Carry Awards | Carryology | Exploring Better Ways to Carry https://www.carryology.com/category/projects/carry-awards/ Exploring better ways to carry bags, wallets & more. Thu, 16 Jan 2025 02:00:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://www.carryology.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/cropped-C-Favicon-32x32.png Carry Awards | Carryology | Exploring Better Ways to Carry https://www.carryology.com/category/projects/carry-awards/ 32 32 Carry Awards XI Winners | Part 2 https://www.carryology.com/projects/carry-awards/carry-awards-xi-winners-part-2/ Tue, 07 Jan 2025 21:20:19 +0000 https://www.carryology.com/?p=111197 The Carry Awards XI are upon us, and as always, it’s time to celebrate the gear...

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The Carry Awards XI are upon us, and as always, it’s time to celebrate the gear that moves us, elevates our everyday, and gets us closer to the adventures we want to have. This year’s lineup is nothing short of spectacular, with standout designs that push the envelope in innovation, quality, and style. From backpacks that redefine durability to the sleekest, most functional EDC that we’ve ever seen, the Carry Awards XI is a testament to the craftsmanship and ingenuity that’s shaping the future of carry. It’s a celebration of the brands and makers who are not just building products but crafting tools for living—and living well. After months and months of testing, we dive into this year’s nominees and winners, it’s clear that the world of carry is more exciting than ever. So, buckle up and get ready to see the best of the best in action. The Carry Awards XI are here, and the adventure starts now. Don’t forget to let us know in the comments which you would chose!


Best Travel Luggage of 2024


Best Travel Clothing of 2024


Best Travel Accessories of 2024 


Brand of the Year 2024


Hall of Fame 2024


Best Outdoor Bag of 2024


Best Work Shoulder Bag of 2024

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Carry Awards XI Winners | Part 1 https://www.carryology.com/projects/carry-awards-xi-winners-part-1/ Mon, 23 Dec 2024 20:50:11 +0000 https://www.carryology.com/?p=111136 The Carry Awards XI are upon us, and as always, it’s time to celebrate the gear...

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The Carry Awards XI are upon us, and as always, it’s time to celebrate the gear that moves us, elevates our everyday, and gets us closer to the adventures we want to have. This year’s lineup is nothing short of spectacular, with standout designs that push the envelope in innovation, quality, and style. From backpacks that redefine durability to the sleekest, most functional EDC that we’ve ever seen, the Carry Awards XI is a testament to the craftsmanship and ingenuity that’s shaping the future of carry. It’s a celebration of the brands and makers who are not just building products but crafting tools for living—and living well. After months and months of testing, we dive into this year’s nominees and winners, it’s clear that the world of carry is more exciting than ever. So, buckle up and get ready to see the best of the best in action. The Carry Awards XI are here, and the adventure starts now. Don’t forget to let us know in the comments which you would chose!


Best Everyday (EDC) Backpack of 2024


Best Slings of 2024

Bellroy Venture Ready Sling 2.5L

Chrome Sabin Sling

Grams 28 154 City Pack

Packolab Samurai

Porter Tanker Envelope

Arc’Teryx Granville Sling

Black Ember Grip Sling


Best Messenger Bag of 2024


Best Work Backpack of 2024


Best Camera Bag of 2024


Best Carry-On Backpacks of 2024


Best EDC (Everyday Carry) of 2024

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Brand of the Year | Carry Awards X https://www.carryology.com/projects/carry-awards/brand-of-the-year-carry-awards-x/ https://www.carryology.com/projects/carry-awards/brand-of-the-year-carry-awards-x/#comments Tue, 06 Jun 2023 16:30:01 +0000 https://www.carryology.com/?p=93652 At Carryology, we’re lucky enough to have the opportunity to work with the world’s best brands,...

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At Carryology, we’re lucky enough to have the opportunity to work with the world’s best brands, on varying levels, and so we’re privy to the glowing inner workings of many. And, in our opinion, very few are as complete a brand as Boulder, Colorado’s Matador. 

