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9 Great Crossbody and Sling Bags for Men to Buy in 2022
…’s crossbody bag for those who love the hiking / outdoorsy style. The Topo Designs Block Bag – like most Topo Designs gear – has a fun, happy vibe. The shiny fabric, block shape, oversized zippers, and giant color pop zipper pulls scream, “Yeah! Life is awesome!” The front outside features two mesh slip pockets for quick access to items that you don’t mind the world seeing. There’s also a full-width zipper pocket big enough to hold a full-size tab…
Carry Awards X Top 5 | Best Carry-On Bag
…extensively in the past, what I really love about the Techonaut’s updated design is that it feels more like, well… a real backpack. The Aeronaut, while amazing, always kind of felt like a really nice duffel with some backpack straps. The Techonaut has a symmetrical design when sitting upright in pack mode, which can convert into 3 different mods of carry (a shoulder carried duffel with provided strap, gran handle side carry, and of course, backpa…
5 Minutes with Bagagiste
…ssential on the outside – we developed a new form, defined by minimalistic design. Our design mantra: improve the detail, but keep it simple. How could we ensure the functionality of a carabiner to attach the shoulder strap, yet improve its design? Most of the shoulder straps and the carabiner on regular bags still look like horse gear from the last century. The bag industry is already far too long stuck with heritage-inspired styles. We created a…
Crafted Goods: Behind the Brand
…-taught design master, with expertise stemming from photography and motion design, to movie-making and industrial design. All this, of course, with the support of a crack team of eight factory hands, sewers and auxiliary office crew. Additionally, having their own in-house, fully equipped atelier and work lab gives the brand further creative license and freedom to develop new samples and prototypes. The second thing worth noting is their uniquely…
15 Essential Gifts for the Tactical Guy
…h a composite material that won’t scratch other pocket items. Triple Aught Design OP1 Pouch (from US$ 59) The Triple Aught Design OP1 is great for organizing smaller EDC, survival and travel tools and items. Available in a choice of materials and colorways, the pouch opens wide for easy access to gear and attaches to MOLLE and PALS webbing for secure portability. Olight M1X Striker (US$ 60.45) A useful addition to EDC and travel setups, this dual-…
Top 5 | Best Travel Luggage
…ollection. Both of which are modern reimaginings of their classic aluminum designs. Much like “Second Album Syndrome”, redesigning an icon can be a nightmare. To help tackle the challenge Zero Halliburton brought in help from New York-based design firm Pensa and looking over the case you quickly get a feel for the degree of detail they’ve gone into. The level of precision with which the case and each of its components neatly fit together is at ano…
Hall of Fame | Carry Awards X
…, at the turn of the 2000s. Dana Gleason, founder of Mystery Ranch, was a design idol of mine. And still is. And he’d just come off Dana Design and was diving headlong into his new project, Mystery Ranch. Then, putting all his knowledge and experience into his next crazy venture, the 3DAP was born. A visionary industry titan and a personal design hero, releasing his latest and greatest offering from his new brand? An offering that would influenc…
Design Heads :: Kika Vliegenthart
…detail. Kika kindly agreed to share her insights on working with leather, design inspirations and what’s on the horizon for Kika NY… Are there any key insights that guide your stuff? We design and make our samples with the two of us, meaning Sabine Spanjer (co-founder) and I. All our production is handmade in our studio in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Inspired by the bridle industry we work with thicker, denser leather than most people in our field wh…
Modern Industry :: Shop Visit
…and Lorris head the design, Taylor oversees the marketing, Tony is the web designer/programmer and Mike is the graphic designer/printer. Once a week they met in the apartment and simply built things. The first bags weren’t even sewn, they were literally stapled together in the apartment as proof of concepts. Over time, they learned how to sew, use proper construction techniques and effectively go from sketch to real product. A Kickstarter Success…
Bellroy Tech Collection Review
…ic manner, other than showing me that this is a considered and intentional design choice, which I appreciate. Another design choice I enjoyed was the decision to blend leather and polymer together for the band; this gives it excellent durability. Not only that, the lightly textured underside helps reduce sweat buildup (I can attest to the validity of this claim). Over time, the leather will develop a natural patina (along with all the other produ…
Drive By :: TAD FAST Pack Litespeed (Exclusive 1st Look) + Giveaway!
