Best Work Backpack – Osprey Aoede Briefpack

With its clean silhouette, easy access, and multiple carry options, the Osprey Aoede Briefpack is a great choice for a work partner. Stowable backpack straps, a removable shoulder strap, a carry handle, and a luggage pass-through make it quick and easy to adapt on the fly. And with its wide-opening compartments, your gear is close at hand throughout the day.

Best Work Shoulder Bag – GORUCK Shoulder Bag

Tough, sleek, and exuding old-school charm, the GORUCK Shoulder Bag is a professional option for the workplace that still manages to pack in some welcome personality. Crafted with waxed canvas, this burly piece will only get better-looking with use. Dual compartments and quick-access pockets keep tech, EDC, and accessories within easy reach, while the hard-wearing construction will take day-to-day and travel use easily in its stride.

Best Everyday Backpack – EVERGOODS CTB26

The CIVIC Travel Bag 26L finds the sweet spot for everyday and travel use, with handy features such as quick-access water bottle pockets, a luggage pass-through, and quick-access tech storage. The wide-opening main compartment and quick-access pockets make packing and accessing gear a breeze, while the 26L volume offers versatility for larger daily loads, trips to the gym, or short travel use.

Best Messenger Bag – Trakke Bairn Pro

The Bairn Pro is the big brother to the popular Wee Bairn and is a slick option for anyone seeking a multifunctional messenger that can move from work to travel and play. The Bairn Pro elegantly fuses heritage style, premium materials, and handcrafted construction, with its durable waxed canvas that will age beautifully with use while protecting your gear from the elements. With useful features such as a laptop sleeve, water bottle pockets, and smaller pockets for corralling the essentials, this handsome messenger works equally well in the office or zipping through the airport.

Best Travel Luggage – EVERGOODS TD35

The Transit Duffel 35L packs plenty of thoughtful features into a travel-ready design that’s great for planes, trains, cars, or even day-to-day use with larger loads. The structured design makes packing and retrieving gear super convenient, with interior pockets to organize smaller items. And with quick-access storage for a laptop and other essentials such as EDC and travel accessories, you can easily retrieve frequently used items throughout the journey. Add in the durable, water-repellent construction and you’re all set for travel, whether you’re heading on a business trip or a last-minute getaway.

Best Travel Clothing – norda 001

Travel clothing is all about maximizing the utility of every single piece you pack, helping you do more with less. And the norda 001 is an excellent option for travel footwear. Sure, it’s a trail running shoe, but the durable construction, great comfort, dependable grip, and urban-friendly aesthetic make this a versatile travel shoe for outdoor and city trips alike. It’s made with a seamless Bio-Dyneema® upper, paired with an exclusive Vibram® midsole and soleplate featuring Litebase® and Megagrip® for confident exploration on both trails and urban settings.

Best Outdoor Bag – EVERGOODS MPL22

The Mountain Panel Loader 22L helps you stay agile and comfy outdoors with its lightweight build, ergonomic harness, removable waist belt, and breathable back panel. Plus you get great packing and access courtesy of the panel-loading design. Inside you’ll find a sleeve that doubles as tech storage or a space for a hydration bladder, while quick-access exterior pockets offer handy storage for water bottles, snacks, EDC essentials, and more. With its versatile design, you also get a flexible pack for everyday urban use or overnight trips, making this a solid multifunctional addition to any carry collection.

Best Camera Bag – WOTANCRAFT Pilot Backpack

The updated WOTANCRAFT Pilot Backpack brings classy multifunctionality to your camera carry, with a clean but customizable design, thoughtful organization and access, and comfortable portability. Externally accessible pockets provide convenient organization for a water bottle, camera accessories, and other small items, with side access keeping a camera ready too. And if you want to secure additional items, there are plenty of exterior attachment points to serve your needs too. A removable camera cube and dividers protect gear inside the main compartment (accessed through a handy Fidlock magnetic buckle), while the luggage pass-through enhances travel functionality. And with its understated aesthetic, it’s a smart option for safely carrying camera gear without advertising the expensive kit inside.