Matador

Founded in 2014 by Chris Clearman with the vision to combine outdoor-industry expertise and the pursuit of travel, Matador has burgeoned into a brand that is much loved, smart, and agile.

They know who they are and what they do best, and they bring a consistency and cohesion to their ever-growing line, and a unrelenting dedication to innovation and the evolution of carry.

Matador Founder Chris Clearman

In their Boulder HQ – fitted with a prototyping lab, 3D printing lab, and in-house waterproof and air pressure testing – they continue to fully design, engineer, and prototype every product in-house, from scratch – persistently breaking new ground in doing so. From their Speed Stash HDPE stiffener bars to their Beast Series spring steel bar stock hoop frame and ‘segmentation’ architecture displayed in the SEG42, they’re always pushing the needle, for better, more useful design. 

And the results in the product line are telling, offering up a stable of travel-honed gear that finds new ways to innovate in travel accessories, hydration, packable bags, and travel packs alike. 

Because of this, the accolades have been numerous: Outside Magazine’s prestigious 2023 Gear Guide “Best Travel Luggage of 2023” and a finalist nod in the IHA Global Innovation Awards at the 2023 Inspired Home Show. And they’ve worked closely with industry giants like YKK and Dimension Polyant on custom hardware and fabrics, because sometimes ‘off the shelf’ just won’t cut it.

On the ethical and sustainability front, they’re pushing in all the right directions: exceeding their timeline to become fully PFA-free in 2024, running a quality in-house repair program, making ethical manufacturing decisions, employing carbon-neutral freight carriers, and juicing their headquarters with certified green energy.

Brand of the Year - Matador office

And they not only accomplish all this with a compact team of 11 full-time employees, with minimal third-party outsourcing, but they do it without outside investment – they’re fully bootstrapped and in control of every next move – and that’s a remarkable feat, and one truly worth recognizing in one of our most cherished and regarded awards.

And so, without further ado, I’d like to congratulate the entire team at Matador, for being a brilliant collective of humans, and our Brand of the Year!

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Hall of Fame | Carry Awards X https://www.carryology.com/projects/carry-awards/hall-of-fame-carry-awards-x/ Tue, 06 Jun 2023 10:51:24 +0000 https://www.carryology.com/?p=93651 Our Tenth Annual Carry Awards welcomes an industry-shaping backpack into the Hall of Fame… Mystery Ranch...

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Our Tenth Annual Carry Awards welcomes an industry-shaping backpack into the Hall of Fame


Mystery Ranch 3 Day Assault Pack

Every now and then, a pack comes along that shakes up the entire industry. And after the 3 Day Assault Pack (AKA 3DAP) was born, the term ‘access’ in carry design would forever be considered differently.

You can read all about the invention of its 3-Zip in our archives (part 1 and part 2) to learn more about this wildly functional method of access first born from a ski pack concept, but the 3DAP is the pack that brought it all into the spotlight, in one rugged, battlefield-ready package.  

For me, there really has been no other pack that has captured my personal and professional interest and fascination more than the 3DAP. From the moment I set eyes on it, it has been “the one”. Arguably, this is because the 3DAP really came to be at the exact same time that I entered the world of softgoods design, 20 years ago, at the turn of the 2000s. 

Dana Gleason, founder of Mystery Ranch, was a design idol of mine. And still is. And he’d just come off Dana Design and was diving headlong into his new project, Mystery Ranch. Then, putting all his knowledge and experience into his next crazy venture, the 3DAP was born. 

A visionary industry titan and a personal design hero, releasing his latest and greatest offering from his new brand? An offering that would influence main-compartment entry for years to come.

For me, the 3DAP was the absolute pinnacle of backpack design. What a pack could be.

What specifically makes the 3DAP amazing? Though it has slightly evolved over the years, it more or less has kept the same overall design and purpose: a pack for military forces to contain 3 days’ worth of assault gear. 

These packs have been to some of the most hostile environments on earth. There have been more than 100,000 units made, purchased by the US military for some of the finest and most elite special forces units (SEALs, etc.). They are designed not to fail, and to comfortably carry loads for hours while keeping the carrier agile. A perfect example of ‘fitness for purpose’ in carry design. 

