then the real work began… how to make it special. 

FINDING THAT SPARK, THANKS TO A HERO

Whenever we create these special projects, we look for inspiration, a storyline. A spark to ignite the project. And so I asked myself, what does “travel” mean to me? How has it shaped me? And what or who has inspired me most to try and do it right?

And the answer was simple. My personal hero, and an inspiration to many – the late and great Anthony Bourdain. A man who taught me how to be a traveler and not a tourist, how to be curious about new cultures, and how to explore them, properly and with respect. And, of course, how travel can change you, for the better. 

So Anthony was that spark, the starting point for me to dig deeper. 

And deeper I went, past his TV show and non-fiction works. Delving into his lesser-known graphic novels: “Get Jiro!” and “Get Jiro: Blood and Sushi”. 

Then … I found it. “Hungry Ghosts”.

TRADING OF STORIES, OF KAIDAN

“Hungry Ghosts” is a comic based on the Japanese Edo-period game called “Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai”. The quickest explanation of this game is traveling samurai from all corners of the country would cross paths on their adventures and share a small rural shelter along the road before continuing on their quests. Once the sun was fully set and darkness controlled the evening, they would light dozens of candles in the small structure. These candles would provide the only light in the quiet shack. In order, each samurai would tell their own unique “kaidan” (unbelievable, mysterious, horrific, scary, rare, and/or supernatural orally recited story) while the other samurai sat and listened quietly. After the story, the orator would walk over to the candles and extinguish one. Now, there is one less candle’s worth of light in the room. The next samurai begins telling their story and after they finish, they blow out another candle. This process repeats until there are fewer and fewer candles, the darkness creeping in. Legend has it, after having just heard dozens and dozens of incredible stories, these brave samurai would be too afraid to blow out the final candle.

And this was the inspiring “aha” moment for me. The “kaidan”. Generally, it means “ghost story” or “rare exciting story”. But it’s the origins of these kaidan that are the important part. These were not written down. They were only acquired by word of mouth, during incredibly adventurous travels. 

Ultimately, when we travel… we’re all out there searching for kaidan. We want to connect with people and learn their stories, experience our own adventures, and share all these stories with other travelers and loved ones back home. Kaidan are earned, gifted from human to human. And they’re earned when you’re out there on your journey, not in the safety of your living room. 

The Carryology x GORUCK travel collection would be named “Kaidan”. Designed to help you to find your own kaidan. And to help you leave your own kaidan behind.

UNDER THE RADAR

When you’re traveling it’s important to blend in and not scream ‘tourist’, or in some places ‘military’ or ‘luxurious’, so we opted to ‘Slick’ the exterior of both the GR2 and Bullet, dialing the packs down for a more minimal and under-the-radar vibe. 

VX – IN TWO VARIANTS 

When studying the options for the GR2, our priorities were ruggedness and durability. This is a GORUCK after all, and its superpower had to be its bomber build to allow us to carry it anywhere. 

But waterproofness and technical innovation were important too. 

And so we chose the futuristic instant-classic: the Dimension Polyant X-Pac VX42. The face is made from 420D nylon fabric with a DWR top coat. 

It might be 80D “less than” 500D, but DP laminates the X-grid to the backside via science and magic. This makes it tougher than 500D and it converts the standard nylon from “water-resistant” to “waterproof”. For the Bullet 15L, we wanted it to be lightweight and packable, so we opted for VX42’s lighter cousin, DP’s VX21. Tough, light, waterproof, and takes up minimal volume in your GR2. Being an internal accessory pocket, the GR2 Field Pocket would get the same VX21 treatment.

WATERTIGHT 

Arguably the second most important part of a pack is the zippers/hardware. Since we’re using waterproof X-Pac fabric, we swapped the zippers to YKK’s AquaGuard water-resistant zippers, in #10 and #8 sizes. While standard YKK coil zippers handle moisture just fine, this AquaGuard zipper upgrade allowed us to remove the fabric zipper rain flaps, giving you even easier access to your contents while keeping out the wet. Additionally, we removed the drainage ports at the bottom of the Bullet 15L. In a rucking scenario, crawling through mud and dragging your pack through streams, you want water to drain out. But here, in a travel scenario, you want water to never get inside in the first place. A complete system sealed away from nature’s elements.

HIGH-VIS INTERIOR

High-vis interior. This is something we always do, as it’s a functional feature used to make your life easier. Bright-colored interiors make it easier to spot bag contents in low-light conditions, such as the backseat of a sketchy taxi somewhere in the outskirts of Moscow. Now, you can quickly identify what you’re looking for. And since we care about materials, we chose a mix of 1000D and 420D nylon fabric for toughness and structure. And like in our last collab, we gave a nod to a little-known detail, GORUCK’s signature contrasting coyote-colored paracord zipper puller in the interior upper accessory pocket. We swapped the coyote out to orange paracord, something we plan to do for all our GORUCK collabs going forward.

LEATHER HANDFEEL

Now, we clearly love X-Pac fabrics. But they can easily take on a “tech” aesthetic if not balanced out with some other elements to even it out. I had been watching an episode of Tony’s where he travels to Rome and he’s “driving” a 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider in front of a green screen. In 1966, this vehicle was the pinnacle of performance and tech, yet it was balanced with luxury and class, and timelessness via the beautiful leather interior. To luxe it up, we borrowed elements from the Alfa Romeo as well as the GR1 Heritage… adding full-grain leather to the grab handle. This buttery leather is sourced from S.B. Foot Tanning Company up in Red Wing, Minnesota. We hear this tannery provides leather to some other famous USA-made boot company in the area, but we’ll let you guess who that might be.

Oh, by the way, did I say “handle” as in singular? We meant “handles”, plural. This is a travel capsule, after all. When you’re traveling in trains, planes, boats, and automobiles, your bag gets shoved in all kinds of weird tight spaces. And pulling your bag out of these areas isn’t always the easiest. The obvious example is an overhead bin on a passenger jet. Once it’s up there, you need a handle on the bottom to pull it out of there. So we added one. And we made it leather like on the top grab handle. Because every time you grab this pack, it should be an enjoyable experience. We added the same leather top grab handle to the Bullet 15L, since the same experience should carry over when you’re out and about exploring new places.

QUICK-ACCESS STORAGE

One small but absolutely awesome upgrade we included with the GRXC1 Guerrilla X collaboration was the trick quick-access pocket up near the grab handle. When you’re traveling, having an easy and fast pocket for “the thing in your hand” is critical. So we added this same pocket onto the GR2… as well as onto the Bullet 15L. 

MORALE PATCHES 

Patches? Of course, we need patches! The GR2 and the Bullet both have Velcro loop field panels… meant for patches. For a travel collection, we wanted subdued designs for these morale panels. But, what would they be? First, I personally whipped up some design concepts; a ramen bowl and some airplanes. Meh, this wasn’t it. Let’s hire some professionals. Back to the inspiration, the thing that guides the process. In this case, Kaidan. Now, the artist? Who better to create the artwork than a comic book artist? There are two different products. So there wouldn’t be one comic book artist. No, TWO comic book artists.

Celia Calle. Based in New York City, Artist/Illustrator Celia Calle (Instagram: @CeliaCalle) is ever reshaping the grounds where the lines are drawn. Calle’s artistic creations are “ominous, commanding, sometimes warped, but always spiced with a generous injection of humor, in keeping with the artist’s effervescent personality.” The New York Parsons School of Design graduate is known for her works from Penthouse Magazine, ESPN Sports, Adidas Ads, to Cover Art for DC/Vertigo Comics, and more. Working also in traditional mediums, for example, oil painting and sculpting, Calle endlessly endeavors to explore the boundaries of her creative expression in order to bring the characters and images in her mind to life. Two decades of her art can be found in the 224-page collection, “Cool Rider. The Art of Celia Calle.” 

Celia created the patch artwork for the Bullet 15L. This artwork depicts a menacing Hannya face (Japanese demon mask) in the center. There is a lit candle on the top of the mask, with two extinguished candles on the left and right, these representing the “Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai” game. 

Sebastián Cabrol. Based in Argentina, Illustrator and Comic Book Artist Sebastián (ArtStation Portfolio: Sebastián Cabrol) has a personal connection to this project… he was actually one of the illustrators of Anthony’s graphic novel, “Hungry Ghosts”. He worked directly with Tony on this comic, so we wanted the artwork to be deeply connected to the concept.

The inspiration for Sebastián’s patch comes directly from a famous Edo-period woodblock print, “Takiyasha the Witch and the Skeleton Specter” created by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (c.1843 to 1847). Sebastian recreated this image via ink and paintbrush on paper in simple bold lines for our patch. 

To keep things subdued and aesthetically luxe, we went with black leather patches. The same full-grain leather as the GR2 and Bullet 15 grab handles. The designs were converted from 2D into 3D milled metal stamps, which then are used to deboss the 2D images into the surface of the leather via pressure and time. Each tells a different story, a different kaidan. 

Minimal interior label. A minor addition, but totally necessary. Each product will have its very own unique collab-specific patch.

All three products in the GORUCK X Carryology Kaidan capsule collection are proudly Made in USA.

TIMES AND DATES

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What makes a good puffy jacket, a good puffy jacket?

On a simple level–insulation. Puffy jackets are the ones you throw on when you’re cold, whether it’s 40ºF or -40ºF. I think they are one of the most useful parts of your outdoor arsenal, and I use mine year-round, from nighttime stargazing in winter to early mornings by the ocean in summer. Traveling year-round, the puffy jacket is a must-have.

