It's not like you'll find it in a museum anytime soon, but Adam Nevins' carefully curated collection of Remote Equipment packs is certainly something to behold. A fan of Remote Equipment for about four years now, Nevins has at least one version of every Remote Equipment bag ever made. That includes some prototypes and one-offs, some of them constructed with fabrics we no longer use. He's used these bags around the globe, from mundane everyday activities in typical American cities to sketchy motorcycle rides in the Himalayas. And he likes them. A lot. You need only look at his YouTube Channel, City Trekker, where he reviews bags, clothing, and other travel essentials to see his appreciation for our bags.  

We caught up with Adam, 47, to talk about his affinity for Remote Equipment. He was between one of his frequent work trips to Nepal and India for his work with ServLife, the non-profit where he serves as its Executive Director.

Adam's answers have been edited for clarity and brevity. 

Tell us a bit about yourself

"I graduated from Taylor University, a Christian liberal arts school in Indiana. My 'Plan A' for life was my rock band and we played a bunch of shows. We were big enough to open for the likes of John Cougar Mellencamp and Bowling for Soup, and we played a lot of other shows. We talked to some labels but never got signed. I was working at church and started volunteering at non-profits. I became a volunteer at ServLife in 2003. In 2006, I went to India and Nepal on a trip that opened my eyes to extreme poverty. I knew I wanted to be involved in work like that, and I became ServeLife's executive director in 2012. We train pastors to start churches in remote villages and support about 400 children through education and orphanages in both countries. We also assist with microfinancing small business loans for entrepreneurs in these remote villages." 

How did you get into packs?

"Travel is very much a part of what I do, and I'm always looking for a good travel backpack. I had never really owned a high-end bag, but I started watching review videos on YouTube. I found Carryology on Facebook and that really opened me up to the world of carry culture. Eventually, I wrote an article for Carryology on what to pack for a trip to Nepal. I decided to do these video reviews, and I started in 2020 with my own channel, City Trekker. I started buying more bags, and connecting with people in the bag, pack, and carry community."

When did Remote Equipment get on your radar?

"I first learned about the ALPHA 31 on the Carryology Facebook group. It was a super popular bag. I purchased the CHARLIE 25 and ORG KITS through a Kickstarter Campaign. Everybody went nuts about the ORG KITS, and I did some reviews of the bags on my channel. I was in contact with Phil as these three products were introduced, and when Phil moved to Chicago, we ended up getting together. We had lunch, and we shot an interview for City Trekker that explained the why behind the what. It was neat getting to know him."

How do you use packs?

"I don't do a lot of hiking, but I do use bags all the time for travel. Some of it involves flying around this country and to Asia. Some of that travel even involves moving around in some off-road and off-grid settings. Most of my time is taken up with my non-profit work, so if I'm speaking at an event, or capturing video, I need to have that equipment with me. I used Remote Equipment bags when we rode motorcycles to these remote villages, and that was an adventure. I had an ALPHA 31 on me on a recent trip where I had a motorcycle accident. I lost a golf-ball-sized chunk of flesh, and the pack got a little bit roughed up, but nothing was really any worse for wear."

What are your thoughts on REQ bags?

"I really appreciate the innovation and quality of design in the bags that have come out. They are made with quality materials and top-end production. I probably use 100 bags a year, and I keep coming back to Remote Equipment products. My favorite is probably the ALPHA 31. Every year on YouTube, I make a list of my favorite bags, and every single year, the ALPHA makes my top 10 list. In reality, it's probably one of my top two favorite bags, but I’ve got other bags I need to use and review. I will say this, when I'm not using the ALPHA, I wish I could be."

Any interest in checking out the new bags we've got coming?

"Let me give you my address."

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