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ECAL + QWSTION: These Student Prototypes Will Blow Your Mind
…showers? The Big Fold has you covered – literally – with a clever backpack design featuring an integrated rain poncho. The design makes great use of CottonShell® fabric’s water resistance, breathability and rigidness to create two functional pieces in one. The poncho can be unfolded without having to take the bag off, and folds up neatly again on the back of the pack when not required. The poncho and pack share the same pockets which can be access…
Maker Series :: KILLSPENCER
…fe focused on Industrial Design. So, I transferred to ArtCenter College of Design and got a militaristic design education. I graduated with honors and am now a part-time adjunct faculty in the Product Design Department, and frequently lecture at the school to share my experiences. “When I went to California College of the Arts for Graphic Design, I discovered the model shop and wood shop and knew instantly that I wanted to spend my life focused on…
BEXAR Goods shop visit :: San Antonio, TX
…prospecting, material sourcing, quality control, product testing, graphic design, web designer, workshop rat, and photographer (handling all of the brand’s product/brand photography), among other tasks. Christian Craft (above) resides in Austin, regularly commuting down to handle his role as public relations manager, marketing & advertising, random facilitator production support, and product testing. He is actively trying to get BEXAR’s product i…
Top 5: Best Work Backpack 2020
…for many years. It’s a brand that has always kept to classic and timeless design but with a driving intent to layer in modern improvements. Their bags are beautiful in person and are designed to age and form a lovely character over time, with their leather, brass and canvas combination developing fine patinas. In recent years, they’ve flipped their entire bag line to sustainable polyester made from recycled PET bottles – the Charlie 12h’s fabric…
The Best Laptop Backpacks for Professionals
…gives peace of mind on the durability front. Understated and refined, the Troubadour Fabric + Leather Ziptop Rucksack doesn’t need to shout to make a statement. Arc’teryx Nomin 2.0 (US$ 800) The updated Arc’teryx Nomin is undeniably pricey, but equally undeniable is the technical expertise in its design and construction. The pack offers an excellent balance of light weight and durability, in a super clean design that blends easily into a variety…
Our Favorite Japanese Bags Right Now
…ly blends cycle-ready functionality and urban-friendly aesthetics in their designs. The Hatena Stem Bag shows this versatile design in action, doubling as a bag for use both on and off the bike. The multifunctional design serves as a stem bag, saddle bag, or handlebar bag but also includes a shoulder strap to double as a small shoulder bag. The question mark-shaped zipper provides great access, while the water-repellent build protects your gear fr…
Best EDC Finalists – The Seventh Annual Carry Awards
…t, along with accommodating standard international converters. The updated design also now takes just 1.5 turns to open and close, as opposed to the almost 3 turns from the original design. Additionally, a plastic interior part prevents metal on metal contact. And with its classy titanium barrel you get lightweight and enduring elegance for everyday use. _________________________________________________________ ReyLight Triple Ti Dawn Rey Ye, an e…
Best New Gear: September 2018
…some of the slickest urban carry around. Team them up with wings+horns, a designer and manufacturer with a refined blend of Japanese and Canadian design experience, and you’re in for a treat. This collaborative daypack is based on Porter’s Tanker series and is crafted by Porter in Japan using ripstop taffeta and nylon satin side panels. Functional storage complements the pared-back style including external zip pockets, side pockets with snap clos…
Best Men’s Travel Pants 2022
…ike a pair of rustic denim jeans, but gives you all the benefits of modern design. Price: $118 Ruggedly stylish and built to roam, Proof’s Rover Pant strides boldly into adventures near and far. The pants feature a tough canvas fabric with moisture-wicking Sorbtek, offering a great blend of durability and breathability for active wear. And since adventures may require you to leap and bound into action at any moment, the Rover Pant packs in flexibl…
Moment x Strohl Mountain Light 45
…Verdict The Moment x Strohl Mountain Light 45 is an overall impressive new design for Moment; it allowed them to flex their soft-goods design muscles and demonstrate that they are capable of and committed to expanding their portfolio of purpose-built bags. I particularly enjoyed that while the bag was designed around carrying photography gear, it wants you to embrace a “fast and light” mindset and put the experience before the gear in your travels…
