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Turn Your Backpack into a Camera Bag with These Inserts
…of the best tailormade camera cube and camera insert options for everyday backpacks. Ready for a range of loads and budgets, they’ll help protect your precious camera gear wherever the picture leads you… Koolertron Shockproof DSLR Camera Insert (US$19.99) Camera protection doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. This Koolertron DSLR Camera Insert is a budget-friendly option that can fit inside a variety of bags. The padded insert and dividers help p…
8 Experimental Makers That Should Be on Your Radar
…ign. The brand is based in London and plays all over the carry space, from backpacks and messengers, to shoulder bags and sacoches, using a distinct monochrome color palette. Ben makes each piece by hand using a variety of materials such as X-Pac, nylon, Tyvek, and waxed cotton. And then experiments in reflective fabrics and a wide use of mesh makes for super interesting offerings. Intended uses range from EDC to cycling and ultralight hiking, wit…
This X-Pac Shoulder Bag Adds Access to Your Backpack Game
…Surface series of bags can be worn either as shoulder bags or attached to backpacks to create a chest pack. Slim and exceptionally lightweight, the bags are great options when you want to keep frequently used essentials or valuables secure yet accessible on the move. And since they’re so light and compact, it’s easy to store them in a larger bag (such as a travel pack or hiking pack) or a jacket pocket until you need them. Plus with their pleated…
The 10 Best Camera Bags 2018: Messengers and Slings
…on, more load stability, and greater comfort over extended periods of use. Backpacks are good for longer photography sessions and for the most part can more easily accommodate a variety of loads versus a messenger or sling which is generally smaller. However, they can be bulky in crowded spaces and make it difficult to access gear quickly. Not necessarily a problem in open outdoor environments or when you can take your time with a shot, but not id…
Best New Gear: February 2019
…s for business and travel including wheeled luggage, laptop briefcases and backpacks, travel satchels, travel kits and more. Gerber ComplEAT Tired of inefficient sporks mucking up dining time on your camping trips? The Gerber ComplEAT aims to provide a more functional alternative. The ComplEAT includes a fork, spoon, spatula, and 4-function multi-tool that serves as a bottle opener, can opener, vegetable peeler and package opener. Plus you can com…
A Minimal Leather Backpack Perfect for Everyday
…to serve him well in founding his own brand. You see, that love of leather backpacks had never left Shane. So he decided to do something about it, researching the leather backpack market and designing and ordering samples. And while it took time and tweaking, he was eventually able to bring his idea to life. A leather backpack that exudes quality and elegance, performs well in a variety of everyday environments and tasks, and doesn’t come with an…
Hall of Fame | Carry Awards VII
…p onto city streets. The clamshell design was inspired by military medical backpacks that allow quick access to gear. But Jason had no idea how to design backpacks and bring his ideas to life. So he placed an ad for a backpack designer, fortuitously answered by Wookey Design Studio. They understood Jason’s requirements for military-grade quality and efficient functionality. And following a number of iterations, a workable prototype was created. A…
NYC Agenda and Capsule Show Recap
…was hit by a car at night. There are several styles in the line including backpacks and duffel bags. They’ve even created smaller styles for kids. The backpack below with the dots on it is actually a mesh overlay that adds a cool feel to the pack. This is a mini duffel. This is their rolltop offering; it looks to be built really well and a large portion of the bag is reflective. A new brand to hit the States is Indispensable. Hailing from Japan,…
Best New Gear: March 2021
…n a range of urban day-to-day carry needs. Everyday REHOSE BUDDY 22 and 30 Backpacks Martin, a former firefighter and founder of REHOSE, has introduced a new EDC pack called the BUDDY. Available in two sizes, 22L and 30L, the EDC-focused backpacks are single compartment bags with an emphasis on ease of organization and access. The packs are made of X-Pac VX42 with your choice of a variety of interior colors. There are two metal stays in the rear w…
Best New Gear | August 2021
…ling Commute Collection. The H.A.W.G. Commute 30L and M.U.L.E. Commute 22L backpacks have been carefully designed to offer CamelBak’s rugged durability with urban-ready functionality. Commuters benefit from lightweight yet tough and weather-resistant designs that will protect their gear while still allowing them to move comfortably on a bike. Designed to provide the breathable comfort that cycle commuters need, with clever visibility for added saf…
