Buyer's Guide the Best Custom Backpack and Bag Makers-EDC AND BIKE
Partial to pouches? DMadeBags makes the kind of pouches you could pore over lovingly for hours and still struggle to choose just one. Premium materials such as 1000D Cordura and X-Pac come together in killer colorway combos and efficient, versatile designs for storing everything from office supplies to toiletries and even an AeroPress ('cause why not?). The pouches are made by hand in Ohio and you can check out readily available inventory on the DMadeBags site. And if you don't see something that's just right (or have a cool idea in mind you'd love to see come to life), you can DM via Instagram to chat about custom pieces.
If you're a fan of tactical carry, the name Mel Terkla is probably familiar to you. That's because Mel has spent more than 12 years designing Kifaru's tactical line. But PocketUp is a brand that spans multiple carry spheres, from adventure travel to EDC, search and rescue, and more. PocketUp is all about keeping your gear tidy and accessible on the go through a variety of pockets and pouches. Founded by Mel and his wife Rena, the pouches and pockets are made in the USA with a variety of materials such as 400D nylon pack cloth and 1000D Cordura. Available in a range of sizes, colors and designs, the pockets and pouches can store clothing, shoes, toiletries, first aid supplies and more. And they make it easy to not only organize your gear but transfer it between bags too. PocketUp are currently not accepting requests for custom work that requires a design or pattern change to the existing designs. But if you're keen for a different material or color combination to what's available, you can send Mel a PM, email him at mel@pocketup.net or call him at 831-566-2337 to discuss your idea.
Made by hand in Berkeley, California, ILE bags are built with a commitment to simplicity, durability and practicality to adapt to a hard day's grind and laid-back weekends alike. And if you're keen for a personalised take on their rugged and reliable bags, you can choose custom design options on the ILE Default and Default Mini. While the webbing, thread and binding are always black, you've got free rein on the number of pack colors, with a current build time of 10 days (subject to change). And if you're after something more customized, you can get in touch with ILE and discuss whether they can make your ideas a reality.
R. E.Load may be a small brand but they're big on customization options. And this Philadelphia-based brand knows all about the custom scene. After all, it was founded by bike messengers and has been crafting handmade bags since 1998. In addition to their ready-made range, you can get stuck into shaping your dream bag with multiple options covering materials, colors, and features. Maybe you're a fan of 1000D Cordura or prefer Ballistic Nylon. Perhaps you have the ideal color combination in mind, from the thread, webbing, lining, and trim, to the front, back, sides and flap. And with their Color Picker you can get an idea of what your bag will look like. R.E.Load dishes up a huge range of features to choose from including external and internal pockets, dividers, compression straps, shoulder strap and shoulder orientation options, buckles, reflective detailing and more. And they can even stitch a personalized appliqué graphic to your bag for that extra-special touch.
When it comes to quality carry, YNOT don't mess around. All their bags are handmade in-house in Toronto, Canada, with a lot of their fabric and plastic hardware made in the USA. And in addition to a wide range of standard designs including backpacks, messengers, duffels, slings and more, they're also on point in the customization department. Their ‘Design Your Own' option allows you to pick and choose from a variety of features including colors and fabrics, pocket additions, zip changes, compression straps and buckle preferences.
One of the original players in the bike carry scene, Chrome Industries have a legion of fans that appreciate their rugged durability and on/off bike versatility. And if you love custom pieces, there's even more reason to dig Chrome. Pop into any of the Chrome Hubs and you'll find talented custom sewers ready to help you create that badass bag you've been longing for. Whether you want to pick a particular color combination, add patches, or turn salvaged fabric into a new bag, Chrome's custom sewers have the skills and passion to see you right.
Mer Bags founder Rob Nelson has been handcrafting bags since 2001. And his appreciation of hard-wearing gear ensures you won't need to be gentle with your own Mer Bag. Made to embrace active use, the bags are built in Brooklyn using materials sourced in the USA. In addition to ready-made options you can give your setup the special treatment with a custom made-to-order option. There's a bunch of base designs to choose from such as backpacks, messengers, and pouches, with a multitude of customization options to really make them your own. Customize the fabric choice, colors on the base and body, trim, webbing, thread, lining, the strap style, the bag size, and even add additional pockets.
A customized bag sewn in San Francisco within three weeks of your order. Built with durable functionality in mind and a lifetime guarantee. Sound good? Then scope out Timbuk2's custom offerings. You can choose from a range of base designs including backpacks, messengers, a tote and crossbody bag. If you're keen on a little inspiration you can opt for Designer Inspired which lets you take the bag as is or tweak details. Alternatively you can choose Blank Canvas and customize one of the base designs from scratch. Get creative with zipper choices, body fabric and color options, as well as preferences on pocket, binding and webbing colorways.