Best Everyday Carry – EVERGOODS ELEMENT Drop In

Some things simply require an extra layer of protection from the elements. And when you need ultimate peace of mind, EVERGOODS steps in with the appropriately named ELEMENT Drop In. This waterproof pouch features RF-welded and flat bonding construction, while retaining 3D patterning for usable space. But the pouch goes a step further than simply shielding gear from the elements. A floating panel creates customizable organization zones too, so you can keep gear tidy and accessible whether you’re storing EDC, travel essentials, camera accessories, or more.

Best Sling – Packolab Samurai

If you’re looking for an extra-special customized touch to your carry, the Packolab Samurai is hard to resist. Handmade in Ukraine, the bag is made to order and offers a host of customizable options, from materials to colorways, organization options, strap attachments, and more. Compact and multifunctional, this nimble companion is a nifty choice for EDC, travel essentials, or even small camera setups. So when it comes to smaller carry, if you can dream it, you can have it.

Best Travel Accessory – Matador BetaLock

A carabiner comes in ridiculously handy across diverse travel environments, from securing gear to your bag, to hanging your bag off various objects. But what if the humble carabiner could do more? Matador came up with an innovative twist on the carabiner that also allows it to serve as a lock, perfect for securing gear to immovable objects (or securing valuables on your bag). The spring gate can be locked with two included keys, making this an easily portable and multifunctional travel accessory that’s a no-brainer addition to your packing list.

Best Carry On Backpack – Matador SEG28

Packing cubes are awesome for organization but what if you had a travel backpack that merged cubes and pack in one? Meet the Matador SEG28, a travel backpack with segmented pockets that let you organize your gear without the need for separate packing cubes. In addition to easily accessible segmented pockets, the pack also has exterior-access laptop storage, while the clever clamshell base compartment offers convenient separate storage for dirty items and/or shoes. Additional features such as a luggage passthrough, removable hipbelt, and exterior water bottle pocket boost the travel-friendly design, making it a smart choice for your next trip.

The post Readers Choice Awards | Carry Awards XI appeared first on Carryology.

Best Travel Luggage of 2024

Best Travel Clothing of 2024

Best Travel Accessories of 2024 

Brand of the Year 2024

Hall of Fame 2024

Best Outdoor Bag of 2024

Best Work Shoulder Bag of 2024

The post Carry Awards XI Winners | Part 2 appeared first on Carryology.

Best Everyday (EDC) Backpack of 2024

Best Slings of 2024

Bellroy Venture Ready Sling 2.5L

Chrome Sabin Sling

Grams 28 154 City Pack

Packolab Samurai

Porter Tanker Envelope

Arc’Teryx Granville Sling

Black Ember Grip Sling

Best Messenger Bag of 2024

Best Work Backpack of 2024

Best Camera Bag of 2024

Best Carry-On Backpacks of 2024

Best EDC (Everyday Carry) of 2024

The post Carry Awards XI Winners | Part 1 appeared first on Carryology.

Matador

Founded in 2014 by Chris Clearman with the vision to combine outdoor-industry expertise and the pursuit of travel, Matador has burgeoned into a brand that is much loved, smart, and agile.

They know who they are and what they do best, and they bring a consistency and cohesion to their ever-growing line, and a unrelenting dedication to innovation and the evolution of carry.

In their Boulder HQ – fitted with a prototyping lab, 3D printing lab, and in-house waterproof and air pressure testing – they continue to fully design, engineer, and prototype every product in-house, from scratch – persistently breaking new ground in doing so. From their Speed Stash HDPE stiffener bars to their Beast Series spring steel bar stock hoop frame and ‘segmentation’ architecture displayed in the SEG42, they’re always pushing the needle, for better, more useful design. 

And the results in the product line are telling, offering up a stable of travel-honed gear that finds new ways to innovate in travel accessories, hydration, packable bags, and travel packs alike. 

Because of this, the accolades have been numerous: Outside Magazine’s prestigious 2023 Gear Guide “Best Travel Luggage of 2023” and a finalist nod in the IHA Global Innovation Awards at the 2023 Inspired Home Show. And they’ve worked closely with industry giants like YKK and Dimension Polyant on custom hardware and fabrics, because sometimes ‘off the shelf’ just won’t cut it.