Best New Gear | January 2023
…more; choose accordingly. Regardless of the volume you choose, the Travel Backpacks are designed to fit nearly everyone. They use a height-adjustable, gender-neutral suspension system with shoulder straps that move up and down to fit your body, and an adjustable hip belt to take the weight off your shoulders. The new Travel Backpacks support laptops up to 16 inches, tablets up to 12.9 inches, are made with SHELL200, and feature YKK zippers and Wo…
Best New Gear | April 2023
…a crossbody or waist bag but can also secure to any of MW’s Arkiv® Modular Backpacks (through an optional four-piece clip set) and also double as a pouch inside a larger bag. The sling is made from X-Pac in four colorways and uses YKK AquaGuard zippers. The waist belt tucks away when not in use and a choice of interior organization keeps small items tidy on the go. Able Carry Daybreaker 2 The Hong Kong-based premium backpack brand Able Carry just…
Week In Review ~ 10 January
…Dual 36L, weighing in at 1.9 lbs., 2.8 lbs. and 3.3 lbs. respectively. The backpacks find the balance between minimal weight and durable functionality, offering side panel access without having to remove the bag, space for both camera and personal gear, plus a pocket for a laptop, tablet or hydration bladder. Each bag accommodates a tripod and comes with a raincover. In addition, the Dual 25L and Dual 36L also feature a removable camera compartmen…
Alternatives: Brands like Herschel Supply Co?
Let’s be real, Herschel Supply Co. backpacks are the most popular backpacks on the planet right now. There’s no denying it. You’ll spot them on every corner, from Singapore to NYC. But when a brand gets as big and ubiquitous as Herschel, there’s the inevitable ‘push back’. Essentially, folks don’t want to be carrying what everyone else is carrying. That means you’re one of the herd, and that’s not cool. And judging by our inbox and emails with th…
Week In Review ~ 5 July
…ix PH-2 backpack were designed with women in mind. The construction of the backpacks is based off steamer bags, with a vegetable-tanned leather featuring an aged aesthetic that conjures images of adventure and old-world charm. Sling one of these packs over your shoulder and all thoughts of work will be left behind in the quest to get exploring. Surviving the journey to capture the destination Fierce wildlife and grueling natural environments are n…
Carry Trainspotting at SXSW ’13
…ooking elsewhere for carry, and discovering legit carry-focused brands. 4) Backpacks win. Messengers, even less than in previous years. I’d estimate that 80% of the carry at SX had two shoulder straps. GR1 spotted. Guy was Marketing Director for some huge record label, forget which one. Also- this was at the “Mashable House” SX Party, where I met GRUMPY CAT just a few minutes after snapping this shot. Actual African cheetah fur. Some girl’s grandm…
A Carry Adventure through Portugal Part II :: Ina Koelln and the New Breed
…quality. Few are working with cork the way Koelln is. Her range of unisex backpacks, totes and laptop cases are highly unique, and stick out in the marketplace. I took a particular liking to her black ‘Walt’ backpacks: sleek and stealthy, and ultra-easy on the eye. Koelln’s experimentation with innovative fabric doesn’t end at cork. “Next week I’ll have the new bags, made of vegetable-tanned leather and fish skin,” she said. She showed us a few s…
Road Tests :: Chrome Ivan Roll-Top Part 1 & 2
…fer in some messenger bags, this has remained all too rare in the world of backpacks (which usually look more like a Christmas tree). The Chrome looks like a great European jacket, which ticks a big box for me. – Durability: While you may pay a small price in weight, you win it back in durability. These packs should last longer than your cat. There’s over-sized components, large amounts of bar-tacking for reinforcement, and plenty of care in the s…
Backpack Shapes & Functions
…erent backpacks. Have you noticed how many different shapes and sizes that backpacks come in? It’s pretty awesome. To help classify a few different shapes and hopefully provide some clarity on it all, we’ve gotten our lead designer (monkey on rollerblades) to lay up a real neat looking infographic about the different shapes and their functions they provide. Come take a peek… for a larger version of the above image, click here Backpack shapes illus…
Outdoor Retailer Show Wrap-Up
…with full confidence. Their collection of full-featured lightweight hiking backpacks are easily within my favorite top 3 in the entire industry. Simple, durable as nails, feature-driven packs with a strong growing cult following. The tactical collection they showed was my favorite product family/collection at OR, and shows some brilliant problem solving for seriously tough applications. Read up on what goes into their military packs, there is way…
