Kickstarter Highlight: Stolt Alpha Backpack

Crowdfunding is fast becoming the world’s go-to platform for new releases. But do you ever find it hard to cut through the noise and pin down the ones worth your hard-earned? Well, that’s where this sponsored series comes in. We’re vetting carry Kickstarters for you, digging up the facts, and shedding light on the ones we think are worth a closer look.

This week’s selection: Stolt and their Alpha Backpack.

Hindered by the active/work divide

Busy work schedules make it hard to slot exercise into your day. But cycling or running to work (or squeezing a lunch-time gym session in) can help you make the most of your time. The problem? Many work bags simply don’t work as active bags. And most active bags don’t cater to work needs and aesthetics.

So Stolt, a London-based carry startup, decided to create their own one-bag solution. The Stolt Alpha Backpack.

Ergonomic efficiency for active pursuits

The Stolt Alpha is a crossover bag that serves as both an active backpack and professional day bag. The ergonomic and durable design takes the active daily commute in its stride, with a streamlined silhouette that allows free arm movement. The bag’s comfortable shoulder straps, hip belt (with handy pockets) and sternum strap provide a secure fit to prevent bouncing on the go. And to counter unexpected showers the main body fabric has a water-repellent treatment to protect your gear. Of course, a little added peace of mind is never a bad thing. So Stolt have also included a hi-vis rain cover for added protection from the elements and increased visibility at night.

But the elements aren’t the only thing that can affect your bag when you’re getting active. Luckily, Stolt has you covered with an antimicrobial treatment on the back panel mesh and in the bag’s expandable shoe pocket to combat sweat and odors.

Sleek functionality when it’s time to graft

The Alpha backpack wouldn’t be a crossover bag without the ability to cut it in the workplace. But with its understated aesthetics, this bag moves easily through a range of work settings and after-work social environments. Additionally, the shoulder straps and hip belt can be stowed away to create an even cleaner look when carrying the bag by hand.

To keep your daily carry tidy the backpack also offers a range of organization options. The separate business compartment fits up to a 16″ laptop in a fold-down padded pocket, while a mix of smaller interior pockets keep EDC and work tools accessible.

The bag’s expandable pocket is useful for bulkier items such as shoes or for storing dirty clothing thanks to its antimicrobial treatment. When opened, the expandable pocket increases the Alpha backpack’s volume from 20 liters to 25 liters.

Options to suit your own needs

Stolt knows active professionals have different carry needs, so they offer a range of carry options to best suit them. Their Garment Box option (no backpack) is great if you’re just after a simple and effective way to keep your clothes crease-free on the go. The garment box includes folding instructions and a wash bag and fits a whole suit. The Casual Set is a good option if you wear casual clothes and don’t need the garment box. The set includes an Alpha backpack and a hi-vis cover. For maximum flexibility between work and play the Full Set has you covered, providing an Alpha backpack, hi-vis cover and garment box.

A better approach through Bizletics 

Stolt has carefully designed the Alpha backpack through a Bizletics approach. A design that merges business and athletics, helping you fit exercise into your daily professional life rather than hamstringing you with an either/or option. The Alpha backpack has been extensively tested by runners and cyclists in order to refine the design and ensure durable, ergonomic functionality on the go. If you want a bag that can straddle the active/work divide, hop between the commute or gym and the office, and even take a spin on short trips, check out the Stolt Alpha Kickstarter campaign now.

Note: this is a sponsored series, but only the best candidates are given this feature placement.

Above are the facts, but there’s always a little risk when backing a crowdfunder, so keep that in mind before you decide to back/purchase.