The Hillside Industries Meridian Bagpack Converts Like No Other

Crowdfunding is fast becoming the world’s go-to platform for new releases. But do you ever find it hard to cut through the noise and pin down the ones worth your hard-earned? Well, that’s where this sponsored series comes in. We’re vetting carry Kickstarters for you, digging up the facts, and shedding light on the ones we think are worth a closer look.

This week’s selection: Hillside Industries and their Meridian Bagpack.

Convoluted to convenient conversion

Backpack to messenger and back again? The ability to convert your bag from one carry format to another comes in handy, from the commute to traveling and more. But the actual process of converting? Often cumbersome. So Hillside Industries got to thinking, what if it didn’t have to be? What if you could have a bag that alternated between backpack and messenger in seconds, without having to remove it from your body?

So that’s what they set out to create. And the Meridian Bagpack is the result.

Made to move with you

The Meridian quickly and simply transitions between backpack and messenger mode by dropping a strap off your shoulder or slinging another one on. The patented continuous strap design allows the bag to glide smoothly from shoulder bag to backpack mode and back again, all while keeping the bag on your body. And the design also equalizes the carry weight between both shoulders in backpack mode for enhanced comfort, while helping prevent jerky load shifting from side to side when you’re on the go.

The bag offers four different carry modes in total including backpack, over the shoulder, crossbody and briefcase modes to adapt to different settings and access preferences. Backpack mode is useful for heavier loads and when you need to cover a lot of ground, while carrying the Meridian as a shoulder or crossbody bag keeps the contents quickly accessible. And if you’ll be using it in a work setting, carrying it as a shoulder bag or briefcase enhances your air of professionalism.

Business professional to weekend wanderer

Speaking of professional use, the Meridian’s understated aesthetics and slim profile make it an equally smart choice for work carry or stepping out in style during your travels. The bag is also available in a choice of colorways and materials to suit your personal tastes, including graphite 400D poly-coated nylon or brown or black full-grain leather.

Gunmetal coated hardware and YKK zippers complement the bag’s quality look and feel, while non-slip shoulder pads give that little added comfort boost too.

On top of organization

So you’ve got the carry flexibility and the style, but how about organization? The Meridian provides a variety of options for storing your gear tidily. Inside the main compartment is a neoprene sleeve for a 15″ laptop, as well as four slip pockets and a zippered pocket. On the outside you’ll find a further zippered pocket for quick-access items.

Seamlessly slipping into your setup

The Meridian Bagpack gives you the benefits of multiple carry options without the transition hassle. And it’s a bag that glides just as smoothly from work to play as it does from one carry mode to the next. If you want a bag that keeps you effortlessly prepared to adapt on the fly, score your own through the Hillside Industries Meridian Kickstarter campaign which runs until 4 April 2019.

Note: this is a sponsored series, but only the best candidates are given this feature placement.

Above are the facts, but there’s always a little risk when backing a crowdfunder, so keep that in mind before you decide to back/purchase.