Our Best Specialist Finalists feature honed designs that meet particular needs, from skate to ski packs. And while they may be able to adapt to other uses, it’s their ability to efficiently serve their primary purpose that secures them a spot in our finalist group. But ultimately only one will step forward to claim the special honor of category winner. Who will you choose?

VOTING CLOSED

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Vans x Mission Workshop Backpack

Vans and Mission Workshop deliver a slick collaboration backpack that fuses rugged street style and everyday functionality. The rolltop pack features the Arkiv® modular system so you can tailor it to your needs with a range of Mission Workshop accessories. And with a handy exterior pocket and straps to secure a skateboard or other bulkier items, you’re all set for urban adventures with essentials at the ready.

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Chrome Industries Antihero Fortnight

Chrome teamed up with the folks at Antihero Skateboards to create the Antihero Fortnight Backpack. A bag that can handle your board and everyday essentials in rugged, urban-ready style. The wide-opening main compartment and a range of stash pockets provide quick and easy access to your gear. And with its weather-resistant build and slim profile that keeps the load close to the body, you can carry in comfort come rain or shine.

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Arc’teryx Alpha SK 32 Pack

The Arc’teryx Alpha SK 32 Pack is a sleek and durable backpack designed for backcountry pursuits. The lightweight pack is well suited to minimalist loads, with a choice of top and side access to easily reach gear on the go. Designed to offer tough and weatherproof functionality without unnecessary bells and whistles, this is a versatile outdoor pack for those who want to roam with just the essentials in tow.

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Mystery Ranch Patrol

Mystery Ranch packs comfort, durability, convenient access and functionality into a backpack designed for long days or overnight trips in the backcountry. The Patrol features a quick-access front pocket for avy tools, top-loading and back panel access, as well as diagonal and A-frame ski carry. The adjustable Futura Yoke and Redirect waist belt system provide comfort over extended carry periods, while the durable yet lightweight build embraces demanding outdoor use.

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Hydro Flask Unbound Series™ Soft Coolers

Coolers have traditionally been bulky, heavy items that are hard to maneuver. But Hydro Flask’s Unbound Series™ Soft Coolers take a different approach. The series features a 24L Soft Cooler Tote and 22L Soft Cooler Pack, both of which offer lightweight, leakproof and durable designs that are easily portable. The bags also use Advanced Thermal Mapping technology to keep the contents cool for up to 48 hours.

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Arc’teryx Norvan 14 Hydration Vest

Designed for day-long trail running, the Norvan 14 includes a 2L hydration bladder and 12L of storage space for food and essential gear in a weatherproof rolltop compartment. The bounce-free design keeps you comfortable on the go, while quick-access pockets ensure frequently needed items remain at the ready so you can keep going strong.

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Manfrotto Aviator Hover-25 Drone Backpack

The Manfrotto Aviator Hover-25 is designed to provide quick access to a DJI Mavic Pro and Osmo, while keeping them secure and protected when not in use. There’s also additional storage for accessories, a tablet and personal gear, with customizable dividers for tailored organization. All in a weather-resistant design that includes a raincover for added protection from the elements.

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Angry Lane x Pacsafe Rider Daypack

This collaborative pack combines anti-theft features and everyday practicality in a versatile design that works equally well off and on the bike. The rugged and water-resistant build features Pacsafe’s 360 eXomesh for slashproof protection. Other useful features include an interior RFID-blocking pocket, raincover, and a removable pouch for quick access to smaller items. Delivered in a slim and ergonomic design that’s comfy even during active use.

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Fishpond Bitch Creek Tech Pack

The Fishpond Bitch Creek Tech Pack offers plenty of practical features for a day spent fishing (with the versatility to go beyond streams and lakes too). The design combines the Bitch Creek Backpack and Medicine Bow Chest Pack, both made from recycled commercial fishing nets. The pack is hydration bladder compatible and offers quick-access pockets along with rod tube holders and additional attachment points for securing extra gear. And with the Medicine Bow Chest Pack you can keep flies and other essentials within easy reach.

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lululemon athletica Surge Run Reflective Backpack

The Surge Run Backpack is a lightweight pack that lends itself well to the daily active commute while also being understated enough to suit a variety of work environments. The bag features a padded pocket for a laptop or tablet, along with quick-access front pockets. And for added functionality its reflective design helps keep you visible at night.

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Pack Animal Saddlebag

This handsome Pack Animal Saddlebag is handcrafted in the USA with 18oz waxed twill and vegetable-tanned leather. Durable, eye-catching and adaptable, the bag can be secured to a motorbike with a mounting kit (sold separately) or utilized as a messenger with an optional shoulder strap. The Saddlebag features a rolltop main compartment to accommodate a variety of loads, as well as a padded laptop pocket. And with its easy-to-clean vinyl lining you can enjoy added weather protection too.

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Mismo M/S Tennis

Mismo brings their refined minimalist functionality to sport carry with the M/S Tennis. This stylish and practical tennis bag proves you can enjoy form and function in a niche that’s usually fairly lacklustre. Two main compartments are on hand, one that holds up to three racquets while the other takes care of shoes, clothing and a towel. There’s also a choice of pockets for smaller items, and flexible shoulder or backpack carry with two shoulder straps.

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Etchr Art Satchel

The Etchr Art Satchel’s modular design easily organizes a diverse range of art supplies, while keeping them safe in a weatherproof build. Highly adaptable to a variety of environments and uses, the satchel serves as a workstation too and offers media tabs that allow you to secure and work with digital or physical art media. It can be utilized standing up or sitting down with no need for a table or other surface, and can also connect to any photography tripod for stability during extended use.

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RYU Gym Tote

The RYU Gym Tote works hard to handle a wide range of loads thanks to its expandable design. The bag can grow from 21L to 42L and includes a wide opening for easy packing and access. Water resistant and durable to embrace demanding use, the Gym Tote also features odor-resistant fabric and separate storage for sweaty clothing away from the rest of your gear. And with multiple pockets on hand you can conveniently organize gym, work and EDC items for life on the go.

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Vote now!