9 Amazing Bags Available Now
…, but won’t leave you feeling like a victim when strawberry shortcake pink backpacks make a return. Messengers: Mission Workshop VX Messenger The MW guys are killing it. After setting up and then selling Chrome Bags, they’ve continued on evolving their ideas into some really sweet formats. Their Rummy Messenger has started a format that will be copied by many, and now their Advanced Projects range takes this format to another level of fabrics and…
Road Tests :: 5.11 Tactical RUSH 24 Backpack
…ality well-made bags and packs. Sure, some factories crank out $10 WalMart backpacks that are full of cheap polyester and PVC, but some of the factories focus on serious technical construction. For this example, the latter is true. I’m not saying I don’t love my “made in USA” products, but “made in China” is right up there and should not be discredited. Is the RUSH 24 (2,000 cu in) right for you? I’d say it is just right for me and my EDC needs. D…
Week In Review ~ 1 September
…back to school backpacks. We’re putting together our own guide for school backpacks but it’s always good to get some comparisons going. Suffice it to say these backpacks are great – if you’re absolutely loaded and prefer style over practicality. Now to be fair, the link is aimed at campus students rather than school kids and they don’t all cost enough to keep you in pizza for a year but still…what happened to the stereotype of broke students scro…
Carry Retail Segments :: Cycling & Street
…t there’s a lot of action in the T-Level department, with a wide choice of backpacks, messengers, totes, casual bags and waist bags. You can read WHEREHOUSE’s international order guide here and check out the T-Level Infinity Rolltop pack below. Plus if the video isn’t enough of a fix, find more cyclist-oriented videos and images here. Wiggle Wiggle is an online retailer of bike parts and cycle accessories. The history of Wiggle originated with a s…
Best Work Backpack Finalists – Carry Awards
…el well when air flight beckons. With that in mind, let’s dive in… —– Work Backpacks – The Nominees While several Mission Workshop backpacks were nominated, it’s the Arkiv Field packs that our panel is most impressed with, bringing extra versatility and banging looks to a very customisable package. —- The Incase Premium is something of a return to their classic Nylon backpack. With just a little more in the way of organizing, you get a significant…
Backpack or Messenger?
…pace (”how I got here is more important to me than being here”). Environs: Backpacks thrive in outdoors, diverse travel, & sports settings. Hmmm… and schools (which hasn’t really done much to help the image of backpacks). Contents: They work really well with diverse contents (backpack formats allow for better pocketing efficiency). And there’s that heavy loads thing. Shape: Go with a shape that resembles your primary contents (squarer for folders…
Best Work Backpack Finalists – Second Annual Carry Awards
…ng. – VOTING HAS NOW CLOSED – What’s not here? You’ll see some nice work backpacks show up in our Carry On nominations. Sometimes, the lines can blur between these two spaces. There the charismatic c6 small backpack that almost made it. There’s the best of the heritage stuff from Kletterwerks, Topo and Makr which all only narrowly missed. And there’s Haerfest, Lexdray and Porter which always have excellent work backpacks. Hunt them down and make…
Core77 Ultralight series :: Part 4
…h Sierra, where I worked for four and a half years and learned a lot about backpacks and luggage. From there I went on to Under Armour where I was the senior product designer for bags – duffel bags, sport bags. They were bringing it in-house after licensing it, so we built the program from the ground up and led it into what it is today. I was there a hair over three years. From there, I came to Granite Gear, where I have been as the director of de…
BagWise :: Recycle Your Bag
…nds of bags are you looking for? We evaluate everything that comes in, but backpacks are really useful, as most people prefer backpacks. They are easier to carry, take loads. We make sure we repair a bag that will last a few years at least, so we look for bags made of good material like canvas, Cordura, leather and nylon… What bags don’t fit the bill? Counterfeit bags are no-go. We want to recycle bags but do not want to help criminal activity and…
Interview with Kriega
…d changed to KRIEGA. For some time after, the early ‘limited edition’ KRUG backpacks commanded even better prices on eBay. Kriega has always been a very ‘compact’ company: Dom is responsible for design and Mike for production/admin. It was run like this for the first five years and even now it’s still a relatively small team. The strength of the brand could, in many ways, be attributed to this. It was a conscious decision from the start to develop…