Backpacks, Outdoor Gear and EDC | The Best Products to Buy from April 2024

A completely circular pack, bags with easy pack-to-pannier functionality, and carry to help lighten the load on your travels were just some of the best new gear dropping in April. Delve in to discover more…

EDC

The James Brand Eco-Acetate Ellis & Elko

Portland-based The James Brand have teamed up with premium eyewear innovators, OTIS, to unveil a fresh look to a pair of favorite staples – The Elko and The Ellis. Made with Eco-Acetate, this limited release elevates two of TJB’s best-selling tools by utilizing acetate scales derived from renewable plant matter that is recyclable, biodegradable, and eco-friendly. 

Leatherman Skeletool CX and Skeletool KB Launch in New Colors

Leatherman’s Skeletool line is a great option for those who appreciate minimalist and lightweight multitools that offer essential features for EDC use. And new colorways across the Skeletool CX and Skeletool KB provide the perfect opportunity to brighten up your daily carry while enjoying practical functionality. The Skeletool KB is a solid pick for those who want a trusty straight-edge blade and is now available in Nightshade, Verdant, and Paradise colorways. For those who want a little extra functionality while still keeping things streamlined, the Skeletool CX offers a variety of features including pliers, wire cutters, a knife, a bottle opener, and a bit driver, while coming in a choice of new Onyx, Nightshade, Verdant, and Paradise colorways. 

WaspArmor Blade

When cutting is the focus and compact form is a priority, the WaspArmor Blade swoops in as a solid choice for your EDC needs. Made with titanium and carbon fiber, the folding knife weighs in at just 0.19oz and measures 2.24 inches closed. Small and light enough to fit easily on a keychain or a neck lanyard, it also features an easily replaceable blade as part of the user-friendly design.

Fitorch K2

Bike light, running light, camping light, headlight, and more…the Fitorch K2 is a highly adaptable light that lends itself to a wide variety of uses in both urban and outdoor settings. It offers up to 1000 lumens of illumination, five brightness modes, and up to 20 hours of battery life with recharging via USB-C. All in an easily portable design weighing just 0.09 lbs.

TiMate BoltLite

Want to keep your carry clean and pared-back without sacrificing functionality? The BoltLite helps you carry less while offering the functionality of three tools: a modular EDC pen, flashlight, and pry bar all in one streamlined design. The BoltLite features a grade five titanium body, a detachable and magnetic micro flashlight with an IPX 8 waterproof rating, a bolt-action pen, and a multifunctional pry bar that can double as a flat screwdriver.

Quince: Affordable, Eco-Friendly Sunglasses

Quince prides itself on affordable luxury products and has just turned its attention to expanding its sunglasses collection. The new shades feature durable and scratch-resistant CR-39 polarized lenses with UV400 protection. Additionally, the frames are constructed from acetate, a plant-based material derived from wood pulp and cotton and known for its strength and eco-friendliness. Offering a variety of frame materials and shapes and starting at $50, it’s worth checking out for your next trip or your EDC kit.

The James Brand Warrick Pocket Screwdriver

We have seen evidence of the importance TJB places on a complete EDC quiver in the past with releases like the Rover Capsule Collection, a collaboration with Carryology. Now, the brand is really putting their full weight behind that ethos with the Warrick pocket screwdriver. Newly launched, it features the four most popular Wiha screwdriver bits housed in a sleek and beautiful casing designed to easily slip into your fifth pocket and ready for everyday tasks. Available in two colorways: Coyote Tan and Black, and featuring a rattle-free magnetized tray that can easily fit other bits, as you desire, the Warrick might be everything you need in a driver and nothing you don’t.

Urban

Leander Everyday Professional Collection

Daily carry often encompasses a variety of pieces, from a wallet for cash and cards to pouches for organizing small essentials and of course a main bag to carry your everyday setup. So why not enjoy the benefits of carry designed as a seamless system? Leander’s Everyday Professional Collection deftly blends luxurious, understated style with practical everyday functionality, offering a backpack as the main gear hauler, with a selection of pouches and wallets neatly handling the smaller items. Made with a proprietary Leander Leather and proprietary weatherproof zipper, no detail has been overlooked in creating a collection that looks and feels professional in any setting, while working together to keep your daily carry in check.

1733 Sacoche Type C 2L – EPX200

When you’re looking to carry light with flexible organization, 1733 has you covered with their Sacoche Type C 2L. The wide and flat design accommodates tablets and other smaller daily carry items, with a zippered main compartment and two interior pockets complemented by a mesh front pocket and shock cord compression system for quickly accessing frequently used gear. The adjustable strap allows the bag to be carried high and tight or low and loose depending on your needs, while daisy chain allows for additional items to be secured externally. The bag is made in Chicago with Ecopak EPX200 and comes in three colorways.

