This is old news, but the Bellroy X Carryology collabs are out. Ironically, Bellroy owns Carryology. BUT, I like this “all back” and hi-vis orange look much more than I like the typical Bellroy aesthetic. It just looks more purposeful.

Details here.

I mentioned this a few weeks ago, but it’s real now. If you are one of those guys that have waited years for Remote Equipment to re-release the Alpha 31, it’s not available for pre-order. If in doubt, just buy it… If you don’t like it, you can easily get your money back on the used market.

Details.

Another day, another bag… This time it’s from GORUCK and it’s the limited edition GORUCK x Huckberry Slick GR2 in 40L. Essentially, this the USA made GR2 without the molle on the front – giving the bag a cleaner aesthetic.

I actually prefer having the molle, but I do think this is the best LARGE travel pack on the market. I’ve had one for almost a decade now and it has seen some shit… still good as new.

Details here.

The Remote Equipment Alpha 31 is a legendary backpack that seemingly only gets released every couple of years. They sell out quick… and then they are gone until they are pretty much handmade again. I’ve never messed with one of these, but just about everyone in the game shouts their virtues…

Anyway, word on the street has it that Remote Equipment will be releasing V2 of the Alpha 31 on March 1. If you want one, wake up early, and be prepared to press your refresh button until available.

Details here.

So my brother’s birthday is coming up and I wanted to do something a little different. He’s not much of a bag man and I figured I might be able to change that by setting him up with something simple, but very functional. Here are the basics of the kit that I put together:

1. GORUCK 26L GR1 in 1000D. For all intents and purposes, this is the best general backpack ever made. It’s built like a tank in the USA using incredibly durable materials and features a single large compartment for simplicity. I modified it by changing the zipper pulls to yellow and adding a logo patch from my brother’s business.
2. AER Dopp Kit. Dopp kits are a pretty personal thing, but the AER is my favorite. I really like the ballistic nylon construction and the size/organization ratio is perfect for my needs. I removed the AER zipper pulls and replaced them with GORUCK style Paracord and heat shrink pulls.
3. GORUCK Mini Wire Dopp. My brother doesn’t have much tech – just a cell phone charger and a cable. As such, I figured the Mini would be perfect for him.
4. Maxpedition Pocket Organizer. I’m not much for Maxpedition, but every load out needs a tool pouch for pens, pencils, notebooks, knives, etc… This one is cheap and proven. Again, I added GORUCK style zipper pulls for the win.

And that’s it… A simple setup that will last a lifetime of traveling.

There is something so satisfying about a well thought out and implemented load out… and this one is incredible. Start with a GR1 Heritage, add a leather pouch by Saddleback, and a few tech covers from Nomad, and cap it all off with what might be the best tech pouch on the market – the Evergoods Cap2.

The traditional materials of leather and canvas might add weight, but it’s hard to argue against the aesthetic of it all. Just beautifully done.