Best New Gear: October 2019

From technical apparel to sweetly styled travel bags to EDC collabs and Japanese streetwear. October had it all and more. Enjoy the best new gear the industry has to offer!

Travel

Bellroy Transit Backpack

Need a bag that adapts smoothly to business travel, weekends away or commutes with larger loads? Bellroy’s Transit Backpack is up to the challenge, pairing clean and professional aesthetics with a lay-flat main compartment for packing convenience. You’ll find interior compression straps and a range of exterior pockets to organize your gear, along with an externally accessed laptop pocket for zipping through airport security. And with its padded shoulder straps, contoured back panel and sternum strap, this 28L pack is comfortable to carry on your travels and during day-to-day use alike.

Olivers Charter Chino

Finding pants that are comfortable enough to wear every day, yet stylish enough for work and play can be tricky. But the Olivers Charter Chino offers a well-considered blend of versatile style and comfort, making it a true everyday pant. Crafted with Charter Stretch Twill featuring Japanese twill cotton and four-way stretch, the Charter Chino allows freedom of movement without sacrificing structure.

Western Rise TechWool Flannel Shirt

A shirt that combines style and performance for cooler weather? Western Rise offer up an impressive wardrobe staple with the TechWool Flannel Shirt. Moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, and enticingly soft with two-way stretch, it’s a versatile go-to piece for the working week, travels and downtime alike.

Habitas x Horizn Studios Backpack

Habitas and Horizn Studios both have an out-of-the-box approach to travel. So partnering together made sense to create a bag that would help people travel and experience more, while securely storing gear. Their collaborative pack is made with waxed canvas, weatherproof zippers and a waterproof lining to keep the elements out. The expandable design lets you adapt your packing to longer or shorter trips, with a range of pockets at the ready to keep essentials conveniently within reach.

Tumi Finch Backpack

Tumi’s Finch Backpack gives off real Cote et Ciel vibes in a slightly more daring silhouette than we’d normally see from the travel giants. The pack pairs minimalist aesthetics with a functional design offering quick-access laptop storage, pockets for smaller items, as well as an included rain cover for protection from the elements.

Peter McKinnon X NOMATIC Camera Pack

Traveling with camera gear can be a pain. So NOMATIC teamed up with professional photographer Peter McKinnon to create an all-in-one travel and camera backpack – and it’s raised millions! Decked out with an abundance of useful features including separate storage for camera gear and personal items, customizable organization, a lay flat main compartment and side camera access, expandability if you need to carry more gear, and a comfortable suspension system to help you dial in the fit for carrying heavy loads. The pack is also available with handy accessories including a padded camera cube that converts into a daypack for exploring with a lighter setup.

Avocado Rise – The Documentary by Tropicfeel x Eldorado

The global popularity of avocados is undeniable. But this popularity has led to an increase in illegal avocado farming. And the natural resources required to farm avocados is resulting in devastating environmental impact. So Tropicfeel and Eldorado are joining forces to create a crowdfunded documentary that sheds light on the negative impact this farming is causing to the Sierra De Bahoruco, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Backers can score limited-edition, sustainably-made Canyon sneakers and a packable backpack as rewards, while helping create global awareness for this environmental threat.

Aer Flight Pack 2 – Huckberry Exclusive

Aer’s Flight Pack 2 offers all the travel-friendly features you’ve come to expect from the brand, from intuitive organization to three carry options to adapt on the fly. But now you can enjoy its practicality with a style twist. Huckberry have teamed up with Aer to offer the pack in an exclusive olive green colorway that looks equally good zipping through airports or striding down city streets.

Coalatree Whistler Self-Healing Windbreaker

The Whistler Windbreaker is a featherweight and functional jacket perfect for the outdoors or one bag travel. It’s got five pockets for storing your phone, wallet, gloves, and more. Plus it’s kinda magic and self-healing thanks to its HiloTech Self-Healing Material which uses the friction and heat produced by kneading your fingers on the material to repair small punctures in seconds.

PHOENX Sustainable Luggage

Another Kickstarter luggage brand trying to disrupt the market? You bet. With a product that transforms waste including fishing nets, carpets, recycled plastics, rubber and aluminium into an outer shell made from tough, 100% recycled polycarbonate and a wide aluminium handle built above the skin to maximise space. The case also glides on Hinomoto silent-run wheels and is secured via a waterproof zip system and TSA-approved lock. Inside it boasts a dividing vacuum-sealed laundry bag and removable ultra-thin backpack. Its modular construction also means components can be removed, repaired or replaced with the use of a single tool.

Urban

Descente ALLTERRAIN BACKPACK “CLP 26 Boa”

Super slick in design, the Descente ALLTERRAIN BACKPACK “CLP 26 Boa” is a definite head-turner. But underlying its eye-catching aesthetics is a functional bag that works equally during the weekday commute or weekend excursions. The pack offers a choice of top and rear zipper access to the main compartment, along with quick-access laptop storage. And with the integrated Boa® Fit System ※1 dials it’s easy to adjust the shoulder straps on the go too.