Each 3 Day Assault Pack is expertly made from Cordura nylon in the USA by some crazy amazing human at Mystery Ranch’s manufacturing facility in Bozeman, Montana (lovingly nicknamed “The Ranch”).

Combine that military toughness with an incredibly unique 3-ZIP access as well as the beautifully executed and comfortable Futura harness (which just might be my favorite load-bearing harness ever made) and you have damn near perfection. 

Hall of Fame - Mystery Ranch 3 Day Assault Pack

The 3DAP has inspired me and many others, capturing our curiosities and passion. And to honor the big guy himself and everyone else at Mystery Ranch who played a role… this award is for you. 

A sincere congratulations and personal thank you. The 3DAP has securely cemented itself as a timeless icon of pack design for eternity. Welcome to the Carry Awards Hall of Fame, 3DAP. Enjoy your well-earned crown!

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Best Travel Accessory Champion | Carry Awards X https://www.carryology.com/projects/carry-awards/best-travel-accessory-champion-carry-awards-x/ Mon, 05 Jun 2023 23:17:34 +0000 https://www.carryology.com/?p=93570 Our Best Travel Accessory champion provides effortless quick-access storage for small essentials when you’re roaming with...

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Our Best Travel Accessory champion provides effortless quick-access storage for small essentials when you’re roaming with a pack…

1st Place

Matador Speed Stash

This year’s Best Travel Accessory winner goes to the Matador Speed Stash. Created by the Colorado-based team that has brought us some of the most innovative, feature-rich, and packable travel packs and accessories, the Speed Stash is another prized arrow in their quiver. It’s a versatile backpack strap attachment that offers quick access to small accessories and essentials such as your phone, passport, and snacks. It can securely attach to any backpack with a sternum strap through the clever use of locking bars, even if the strap isn’t buckled. It measures 7 x 4 x 2 inches and weighs just 2.68 oz, making it an easy choice to attach to the front of a pack before a trip or to leave on one all the time. 

Matador Speed Stash

The Speed Stash is made of Bluesign-approved 420D nylon with a PU coating for water resistance on the outer. A nylon powermesh provides for an exterior stow pocket while a breathable spacer mesh back panel keeps air circulating. 

Matador Speed Stash

We found it perfect for travel, hiking, or daily use.  It fits cell phones (iPhone 13 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S22+, and Pixel 6 Pro, for example), GPS devices (i.e. Garmin inReach), wallets, passports, and snacks. It is the perfect stash pocket for all the essentials in your pockets before the TSA line, and due to the size and easy-to-operate YKK zipper, there’s no struggle with stuffing everything into a small quick-access pocket on your backpack. Inspiring work, Matador!


Highly Commended

These are the pieces that just missed out, and in most cases, by the smallest of margins. To them, we award a High Commendation. The below were of outstanding quality, displaying fine craftsmanship and design flair. With honor, we bow our heads in the utmost respect and kudos. If this were a dais, they’d be biting their teeth into silver medals, while their flags were hoisted into the horizon – a feat not to be overlooked. And we’re sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.


Prometheus Design Werx ATP Pouches

Prometheus Design Werx ATP Pouches

Need trusty waterproof organization for small adventure essentials? PDW has your back with their ATP pouches. Available in three sizes, the waterproof pouches are made with tough 600D recycled RPET. Each pouch features PDW’s MCA (MOLLE Compatible Array) which can be used with PDW’s HAL1 straps or your own attachment setup.

The two smaller pouches have a translucent window on one side for visibility of the contents, while the largest pouch offers a zippered pocket. The TruZip® watertight zipper provides dependable protection from the elements, while the choice of sizes accommodate a range of contents such as first aid supplies, electronic gear, snacks, and more. Bravo, Prometheus Design Werx!


Weatherman Collapsible Umbrella

Weatherman Collapsible Umbrella

Bulky umbrellas are a hassle to carry but smaller ones are often more prone to blowing inside out or breaking in harsh weather. But the Weatherman Collapsible Umbrella comes to the rescue, offering compact carry with strong and savvy construction. The large canopy provides excellent coverage, while the industrial-strength fiberglass construction combats breaking and inverting. The umbrella also features vented canopies that withstand winds up to 55 mph by letting the umbrella act as a pass-through instead of providing resistance.

