Our roll top is taking form, and we think this will be the best bag for everyday with flexibility for hiking or even minimal travel. Our pack is designed to be at home in a range of environments from subway platforms to trail heads, and for that reason, we're keeping it simple and function-first.

We're borrowing some methods that originated in the marine industry.

We’ve had the benefit of doing all design and development in-house. That means, starting with the initial sketches, we have personally worked through every construction detail. This includes testing a dozen different shoulder strap profiles and variety of foams from different suppliers. For design and patterning, we're borrowing some methods that originated in the marine industry. Using 3D modeling, we create an accurate master design of each bag variation to ensure the accuracy of our patterns and to give us a “digital master.”  Using this approach, when we make alterations, we’re amending the 3D model instead of adjusting pieces of the 2D patterns. We're not saying this way is always better, but it works really well and gives us the results we want.

We use production spec fabric, thread and hardware for all internal sampling and testing to make sure our evaluation is as accurate as possible. This also limits surprises as we get ready for production.

Our samples have been tested over and over again and we get plenty of gritty feedback that we gladly (after a good night's sleep) direct back into the design process. Above is a fellow baghead putting a sample through its paces. We don’t believe in perfection (we're human), but we think we’re making a really strong, enduring pack that our future customers will appreciate.

We count 54 different types of components (55 if you include thread)

We’re now considering the design process complete and are in the process of identifying the right production partner and sourcing all the materials. So far we count 54 different types of components (55 if you include thread) to make our roll top a reality. From suppliers across the US and around the world, we're gathering fabrics, foams, trims and hardware to make sure we have a supplier network that will be able to provide us with production quantities.

In the meantime, we’re headed to the Outdoor Retailer Show this week! This is a great show to see new trends in design and materials as well as to see some old friends. It’s the perfect time to connect with vendors and talk one-on-one with some of the icons of the industry.

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