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9 Awesome Designers to Follow on Instagram
…products do you specialize in? Softgoods, accessories, daypacks, luggage, bike bags, outdoor packs…basically anything you use to organize your everyday essentials or that helps you get outside and enjoy your active life. What have you worked on that you’re proud of and can share with our community? As a whole, I’m really proud of the work I’ve done under the Thule brand over the last 11 years. I started working for Thule in 2012 when they were mo…
Week In Review ~ 13 March
…for the week day, weekend and getaways You could say Timbuk2 was born on a bike, but they know how to take care of your work and travel carry needs too. A host of new releases have you covered for the office, weekend getaways, bike rides and lazy Sunday strolls alike. The Lux Collection aimed at female cyclists includes the Lux Waterproof Pannier and the Lux Waterproof Backpack. The Especial Collection also has two new additions for cyclists, incl…
Drive By :: Platypus Siouxon Hydration Pack
…brand’s edge on the competition by being the best-fitting women’s mountain bike pack I’ve ever worn, hands down. I won my Platypus Siouxon in a raffle at a volunteer trail work party. I was fairly pleased with the CamelBak Day Star I’d been riding with before but figured since the Siouxon was bike specific (the Day Star is a more general purpose ‘outdoors’ pack) and didn’t smell like the inside of a gym bag, I’d give it a shot. My first few rides…
Road Tests :: Côte&Ciel Isar Rucksack (SXSW ’13 edition)
…ppered pockets (shown below). This was used for all the extra stuff; keys, bike lights, bike multitool, wristbands, badges, tube patch kit, etc. Peace of mind to know that all my important stuff was tucked away into one zippered pocket that would be nearly impossible for anyone else to access while wearing the pack on my back, due to the bag’s unusual access to the front compartment. Additionally, the dual main compartments (separated by a triple…
3 Questions :: Archival Clothing
…ck, flat kit, and all the other necessities. My buddies and I also like to bike out to Flushing to load up on Chinese groceries; it’s pretty fun to bike home with a giant bundle of greens poking out of the backpack (and ten pounds of rice as ballast)! 2. What’s your go-to travel bag? I always carry a backpack since I like two straps for hauling my giant laptop around, so the Roll Top comes with me everywhere I go. But if it’s a longer trip, I add…
Drive By :: Henty Wingman Backpack
…Henty has a proposed answer in the Wingman Backpack – a well-built, hardy bike bag that promises to do it all, but how did it fare? Who it suits Working professionals who commute by bike and need a way to prevent suits and/or shirts looking like they’ve already been worn for a week before they’ve even got to the office. Who it doesn’t suit People who need a work bag that looks slick in any situation. The Wingman’s sporty look will stand out in a…
Showstoppers: The Best Gear from Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2019
…e was the new Thule RoundTrip Bike Duffel 550L. Basically it’s a duffel (that can be worn with a shoulder strap), that features interior organization to hold a toolbox worth of bike tools, bike gear, helmets, and shoes. For anyone traveling often with a bike, this is an incredibly awesome piece of carry….
