Week In Review ~ 22 November

Casual-chic leather carry for the office and the weekend, a feature-rich camera bag collection that does away with loud Velcro, plus a pack that will make pickpockets think twice. Learn more in our Week In Review…

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Pared-down protection for your iPhone

While a lot of phone cases offer good protection, many fall short when it comes to attractive design aesthetics. The mod-3 Alt iPhone Case is different, providing an eye-catching minimalist design that still protects your phone from impacts. The case is constructed out of a high-strength polymer shell with an aerospace-grade 3M lining, providing impact protection and keeping the phone raised off surfaces to help prevent scratches and contact with undesirable substances. The pared-down case doesn’t obscure the design of the phone and can be easily attached by simply snapping it on. However, the case takes functional design a step further by incorporating a mounting system that uses neodymium magnets. Mounts can be placed on any surface through adhesive (with a car option that can clip to air vents), allowing you to easily mount and use the phone in a range of environments. Plus the mounts can hold other items too such as keys or charging cables. Check out the mod-3 Alt iPhone Case Kickstarter campaign to learn more.

A focus on snapping in stealth

When it comes to bag closure systems, Velcro is one of the quickest and easiest methods to use. It lets you gain entry to your bag fast, and is fuss-free to secure back in place. But it does come at a cost – the noise factor. Rip it open and you can’t help but draw attention to yourself. If you have Velcro on a camera bag, the noise is even more of a problem when you need to access your gear in a quiet environment. Luckily the Tenba Cooper collection offers a near-silent solution. The collection includes four messenger bags featuring Quiet Velcro, where the user simply needs to pull down on the flap before pulling it away from the bag in order to disengage the Velcro with a minimum of noise. Constructed out of water-repellent peach-wax cotton canvas with a full grain leather base and trim, the bags merge practical design with stylish and hard-wearing materials. Add in other features such as a quick-access top zipper, removable raincover, exterior laptop/tablet pocket, removable padded camera insert and pockets for organizing accessories and other small items such as pens, notebooks and phones, and you’ve got a solid collection for work and leisure photography.

KILLSPENCER welcomes the snow

While temperatures may be steadily dropping in the northern hemisphere, KILLSPENCER have done a little winter drop of their own that will have you embracing the cooler months. The Snow Canvas collection is a limited edition collection featuring a handprinted snow pattern on water-repellent army duck. The fabric is available across KILLSPENCER’s Rucksack, Mil Duffle, Day Tote and Laptop Sleeve, so you can enjoy suitably seasonal style across a range of carry needs. Plus with its chic and versatile pattern, this is a collection that looks just as good when summer rolls back around.

Keeping prying fingers out your pack 

Backpacks are a great way to comfortably carry loads for long periods of time. Unfortunately, the fact that they’re on your back means you can’t see when an opportunistic thief decides to target your bag. The RiutBag was born of a desire to counter this and provide secure carry of your gear whether you’re heading to work or seeing the sights on holiday. The bag has no outward-facing zips, instead offering zipped access through the back panel and concealed zipped pockets in the straps. Following on from the initial Kickstarter success of the RiutBag and based on user feedback, two new models are now available offering slimmer designs for urban environments. Providing 10L and 15L volumes respectively, the RiutBag R10 and RiutBag R15 both accommodate up to a 15-inch laptop, with extra storage for stationery in the R10 and two external water bottle holders in the R15. Both packs feature weather-resistant construction and are compact enough to use as carry-on during your travels.

A lesson in practical, fashion-friendly luggage 

Function that doesn’t forget fashion is the name of the game with the collaboration between Tumi and New York clothing brand Public School. The collection features two suitcases (22 and 26 inches), a backpack, dopp kit, tote and travel satchel. The suitcases are constructed out of Tegris, a lightweight and durable polypropylene thermoplastic composite material, so they can withstand the demands of travel while keeping weight to a minimum. With a sleek, urban-friendly look across the collection, these are pieces that feel right at home in a variety of settings, from striding down city streets during the work commute, to relaxing in the airport lounge and embracing your holiday downtime.

An outsider to the run-of-the-mill carry pack

A pop of personality goes a long way in carry. Rather than hauling a pack that gets the job done but is visually uninspiring, Hard Graft offer a chic alternative that can handle day-to-day and weekend carry requirements. The Outsider Backpack is crafted by hand in Italy, pairing a Tuscan leather exterior with a durable British cotton canvas and black cotton interior. Internally a large pocket accommodates up to a 15-inch MacBook, while two smaller pockets provide space for your phone and wallet. With its premium craftsmanship and laidback yet classy looks, this is a bag that can glide between work and play whenever you need it to.