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Backpacks

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Waterproof Backpacks

With the rainy season here once again it's again time to start considering bags that will keep gear dry. The New York Times has a slideshow detailing some of the latest waterproof backpacks which though meant for non-urban quests would certainly work just as well in the city. The relatively inexpensive Overboard 25-liter Waterproof Backpack is pictured above.

Link: Gear Test, Waterproof Backpacks

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Built Laptop Backpack

I somehow missed these interesting looking bags from Built when linking to their new sleeves. These laptop backpacks look like they could be at home on the set of Star Trek or if reversed they might make a convincing flak jacket. It would be interesting to try how they feel in use but the fact that they mold themselves to your back would be their downfall in this climate. You need space betweenn your back and your back for the air to circulate or you will arrive at your meeting with an uncomfortably wet back.

Made from lightweight neoprene and breathable air mesh, the main compartment of this BUILT laptop backpack accommodates 12″–17″ laptops with room to spare for books, folders or other essentials. Two additional smaller compartments provide storage options for your other necessities; one conveniently located directly on the shoulder strap for easy access.

BUILT : Laptop Backpacks

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Little Kids Backpacks

Little Kid Backpacks by Dante Beatrix. Cute. Via Swissmiss.

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Porter Wacko Maria Backpack

Another fine bag from Porter which will only improve with age. This backpack is made from thin cotton canvas with oiled leather accents. The Wacho Maria has a shoe compartment at the bottom making this an ideal gym or beach bag. I'd love to take this on long excursions but due to the inevitable wet weather it might not be practical. Could it be made weather proof? More information here and more pictures after the jump.

I wish that Yoshida Kaban would make their products more widely available to an international market. It's hard as hell to buy Porter bags.

Continue reading »

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Fatboy Jumper Backpack

Love these bags from Fatboy. The waterproof canvas is a boon to traveling in Asia during the rainy season (or any time of year).

Rugged backpack, also suitable as school bag. Fasteners, handles and straps clearly show that the makers were inspired by parachutes. Slip on the backpack, buckle up, tighten the straps, and experience the sense and comfort of freedom. The handles with extra reinforcement strengthen the feeling of reliability. Fully closable with practical inner pocket with zipper. The L-variant is, for a number of reasons, the ideal partner for backpacking holidays.

Fatboy Jumper. Via Swissmiss.

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Velina Volante backpack

Jannita van den Haak's Velina Volante is a backpack designed specifically for women who like their fashion and glamour combined with practicality. The 2.7 kilo backpack's women friendly features include novel shoulder straps, formed like a bra, which reduce pressure on the breasts. Folded pleats on the sides make it possible to expand the volume from 50 to 75 liters. The upper pocket can also be detached and reversed to transform into an evening/hand bag. There is also a powder compact, a seat cushion and room to pack clothes with care for special occasions. Waterproof materials in colors bronze and anthracite. Not on the market yet but sure to be a hit if and when it does.

Jannita van den Haak.

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BBP Hybrid Laptop Bag

I can't believe I missed this one. The bbp Biz collection are a hybrid bag that can be a backpack, messenger bag, or even a briefcase and looks conservative enough to take anywhere. If conservative and understanted are not your thing - and black can be a bore - they have a multitude of other styles and colours. The bbp Biz collection has all the features you would expect from a bag of this class: tons of pockets, top loading compartment, padded compartment for your laptop, luggage handle bit so you can attach to your wheeled luggage, and a useful umbrella holder. Of note is their Bak2Pak carrying system which evenly distributes weight to reduce strain on your shoulders and back. The bag conveniently converts from dual strap to single strap or the strap can be removed entirely to carry like a briefcase. I'll be covering bbp bags in the future. Another picture after the jump.

BBP Bags

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Patagonia Lightwire Pack

Excellent low profile day pack to store all your urban gear so that you can get out of the office and find a new place to stir your creative juices. Comes with a laptop compartment, a "desk pocket" for the usual non-digital paraphernalia, and a breathable back panel to wick moisture away from your back. This feature alone might make it a worthwhile purchase. Judging by the quality of the zippers this looks like a long term keeper. Here is a bit on the material used on the outside of the bag from Patagonia:

Doubleweave ShiftLayer nylon fabric combines baselayer woven under tension with floating top layer to absorb friction and reduce abrasion (in the way liner socks reduce blisters by transferring friction to harmless contact between sock-fabric layers).

210-denier, polyurethane-coated ShiftLayer nylon. Lining: 210-denier prismatic reflective nylon

It comes in a number of different colours other than the boring black shown above. More info here.

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Y-3 convertible Back Pack Trolley

By Yohji Yamamoto for Adidas.

Exterior features 2 zippered pockets, side handle, luggage tag, stow away trolley and adjustable backpack straps that can be hidden. Interior features snap compartment and zippered pocket. Nylon with leather detail.

$395.00US

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Porter Day Pack

For the young and/or style conscious or for those who don't want to get lost in a crowd comes this very bright bag from Porter. The "Lesson Solid" day pack simple design features the basics - front pocket and modest interior compartment. Both zippered. More here.

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Mountain Hardwear Scrambler Pack

This bag makes allot of sense. Throw it in your large duffle, or if you must your wheeled luggage, and when you arrive at your destination you have a handy day pack for day time excursions. At first glance those straps might look uncomfortable but I think the increased air flow would be welcome in the heat.

An excellent accompaniment to a larger pack, the Scrambler compresses and packs into its own 7" x 6" x 3" pocket. Pull it out and pack it with basics for your last leg to the summit or for a jaunt from base camp.

The 1,600 cu. in. capacity fits extra layers and a lunch. Two pockets in the hood let you keep smaller items easily accessible. Shock-cord web on the front of the pack compresses your load and provides external storage. A removable foam back-panel pad supports the pack's contents and provides a pad for comfort when you're sitting or belaying.

$50.00 at LL Bean.

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Chrome Transport's Backbone messenger pack

The weather we have been experiencing lately has me thinking how valuable the Sultan Waterproof Backpack I found last year would be if you were foolish enough to venture out in this nastiness. Having a bag that can protect your gear from the rain is a pretty wise investment when you live here. With somewhat the same protection but without the roll top comes another option in Chrome Transport's Backbone messenger pack.

The Backbone is designed for for those who prefer the double strap support of backpacks, but still want the durability and weatherproof attributes of messenger bags. It's got the large main space you would expect plus a secret stash pocket and dual strap utility attachment points. You'll need a sleeve for your laptop which they sell separately but as always I recommend the Tom Bihn Brain Cell as they seem to offer the most protection.

Backbone messenger packs are $160.00US.

Others: Sultan Waterproof Backpack and Chrome’s Kevlar Shuttle Bag.

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Jansport Chalkboard Bag

A great modification of the standard Jansport work horse backpack. "This is part of the limited edition line made for Jansport. This bag came with a box of chalk and you could actually write on it!" Made by Fabric Horse.

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Logitech Kinetik Backpack

A new bag from Logitech for those who like to carry all of their gadgets when they are on the road - lots of pockets and ample space. I like the sleek exterior and the interior color makes allot of sense. The materials include Polyurethane/ethylene vinyl acetate composite - more commonly seen as EVA and increasingly popular (good or bad?). The Kinetik Backpack fits most 15.4” notebooks, including the 17" MacBook Pro, and comes with a five year warranty. When available it will retail for $99.00US. Via Apartment Therapy.

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