Topo Designs - Daypack

My quest for a backpack came to an temporary end some weeks ago, when I finally purchased the daypack from Topo Designs. I have long been wanting to buy a backpack because a tote gets hard to carry, if you stuff it, and messenger bags can cause some fatigue, if you don't switch shoulders every now and then. The reason for me choosing Topo is quite simple; they're affordable (or rather cheap, actually), they're sturdy and they look good. But they aren't super good, which is why my search is only temporarily over because I will get another and better backpack, once I have the money and come across the perfect backpack. However I have to say, that you would have a hard time of finding a better product at the price. So this is true value for money.

I field tested the bag, when I went back home for six days, which I'll tell you more about a little later. Here is how it looks, when it is stuffed to maximum capacity.

It's much bigger, than it appears. It has a volume of 22.4 L.

The leather quality could be a bit better, but still it's a very nice detail.

Though I'm usually not too fond of YKK zippers, these are great. They run smoothly and easily.

The camo pattern is quite en mode right now. But I love it despite all the hype.

The hardware is all metal and the webbing seems sturdy. In a perfect world it would have been cotton webbing, however many companies used the same type of webbing in the heyday of hiking back in the 60s and 70s.

What you can't see from these pictures, is that the inside is very thoughtfully put together. It has a space for your laptop and some good pockets, which makes it easy to arrange all of your stuff.

For around $100 plus shipping you can get a well-made (in the US) bag that will last a long time. I think, that's great and Topo deserve every bit of praise.

And it so happens to be, that they just released a short video featuring the very sympathetic owners.

Seil Marschall - Canoe Pack

I figured after writing about the Topo Design Klettersack, that I should probably write just a bit more on backpacks. Probably because I have been thinking about investing in one merely for practical purposes. But it must be the right one. I don't want to own two backpacks, as I'll probably not be using both. So if you are also looking, I figured you needed to make the right decision based on some good alternatives, which is why I'll be writing about some of the backpacks, that I like and personally is thinking about purchasing. So make up you own mind and do some comparing.

Seil Marschall has been getting a lot of attention lately, but the family business have been around for a long time. I first discovered them some years ago through Manufactum. Luckily the distribution has become more accessible for every season since then.

Now this post shouldn't be about Topo Designs, and it won't, but I read a small interview with one of the founders of Topo, while doing some final research for the post about the Klettersack. In the interview he talked about competing with bigger companies and he said that he found it especially hard because big companies would have their hardware custom made, but they, Topo Designs, would have to make the best out of the ready made options, which meant they needed to do a lot of research on the subject. Why am I writing this, you have probably started to wonder? And I'll tell you. 

When I saw the Seil Marschall packs, I couldn't help but notice that all the hardware, trim, fabric and leather used were all things that I could have found myself and put together myself. All the things used in their packs are almost things that you can find without much effort and I kind of like that idea, as it gives the packs a slightly home made or rather handmande feel.

I quite like the look of the original canoe pack, but most of their packs look and feel good.

Pics were found here

Topo Designs Klettersack

I don't wear a backpack at the moment, though I think I have a vintage Fjällräven "Kånken" stuffed away somewhere. I'm not eager to get one either, as my experience tells me, that it will be getting very little use. That being said I find myself wanting one of these Klettersacks from Topo Designs. The fact that they are getting good reviews from a lot of reliable sources doesn't make them any less desirable.

Topo Designs seem to have just the right ideals and ideas in order. They started out making everything themselves (Topo wa founded by three friends), but now they make everything in a LEED certified workshop in order to be able to meet the orders from Japan. 

They use proper materials such as 1000 denier cordura nylon, leather and mil-spec hardware. I for one love mil-spec, so that is one massive plus in Topo's favour. In addition to this the bags are also very affordable, and their daypacks are even cheaper. Of course if you live in outside of the US, you have to take custom fees into consideration, but it still makes for a good, affordable alternative.

I look forward to seeing where Topo Designs are going. They are definitely a brand to follow.  I have read somewhere that they will be producing apparel at some point... Interesting.