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Week In Review ~ 2 October
…helps you stay hydrated in style. Welcome to the Week In Review… A Swedish/Japanese collab set to make a splash The bags from AS2OV (A Shared Sense Of Value) are a honed blend of functionality and distinct aesthetics. Not surprising considering the brand stems from Taichi Fujimatsu, founder of renowned Japanese carry brand master-piece. Sharing an appreciation for stylish yet functional and versatile form is Swedish premium rainwear brand Stutterh…
Best New Gear: October 2017
…But carry with character is valuable too. And with two collaborations from Japanese textile experts Kiriko, you get both. Kiriko teamed up with North St. Bags to create the attractive and practical NSB X Kiriko Davis Daypack and Pittock Travel Pouches. Useful for everyday and travel needs, these pieces deliver eye-catching style without sacrificing functional design. Additionally, Kiriko has collaborated with Red Clouds Collective on a backpack an…
12 Camo Backpacks and Bags with Serious Street Style
…y classic? There’s plenty to love with this Larkspur collaboration between Japanese brand Natal Design and Rivendell Mountain Works. The US-made pack features a rugged 1000D nylon in duck camo, with a back frame pad for improved structure and comfort. Interior and exterior pockets also enhance the functionality, along with additional attachment points to secure further items externally. Tomas Maier Camo Beach Bag (US$450) Simplicity and luxury com…
Week In Review ~ 31 May
…campaign for more details. New masterpieces from a Japanese carry icon If Japanese bags are your carry craving of choice, get ready to tuck in because world-class carry brand master-piece have dropped the Area line of bags and cases. Constructed using water-repellent Mastertex Canvas and leather, the pieces come in a range of colorways and feature a camouflage print interior with a motif of the Japanese archipelago. Other details include handy ex…
Harvest Label Flyer’s 70XX Backpack Review
…rways of the past as it brings up fond memories and nostalgic moments. The Japanese brand Harvest Label has revisited a discontinued model from their archives to reinvent the Flyer’s 70XX backpack for a modern, urban lifestyle. The Harvest Label Flyer’s 70XX is based on the original Super Harcules series backpack that launched in 1998. This pack drew inspiration from classic military survival vests worn by military pilots. Harvest Label reproduced…
Best New Gear | April 2021
…The Nakamori Shoten x Yosemite Light Mountain Boots straddle the niches of Japanese outdoor gear and streetwear, with outdoor-inspired aesthetics and excellent handcrafted construction. The leather boots offer a considered balance of light weight and durability, with a replaceable Vibram sole so you can keep exploring in these boots for years to come. Snow Peak Active Backpack Type 03 Looking to keep things fast and agile when you’re on the go? Th…
The Mysterious and Elusive Mystery Ranch Scape Artist
…ince 1977). One of these brands that A & F Corp had been importing for the Japanese market, was Mystery Ranch, an instant hit with their outdoor-savvy customers. For A & F’s 40th anniversary celebration, they wanted to do something special… and they reached out to their friend Dana Gleason in Montana. Being the visionaries they are, they worked together with the Mystery Ranch team to take an unlikely pack from their Hunting Collection, and modify…
Stay Warm: The Best Winter Jackets for Men 2021
…ed Length: Waist Notable materials and features: High-quality American and Japanese materials, MiUSA. Why you want it: Classic styling updated with excellent materials, will only get better with age. Why you might not: Not the greatest coverage for ultra-cold days, no hood. In the wild: Huckberry’s in-house brand Flint and Tinder have been producing excellent value MiUSA variants of timeless classics for a few years now, and they continue to impr…
What to Pack for Winter in Tokyo
…or an opinion from ten different people, you’ll get ten different answers. Japanese winters can be very mild and sunny… but can also suddenly turn to extreme wind and freezing temperatures. Japan is an island nation subjected to certain weather variations. So your expectations when selecting your winter wear should be very flexible. In Tokyo, people are definitely open-minded about fashion – but you’ll notice the whole city has extremely good tast…
Best New Gear: February 2021
…lso offer the flexibility for leisure and travel use too. Add their expert Japanese craftsmanship and quality materials to the mix and you can trust these pieces to work hard by your side for years to come. G-SHOCK x PORTER GM-5600EY-1 Yoshida & Co. are one of the most respected names in the industry. Not surprising when you consider the decades of experience they have behind them. And this extensive history is being celebrated with a limited-edit…