The North Face x icebreaker

Both known for their love of getting active and a passion for nature, The North Face and icebreaker have teamed up on a collection of adventure wear that can span the urban/outdoor divide. The collection features fabric made from 100% plastic-free fibers, including merino wool and lyocell, and is designed to provide comfort and performance in one. A variety of pieces for both men and women are available including t-shirts, hoodies, shorts, and pants.

master-piece 2024 Spring and Summer Collection

master-piece’s new offerings for spring and summer serve up the brand’s signature expert craftsmanship across a variety of silhouettes including backpacks, slings, and more. Diverse fabrics feature across the new releases including Cordura® nylon, American leather, and eye-catching textured KONBU ®-N. Add in master-piece’s honed blend of urban-savvy styling and practical everyday functionality and you get a host of great options for the daily grind and weekend adventures alike.

Pas Normal Studios x Salomon

For their third collaboration Pas Normal Studios and Salomon venture into the world of daily carry and routines both on and off the bike. The collaboration features the Aero Glide 2 shoe and the ACS Daypack, practical pieces that can venture between urban and outdoor use while offering functional performance inspired by trail running. The pack provides a water-repellent roll-top closure, storage for a 15″ laptop, and quick-access storage for a soft flask, while the shoe features a high stack midsole for enhanced shock absorption and cushioning.

Ucon Acrobatics Pannier Backpacks

Traditional bike panniers often work great on two wheels but not so much on your back when it’s time to switch to two feet. But Ucon Acrobatics have a thoughtful solution on hand with their Pannier Edition backpacks, which do away with uncomfortable plastic brackets in favor of a quick-mounting hook & loop system featuring a secure metal buckle and further hooks for stable carry on the go. Easy to swap between pannier and backpack mode, the bags are also sustainably made with a durable custom fabric called ‘PUrTEX∞,’ consisting of recycled fashion waste.

Filson Unfailing

Filson are known for their hard-wearing gear. And now they’re helping that gear go even further with the expansion of their resale program, Filson Unfailing. In partnership with Trove, the program now includes customer product trade-ins both online and in-store at select Filson locations. Additionally, to celebrate the expansion, Filson is offering five winners the chance to score a one-of-a-kind, customizable Mackinaw Wool Cruiser. Customers who participate in trade-ins from now until 15 May 2024 will have a chance to win, with each trade-in online or in-store increasing their chance of winning.

FREITAG Mono[PA6] Backpack

FREITAG has just launched their first 100% circular bag made entirely from one material, polyamide 6 [PA6]. Having taken three years to develop, the Mono[PA6] backpack can be recycled in its entirety at the end of its use since every part, from the buckles and zippers to the outer fabric and cord, is all made from a single material. The versatile backpack also includes a detachable musette that can be carried as a small crossbody for more compact loads.

D4bgs Shoulder Bag

The D4bgs Shoulder Bag serves up stealthy tech vibes fused with multifunctional design for the daily commute, weekend adventures, and travel needs. Available in two fabric options including X-Pac and Dyneema, the bag also comes in a choice of colorways and can be customized too. An interior padded sleeve provides tech storage, while a variety of exterior and interior pockets neatly organize smaller items.

Human Made KAWS MADE CAMO TOTE BAG

Tokyo-based lifestyle brand Human Made has teamed up with artist KAWS on a reversible tote bag. Offering an urban-friendly camouflage print on both sides, the tote has a quick-access exterior pocket and works equally well for grocery hauls, trips to the beach, and day-to-day use.

Mack Weldon Polo Shop

Offering such a wide and varied breadth of polo shirts, Mack Weldon has launched The Polo Shop, a shop within a shop on their website. Featuring four proprietary fabrics, there’s something for everyone; whether you’re traveling or going from the boardroom to the skateboard. Let’s quickly recap: The AIRKNITx Polo is made from an ultra-breathable performance nylon microfiber to keep you cool even during summer’s stickiest days. The Pima T-Shirt Polo feels like wearing a tee but is still office-ready. The Silver Pique Polo is ideal for travel with its odor-killing silver fibers and a bit of stretch. Lastly, the Tech Linen Polo is made from a mix of breathable linen and COOLMAX, a moisture-wicking fiber that’s woven from recycled plastic bottles.

Mack Weldon AIRKNITˣ Knit Boxers

Using the same technical performance as the AIRKNITˣ Boxer Brief, the Boxers offer a more relaxed fit. Crafted from their proprietary AIRKNITˣ fabric, the new boxers are breathable, moisture-wicking, and odor-blocking so they’ll stay fresh through your whole workout or a full day of travel. Details include a hidden button fly, no-roll waistband, and targeted cool zones. 

Trakke x Ploterre Limited Edition Wave T-Shirt

Science and art come together in a limited-edition collaboration between Trakke and Edinburgh-based artist Ploterre. The ‘Wave’ T-shirt features a graphic created using wave-height data from Scotland’s west coast and is screen-printed using water-based inks a mere two doors down from Trakke’s HQ. The t-shirt is only available via pre-order and will not go on general sale, so if you’re keen to score one then get your order in by 7 May 2024.

Outdoor

ELLIKER x Hikerdelic Collaboration

What happens when nature and psychedelic fashion come together? Fun collections like the ELLIKER x Hikerdelic Collaboration, featuring two backpacks and a bottle bag with eye-catching colorways to jazz up your outdoor jaunts. ELLIKER is a Leeds-based outdoor accessories brand known for its love of exploring nature and community, while Hikerdelic is a Manchester-based fashion brand with psychedelic styles and a focus on wearability in both outdoor and urban environments. Playful and functional, the collection offers a splash of vibrancy while providing multifunctional designs for both outdoor trails and urban streets.

