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Road Tests :: Mission Workshop VX / R8 Arkiv Field Pack
…han MW generally provide, but was slowly getting used to the ‘chuck it in’ approach to pocketing. – The Good Getting it dialed If you can get a configuration dialed into your needs, it’s a great backpack. It looks good in both a workplace vibe and an adventure vibe. It is interesting without shouting, and it holds up well with a variety of loads. I really enjoy using it. – Versatility This is a proper Everyday Water Proof pack (EDWP2), which will…
A Carry Awakening
…ne. To do that you typically narrow your focus and go deep. So why is this approach no longer working for me with bags? Maybe a touch of background… Patagonia is a pretty rad hub for talent. In a world of excess they repeatedly cut through the mess and help us see a better way. Years ago they influenced me to buy a fancy waterproof jacket. It’s not a ski jacket, or an ice-climbing jacket, but rather a versatile shell that can protect you during al…
Best Active Backpack Finalists – Second Annual Carry Awards
…fully, they’re back on top and progressing quickly. The “balance body bag” approach is at their core, which they’ve spent more time researching and understanding than most brands spend on Facebook. It reduces fatigue, allows a more upright posture, and has excellent flexibility in load amounts. This is amazing stuff that the world should know about. Kelty PK 50 Admittedly, the PK 50 is larger that what we’d normally throw into this category but…
Week In Review ~ 3 July
…ll into the category of fast fashion. But Dereks doesn’t believe in a fast approach that results in uninspiring and discardable designs. Instead this small workshop carefully crafts each piece by hand, building bags that are made to last with hard-wearing waxed canvas. Intriguing silhouettes team up with versatile designs that lend themselves to a variety of everyday, outdoor and travel uses. Discover the Dereks range here. Tuck flexible EDC into…
Meru :: First Ascent of the Shark’s Fin
…s so little intel on the route that they had to take a more ‘siege tactic’ approach to their ascent. “Their gear was heavier than usual and they carried more supplies given the complete lack of beta about the wall.” “The Meru peak had remained an elusive first ascent for good reason. It’s described as the ‘Anti-Everest.’ There are no Sherpa teams to set rope, it’s remote with no basecamps for support, and up until Meru it had very little internati…
Specialist Carry :: Expedition Documentarian
…parture. The way I use almost all of my equipment is based on that kind of approach. Very systematic. Yes, exactly. I tend to be – it might sound a bit surprising – but, I tend to be very chaotic. I enjoy Jackson Pollock paintings. For me to become professional, I thought I had to become very precise in my end use of equipment. One aspect of my artistic background that brought me to that is my training in etching. I studied prints and etching when…
Green Guide: How Brands Are Working Towards Sustainability
…s them to find new methods of reduction. Theoretically the Climate Neutral approach could lead to brands developing materials that reduce emissions but are detrimental to water pollution or other issues. This is a decision that Austin is happy to make “emissions are the largest globally unregulated environmental problem” and “we’re not going to have to worry about polluting water if there is no water, and there will be no water in some parts of th…
Best Sustainable Backpacks for EDC
…ust bring classic style to the table with this pack but also a sustainable approach to your daily carry. The Classic Backpack is available in a durable, water-resistant polyester made from recycled plastic bottles. The clean aesthetics slip easily into work settings and downtime environments too, while thoughtful organization ensures all your gear is conveniently accessible when you need it. The pack has dedicated pockets for a 15″ laptop and iPad…
Incase Bionic: The Most Well-Rounded Sustainable Carry System?