…d new, just released (today!) FAST Pack Litespeed over on the Triple Aught Design website. Oh…and one more thing… GIVEAWAY! Triple Aught Design is GIVING AWAY one of these brand new FAST Pack Litespeed backpacks to a lucky Carryology reader. How do you enter? 1. Go find our Carryology Facebook post for THIS article. 2. SHARE that article on your wall. 3. Make sure you TAG (@) the Carryology Facebook page AND the Triple Aught Design Facebook page i…
Designing the Ultimate Winter Expedition Pack
…ons. So a couple of years ago Eric got in touch with Michael Meyer and the design team at Granite Gear to see if they’d be up for designing the ultimate winter expedition pack. The ‘Rolwaling,’ named after a remote Nepalese valley, had a demanding spec sheet. It needed to be durable, easy to use in extreme temperatures, hold a pile of gear, shed snow, accommodate climbing gear, haul a sled, and work as a mountaineering and summit pack. And Eric wa…
14 Everyday Leather Wallets to Gift for Father’s Day
…The Supr Good Co. Slim 2 Wallet combines stylish aesthetics with a simple design that will appeal to minimalists. The sleek wallet features a microfiber lining paired with a smooth leather exterior and an elastic band to secure cards. Designed to fit up to 10 cards, this slim wallet helps cut down on bulk while offering everyday functionality. Billykirk Leather Card Case with Flap ($49) This has that classic vibe that many a dad will appreciate….
Mystery Ranch x Carryology | The Unicorn Returns
…en to implement a good portion of them into the new pack with their expert design team. A design team as talented as we’ve ever worked with. Our goals were to: Maintain the Unicorn DNA, but make it more agile, more versatile, more special. Create a pack perfect for every day. Create a pack that would be more than a sequel. Together, we created a final direction, leading to 2D concepts to review. Then their sample team created prototype subasse…
Carry Evolution :: YNOT Cycle Pan-Yay
…’t compatible with all racks, and it wasn’t well suited to some of our new design ideas. Once we settled on new hardware, our design options expanded considerably. “Not only does the new hardware work with virtually all racks, but it can be mounted in such a way that it can be tucked away for off-bike use.” This allowed us to expand our pannier line, adding two new models: the Kassi and the Portage. Both can be worn comfortably on the body, and at…
Mystery Ranch x Carryology | Exclusive Release
…en to implement a good portion of them into the new pack with their expert design team. A design team as talented as we’ve ever worked with. Our goals were to: Maintain the Unicorn DNA, but make it more agile, more versatile, more special. Create a pack perfect for every day. Create a pack that would be more than a sequel. Together, we created a final direction, leading to 2D concepts to review. Then their sample team created prototype subasse…
What to Pack to Work from Anywhere
…transfer between bags so you don’t leave important essentials behind. Topo Designs Accessory Bags If you like to mix and match your organization options, look to Topo Designs’ Accessory Bags. These handy pouches come in a choice of three sizes to suit different loads, as well as a variety of colorways so you can color-coordinate your organization if desired. Add in their rugged 1000D Cordura construction and you’re set for years of hassle-free sto…
Specialist Carry: Firefighter
…to for most Hotshot crews, and really commercialized the large lumbar pack design. This design has been the style in the Smokejumper world for a long time too. They build their gear themselves. Ergonomically the lumbar pack makes complete sense, keeping the bulk of the weight and center of gravity on the hips and low back. Fighting wildfire is a pretty active profession, and a lot of time is spent bent at the waist, for hours at a time. Swinging a…
The Mergence of Luxury and Performance: Troubadour
…onomics, clean aesthetics, and how well a bag works outside the boardroom. Design: influences, inspiration and style Drawing on the simplicity and purpose of design inspirations like Georg Jensen, Josef Albers, Apple’s Jonathan Ive, and architects like John Pawson, Troubadour’s consistent, clean and minimalist aesthetic extends throughout its entire line. Whether or not ‘refined performance’ was always the prime M.O for the Troubadour duo, commitm…
Victorinox :: The Science of Luggage Testing
…ance of the existing test method to the product. If there is need, we will design new testing for the specific product design. Feedback is king, do you compare the returns you get to your test results/simulations to make sure you’re testing the right things? We do value the feedback from the field and consumers after they use the product. We have a channel to collect this feedback from the market. Once we receive the feedback, we review any issues…
Best Travel Clothing – The Sixth Annual Carry Awards
