Hasta La Ideas

A limited-edition backpack benefiting the Million Trees NYC initiative

With a solid repertoire of collaborations and accessories under his belt, designer Matt Singer is now using his creativity for good. For his latest venture, he has teamed up with the recently revived Rivendell Mountain Works on a limited-edition backpack benefitting the Million Trees NYC initiative.

Handmade at the foothills of the Washington Cascades, the durable Cordura nylon bag sports a custom Million Trees patch, and thoughtful features like an adjustable sternum strap and padded shoulder straps help it withstand any number of daily outings.

As an urban dweller, Singer was motivated by the impact of nature on the quality of a city’s atmosphere, and plans to donate a portion of the bag’s proceeds to support the non-profit organization’s citywide mission to plant and care for one million trees in all five boroughs. The backpack is now available in limited numbers exclusively through Matt Singer’s online shop for $225.

The Korean bag-makers’ latest collection of carryalls designed for high-visibility city cycling

South Korean label VAGX, maker of highly functional bags for the urban cyclist, introduces the Lumisac series with more understated branding and a fresh new design concept from its previous lines. Named for illuminating strips affixed across the bag exterior, the hi-vis collection may propel VAGX’s status as a solid, design-focused commuter style.

Besides the sleek look of the backpack, messenger bag and waist bag models, the Lumisac line packs technical function akin to brands like Mission Workshop. The fabric and color combinations are consistent throughout, with the black styles comprising 1000D Cordura nylon upper and waterproof truck tarp on the base, and the beige made almost entirely from truck tarp.

The battery-powered light strip can be turned on or set to blink, making the wearer significantly more visible while riding in low-light conditions. Inside, the line is Apple-focused—the backpack stows a pocket specifically designed for a 17″ Macbook while the messenger bag features a special slot for an iPad or Macbook Air.

The waist bag merges a traditional fanny pack with a tool belt, with ample compartments to keep essentials secure. The adjustable design can be worn around the waist, or as a sling style Bandolier bag.

Although VAGX is currently primarily sold overseas, the brand’s presence at New York’s Capsule trade show last week indicates potential for an increased presence in the U.S. The Lumisac backpack, messenger bag and waist bag are available online for roughly $225, $160 and $135 (based on current exchange).

Get three bags in one with this masterfully relaunched luggage line

After coming across a bag by a defunct ’70s company in a Brooklyn vintage store, accessories designer China Young set out to reengineer the Dubbel Duffel‘s multipurpose charm to high fashion and quality standards. Delving into the history, Young found 1970s- and ’80s-era comic ads and a cheeky character that informs the retro spirit of the current line. Keeping the styling and dual-use functionality consistent with the original, he improved the materials and construction to create a roomy, unisex travel solution. The high-contrast colorways and customizable features make for a new classic carryall that’s both utilitarian and fun. The sharp eyes at Opening Ceremony snatched up the Dubbel Duffel for an exclusive limited run—there are only 30 in each color in each size—launching today.

Dubbel Duffel is designed as a travel bag that unzips to double its carrying capacity. The zipped-together duffel has dual-compartment interior storage for keeping items separate, saving work gear from contact with soiled gym clothes, for one. Opening the zipper to expand the bag allows travelers flexible storage in the event they return with more items than when they left.

The oversized handles are reinforced with logo-bearing rivets to enable over-the-shoulder carrying, and the nylon strap can be used messenger-style or, on the medium size, looped to carry as a backpack. Literally doubling in size when expanded, Dubbel Duffel packs a variety of uses for the demands of daily life.

Young’s background in accessory and luggage design has made him an expert on portage, and this line marks the intersection of his experience and personal passion when it comes to constructing smart, stylish bags. Having worked for international brands like Gap and Old Navy, Young’s own personality shines through in Dubbel Duffel. His experience with luggage companies like LeSportSac informs the line’s use of top shelf materials that hold up over time.

Meeting with factories and pattern makers, Young developed a custom twill nylon that reflects the highest quality materials currently available. The water-resistant nylon twill is soft and pliable, yet burly enough to withstand the beatings of a hectic travel schedule, and because of its superior construction, doesn’t require the common polyurethane lining. The reversible, self-repairing zippers are made to suitcase quality standards, backing contrast color pops with heavy-duty performance.

