5 March Week in Review: Urban Packs, Smart Luggage, and Artistic Carry

Minimalist urban packs that can roam from the gym to the office, carry art with plenty of street style, and versatile pieces that can glide from the outdoors to city streets. Discover more in our Week In Review…

Working hard in the office, gym and beyond 

Gym bag. Work bag. Weekend bag. All in one bag? Not an easy feat to achieve, but one that the RYU Quick Pack LUX 1.1 and Locker Pack LUX 1.1 achieve in sleek style. In addition to clean and understated aesthetics, each pack features a convenient drop front design that provides easy packing and quick access to your gear. The bags fit a 15″ laptop, include a water repellent exterior, and provide a molded internal shell to help protect your belongings on the go. You can pre-order both packs now, with shipping on or before 31 March 2017.

Ready, steady, go 

Meeting new people, seeing new places, expanding your horizons… The concept of traveling is fun. But the actual process of getting from A to B can be a hassle. Smart luggage however is designed to make traveling easier, and Ready luggage is a chic new addition to the smart luggage niche. Useful features such as proximity notifications, a built-in cup holder and a strap for securing a jacket or second bag makes navigating through airports, train stations and other crowded places easier. Further handy features include a built-in weight scale and a charger to keep your tech juiced on the go. The carry-on luggage is crafted from sleek and durable polycarbonate, which is water-resistant, scratch-resistant and impact-resistant. The surface can also be customized with stickers to give your case a personal touch and help it stand out on the baggage carousel if you ever have to check it in. See the luggage in action via the Ready Indiegogo campaign.

An apex in portable, functional art

Timbuk2’s Future Shapers Campaign celebrates those who catalyze change, and they’re kicking it off in style by teaming up with street artist Apexer. The limited edition capsule collection pays homage to both Apexer and Timbuk2’s San Francisco roots. But it’s also a nod to the synergy between street artists and bike messengers, both always on the move and rocking distinct individual styles. The collection is based off of a Timbuk2 HQ mural painted by Apexer, and features the Classic Messenger Bag, The Tuck Pack, and the Mini Prospect Pack. Vibrant and striking, the bags are sewn in Timbuk2’s Mission District factory and are set for release on 11 March.

Stacking up on multifunctionality

Topo Designs are a brand known for their love of the great outdoors. But they also think urban environments are pretty great too, which is why they create gear that can be used in both settings. Gear just like their Stack Pack and Quick Pack. Forming part of Topo’s Spring 2017 collection, both pieces are certainly ready to spring into action across diverse environments. The Stack Pack is a versatile bag for work, outdoor and travel use. Carry your laptop, documents, and work tools, stash supplies for the trail, or store your gear for an overnight trip within its 17L volume. The Quick Pack is a compact piece that can be worn as a waist bag or across the body. Its multifunctional design makes it a useful carrying companion for EDC or travel essentials, as well as snacks and gear for a day exploring in nature.

Alpine inspired for everyday adventures

Lowe Alpine’s Teton Range is a celebration not only of the brand’s 50th anniversary and extensive history, but also a key adventure. Sixty years ago Ralph Lowe and his young sons Jeff, Greg and Mike went to climb the Grand Teton, an adventure that helped foster their love of the outdoors and the eventual creation of the brand. The Teton Range is inspired by and named after historical brand pieces. The 30L Klettersack is a top-loading hiking pack, while the 20L Adventurer is a handy EDC piece for work, school or day-to-day needs. For those seeking an option that caters to both work and play, the 25L Guide steps up to the plate with its dual compartments that can store work and outdoor gear separately.