How to pick the right puffy jacket for you

With puffy jackets, it isn’t as simple as “that looks great” (although that certainly comes into it!). Before purchasing, you really should consider your use cases, and which jacket is going to suit your lifestyle best. For example, if you’re looking for a standalone jacket, maybe compressibility isn’t high on your needs list. But if you’re an avid hiker, you’re likely to want something that disappears into a pocket or stuff sack. 

Why down?

The age-old question when discussing puffy jackets, and in particular insulated jackets is “why down?”. Simply put, down (goose or duck plumage) provides the greatest warmth to weight ratio on the market. It works by trapping air between the feathers and creating your own barrier against the cold. They are extremely lightweight and packable. However, it is not without its faults.

Traditionally, when down gets wet it loses much of its insulation power. And due to the need to create pockets (baffles) to hold the feathers, you can often find “cold spots” in down jackets, where a little air might creep through. Many manufacturers combat this by creating their own variation of baffling to provide as much coverage as possible. Down jackets are also usually a little fragile due to their lightweight nature. These issues are being addressed more and more with each passing season, with better recycled fabrics providing durability, while many companies are now treating their recycled down with hydrophobic coating to avoid ‘wetting out’.

Is there a warmth rating for jackets?

Down is measured in fill-power which tells you the quality of the plumage used in insulating a jacket. Higher fill-power means better loft (fluffiness) and as such has greater insulating efficiency and performance. The big benefit of fill-power ratings is that it often does indicate compressibility. A 1000 fill-power jacket will be considerably more compressible than a 600 fill-power jacket; it’ll also cost more. Although, fill-power alone does not tell you how warm a jacket will be. It combines with the amount of fill weight (not always easy to find) to provide an imperfect formula for warmth. For example, a 1000 fill-power jacket that has only 20g of fill will not be warmer than a 500 fill-power jacket that has 100g of fill. Truthfully, there isn’t a tried and tested perfect formula for jacket warmth, which is why you rarely see an exact temperature rating on a jacket. 

The majority of these jackets were chosen and tested in my local cold wintry climate, and while we haven’t had the traditionally constant brutal three months of sub-zero temperatures, we have had plenty of days where the mercury has plummeted and these jackets have kept me toasty. They’ve ascended to 14’000ft elevation, traveled to the third windiest place in the world, and even been around my local trails! Over the last 16 weeks, I’ve tried to put these into almost every situation that they were designed for.  These jackets come in both mens and womens variations too!

As with all of our buying guides, these puffy jackets were chosen on individual merit, rather than as a comparative list. So, without further ado, here are the best puffy jackets you can buy today. 

Versatile Everyday Comfort – 66º North Ok Jacket

What’s it good for? Hybrid Versatility. Trail or Town.

MSRP: $375

Insulation? 800 Fill Duck Down and Polartec® Powerstretch® Fleece

Length: Waist

Notable features or materials: Hybrid insulation and stretch panels.

In the coldest corners of Iceland, you will see one brand stand out – 66º North. With good reason, too! As natives of the Atlantic island, 66º North build products that are designed to thrive in the harshest conditions (did you know that Iceland is the third windiest place in the world!?). The Ok jacket, which is also available in a hooded version, is the perfect hybrid jacket. And while designed for serious alpine activity, the sleek style lends itself to urban/daily use too.

I’ve used this jacket on morning hikes, and while we didn’t have the full on winter that we usually get, we did constantly have mornings around 20ºF (-7ºC). This jacket has been perfect for rucking and exercising. The Polartec® Powerstretch® side panels allow breathability as you crank up the intensity, while the 800 fill power down (RDS Certified) provides ample insulation. The Poly, Nylon, and Lycra outer shell make this very stretchy and that only adds to the comfort, particularly while active. I often find that some down jackets are restrictive in movement due to their baffling, and I didn’t have that problem with this jacket.

In true Scandinavian style, it is a slick jacket. It blends into most surroundings comfortably with its flattering profile and muted branding. The Ok has an athletic fit, so bear that in mind when choosing your size. The best jackets are duplicitous, and this works perfectly as an active standalone jacket, but also as part of a layering system. If you’re looking for a good value winter hybrid down jacket, this could be the one for you!

Eco-conscious Hybrid – Arc’teryx Agrium Hoody

What’s it good for? Conscious construction, excellent all-rounder

MSRP: $400

Insulation? 850 fill R.D.S. goose down and Bluesign® synthetic

Length: Hip

Notable features or materials: Arato Dope Dyed Material

Down jackets might all look the same, but that doesn’t mean they are the same! The Agrium hoody from Vancouver natives Arc’teryx is a step forward in circular clothing construction! Built from a combination of eco-conscious materials and fabrics, the Agrium is a jacket that’ll keep you warm and stylish, all while reducing its environmental impact. Dope-dyed outer shell materials and yarn are used on the Agrium too, using less water than the traditional dyeing processes.

This jacket came with me to Iceland, and it was the perfect testing ground. Iceland in November is brutally windy but it also gets very wet. The hybrid insulation used in the Agrium kept me warm in both situations and it’s a very comfortable jacket to boot. The Down Composite Mapping is an intelligently mixed duo of 850 fill power RDS down and 45% recycled polyester insulation in the high moisture areas–cuffs, neck, etc. This proved to be very useful in a high moisture environment, and the elasticated cuffs combined with the hybrid insulation kept me toasty warm on the small Atlantic island.

The included stuff sack, which is attached to the inside of the chest pocket so that you don’t lose it, is useful for travel and storage. A large StormHood covers your noggin from the brutal winds and is also down insulated for maximum warmth. The Agrium is an excellent hybrid hoody that is adept in many situations and shows the intent of Arc’teryx’s commitment to circularity.

Old-School Style – Fjällräven No 1 Down Jacket

What’s it good for? Robust materials, customizable waterproofing, classic style

MSRP: $500

Insulation? 800 fill power down

Length: Hip (with drop tail)

Notable features or materials: G1000® Eco material.

Fjällräven are the masters of balancing fashion and function. The Scandinavian brand are continuously favorites worldwide (and in Carry HQ) because they blur the boundaries of those two apparel categories. The No 1 Down Jacket is arguably one of their most iconic pieces (it was one of their first!) and with good reason too.

Made from the robust and nearly impenetrable G1000® Eco material, the No 1 is the toughest jacket on this list. The 65/35 polyester and cotton mix can handle a lot of abuse, season after season, and look better with each adventure. Much like leather, I find that the G1000® only gets better with more use as it breaks in. While it is already pretty water-resistant, you can increase its weatherproofing by the addition of more Greenland wax. This is a neat feature, and not one that I have taken advantage of (it’s often too cold for serious rain on the East Coast in the dead of winter), but an easy adaptation that can work based on your location or adventures!

Style-wise, down jackets don’t look better than this in my opinion. With a great selection of colors, the No 1 goes from trail to town with ease and never looks out of place in either. The details are subtle but well thought out, such as the leather binding around the hood and cuffs, and the thoughtful labeling that explains Fjällräven’s process. A selection of chest pockets and hand warmer pockets keep either your digits or accessories warm and dry, while the two-way zip gets you in and out quickly. One of my absolute favorites that I can see myself wearing for decades to come.

Ultralight Wonder – Norrøna Trollveggen Superlight Down 850 Jacket

What’s it good for? Packing, layering, warmth to weight ratio.

MSRP: $379

Insulation? RDS Down 850+

Length: Hip 

Notable features or materials: “The world’s lightest down jacket with pockets”

There are times when boxes arrive at my house, and I wonder what’s in there. Maybe it is an odd sound, maybe it’s the weight, or in Trollveggen’s case–the lack thereof. I was astounded that there was actually a jacket in the package, and I’ve continued to be impressed ever since. Norrøna are outdoor experts, and there is good reason why they are trusted the world over by both explorers and adventurers. However, some of their performance pieces transcend the traditional boundaries and work excellently in day-to-day life. The Trollveggen is one such piece.

Weighing in at an impossibly light 200g, you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’d left this at home when you wear it. It packs down small as well, making it the perfect complement to other jackets you may have. I can see this working excellently as part of a layering system, for both active outdoor use and more urban scenarios. The construction and details of this jacket are second to none, and even more impressive considering the weight. Two zippered hand pockets, where the jacket packs down, are often a rarity on ultra-lightweight jackets, particularly ones that are a useful size. Elasticated cuffs keep hassle to a minimum, and keep the sleeves out of the way while maintaining warmth. Subtle branding extends to a reflective logo on the nape of your neck, and a reflective wordmark logo on the chest.

The fit is trim, but not too skinny, and my usual sizing rule of Large for standard fit and XL for athletic fit worked perfectly here. For reference, I’m 6ft, 44″ chest, and 220lbs. The slightly elongated hem helps trap the heat too, so I didn’t have many warmth issues here. The recycled materials and its ability to work both as a standalone jacket and as part of a system make the Trollveggen a true four-season piece and worthwhile addition to your collection.

Feel Good Feathers – Cotopaxi Fuego Down Jacket

What’s it good for? About town comfort, exuberant designs, incredibly comfortable.

MSRP: $275

Insulation? 800FP RDS Down

Length: Hip 

Notable features or materials: Fun colorways and ethical manufacturing from a B Corp Certified brand

Cotopaxi does it right. I mean that in every applicable sense of the word. Their simple but increasingly popular “DO GOOD” slogan is entrenched in their business practices, their manufacturing, and their products. Another of their monikers, “Gear for Good” is perfectly applicable to their offering in the down jacket market–The Fuego.