…ge. _________________________________________________________ Triple Aught Design Icon RS Pant The Icon RS Pant merges urban style with outdoor functionality in a design that straddles adventure travel and laid-back city explorations. The pant is made in the USA with durable nylon cotton ripstop featuring a water-repellent finish, and enhanced with reinforced stitching in high-stress areas. A choice of eight pockets provide flexible organization,…
Prometheus Design Werx Stratus Down Hoodie Review
…ve price among other top-tier down hoodies on the market. Patrick Ma, gear designer and mastermind behind Prometheus Design Werx, put into this project all his knowledge and experience, plus modern materials and top technologies. I can recommend the Stratus to any outdoorsmen and adventurers without a doubt as a very versatile active down hoodie. Rest assured that the Stratus Down Hoodie will serve you well for many missions and in multiple scenar…
Maker Series :: Rivendell Mountain Works
…othest lines, with strength and lasting qualities.” I believe that he was speaking directly to the design of the lost arrow piton but that philosophy can be applied to a broad range of products and I have always held that phrase as a guiding light. “Above all else I hold the principles of simplicity and clean design as the cornerstones of my design ethos.” What are your tools of the trade? 48″ Empire aluminum ruler 24″ Hayes aluminum ruler Alvin,…
5 Minutes with Bless Handcrafted Goods (Giveaway)
…ls. These traits are all equally important and are the top priorities when designing Bless products. Using durable materials and functional designs my intention is to create quality products that will not only withstand the test of time, but look good doing it. 2) Who else is doing rad things in the world of carry and why do you think they’re important? I have the strongest respect for the products and company beliefs of Mission Workshop. With so…
March 2025’s Must-Have Gear | From Biomimetic Travel Clothing to Shape-Shifting Everyday Bags
…compressed two-pocket bag or expanded into a small duffel bag. WaterField Designs Shinjuku Laptop Backpack The WaterField Designs Shinjuku Laptop Backpack takes inspiration from Tokyo’s vibrant, fast-paced Shinjuku district and is designed to help you move smoothly through crowded areas. A sleek option well suited to the daily commute or traveling with essentials, the backpack features easy-access front and side pockets, along with two interior p…
Road Tests :: Triple Aught Design FAST Pack EDC (Giveaway)
…een running for its fifth season now). About TAD A word about Triple Aught Design. TAD is a boutique shop making tactical oriented clothing and equipment. Along with apparel and supercool knives and lights, they’ve designed two backpacks: the Fast Pack EDC and the Fast Pack Litespeed, the latter being a bit smaller (20 liters) and reviewed by none other than our own Taylor Welden! One thing TAD is (unfortunately) well known for, is that their prod…
Into The Details :: Bellroy Designers Edition Interview
…really do it justice, stepping up into that space. So is DE about Bellroy designers designing for them, or Bellroy designers designing for other design-minded people out there, or is it a bit of both? I think it’s a bit of both. I call it a lovely coincidence. There’s clichés within design, it’s like, ”Oh, my job is to balance form and aesthetic, and to be a minimalist and do this.” But I think the real tension that isn’t spoken about is commerci…
Awesome Gifts from Artisan and Maker Brands
…lim profile that fits underneath a jacket if desired. The bag incorporates design and construction influences from around the world. It’s designed in Portland, Oregon and crafted in Leon, Mexico. It uses durable yet lightweight Konbu® fabric featuring military-grade Cordura® fibers with a rich and natural finish obtained through a proprietary technique in an Osaka-based mill. Trakke Arkaig Backpack (US$132) A re-release of an original Trakke desig…
Best Everyday Bag 2019
…of the best packs we’ve ever carried, period. Fantastic work, Triple Aught Design! Prometheus Design Werx S.H.A.D.O. Pack 2 Designing a pack that can hack it in the outdoors but also serve you well on the daily is a tough mission. But Prometheus Design Werx updated S.H.A.DO. Pack is up to the task. You’ll find military inspiration here, paired with adaptable, urban-ready functionality. All in a compact size that’ll keep you prepared and agile. Mad…
Triple Aught Design Axiom S2 WX Pack
…t side of the bag via the weatherproof zipper and features a floating wall design. This is a clever piece of design from TAD as it also allows you access to the main volume without having to open the full clamshell. So whether you’re carrying a laptop or not, you can still use that to snag something quickly without taking the bag off, setting it down, and opening it. It’s a clean implementation, and my laptop felt very secure in there as I bounced…
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