Best EDC Champion | Carry Awards X
…ve on you when it’s actually needed. And with its compact, pocket-friendly design, tough and meticulous build, and highly considered functionality, the Prometheus Design Werx SPD CAS OTF is a knife you’ll reach for day in and day out. Effortless to add to your daily setup, the SPD CAS OTF (Special Projects Division California Special Out The Front) is lightweight and includes a titanium pocket clip to keep it out of the way but close at hand. As t…
The Matriarchs Of The Luxury Handbag World
…, you’re on Carryology, but we like to give credit where credit’s due. The design of the Hermès Birkin dates back as far as 1892, with the Louis Vuitton Speedy designed in 1933 and the Chanel 2.55 launched in February 1955. (Conversely, we really dislike the pretentious wank around luxury products but that’s another post for another day – or perhaps another blog). I admit the knowledge of the price tag alone on each of these bags was a challenge t…
15 Essential Gifts for the Bike Commuter
…batteries that provide up to 60 hours of use, and features a weatherproof design for all-season cycling. Topeak Mini 9 Pro Precision Tool (US$ 24.95) Need to make a quick adjustment or repair during your ride? With this handy multitool you won’t be caught unprepared. A choice of 9 tools in a lightweight and compact design makes this a useful and easily portable addition to any ride. Portland Design Works Asteroid USB Headlight (US$ 30) The weathe…
Best New Gear: October 2019
…r 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,…
Best New Gear: March 2020
…y, durability, and understated aesthetics? Look to Momentum’s Smokejumper, designed as a reliable watch for urban and outdoor adventures alike. The low-key design suits a range of day-to-day environments, while the rugged build stands up to active use. The watch combines a titanium case with a leather strap, sapphire crystal and quartz movement. It’s also waterproof up to 100 meters and easily transitions from work to the weekend. Everyday BRIEFIN…
My Favorite Gear for Aquatic Adventures
…e really crisp photos through them. Best Aquatic Adventure Top: Prometheus Design Werx Helios Shirt MSRP: $45 Sailing, canoeing, or kayaking during summer are all about wind, sun, and water spray. The PDW Helios Shirt addresses all of these in a really cool design and dedicated material choice. It’s made of a polyester blend containing about 6% spandex for wearing comfort. It’s semi-relaxed, breathes perfectly, protects from sun (30 UPF factor), a…
The Best All Titanium EDC
…r friendship. We legitimately became pals over many long discussions about design philosophy…and maybe a few dozen plates of delicious Japanese cuisine. Take a look at some of his thoughts on design philosophy over at his blog (“Products Have Souls” and “Quality & Manufacturing“). His most recent addition to his collection, the Flieger Mk. I Titanium, is the pinnacle of his journey into electric torches (until he someday reveals his next brainchil…
The 25 Best Briefcases for Men in 2019
…Léon Flam Aviso (~US$395) Inspired by aviso ships, the Aviso Briefcase is designed with trusty reliability in mind. Offering a thoughtful mix of attractive aesthetics and practical design, the Aviso is handcrafted in France with durable heavy canvas and full-grain leather. The two-way zip closure reveals a vibrant red lining for easy visibility of the contents, with interior sleeves and a zipped pocket for organization. Large enough for a 15″ lap…
The Best ‘Back to School’ Backpacks for Everyday Carry 2018
…ecurity if you want to swap the school haul for sightseeing supplies. Topo Designs Cordura Klettersack (US$189) Topo Designs merge urban and outdoor readiness with their durable and versatile Klettersack. Available in a choice of colorways, this version ups the urban style with a sleek combination of black 1000D Cordura® and black leather detailing. Inside you’ll find a 15″ laptop sleeve, while an exterior flap pocket and side pockets keep frequen…
Design Talk | 2023 Trend Forecast
…n at any time in the past three years. In response to these strange times, design in 2023 is heading in all sorts of directions, all at the same time. For some it’s lit a fire to make up for the lost time, driving trends like GOAT travel. For others, the response has been to focus on the simple things in life. Humble ideas like the backyard office and the Tom Sachs General Purpose Shoe are striking a chord with an audience that’s looking to get ba…
Best New Gear | September 2022