The Fuego is a versatile and comfortable piece that straddles the line of fashion and function very well. While it certainly looks great (it comes in a whole array of different color combinations and I love the unique color block baffles), it is by no means a one-trick pony. Underneath its charming exterior are high-quality materials, that are ethically sourced and perform excellently. Hearty 800 fill power will stave off chills comfortably while a 20D giant ripstop has DWR coating to shed any precipitation. The giant ripstop is wonderfully smooth to touch and feels supple too. But don’t fret, it is plenty robust.

Elasticated binding at the hood and cuffs are excellent at keeping the warmth in, and the lack of Velcro is welcome at the wrists. There is also a drawcord waist so you can cinch down for the extra-cold mornings. The hood is well sized and easily fits my large noggin and a hat if I’m wearing one. The zippered hand pockets are great for keeping EDC items safe, and a good place to keep the digits warm too.

It packs into one of the internal pockets, which makes it excellent for travel. That’s where I think the Fuego excels; it lends itself to travel because it is a versatile piece. It is fashion-forward enough to not look out of place downtown, but equally adept up in the rarer air if you’re adventuring. If you’re looking for a Do Good®, travel-ready jacket, this is your choice. Plus, you’ll feel great and look great while wearing it!

Expedition Ready – ThruDark Recoil Down Jacket

What’s it good for? Innovative back panel, windproof.

MSRP: £445

Insulation? 750 down fill

Length: Hip

Notable features or materials: Pertex® materials, unique design.

ThruDark are continuing to produce innovative and unique products for adventures out in the field. That should come as no surprise; they were founded solely on the idea of making products that work at an elite military level. We loved their Patriot jacket that we tested last winter, and the Recoil impresses just as much.

The Recoil has many of the same features that you see in other ThruDark products; an excellent Pertex® Quantum outer that is highly weather, abrasion, and tear-resistant while remaining exceptionally lightweight. Velcro patches on both arms allow you to display multiple morale patches with ease, and there is a stowaway stretch hood in the collar. Six zippered pockets, two on the chest, two lower body, and two internally give you plenty of storage and are all adorned with beefy cotton zipper pulls that are easy to use with or without gloves. 750 fill power hydrophobic down is plenty to keep you warm, ThruDark estimates down to -10ºC (14ºF) and I’ve found that to be pretty accurate.

Now, all of these features are great, but they are not what makes the Recoil stand out. What makes the Recoil innovative is its four-way stretch, breathable back panel. That’s right, a breathable back panel on a puffy down jacket. While that may seem counterintuitive at first, it’s actually incredibly useful if you are active when carrying a pack in any way. Clumped and sweaty down is the worst thing in the world when it comes to being active in cold climates; it can literally feel like you have ice cubes over different parts of your back. Well, not here with this innovation.

The stretch panel covers approximately 75% of the back of the jacket, exactly where you will carry your pack. It allows you all the benefits of down on the rest of the jacket, your body, arms, and sides, while providing excellent ventilation and movement in the area that needs it. I’ve found this to be really useful both hiking and in everyday carry. Heat escapes, your movement isn’t restricted by baffles–you really get the best of both! This isn’t a jacket designed for standing around in, this is made to go with you when you venture into the cold kitted out.

I’ve found the Recoil to be a great addition to my collection, and while it is definitely specialist, if you need a down jacket that allows you to carry loads comfortably, you won’t beat this. Classic style, excellent performance, and innovation all rolled into one.

Stretchy Goodness – Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Pullover

What’s it good for? Movement, movement, movement

MSRP: $240

Insulation? 800FP RDS Down

Length: Hip

Notable features or materials: Warp Knit HeavyWeight Solid

Mountain Hardwear have always been busy creating excellent and innovative apparel and carry. Every time I get my hands on some of their gear, it becomes a “go-to” piece of mine pretty quickly. That story stays the same here with the Stretchdown Pullover.

MH were early adopters of the stretchy puffy jacket, and one of the first to use their own baffle system rather than the traditional quilted baffles. You see, with the asymmetric baffling, the jacket is less prone to cold spots at stitching sites and more fluid thanks to the lack of traditional rigid seams. What does that mean in reality? A very functional, comfortable, and warm jacket. The Pullover is the most compressible version of the Stretchdown line to date, and it has proven to be a very versatile layer.

Worn on its own or under a shell, I’ve taken this on the mountain boarding, I’ve worn it hiking, and I’ve worn it as a daily piece. Aside from the Fjällräven listed above, it is probably the most subtle of the jackets here, and while definitely a performance product, it blends into daily life nicely too thanks to the matte exterior of the Warp Knit fabric. Elastic cuff and hood linings keep the heat in, while the half zip design makes this a versatile addition to your collection. This does pack into its own hand pocket, but I’ve worn it so much that I’ve barely wanted to pack it away.

The Stretchdown Light Pullover is an excellent addition to the product line and if you’re a one-bag traveler looking for a versatile piece that can do a bit of everything, you’d be hard pressed to find a better balance of value and performance.

Lightweight Hoody – Arc’teryx Cerium SL

What’s it good for? Lightweight warmth on the trail/hill/peaks.

MSRP: $269.25 (On Sale)

Insulation? 850 fill power

Length: Hip

Notable features or materials: Arato 7 Nylon Shell

Arc’teryx are featured twice on this list because, as always, their products innovate, and fit specific use cases so seamlessly. The Cerium SL is an ultralight (215g!) down hoody that should be in your backpack if you’re spending early mornings out in the wilderness or time thousands of feet above sea level.

I say that for many reasons, but firstly it packs down so damn small. When packed in the included stuff sack, this is maybe no bigger than a 16oz beer can. There is always room for it, whatever bag you take, and the performance from said packable jacket is really rather impressive. The warmth to weight ratio on the Cerium SL is notable thanks to the 850FP, and I’ve worn it as a standalone in 5ºF when active and been almost too warm, and 20ºF when static and been happy. I even used it on a cold day ice fishing as my only outer layer and was surprised to be toasty on the ice.

The Cerium is a decidedly minimalist jacket, with two small zippered hand pockets and a central full-length zipper. There isn’t a need for bells and whistles on a jacket like this; it is made with performance in mind. The Arato 7 nylon shell adds excellent wind resistance (which certainly increases the range of temperatures that I was comfortable at) and is surprisingly durable. It isn’t indestructible, but I’ve put some miles on this wearing healthy-sized packs, and not noticed any sign of damage or wear.

If your sole goal is lightweight performance in a variety of climates and locations, this is one of the best security blankets around.

Waterproof Down Jacket – Rab Valiance

What’s it good for? Waterproof, windproof, packable.

MSRP: $385

Insulation? 800 fill power

Length: Hip (Drop Tail)

Notable features or materials: Pertex® Shield

Rab makes the best value-for-money outdoor products. There I said it. I don’t like them just because they’re British, I love them because every piece of gear that I’ve tested from them over the past two years has performed exceptionally well and at a very wallet-friendly price point.

The Valiance is like the Cadillac of puffy jackets. It is a high-level performance piece, but unlike other puffy down jackets, it is also waterproof! Constructed with a Pertex® shield, this has a hydrostatic head of 10,000 and is fully seam taped. For any jacket, particularly a down jacket, that is an excellent rating. Combine that with its windproof properties, the 800FP Nikwax® Hydrophobic down and a fluorocarbon-free DWR, and synthetic insulation around the cuffs and hood, and you really have all that you could ever need from a puffy with the Valiance, particularly if you live in an unpredictable or wet climate.

The performance features are impressive, but so is the comfort. The internal Pertex® Quantum literally feels like you’re in your favorite sleeping bag, while the YKK® AquaGuard zippers on both the entrance and hand pockets are sure to keep everything dry. This jacket runs warm and provides heat instantly once you’ve put it on. I would say it’s too hot for high output activities (I did wear it snowboarding for a day) but it is a must-have in your pack for serious weather protection. It comes with its own waterproof stuff sack and roughly packs down to the size of a large Nalgene water bottle. 

There isn’t enough space to talk about the merits of the Rab Valiance. It is, in my opinion, one of the best representations of value, performance, and versatility in a puffy jacket.

Nature Does It Best – Ibex Wool Aire

What’s it good for? Proprietary insulation, down alternative

MSRP: $285

Insulation? 80g Merino Wool Insulation

Length: Hip

Notable features or materials: PFC-free, Bluesign Certified materials, Oeko-tex Certified dyes 

I’m a big fan of Ibex, their merino wool tees and base layers are amongst my favorites. Great design, brilliant execution, and good value for money. What’s not to love? When they released their Wool Aire Hoodie, I was really intrigued. We all know the benefits of merino wool as a base layer, t-shirt, or accessory. But I had never seen merino used as an insulation tool in a jacket. Well, I’m happy to report that the Wool Aire is as excellent as it is innovative.

With 80 grams of proprietary merino wool insulation (80/20 wool/polyester mix), the Wool Aire does something that many other jackets on this list can’t – it truly regulates your body temperature well. It has all the properties that we know and love from merino–antimicrobial, insulates when wet, regulates temperature, and is virtually odor-free! It isn’t ultralightweight, but it definitely falls into the light category, with my XL jacket just tipping the scales at 13oz. The face fabric is nylon, and is both water and wind-resistant. 