The Opening Ceremony line debuts with two sizes and four color combinations in each size—the medium serves as a duffel, messenger or backpack, and the large morphs from duffel to messenger-style sling. Each bag comes equipped with a removable, dual-sided interior pouch for organizing essential items.

At its core, the Dubbel Duffel stays true to its cheerful, ’70s-era design origins with bright bags suitable for men and women. Young kept the logo and sassy and accurate tagline, “Twice the bag you think it is.” The colors make for a nostalgic throwback, retrofitted 35 years later with the materials and functional considerations of a more mature generation.

With a full line set to launch next fall, the current selection can be found at Opening Ceremony’s online shop for $250 (medium) and $325 (large).

Lowepro’s latest line of camera bags meld function and style in classic form

Unlike other tech-heavy camera bags, Lowepro’s Messenger AW Series is thoughtfully designed to maximize functionality but is styled to be understated. Each model in the series—200, 180 and 160—fits a full-sized DSLR with grip and attached lens, plus plenty of room for extra lenses and accessories. The canvas outer fabric and simple profile disguise the purpose and contents of the bag which is a welcomed benefit for street and travel shooting situations.

With the largest of the three, the 200, you’ll find the front flap pocket is large enough to accommodate two DSLR bodies while the main compartment features customizable padded sections to fit lenses, a flash and other accessories. Each successive model reduces capacity for different uses. For street and travel shooting the 160 has become my new favorite bag as it’s small enough to pack in my luggage but big enough to house my DSLR, one extra lens, a flash and other assorted items I grab for a day of shooting.

One innovative detail that deserves a special note is the folding main compartment flap featured on all three in the series. Fold it in half and use the magnetic closures for silent access, extend it to utilize the velcro patches for more secured storage, or simply fold it under the grab handle for open-bag access while shooting.

Another welcomed feature is the extra-comfortable sling strap. The addition of gel padding to the slightly oversized shape really helps prevent fatigue during long days of shooting. The last feature worth a nod is the hidden waterproof fly pulls out from under the front pocket to cover all when caught in an unexpected rain shower.

To learn more about the Pro Messenger AW Series bags, get a 360-degree view or watch instructional videos head to Lowerpro online. The series sells for around $230, $210 and $190 respectively; available at Amazon

The Temporium: today’s window in our Advent calendar of products at The Temporium features Papernomad‘s, biodegradable paper sleeves for electronic devices.

The padded pouches are made of organic paper, cotton and sheep’s wool with hemp straps.

They’re tear-resistant, waterproof and biodegradable.

The Temporium is at 65 Monmouth Street, Seven Dials, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9DG from 1-24 December 2011. See more products on sale here.

See all our stories about paper here and all our stories about bags here.

Here’s some more information from Papernomads:

Modern nomads value mobility, sustainability and individuality. Papernomads meet these demands by providing original, eco-friendly, protective sleeves for personal electronics.

The cases, made from 100% organic materials, are tear-resistant, waterproof and biodegradable.

The intended use of today’s electronics is rarely more than a couple of years. Why protect them with plastic covers that will likely outlive the device? Papernomad’s patented material is beige in colour, comprised of several layers of paper, cotton, and Australian sheep’s wool. The pull-strap is made from hemp fiber. When it’s time to upgrade an electronic device, the protective sleeve can be reused. If your relationship with an electronic device has expired, the protective case can be composted.

Most of us live and travel through a world of constant change – a world that we are at risk of losing ourselves in. Paper is the perfect analogue counterbalance to this metal and glass digital world that surrounds us.

Why not use our paper to make products that capture our experiences as quick scribbles, coffee stains, finger prints, telephone numbers or the occasional lipstick impression that lingers on our paper case and in our minds. Not unlike a diary, our paper products document our experiences and create reference points in time for us to remember who we are.

Dezeen presents The Temporium

65 Monmouth Street
Seven Dials, Covent Garden
London WC2H 9DG

Map

Telephone:
020 7503 7319

Dates:
1-24 December 2011

Opening times:
Monday – Saturday: 11:00 – 19:00
Late-night shopping Thursday until 20:00
Sunday: 12:00 – 17:00

More info: www.thetemporium.com