On the ethical and sustainability front, they’re pushing in all the right directions: exceeding their timeline to become fully PFA-free in 2024, running a quality in-house repair program, making ethical manufacturing decisions, employing carbon-neutral freight carriers, and juicing their headquarters with certified green energy.

And they not only accomplish all this with a compact team of 11 full-time employees, with minimal third-party outsourcing, but they do it without outside investment – they’re fully bootstrapped and in control of every next move – and that’s a remarkable feat, and one truly worth recognizing in one of our most cherished and regarded awards.

And so, without further ado, I’d like to congratulate the entire team at Matador, for being a brilliant collective of humans, and our Brand of the Year!

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Mystery Ranch 3 Day Assault Pack

Every now and then, a pack comes along that shakes up the entire industry. And after the 3 Day Assault Pack (AKA 3DAP) was born, the term ‘access’ in carry design would forever be considered differently.

You can read all about the invention of its 3-Zip in our archives (part 1 and part 2) to learn more about this wildly functional method of access first born from a ski pack concept, but the 3DAP is the pack that brought it all into the spotlight, in one rugged, battlefield-ready package.  

For me, there really has been no other pack that has captured my personal and professional interest and fascination more than the 3DAP. From the moment I set eyes on it, it has been “the one”. Arguably, this is because the 3DAP really came to be at the exact same time that I entered the world of softgoods design, 20 years ago, at the turn of the 2000s. 

Dana Gleason, founder of Mystery Ranch, was a design idol of mine. And still is. And he’d just come off Dana Design and was diving headlong into his new project, Mystery Ranch. Then, putting all his knowledge and experience into his next crazy venture, the 3DAP was born. 

A visionary industry titan and a personal design hero, releasing his latest and greatest offering from his new brand? An offering that would influence main-compartment entry for years to come.

For me, the 3DAP was the absolute pinnacle of backpack design. What a pack could be.

What specifically makes the 3DAP amazing? Though it has slightly evolved over the years, it more or less has kept the same overall design and purpose: a pack for military forces to contain 3 days’ worth of assault gear. 

These packs have been to some of the most hostile environments on earth. There have been more than 100,000 units made, purchased by the US military for some of the finest and most elite special forces units (SEALs, etc.). They are designed not to fail, and to comfortably carry loads for hours while keeping the carrier agile. A perfect example of ‘fitness for purpose’ in carry design. 

Each 3 Day Assault Pack is expertly made from Cordura nylon in the USA by some crazy amazing human at Mystery Ranch’s manufacturing facility in Bozeman, Montana (lovingly nicknamed “The Ranch”).

Combine that military toughness with an incredibly unique 3-ZIP access as well as the beautifully executed and comfortable Futura harness (which just might be my favorite load-bearing harness ever made) and you have damn near perfection. 

The 3DAP has inspired me and many others, capturing our curiosities and passion. And to honor the big guy himself and everyone else at Mystery Ranch who played a role… this award is for you. 

A sincere congratulations and personal thank you. The 3DAP has securely cemented itself as a timeless icon of pack design for eternity. Welcome to the Carry Awards Hall of Fame, 3DAP. Enjoy your well-earned crown!

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1st Place

Matador Speed Stash

This year’s Best Travel Accessory winner goes to the Matador Speed Stash. Created by the Colorado-based team that has brought us some of the most innovative, feature-rich, and packable travel packs and accessories, the Speed Stash is another prized arrow in their quiver. It’s a versatile backpack strap attachment that offers quick access to small accessories and essentials such as your phone, passport, and snacks. It can securely attach to any backpack with a sternum strap through the clever use of locking bars, even if the strap isn’t buckled. It measures 7 x 4 x 2 inches and weighs just 2.68 oz, making it an easy choice to attach to the front of a pack before a trip or to leave on one all the time. 

The Speed Stash is made of Bluesign-approved 420D nylon with a PU coating for water resistance on the outer. A nylon powermesh provides for an exterior stow pocket while a breathable spacer mesh back panel keeps air circulating. 

We found it perfect for travel, hiking, or daily use.  It fits cell phones (iPhone 13 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S22+, and Pixel 6 Pro, for example), GPS devices (i.e. Garmin inReach), wallets, passports, and snacks. It is the perfect stash pocket for all the essentials in your pockets before the TSA line, and due to the size and easy-to-operate YKK zipper, there’s no struggle with stuffing everything into a small quick-access pocket on your backpack. Inspiring work, Matador!