The Wool Aire is impressively comfortable, as most merino wool is, and feels better with each wear. It stashes in its own chest pocket, has zippered hand pockets, and also features elasticated cuffs. I’ve found this to be adept at hybrid use particularly for town to trail; it blends in seamlessly with either task. Thanks to the merino wool insulation, I also found this excellent for morning rucks when it was humid or moisture was lingering; you know what days I mean, when it’s hovering above freezing, but isn’t warm enough to go without a jacket. It layers well too, thanks to the athletic fit, and I could comfortably fit my standard shell over the top of this. I’m really impressed by the innovation shown from Ibex here, I can’t wait to see what they do next!

The Icon – The North Face 1996 Nuptse

What’s it good for? Immediate warmth, old-school cool.

MSRP: $290

Insulation? 700 fill power down

Length: Hip

Notable features or materials: Retro designs, 100% recycled fabrics.

Some jackets are instantly recognizable, long before you see the logo on the chest or shoulder. The Nuptse jacket from The North Face is arguably the most famous puffy jacket on the planet. With good reason too! Various iterations of this jacket have traveled to the highest peaks, been seen on Paris runways, and been worn by at least one person you know.

The classic oversized baffles trap heat immediately the moment you put this jacket on, and you will not suffer from any chilliness wearing this! It’s pretty much the closest you can come to wearing a sleeping bag in public without actually wearing one. With a non-PFC DWR finish and lofty 700FP down insulation, this jacket can handle some pretty severe weather. 

It is also compatible with The North Face Triclimate® system, meaning that you can clip this into a compatible shell and have the ultimate protection. Coming in an array of colors, this version is inspired by the 1996 original Nuptse with oversized logos and a relaxed fit. Other features include the stretchy elasticated cuffs, a cinchable hem, a stowable hood (packed into the collar), a robust VISLON® zipper, and the packable pocket. The Nuptse is a timeless classic that will continue to keep you warm for years to come, just as they have for the past 25 years.

There we have it, a vast selection of some of the best puffy jackets on the market today. Everyone should have a puffy jacket in their quiver; it is one of the jackets that you’ll find yourself using regularly whatever the month. A good puffy prepares you for more adventures, and keeps you comfy while you do it! Carry on!

The post Best Puffy Down Jackets of 2022 appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Back in 2017, we sat with our friends over at Topo Designs speculating on what our first collaboration product might look like. We had no clue what might happen, whether it would be a “success” or anything like that, we just knew it sounded like a lot of fun. Once that project wrapped up, it cemented the idea that we loved this concept and wanted to keep running with it. Immediately a rush of wild ideas and possibilities filled my mind, including which brands we might someday work with if this were to somehow keep going. One of those names at the top of my very short mental list: Bellroy.

Years went by. Either the timing just wasn’t right or we didn’t seem to have the perfect direction dialed yet. At this point, I’ve known Andy for nearly a dozen years, as a friend and a co-worker, so it’s pretty easy to humorously nag him. It got to the point where it became an ongoing inside joke. “Sooo, hey… about that Bellroy collab” and laugh. One major reason, Bellroy kept releasing new products, month after month. And we kept switching our collab pitch idea to the next shiny new thing they would come out with. This process would repeat again and again. We were all finally at a point where we could breathe, take a step back to evaluate, prepare some concrete ideas, and say “Okay… about that Bellroy collab… NOW we’ve got a plan!” … this time in celebration instead of a chuckle.

While there may be even more in the works for the future, for our initial Bellroy x Carryology release we looked at some of the existing Bellroy products that would enhance and add to someone’s carry quiver. On our Carryology team and in our Carryology community (CC Facebook group), we narrowed it down to a few specific products that many were using (and loving). Oftentimes, the very best product design in the world is the stuff right under your nose, the quiet unspoken hero. For us, we all loved the Tech Kit and the Pencil Case. Unlikely? Absolutely. Functional? They make MacGyver blush. Awesome? Couldn’t be cooler. 

Since we selected two smaller accessories, it didn’t feel like a full-on collab… yet. But it seemed like an absolutely perfect fit for our Carryology Essentials program. So what exactly is this “CE program”? It focuses on small essentials – the gear that nests inside and around your packs and pockets. Two great examples of CE products are the Heroclip Seigaiha Stealth (CE01) and Pacsafe Silver Ninja (CE02).

Each CE release is carefully chosen because it’s “best in class”. The leading piece of gear in every essential category, hand-picked and taken to the design table and reimagined. In this case, we have the best office pouch collection. Two pieces with real smarts built in, paired with sleek and minimal lines that not only carry your daily tech and accessories but look the part when formality matters. And now these CE products will pivot from single drops to collections that will be restocked, so more folks can access them and carry them proudly. So if this sells out make sure to hit that ‘NOTIFY ME’ button.

Okay, so now that we’ve selected the two products (Pencil Case and Tech Kit)… what now? Time to have some fun, of course. Rather than break down the products individually, we’ll go about the changes we made collectively, as these are designed together as a mini product family. So the tweaks cross over into both products harmoniously.

We say it every time, one of the single most important parts of any softgoods product is the material selection. If you’re like me, when I hear the word “Bellroy”, I think quality leather. They did start off making amazing leather wallets, of course. Thing is, the Pencil Case and Tech Kit both only use small details made of leather. Opting for a more luxe feel, we added more leather. Panels down the back spine of each, so you interact with it each time you touch each product. Specifically, we selected Bellroy’s premium, environmentally certified leather, which only gets better with age. 

But, just adding “more leather” wasn’t enough. We went custom. We worked with the tannery to develop our own unique embossed leather for amazing handfeel, grip, and aesthetics. The leather is deeply embossed with our new and very own custom Auxikko pattern. A coming together of two distinct inspirations: the ancient Japanese Kikkō pattern based on the nested hexagons of turtle shells. And the modern engineering concept of auxetics – structures or materials that become wider when stretched, making for incredible strength and performance. Combine the two and you have tradition and innovation, science and art. A perfect balance. 

Sure, we love the leather on these, but it’s what’s between those leather panels that really acts as the bones of these products. Let me just say one word; Apex. Bellroy’s Apex backpack is absolutely awesome and the material they use on it… badass. I’m talking about Bellroy’s most technical offering first found on Apex, their 100% recycled Baida Nylon; a fabric uniquely developed at a specialist mill in South Korea. And in an all-new custom colorway: Black Ash. This Baida Nylon uses a slightly different color treatment; it has a new pigment used in it so it can achieve ‘true black’ while being crinkled.

While we dig the metal zippers on both products, they didn’t fit our collab vibe. We went with a favorite: YKK AquaGuard zippers. Not only to notch up the performance of these pieces but to visually wash away any zipper teeth to keep the silhouette super clean and minimal. The final cherry on top, leather zipper pullers with debossed logos and a tasteful minimal orange stitch-line.

Of course, we’re all about high-vis interiors. This is no secret. It’s a functional feature, helping you locate small items in low-light scenarios. And being that our brand color is orange, we went with an eye-piercing fluorescent orange. We selected nylon ripstop for durability and for vibrant color saturation.

Introducing two new additions to our Carryology Essentials program; the Bellroy x Carryology Tech Kit (CE03) and the Bellroy x Carryology Pencil Case (CE04).

Bellroy x Carryology Tech Kit (CE03) Features:

Stretch mesh pocketing for larger items like a computer mouse.

A magnetic slip pocket fits your portable power bank.

Full clamshell opening, giving you full access to your items but packing up quick and easy to restore order.

The entire layout is designed so that larger items are kept separate from small items, preventing tangles.

Bellroy x Carryology Pencil Case (CE04) Features:

Widemouth opening splays out like an EDC tray so you have full access to all your small items inside.

Inspired by a “bon bon”, you can grab both ends via the finger loops, making the experience fun and easy.

Though it’s called a pencil case, it’s designed for more than just pencils; great for cables and other EDC essentials.

DROP TIME

February 28th, 8pm New York City time

The post Exclusive Release | Bellroy x Carryology Tech Kit and Pencil Case appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Back in 2017, we sat with our friends over at Topo Designs speculating on what our first collaboration product might look like. We had no clue what might happen, whether it would be a “success” or anything like that, we just knew it sounded like a lot of fun. Once that project wrapped up, it cemented the idea that we loved this concept and wanted to keep running with it. Immediately a rush of wild ideas and possibilities filled my mind, including which brands we might someday work with if this were to somehow keep going. One of those names at the top of my very short mental list: Bellroy.

Years went by. Either the timing just wasn’t right or we didn’t seem to have the perfect direction dialed yet. At this point, I’ve known Andy for nearly a dozen years, as a friend and a co-worker, so it’s pretty easy to humorously nag him. It got to the point where it became an ongoing inside joke. “Sooo, hey… about that Bellroy collab” and laugh. One major reason, Bellroy kept releasing new products, month after month. And we kept switching our collab pitch idea to the next shiny new thing they would come out with. This process would repeat again and again. We were all finally at a point where we could breathe, take a step back to evaluate, prepare some concrete ideas, and say “Okay… about that Bellroy collab… NOW we’ve got a plan!” … this time in celebration instead of a chuckle.

While there may be even more in the works for the future, for our initial Bellroy x Carryology release we looked at some of the existing Bellroy products that would enhance and add to someone’s carry quiver. On our Carryology team and in our Carryology community (CC Facebook group), we narrowed it down to a few specific products that many were using (and loving). Oftentimes, the very best product design in the world is the stuff right under your nose, the quiet unspoken hero. For us, we all loved the Tech Kit and the Pencil Case. Unlikely? Absolutely. Functional? They make MacGyver blush. Awesome? Couldn’t be cooler. 