Get Comfortable: Best Joggers and Loungers for Men 2020
…rimeflex warp knit fabric, a soft, breathable, and durable fabric from the Japanese textile experts at Toray. A mesh inseam panel also increases the jogger’s stretch, freedom of movement, and breathability. The slim but relaxed silhouette is great for staying comfy during your travels or kicking back at home on the weekends. Plus with a choice of zippered pockets on hand, you’ve got useful secure storage for EDC too. Olivers Bradbury Jogger (US$12…
Arc’teryx Alpha FL 40 Backpack Review
…y in 2020. I literally had to wait almost one year before traveling in the Japanese Alps to test the “climbing specialist” Alpha FL in the environment it deserves. Before putting my hands on this pack for the first time, I was tormented by a conflicting mix of skepticism and an inexplicable desire to own one. I didn’t need this pack. Yet I wanted to be convinced that owning one would be a great idea. Amongst all the packs I’ve owned and debated ow…
Best New Gear: December 2020
…ue 2Way Helmet Bag master-piece have a reputation for carry with distinct, Japanese streetstyle aesthetics, practical designs, and quality construction. All of these features are on display with their Rogue Backpack and Rogue 2Way Helmet Bag. Both bags prioritize convenient access, complemented by useful organization courtesy of a range of quick-access pockets. The bags feature a combination of hard-wearing materials, brought together with expert…
Exclusive Release: Aer x Carryology Tokai Sling
…ok a Carry Awards winner and reimagined what it could be. Inspired by bold Japanese street wear, but balanced it with subtle and tasteful execution. This harmony is what led to the creation of the Tokai (Japanese for “city”). As always, these collabs are limited editions, as we suspect this to sell out quickly. But, as a Carryology reader, you have an exclusive access window of 24 hours until this collab gets revealed across the internet… so act q…
Best New Gear: September 2020
…killer collabs from the likes of Topo Designs joining creative forces with Japanese brands, Nanga and Natal Designs, a flawless all-rounder jacket from the masters at Western Rise, and pocket-worthy EDC in the form of dapper Ti pens and handsome folding knives. Let’s dig in! EDC Dapper Design TL MICRO LED Flashlight This micro flashlight feels like something out of Q brand from the 007 films. It’s small enough to fit onto a keychain (54mm x 25mm)…
Ancoats Bag Company The Tote Review
…mething special out of rolls of fabrics all by himself. This is what makes Japanese soft goods brands so popular – they are primarily made by small teams, often with a master in charge who has know-how and expertise passed down through generations. Such small-scale production is less common nowadays but products that do come out from those workshops are really unique and more importantly, personal. One such manufacturer is Ancoats Bag Company, bas…
Dan Matsuda: a New World of EDC
…oices. The first release ‘Oni’ is a reference to culture and heritage. I’m Japanese American but my family (immediate and extended) are from Hawaii. Culturally my sister and I were raised in a Japanese-Hawaii household, which may sound strange but for anyone who knows what that means it’s definitely a specific culture. I struggled with this growing up. On the mainland I felt like a minority, but on Hawaii I wasn’t accepted as a local (in Japan I’m…
Best Sling Bag Finalists – The Eighth Annual Carry Awards
…quick-access exterior zippered pocket. Fredrik Packers Division Hip Pack Japanese brand Fredrik Packers gets straight down to business with the Division Hip Pack. A compact, no-frills but full-of-function sling that’s lightweight and ideal for carrying smaller loads. The tucked front design allows for added storage space while maintaining a compact form. The bag is crafted in a variety of durable fabrics, letting you tailor your carry to your pr…
Gift Guide | Gifts for Her
…iriko Made Stand-Up Pouch is crafted in Portland, Oregon using traditional Japanese fabrics sourced from Kyoto. Available in a wide range of patterns, the self-standing design provides easy access while an interior pocket offers storage for smaller items. Suitable for everyday or travel use, it’s an attractive pouch to keep your essentials all in one conveniently accessible place. A.P.C. Candle No.4 Orange Blossom (US$55) The enticing orange blo…
Best Insulated Water Bottles to EDC in 2021
…ing makes drinking and filling easy. If you’re looking for a blend of fine Japanese engineering and function, look no further. Snow Peak 500ml Milk Bottle Price: $74.95 Capacity: 17oz Empty Weight: 250g Full Weight: 753g Carryology Credential: Japanese style Snow Peak do make insulated goods too, and if the Titanium bottle isn’t your speed, the 500ml (17oz) Milk Bottle might be! A modern interpretation of the traditional milk bottle, this vacuum i…
Best New Gear | September 2022
