The build quality and attention to detail of the Cub Ruck shows not only was the pack built to handle an energetic young adventurer, but with a parent’s mindset of necessity and safety. Because the Cub Ruck has a lot of details and features specifically in a pack for kids, I reached out to the
Growing up spending most of my school breaks in the woods exploring, fishing, and building secret forts, the one major piece of gear I really wished I had was a good pack. There were a few options on the market for the younger generation that came in a typical two compartment fashioned backpack, lacked internal
Brand Introduction If you haven’t heard of HEX, you’re probably exactly like I was until the day their Signal backpack showed up on my doorstep. HEX is brand with their roots in the Southern California fashion scene. Originally founded by musicians and designers Dan Maravilla and Trent Valladares, the HEX brand is much more urban-chic
Brand Introduction Aer is a relatively new player in the bag game, getting their start in 2014 through crowdfunding, like many other makers nowadays. They focus on simple, functional bags that lend themselves well to travel, whether it’s to and from work or through airport security. Their styling is unique and has an obvious West
Brand Introduction The 5.11 brand was born out of the outdoor industry – it all started when climber Royal Robbins felt his pants were not up to scratch. The name 5.11 is derived from the toughest climb possible in the Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Decimal System which was developed by Robbins. The hard wearing pants
Brand Introduction Attitude Supply is a travel/lifestyle brand, started in Milan, Italy in 2012. They started out producing clothes but designer Michele’s love of travel meant they quickly moved onto packs. Their first carry option, named the ‘Packsack,’ was a simple drawstring design, but Michele’s skills grew, producing a series of ever-more-capable bags. Their newest
Brand Introduction Backpacks on Kickstarter are kind of like Beanie Babies in the 90s: there are way too many of ‘em, and most are crap, but every once in awhile, you find one that really does it for you. As a pack addict, I’m always chasing that elusive bag that fills every single role I
Brand Introduction The last few months have been a time of great Kickstarter hype. Boundary Prima System, Remote Equipment ALPHA 31, and Evergoods have been promising high-quality, backer-funded bags and as their campaigns have closed and backers have (not so) patiently played the waiting game, we’re finally getting to see some of these guys deliver.
Brand Introduction Triple Aught Design is a brand who understand adventure. A quick glance at their website will show you climbers, covert photography, trips to archery and rifle ranges. Their community events involve road trips into the mountains, or code-breaking scavenger hunts around San Francisco, where they are based. In a world where, sometimes, less
Brand Introduction Mystery Ranch has long been a name synonymous with quality, comfort, and innovation. They’ve been doing their thing since 2000, and are owned by industry veterans Dana Gleason and Renee Sippel-Baker, formerly of Dana Design; pioneers in the load bearing industry. Mystery Ranch might be best recognized by their signature Tri-Zip packs, which
The Perfect Pack 