Since we selected two smaller accessories, it didn’t feel like a full-on collab… yet. But it seemed like an absolutely perfect fit for our Carryology Essentials program. So what exactly is this “CE program”? It focuses on small essentials – the gear that nests inside and around your packs and pockets. Two great examples of CE products are the Heroclip Seigaiha Stealth (CE01) and Pacsafe Silver Ninja (CE02).

Each CE release is carefully chosen because it’s “best in class”. The leading piece of gear in every essential category, hand-picked and taken to the design table and reimagined. In this case, we have the best office pouch collection. Two pieces with real smarts built in, paired with sleek and minimal lines that not only carry your daily tech and accessories but look the part when formality matters. And now these CE products will pivot from single drops to collections that will be restocked, so more folks can access them and carry them proudly. So if this sells out make sure to hit that ‘NOTIFY ME’ button.

Okay, so now that we’ve selected the two products (Pencil Case and Tech Kit)… what now? Time to have some fun, of course. Rather than break down the products individually, we’ll go about the changes we made collectively, as these are designed together as a mini product family. So the tweaks cross over into both products harmoniously.

We say it every time, one of the single most important parts of any softgoods product is the material selection. If you’re like me, when I hear the word “Bellroy”, I think quality leather. They did start off making amazing leather wallets, of course. Thing is, the Pencil Case and Tech Kit both only use small details made of leather. Opting for a more luxe feel, we added more leather. Panels down the back spine of each, so you interact with it each time you touch each product. Specifically, we selected Bellroy’s premium, environmentally certified leather, which only gets better with age. 

But, just adding “more leather” wasn’t enough. We went custom. We worked with the tannery to develop our own unique embossed leather for amazing handfeel, grip, and aesthetics. The leather is deeply embossed with our new and very own custom Auxikko pattern. A coming together of two distinct inspirations: the ancient Japanese Kikkō pattern based on the nested hexagons of turtle shells. And the modern engineering concept of auxetics – structures or materials that become wider when stretched, making for incredible strength and performance. Combine the two and you have tradition and innovation, science and art. A perfect balance. 

Sure, we love the leather on these, but it’s what’s between those leather panels that really acts as the bones of these products. Let me just say one word; Apex. Bellroy’s Apex backpack is absolutely awesome and the material they use on it… badass. I’m talking about Bellroy’s most technical offering first found on Apex, their 100% recycled Baida Nylon; a fabric uniquely developed at a specialist mill in South Korea. And in an all-new custom colorway: Black Ash. This Baida Nylon uses a slightly different color treatment; it has a new pigment used in it so it can achieve ‘true black’ while being crinkled.

While we dig the metal zippers on both products, they didn’t fit our collab vibe. We went with a favorite: YKK AquaGuard zippers. Not only to notch up the performance of these pieces but to visually wash away any zipper teeth to keep the silhouette super clean and minimal. The final cherry on top, leather zipper pullers with debossed logos and a tasteful minimal orange stitch-line.

Of course, we’re all about high-vis interiors. This is no secret. It’s a functional feature, helping you locate small items in low-light scenarios. And being that our brand color is orange, we went with an eye-piercing fluorescent orange. We selected nylon ripstop for durability and for vibrant color saturation.

Introducing two new additions to our Carryology Essentials program; the Bellroy x Carryology Tech Kit (CE03) and the Bellroy x Carryology Pencil Case (CE04).

Bellroy x Carryology Tech Kit (CE03) Features:

Stretch mesh pocketing for larger items like a computer mouse.

A magnetic slip pocket fits your portable power bank.

Full clamshell opening, giving you full access to your items but packing up quick and easy to restore order.

The entire layout is designed so that larger items are kept separate from small items, preventing tangles.

Bellroy x Carryology Pencil Case (CE04) Features:

Widemouth opening splays out like an EDC tray so you have full access to all your small items inside.

Inspired by a “bon bon”, you can grab both ends via the finger loops, making the experience fun and easy.

Though it’s called a pencil case, it’s designed for more than just pencils; great for cables and other EDC essentials.

DROP TIME

February 28th, 8pm New York City time

The post Carryology Essentials | Bellroy x Carryology Tech Kit and Pencil Case appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Introducing the Bedouin x Carryology Sharky.

<<< ORDER NOW >>>

A melding of versatile functionality and refined luxury. Built with premium materials. And ready for day-to-day and unexpected carry needs alike. 

In one limited-edition run.

Commandeer yours now!

The post Exclusive Release | Bedouin x Carryology Sharky appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Introducing the Bedouin x Carryology Sharky.

I love writing about Bedouin’s products, the brand itself, its owner (and my friend) Silas, the quality, the beautiful artisanal manufacturing, and its unique place in the carry spectrum. There is no denying that Bedouin is one of my favorite carry brands in the world. I’d go as far as to say they’re one of my favorite brands in the world… for anything. Which is exactly why we’ve done two previous collaboration projects with them (Balian and KHAN). Both a huge success, the KHAN getting snagged up in less than 60 seconds.

A third project – to complete the set

Once the madness from the KHAN subsided and breathing returned to a slightly normal pace, Silas got on a call to chat. We both had more ideas that needed to be brought into the world together. We discussed the possibility of a modified Barbarossa, which we both loved. But it felt a bit too similar to the KHAN, both being single-strap shoulder bags. Maybe we could figure out how to do a fun twist on the new luggage piece, the Mamluke. Ultimately, we ended the call with more questions than answers, unsure of what direction to take.

Then, it was so obvious. Stepping back and looking at the previous two, a sling and a messenger, the third form factor spoke for itself. It would complete the trinity of the carry quiver. To fill the void, it would be: a backpack. Something compact and luxe and new. 

There are a lot of backpacks out there and lots of really beautiful designs. But very few shapes and styles could be adopted and create a “Bedouin” backpack. Where the DNA and aesthetic lines really shine for Bedouin, as in their messenger bags. 

A backpack – built from the ground up

We decided to make something brand new, not a riff of an existing product from their collection. Created from a blank slate, inspired by what we really love about Bedouin and their iconic messenger bag styling. We’d take these elements and apply them to a backpack. The unique and iconic bridle leather veg-tanned arrow-shaped flap with two Austrian-made Cobra buckles. The simple and large mouth opening. Toss on some shoulder straps and call it a day. Well, not quite that simple. Down the path of lots of design refinements, improvements, and hand-cut patterns.

Supremely thick and padded shoulder straps

After we were properly excited about the final refined design, Silas sketched up some new ideas and we had his artisan factory in the southwest of England handmake a prototype. Upon our review, we realized that we were getting close, but it was too strappy, too Gorby-gappy, and the shoulder straps needed some serious love. I went over to the Bedouin x Carryology KHAN I had in my collection to think on how to make some strap improvements… and that’s when the lightbulb lit up and exploded. If the Genghis/KHAN had one of my favorite messenger bag straps ever… then why not apply their build quality to a backpack harness? Proper, heavily padded, leather-backed shoulder straps. We were getting there. A few prototypes, some more testing, feature adds, and refinements later; the backpack was in its final form.

The age of the buccaneer 

As you know, we always come up with a project name when working on these collaborations. Balian and KHAN both were a nod to Bedouin’s products and brand in one abstract form or another. To keep that going, we went with something taken from the age of the buccaneer (like the Barbary, Barbarossa, and Pequod). Several famous pirates were considered. 

However, Silas had an affinity for Captain Jack Ward (AKA “Birdy” AKA “Sharky”), a fierce Barbary Corsair. I did a bit of research on this legend named Sharky to see if he was as impressive as Silas suggested. After a couple of days of being impressed with everything I read, it was this paragraph that sealed the deal: “As a man, Captain Jack Ward was short, stocky, gray-haired, balding, swarthy, heavily-bearded, and utterly fearless. He led battles from the front, charged enemy decks armed with a fucking battle-axe and a brace of flintlock pistols, and never backed down from the opportunity to administer an asskicking.” Sharky it would be.

Dyneema in all three

As part of being the world’s biggest carry nerds, being massive materials nerds comes with the territory. So selecting fabrics for the Sharky are no less important than the design itself. However, since we would be adding the third piece to the three-piece Bedouin x Carryology collab collection, the choice was easy. DSM Dyneema fabric, the strongest man-made fabric on earth, specifically the 102gsm Dyneema Composite Fabric CT5K (black). It’s waterproof, it’s beautiful, it’s high tech, and it’s awesome.

Plush signature liner

And of course, like the metaphor of the Bedouin tent used on all of the other Bedouin products and collaborations we’ve done, we had to go with the heavy-duty cotton drill custom hand-printed in the UK, orange geometric crank liner designed by Zeke Wade. The same stuff we used in the Balian collab. It’s pure cold darkness outside until you step inside the luxurious Bedouin tent to seek a few moments of warm shelter.

Luxe at every touchpoint  

All black everything on the exterior, including the leather. The front flap uses 3.5mm thick bridle leather which has a nice hefty feel. But we didn’t want to stop there. We looked at the Balian and the KHAN and combined the best of both worlds. The entire back panel and base, the inner shoulder straps… would all be buttery soft pebbled Italian leather. Pure luxe at every interaction point.

Cobra – times two

And to get inside of the bag? A Carryology favorite and hardware that Silas has been using since day one, two 25mm Austrian-made Cobra buckles. Super sexy, super functional, and quick to access the main compartment. 