Haglöfs HQ Visit
…e able to use the same backpack for back and forth to work, and be able to bike commute, or go on a mountain bike trip after work.” It’s clear that Haglöfs have a handle on what makes for excellent outdoor gear, but aside from seasoned expertise, an awesome work environment and 100 years in the game, I’m curious what their secret is. “I don’t think there’s a 100% safe recipe…‘cause you never know when a product really nails it. It’s timing, it’s l…
Week In Review ~ 4 October
…ment, so you’re all set wherever the wanderlust leads you. Timbuk2 wheels in luxe ladies’ carry Timbuk2 have built up a solid reputation in the world of urban cycling bags, but their Femme collection takes a distinct detour from the trail of what’s come before. Adding a luxury twist to women’s bike carry, the collection avoids putting the breaks on your daily schedule by conveniently coasting from the bike to the office and after-work drinks. Focu…
New Contributor | James Jeffrey
…urely my stuff is being kept as I stand then sit then jostle then squeeze. Commuting like this can have you standing the whole way, scoring that lucky seat for the full journey, or every combination of standing sitting, being on an empty train and being packed in like the line for the last keg on earth is possible. An interesting thing about designing bags is that I have not had to consider purchasing a bag for years. Whether on loan from other ba…
Week In Review ~ 7 August
…the Week In Review… – Modern styling on the move Flexibility is key with a commuting bag. Whether you’re carrying extra work documents or gym gear, your bag should be able to adapt to changing carry loads. Of course, it should look the part too – and that’s where the new Everlane Modern Commuter Backpack comes in. The versatile unisex design offers a clean exterior that suits work and play environments. But take a closer look and you’ll find no sh…
Road Tests :: Lexdray Tokyo Pack
…I use the key rings to hold flash drives and keys I don’t need daily (e.g. bike lock, laptop security lock, safe) but want with me. – Niggles Design of certain compartments: There are some compartments that still need a little resolving. For example, the zippered compartment directly behind the pens… If you use the pen slots, the top of the pens will interfere with the operation of the zipper. This is not a big deal and sure, you can just bend the…
Week In Review ~ 4 August
…busy day at work followed by a workout. The Henty Wingman is suitable for commuting by bike and is also suitable for train and airport travel purposes. We’re split on the overall vibe of it, but it is a handy approach. Biomechanics and Backpacks If you haven’t checked it out yet, our Biomechanics and Backpacks series takes a look at an interesting design concept by Bergans of Norway to facilitate greater freedom of movement whilst wearing a pack….
Specialist Carry Medical | Pack for Sheep
…s change the carry world? Just check out a new bag they have done for Slicks in the UK. After seeing the above medical pack, does this look at all familiar? It’s a pack for bike commuting to the office, where the medications bladder has been swapped for a suit carrier. Nice looking pack hey……
Best Sustainable Backpacks for EDC
…ccess pocket for small items. The front also offers a hidden reflector and bike light attachment to help keep you visible in low-light conditions. Truce Sailcloth Daypack (US$249) Truce gives hard-working sailcloth a new lease on life by upcycling it into practical pieces like the Sailcloth Daypack. It’s made in the USA with an upcycled Dacron woven sailcloth for excellent durability and weather resistance. And due to the nature of the material, e…
Road Tests :: Osprey Flap Jack | Part 2
…but looks matte otherwise. There’s also an attachment point for a blinking bike light. These two things show that Osprey is catering towards the bicycle commuter. The inside front compartment has a few webbed pouches, one labeled with a set of headphones. There are cord guides that lead out of the pack over the top of one of the shoulder straps. This places your earbuds right at ear level. I did not try this out since I prefer to hold my MP3 playe…
The 10 Best Durable ‘Buy it for Life’ Bag Brands
…nal cost. Chrome Industries “Chrome makes great bags. I use a backpack for commuting and one of the shoulder straps was coming apart at the seam. I thought I would have to ship it to California for repair and go without a backpack for weeks. I called the Chrome Hub in Portland and they said they could fix it right there on site. And they gave me a loaner bag, same style as the one I was having repaired. Great service.” – Andy C. For over two decad…
How to Choose a Well-Designed Backpack, According to Designers
…ys first focused on the internal architecture. Having clean separation for commuting, work, and play is key and something you don’t want mixed up throughout the day. For example, commuters want basic weather protection and easy accessibility for the random conditions you encounter, so TPU-coated materials and WR zippers on face-forward pocketing and quick-access pockets for your phone and keys are essential. When entering your work space you need…
Drive By :: Timbuk2 Prospect Laptop Backpack
…the train, or a day hike out on the trail. With its waterproof design even bikers in Portland will be confident riding all winter long. The Prospect is obviously made to withstand nature’s wrath and anything else that might get in its way. Who It Doesn’t If you’re not planning on being exposed to the elements any time soon you can probably find a lighter or more fashionable bag elsewhere. Also, if you find yourself carrying boxy items on a regular…