Highly Commended

These are the pieces that just missed out, and in most cases, by the smallest of margins. To them, we award a High Commendation. The below were of outstanding quality, displaying fine craftsmanship and design flair. With honor, we bow our heads in the utmost respect and kudos. If this were a dais, they’d be biting their teeth into silver medals, while their flags were hoisted into the horizon – a feat not to be overlooked. And we’re sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.

Prometheus Design Werx ATP Pouches

Need trusty waterproof organization for small adventure essentials? PDW has your back with their ATP pouches. Available in three sizes, the waterproof pouches are made with tough 600D recycled RPET. Each pouch features PDW’s MCA (MOLLE Compatible Array) which can be used with PDW’s HAL1 straps or your own attachment setup.

The two smaller pouches have a translucent window on one side for visibility of the contents, while the largest pouch offers a zippered pocket. The TruZip® watertight zipper provides dependable protection from the elements, while the choice of sizes accommodate a range of contents such as first aid supplies, electronic gear, snacks, and more. Bravo, Prometheus Design Werx!

Weatherman Collapsible Umbrella

Bulky umbrellas are a hassle to carry but smaller ones are often more prone to blowing inside out or breaking in harsh weather. But the Weatherman Collapsible Umbrella comes to the rescue, offering compact carry with strong and savvy construction. The large canopy provides excellent coverage, while the industrial-strength fiberglass construction combats breaking and inverting. The umbrella also features vented canopies that withstand winds up to 55 mph by letting the umbrella act as a pass-through instead of providing resistance.

The ergonomic handle has a button for easy automatic opening and the wrist strap aids with carrying too. You also benefit from 360-degree reflective trim for added visibility and a choice of colorways to suit your personal tastes and make it easy to retrieve your own umbrella if it’s stored with others. Superb work, Weatherman!

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1st Place

EVERGOODS CTB35

EVERGOODS are no strangers to the Carry Awards finals. So it’s no surprise that the CTB35 (CIVIC Travel Bag 35L) has secured its position at the #1 slot for this year.

The Bozeman-based design team completely reimagined their travel backpack, replacing their discontinued CTB40 via a method that might appear to be extremely simple but is quite difficult to execute in reality. First, it doesn’t hurt that they have a classic previous Carry Award winner backpack with a cult following, the CPL24. This part is very important. If you’re into carry and you’re reading these words here, you’ve probably owned one or more CPL24s in your time. You’re well versed with the layout, the features, and the incredible patterning of the CPL series. Well, EVERGOODS took that same familiar DNA and sized it up, as well as improved it. Now, along your travels you’ve got a pack that you know intimately, that you could recognize blindfolded by feel alone, while also offering more features for a travel-focused mission.

The 35L capacity is the perfect sweet spot, accommodating those who might want to bring a bunch of extra goodies for a short trip and providing all the space for someone who might be traveling internationally for a trip lasting several weeks. Congratulations, EVERGOODS!

Highly Commended

These are the pieces that just missed out, and in most cases, by the smallest of margins. To them, we award a High Commendation. The below were of outstanding quality, displaying fine craftsmanship and design flair. With honor, we bow our heads in the utmost respect and kudos. If this were a dais, they’d be biting their teeth into silver medals, while their flags were hoisted into the horizon – a feat not to be overlooked. And we’re sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.

Aer Travel Pack 3

Aer continually strives to hone their designs and the Travel Pack 3 is a fine celebration of their design prowess. The brand really knows how to nail the sleek-and-functional vibe and the Travel Pack 3 is a great choice for the traveler who wants discreet carry that will perform like a travel pro without drawing unwanted attention. The minimalist aesthetics fly under the radar, while the tough and weatherproof build comes in a choice of burly materials that will easily withstand the scrapes and scuffs of travel use.