Expandability when you need it 

We all know that sometimes we need to pack more or less, and a pack that adjusts to our needs is a big win. So the 25mm seatbelt webbing on the Cobras has enough extra length so you can shove in large and oddly-sized objects and extend the flap upward, gaining additional volume when you need it and a clean and cinched-down silhouette when you don’t. 

Classic style – modern access

Here’s the thing… packs with an opening at the top might look great, but they’re difficult to get down into. It was only after the first sketches that we decided to add two water-resistant vertical zippers down the front. This way, you can access the inside of the pack while the Cobras are closed. And you can fully open the front panel, like a clamshell. Access everywhere.

Clean minimal exterior – with hidden organization 

We wanted this pack to be super clean and have classic, timeless lines, but to be a hauler too, with hidden organization for all the little bits, to achieve that form and function balance. On the outside, there are two discreet small pockets on the lower sides. Just big enough for an EDC item with a pocket clip or shoving in a boarding pass as you make it through security. Under the front flap, the two iconic cross drop pockets, one zippered and one quick access. Each drops down the full length of the front panel so they’re legitimately useful. On the inner panel, a zippered accessory pocket for sensitive items like a pair of sunglasses or headphones. On the rear wall we added a suspended laptop sleeve which easily swallows up a 16″ MacBook Pro. And as a clever addition, there’s a second pocket built into that sleeve, perfect for flat items in front of the laptop. 

A boost of morale

Just like the KHAN, we wanted to include a little something extra for this. We hadn’t created a Bedouin x Carryology morale patch yet. But, there wasn’t any Velcro on the Sharky for a morale patch. So we made a patch anyway and figured we’d let you decide how you want to display it. Inspired by the wave pattern and sea creatures that came from the imagination of sailors.

Introducing the fierce Bedouin x Carryology Sharky.

Releasing February 2nd. 

The post Bedouin x Carryology | The Bounty of the Sharky appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Folders are cool, fidgety, easy to carry, and more socially acceptable. However, compared to fixed blades they are also more complex, not as tough, and often smaller and more expensive. Plus there is always a chance for a lock malfunction, which can have disastrous consequences (especially in a wild remote area). So when your long-term sustainability depends on a knife, there’s simply no substitute for a good fixed blade. For real bushcrafting, hunting, extended hiking, etc. an appropriate fixed blade is the preferred option.   

The most common use for a knife on any trip is food preparation, of course. A good kitchen-oriented folder could do the job (like the Spyderco SpydieChef) but a 4-5 inch fixed knife in a kitchen would work even better. Also, cleaning up a knife in the wild after filleting a fish, skinning game, or other messy food prep is much easier with the construction of a fixed blade. 

The same applies to most camp jobs or bushcrafting – whittling, making feather-sticks, crafting simple camp tools, drilling holes in wood, etc. are all faster and easier with a good sharp fixed blade. And finally, heavy camp work like chopping branches, batoning and splitting wood, starting a campfire – for that, a seriously sized fixed blade is simply essential; there is no other way (except an axe, but that’s another story). There’s a reason why so-called ’camp knives’ are fixed blades only, so there are multiple reasons why fixed blades are still being used as the tool of choice by many outdoorsmen and survivalists. Take a good fixed blade, combine it with a multitool or Swiss Army Knife and you’re ready for any adventure!

However, it is also important to choose a proper knife for the job or the adventure. Survival in Alaska, thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, or a mountain stream fishing trip – all are defined by different priorities and require totally different approaches. So below you’ll find a quick split of fixed blades by category, and my own (and subjective) list of my favorite models. But don’t worry, I’ve included some budget options too; you don’t always need a knife that costs an arm and a leg.

Neck Knives & Personal Knives

If you’re new to edged tools, a neck knife is a small fixed blade carried in a sheath hanging off your neck – pretty much like a necklace. It’s one of the oldest ways to carry a small personal knife, popular among bushcrafters, survivalists, and trappers. There are several advantages – it’s easily accessible, easy to deploy, can be worn outside a coat or jacket (even during winter), plus it’s rather hard to lose. It’s also a great carry system for backpackers since any kind of belt knife would feel very uncomfortable under a hip belt. Carrying a knife in/on a pack is only partially a solution, as you may end up separated from your knife if you need to drop a pack in an emergency or survival situation. 

My preferred size in this category varies between 2.5″ and 3.5″ blades (smaller knives are usually useless for outdoor use). To bring the weight down neck knives often have skeletonized handles. Of course, full scales vastly enhance grip performance – so you need to try for yourself to find your preference. Some knives in this category are designed to be worn on a belt in a dedicated compact sheath, and these knives are often called PSK – Personal Survival Knives. They are small in size, so can always be on you, but are capable of really hard work in the field. It’s a group of knives that are tailor-made for hikers and mountaineers – and they often perform above their size and can be used comfortably for an extended period – something I can’t always say about skeletonized knives.

General Use Outdoor Knives 

When you think of an “outdoor knife” there’s a good chance you’d imagine something belonging exactly to this group. Most classic-looking knives with blades between 3.5 and 5.5 inches fall into this category. That’s an extremely crowded group and it’s for a good reason. Such a knife has a considerable advantage over any folder thanks to size, weight, and strength. It’s a classic fixed blade – big enough for any job; general cutting, whittling, food preparation, cleaning game, and often also hard use like batoning, wood splitting, or even light chopping. But they are also small enough to be carried during a whole day in the wild. Pair it with a small multitool and a folding saw and that’s all you need for any wilderness adventure.

It’s also the most versatile blade size – if you want just one knife in your kit, it should be in this category. But these are usually also heavier than folders or neck knives, so keep that in mind when packing for an ultralight thru-hike or mountaineering trip.

Camp Knives 

This is a very specialized segment, where knives can even substitute a hatchet. Chopping, batoning, heavy cutting, etc. – this is a knife that is used for any job around the camp. Per definition, these knives can be used hard and abused in the field. I’d not carry such a blade on a hike, of course – this is a tool best suited for overlanding, expeditions, horse riding adventures, or simply stationary camping. Honestly, I can’t imagine summer camping without a serious camp knife on my belt. These are the toughest knives of them all. If a camp knife is not enough for you… you need a full-size machete or an axe.

Sheaths

The sheath is an essential part of every fixed blade. There are basically two sheath materials, which divide the outdoor scene in half: leather and Kydex. There’s also Cordura and nylon, but both are more used in military applications.

Leather is an obvious choice for traditional knives like a puukko or leuku, and also for a lot of hunting knives. However, Kydex has some advantages as a sheath material. First of all, it is tougher and generally more secure. It doesn’t need any extra straps or fasteners to keep a knife in place so allows for easier and faster deployment. It dries faster, doesn’t absorb water, always keeps shape, and usually offers sheath modularity. It’s also easier to change carry systems on a Kydex sheath, add a firestarter loop, or clean it if needed. And last but not least it’s lighter too.

For me, Kydex is an almost perfect sheath material for an outdoor knife. However, you should be careful when exposing it to direct sunlight, especially in a car – it can get so hot that it can start losing its shape, and there’s usually no way to repair such damage.

And leather? A well-made leather sheath can be almost as effective as Kydex and with proper care it will outlast the owner. Also, I can’t even imagine carrying a traditional wooden-handled knife in a Kydex sheath. So yeah, leather still has its place in knifemaking, especially in classic knives. 

Another point to consider is the sheath attachment system – when backpacking a bigger knife is usually on a pack so plan carefully how you’d carry your fixed blade. Sometimes it requires ordering additional attachment accessories. Or making an extra sheath, as I did with my modern micarta handled puukko by Pawel Michalski pictured below, attached to my pack in a custom Kydex sheath.

Recommendations

Below are some examples of the fixed blade knives that I recommend. All budgets, all sizes – it’s all in there listed from the smallest to the largest:

GiantMouse GMF1 ($125)

A compact neck knife with a serious punch. It’s small, but thanks to a high flat grind and awesome ergonomics it’s still a capable knife. If I needed to go really ultralight, this one would be my bare minimum as far as size is concerned. It’s so light you can easily carry it under a t-shirt the whole day. And still, it can do the job.

Morakniv Eldris ($35)

Small but stout. For safe carry as a neck knife, I’d suggest either the upgraded Mora sheath with leather retaining strap, or better yet make a small dedicated Kydex sheath for it. This is a true woodsman’s helper in the wilderness. Thanks to a super comfortable (but bulky) grip, Scandi grind, and 90-degree sharp spine it’s a great fire-starting knife if combined with a ferrocerium rod. It cuts, whittles, and scrapes. And it can be easily carried in a coat pocket too. It’s a capable and budget-friendly option for sure. Highly recommended.

TRC Speed Demon ($199)

A cross-over between a neck knife and a personal compact belt knife. It performs way above its size but is lightweight enough for neck carry. It’s one of the very few neck knives which I can easily recommend for camp kitchen work too. The skeletonized grip supports all fingers so you can put serious force behind that 3-inch full-flat ground blade. It’s a perfect knife for ultralight hikers and mountaineers. I’ve used mine a lot during the last couple of years. Not a cheap option, but it’s a top-tier blade.

GiantMouse GMF2 ($195)

Modern styling and materials with a classic puukko shape. It’s designed by the Danish knifemaking team Jens Ansø and Jesper Voxnaes. It has a true Scandinavian heritage of a personal wilderness working knife. A contoured micarta handle, exceptionally well-made leather sheath, full-tang construction, and Bohler N690 Cobalt steel. It’s a great everyday outdoor belt knife with an easy-to-use 3.6″ blade. There’s a flat-grind variant available as well if you prefer slicing power vs. overall toughness.