…carry if you want to pair it with wheeled luggage. Photography WaterField Designs Cargo Camera Bag WaterField Designs just introduced their new camera bag, available in your choice of full-grain leather and ballistic nylon or waxed canvas. Designed for mirrorless and DSLR camera setups, the bag is the result of feedback from over 1,000 photographers. It features easy access via an ultra-wide opening, intuitive organization with built-in, adjustab…
15 Compact All-Black EDC Essentials
…lroy’s Key Cover restores carry calm to your pockets with its slim, bifold design that stores keys tidily and clink-free. The cover features a magnetic closure for easy access, and allows keys to hinge out for use. In addition to cutting down your carry bulk, this nifty design also helps protect other pocket contents against key scrapes and scratches. Bellroy Card Sleeve (US$ 54.95) Sleek and slim, the Card Sleeve looks equally suave in work setti…
The Best Travel Shoes for Every Type of Traveler Right Now
…urable TPU sole. This barefoot shoe packs easily in a foldable form and is designed to allow toes to spread for comfort and freedom of movement. Vivobarefoot Primus Lite (US$130) The Primus Lite comes in men’s and women’s sizes and is made with recycled PET mesh for light weight, breathability and comfort. The shoe also features a thin yet tough TPU outsole and a stitchless, durable design that complements the natural shape of the foot for maximiz…
First Look: EVERGOODS CHZ26 and CAP2L
…admirably. I don’t doubt there are myriad ways to utilize this intelligent design to great effect. Nooks and crannies The CAP2L has a curated selection of pockets and zippers. I like the fact that the chaps at EVERGOODS haven’t rammed it with 25 different zips and elastic. Through this design choice, as I alluded to earlier, it is genuinely malleable. If you look at the CAP2L when open, there are two large simple pop pockets that house most of you…
Best EDC Champion | Carry Awards IX
…ffortless to add to your daily setup. A piece you want to use every day. A design that’s built to last, easy and lightweight to carry, and ideally brings a touch of flair too. The Rockwall Thumbstud does all of this in a carefully considered and meticulously executed design that merits its champion status. Congratulations, Tactile Knife Co.! Highly Commended These are the pieces that just missed out, and in most cases, by the smallest of margins….
Carry Innovation :: Interview with Vertepac
…a lot of inspiration from organic structures, street art, concept art, and a bit of Calvin and Hobbes along the way. 😉 And of course the mandatory amount of design blogs like designboom, Core77 and such. Editor’s note: photos provided by Vertepac….
Colfax Design Works TOAD Review
…ns you can shove large and bulky items in here with ease. Being in the bag design game myself for a dozen years or so now, it’s a mind-boggling feat to me that such a small brand can manufacture these bags in the USA. Particularly because of how they manufacture these “military inspired technical travel goods” with high-end materials and expensive (and hard to find) methods of manufacturing within the borders of the US. I’ll say, materials-wise, t…
From Concept to Production :: The Story of the Tortuga Daypack
…isten to this interview for more on finding and working with an industrial designer. Our designer works from the brief to sketch out a few initial concepts. Each concept is a different construction, look, and combination of features. “Before we sketch anything, we outline the product’s mission and requirements. We meticulously map the competitive landscape to avoid duplicating what’s already on the market.” From the initial concepts, we choose one…
4 Awesome Sneaker Backpacks for Travel
…ck is solidly built, with inventive features, spacious compartments, and a design perfect for travel. Pros: Useful features such as the hat sling and zippered bottle pocket Low-profile design fit for any situation Separate compartments for shoes and clothes Most Spacious: Sole Premise Polyester Signature Bag (XL Design) “What a beast of a bag.” This was my first thought when seeing the Signature Bag in person. This bag is for those who love to p…
RYU Refresh Their Performance Apparel and Gear with new Leaf Colorway
…onsiderable pedigree in the high performance apparel industry, with senior designers previously creating products for their compatriots – the behemoth Arc’Teryx. After a few weeks with their products in hand, it’s easy to see that they share the same attention to detail, in both design and manufacturing. Yet, RYU are much more than an offshoot of an established brand, they have their own style, their own functionality, and their own identity. This…