Week In Review ~ 27 September

Stealthy laptop carry, smart backpacks that keep your devices juiced and important files easily accessible on the go, plus a versatile bag inspired by the Japanese obi. Welcome to our Week In Review…

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Chic camera carry for home and travel

If you’re a photographer, you go where the photos are – and that means you need a way to get your camera gear there too. But while one session may involve snapping away in your local neighborhood, another may involve hopping on a plane for a short trip. The new Black Collection from ONA aims to cover a range of carry needs and settings through three pieces. The Hamilton is a wheeled carry-on camera bag and duffel that allows the user to pack camera equipment and personal gear separately thanks to its dual compartment design. Also included in the collection is the Nylon Brixton messenger which can carry a DSLR camera with attached lens, two to three additional lenses and up to a 13-inch laptop. Rounding out the collection is the Nylon Camps Bay backpack which accommodates a DSLR camera with attached lens, up to seven extra lenses and a 17-inch laptop. Each piece is crafted by hand using 1050D ballistic nylon, with full-grain leather detailing and brass hardware, for an attractive collection that looks good in a range of environments and is hard-wearing enough to handle the journeys getting to them.

Keeping your expensive devices in the shadows

Whether you use them for work, travel or during your downtime, tech devices are some of the most expensive gear you carry on a regular basis. The last thing you want is to advertise the fact that you’re hauling a pricey laptop – and a lot of laptop bags do exactly that. The booq Shadow messenger is a stylishly understated and discreet way to carry your tech devices without drawing attention to the fact you’re doing so. Interior organization keeps your daily essentials and work tools neat and tidy, with dedicated space for up to a 15-inch laptop. There’s also an exterior quick-access zipped pocket so you can get to items such as keys or a phone in a jiffy. The water-resistant messenger is available in a black 1680D Ballistic Nylon version and a gray Jute version and includes booq’s Terralinq™ Lost-and-Found service to help you recover your bag if it’s lost.

Undercover tech carry

Providing a different approach to stealthy tech carry is the Betabrand Under-The-Jack Pack. This sleek laptop bag is slim enough to be worn underneath a jacket, so onlookers won’t even realize you’re carrying expensive tech. The Under-The-Jack Pack also serves as an alternative to bulky packs and bags when you don’t need to carry a lot in crowded public places. With two sizes to choose from, the bag is suitable for 13-inch and 15-inch laptops and includes a zippered pocket for the likes of a phone, charger or other smaller items.

Staying on, on the go

With modern technology the digital world is at our fingertips…well, right up until the point it slips out of reach when your tech devices run out of juice. The new Federal and second generation Colfax backpacks from CO.ALITION feature an integrated power supply so you can charge a range of USB devices on the go. But they go a step further with an integrated wireless hard drive so you can access files, watch movies or view photos wherever you are, without the need for an Internet connection. The wireless hard drive also prevents the need to use up space on your tech devices to store such files. In addition, CO.ALITION doesn’t sacrifice bag design in favor of technology features, but finds an attractive balance instead. Both the 22-liter Federal backpack and 25-liter Colfax backpack feature urban-friendly designs that suit work and leisure environments. Other convenient features include easy-use magnetic buckles, a raincover and the option to route charging cables through ports to any pocket in the bags. You can also tailor your carry to your needs, with bag-only options, bags with a power supply, or bags with both a power supply and wireless hard drive. Check out CO.ALITION’s Indiegogo campaign to learn more.

East meets West

Inspired by the folds of the Japanese obi, the Côte&Ciel Gironde is a fusion of the traditional and modern, a beautiful and practical blend of French and Japanese design. This eye-catching and functional bag features adjustable leather straps and can be worn around the waist or over the shoulder to suit different carry needs. Water-repellent canvas offers protection from the elements, while the padded main compartment offers protective storage for up to a 12-inch laptop. In addition, two exterior zipped pockets keep frequently used items within easy reach.