…Ecco leather from the Netherlands. In addition, the interior is lined with Japanese microfiber that is both strong and lightweight, adding padded comfort for the iPhone. A raised bump around the rear camera protects the protrusion and the aforementioned vegetable-tanned leather will patina over time, developing a beautiful finish. The cases are available in three colors (Tan, Black, Monaco Blue) and all sizes of the iPhone 14 are supported. Urban…
GORUCK x Carryology | The Lore of Kaidan
…ts”. TRADING OF STORIES, OF KAIDAN “Hungry Ghosts” is a comic based on the Japanese Edo-period game called “Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai”. The quickest explanation of this game is traveling samurai from all corners of the country would cross paths on their adventures and share a small rural shelter along the road before continuing on their quests. Once the sun was fully set and darkness controlled the evening, they would light dozens of candles in th…
Best New Gear | February 2023
…orthy of the GM moniker. The GMX and GMPX are a fusion of Scandinavian and Japanese design with a touch of Persian influence. They feature an integral handle with brass inlay, S90V blade steel, and a titanium backspacer. With a blade length of 3.27″ and a thickness of just 0.14″, the GMX and GMPX are ideal for EDC duties. You might be wondering about the two models. The GMX is limited to 400 pieces and retails for $445 while the GMPX (often referr…
Mystery Ranch X Carryology: The Birth of a Unicorn
…xcitement. So we opened up the history books of Mystery Ranch’s legendary Japanese brand collaborations. The oh-so-sweet Japanese blends of streetwear and Ranch military and outdoor heavyweights. There were several to be inspired by. Some with muted monochrome colorways, some screaming loud like those folks in Harajuku can pull off so well. All these packs drove us absolutely mad with lust and exclusivity. Exclusivity, meaning we would never get…
The Top Gear to Buy in October 2023: Travel, Outdoors, EDC, & More
…e Chang. The Chrome x ALC Capsule Collection blends Chrome’s heritage with Japanese street style and urban living. The capsule features a limited-edition Kadet Sling Bag, Mini Kadet, Ziptop Waistpack, and the new Ruckas Messenger, dished up with custom electric green hardware and trims and a custom ALC-designed liner in electric green or classic black and white. VSSL Nest Pour Over Coffee Kit The founders of VSSL have had one goal in mind from day…
10 Amazing Minimal Travel Essentials, Tested
…ities during your trip. It’s made with a breathable, soft, two-way stretch Japanese Toray twill that keeps you comfortable on the move and a DWR coating helps protect you from spills and showers. You also have a choice of pockets on hand which provide convenient storage for those smaller travel and EDC items you want to keep within easy reach. Outlier OG Free Ways (from US$98) Need a do-it-all pair of shorts? Look to Outlier’s OG Free Ways. These…
17 Amazing AI-Generated Dream Collabs
…AI. And the results are awesome. Check them out below… Issey Miyake x NASA Japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake was well known for his innovative technology-inspired creations, making a collab with NASA a natural fit. ACRONYM x rofmia German technical apparel brand ACRONYM and Japanese clothing and carry brand rofmia both share a passion for high-quality, technical construction and modern aesthetics, making a collab a highly intriguing prospect….
Exclusive Release | Foursevens x Carryology Preon P1 Onibi
…we wanted to level up and engrave the cylinder. For this, we opted for the Japanese geometric asanoha pattern, which represents strength and vitality. But would it be possible? Laser engraving or engraving on a cylinder is incredibly difficult and time-consuming (AKA expensive). We went through many iterations and found laser engraving left rough edges (earlier Preons had a rough machined texture on the body affectionately known as “the pocket gr…
Foursevens x Carryology Preon P1 Onibi
…we wanted to level up and engrave the cylinder. For this, we opted for the Japanese geometric asanoha pattern, which represents strength and vitality. But would it be possible? Laser engraving or engraving on a cylinder is incredibly difficult and time-consuming (AKA expensive). We went through many iterations and found laser engraving left rough edges (earlier Preons had a rough machined texture on the body affectionately known as “the pocket gr…
Inside Snow Peak Brooklyn
A Japanese lifestyle and Outdoor Brand, Snow Peak are favourites of not only the staff at Carryology, but the carry community at large. Sleek lines, thought provoking designs, and supreme functionality are at the forefront of Snow Peak’s design philosophy, and that is epitomised in their new flagship store in Brooklyn. After visting their PNW HQ in Portland a few years ago, we stopped by to take a peek at their East Coast home. From the moment yo…