Mafia Bags Deep Blue Bag

Mafia Bags have teamed up with renowned designer Yves Béhar to create the Deep Blue Bag. Their most technical pack to date, the bag offers a variety of features such as a water-resistant pocket for storing wet gear, a concealed pocket for valuables, and a water bottle pocket crafted with drysuit sleeves to securely store your bottle on the go. All in a sustainably made design featuring upcycled spinnaker and kite sails, repurposed wetsuit/drysuit material, as well as salvaged climbing ropes.

Chrome Industries Storm Cobra 3.0

Chrome Industries serves up a slick waterproof shell for both your day-to-day and travel adventures with their Storm Cobra 3.0. The jacket features a three-layer fabric and taped seams for waterproof protection, while still remaining breathable. Underarm vents and reflective details help keep you cool and visible when you’re getting active. Plus the helmet-compatible hood makes it a solid choice when you’re opting for two wheels too.

HAVEN / PORTER® X-PAC CORDURA® Collection

When HAVEN and Porter team up, you can expect good things. And their new X-PAC CORDURA® Collection doesn’t disappoint. This covet-worthy capsule collection includes a Utility Day Pack, Utility Helmet Bag, Utility Waist Bag and Utility Zip Pouch. The collection is crafted in Japan with a specially made CORDURA® X-PAC material offering durability and water resistance to embrace life on the move.

EverydayCarry.com x Manhattan Portage Atlas Sling

EverydayCarry.com and Manhattan Portage are no strangers to the daily carry scene. So when they came together to share their combined knowledge in an EDC-ready bag, they didn’t mess about. The Atlas Sling is a well-considered bag for carrying your daily or travel essentials. A quick-adjust, quick-release strap lets you easily access the bag on the go, while multiple pockets and loops store your gear neatly and securely. For added flexibility, you can also remove the shoulder strap and convert the sling into a handy organizer pouch for storing in a larger bag.

côte&ciel Moselle Bubble Black

côte&ciel have made a name for themselves with their distinct blend of fashion-forward style and functionality. And the Moselle Bubble Black is no different. The raised bubble-like surface and rounded shape ensures this pack will draw attention wherever it goes. But there’s practicality here too, with flexible backpack and tote carry options, quick-access pockets and a rear access main compartment for larger items.

Tanner Goods Konbu Collection

Tanner Goods offers a modern take on technical performance with their Konbu collection. Built for demanding use, the collection is made with a Japanese milled fabric combining Cordura 500D nylon fibers with a DWR finish for lightweight durability and weather protection. The collection includes the Koru Rucksack, Voyager Daypack, Simple Tote and Dopp Kit. And with their understated aesthetics you can move smoothly between diverse environments with these functional pieces in tow.

Work

Aer Commuter Brief

Keen on sleek aesthetics and practical organization in your EDC bag? Aer have you covered with their Commuter Brief. Multiple compartments and a host of pockets keep your gear tidy, while the self-standing design enables easy access once you’ve set the bag down. Further handy features include a choice of carry options including grab handles and a shoulder strap, along with a luggage pass-through for convenient travel carry.

XD Design Bobby Bizz Anti-Theft Briefcase/Backpack Hybrid

The XD Design Bobby Bizz doesn’t just offer the benefits of a backpack and briefcase in one. It also provides discreet anti-theft features to protect your gear, whether you’re traveling or in bustling commute crowds. The bag’s range of defenses include a water-resistant and cut-resistant exterior, lockable main zipper, RFID-blocking pockets, and concealed pockets for valuables. You can also secure the strap around stationary objects. And with its wide opening and understated aesthetics, it’s convenient for everyday use too.

Public Rec Workday Pant

A pant that’s more comfortable than chinos and more stylish than jeans? That’s what Public Rec aim to deliver with their Workday Pant. Available in straight and slim options, the pant is made with a stretchy, breathable and quick-drying blend of polyester and spandex. An assortment of pockets store small essentials, including a concealed back zippered pocket for valuables.

EDC

Leatherman Free K-Series

Leatherman’s Free K-Series offers the enticing magnetic architecture of their Free range in a folding knife format with added functionality for EDC use. The K-Series (K stands for Knife) comes in two blade types, straight and combo. Additionally, you can opt for a multitool with included scissors for extra versatility, or without scissors for reduced weight.

Tile Sticker

Tile trackers are a convenient way to keep track of your valuable gear – if you can secure them, that is. But if you can’t slip a Tile tracker into a pocket or attach it via a keyring, what do you do? The Tile Sticker comes to the rescue, providing an adhesive surface that lets you easily attach it to a variety of items (and if you really need to, you can remove it without damaging the items). Bonus? It’s waterproof, making it a handy tracking option for gear that’s used or stored outside.

