Defying convention | Bags that take a different approach

Defying convention | Bags that take a different approach

Most crew start their bag research knowing they are after a backpack, messenger, tote, or some other specific type of bag. Heck, we even try and help you narrow to the ‘right’ category, with posts like Backpack or Messenger, trying to cut your mass of options down to something more manageable.

But what about the bags that don’t fit any one category? The bags that defy categorisation, and in doing so, defy convention?

So here’s a few Jonathan Livingston Seagulls*, those bags that don’t want to be defined by the traditional way to carry them. These are a sort of carry trail-blazers, trying to open your mind and your carrying freedom…

Hard Graft 2Unfold
We’ve covered this bag before, but it really is a trail-blazer in many ways, so we think it deserves another look. It was one of the earlier messengers that let you extend and fill the flap. It is one of the earlier bags to add a hand brace for carrying in your palm. And it allows multiple configurations and ways to carry. We’d call the 2Unfold a godfather if it wasn’t still so young and fresh.
PS The image is above – the top one… yeah, yeah, that one up there.

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Porter Totesack
Speaking of godfathers, Porter is probably more qualified for that term than any other carry brand. For decades they have been producing great quality, really functional carry goods.
Their Totesack is not a completely original format (climbing brands have done similar things for years), but what is original is how well this combo backpack and tote works for an urban audience.

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Betabrand Cornucopia bag

Can’t decide between an Apple Picking sack and a backpack? Yeah, us too… and now you won’t have to decide. The Cornucopia is a pretty unique looking sack that can be wrestled into all sorts of service. Don’t expect a performance piece for trekking to the North Pole, just expect a fun sack that can be slung without thought.

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Rickshaw Technical Messenger
We’ve mentioned a bunch of times that we think heavier loads are better in a backpack than a messenger. Rickshaw have solved that problem by making their messenger more like a backpack, with a second strap. You probably would not call it an elegant solution, but if you’re living on your bike and refuse to give up the messenger look, this will get you sorted.

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Chester Wallace Canvas Tote

The flop over tote is gaining a fair bit of ground, with a number of brands playing in the space. We like the Chester Wallace as one of the better ones, with both tote straps and/or a shoulder strap. There’s loads of colour combos, simple construction, and a versatile urban bag that can handle widely varying volumes of stuff.

Did we miss any crackers? Any great combo bags that we should share?

Please do let us know.

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* Yeah, of course there’s a random end bit on this one…
Not sure if you’ve ever seen or read Jonathan Livingston Seagull… it’s a best seller from the 70’s about a seagull that is not happy being an ordinary seagull. Apart from the film having a cracking Neil Diamond sound track (haha, how can you not love him!), it really questions our acceptance of the status quo. Like these bags do. It’s really hard trying new stuff, but we’re stoked these guys are all doing just that.