backpacks

May 23, 2013 By Chas Bruce

Fjällräven No. 21 Small Rucksack/Backpack

Pull on those knickers and head for the fjords with this Classic Rucksack, crafted in waxed cotton with leather straps.

It features the special Fjällräven G-1000 fabric, a tightly woven 65% cotton and 35% polyester blend that is treated with Greenland Wax, a secret formula of paraffin and beeswax made by a small family in the north of Sweden. The fabric swells when damp, delivering wind and water resistance the worse the weather gets.

Size: 16 1/2″ tall x 9 3/4″ wide x 4 3/4″ thick (42 x 25 x 12 cm), about 750 cubic inches. Interior pockets provide plenty of room for laptops, Thermos, and other city gear. Comes in Pumpkin, Black, Navy, Red and Green. Natural-finished-leather riveted and buckled straps. Also available in medium and large sizes for more serious trekkers.

$170

May 21, 2013 By Chas Bruce

Patagonia Black Hole Pack

I call a number of my black bags “black hole bags” where I put black gear like cameras, phones, pens, notebooks, iPods, etc, and some sort of internal gravity keeps them from ever escaping. A bright light or sometimes a heavy shake will make the black gear reappear. Sometimes not.

I assume Patagonia’s Black Hole Pack is actually meant to swallow vast quantities of gear (black or not). Holding over 2136 cubic inches of gear, this bag is meant to have the sturdiness of a climber’s haulbag, yet have features that make it perfect for school or office.

A companion to and made of Patagonia’s Black Hole Duffel fabric, this crossover pack easily holds most 17″ laptops. Featuring waterproof fabric and water-resistant construction and zippers, it has padded shoulder straps with load lifters and a sternum strap, a molded back panel that allows a cooling airflow, and a simple waistband to secure a load.

On the outside, a lid pocket with little gear seals with a moisture-shedding, reverse-coil zipper and daisy chain lash points will secure your bulky items. Made from 14.7-oz 1,200-denier polyester with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Weighs 992 g (2 lbs 3 oz). Comes in “Black Hole” Black, or a more visible Larimar Blue (which will cancel some of the Black Hole effect), or a middle ground Nickel.

$149

May 1, 2013 By Chas Bruce

Kelty Cycle Hiker Vintage Backpack

Study metal zippers secure the top and outside pocket of the Cycle Hiker Backpack. Retro 1960’s styling with padded adjustable shoulder straps, internal organization, and easy-to-access pockets ensure that this pack is perfect for hauling your daily chores.

Made with Cordura fabric, this top loading bag features leather lash tabs, ice axe loop, internal organizer, outside pocket and padded adjustable shoulder straps.

This 15 oz. bag is 16″ tall , 12″ wide and 10″ deep for a volume of 1100 cubic inches.. Kelty is celebrating 60 Years of Backpacks with a line of Vintage styled packs–from Duffels to Wing Packs.

$70

April 13, 2013 By Chas Bruce

Archival Rucksack

The Archival Rucksack is a modern interpretation of the traditional canoe pack. Constructed from 22 ounce heavy weight waxed cotton twill, sturdy leather straps, solid brass hardware, and mil-spec cotton webbing.

Features: adjustable two inch wide shoulder straps, two outer bellows pockets, leather strap with brass roller buckle closure, and draw cord to secure the bag’s contents. Edges are bound in waxed cotton tape, and stress points are bar-tacked or riveted. A double-layer reinforced bottom ensures a long life and even wear; semi-rigid back panel guarantees a comfortable ride and prevents bag flop.

Available Colors Tan (shown), grey, black and navy. Dimensions: 18” x 13” x 5”. Weight: 3 pounds.

$260

July 28, 2012 By Chas Bruce

Keen Jackson 15-inch Rucksack

March on with Keen’s take on the Classic Military Rucksack.

