Best New Gear: June 2018

From techwear pouches to adaptable travel bags and protective camera carry, June has been flush with enticing new releases stepping out on the carry scene. Get your fix of the good stuff in our roundup of the best new gear…

Heimplanet Monolith Daypack and Motion Dopp Kit

When a brand is dedicated to constant improvement, it shows. Just like Heimplanet, who weren’t content to rest with a good thing when they could make it even better. And getting the refined design treatment is their Monolith Daypack and Dopp Kit. The daypack benefits from a variety of updates including a larger laptop sleeve, improved handle, refined trims and an updated lining and print. Plus it’s available in a handsome new Clay colorway to boot. The Dopp Kit is now available in the brand’s dark grey Motion Series fabrics, and incorporates a slightly thinner but stiffer foam to cut down on bulk.

Matador FlatPak Series

When you want to travel in minimalist, ultralight style, toiletry bottles can thwart your carefully considered packing list. But Matador has a nifty alternative to bulky plastic storage with their FlatPak Series. The series features an innovative Toiletry Bottle and Soap Bar Case, both made with welded Cordura® that enables the containers to compress down to the size of the contents. So you can enjoy super lightweight and compact storage for your toiletry essentials. As a bonus, the Soap Bar Case utilizes Dry-Through™ technology to allow the soap bar to dry through the material while still containing any liquid inside. 

Incase Camera Pro Pack

Getting that epic shot depends greatly on having the right gear at the right time. And the Incase Camera Pro Pack keeps you prepped with plenty of storage for larger camera setups, while keeping your gear protected, tidy and easily accessible when you need it. The pack fits a full-frame DSLR with lens attached, a drone, multiple lenses, accessories and more. The customizable dividers let you adjust to different setups as needed, and the pack also comes with a Neck Strap for your camera.

Massdrop x Intern Series 1: Pockets & Packits

Designing, patterning and sewing a new product every day for 30 days straight? A tough challenge by anyone’s standards, but one that The Intern embraced. And now he’s teamed up with Massdrop to offer honed iterations of his designs in the Modular Adaptive Carry Standard (MACS) system. First out the gate is a series of Pockets and Packits, designed to work together or as standalone pieces to suit changing carry needs. Made with lightweight, weatherproof and durable X-Pac fabric, this system of pouches is crafted with a focus on keeping raw materials waste to a minimum. With a range of sizes to choose from and a host of configurations, you can easily adapt your carry setup for everyday and travel requirements.

Nitecore NTP20 Tactical Titanium Pen

Pens are a common addition to EDC setups. So why not get more out of an item you carry daily? The Nitecore NTP20 Tactical Titanium Pen combines multiple functions in an attractive and tough pen that looks equally good in work or downtime settings. In addition to serving as a self-defence tool, the pen features a tungsten steel tip that can be used as a glassbreaker. Made with a lightweight and strong titanium alloy, the pen includes a pocket clip for easy carry and is compatible with a range of refills.

Mystery Ranch Robo Flip

Looking for easy access, durability and comfy carry in a versatile EDC pack? Meet the Mystery Ranch Robo Flip. Designed to haul your everyday essentials, this pack offers a great mix of rugged Mystery Ranch construction, functional organization and adaptability. The bag’s padded floating laptop and tablet sleeve keeps your tech secure on the go, while an interior bottle sleeve and a lid pocket keep EDC tidy. The flip lid provides easy access to your gear, while the exterior daisy chain offers versatile options for securing additional gear. Weatherproof, durable and able to move smoothly from work to play, this is a solid option for those seeking a practical everyday pack.

Incase Nylon Accessory Organizer

You probably carry a range of small items on a day-to-day basis. And at some point you’ve likely endured the frustration of rummaging for those items in deep dark pockets and bag recesses. But there’s light at the end of this rummaging tunnel – Incase’s Nylon Accessory Organizer. Stylish, compact, yet with plenty of organization options on hand, this organizer offers a smart way to keep small EDC and travel items neat and at the ready. There’s a choice of pockets and loops to store cables, chargers, a pen, phone and more, and with its convenient clamshell opening you can easily stash and retrieve items on the fly.

Away x Dwyane Wade Collaboration

Away are no strangers to creating sleek, functional luggage. But the Away x Dwyane Wade collaboration takes things to new heights in suave, refined style. The collaboration features four limited edition suitcases in matte black aluminum. A slick mix of stealth, strength and practicality, the suitcases feature spinner wheels, interior compression and organization, and a removable battery in the carry-on sizes. The tropical-inspired lining gives a nod to Wade’s Miami base, while the low-key exterior suits business and leisure travel alike.

Rocky Mountain Underground BRFCS

Adaptability is important for getting the most out of your travels. And adaptable is exactly what Rocky Mountain Underground’s BRFCS lets you be. Wherever you’re going, this bag helps get your gear there with three carry options. Haul it as a backpack, shoulder bag or by hand for flexibility on the move. But it doesn’t just get clever with portability. The expandable design grows from 35L to 50L, ideal when you need to pack bulkier items or extra gear for colder climates. The clamshell opening makes it simple and quick to reach gear throughout the bag, and with a choice of compartments and pockets you can easily organize your gear and store clean and dirty clothing separately. There’s even a false floor for storing valuables, as well as an interior compression strap with a bottle opener. Plus with an easy-access padded laptop sleeve on hand, your tech will enjoy the journey too.

Inside Line Equipment ASNMNT

No frills. No fuss. Just simple functionality to handle your EDC needs like a champ. The Assignment is a versatile 18L everyday backpack that can double as a travel pack for short trips. Handmade in California, the pack is available in a range of durable weatherproof fabrics and colorways. Tech is protected yet within easy reach in the exterior padded laptop sleeve that features a snap closure storm flap. The rolltop main compartment accommodates a range of loads, while quick-access side pockets provide ready storage for smaller essentials. And with side compression straps you can conveniently adjust the volume as required.

Eagle Creek Wayfinder Backpacks

Eagle Creek have always been proponents of practical, versatile carry that helps you explore with peace of mind. Their new Wayfarer backpacks are no exceptional, while also celebrating sustainable construction. The packs feature a recycled PVC-free RPVB coating sourced from windshields in landfills. The coating makes the packs easy to clean and also adds durability and oil resistance. Handy features include a concealed tech pocket that allows access to power banks and cords on the go. Designated storage for up to a 17” laptop keeps tech secure, and the front zip pocket includes a drain hole for storing wet items separately. Other convenient features include a microfleece-lined pocket for sunglasses, along with further quick-access pockets for small essentials and water bottles. Suitable for a variety of uses, from weekends away to the daily commute, the packs will be available from 1 July 2018 in 40L, 30L and 20L sizes, as well as a mini version. Considered in design, they come in a choice of unisex and female-specific suspensions and are backed by Eagle Creek’s No Matter What™ warranty.