Batten Sportswear

From all of the fall collections that have been landing in my favourite stores, I think I can safely say that Batten Sportswear has made the collection that I would buy the most from. Everything seems to be just right. The theme is still very inspired by American outdoor sports like hiking and surf.

Everything could easily be incorporated into a 70's university look. It's wearable, somewhat utilitarian and simply just great. It's definitely one of my new favourite brands. 

Archival Clothing Rucksack

I think there is a subject, that is yet to be completely covered, and it will probably take a lot of more posts on the subject for it to be fully covered, but that isn't the intention either. I'm - of course - referring to the subject of backpacks.

I still haven't decided on one for myself, so hopefully I'll be able to figure out what to buy, once I have covered some of the options, that I have been thinking about. If you have any suggestions, then please share them.

Archival Clothing has been mentioned, and you need to be familiar with the blog and their shop now. If not pay them a visit, please. They make beautiful objects with the same recipe basically. Waxed cotton + Mil-spec + Solid brass + Leather + Made in USA - Something good and durable.

I'm not going to say much about their rucksack. I think, it is a great product by great people, that has been very well thought through.

Just have a look at this

1 - Lightly padded back panel provides overall structure andprotection from awkward cargo. Pack rides closely and load does not sag.

2 - Shoulder straps attach into side seam, curving straps around body for comfort.
3 - Twin outer bellows pockets are easy to access and are nicely sized for smaller personal items.
4 - Single Horween Chromexcel leather strap is light, durable, and convenient.
5 - Dimension is taller and narrower. Loads carry best in this configuration.
6 - Drawstring around top opening keeps load secure and further prevents bag flopping.
7 - Two inch wide webbing shoulder straps are perfectly comfortable for loads up to 25 or 30 pounds.
8 - Convenient locker loop.
9 - Double-layered bottom ensures a long life.
10 - Fully finished inside and out. Seams fully bound in our own waxed canvas bias tape. Stress points are bar-tacked or riveted. Snaps and rivets are reinforced with leather washers.

In terms of style I don't think much of a backpack, but in terms of practicality I can't seem to think of a replacement. A tote/shopper is not always handy and a messenger creates shoulder fatigue sometimes. That's why I need a backpack for school and possibly travel as well.

Filson Rucksack

Please excuse my absence. I know, that some of you have come to expect a post a day or even more, and I still strive to continue doing so, however this is something I do in my spare time and at the moment I haven't had any time to spare. Unfortunately the time hasn't been spent in the basement doing something creative, nor have I been attending a lot of social events, I have been stuck at school with different projects.

So actually I just decided to do a really quick post on another backpack alternative, but this one is on a very obvious one, so I do not have to write a novel.

I like Filson and I like Filson a lot. I do own quite a lot of Filson. And I have to say, that if I were to buy some outerwear right now, I would be looking at their selection. The bags I have from Filson have all held up very nicely, and I think, they'll be around for another couple of years or decades.

The Filson Rucksack is mainstay in their very rugged, yet classic assortment of bags. It is constructed of a sturdy 22oz cotton twill, that has been treated with oils and waxes for water repellancy. As with most Filson bags this bag also features a heavy duty solid brass zipper (YKK, for the connoisseur), and of course their nice American bridle leather is also used on this pack. I say American Bridle because there is a difference between English Bridle leather and American bridle leather, but I won't be going into that topic now.
The use of such beefy, but of course also durable, materials make this bag quite heavy to carry, which of course is a downside to many people. However the quality is "bombproff", as one reviewer noted.

Did I mention, that this rucksack is made in the US? Well, it is.

If I were looking for a bag for travelling, I would probably be buying the Filson Duffle in medium or large. But I could probably also be talked into getting one from JW. Hulme or a vintage Gokey...

Altana Works - Teardrop

I'm trying to make up my mind on, which backpack I'm going to buy. I need something, that I can take with me on small trips, as well as carry a day's worth of school books. I have started feeling some shoulder fatigue because of messenger and tote bags, so I figured, that a backpack would be a good investment. Therefore I'm dragging you through my options, so I can make up my own mind.

I have covered some options, but there are still some to go. Today I want to cover Altadena Works, which was heavily featured some time ago, but it has been a while since we last heard from them. This doesn't change the fact, that their version of a daypack is a damn fine pack.

Altadena Works has a very nice small assortment of goods, but they all have one thing in common - they look really good! Take for instance their hold-all or market tote, which is made of Horween's Chromexcel leather - which is a very good oil-pull-up. Their Rucksack looks very sturdy and well-made, and the all black profile is actually rather refreshing, albeit I would never go all black myself. Although I know a lot of guys, who would. The all black option is a rather nice contrast to many other makers, who are also influenced by the outdoor equipment from the 1970's, the difference is, that Altadena isn't making reproductions. They were merely inspired.

I like their 801 Teardrop backpack the best. This bag is constructed of water-repellent cotton duck and leather. The nylon webbing is mil-spec, the hardware is made of metal and heavy zippers have leather pulls. Another great old-school detail is the wool felt, that is sandwiched in between two layers of "seat belt" webbing for extra comfort when carrying the bag.

Affordable backpacks - Parrott Canvas, Drifter and Fjällräven

If you are on a budget and still want a descent backpack, there aren't many good options, but there are some. Here are three options.

First off is the Scandinavian option, Kånken from Fjällräven. To many people living in the Scandinavian countries there are some connotations to the Kånken, which makes it seem very geriatric. But if you try to look at it with a more objective view, there is something cool about the iconic Kånken. Furthermore it is easy to carry, and the looks will improve with wear.

Please disregard the writing - it is a custom feature.

Please disregard the writing - it is a custom feature.

If you want some pretty good looking daypacks from a good American producer, then look no further than Parrott Canvas. Parrott Canvas is big in Japan, but the distribution outside of Japan and the US is limited to nothing. But the price of their packs makes it possible to order them from the US and still get good value. They have a lot of other good looking bags - like totes and toiletry bags.

If you want a US-made backpack, that is bang on the buck, then Drifter is the one for you. Cheap, well-made and decent quality at a price that can't be beat. Just like Parrott Canvas, Drifter has a pretty utilitarian assortment.