While the aesthetics may be pared back, this bag packs in a bunch of travel-friendly features. The lay-flat main compartment, exterior-access laptop storage, and variety of practical organization options make it easy to pack and retrieve gear throughout your trip. You also benefit from multiple grab handles, a luggage handle passthrough, and load lifters that add welcome comfort during long treks with your gear. Lockable zippers provide added peace of mind and the pack can also compress down through compression straps with magnetic fasteners, making it easy to cinch down for smaller loads and allowing it to do double duty as a day bag at your destination. Highly impressive work, Aer!

Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L

When you need to haul maximum carry-on loads in supreme comfort, Tortuga comes to the rescue with their Travel Backpack 40L. The exceptionally comfy and height-adjustable harness, load lifters, and removable hip belt make hauling even larger loads a breeze. And when it comes to packing, the convenient clamshell main compartment, exterior-access laptop storage, and front organizer panel make it quick and simple to store or retrieve gear as required.

Made with SHELL200 (a 100% recycled and waterproof sailcloth fabric) and water-resistant YKK zippers, you can rest assured your gear is well protected from the elements and that the pack will stand up to the rugged demands of travel. Wonderfully comfortable, with sleek aesthetics and thoughtful organization, the Travel Backpack 40L is an excellent travel buddy for adventures near and far. Stellar job, Tortuga!

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1st Place

Alpha One Niner WHITLEY Backpack

This year’s #1 spot in the Everyday Bag category (the most competitive category by far) was a battle to the very end, but the folks at Alpha One Niner have claimed victory with the WHITLEY Backpack. After the numbers were in and calculations triple-checked, it was unanimous. This is honestly no surprise because the WHITLEY relied deeply on customer-sourced data to make the Goldilocks backpack, all based on feedback from real users. 

Available in a quality array of different materials (such as the iconic 500D Cordura nylon, super tough ballistic nylon, and X-Pac fabric), this pack just seems to do almost everything really well. AON’s legendary construction really shines through on this pack, as there honestly isn’t a lot of extra stuff to hide it behind. It’s incredibly simple… in a great way. Minimalist patterning keeps the pack looking great and incredibly intuitive to use without having to “figure it out”. Of course, it’s still feature-rich with a ton of stuff that we look for, like a suspended laptop, magnetic sternum strap, quick-access pocket, and more. 

All that stuff above is awesome, sure. But where the WHITLEY really shines… it offers simplicity and tons of features found on packs that fall in the $300-$350 price range. However, this pack rings in at only $179 (500D), which means that not only is this the best value proposition in the Everyday Bag category (again, the most competitive), but the Alpha One Niner WHITLEY just might be the best value in all of the Carry Awards this year. A well-deserved, first-place win. Bravo, Alpha One Niner!

Highly Commended

These are the pieces that just missed out, and in most cases, by the smallest of margins. To them, we award a High Commendation. The below were of outstanding quality, displaying fine craftsmanship and design flair. With honor, we bow our heads in the utmost respect and kudos. If this were a dais, they’d be biting their teeth into silver medals, while their flags were hoisted into the horizon – a feat not to be overlooked. And we’re sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.

Bellroy Venture Backpack 22L

Need a pack that takes you effortlessly from week commutes to weekend adventures? Bellroy delivers a great all-rounder with their 22L Venture Backpack. One of the key features of this pack is the adaptable opening, which provides both top-loading and front panel-loading access depending on your needs. The adjustable slide hook flap closure lets you expand or contract the volume to adapt to changing loads, while an array of thoughtfully considered organization options keep everything neat and accessible throughout the day.

An interior padded sleeve securely houses up to a 16″ laptop, with additional zippered and slip pockets to store smaller items. On the exterior you have two zippered hidden water bottle pockets and a quick-access top pocket. Made with water-resistant, 100% recycled nylon, the pack exudes clean style for city environments but is durable enough for a day exploring outdoors or even overnight travel. Fantastic job, Bellroy!

GORUCK M22

GORUCK’s M22 was inspired by the M1945 Field Pack created for use during WWII, but delivers a modern spin for everyday use today. The pack features a top-loading design with G-hook buckles on the flap over the drawstring closure. But you can also access the main compartment quickly through a side zipper. The pack provides three exterior-access pockets (including a water bottle pocket) for smaller essentials, along with an external-access laptop compartment for easy access to your tech.

