Road Tests :: Trakke Wee Lug

Then, I knew it was something special and quickly threw down dibs on the review (you have to abuse your power whenever possible) and ran the Wee Lug as my plush work bag for two glorious months of home-tram-train-office-home and repeat. And being in Melbourne, the Wee Lug copped the full breadth of Melbourne’s infamous weather, known locally as the ‘four seasons in one day’, and relished it.

Granted, the Lug took home our Best Active Messenger Award and could have excelled in a rigorous testing environment like cycling or skiing, but I went with a work scenario for two reasons: 1) the closest I get to being active is watching my girlfriend do Yoga and 2) The Lug is crazy versatile and is at home in both the active and work environments.

"This is effortlessly classic from day dot"

Design

Looks 

As they say in the classics: the Wee Lug is damn fine! It somehow feels current, while also harkening back to a golden age when things were made with that special type of pride and care.

The buckles give off a utilitarian feel, it has a beautiful little duffel toggle, a whole bunch of really textural materials, and all these little touches that compound into a very well considered vibe.

When I had it slung over my shoulder on packed trains it stood out amongst the carriages of work carry like a glimmering gem, drawing envious looks from commuters on the regular.

We’re total suckers for carry like this. A lot of brands try and add personality to their carry by worshipping heritage and in turn become slaves to it, while the Lug only tips its hat to heritage and gives a cheeky wink. This is effortlessly classic from day dot.

"The pattern work is dialed"

Hardware

A total highlight: the custom-made closures are awesome and far nicer than crappy plastic buckles. Admittedly, they were a touch fiddly when I first got my claws on them but with a little focus and persistence I quickly developed a knack for handling them and the process became fast and intuitive.

The AustriAlpin Cobra buckle is becoming something of a default for high-end messengers (looking like something straight out of Stargate), and is one of the most robust buckles out there: you can hang from it, belay, make your own flying fox with it...it’ll do anything and then some.

"The waxed cotton canvas is super lush"

Materials 

Trakke have been able to source almost everything locally from Scotland. My favourite: the waxed cotton canvas is super lush and all about developing a refined patina.

If you like that super sharp, sterile ballistic nylon aesthetic you’re not going to dig it. This material will change, age and move with time – but we love that look.

While there are more waterproof fabrics than waxed cotton canvas, the Lug adds a synthetic layer on the inside for greater moisture protection. This layer is not as luxe as I’d like and not quite as beautiful as the rest of the bag, but makes sense and makes a real difference to protecting the contents.

To make sure of this Trakke throw in a waterproof zip on the external zip, which tells us they take their weather protection seriously.

As far as the webbing, it's quite structured from its tight weave so it doesn't flop about much and suits the core utility vibe that they're shooting for.

External Pockets

The external zip pocketing is simple and well resolved. They fill outward and don't push in and invade your key space, and the big central gusseting means they behave themselves and only grow until you need them to.

There’s a great side access zip pocket for things on-the-go (although I’m not sold on the purple zipper pull) and it’s perfect for your coins, wallet or phone. The deeper side access toggle pocket works well for a bike lock, spray jacket or even small umbrella (this quick-access pocket is not watertight).

Internal Pockets

When it comes to the inside again Trakke keep it simple, but maybe a little too simple. The pocketing suits someone who’s not a massive stickler for organising, and for me that was fine. I’d just throw in the essentials in my nonchalant way and head out the door while gnawing on my breakfast, but it’s possible that those who fiend for that higher level of pocket organisation just might be left wanting here.

And I’d also love to see some high up interior side pockets (taking things away from crush zones), but they’re not included (very few messengers have these) and there’s room for a small module or organiser case to again nudge the interior layout up a notch.

It has a laptop sleeve, but the laptop rests against your back with a thin layer of cotton canvas between you and it, and that's not something I love. For the Wee Lug mach #2 I’d definitely recommend Trakke think about running a floating laptop section.

Comfort

For the vast majority of the time I had the Lug slung over my shoulders I loved it and the cushiony shoulder straps wrapped over me like a blanket, but at times there were niggles.

Weatherability

The Wee Lug was made in Scotland and feels at home in the wet. The waxed cotton canvas does allow for a little bit of saturation on the exterior when rain hits, but thanks to its smart multilayer construction (synthetic interior) my gear never came close to getting flecked with water or worse, and I felt totally confident when heavy clouds crept over.

For those who need security there is an option to slap on additional canvas treatments if you really want that water to bead.

Alternatives to consider

Bedouin is the first brand that springs to mind. Both are UK brands playing in a similar space: beautiful, high-spec hardware and fabric that can go to work or get active. Bedouin leans a little more towards a deluxe vibe and pimp with their leather and amazing printed lining, while Trakke is a little more utilitarian, more everyman, grounded in that working class aesthetic – they’re both awesome options, it just depends on the look you’re going for.

Another option is the Mission Workshop Rummy and their VX version of it. It's a little more technical in aesthetics, rather than classic, so you’ll know which vibe you prefer.

The Mystery Ranch Outsider is also in the same league, trumping the Trakke with weight and layout, but using a much more tactical aesthetic to achieve those.