The ergonomic handle has a button for easy automatic opening and the wrist strap aids with carrying too. You also benefit from 360-degree reflective trim for added visibility and a choice of colorways to suit your personal tastes and make it easy to retrieve your own umbrella if it’s stored with others. Superb work, Weatherman!

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Best Carry-On Bag Champion | Carry Awards X https://www.carryology.com/projects/carry-awards/best-carry-on-bag-champion-carry-awards-x/ Mon, 05 Jun 2023 22:19:44 +0000 https://www.carryology.com/?p=93558 Highly considered and built to embrace wherever your next trip takes you, our Best Carry-On Bag...

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Highly considered and built to embrace wherever your next trip takes you, our Best Carry-On Bag champion is designed to make your travels as hassle-free as possible…

1st Place

EVERGOODS CTB35

EVERGOODS are no strangers to the Carry Awards finals. So it’s no surprise that the CTB35 (CIVIC Travel Bag 35L) has secured its position at the #1 slot for this year.

EVERGOODS CTB35

The Bozeman-based design team completely reimagined their travel backpack, replacing their discontinued CTB40 via a method that might appear to be extremely simple but is quite difficult to execute in reality. First, it doesn’t hurt that they have a classic previous Carry Award winner backpack with a cult following, the CPL24. This part is very important. If you’re into carry and you’re reading these words here, you’ve probably owned one or more CPL24s in your time. You’re well versed with the layout, the features, and the incredible patterning of the CPL series. Well, EVERGOODS took that same familiar DNA and sized it up, as well as improved it. Now, along your travels you’ve got a pack that you know intimately, that you could recognize blindfolded by feel alone, while also offering more features for a travel-focused mission.

The 35L capacity is the perfect sweet spot, accommodating those who might want to bring a bunch of extra goodies for a short trip and providing all the space for someone who might be traveling internationally for a trip lasting several weeks. Congratulations, EVERGOODS!

EVERGOODS CTB35

Highly Commended

These are the pieces that just missed out, and in most cases, by the smallest of margins. To them, we award a High Commendation. The below were of outstanding quality, displaying fine craftsmanship and design flair. With honor, we bow our heads in the utmost respect and kudos. If this were a dais, they’d be biting their teeth into silver medals, while their flags were hoisted into the horizon – a feat not to be overlooked. And we’re sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.


Aer Travel Pack 3

Aer Travel Pack 3

Aer continually strives to hone their designs and the Travel Pack 3 is a fine celebration of their design prowess. The brand really knows how to nail the sleek-and-functional vibe and the Travel Pack 3 is a great choice for the traveler who wants discreet carry that will perform like a travel pro without drawing unwanted attention. The minimalist aesthetics fly under the radar, while the tough and weatherproof build comes in a choice of burly materials that will easily withstand the scrapes and scuffs of travel use.

While the aesthetics may be pared back, this bag packs in a bunch of travel-friendly features. The lay-flat main compartment, exterior-access laptop storage, and variety of practical organization options make it easy to pack and retrieve gear throughout your trip. You also benefit from multiple grab handles, a luggage handle passthrough, and load lifters that add welcome comfort during long treks with your gear. Lockable zippers provide added peace of mind and the pack can also compress down through compression straps with magnetic fasteners, making it easy to cinch down for smaller loads and allowing it to do double duty as a day bag at your destination. Highly impressive work, Aer!


Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L

Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L

When you need to haul maximum carry-on loads in supreme comfort, Tortuga comes to the rescue with their Travel Backpack 40L. The exceptionally comfy and height-adjustable harness, load lifters, and removable hip belt make hauling even larger loads a breeze. And when it comes to packing, the convenient clamshell main compartment, exterior-access laptop storage, and front organizer panel make it quick and simple to store or retrieve gear as required.