Ontario RAT-3 and overall RAT series ($94)

Ontario RAT knives are true American classics. All are made of 1075 carbon steel and are fully US-made. The RAT-3 with a blade just under 4″ is a good example of how to make a versatile solid knife in the USA at under $100. The 1075 carbon steel is tough, sharpens easily, and thanks to coating the knife it’s well protected against corrosion. The RAT series is very popular as “adventure knives” among survivalists and bushcrafters, and there’s a reason for that – these knives are true cutting tools. Nothing fancy – all function.

Helle Utvaer ($184)

This list wouldn’t be complete without Utvaer, one of my favorite fixed blades of all time. Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel is easy to sharpen and keeps a razor edge really well. It’s quite compact with a 4.2″ blade, but also big enough for most outdoor uses. However, the real secret of this knife is in the handle – it must be the most comfortable handle ever! And with the curly Nordic Birch slabs it looks very attractive too. If you enjoy classic Scandinavian knives but still prefer stainless blade material and a modern anatomical handle shape, the Helle Utvaer should be on your shortlist. It’s been designed by well-known Danish designer Jesper Voxnaes… no wonder it’s such a handsome knife. 

Spartan Blades Harsey Tactical Trout ($350)

Premium materials, top-tier manufacturing quality, and legendary designer Bill Harsey – it’s a recipe for an awesome personal EDC fixed blade. It’s good not just for outdoor use but also as a backup for LEO or tactical operators. One of the very few real ‘does it all’ knives. It’s a tough knife, with a strong ‘abuse-proof’ cutting edge, but it’s still more than capable for outdoor use. The Tactical Trout’s fine tip is great for precise jobs if needed. It looks as good as a production knife can only look. And it’s available with multiple carry options depending on your preference or need. Any drawbacks? Well, top-tier materials and manufacturing can’t be cheap as you can imagine. I’ve been using mine for more than three seasons now and it has never let me down. 

L.T. Wright Genesis ($191)

This is a knife for experienced users. A2 carbon tool steel could rust, so it’s not for everyone. But if you’re able to take proper care of it, A2 tool steel will reward you with a fantastic mix of sharpness, toughness, aggressiveness of the edge, and ease of sharpening. The 4.25″ blade makes the Genesis a very good general use knife. The micarta handle in a so-called broomstick shape makes it versatile and comfortable for virtually any outdoor work. If you have experience with carbon steel, the Genesis could be a very good choice for your next outdoor outing. It’s available with both a Scandi grind (pictured) and a full flat grind. I prefer the Scandinavian grind but you can’t go wrong with either one.

Benchmade Leuku ($162)

Another Scandi-inspired knife, this time in super-tough CPM 3V steel with a thermoplastic Santoprene handle. It’s a knife I’d not be afraid to baton through 4-inch firewood to start a fire. But it can also clean fish, whittle some tent stakes, etc. A modern take on a time-proven outdoorsman’s oriented Scandinavian Leuku knife – tougher than a puukko and extremely versatile. A leather sheath with a ferrocerium rod tube and dangler loop completes the package. It’s a very capable knife, which would be a perfect companion for any outdoorsman. Highly recommended.

TRC This Is Freedom ($330)

It’s a true classic – straight blade, full flat grind, fluted micarta handle slabs, leather sheath. With a really thin edge and needle-sharp tip, this knife cuts flawlessly and with zero effort – it’s like a lightsabre. However, due to the thinner profile and more delicate edge, it requires some care and experience. I’d also not baton this knife if you’re not really experienced with batoning. It’s easily one of my best performing pound-for-pound fixed blades ever! It’s super light for its size and it excels at cutting, whittling, and other fine bushcraft jobs. And it rocks in a camp kitchen too.

Mora Garberg ($99)

It’s an outdoorsman’s machine, which could be yours for under $100. A full-tang Mora, made of very good Sandvik 14C28N steel, with a Scandi grind, tough tip, and 90-degree sharp spine. I know, it’s one of the most expensive Mora knives, but still, $99 (or less) is a totally reasonable price for this model. You get a lot of performance for the money. The Garberg is recommended by top survivalists and bushcrafters around the world. It’s also seriously tough – it’d take a lot of intentional abuse to break the Mora Garberg. It’s available with black DLC-coated carbon steel as well (some bushcrafters prefer carbon steel or flint-stone fire starting capabilities). And it comes with a variety of sheath systems. It’s a truly well-balanced package.

ESEE-6 ($118.59)

If you ask a non-knife person to draw a knife, he or she would certainly draw something that resembles this knife. With a 6.5-inch blade made of 1095 carbon steel, a drop point shape, and a full flat grind this thing is a classic representation of a camp knife. I like the micarta handle too, which provides not only a positive grip but also durability over years of use. ESEE offers this knife with multiple carry options, so you can tailor the package to your needs. It’s a US-made knife with a great reputation among outdoor enthusiasts. It can cut, it can chop, it can be used and abused. 1095 carbon steel is very forgiving, easy to sharpen (like most carbon steels), and takes a razor edge without too much ado.

This knife would be a perfect “first” quality camp knife, but it can also be your last knife purchase as it’s made to last a lifetime. It might be a little bit boring to some, but that’s often an indication of a perfect form following function… and that’s exactly the case with the ESEE-6.

Sliwkosky Kephart (custom, starts at $350)

When I started this article I decided to open your eyes to one more option in knives – custom made. And for serious around-the-camp use, this is one of my favorite blades. Sliwkosky is a talented knifemaker from Poland and his specialty is modern takes on classic outdoor fixed blades. I discussed all aspects of this project with him and this is the result. It’s a full-size Kephart-style knife in Sleipner semi-stainless steel (known also for its superior toughness) with a micarta handle and Kydex sheath made by me.

This combo can do any camp job – whittling, chopping, cutting, food prep, etc. But the real beauty of a custom knife is that you can tell the maker what you need and it’s up to the creator to propose, make, and deliver to your hands the best tool for your needs. Of course, you usually pay a bit more than for a factory knife, but… there’s no contest! This custom Kephart will outperform any production Kephart-style knife I’ve seen. It’s also not too heavy for its size, so could be carried as a backpacking tool if you don’t mind some extra weight. For a prolonged trip to the real wilderness like Alaska or Taiga, I’d certainly take something like this as my main knife plus a smaller backup of course. 

TRC Apocalypse ($469)

The TRC Apocalypse is a REAL BEAST. This knife will chop and split wood like a hatchet, but it still cuts surprisingly well. The size and heft make it an awesome survival or camp knife. I used mine for all kinds of crazy work last summer and I can tell you, it’s a big bad knife that can do anything around a camp or a backcountry cabin. It’d make a terrific overlanding knife too.

Elmax steel is a top-of-the-range stainless blade material (so good also for humid areas), while the micarta handle will last forever and also considerably enhances grip strength vs other materials – even when wet. This knife feels remarkably good in hand. It’s a cutting machine – you can use it really hard without being afraid of any possible damage to the blade. On top of that, it’s also a rather attractive-looking design but still not ‘overcooked’ in any way. TRC offers both leather and Kydex sheaths for it, whatever you prefer. This is my #1 overlanding camp knife now.

The post Why You Should Get a Fixed Blade for Your Next Adventure appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Some bags are purely functional. Others are all about style. But when you explore bringing both together, things start to get really interesting. And when you push beyond your boundaries to build on the work that’s come before, things get exciting. The Level Collective Logan Day Pack is a design passion project. A challenge by the brand’s founder, Mark Musgrave, to create The Level Collective’s best pack yet.

Having previously reviewed The Level Collective Winnats Roll Top, I was keen to see how the brand’s newest pack offering would perform. Mark offered me the chance to check out a production-ready prototype of the Logan Day Pack. Note the only difference between this prototype and the finished product available now is that the eyelets on the drawstring are slightly larger in the prototype.

So, how does the pack perform and is it right for you? Let’s find out…

Who It Suits

Fans of heritage aesthetics, premium materials and craftsmanship, and urban/outdoor versatility will appreciate this pack. If you also like adjustable volume, you get this too thanks to the drawstring closure.

Who It Doesn’t

If you’re into slick techwear vibes or looking to get active in hot and humid climates, you may want to look elsewhere. Additionally, at £449, this is not a wallet-friendly pack for those on a tight budget.

Design

Looks

There’s an immediate sense of quality about the Logan Day Pack. Understandable when you consider the excellent choice of materials and hardware, the top-notch craftsmanship, and the attention to detail.

The pack has an attractive heritage-style aesthetic. The combination of waxed cotton and leather is a classic and used to good effect here, both in the material and color contrasts. A special treat is the topographic lining (more on that below), an unexpected pop of added character that complements the look and feel of the pack.

It’s a unisex style with a thoughtful urban/outdoor adaptability to it. Could you use this pack during your daily commute? Sure thing. How about hitting the trails on the weekend? It’ll fit right in. This aesthetic adaptability makes it a great option for anyone who wants one bag that can handle a variety of environments and loads.

Materials and Hardware

The materials really take center stage here. The pack is made with custom weatherproof Halley Stevensons waxed organic cotton in a handsome Rust colorway. The waxed cotton has a fluorocarbon-free dry impregnated wax finish which doesn’t transfer to clothing.