Outdoor Retailer Summer 2016 :: Recap Part III
…The Scrambler RT is a 20L backpack with a rolltop design that is meant for commuting, hiking, and biking. It also features trekking pole loops, weighs just 14oz and is priced at $110. Last but not least, the OutDry Duffel is a humongous 75L bag and serves as a single-bag solution for large expeditions. It actually comes in three sizes but it’s unclear what the other two are. The 75L is priced at $180. Fjällräven The Swedish outdoors company was ou…
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Metro Pack Review
…ck fit for urban ramblings. After carrying the Metro Pack for a few months commuting by bike, around town, and up to trailheads on the weekends, I’m a big fan of what Hyperlite has done with this bag. However, I’ve also learned that the Metro Pack really only makes sense for a specific range of carry. Keep inside this scope and the bag is incredible, but carry too far outside of what it’s designed for and the weight and looks of the Metro Pack wil…
Best New Gear: September 2018
…nd the Kota Camera Strap. The 30L Raja Photo Pack is an adaptable pack for commuting, camera gear and weekend adventures. It accommodates a variety of interchangeable front panels called Threads, allowing you to easily alter the bag’s aesthetics while supporting a variety of textile artisans. The pack provides front and side access to camera gear, a range of dividers and organization pockets, as well as a laptop pocket. The pack also has separate…
The Best Waxed Canvas Backpacks in 2023
…r the office and tough enough to tackle after-hours pursuits on foot or by bike. Made in the USA with American-made 10 oz. waxed canvas, the weatherproof pack is backed by a lifetime guarantee and offers a range of pockets to keep your gear neat on the go. In addition, the Sanction also features Mission Workshop’s Arkiv® closure system and can be customized with Arkiv® accessories on the shoulder straps. Trakke Bannoch Backpack (~US$340) We’re big…
Best New Gear: March 2021
…and have quite a bit of stretch. They’re ideal for everyday use, climbing, bike commuting, or other activities which require freedom of movement. The Motion Top Pants are for more technically focused pursuits and all models come in men’s and women’s options. Snow Peak x TONEDTROUT Japanese camping specialists Snow Peak have teamed up with fellow countryman Masakazu Fukuyama and his fishing brand TONEDTROUT for their latest capsule collection. With…
Best New Gear: January 2018
…d travel settings with only one bag in tow. Brooks England Discovery Range Commuting by bike is great for your fitness, but not always so great for your gear when showers strike. But the new Discovery Range from Brooks England has you well covered. The collection features five stylish commuter bags that look sharp in work settings, while also offering thoughtful features for the commute such as weatherproof materials, YKK AquaGuard zippers, and re…
Best New Gear: October 2020
…15L). RMU Outdoors didn’t set out to solve one problem regarding mountain bike carry (both while mountain biking and traveling to/from your mountain bike destination). Interested in having a deeper look? Pop over to their Indiegogo right now. Snow Peak x Rumpl NanoLoft Takibi Blanket Two Portland-based powerhouses have teamed up, drawing on the strengths of each company, to design the NanoLoft Takibi, a fire-resistant blanket perfect for your out…
Week In Review ~ 31 August
…ht pack that won’t weigh you down, whether you’re a competitor riding to a bike race or a commuter who travels on two wheels? Well that’s exactly what Timbuk2 has created in collaboration with the founder of the Red Hook Criterium bike race. The Red Hook Crit Travel Backpack has shoulder straps that can be tucked out of sight when not in use, as well as top and side grab handles. Rather than a top-loading design, the main compartment can be zipped…
Trakke Wee Lug Cobra Review
…ust and should be included out of the box. The Wee Lug’s design always had bike messengers in mind and if you’ve ever ridden a bike with a messenger bag you know how it tends to shift its position to the side. Securing it with a stabilizer strap becomes a necessity and I feel like it’s an omission not to add this strap as part of the default configuration. Design and Features What I love about Trakke is that there are zero gimmicks with their prod…
Orucase Janus Duffel 50 Review
…, and decently padded. Perfect for short hikes with gear or if you’re on a bike. It is ambidextrous and includes a stabilizer strap so it doesn’t constantly try to shift around. The attachment points comprise D-rings and spring gates made by Woojin plastic. The Not So Good There are only a few points I can think of in terms of less-than-ideals. One would be the zippers that wrap around the bottom of the bag for the side pocket gussets, but Orucase…
Backpacks, Outdoor Gear and EDC | The Best Products to Buy from April 2024
…mon venture into the world of daily carry and routines both on and off the bike. The collaboration features the Aero Glide 2 shoe and the ACS Daypack, practical pieces that can venture between urban and outdoor use while offering functional performance inspired by trail running. The pack provides a water-repellent roll-top closure, storage for a 15″ laptop, and quick-access storage for a soft flask, while the shoe features a high stack midsole for…