I love Magpul DAKA pouches. They are built like a brick shithouse, work well, and look great. However, they are expensive and because they are zipped, they are not 100% waterproof.

If you need something to stay absolutely dry when submerged, similar functionality otherwise, and a lower cost solution… well, check out these resealable Stasher silicone bags. While they might not look the business, there is no arguing their functionality.

Details here.

And if money is burning a hole in your pocket, but you still need something absolutely submergible, Nite Ize recently introduced their new RunOff Waterproof Pockets in a number of different sizes and colors. These things are priced similar to the DAKAs, but use a different kind of zip system that allows them to be completely waterproof.

I haven’t used or seen these, but initial reviews are really good.

Details here.

So I get asked this all the time – What’s the best “one bag” travel backpack on the market?

I think the answer is probably different for everyone and unfortunately, you can’t really know the answer for your own use case without trying out a bunch of different options. Myself? I’ve tried more than I care to admit… In fact, I used to have a bag problem. I still do… But I used to too…

Anyway, the best “one bag” backpack I have ever used is the 40L GoRuck Gr2. First and foremost and as far as materials and craftsmanship go, there isn’t a bag of any kind made any better. The 1000D CORDURA, the YKK zippers, the perfect stitching done in the USA, the… It’s just made as well as it possibly could be.

And then, there’s form. There is very little organization in a GR2… Essentially, it features two main compartments and a few a cubbies. You won’t find a spot for your pencils or an easy access pocket or… any of that stuff.

Instead, you are left with a blank canvas that allows you to outfit the bag for your own use case using supplemental pouches, organizers, and the like. The end result is a really flexible platform that can be configured for many, many uses. And because it’s made so damned well, it will last FOREVER.

Anyway, I should make a video on the subject…

Until then, details on the GR2 here.

I mentioned earlier that I have been working on a side project – essentially, a piece of software that searches out reviews from objective sources like Reddit, forums, etc… and then returns and ranks overall reviews. At this point, there is too much manual work involved for this to become publicly useable, but its still fun to plug things in and see what is returned.

This time, I did packing cubes. I’ve never used packing cubes (who has in the past year?), but a friend swears by them and I’ve wanted to give them a shot. Thing is, everyone makes the damn things and prices are all over the place.

So, what does my little software say about the matter? If you want the best packing cubes on the market, you want Peak Design. And if you want the best value, you want Eagle Creek Spectre.

I chose Eagle Creek and will report back.

In the market for a laptop bag? Topo makes damn nice stuff and currently, they are offering 40% off a lot of their laptop bags.

Check it out.

I’ve heard about Aer products for years, but have never pulled the trigger on anything. Recently, however, they sent me their Dopp kit for review. Holy shit man… This 1680D Cordura material is something else. And the craftsmanship is on the right side of perfection.

Even better though is the design of this pouch. It’s smaller than your typical Dopp kit, but still big enough to hold all of your crap because all of the compartments/pockets are so well organized and thought out.

HIGHLY recommended… And now, I want to try more of their wares…

Details.

I’ve always considered the gold standard of travel and EDC backpacks to belong to both GORUCK and Triple Aught Design. They both design and build bags in the USA that are essentially heirloom products. Put simply, they will outlast you with relative ease.

Other companies make lighter bags with more conveniences for less cost, but nobody that I was aware of made bags with the same level of craftsmanship using the same level of materials. Qualities that I have no problem paying for.

Recently, however, I was sent a bag from Särmä TST in Finland. It’s the CP10 – a small 10L backpack that I plan to use as a civilian “get home” bag to be stowed in my truck. It’s a combat pack designed to be used as the foundation for a modular system. And although they offer larger sizes, this compact unit fits my needs perfectly (read: the space behind the rear seats in my truck).

Beyond the size though, what’s truly unique about this bag is the quality of the build. I have it sitting next to a GORUCK GR2 and a TAD EDC. All three are made of the same materials (mostly high-end 1000D Cordura and mil-spec hardware) and all three have a VERY similar level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

And so, I’ve changed a mind that was set many years ago… There are now three manufacturers on the top of my list. Welcome Särmä TST!

Details on the bag that I got here.