Best New Gear: August 2019

Burly recycled bags, compact EDC pens, and trek-friendly travel packs are just a few of the great new releases cropping up in August. Discover the month’s best new gear…

Travel

Unbound Merino Button-Down

Traditional button-down shirts are a staple in everyday and travel wardrobes alike. But while you may have easy access to laundry at home, it can be a different matter on your travels. So Unbound Merino created a better alternative with their Classic Button-Down. Made with a blend of merino wool and organic cotton, the Classic Button-Down is odor resistant, antibacterial, quick drying, breathable and moisture-wicking. All the features you want in travel clothing. And with its smart styling, it’s easy to dress up or down as required too.

Property Of… Berlin Series

Are you a fan of travel and EDC backpacks that fuse classic looks, sustainable production and functionality? Then the Property Of… Berlin Series is definitely one you’ll want to check out. The series features three backpacks, all crafted with polyester made from recycled PET. The Charlie 12h Backpack fits a 13″ laptop and is a stylish piece for everyday carry. The larger Alex 24h Backpack and Karl 48h Travel Backpack both offer rear panel access for packing ease. And the series comes with the new Property Of… Lost & Found service.

Outdoors

Patagonia Recycled Black Hole Bags

Patagonia have always been ahead of the curve in sustainable business practices. And their collection of Recycled Black Hole Bags salutes sustainability while also giving the nod to durable functionality. The collection utilized 10 million plastic bottles to create the 100% recycled body fabric and webbing in the bags. And with 25 styles of tough, water-resistant travel bags to choose from, including carry duffels, wheeled duffels, backpacks, totes, organizer cubes and more, you’re well covered for journeys near and far.

Kammok Burro Packs

Lightweight, packable and modular, Kammok’s collection of Burro Packs are designed to help maximize your time outdoors. The collection features the Burro Zip 18 and Burro Roll 26, designed for trail and city use, as well as the Burro Duffel 30 designed for travel use and larger loads. Each bag comes with a removable waist belt and a removable back pad that also serves further purposes, such as a laptop sleeve or a camp seat. The first two bags come with hip packs, while the duffel includes a Dopp kit. And for added versatility, the hip packs and Dopp kit double as stuff sacks for compactly storing the bags.

Osprey Farpoint and Fairview Trek Series

Trekking and travel-friendly functionality in one bag is a hard balance to achieve. But Osprey nails it with their Farpoint Trek (for men) and Fairview Trek (for women) series. The backpacks offer inviting comfort with a ventilated and adjustable AirSpeed back panel and LightWire frame that transfers weight to the hip belt. Then for convenient packing and access the packs feature a suitcase-style front panel opening, with internal compression and a variety of pockets to organize your gear. Additionally, the packs come with Osprey’s AirCover which can be used to completely seal the pack for checked travel or which serves as a raincover too. The packs are available in two sizes, including the Farpoint Trek 75 and Fairview Trek 70, as well as the Farpoint Trek 55 and Fairview Trek 50.

Photography

MindShift Gear Urban Access Backpack

Quick access is one of the most important requirements in camera carry. After all, getting to gear easily can make all the difference when capturing that unexpected shot or facilitating smooth workflow during a photoshoot. So MindShift Gear created the Urban Access 13 and Urban Access 15 backpacks to help you bag that all-important shot. The packs feature dual side access panels that provide quick access to gear by slinging the bag left or right on your body. Additionally, a rear panel opening keeps all your gear at the ready when working out of the bag. You also benefit from a center tripod mounting system that balances weight while maintaining access to gear. And the padded, contoured harness provides comfy carry throughout the day, with load lifters, a removable waist belt and sternum strap. Plus with their understated urban styling, these packs fly under the radar and adapt to a variety of work and play settings.

Urban

DEFY Insidious Sling

Looking for a sling with attitude? DEFY steps up with the Insidious Sling, an exceptionally tough and versatile sling for everything from EDC to carry-on use and more. Available in multiple fabric options including ballistic nylon, waxed canvas and camo Cordura, the Insidious Sling is built in Chicago for rugged dependability wherever you take it. Three compartments and a range of pockets including a padded tech pocket keep your gear organized on the go. And the reversible strap is suitable for both left and right-handed users and features a quality quick-release AustriAlpin Cobra buckle.

JOSHU+VELA Stone Backpack V2

JOSHU+VELA serves up slick limited edition style with their Stone Backpack V2. Available in four handsome and unique fabric options, with leather straps and bases, it’s a fine way to spruce up your EDC. Options include sailcloth made from upcycled sails, waxed nylon made in the UK by British Millerain, US-made canvas twill partnered with camo Italian vegetable-tanned leather, as well as cobalt waxed fabric from Martexin Fabrics, partnered with Horween Blue Chromexcel leather. Four distinct styles, all equally head-turning.

Mismo M/S Belt Bag

There are several sling bags dishing up tempting streetwear-ready style. And plenty others serving up aesthetics best left forgotten. But Mismo’s M/S Belt Bag is different, taking a suave approach to sling bag style. The bag comes in an attractive selection of colorways and fabrics, combined with vegetable-tanned full-grain leather. The bag’s belt-style strap adjusts to your preferred length and allows the bag to be worn across your chest, back or around your waist. And an assortment of pockets are on hand to organize your essentials when you’re carrying light.

Bellroy System Work Bag

A messenger for the commute, a briefcase for the office, and the freedom to alternate on the weekend makes Bellroy’s System Work Bag a versatile companion for the weekly grind and your days off too. The chic design features a removable shoulder strap and a nifty fold-over top with a G-hook to secure it on the go. And with an abundance of pockets to choose from, you’ve got plenty of options to store your tech, quick-access essentials and more within easy reach throughout the day.

EDC

The James Brand The Stilwell

Last year, The James Brand announced their first foray into EDC pens with The Benton. And last week, they added to their Communication line with their second: The Stilwell. More compact and minimal than its predecessor, the Stilwell, when closed, packs down to the perfect size for riding in coin pockets or travel pouches. And when open, with the pen cap locked in place, it lengthens up 5.4 inches, the size of an average EDC pen, allowing for that perfect balance and weight when writing. Available in three finishes: black, silver (aluminium) and titanium, and filled with a D1 ink cartridge, it’s a damn good-looking EDC pen that’s easy to refill, no matter where you are.

Prometheus Design Werx PB&J Tool

Pocket knives are handy additions to your EDC. But you don’t always want to (or can’t) use them for every task you come across (such as heavy-duty pry bar work). So Prometheus Design Werx offers a versatile companion to accompany your pocket knife or to use as a practical, standalone pocket tool. The PB&J Tool is a multifunctional pry bar tool that carries out a range of tasks, from opening paint cans to removing staples or nails, tightening loose nuts and popping open refreshing brews. Crafted with lightweight and durable 6AL-4V titanium, it features a wire spring gate for easy attachment to a belt loop, keyring, webbing and more.

Dango Products CA01 Carry All

Keeping smaller essentials and valuables secure and tidy on the move can be a struggle. But Dango Products is ready with a flexible solution courtesy of their CA01 Carry All. The zipped design opens out to reveal two large pockets, two flap pockets and a pen slot. An adaptable piece that can store anything from watches and jewelry to stationery, travel essentials and more, it’s made with a water-resistant DTEX material and lined with nylon weaving. And for added multifunctionality it also comes with the MT01 Clasp Multi-Tool which offers a bottle opener, 1/4″ hex tool, a chisel edge, key hole, flat head screwdriver and Phillips screwdriver.