Best New Gear October 2020
Waterproof bags for outdoor adventures, luxurious leather that will turn heads in the boardroom and about town, and pocket knives that keep you prepped with minimal fuss. All of this and more graced the carry stage in March. And we've rounded up our prime picks of the best new gear…
The Brown Buffalo Helmetbag
One bag to conquer work and the weekend, with multiple carry options and slick urban styling? Challenge accepted by The Brown Buffalo Helmetbag. Durable, water-resistant and designed to quickly adapt to changing carry needs, the bag is made with abrasion-resistant 420D Nylon and can be carried by hand, over the shoulder or as a backpack. And with plenty of pockets on hand you've got organization covered too.
AFEW x Heimplanet "Year of the Orange Koi" Motion Dopp Kit
A lot of Dopp kits are lacking in form and function. But the AFEW x Heimplanet "Year of the Orange Koi" Motion Dopp Kit nails both criteria in striking style. A limited re-release of a sold out collaboration, the toiletry kit features an eye-catching "Orange Koi Camo" pattern. The versatile design alternates between hanging up or freestanding mode to suit different space restrictions and environments.
Mountainsmith Dry Tour Lumbar Pack and Mayhem 45 Backpack
You're a fan of fishing or water activities but not so much getting essentials soaked. Mountainsmith have a handy solution with their Dry Tour Lumbar Pack. The waterproof bag works well for carrying essentials during fishing trips, boat rides or water-based sports. But it's also useful for day hikes or photography excursions with unpredictable wet weather. Made with 500D TPU-coated Nylon, RF welded seams, and weatherproof zippers, you can breathe a sigh of relief when splashes and showers strike. Mountainsmith have also kept themselves busy keeping your carry weight down on backpacking trips with their Mayhem 45 backpack. Tough yet lightweight, the pack is made with Spectra® Fiber, offering a great strength-to-weight ratio. The pack offers top and panel opening, making it easy to access gear wherever your adventures take you.
Minaal Rolltop and Crossbody
Sometimes you need to carry a lot. But for all the times you don't, understated, stylish and slim carry options are a smart choice. And low-key functionality, efficiency and style are what the Minaal Rolltop and Crossbody provide. The Minaal Rolltop pairs a sleek silhouette with convenient access courtesy of the full-length front zipper. A 15″ laptop sleeve and pockets for smaller items keep gear safe and secure on the move. And the straps are stowable for a cleaner profile in more formal settings. Need to roll with just the essentials? That's where the Minaal Crossbody comes in. This compact bag can be worn across your back or front and features layered interior organization for ease of access.
rofmia Shift Series
We love shedding light on lesser-known brands with excellent offerings and rofmia is one such brand that's caught our attention. The Japanese fashion brand have dropped their covet-worthy Shift series of bags made from Dyneema Composite fabrics. Understated, minimalist and able to transition from work to play and travel.
ORBITGear x PORTRAY Lab The Diversity Project
Celebrating differences while finding commonalities is the name of the game with The Diversity Project. A collaboration between ORBITGear and PORTRAY Lab, the project celebrates the brands' different roots while finding common values between them. The collab features the MOD202-OV PORTRAY hip bag, a piece that combines Sundanese script supporting mutual cooperation with a batik-inspired doodle lining featuring various Indonesian cultural and landmark references. The bag is limited to 30 units, each made in Jakarta.
Klättermusen Bure Backpack
Alpine climbing is challenging enough without adding unnecessary weight to the mix. So Klättermusen have designed their Bure Backpack as a lightweight yet tough carry solution for daily climbing missions. Available in 15L and 20L options weighing 500g and 600g respectively, the pack accommodates a climbing rope, with attachment points for additional gear. A height adjustable and detachable waist strap on the 15L size and a fixed waist strap on the 20L size provides load stability, while Kevlar® reinforcement on the base adds durability in high-wear areas. The brand is also committed to sustainability, crafting the fluorocarbon-free pack with 60% Econyl® regenerated polyamide and 40% polyamide.