Made with SHELL200 (a 100% recycled and waterproof sailcloth fabric) and water-resistant YKK zippers, you can rest assured your gear is well protected from the elements and that the pack will stand up to the rugged demands of travel. Wonderfully comfortable, with sleek aesthetics and thoughtful organization, the Travel Backpack 40L is an excellent travel buddy for adventures near and far. Stellar job, Tortuga!

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Best Everyday Bag Champion | Carry Awards X https://www.carryology.com/projects/carry-awards/best-everyday-bag-champion-carry-awards-x/ Mon, 05 Jun 2023 22:18:31 +0000 https://www.carryology.com/?p=93622 With its sleek style, durable build, multifunctional versatility, and awesome value for money, our Best Everyday...

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With its sleek style, durable build, multifunctional versatility, and awesome value for money, our Best Everyday Bag champion is a truly excellent daily carry companion…

1st Place

Alpha One Niner WHITLEY Backpack

This year’s #1 spot in the Everyday Bag category (the most competitive category by far) was a battle to the very end, but the folks at Alpha One Niner have claimed victory with the WHITLEY Backpack. After the numbers were in and calculations triple-checked, it was unanimous. This is honestly no surprise because the WHITLEY relied deeply on customer-sourced data to make the Goldilocks backpack, all based on feedback from real users. 

Best Everyday Bag Champion - Alpha One Niner WHITLEY Backpack

Available in a quality array of different materials (such as the iconic 500D Cordura nylon, super tough ballistic nylon, and X-Pac fabric), this pack just seems to do almost everything really well. AON’s legendary construction really shines through on this pack, as there honestly isn’t a lot of extra stuff to hide it behind. It’s incredibly simple… in a great way. Minimalist patterning keeps the pack looking great and incredibly intuitive to use without having to “figure it out”. Of course, it’s still feature-rich with a ton of stuff that we look for, like a suspended laptop, magnetic sternum strap, quick-access pocket, and more. 

Best Everyday Bag Champion - Alpha One Niner WHITLEY Backpack

All that stuff above is awesome, sure. But where the WHITLEY really shines… it offers simplicity and tons of features found on packs that fall in the $300-$350 price range. However, this pack rings in at only $179 (500D), which means that not only is this the best value proposition in the Everyday Bag category (again, the most competitive), but the Alpha One Niner WHITLEY just might be the best value in all of the Carry Awards this year. A well-deserved, first-place win. Bravo, Alpha One Niner!


Highly Commended

These are the pieces that just missed out, and in most cases, by the smallest of margins. To them, we award a High Commendation. The below were of outstanding quality, displaying fine craftsmanship and design flair. With honor, we bow our heads in the utmost respect and kudos. If this were a dais, they’d be biting their teeth into silver medals, while their flags were hoisted into the horizon – a feat not to be overlooked. And we’re sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.


Bellroy Venture Backpack 22L

Bellroy Venture Backpack 22L

Need a pack that takes you effortlessly from week commutes to weekend adventures? Bellroy delivers a great all-rounder with their 22L Venture Backpack. One of the key features of this pack is the adaptable opening, which provides both top-loading and front panel-loading access depending on your needs. The adjustable slide hook flap closure lets you expand or contract the volume to adapt to changing loads, while an array of thoughtfully considered organization options keep everything neat and accessible throughout the day.

An interior padded sleeve securely houses up to a 16″ laptop, with additional zippered and slip pockets to store smaller items. On the exterior you have two zippered hidden water bottle pockets and a quick-access top pocket. Made with water-resistant, 100% recycled nylon, the pack exudes clean style for city environments but is durable enough for a day exploring outdoors or even overnight travel. Fantastic job, Bellroy!


GORUCK M22

GORUCK M22

GORUCK’s M22 was inspired by the M1945 Field Pack created for use during WWII, but delivers a modern spin for everyday use today. The pack features a top-loading design with G-hook buckles on the flap over the drawstring closure. But you can also access the main compartment quickly through a side zipper. The pack provides three exterior-access pockets (including a water bottle pocket) for smaller essentials, along with an external-access laptop compartment for easy access to your tech.

