The problem with everyday 'essentials' is that there can be quite a lot of them. By the time you've got your phone, wallet, keys, pocket knife, lighter, pen, sunglasses, phone charger, work ID lanyard, dog bags and treats etc, it can feel like you’ve got an entire chicken stuffed in each pocket. So how about saddling up with this quick pack from Topo Designs instead? Designed as a classic cross body bag, you can also wear it as a bum bag, sling it across your chest, or just carry it in your hand using the sturdy webbing handles. The 7.3-litre main compartment gives you plenty of space, with an interior hanging pocket to help keep your gear organised. There's also a zippered exterior pocket with a useful key clip, plus two adjustable webbing straps on the bottom that'll allow you to bolt on some extra gear if you need to. Great for city travellers and commuters, it's also got an attachment point for a bike light.
Topo Designs founders Jedd Rose and Mark Hansen cut their adventuring teeth among the high plains, deep canyons and iconic mountains of Colorado. Growing up, they favoured simple, functional and durable kit – the kind of stuff made by genuine hikers, climbers and mountaineers in basement workshops. But somewhere along the way, as the gear world ballooned into a multi-million-dollar industry, they felt like the kit they were being offered had lost its authentic connection to the real world of outdoor adventure.
In 2008, Jedd and Mark set up Topo Designs to return to those roots. They started out making packs on a single sewing machine in a Fort Collins basement, and rapidly built a reputation for uncomplicated but stylish gear with outdoor-inspired design and urban utility. Today, their products are some of the most durable, versatile and good-looking crossover packs in the business – built for trailheads, urban adventures and globe-trotting travels.
They're also not afraid to tackle some of the gear industry's thornier issues head-on. Topo Designs are meticulous about their sourcing and manufacturing – using recycled fabrics, reducing water and energy usage, and seeking out more environmentally friendly processes and treatments. Several product lines are still made in their home state of Colorado, while their international partner factories conform to the exacting standards set by the Fair Wear Foundation.
