Week In Review ~ 13 March
Classy leather for your pocket essentials, bags for on and off the bike, and a stealthily stylish take on travel carry. Discover more in our Week In Review…
–
Peak versatility for the office and downtime excursions
Love Topo Designs? Well their new Spring release is sure to put a spring in your step, whether it’s the daily commute or a fun let’s-see-where-the-day-takes-me ramble. The Topo Designs Mountain Messenger is ready for work or play, with a rugged 1000D Cordura construction, water-resistant YKK zippers and three colorway options. If you like pockets you’re in luck – the messenger has plenty to keep your work tools or travel essentials tidy, including space for a 15-inch laptop, an easy-access front pocket and mesh side pockets that hold a 32oz Nalgene bottle. Plus extra items can be attached to the external daisy chain webbing. The bag includes a shoulder strap and grab handles, as well as a removable stabilizing waist strap for zipping around on a bike.
Pocket-friendly and a pleasure to use
A well-crafted leather wallet is not only something you’ll enjoy handling regularly, but also an item that will age beautifully over time. The two new releases from Noise Goods fall squarely in this category, with premium materials, careful craftsmanship and stylish designs that look good in a range of settings. The Everyday Wallet is a handsome piece that holds cards, cash, coins and receipts while still remaining compact enough to fit in a trouser pocket. For a more minimalist approach, the Card Holder 2 provides two compartments for bank cards, ID, cash or business cards. Both pieces are made by hand using vegetable-tanned full-grain Portuguese leather in Black, Chocolate and Hazelnut colorways.
A hard-working bag for the gym and beyond
A lot of gym bags look like they’ve barely survived a grueling workout – and that’s before they even get in the gym. The LLANA Bag offers a more refined approach to your workout carry, with a design that takes it beyond the gym into the office and on your travels. The bag combines supple New Zealand leather and Wool Fresh, a proprietary material that combats unpleasant odors to help keep your bag and the contents smelling fresh. A separate shoe compartment and quick-access pockets let you easily organize the contents, and there’s even space to carry a yoga mat on top. Check out the bag in use here.
Something for the week day, weekend and getaways
You could say Timbuk2 was born on a bike, but they know how to take care of your work and travel carry needs too. A host of new releases have you covered for the office, weekend getaways, bike rides and lazy Sunday strolls alike. The Lux Collection aimed at female cyclists includes the Lux Waterproof Pannier and the Lux Waterproof Backpack. The Especial Collection also has two new additions for cyclists, including the Especial Spoke Sling and Especial Primo Waterproof Messenger Bag. The new Bourbon Tote is a stylish piece for your EDC needs, while the Jet Laptop Backpack‘s clamshell opening lets you easily pack and access gear for trips. Scope out more of Timbuk2’s Spring releases here.
Embrace the elements
Most bags can shrug off a little drizzle. But torrential downpours, boat trips and water-based activities are a different matter entirely, sending a quiver of trepidation through even the pluckiest water-resistant carry. The ourCaste Lewis waterproof duffel is for the times when you can’t afford your gear getting wet. A combination of hard-wearing 500D PVC Tarpaulin fabric, RF seam welding and a rolltop closure means you don’t need to worry when the big waves and storm clouds roll in. There’s also an exterior front pocket for convenient access to smaller items such as your phone, wallet or keys. See the duffel in action here.
Carry-on that flys under the radar
Triple Aught Design have earned legions of fans through their rugged and versatile backpacks. But sometimes a tactical backpack just doesn’t suit a particular carry situation. Sometimes you need something sleek and understated that still provides lots of practical features. So TAD created the Meridian Transport Case. Suitable for carry-on use, the bag features three clamshell-style compartments that can be customized for different carry setups. A Helix attachment system lets the user mount Transport Cubes and Control Panels as well as other accessories. The bag has quick-access pockets to keep frequently used items within easy reach, and a lightly structured build that can be compressed for tight spaces. A VX-21 Ripstop shell, water-resistant YKK zippers and durable AustriAlpin COBRA buckles round out this multifunctional and discreet case.