The extra-padded shoulder straps and top handle provide comfy carry for heavier loads and the tough 500D Cordura construction easily embraces daily use. For those seeking a style departure from GORUCK’s usual designs, while still enjoying all the rugged functionality the brand is known for, the M22 makes a great daily driver with the flexibility for travel and outdoor use too. Awesome effort, GORUCK!

A heads up: Bellroy and Carryology share the same founders. You can read about our origin story here.

And hey, we’re reader-supported too, so if you find something that sparks your interest and click through and purchase via our affiliate links, sometimes we’ll get a little kickback from the brands or retailers. It helps us to make more content and build this channel. Although, we’ll just point out, some brands don’t have affiliate options, and that’s cool with us too. If the carry is awesome, we recommend it!

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Best Work Shoulder Bag Champion | Carry Awards X https://www.carryology.com/projects/carry-awards/best-work-shoulder-bag-champion-carry-awards-x/ Mon, 05 Jun 2023 15:36:00 +0000 https://www.carryology.com/?p=93081 With its elegantly timeless style, premium materials, and adaptable organization, our Best Work Shoulder Bag champion...

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With its elegantly timeless style, premium materials, and adaptable organization, our Best Work Shoulder Bag champion brings class and versatile functionality to any work setting…

1st Place

Wilboro Revival Satchel

There are times when a bag catches the industry off guard and grabs attention. The Wilboro Revival Satchel is one such bag that immediately caused a stir amongst both our staff and readers. From Ontario, Canada, Wilboro is a one-man team making considered and innovative pieces of carry. 

Wilboro Revival Satchel

The Revival Satchel is a magnificent example of design, manufacturing, and progression. In many ways, this feels like the upgrade that leather goods have been waiting for in the world of EDC and tech carry. This is the type of bag that gets people talking, regardless of their interest level in the world of carry.  Each gorgeous piece of Wickett & Craig Leather is perfectly placed on this elegant pattern, and it creates a unique yet under-the-radar modern-day messenger. This leather body is upgraded with X-Pac® UVX40 for the liner and finished with hardware that is a mix of Fidlock® magnetic snap closures and an AustriAlpin Cobra Pro buckle on the strap. The internal removable laptop sleeve is a mix of felt, leather, and YKK® zippers. There is not an expense spared with this construction and it is immediately noticeable from the moment you hold it! 

Wilboro Revival Satchel

The laptop sleeve can hold a 14″ MacBook Pro or iPad Pro with keyboard, and is conveniently detachable for use at your desk. The laptop sleeve is a great example of Wilboro’s brilliant design ethos; small touches that make the product all the more enjoyable to use. Coming from a one-man workshop, its combination of thoughtful, functional design and its marriage of heritage and modern materials make the Revival Satchel a celebration of all that is great in the world of carry. A worthy champion! Bravo, Wilboro!


Highly Commended

These are the pieces that just missed out, and in most cases, by the smallest of margins. To them, we award a High Commendation. The below were of outstanding quality, displaying fine craftsmanship and design flair. With honor, we bow our heads in the utmost respect and kudos. If this were a dais, they’d be biting their teeth into silver medals, while their flags were hoisted into the horizon – a feat not to be overlooked. And we’re sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.


Bellroy Tokyo Work Bag

Bellroy Tokyo Work Bag

The Tokyo Work Bag’s deft blend of minimalist style and thoughtful organization makes this a truly versatile piece for both formal and informal work settings, while keeping gear quickly accessible throughout the day. Useful features such as a wide opening and considered pocket placement for your tech, EDC, a water bottle, and small accessories prevents the need to waste time rummaging for specific items.

Add in grab handles, a removable shoulder strap, and a luggage handle pass-through for flexible portability and you get a piece that adapts smoothly to the commute, zipping between meetings, and business trips. And with 100% recycled exterior fabric and linings, eco-tanned leather accents, and a choice of work-friendly colorways, you can enjoy sustainable style along with intuitively practical design. Great job, Bellroy!