…ler tech. The sleeve is nicely padded while maintaining a sleek, no-frills approach. I much prefer this sleeve compared to my standard Incase sleeve from about ten years ago that feels like a pillow now. There’s a single large accessory pocket on the front which seems large enough to fit full-sized documents. The zipper pulls for this pocket as well as the main compartment are really simple but have the Incase and Bionic logos, one on each side. T…
Best Travel Luggage – The Eighth Annual Carry Awards
…r. So Copenhagen-based PROJECTKIN was founded to pursue a more sustainable approach to travel, starting with before you’ve even stepped out your front door. The KIN Carry-on is a highly innovative carry-on suitcase with a biodegradable shell made from a combination of flax and bioplastics, specifically PLA made from fermented corn starch. However, you’re not sacrificing durability for sustainability as the suitcase has been rigorously tested to en…
Best Camera Bag Finalists – The Eighth Annual Carry Awards
…ns strong, with bluesign® fabrics and manufacturing saluting a sustainable approach to construction too. Moment Rugged Camera Sling Moment make some of the best smartphone lenses around and have built up a strong community of photographers and filmmakers. So it makes sense they’d want to help that community carry their gear, while still enjoying the freedom to roam in pursuit of that next epic shot. And that’s what the Moment Rugged Camera Sling e…
Best Active Messenger Bag Finalists – The Eighth Annual Carry Awards
…he best way to tackle changing carry needs is by embracing a modular carry approach. And Jakarta-based ORBITGear offer a modular system that will rise to the challenge of ever-changing needs like a pro. The M100 Config System 2 features their M100 messenger as a base, partnered with their quick-release AXIS Sling and a range of modular components that enable increased capacity and customized organization as required. The system comes with a set of…
Best Accessory Finalists – The Eighth Annual Carry Awards
…re bulky and often take up a lot of space. So Peak Design took a different approach in creating their Travel Tripod, rethinking what the category could be and achieve. The highly considered design not only packs down to the diameter of a water bottle, but is also super easy to set up and pack down. It features secure yet quick camera release, a stowable mobile phone mount, and a pro-ready build with a 20lb weight capacity. And with eye level, low…
Best New Gear: July 2019
…ter? Words that aptly sum up The Brown Buffalo’s design philosophy. And an approach deftly applied to the Conceal Backpack V3. A pack that has been honed for even better functionality, versatility and durability. Available in a choice of burly fabrics, the pack welcomes improved pocketing and adaptable organization including a removable laptop sleeve that converts into a shoulder bag, as well as a removable Porterpen Pouch. Sleek on the outside an…
Moment Launch Impressive New Camera Sling
…mera gear. However, the Rugged Camera Sling takes a unique and sustainable approach to weather protection. It’s made with NorthPak, a tough and waterproof fabric crafted from 100% recycled polyester fiber and film. Made by the sailcloth experts at North Sails, the fabric results in significantly less CO2 emissions than manufacturing virgin nylon or polyester fabric. Adding to the protection are water-resistant YKK zippers, ensuring your gear stays…
Human Interface: a Guide to Backpack Harness Innovation
…more airplane crashes? Like most wartime innovations, these newly applied approaches to the human body, along with advancements in manufacturing and materials, eventually filtered down to the design of everyday products like backpacks. Wayne Gregory, founder of Gregory backpacks said, “you don’t carry a pack, you wear it.” Let’s take a look at how these innovations were applied. Back Bends In 1908, Bergans of Norway introduced the first pack fr…
Our Beginners Guide to the Best Used Gear on the Planet
…idn’t quite work for you. Buying gear secondhand is a more budget-friendly approach that allows you to tweak setups and swap out items while keeping your spending down. It can be just as easy as buying new gear With many marketplaces available online you have access to a global marketplace of quality secondhand gear, easily purchasable from the comfort of your own home. And if you’re buying, selling or swapping in person you can meet up for a gear…
Could Liquid Crystal Polymer Be the Next Evolution in Pack Cloth?
