Hasta La Ideas

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).

Selected American-made bags fit for everyday carry or a weekend away

Although the year’s busiest travel days are over for some, our globe-trotting schedule never seems to let up. Inspired by the thought of the next adventure on the horizon we’ve gathered up a handful of our favorite new duffel bags—each expertly crafted in the USA. From dead-stock denim to Wisconsin-grown leather, these five bags will look great slung over the shoulder of both him and her.

Will Leather Goods

Made in America with both domestic and international materials is the Oaxacan Duffel from Eugene, Oregon’s Will Leather Goods. Each unique bag incorporates hand-woven, vegetable-dyed wool rugs from the Oaxaca region in southern Mexico, and comes trimmed with American leather. With this multicultural approach, Will supports small communities through fair trade and sustainable production. Available online from Will for $495.

Rag & Bone

The latest travel piece from the New York-based label brings a subdued aesthetic with a hint of spring to guide you through the gloomy winter months. The Devere Duffel‘s thick denim bottom and canvas upper are made of 100% cotton with rich leather accents. Available online from Rag & Bone for $275.

Brown Bag Co.

As the most industrial of the group, the Alpine Duffel Bag is technically meant for the construction site. However, its heavy-duty leather duffle features supple, Milwaukee-grown oil-tanned leather that’ll last a lifetime and only look better with wear, so we couldn’t help but recognize its aesthetic appeal. Plus, the multitude of pockets—two outer, ten inner—come in handy even if you’re hauling office supplies instead of power tools. Look to Home Depot where it sells for $313.

Blue Claw Co.

Named for the nautical term for luggage taken on a voyage, the Dunnage is a slender duffel perfect for daily commutes and weekends away. The minimalist bag features one slit pocket on the outside and a zippered one the inside, providing just enough storage to keep things in order. The ballistic nylon shell sports leather accents for a classic look. Available from Blue Claw Co. for $178.

Me & Arrow

Constructed by hand in Los Angeles, the Arrow Duffel Bag features a wrapped denim body with 100% cotton lining in a hue they call “lime sorbet”, and dark brown leather straps. Like all Me & Arrow goods, each product is made with vintage, dead-stock fabrics. Both go for $234 online.

Our top picks for jetsetters, wanderlusters and well-heeled vagabonds

For the tireless explorers in your life, the best gift is something that turns the art of travel into something of seamless style. The Cool Hunting Holiday Gift Guide is loaded with options, but find below a few of our favorite items that are sure to outfit the most rugged or well-heeled travelers on your list.

Proenza Schouler PS1 Travel Bag

The wildly coveted series from Proenza Schouler now includes a super luxe travel bag. Made of Italian leather with a wealth of pouches and compartments for storage, this spendy gift is for the lucky someone at the very top of Santa’s nice list.

YOUniverse DIY Globe

Help your kid imagine their future vacations with the YOUniverse do-it-yourself kit. The set allows them to create their very own globe and customize it with 35 travel design elements and 30 travel routes along with their own personal photos.

Apolis Survival Bundle

Channeling the most elemental necessities of the global citizen, this survival pack from Apolis has all the basics down. The bundle includes a swiss-made Sigg water bottle, Imco lighter, Maglite flashlight, journal and gravity-defying space pen.

Eshu Road Warrior Travel Pack

This skin-care trio from Australian brand Eshu delivers optimum protection without the fuss. Helping to protect skin from dry and harsh climates, the shaving gel, face wash and moisturizer in this pack has you covered throughout the winter.

Bicycle Travel Journal

Nigel Peake’s illustrations have long graced the catalogs at Hermès, and this travel journal comprises a selection of the talented artist’s personal sketches. Designed with the cycling enthusiast in mind, the journal features 20 illustrations with sections divided by countryside, mountain and city rides.

Richards’ Secretary Trunk

For the jet-setting romanticist, this replication of an early 20th-century English travelers’ trunk will color their study with a bit of antique charm when they actually are home. As functional as it is luxurious, the trunk has enough storages pace to fit an office or boudoir and bears the name of Tom Richards, the long-forgotten owner of the original specimen after which this reproduction was designed.

Goruck Field Pockets

These military-grade rucksacks provide a durable, efficient storage system on the fly. With the freedom to be snapped together for contiguous use or employed as standalone packs, they have your operational requirements in mind.

Juice Pack Air for iPhone

The best of the current crop of external batteries, the Juice Pack Air is an ultra-thin battery case for your iPhone. With a 1500 mAh capacity, it virtually doubles the phone’s charge time and comes in red, white and black colorways.

Two new pieces of simplified travel gear from Eugene, Oregon’s heritage-inspired workshop

Working out of Eugene, Oregon—108 miles south of Portland—Archival Clothing has drawn some serious attention in the world of menswear since their debut just a few years ago. Focused on producing domestically made goods they consider to be the “best in category,” Archival Clothing makes impeccable adaptations of vintage rucksacks, handmade leather goods and quality garments. Archival carries on with supremely simple goods for both men and women, releasing two new products just in time for the busiest travel season of the year. We were lucky enough to get a sneak peek at the new duck canvas duffel bag and waxed canvas dopp kit.

In an effort to support what remains of U.S.-based manufacturing, Archival selected American-made 18-oz duck cotton, Horween leather, YKK zippers and finely woven thread as the bag’s foundation. Brass hardware sourced from the UK, combined with waxed cotton tape and riveted stress points hold the bag together. All details aside, the bag’s color is what sold us—vibrant cobalt blue and striking red accents make for a perfect contrast to the dark winter days to come, while the ultra-tough nylon truck tarp bottom is perfect for combatting the harsh conditions inherent in traveling. Plus, the duffel meets TSA carry-on size limits.

With purpose at the forefront of its design, the slimmed-down dopp kit that weighs just four ounces and folds to pocket size when empty. Constructed entirely of American-made materials as well, the 10-oz waxed canvas body is both waterproof and durable. We like the bright red, whose color only gets better with wear.

Both additions to their collection of bags and garments are available now in the Archival Clothing online store. The duffel is available in navy or cobalt blue and sells for $205, while the dopp kit comes in red, dark brown and navy, and sells for $60.