The extra-padded shoulder straps and top handle provide comfy carry for heavier loads and the tough 500D Cordura construction easily embraces daily use. For those seeking a style departure from GORUCK’s usual designs, while still enjoying all the rugged functionality the brand is known for, the M22 makes a great daily driver with the flexibility for travel and outdoor use too. Awesome effort, GORUCK!

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A heads up: Bellroy and Carryology share the same founders. You can read about our origin story here.

And hey, we’re reader-supported too, so if you find something that sparks your interest and click through and purchase via our affiliate links, sometimes we’ll get a little kickback from the brands or retailers. It helps us to make more content and build this channel. Although, we’ll just point out, some brands don’t have affiliate options, and that’s cool with us too. If the carry is awesome, we recommend it!

The post Best Everyday Bag Champion | Carry Awards X appeared first on Carryology.

1st Place

Wilboro Revival Satchel

There are times when a bag catches the industry off guard and grabs attention. The Wilboro Revival Satchel is one such bag that immediately caused a stir amongst both our staff and readers. From Ontario, Canada, Wilboro is a one-man team making considered and innovative pieces of carry. 

The Revival Satchel is a magnificent example of design, manufacturing, and progression. In many ways, this feels like the upgrade that leather goods have been waiting for in the world of EDC and tech carry. This is the type of bag that gets people talking, regardless of their interest level in the world of carry.  Each gorgeous piece of Wickett & Craig Leather is perfectly placed on this elegant pattern, and it creates a unique yet under-the-radar modern-day messenger. This leather body is upgraded with X-Pac® UVX40 for the liner and finished with hardware that is a mix of Fidlock® magnetic snap closures and an AustriAlpin Cobra Pro buckle on the strap. The internal removable laptop sleeve is a mix of felt, leather, and YKK® zippers. There is not an expense spared with this construction and it is immediately noticeable from the moment you hold it! 

The laptop sleeve can hold a 14″ MacBook Pro or iPad Pro with keyboard, and is conveniently detachable for use at your desk. The laptop sleeve is a great example of Wilboro’s brilliant design ethos; small touches that make the product all the more enjoyable to use. Coming from a one-man workshop, its combination of thoughtful, functional design and its marriage of heritage and modern materials make the Revival Satchel a celebration of all that is great in the world of carry. A worthy champion! Bravo, Wilboro!

Highly Commended

These are the pieces that just missed out, and in most cases, by the smallest of margins. To them, we award a High Commendation. The below were of outstanding quality, displaying fine craftsmanship and design flair. With honor, we bow our heads in the utmost respect and kudos. If this were a dais, they’d be biting their teeth into silver medals, while their flags were hoisted into the horizon – a feat not to be overlooked. And we’re sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.

Bellroy Tokyo Work Bag

The Tokyo Work Bag’s deft blend of minimalist style and thoughtful organization makes this a truly versatile piece for both formal and informal work settings, while keeping gear quickly accessible throughout the day. Useful features such as a wide opening and considered pocket placement for your tech, EDC, a water bottle, and small accessories prevents the need to waste time rummaging for specific items.

Add in grab handles, a removable shoulder strap, and a luggage handle pass-through for flexible portability and you get a piece that adapts smoothly to the commute, zipping between meetings, and business trips. And with 100% recycled exterior fabric and linings, eco-tanned leather accents, and a choice of work-friendly colorways, you can enjoy sustainable style along with intuitively practical design. Great job, Bellroy!

Code of Bell APEX LINER PRO

With many people now embracing a hybrid approach to working environments, perhaps splitting their time between the office and home or their local cafe, Code of Bell wanted to create a bag that would adapt easily on the fly. Their answer to this challenge is the APEX LINER PRO, a daily carry bag and work bag in one.

Three separate compartments and an assortment of pockets keep gear well organized and secure yet quickly accessible on the go. And there’s an additional clever feature with this bag; the laptop compartment opens up to create a portable workstation for your laptop, letting you work in privacy wherever the workday takes you. An expandable front compartment accommodates bulkier items such as an outer layer or change of shoes and you’ve got multiple carry options including a shoulder strap, grab handles, a luggage pass-through, and even an optional backpack harness for on-the-back carry. Burly weatherproof construction with X-Pac fabric and water-repellent YKK zippers adds extra peace of mind in inclement weather, making this a trusty piece for a range of environments and weather conditions. Fantastic work, Code of Bell!

