ABOUT THIS SERIES: At Remote Equipment, we make gear that enables people to unplug from a hardwired world. In this series, we look deeper at those creatively redefining what it means to work remotely.

David Herman readily admits there are better places than northern Virginia to be a skibum. A former collegiate ski racer, he's carved turns on some of the country's most famous mountains, snowy areas far from Virginia—places like California, Colorado, Vermont, and Maine.

And while Virginia's mountains might not be the most fertile grounds to be an Alpine ski coach, Herman, 30, does find time to coach and work at races held at Bryce Resort, a ski area just a couple of hours outside of Washington D.C.

For Herman, it's about wringing out the most amount of fun, regardless of the location. As an outdoor writer for hunting publications, he changes locations–a lot. He drags his teardrop camper around the U.S. to hunt, ski, work downhill races at other resorts, and finish his writing assignments.

"If you define being a remote worker as somebody who doesn't go into an office, then I am a remote worker 365 days a year," Herman, said. "That lifestyle works for me. I like Virginia, but I'm kind of a hunting and ski bum, so I'll be on the road for as much as six months out of the year."

That is to say, he knows a thing or two about packing for life on the road and appreciates how a well-designed backpack can enhance the travel experience.

NOT GEEKING OUT

FEEDBACK FROM THE FIELD

We spoke to Herman just before hunting and ski seasons began in 2024. We caught up with him again in late January. By that point, he'd put the ALPHA 31 through its paces, taking it with him on various mountain adventures around the country. He liked the bag a lot. Besides noting how comfortable the bag is while carrying, here are his detailed notes about what he likes about the ALPHA 31:

  • No hip belt pockets–most that come on packs are useless, and I always add a specialized CC holster/pouch to the right side anyway. Nice to not have to mess with existing, solidly attached pockets.

  • All major zippered pockets link together, meaning you can stow your gear easily in the main pocket, yet still only access certain portions of it when you need.

  • Well-thought-out roll top; I like the side straps/dedicated tie downs for it.

  • Discovered the plastic “frame” insert that supplements the high density foam padding. Love how easily it contours to my back, no matter if I'm hiking, sitting/straight, curved, etc. So comfortable I didn’t even know it was there until I was investigating the laptop pocket area.

  • Pack carries exceptionally well. At one point, I hiked about 4 miles into the backcountry without realizing I forgot to remove my laptop.

  • Fits both into airline overhead compartments and under the seat of even smaller planes as a “personal item” even when nearly fully loaded.

  • Protective enough that it was used as a seat in an overloaded Can Am without hurting any contents.

  • Unassuming enough to carry into a cafe to work; doesn’t look like I’m living out of it (even when I am).

Herman had a handful of suggestions and comments about what he'd like to see in the future from Remote Equipment bags. Thankfully, they are improvements and upgrades our product design team has already considered. Let's just say by the time the snow starts to fall this autumn and the 2025-26 ski season gets underway, there will be a few new bags that Herman will be happy to hit the road with.

Do you or somebody you know work in an intriguing job that requires or allows you to work remotely? Would you like to be spotlighted on this website? Add suggestions in the comment field below–we'll keep your replies private.