By Michael Nolledo
Rule number one of farmer’s markets: don’t stuff fresh produce in a plastic bag. Come prepared with a reusable tote, like the made-in-USA ones from custom bag maker Port Canvas. Start with any of their six styles, then pick the canvas color, webbing color, lining color, handle length, monogram it, add pockets or key lanyards – go buck wild or keep it simple, you decide. Read More
Remember how much fun sleepovers were when you were a kid? Getting zonked on Jolt cola. Eating your body-weight in pizza and candy. Watching R rated movies until dawn. Actually, come to think of it, I know a few adults who still do that every weekend. Only, alone. That’s kind of sad. Read More
By Nick Grant
Things I’d like to carry in this beautiful Blue Claw Co. Old Bay Overnight Bag: my Macbook. Two pairs of shoes. A family-size bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos. Napkins to clean my hands. Another Blue Claw bag. Regardless of what I’d put in it, I can rest assured that it’ll all stay protected, thanks to this TSA approved carry-on’s ballistic nylon shell and quality American construction. Read More
What’d you say? A US-made waxed canvas roll top rucksack – you’ve been there and you’ve done that? Okay, but did you do it for (well) under $200? Yeah, I didn’t think so. It’s called the Arrowhead Trail Rolltop Bag. It’s made by Frost River. It’s got a big ol’ mess of features. And it’s priced at almost $100 less than just about every comparable bag out there. Read More
By Michael Nolledo
Don’t mistake Shelter’s Prickly Mountain Bag for just another backpack – since it’s actually a shoulder bag (yeah, I totally thought it was a rucksack when I first saw it too). Fashioned from waxed canvas, veg-tanned leather and brass hardware, the bags – which are named in honor of a counterculture architect-hippie community in Vermont – are just as well suited for foraged foodstuffs as they a store-bought sandwich and MacBook. Read More
By Nick Grant
Ever feel like your life is missing something? A certain lavishness and excitement? Well, these Montana-made Epperson Mountaineering Climbing Totes probably won’t fill that void, but that doesn’t make them any less great. Crafted from lightweight-yet-sturdy camo Cordura and Navajo-inspired embroidered nylon webbing, the bags are like a catered gourmet meal atop Mt. Kilimanjaro. Read More
The moderately and (very) immoderately priced goods that I’d rather spend it on this month.
Early birds, meet your proverbial worm. Owner Operator is now taking preorders for their soon to be released Summer Packs. Designed for “beach bummin’, bike rides, day hikes and breezy adventures,” the lightweight luggers are made in the USA from water-resistant nylon packcloth, and feature a flap top, outer zip patch pocket and Cordura nylon base. Read More
The following may very well be the worst pun to ever appear on this site. I apologize in advance. And now, a Rainproof Tote you don’t have to make it rain to afford. Again, I’m really sorry about that. The brand’s called July Nine. The bag is handmade in Portland, OR out of waterproof fabric. Read More
Chances are, these Lightweight Tote Bags from Ogaki Kaban will already be sold out by the time you read this. That’s partly because they’re made in Japan. And, partly because they’re dyed using the fermented juice of unripe persimmons, which is not only anti-bacterial, but also has water-proofing qualities. But mainly, it’s because they’re only $16. Read More
They say variety is the spice of life. So, I guess that makes the Colorado-made Mountain Briefcase from Topo Designs the Habanero pepper of bags. A hybrid hauler designed for every day use, it can be carried in not one, not two, but three different ways (backpack style, messenger style and briefcase style). Read More
What’s on sale RIGHT NOW.
As you regular readers already know, we’re big, big fans of Corter Leather around here. We also really like sales. So, when the two get put together, it’s a very exciting time us (and hopefully you too). These Waxed Totes are made by Mr. Heins in his Boston workshop out of mid-weight waxed canvas and veg-tanned leather. Read More
By Nick Grant
When you were a kid, you took your blankie everywhere. It made you feel secure, no matter what. Now, as an adult, BILLYKIRK is helping you to relive that feeling with their Striped Wool Bags. Made in the USA from Horween leather, nickel-plated brass hardware and domestically-sourced striped wool, the bags will keep your goods as safe as your blankie kept you. Read More
Aw snap! Lucky number 13. That’s right, it’s the 13th edition of N’East Illustrated, and it is a doozy. The indefatigably fetching Christine Mitchell of N’East Style has once again outdone herself with this latest batch of #menswear illustrations. Check them all out after the jump. Read More
By Nick Grant
Have you ever heard one of your less stylish friends refer to totes or carryalls as “man purses”? Well, tell him to suck it, because these Parrot Canvas Barge Totes are all man (and no purse). Boasting a rugged waxed cotton body with four-layer thick handles and double-layer bottom, these made in USA haulers were originally constructed to carry loads of ice and coal. ICE AND COAL! Read More
By Nick Grant
Sure, you may not know how to start a fire with just two sticks, or wrestle a grizzly bear to the ground, but that doesn’t mean you can’t wear the shit out of one of these Special Edition Scout Packs from Duluth Pack. Made in the USA from exclusive Woolrich fabrics, the canvas-lined, leather-detailed packs will make even the burliest mountain man squeal. Read More
I probably shouldn’t be posting these Engineer Totes from The Superior Labor, ’cause they are expensive. Like, really, ridiculously, in no way “obtainable” expensive (though they are “honestly crafted”). That said, they look incredible, they’re exceptionally well made, and, they’re on sale (30% off). Read More
By Nick Grant
Have you ever tried Cocoa Puffs with strawberry milk? It’s one of those things you wouldn’t think to mix, but when you do, it’s totally awesome. Kind of like how Rogue Territory mixed their drake camo print with natural canvas and veggie tanned leather to make this uncommonly beautiful tote bag. Read More