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A heads up: Bellroy and Carryology share the same founders. You can read about our origin story here.

And hey, we’re reader-supported too, so if you find something that sparks your interest and click through and purchase via our affiliate links, sometimes we’ll get a little kickback from the brands or retailers. It helps us to make more content and build this channel. Although, we’ll just point out, some brands don’t have affiliate options, and that’s cool with us too. If the carry is awesome, we recommend it!

The post Best Work Shoulder Bag Champion | Carry Awards X appeared first on Carryology.

1st Place

Aer City Pack Pro

The kings of minimalist urban design, Aer continues to create category-leading products, at excellent price points. Demonstrating, yet, again, how to balance quality design and aesthetics to stoke the largest wedge of the populous.

If you’re after an everyday pack that can do it all, the City Pack Pro has all that you could need for a day of work and adventure.

At 24L, the CPP sits in the sweet spot for a commuter bag, with all the space that you need, without making you look like a turtle. The array of pockets on the CPP aren’t there for the sake of it; they’re there to make your day more streamlined and keep your necessities organized. Featuring 1680D Ballistic Nylon from Cordura®, YKK® zippers, and Duraflex® hardware, you’re getting quality when you buy this bag.

While the exterior may be robust and hardy, ready for anything that you throw at it, the interior (accessed by a clamshell opening) lends itself to looking after your precious cargo. A woven bluesign® lining is partnered with a fleece-lined laptop compartment to keep your devices scratch-free. Externally, you’ll find a quick-access pocket on the top of the bag (with a fleece lining to keep any sunglasses safe), a quick-access side pocket, a larger front pocket, and a water bottle pocket. Aer have done it again with the City Pack Pro, and are worthy winners of this award! Congratulations, Aer!

Highly Commended

These are the pieces that just missed out, and in most cases, by the smallest of margins. To them, we award a High Commendation. The below were of outstanding quality, displaying fine craftsmanship and design flair. With honor, we bow our heads in the utmost respect and kudos. If this were a dais, they’d be biting their teeth into silver medals, while their flags were hoisted into the horizon – a feat not to be overlooked. And we’re sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.

Carl Friedrik City-hopper Backpack

Looking for refined luxury and adaptable functionality in your work backpack? Carl Friedrik delivers an elegant solution with the City-hopper Backpack. Crafted with nubuck leather and Vachetta leather detailing, the pack brings luxurious style to your work day, while the fold-top main compartment provides easy expandability for the days you need to carry extra. The zipper to the main compartment runs up the left side and across the top, opening wide for convenient access to your gear.

You also benefit from an external quick-access padded laptop compartment, front and side zippered pockets for storing a water bottle and smaller items, as well as additional interior pockets for EDC and work accessories. Plus there’s a rear luggage passthrough sleeve with a concealed pocket that’s handy for storing a passport or wallet. Classy, practical, and suitable for everyday and travel use alike, this is a premium carry companion for wherever work takes you. Bravo, Carl Friedrik!

Pacsafe x SLNT Anti-Theft Backpack

Pacsafe and SLNT are both security-focused brands. While Pacsafe focuses on deterring theft of your physical belongings, SLNT strives to protect your digital information and personal data with its Silent Pocket® Faraday technology. Combine the two together and you get the Pacsafe x SLNT Anti-Theft Backpack. Offering the ultimate blend of protection on both the physical and digital front, the pack combines a variety of practical yet understated anti-theft features to give you peace of mind that your gear and information is safe.

The signal-blocking and removable patented Silent Pocket® Faraday Sleeve accommodates a 16″ MacBook Pro, making your device undetectable, while Pacsafe’s PopNLock clip, lockable zippers, and eXomesh slashguard reinforcement in the exterior material help thwart thieves. A variety of pockets are on hand to organize smaller items, while the pack also nods to sustainability, using 32 recycled plastic bottles in its construction. Add in the clean, understated aesthetics that suit a variety of work and travel settings and you’re all set for secure commuting and travel. Great job, Pacsafe and SLNT!

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