Eastpak get their classics reinvented

When Eastpak dropped their Kris Van Assche collaboration awhile back, we didn’t really pay it much attention. These fashion collabs are often done by Eastpak for marketing reasons, and can be over-priced and under resolved.

However when Matthijs from UNDSCVRD urged us to have a closer look, we figured we should share some of his thoughts…

Matthijs: Kris Van Assche has taken on the Eastpak Classics. Quite often, these kinds of collaborations end up in “not that special but overpriced” products. But this collab is different.

At first glance, the collection is appealing in a clean and simple way. The tonal color palette is bang on , and there are loads of formats to choose from – black for the stylish minimalists, subdued earth tones for the denim types, and a rust brown/ terracotta/ orange option for the more eccentric among us.

Each items plays with a combination of materials. The main fabric used is a very fine cotton weft that reminds me of parachute fabric. That is contrasted with cotton canvas panels which give it a more rugged look, and then completed by leather trims and accents.

The shapes are essentially the Eastpak basics (which is a good thing). So you get a backpack, a bowling bag, garment bag, messenger and a small goods. Most of these formats are super well tested, so they promise a practical everyday carry solution (but not that sort of EDC). Many of the items also come with a removable 15” laptop sleeve, which help the bags kick goals in a work setting.

For me, the personal favorite is the Garment bag. This is where you really see the input of the fashion designer. Stylish garment bags are hard to come by, and not many brands take this challenge, but Kris Van Assche has nailed it. It looks awesome and is practical too (the fact that you can zip it up and use it as a regular bowling bag makes it the one to go for).

Related posts:

1. Quinze & Milan x Eastpak | WEIRD

Backpack Shapes & Functions

You people watch right? Everyone does, and it’s an enjoyable activity. Sitting around watching the world pass by, seeing the difference between people, the different clothes, the different trends and for us, the different backpacks. Have you noticed how many different shapes and sizes that backpacks come in? It’s pretty awesome.

To help classify a few different shapes and hopefully provide some clarity on it all, we’ve gotten our lead designer (monkey on rollerblades) to lay up a real neat looking infographic about the different shapes and their functions they provide. Come take a peek…

for a larger version of the above image, click here

Backpack shapes illustrate the same shape of its content. The more specific to an activity the more obvious the language is. Trends are making it even more difficult to separate between urban and daypacks, with brands creating bags that look like an active bag and great on the shoulder but are in actual fact difficult to use in their intended function. (not enough pocketing, too many straps hanging everywhere…)

Officebags that reflect their purpose well, that is to say they carry laptop and documents, fail to be attractive enough to be used in a more relaxed environment. Packs seem to struggle to cross over between circles of use. They are very specific and are of infinite variety of designs in their own category. A new category is still to come that merges and severs the functions needed between work and play.

With the poster above we classified 8 different shapes:
Hiking: Best suited to carry heavy loads for long period of time, very stable and comfortable. Check out the Osprey Aether Series

Snow/Ski/Surf: Best suited for action sports. The construction allow good body movement in carrying snow/ski gear. Lots of attachments on the outside of the bag makes it easy to recognize. Check out the Da Kine Heli Pro

Bike: Most bike packs have a roll top to keep your clothes and precious stuff dry. They offer large pockets for tools and daisy chains for your light. Check out the Chrome Ivan

Office: A rectangle/sqaure looking shape. it shows very clearly that it is made to carry laptop and documents. It often offers good internal organizational options. Check out the Arcteryx Totem Blade

School: A very square shape, it shows very clearly that it is made to carry books and documents. Being down the scale in price doesn’t give users a great deal of extras. Check out Caribee

Urban: One of the most popular market. The shape is neither too square or round.. They still have a laptop sleeve and offer basic pocketing. Shape reflects a general use. Check out the Gravis Metro

Fashion/Heritage: Same aspect as outdoor product but without the efficiency focus. They look great and big enough to carry most items. However don’t expect to be climbing Everest with it… Check out Herschel.

Fashion: Backpacks in this category have the most variety of shapes. No particular function other than main compartment and a front pocket. Check out Gregory Kletter Day Pack

Related posts:

1. Wallet Shapes & Functions
2. Road Test | Incase Nylon Backpack
3. Backpack or Messenger?

If you’re not familiar with Hard Graft, go and have a play on their site. Like NOW. The English/Austrian duo behind this brand have an amazing aesthetic, paired with old world craft sensibilities. But the thing that really rocks our boat is how innovative they are with classic wool felt and leathers.

So the 2Unfold is basically a satchel/tote, but with a number of really impressive tricks:

• It extends to be a full length folio bag, allowing you to carry large or long items
• It then folds in half for a more manageable daily work bag
• The shoulder strap can be threaded to make it a backpack
• And a trademark lower hand loop lets you palm it with confidence

One downside with the Hard Graft pouches we currently own is that those delightful felts and leathers are pretty thick & luxurious, not leaving all that much room for your contents. But if you’re in to Hard Graft, you’re hopefully also in to minimalism and removing clutter from your life. So it shouldn’t be a biggie.

Oh, and if anyone has treated themselves to a 2Unfold, we would love to hear your thoughts on it. In the meantime, we’ll go back to drooling…

Take a peek at the bag below and head over to Hard Graft for more detailed images..

Related posts:

1. Carry Candy :: Hard Graft 3Fold
2. Carry Candy | Tailfeather
3. 5 Neat Things Happening in Carry Today

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2. Wallet Shapes & Functions