When it launched in 2018, Remote Equipment‘s first product, the Alpha 31 backpack quickly became a favourite in my collection. It was tough, comfortable and versatile, showing excellent promise from the new brand based in California’s East Bay. I could not wait to see what they had coming next. When we spoke to them earlier
First Tactical is a somewhat new brand in the tactical industry, having entered the market in 2015. Led by Dan Costa, (formerly of Royal Robbins, 5.11 Tactical and others), the company specializes in apparel, packs, knives and other accessories. First Tactical develops products for law enforcement and first responders primarily, but many of their items
My first correspondence with Chris Elfering, founder of Bond Travel Gear, was an email titled “Order Cancellation”. Bond gave The Perfect Pack members a smoking deal on in stock items and I made an impulse purchase that the next day I thought I would regret. By that time, my Attache 13 had already shipped and
The Metromonger is a 9L sling bag made by Greenroom136, an independently owned bag company based in Malaysia. Patrick Lim, the founder, designs a series of urban carry focused bags including messenger style and backpack style bags, as well as matching accessories. Some of the bags are also offered as a full customizable product. I
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
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
Brand Introduction Mention the name Triple Aught Design and very few people in the EDC or backpack community won’t know who you’re talking about. Founded by Patrick Ma (now of Prometheus Design Werx) the brand originally centered around military inspired clothing and backpacks, with the epicenter of their pack range being the tactical Fastpack line.