…of any deal-breaking traits. Take for example ripstop, which was an early approach to reduce weight and maintain strength. Gord explains how a small issue with the finish quickly snowballed, “A typical approach in the ’90s was to double up the Nylon yarns to create a ripstop, that made the fabric bumpy and reduced the effective density of the weave. That made it harder to coat, which meant you needed more coating. It flexed more and created leaks…
Lundhags Gneik 34 Backpack Review
…ture – so for a company with such a heritage and Scandinavian eco-friendly approach this material is a great choice. And as I said, it’s tough! In the last four months of frequent use I didn’t notice ANY tear, rip or even pronounced surface scratch. All the webbing is polyester and super tough too. Last but not least, almost all the buckles (including the central waist buckle) are made of aircraft grade aluminum for strength and low weight. To sum…
Black Mile Mile One Travel Bag Review
…– this is premium stuff. The Good The overall design takes the minimalist approach with the bag devoid of any logos, pops of color, or anything that would draw attention to the bag itself. For one bag travel, this is an important detail to minimize unwanted eyeballs and to help keep belongings safe. Let’s start with the key feature and construction of the bag using Dyneema, an incredibly lightweight and exceptionally strong fabric. The material i…
Thule Upslope 35L Review
…e unique pack when it comes to looks. It has a unique function before form approach, which gives this exceptionally well wearing pack a sci-fi look, especially when the waist pockets are packed full, flaring out like little wings. I have received quite a few comments on how strange the pack appears, especially because large 1.5 Nalgene sized waist pockets throw off the proportions of the traditional silhouette. I have also received equally as many…
Best Accessory Finalists – The Seventh Annual Carry Awards
…room in your bag. But Thule’s Subterra PowerShuttle Mini takes a different approach, offering a slim and sleek design that’s easy to store in a bag without taking up much space. The slim design is also handy for stashing in airplane seat pockets so travel essentials remain easily accessible. The case provides a variety of pockets and elastic loops to store small items tidily. And with its clamshell opening you can easily reach items throughout the…
Top 5: Best Sling Bag 2020
…” is quite fitting with its minimalistic and sleek style. The black tonal approach ensures that the sling is more of an accessory that complements your outfit rather than an all-out fashion statement. This is a perfect companion if you’re looking for a daily EDC solution without breaking the bank, as it’s priced reasonably at US$75.00. Overall, this is a solid choice for someone looking for a minimalist everyday carry solution for just their da…
Beginner’s Guide to Winter Mountaineering
…e going mountaineering. Running spikes or walking spikes are great for the approach phase or in the valley. They say that what you carry on foot weighs four times more than in a pack, and that is true. With crampons on your boots, you have to lift about an additional pound with each single step. So on a long approach it’s much better to put lightweight runner’s spikes on your boots and save crampons for technical terrain only. It adds some additio…
The Best Mechanical Pencils to EDC in 2021
…ught in the paper, despite being so thin. The DelGuard takes a two-pronged approach, through the clever use of springs and either extending the lead guard or allowing the lead to retreat when there is too much vertical or diagonal pressure. The Kuru Toga has a system that allows the lead to constantly rotate as you write, making sure you have an even tip! With all that said, if you’re ready to dive in, this is a curated list of the best mechanical…
Carry Awards X Top 5 | Best Work Backpack
…ind a zipper pocket and two slip pockets for organisation. It’s an elegant approach to access and I’ve enjoyed using it immensely. There is also a g-hook on the front of the bag with cotton webbing to cinch down and shrink the size of the bag based on what you are carrying. Carl Friedrik have made the leather backpack sexy again with the City Hopper. This isn’t just a bag that relies on great materials, even though they are incredible! This is a t…
Buyer’s Guide: the Best Custom Backpack and Bag Makers
…the durability for outdoor use. But Alpin Mountain Co. takes the opposite approach, creating bags made for alpine use but pared back for a cleaner, understated aesthetic that transitions into urban settings. Handy when it’s time to duck off the trail for a supply restock or swap out the ski slopes for a warming drink by a toasty fire. As they like to say, mountain DNA with urban minimalism. Based in Truckee, California, the brand makes their gear…
Brand Radar | 10 Brands You Need to Know
…ap among others. norda Can’t find something you want? Make it yourself. An approach adopted by the founders of Canadian brand norda. Having spent their careers in the shoe industry but unable to find the “perfect” trail running shoe, norda’s founders decided to make it themselves. A quest that eventually resulted in the brand’s debut shoe model, the norda 001, offering superior grip with light weight. However, not only did they want to create a be…
Black Ember’s Citadel | A Masterclass in Modern Backpack Design
Black Ember has consistently set itself apart with its innovative approach to bag design and they’ve been a favorite of our community for a number of years – especially those looking for something just a bit different. The latest additions to their lineup, the Citadel 18 and Citadel 25, exemplify the brand’s commitment to merging sleek aesthetics with unparalleled functionality. The Citadel 18 and Citadel 25 impress with their minimalist yet soph…
Meet the Maker | What Happened Interview
…sign flaws in the industry, often due to the wrong choice of materials. My approach to designing gear is shaped by these experiences. Do you have any materials you particularly enjoy working with? Are there any materials you’ve found quite challenging to work with? In terms of materials, I have a strong preference for ULTRA by Challenge Sailcloth, which forms the backbone of my backpack designs. Occasionally, I also incorporate laminated Dyneema….