LA-based Killspencer is a small brand using recycled materials to make new cool shit. This minimalist Weekender duffle is not the first product of theirs we featured and won’t likely be the last. Built from Korean war-era coated canvas and trimmed in black with water repellent zippers, snap pockets, and a bullhide handle, this thing looks ready for battle. Inside however, you’ll find a zippered sleeve for your laptop and plenty of room for your skin care products and vintage fashions.
Just about every product ever guaranteed to be waterproof actually sucks up water like a sponge. The DryZone 200 camera bag from LowePro however, has actually been given the dunk test. It wasn’t some lab-controlled spritzing either, adventure/humanitarian photographer Craig Pulsifer actually took this pack out for “backflips into the pool and an hour under the falls” in the Phillipines. Guess what? It’s watertight. Holds a pro SLR kit or your video gear plus more …
The business traveler’s old standby, the garment bag, is long overdue for an update. Finally, the Scottish luggage brand Lat 56º has done it. Their Red-Eye garment bag is made with a semi-rigid outer shell that is impact and water resistant, while inside their TPS (torso protection system) technology keeps your suit wrinkle- and crease-free. This unique bag also features a compartment for extra shoes, dopp kit, shirt, ties, etc.
It would take an Indiana Jones-type adventure to get your leather luggage looking this beat up. But you don’t need to go hunting for a holy grail—the Alpha Bravo collection from Tumi comes pre-thrashed. Made from full-grain Lejeune leather burnished for a distressed look, the collection offers heavy-duty designs in an array of styles: tote, backpack, duffel & a messenger bag.
You might have to define “upcycling” when people ask about your messenger bag. But that’s cool. It means taking a discarded product and giving it a new life. This bag uses salvaged hardware and recycled leather to create a totally new carry-all. It’s got all the features you need in a messenger bag: zip & Velcro outer pockets, adjustable shoulder strap, etc., and each bag is handmade to order.
Your laptop is your most important work tool. Therefore, show it the respect it deserves by carrying it around in a fine leather briefcase like this one from legendary Italian designer to the stars, Salvatore Ferragamo. The slim, all-black case features leather top handles, a two-way zip closure, plus a removable shoulder strap & internal laptop sleeve.
You want good photos, but do you want to lug a whole extra bag just for your SLR photo gear? Most of the time, we say screw it & put the point-and-shoot in our pocket instead. Here’s a compromise. The Roma by Ona is a mini SLR case that fits a body & lens and slides right into your duffel or pack. Your camera is protected and your bag stays organized. Easy.
With a capacity of 1300 cubic inches, this pack is the perfect size for day trips and commuter hot-laps. Made of military-spec Cordura, it’s built to withstand bomb blasts. It opens super-wide for unrestricted access to your cargo. And whatever you can’t fit inside it, you can strap on—the exterior of the pack is a matrix of sturdy, military PALS webbing so you can keep your machete or water bottle (depending on the situation) close at hand.
Let’s assume your ideal look is a bit more “urban casual” than “Ohio tourist on vacation.” To make sure you’re following all the way through, try this handsome camera bag disguised as a messenger bag. The roomy, waxed cotton canvas tote holds your DSLR camera, 3 lenses, 15” laptop and more. So even if you’re snapping photos of the sunset with a flash, you’ll at least look good doing it.
Have you mastered the art of traveling light? Once you’ve figured out how to split for the weekend with just one bag, you’ll need that one bag. Get a good one. This one is made of heavy canvas with leather trim. The rugged, aviator style with a weathered finish also makes it look like you’ve flown a few missions.
