Extra Credit: The Badass Backpack

-I love backpacks. I used to blog about a lot of great backpacks that I wanted, but then I bought an awesome bag from Duluth Pack, and my longing for the perfect backpack was sated. I decided that I should cool it on the backpack blogging. But then I kept finding more badass backpacks and decided, instead of clogging up this page with them, that I'd start a Tumblr just for badass backpacks. So if you, like me, enjoy looking at backpacks, click on the above link.
-In other news, posting has been a bit slow. I am very busy, and I apologize. These next two weeks are going to be hectic, but I've got some dope blog-related ideas to execute in the very near future. Keep checking back. more

School Supplies: Yuketen Backpack

-I thought I'd stop blogging about backpacks now that I've got my Inventory x Duluth Pack joint, but I'm still incredibly drawn to the rucksack aesthetic. I know a lot of people favor messengers/bookbags, but I don't really like having a strap dissect my chest, especially when I'm wearing a tie.
-I'm a bit less-fond of Yuketen's footwear styles then most people, but this pack is one of the best bags I've seen. If I had the dough I'd be making up excuses for owning two backpacks, though I might remove that round leather patch. more

School Supplies: Sonic Lab

-My pursuit for a quality big-kid backpack is never ending. I've posted about potential packs too many times to even link back to, just search backpacks in the search bar if you're interested. Also, my inclination toward military and military inspired gear is well-documented. So when I saw the Sonic Lab bags over at Mister Crew I was intrigued.  I already own a military-inspired duffel, but this backpack could be just what I'm looking for. My only worry is that it might be slightly too large for daily use, but I mix up my bag choice depending on what I have to carry everyday. I'm also not completely into the branding (if you look closely everything is printed) but the backpack looks to have minimal text.
-The bags are priced fairly well ($175 for the backpack) but they are, as expected, only available via Japanese outlets as of now. I'm probably one of the last style bloggers to have not attempted making a purchase from Japanese retail via proxy. It would actually be easier and cheaper for me just to have someone who knows Japanese order for me then to use a proxy, so we'll see what happens.
-Photos from Uneven blog and Mister Crew more

School Supplies: Bag It

-I made my first Engineered Garments purchase last week and, while I'm not about to be as gung-ho as the homies over at h(y)r, I've definitely taken a stronger interest in the brand. This tweed fanny pack got me thinking. I've never really considered a fanny pack, though I thought it was dope when Kanye rocked the LV one, but I think this one would be great for packing around the Nikon and not having to worry about it banging around in my backpack.

-Speaking of backpacks, it's likely that I'm going to purchase this one today. We've blogged a few times about adult-ish backpacks and it's time to finally pull the trigger on one.

more

Review Sesh: More Big Kid Backpacks

-Today folks over at The Moment re-hashed the sentiment we reiterated a couple times way-back-when about the challenge of finding a backpack that doesn't make you look like you're heading to 5th period chemistry. The pack they chose to illustrate the point is the JanSport Heritage Collection Wayback which sells for the Class Act approved price of $40.

more

School Supplies: Eastpak x Rick Owens

-Awhile back we looked at the Eastpak x Raf Simons collab while pondering the intricacies of adults wearing backpacks. Now, Eastpak continues their string of solid collaborations, teaming up with designer Rick Owens (who drops some questionable knowledge in this months Rules of Style from DETAILS.) The Owens bags look pretty similar to the Raf Simons pieces, keeping the focus on simplicity. I like the nearly seamless look of these. I'm not one for black bags, but the backpack, laptop case, and duffel bag here all look like winners, depending on the yet unrevealed price tag.

-Via Hypebeast. 

more

School Supplies: Packin'

-As a college themed site, we thought it important to take a closer look at the quintessential campus accessory: the backpack. These days, the style-conscious tend to side with the messenger bag, but it is still possible to stay classy with a classic backpack.
-The North Face backpack is about as common on campus as the Denali fleece, so it is nice to see their Recon SE (above) break the monotony with some vibrant new colors.
-The company decided to go a very different route with their new Purple Label pack, which is reminiscent of the older JanSport and Outdoor Products packs that we've been rocking since kindergarten.
-If you are looking for the both the simplicity of the Purple Label pack and the colorful look of the Recon, Outdoor Products recently collaborated with green label relaxing to create a line that is both efficient and aesthetically pleasing. They also came out with some slick messengers, if that's your bag.
more

Dress Code: The Big Kid Backpack

-Last week I heard about this JanSport Heritage Collection of backpacks, then Selectism gave us the first detailed look at one of the bags (the 767 Burhorn, above, which can be worn on the back as shown, or as a messenger shoulder bag.) In recent years I've seen a couple of articles in GQ and Details about how an adult can rock a backpack and not look like an adolescent, and as our primary audience is one that is on the verge of leaving academic life for professional life, I think it's something everyone over the age of 18 needs to think about. I try to use my unnecessarily large Dakine as infrequently as possible, but like it because it is waterproof (a must up here) and it carries my skateboard.
-For about a year I've been looking for a more conservative backpack. I like the simplicity, variety of colors and price ($42) of the American Apparel canvas schoolbag (below, left) but worry that it will fall apart like most AA gear. I like the idea of seemingly boring and ubiquitous (in middle-school, at least) pack makers like JanSport and Eastpak, which teamed with Raf Simons for multiple collections (below, right,) doing high-end lines. Simplicity of design and color seems to be an agreeable common theme in many designer backpacks of late. But I've also got to think about safely carrying my computer and camera when I need to. It's a struggle. Just some thoughts.
more