This week’s Week In Review features some kick ass collaborations, inspiring customization, and a backpack that lets you swan dive backwards off cliffs (no not really, but it’s useful if a ninja goes for your back…)
Getting creative with the GORUCK GR1
There’s no denying the GORUCK GR1 is a great bag – functional and durable in one clean-looking package (check out our road test). However, the folks at Gear Patrol have done a bit of tweaking to the GR1. You may be thinking, why fix it if it’s not broken, right? Well you’re not fixing so much as working with what is already provided. The GR1 offers the ability to be customized to your needs, and the Gear Patrol write up may give you just the inspiration you were seeking to make a great versatile bag into a lean, mean purpose-focused machine.
EVOC’s got your back
Got a habit of falling off high places or careening off two wheels? You may want to reconsider your activities then…however, though your head may need checked out for a slight case of insanity, your back can enjoy the protection offered by EVOC’s Enduro backpack with integrated back protector. The back protector can absorb up to 80% of the force applied to it (they even got some people to generously give of their time and attempt to maul said backpack). In addition it’s flexibile and lightweight so it won’t hinder your quest for the next big adventure.
Flexibility for free spirits
Motorcycles represent freedom. Just get on and go. Whether the wanderlust bug has bitten or you’re commuting to work, you need an equally flexible bag that can hold all the supplies you need for your urban adventure or rural retreat. The Hammarhead Industries Day Pack is a roll top that offers just the kind of freedom and flexibility you need if a motorcycle (or bicyle) is your mode of transport. Made from waterproof waxed cotton and leather, the bag features interior sleeves that will hold a 15″ laptop, iPad, and a Kindle. This write up provides further insight.
Space invasion
You may wonder if the aliens really are among us with the collaboration between sculptor Tom Sachs and Nike. The collaboration has produced the NIKECraft collection, inspired by astronauts and space travel. You may not be able to afford a trip into space, but at least you can have the ideal bags for such a trip ready and waiting for that lucky lottery ticket.
Kicking back with canvas
Another collaboration – this time from visvim and SOPHNET. – has produced a canvas backpack as part of their Italian Canvas Collection. The backpack features ballistic nylon on the outside for lightness and durability, as well as leather accents.
Catherine
Latest posts by Catherine (see all)
- Week In Review ~ 18 May - May 18, 2013
- 5 Minutes With roztayger - May 16, 2013
- Week In Review ~ 11 May - May 11, 2013
Subscribe via RSS Feed
Whilst the EVOC Enduro does sound more like a motorcycle pack than a ski pack, the “integrated back protector” feature is found in both types of packs. I’ve always wondered [i]why[/i]? I am regularly asked if our company will make a back protector integrated skiing pack -and the answer is always “no”.
Now, I’m all for back protectors (I use a Dainese vest both on and off piste) -but I’d never even consider swapping it for a back protector integrated pack. And here’s why:
-I like my pack to be versatile. Integrating a back protector will add weight (and cost) always -even in situations I don’t need one.
-People don’t always ski with backpacks, but should (IMHO) always use a back protector. And if you’ve got one already, you don’t need one in your pack too
And here’s the most important issue, and the one who settles it for me:
-If your back is hit at an angle (falling often involves rotation), the pack will very likely slide to the side and expose your back, while a “proper” back protector underneath you jacket would stay in it’s place.
I do agree that a pack with integrated back protector is better than no back protector at all -I’m just saying that I feel it’s the wrong approach to increasing your protection.
Anyone else with similar or different thoughts?
-J.
I fully agree. It’s kind of like wearing a coat with a helmet built into the hood…It will never be as effective.
If you’re doing something which requires bodily protection in the first place then you really want something designed purely for the purpose of protection. As mentioned, a backpack is not going to stay in place anywhere near as effectively as a proper back protector.
It also means that you’re limited to one bag size when you need your protection, where a separate protector allows the use of any sized bag on top.
It’s a little too gimmicky for me personally.
In my opinion the system of Evoc makes completely sense.
They are providing a comfortable carrying system and a neoprene-hipbelt on their Protector-backpacks,
which keeps the pack in position in case of a crash.
I own the Freeride Pro (which is a pack for skiing/snowboarding) and I´m absolutely satisfied with the performance!
I read, they got a CE and TÃœV certification on this protection-system. So far as i know, this certification is really hard to get for a product in Germany.
When I do sports like skiing or mountain biking, I always have to bring some stuff with me ( food, drink, mini tool, spare clothes, power bars, etc.), so i mostly need a backpack.
In the past I tried different versions of Back protectors in combination with backpacks.
But then you always have two layers of padding. This combination feels too bulky on the back and is not comfortable at all.
And with the common back protector directly on your body you sweat like hell.
The idea to combine a back protector with a backpack,
or say in other words, to add “volume” to a back protector makes really sense!
A.