BEAMS x Arc’teryx Capsule Collection

BEAMS and Arc’teryx are no strangers to partnering up and for their latest collaboration, they’ve gone bold with a yellow-themed capsule collection. The capsule features the Granville 16 Backpack, Granville Crossbody Bag, and the Arc’teryx Kragg Shoe, all sporting a vibrant yellow colorway with black detailing. And while the collection is ready to explore the outdoors, it also does double duty bringing some pop to urban adventures as well.

Dnsys X1 Exoskeleton

Wish you could go faster for further in the outdoors? Want carry loads to not feel so heavy on the go? The Dnsys X1 Exoskeleton is something straight out of a science-fiction novel – a lightweight, wearable design with dual high-density motors and advanced AI algorithms that adapt to your walking pattern to help you run quicker, walk easier, and climb higher, offsetting up to 38kg of weight. It aims to lighten your carry load and reduce muscle fatigue, so you can explore for longer wherever the next adventure leads. Check out the Kickstarter campaign to learn more.

Arcade Updates the Original Futureweave Belt 

The reinvented Futureweave Belt merges lifestyle and comfort into one. It features a 4-way stretch webbing, providing lightweight flexibility while maintaining a secure hold. It introduces a modern low-profile buckle design with a 3-piece mechanism clasp for easy release. Arcade focused on the quality and functionality of the belt, with features such as a custom fit buckle for precise adjustment, 85% post-consumer recycled REPREVE polyester webbing, and a durable yet lightweight high-density plastic buckle designed to withstand even the most enthusiastic outdoor adventures. The belt is designed for convenience, being machine-washable while the metal-free buckle means no delays through airport security.

Path-24 Modular Compass

The Path-24 Modular Compass helps you find your way wherever the next outdoor adventure leads, featuring a compact and highly portable design with interchangeable bases that secure to a watch strap or a keyring to suit a variety of preferences and setups. The compass is available with either an air-filled core for maintaining precision across changing altitudes and temperatures or a liquid-filled core for retaining stability through diverse landscapes. Additionally, you can choose between titanium and brass options to suit your personal tastes.

Travel

Tortuga Lite Collection

When you’re traveling, being able to shed the grams without sacrificing travel-ready functionality is always welcome. So Tortuga created the Lite Collection to help you confidently carry your travel gear while making the journey as comfy as possible. The Travel Backpack Lite 40L is both cheaper and 1 lb lighter than the Pro and is the new version of the Carry Award-winning Setout Backpack. Keeping your gear organized on the go is the Compression Packing Cube, while the Packable Backpack is a great daypack option once you’re at your destination and ready to explore with just the essentials.

Hackett London x Carl Friedrik Collaboration

Carl Friedrik, known for their sophisticated travel luggage, have collaborated with premium menswear brand Hackett London to create the ultimate travel goods collection for globe-trotting in style. The collection features four pieces to cater to a range of travel needs including the 40L Carry-on suitcase, the 69L Check-in suitcase, the Compact Weekender, and a Luggage Tag. The suitcases are crafted with durable polycarbonate shells and TSA-approved aluminum lock frames, while the Compact Weekender is crafted with nubuck leather and is a multifunctional piece for short trips and larger workloads. Fusing thoughtful functionality, high-quality construction, and understatedly chic style, this collaboration brings suave sophistication to journeys near and far.

Solgaard Carry-On Closet

Can’t be bothered to unpack after a long journey? With Solgaard’s Carry-On Closet you don’t have to. The suitcase features a built-in shelving system that keeps your gear tidy during the journey and serves as a standalone closet at your destination. Made with a durable polycarbonate shell, the suitcase also features an integrated USB charging port and a TSA-approved combination lock.

Nodus Contrail GMT

The Contrail for Nodus represents their travel-focused line and they are leaning into that notion with the Contrail GMT, their third-generation offering. Made of 316L surgical stainless steel, featuring a 48-click bidirectional bezel and screw-down crown, the new GMT watch boasts one of the thinnest profiles for a Miyota 9075 GMT movement of any watch currently available on the market. A number of dial options are available including previous fan favorites such as Laguna and Terra as well as brand new colorways such as Impulse Blue and Polaris. No matter the dial, Swiss BGW9 Super-LumiNova is used to aid in legibility in low light. The watch is water resistant up to 200 meters.

REEF Swellsole Neptune Sneaker

REEF knows a thing or two about beach-inspired footwear and the story is no different with the introduction of new summer-ready colors of its ultralight and ultra-comfortable Swellsole Neptune Sneaker. Combining sneaker styling with next-level comfort, the Swellsole Neptune features a breathable stretch knit upper, EVA outsole, and memory sockliner and even has a fold-down heel so you can wear them as slip-ons or regular sneakers. Packable and lightweight, these shoes would make for ideal travel footwear.

Our Best New Gear guides are written by David Vo and Catherine Baecker-Khoury.