Code of Bell APEX LINER PRO

Code of Bell APEX LINER PRO

With many people now embracing a hybrid approach to working environments, perhaps splitting their time between the office and home or their local cafe, Code of Bell wanted to create a bag that would adapt easily on the fly. Their answer to this challenge is the APEX LINER PRO, a daily carry bag and work bag in one.

Three separate compartments and an assortment of pockets keep gear well organized and secure yet quickly accessible on the go. And there’s an additional clever feature with this bag; the laptop compartment opens up to create a portable workstation for your laptop, letting you work in privacy wherever the workday takes you. An expandable front compartment accommodates bulkier items such as an outer layer or change of shoes and you’ve got multiple carry options including a shoulder strap, grab handles, a luggage pass-through, and even an optional backpack harness for on-the-back carry. Burly weatherproof construction with X-Pac fabric and water-repellent YKK zippers adds extra peace of mind in inclement weather, making this a trusty piece for a range of environments and weather conditions. Fantastic work, Code of Bell!

A heads up: Bellroy and Carryology share the same founders. You can read about our origin story here.

And hey, we’re reader-supported too, so if you find something that sparks your interest and click through and purchase via our affiliate links, sometimes we’ll get a little kickback from the brands or retailers. It helps us to make more content and build this channel. Although, we’ll just point out, some brands don’t have affiliate options, and that’s cool with us too. If the carry is awesome, we recommend it!

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Best Work Backpack Champion | Carry Awards X https://www.carryology.com/projects/carry-awards/best-work-backpack-champion-carry-awards-x/ Mon, 05 Jun 2023 15:17:00 +0000 https://www.carryology.com/?p=93306 With its great organization, convenient access, durable build, and sleek looks, our Best Work Backpack champion...

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With its great organization, convenient access, durable build, and sleek looks, our Best Work Backpack champion takes hard graft in its stride and performs excellently across a range of work environments…

1st Place

Aer City Pack Pro

The kings of minimalist urban design, Aer continues to create category-leading products, at excellent price points. Demonstrating, yet, again, how to balance quality design and aesthetics to stoke the largest wedge of the populous.

If you’re after an everyday pack that can do it all, the City Pack Pro has all that you could need for a day of work and adventure.

Aer City Pack Pro

At 24L, the CPP sits in the sweet spot for a commuter bag, with all the space that you need, without making you look like a turtle. The array of pockets on the CPP aren’t there for the sake of it; they’re there to make your day more streamlined and keep your necessities organized. Featuring 1680D Ballistic Nylon from Cordura®, YKK® zippers, and Duraflex® hardware, you’re getting quality when you buy this bag.

Aer City Pack Pro

While the exterior may be robust and hardy, ready for anything that you throw at it, the interior (accessed by a clamshell opening) lends itself to looking after your precious cargo. A woven bluesign® lining is partnered with a fleece-lined laptop compartment to keep your devices scratch-free. Externally, you’ll find a quick-access pocket on the top of the bag (with a fleece lining to keep any sunglasses safe), a quick-access side pocket, a larger front pocket, and a water bottle pocket. Aer have done it again with the City Pack Pro, and are worthy winners of this award! Congratulations, Aer!


Highly Commended

These are the pieces that just missed out, and in most cases, by the smallest of margins. To them, we award a High Commendation. The below were of outstanding quality, displaying fine craftsmanship and design flair. With honor, we bow our heads in the utmost respect and kudos. If this were a dais, they’d be biting their teeth into silver medals, while their flags were hoisted into the horizon – a feat not to be overlooked. And we’re sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.


Carl Friedrik City-hopper Backpack

Carl Friedrik City-hopper Backpack

Looking for refined luxury and adaptable functionality in your work backpack? Carl Friedrik delivers an elegant solution with the City-hopper Backpack. Crafted with nubuck leather and Vachetta leather detailing, the pack brings luxurious style to your work day, while the fold-top main compartment provides easy expandability for the days you need to carry extra. The zipper to the main compartment runs up the left side and across the top, opening wide for convenient access to your gear.