Casio PRG650Y-1 Pro Trek

A trusty watch is a valuable EDC companion. And the Casio PRG650Y-1 Pro Trek shines when it comes to outdoor night activities. The watch incorporates an assortment of features such as a Neon Illuminator to easily read the time and function modes in the dark, as well as bearing, altitude/barometric pressure, and temperature functions to help you stay on track during night-time excursions.

Huckberry x SOG Twitch II

When it comes to dapper collaborations Huckberry don’t stop at packs. Case in point, their attractive take on SOG’s Twitch II pocket knife. Available in olive/black and cobalt/satin colorways, the collaboration knife is limited to 700 pieces. The lightweight knife features a straight edge, drop point blade with a lockback mechanism. And coming in at just 2.6 oz, it’s a lightweight addition that fits easily into an EDC or outdoor setup.

Cycling

Chrome Industries Mazer Ensign Rolltop Pack

The Mazer Ensign Rolltop Pack blends outdoor functionality with urban styling. And the result is a bag that’s tough enough to conquer a hard day in the urban jungle, with a street-savvy vibe. The water-resistant pack features a durable nylon and tarp shell with a ripstop nylon lining. A quick-access laptop sleeve stores 15″ tech, while reflective loops let you secure extra items externally for added carrying capacity.

Chrome Industries Mazer Vigil Pack

Keen on the Mazer Ensign’s aesthetics and features, but prefer a zipped top opening? Chrome Industries have the answer with their Mazer Vigil Pack. A slightly larger alternative that serves up a zippered opening, while still offering the enticing water-resistant ruggedness of the Mazer Ensign.

Brooks England Dalston Tex Nylon 20L and Pickwick Tex Nylon 26L

Brooks England delivers a chic take on urban cycling bags with their Dalston Tex Nylon and Pickwick Tex Nylon packs. Made with lightweight yet durable and weatherproof Tex Nylon, the fabric resists rips and tears while protecting your gear from the elements. Both packs include a laptop sleeve as well as two external quick-access pockets. And their versatile designs step smoothly from the bike to the pavement for non-cycling excursions too.

Photography

WANDRD Camera Cubes

Camera gear offers a daunting combination of fragility and expensive price tags. But with WANDRD’s new line of Camera Cubes you can protect your precious camera kit on the go, whatever your setup may be. The line features the Essential Camera Cube, Mini Camera Cube and Pro Camera Cube, designed for use with the 21L WANDRD PRVKE Pack. Each cube also comes in a ‘plus’ version for use with the 31L PRVKE Pack. With a choice of sizes available, it’s straightforward to tailor protection to your particular gear setup. Additionally, the weather-resistant cubes can also be used in other bags of your choosing to transform them into camera-ready carry.

Outdoors

GNARBOX 2.0

When you’re capturing photos in demanding conditions, you want to back them up safely. But bringing a laptop with you isn’t always feasible. Enter the GNARBOX 2.0. A rugged, water-resistant portable hard drive that boldly goes where you don’t want to bring your laptop. And with the ability to connect it to your phone, you can view and organize content then and there for workflow ease.

Prometheus Design Werx Raider Field Pant 100HBT

PDW dishes up a fresh take on their Raider Field Pant with a new custom milled 9oz cotton herringbone twill fabric. Inspired by the classic USMC Dungaree but designed for modern-day functionality, the durable pant offers multiple pockets and a comfortable and stylish fit for exploring both urban and outdoor settings.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa Ultralight Fanny Pack

Sure, the Versa is a waist pack. But it’s this and so much more. Hyperlite Mountain Gear have created a highly versatile piece that can be carried around your waist, across your back or chest, secured to backpack sternum straps or attached to a backpack hipbelt. And its ultralight, weatherproof build helps keep your carry weight down while letting you easily adapt to changing needs.

Sustainable

Bellroy Recycled Fabric Bags and Accessories

Bellroy’s bags and accessories offer a great blend of urban-friendly style and practicality. But now their signature designs are available with added environmental benefit. All courtesy of their range of recycled fabric bags and accessories. The pieces are made from plastic bottles that are upcycled to create polyester fibers which are woven into fabric. From pouches to packs and totes, the recycled fabric features across an enticing selection of gear to help you carry better in your travels and every day.

Hemp Eyewear Hemp Sunglass Line

Looking to reduce your plastic consumption? Then let us introduce you to the world’s first hemp sunglass frames. Each pair of sunglasses is handcrafted by artisans in Edinburgh, Scotland using sustainable technology, organic materials and traditional artisanal techniques. And the kicker? The plant fibres from the hemp naturally form one-of-a-kind patterns in the frames, making each pair kinda special.