Pad & Quill is a Minneapolis based company specializing in leather and canvas goods. If you know them already, it’s likely because of their luxury iPad and iPhone cases or, more recently, their leather Apple Watch bands. While not exclusively vending Apple-tied goods, P&Q positions itself as a companion company to Apple. Basically, all of
Tom Bihn is one of the most iconic backpack brands in the world. For everything from business travel to backcountry treks, Tom Bihn has been there and done that with bells on. Since 1972, they’ve been making everything in their lineup in Seattle, WA. Tom Bihn was started by it’s namesake; Tom Bihn. Even today,
Khard 30, Assault Pack 30, Big ‘Ol Kitchen Sink. Call it what you want but the 30 liter pack from Arc’teryx is one of those standard bags to which many others are often compared, so when I got the chance to add a lightly used and pre-loved wolf grey version to my closet, I jumped
One of the most versatile releases of the last 12 months, the ATD1 from Attitude Supply has grabbed a lot of attention – partly for its extreme expansion/compression capability, but also for being designed and manufactured in Italy, with some killer materials. When I reviewed it during the preproduction phase, I found a bag with
Since 1995, Chrome Industries has been a pretty iconic company when it comes to bags. Especially noted for their messenger bags, custom work, and the use of dual-role old school seat belt buckles/bottle openers, Chrome has continued to make bags that are tailored to cyclists and people who commute and spend time out and about
After reviewing Remote Equipment’s first release last year, the Alpha 31 has remained a firm favourite within my collection. The pack was funded successfully on Kickstarter and the full production run has gone on to sell out through Remote Equipment’s website, leading to a surge of ‘in search of’ requests through the collectors’ forums (including
Sometimes it takes an adventure to breathe new life into an old bag. I’ve had the Defy Bucktown in my closet for several months, and used it only sparingly. Primarily, I carry messenger bags or briefcases, and, when I do carry a backpack, have had good luck with the modular Mission Workshop systems like the
Vanquest is a tactical and outdoor gear manufacturer based in Orange County, California. They were founded in 2011 by a group of industry veterans and founding members of Maxpedition. Their products are designed and engineered, but not typically manufactured in the US, like many other US manufacturers. Vanquest is known for their unique look and
Mission Workshop opened its doors in 2009, but the founders boast some of the more impressive resumes out there. It’s led by Bart Kyzar and Mark Falvai who co-founded Chrome Industries with their friend Doug Hudson in 1994. They’re early designers of the rugged/technical lifestyle aesthetic that has become one of the major sub-cultures of
Nothing divides the bag enthusiast community like shoulder and sling bags. The man purse, or murse, is a love it or hate it idea. I personally find them useful. The Concealsling is a 5L small sling bag by The Brown Buffalo. This is a California based company that designs daily-carry focused backpacks and accessories. They