You also benefit from an external quick-access padded laptop compartment, front and side zippered pockets for storing a water bottle and smaller items, as well as additional interior pockets for EDC and work accessories. Plus there’s a rear luggage passthrough sleeve with a concealed pocket that’s handy for storing a passport or wallet. Classy, practical, and suitable for everyday and travel use alike, this is a premium carry companion for wherever work takes you. Bravo, Carl Friedrik!


Pacsafe x SLNT Anti-Theft Backpack

Pacsafe x SLNT Anti-Theft Backpack

Pacsafe and SLNT are both security-focused brands. While Pacsafe focuses on deterring theft of your physical belongings, SLNT strives to protect your digital information and personal data with its Silent Pocket® Faraday technology. Combine the two together and you get the Pacsafe x SLNT Anti-Theft Backpack. Offering the ultimate blend of protection on both the physical and digital front, the pack combines a variety of practical yet understated anti-theft features to give you peace of mind that your gear and information is safe.

The signal-blocking and removable patented Silent Pocket® Faraday Sleeve accommodates a 16″ MacBook Pro, making your device undetectable, while Pacsafe’s PopNLock clip, lockable zippers, and eXomesh slashguard reinforcement in the exterior material help thwart thieves. A variety of pockets are on hand to organize smaller items, while the pack also nods to sustainability, using 32 recycled plastic bottles in its construction. Add in the clean, understated aesthetics that suit a variety of work and travel settings and you’re all set for secure commuting and travel. Great job, Pacsafe and SLNT!

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Best Travel Clothing Champion | Carry Awards X https://www.carryology.com/projects/carry-awards/best-travel-clothing-champion-carry-awards-x/ Fri, 02 Jun 2023 17:36:14 +0000 https://www.carryology.com/?p=93332 Super lightweight but durable, highly breathable, extremely packable, and ready to explore a variety of settings,...

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Super lightweight but durable, highly breathable, extremely packable, and ready to explore a variety of settings, our Best Travel Clothing champion goes wherever your travels lead you and embraces adventure every step of the way…

1st Place

Mission Workshop Signal LT

Mission Workshop Signal LT
Mission Workshop Signal LT

Highly Commended

These are the pieces that just missed out, and in most cases, by the smallest of margins. To them, we award a High Commendation. The below were of outstanding quality, displaying fine craftsmanship and design flair. With honor, we bow our heads in the utmost respect and kudos. If this were a dais, they’d be biting their teeth into silver medals, while their flags were hoisted into the horizon – a feat not to be overlooked. And we’re sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.


Western Rise Evolution Chino

Western Rise Evolution Chino

Western Rise have proven time and again that they know how to deliver some of the most versatile, travel-friendly clothing on the market. And they’ve done it again with the Evolution Chino. Smart enough for the city but packing in features that make it suitable for outdoor exploration too, the Evolution Chino is a great choice for one-bag travel. The gusseted crotch and four-way stretch fabric provide comfy mobility, while the moisture-wicking and quick-drying material works well in warm weather conditions.

The clean silhouette also makes the Evolution Chino easy to dress up or down, so you can move easily from a work meeting to a quick trail hike or transition from a day of sightseeing to a night on the town. The inbuilt stain resistance also helps keep your travel laundry requirements down, while the lightweight and packable build makes the pant convenient to stash in your travel carry. Stylish, multifunctional, and easy to pack, the Evolution Chino really does take your travel setup to the next level. Fantastic effort, Western Rise!


Tracksmith Eliot Runner

Tracksmith Eliot Runner

Shoes are some of the bulkiest items you’re likely to pack in your luggage. So ensuring you have a comfortable and versatile pair is key to keeping your carry bulk down. Enter the Tracksmith Eliot Runner. At its heart it’s a technical running shoe but it also serves well as a cross-trainer, making it an adaptable choice for trips to the gym, running, and general about-town exploring too.

The shoe is wonderfully lightweight and extremely comfortable thanks to the Pebax® footbed and midsole for superior cushioning and energy return, paired with a comfy engineered mesh upper. If you’re looking for an adaptable everyday trainer that will embrace running, gym workouts, and day-to-day sightseeing alike, the Eliot Runner is a worthy addition to your packing list. High five, Tracksmith!

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