A particularly fun and eye-catching design element is the custom topography lining, a nod to Cornwall’s beautifully wild Logan Rock and West Penwith region. The lining is hand screen printed in Sheffield on organic cotton canvas and is present in the main compartment, the external-access laptop compartment, and even the quick-access pocket on the rear of the pack.

The weatherproof waxed canvas is complemented by natural untanned Spanish leather, which not only adds a nice visual and textural contrast but provides hard-wearing durability on the base. And of course, that all-important patina, so every time you reach for the grab handle, venture out into the world, or set your pack down, you’re adding to the unique tale of the pack’s travels. The leather is a chromium-free by-product of the food industry, but if you wish, a vegan option is available on request too.

From the main materials, we move on to the hardware and smaller details. The Level Collective Logan Day Pack uses a mix of custom stainless steel buckles that are laser cut and polished in Sheffield and Wales. You’ll also find British woven cotton webbing and nice chunky Japanese YKK zippers with US paracord zipper pulls on the quick-access pocket and laptop pocket. Peek under the flap and you’re greeted with another friendly pop of blue and white paracord for the drawstring closure. I really like the paracord; the color contrast makes the zipper pulls easy to discern and they’re quick and fuss-free to use.

Now let’s take a dive below the surface to the padding. Unlike many packs that use foam padding, the Logan Day Pack uses recycled wool-rich carpet fiber felt sourced from a Yorkshire-based carpet manufacturer. A sustainable choice that holds its shape and brings something a little different to the table.

Construction

Each Level Collective Logan Day Pack is handmade in Britain. The pack is cut and sewn in the UK and you’ll even find a label underneath the top flap signed by the pack’s maker. Throughout my use of the pack, I haven’t found any faults with the construction, materials, or hardware.

The stitching is neat, sturdy, and well finished. Nothing feels loose or fragile. This is a pack that’s not afraid of a little rough and tumble; very much designed to ‘get out there and explore’.

By all accounts I expect this pack will last for many years to come. The Winnats Roll Top is still going strong two years down the line with no construction issues and I’m confident the Logan Day Pack will follow in its dependable footsteps.

Performance

Space and Access

The Logan Day Pack features a top flap secured with a stainless steel buckle. Underneath this you’ll find a drawstring closure providing access to the main compartment. The pack offers a capacity of around 20 to 22 liters, adjustable courtesy of the drawstring closure.

The drawstring closure opens wide enough for easy access to gear in the main compartment and the pack depth is sufficient enough to hold a range of items without becoming cumbersome to reach the bottom.

For smaller loads I found the drawstring stayed securely in place without having to tie it and opened with a straightforward tug when required. The top flap buckle is also easy to use, sliding in and out without hassle and remaining securely in place while on the go.

The main compartment is essentially a stuff sack and holds a good amount of items, making it more than sufficient for a daily commute or outdoor day trip with essentials, lunch, and an outer layer. You’ll also have more than enough space for overnight trips or even longer if you’re a fairly minimalist packer.

One thing to note, this pack doesn’t have a lot of internal structure on the front. So if you set it down when it’s not full (or carry it relatively empty) it will sag a little. This is just an aesthetic observation and isn’t an issue functionally. With its relatively flat base, if you balance it just right the pack will stand up by itself. However, this will depend on the content layout.

Pockets and Organizing

The main compartment is a sack with no interior organization. If you like using pouches, this setup should suit you just fine. However, that’s not to say the little things aren’t taken care of.

A quick-access pocket on the side of the pack offers handy storage for frequently used and smaller items like a phone, wallet, passport, and notebook. The pocket has its own interior pockets, as well as a large storage space running across the width of the back panel, so you can store a variety of items here.

You’ll also find an external-access laptop sleeve with a padded bottom. I’m glad to see this on the Logan Day Pack as I just find external tech access much easier without having to get into the main compartment of a bag. The laptop sleeve is designed to fit up to 17″ devices.

However, I had to be precise in lining it up when putting my 15″ HP laptop inside. It did fit but there was no room to spare on either side of the zipper when sliding the laptop inside. A little extra width at the entrance would make it faster and easier to store my tech without having to be so precise in lining it up. This might not be the case with other tech devices. That being said, there was a suitable amount of space on either side of the laptop once it was inside the compartment; it’s just the actual zipper section that gives no wiggle room.

Further organization options include dual side pockets for a water bottle, small umbrella or other items you want within easy reach. These pockets sit flush with the sides of the pack when not in use, so you maintain a fairly clean silhouette. However, there’s no stretch in the material so when the main compartment is full it can be tricky to use these pockets. If you have a lot of bulky items without any give in them but also want to carry a bottle or other hard-sided items in the side pockets, you might have to plan your packing rather than relying on the chuck-in-and-go approach.

Apart from the pockets, the pack offers additional options for carrying gear. Compression straps on both sides of the pack provide external carry options for securing an outer layer or items like a tripod. And for added quick-access carry, the shoulder strap webbing is stitched at intervals so you can secure items like a carabiner or small pouch onto the straps.

Personally, I found the amount of organization well suited to my needs. There’s enough that smaller and quick-access items are catered for, but without feeling cluttered. I’m someone who favors a middle ground in terms of organization; not too much but just enough that I don’t have to rummage around for items or open a bag every time I need something small. And I think the pack does a really good job of hitting this sweet spot for my needs.

Comfort

The Logan Day Pack offers a padded back panel and thick padding on the shoulder straps for cushioning the load on the go. Additionally, the pack includes a non-removable sternum strap. If you’re carrying lighter loads you might not need the sternum strap but I found it very useful to have for heavier loads and keeping the pack stable and secure. There isn’t a waist strap but I don’t think you need one for a pack of this size.

One thing to note is the lack of ventilation on the back panel. You won’t find air mesh or ventilation channels here; just waxed canvas. I’ve been using this pack in late autumn/early winter weather, so this lack of ventilation hasn’t been an issue so far. If you plan on active use with the pack in very hot or humid conditions, don’t expect great breathability because you likely won’t get it.

Weatherability

The waxed canvas does a solid job of keeping the elements at bay if you’re caught in the rain or snow. I’m not saying this pack will embrace monsoons or white water rafting with no water ingress, but your gear will be fine while you seek out shelter from unexpected showers.

One thing to point out is that the zippers, while very nice to use, are not water-resistant. This isn’t an issue with the quick-access pocket as it has a storm flap over the zipper to help keep the elements out. However, there isn’t a storm flap over the laptop compartment zipper. As an experiment, I left the pack out in heavy rain for an hour to see how it would fare. While the waxed canvas was fairly drenched on the exterior, the inside of the pack was still dry, as were the contents. So no concerns on that front.

However, some water had seeped through the laptop compartment zipper and soaked into the lining at the top of the compartment. I stored some paper in here as part of the experiment and the paper was still dry, as there’s a bit of space between the zipper and where the top of the laptop (or in this case paper) would sit, so your tech should still be okay. As I mentioned, I intentionally left the bag for an hour in heavy rain (which you obviously wouldn’t normally do), and while some water had gotten into the laptop zipper, it wasn’t dripping.

That being said, I’m not sure why the quick-access pocket would have a storm flap when the tech compartment doesn’t. So it would be nice to see a future iteration with either a storm flap or a water-resistant zipper for the laptop compartment.

Alternatives to Consider

If you’re looking for quality British-made carry, there are a few alternatives that might interest you too. Trakke and Bedouin Foundry are obvious ones that come to mind, also offering a blend of heritage-style aesthetics and premium waxed canvas. Azo Equipment and the Ancoats Bag Company are also solid alternatives, offering functional bags with high-quality materials and British craftsmanship.

The Good

• Premium materials and durable hardware
• Attention to detail with custom topographical lining
• Hard-wearing construction, handmade in the UK
• Versatile for urban and outdoor use

Not So Good

• Use of side pockets can be restricted when the pack is full
• Lack of back ventilation for hot/humid climates
• No storm flap or water-resistant zipper on the laptop compartment
• Expensive

Verdict

The Level Collective Logan Day Pack offers great attention to detail with elements such as the custom topographic lining, blue and white paracord zipper pulls, and sleek and durable hardware. This pack is eye-catching and attractive but not to the point where you feel like you have to baby it. In fact, you know using it regularly will make it even more attractive and characterful. The materials and construction are excellent and it’s very much looking like a pack that will last for many years to come.

Of course, just like any bag, it’s not perfect. A little bit of give in the side pockets would be nice, along with a storm flap or water-resistant zipper for the laptop compartment and a little extra zipper width for sliding the laptop in. The lack of ventilation on the back panel means it won’t be ideal for active use in hot or humid conditions.

Then there’s the price. As mentioned above, this pack costs £449. That’s a lot of money by anyone’s standards. However, you are getting top-notch materials and a pack that’s handcrafted in the UK, and comes with a lifetime guarantee with free repairs for material or workmanship defects. This is a sturdy pack and should last a lifetime but it’s still expensive and definitely within the category of an investment piece.

So should you get it? That depends on your needs, budget, and what you value in a pack. Functionality-wise, you can get a bag that offers the same functionality as the Logan Day Pack, for a lot less money. But for the price of the Logan, you’re getting a hard-wearing British-made pack with premium materials and lovely details that give it real character. It feels very much like a design labor of love that doesn’t compromise on quality. The Level Collective Logan Day Pack stands out aesthetically, is versatile enough for work, play, and travel use, and will stand the test of time. It won’t be for everyone, but if you’re seeking a multifunctional pack built to last a lifetime and are prepared for a “buy once, cry once” approach, it could be right for you.

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