It’s got a distinctive cylindrical shape with 3 exterior pockets that provides 1800 cu in of space. The polyester twill body has a highly water-resistant coating. Offered in what Keen calls Army, lets call it olive drab, polyester twill fabric gives look of natural cotton with the durability and stain resistance found in polyester, with environmentally friendly TPU coating.

An interior laptop sleeve pocket secures your electronics. The 15″ refers to laptop space available. Exterior stash compartment. Padded and adjustable shoulder straps. Lined in natural cotton. Dimensions: 19 x 11 x 8 inches.

$90

July 26, 2012 By Chas Bruce

Will Leather Goods Utility Tote

Will graced OR last summer and for the anointed few provided canvas and leather totes.

This Utility tote is in their regular line, and it has to rate as the ultimate Tote Bag. The natural canvas tote stands on a shrunken grain leather bottom. The spacious interior boasts a double stitched pocket ideal for protecting your necessities. Carry it by the soft and sturdy leather handles and show the weathered Will Leather Goods logo proudly.

Tote is made of heavy natural 18 ounce cotton canvas, with full grain reinforced leather base, and double reinforced leather handles. With Interior pocket. Dimensions: 20 3/4 x 13 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches. Will also crafts Backpacks, Messenger Bags, Wallets and Belts. Based in Eugene, Oregon.

195

July 26, 2012 By Chas Bruce

Will Leather Goods Wax Canvas Backpack

Not fair just to show the Will Ultility Tote. They also make Backpacks, Messenger Bags, Belts, and Wallets.

This Wax Coated Canvas Backpack shows more of their utilitarian side. Made of heavy 18 ounce wax coated canvas with Full Grain Natural Veg-tanned Leather Trim. Adjustable leather shoulder straps and closure straps. Interior pocket. Dimensions: 13 x 7 x 7 inches.

$175

July 12, 2012 By Chas Bruce

Hyperlite Metro Pack

This versatile pack is feather-light, constructed from 100% waterproof ripstop Cuben Fiber/Polyester hybrid material; the Metro Pack is trail-functional and city-stylish.

It has a simplified design allowing it to pack down into a jacket pocket. This minimalist pack features lightweight shoulder straps and a roll-top enclosure to keep contents secure and dry. The Metro does not require a pack cover for rain protection but Hyperlite recommend using the Cuben Fiber Stuff Sacks for a truly rainproof gear system.

Holds 35lbs. Weighs 5.7oz: 162g

$128

July 12, 2012 By Chas Bruce

NEMO Ditto Recycled Backpack

The Ditto Backpack is repurposed from recycled tents, made from donations of manufacturing seconds from Nemo’s manufacturing partners.

Every bag is a unique combination of materials. The Ditto has a roll-top closure, an internal mesh pocket, and an integrated stuff sack that allows the bag to pack down small for easy portability when you don’t need it.

Colors and materials may vary. Weights: 6.8 oz (0.2 kg). Size: 12″ x 9″ x 24.

$50

July 11, 2012 By Chas Bruce

Frost River Vintage Daypack

This is a traditional looking pack with adjustable padded shoulder straps and a double waxed canvas bottom; leather straps let you aimlessly stick things on, over, under, and around this pack while you’re hurrying to heed the call of the unknown.

Size: 16″x 16″x 5″. Yoke is self-adjusting for an exceptionally comfortable carry.

Frost River meticulously handcrafts its heritage brand of premium softgoods at its shop in Duluth, Minnesota, including shoulder bags, canoe packs, bike bags, backpacks, briefcases, luggage, hunting and fishing cases and much more. Its signature fabric—a waxed cotton canvas also known as “tin-cloth,” has been used for over 100 years to produce goods that are meant to last—both in harsh outdoor environments and in the rigors of day-to-day use. This unique fabric, along with premium quality leathers, robust solid-brass hardware and heavy-duty cotton webbing create the backbone of a product that, when combined with time-tested design techniques and handcrafted labor, will last a lifetime.

$150