Week In Review ~ 11 December

A packable technical backpack, a lightweight dufflepack ready for a host of carry challenges, and a rolltop duffle for on foot and two wheels. Welcome to the Week In Review…

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A beast on the trail with pint-sized packability

Packable backpacks are fairly easy to find. But sometimes they just aren’t suited to more demanding uses like hiking or overnight trips. The Matador Beast Packable Backpack merges technical features with a packable design that weighs just 20oz. (560g). The 28L backpack stows away in the included compression bag for easy portability in your luggage or space-saving storage in your car. Suitable for day hikes, overnight stays, and a host of other carry needs, the pack is hydration bladder compatible and includes waist and sternum straps. Plus its water-resistant PU-coated ripstop nylon exterior helps protect your gear from the elements. See it in action here.

Shipshape carry for cycling and off-bike missions

The Helmsman is a new addition to Mission Workshop’s Transit Series. The weatherproof rolltop duffle is designed for use on and off a bike, and can either be attached to a front bike rack or carried with grab handles or the removable shoulder strap. Quick-access pockets keep small items within easy reach, and an interior padded sleeve fits a 15″ laptop. And like all Mission Workshop bags, it’s made in the USA and guaranteed for life.

Maxed-out versatility with minimalist weight

There’s not much the Outlier Ultrahigh Dufflepack can’t carry, and with its Ultrahigh Dyneema Composite construction you get a great balance of durability and minimal weight. The rolltop design allows for an optimal capacity of 15-35L (to encourage carrying less to make your journey easier if you can manage it), but the expandable design provides a 50L volume while still being able to close the bag. If you need to carry more (or accommodate awkwardly-shaped objects), carry the bag in its open format to get 78L of space. Full of technical details delivered in understated style, the bag can be carried as a backpack, duffle or large tote-style shoulder bag.

EDC that tells a story

Gnome & Bow bring an element of elegant fun to EDC with their collection Book 1 Chapter 2 of The Hare and the Flying Tortoise. The collection merges clean design with racing-inspired touches, such as zipper pulls embossed with the race contestants, and checkered stitching as a nod to racing’s black and white checkered flags. The collection features seven bags in Jet Black and Space Blue colorways, including messengers, briefcases, backpacks and a tote. The pieces are crafted with 16oz. cotton canvas, US full-grain leather accents, and Japanese YKK Excella zippers.

Travel, shop, work and play

Sleek simplicity is the focus of a new collaboration between QWSTION and Swiss product designer Sibylle Stoeckli. Designed to be lightweight, understated and versatile, the QWSTION + Sibylle Stoeckli Travel Shopper can be carried as a shoulder bag, tote or backpack. Its packable design makes it easy to store inside luggage to be used as a day bag at your destination. Alternatively use it to carry groceries, day-to-day essentials or work supplies. The Travel Shopper is constructed from water-resistant nylon and is available in three colorways.