This one is based on a 1970s pack design, from a Pacific Northwest brand that's been brought back by a single backpacking enthusiast. Their flagship pack is the Jensen pack, a soft pack in a framepack size that changed the way people looked at soft packs back in the 70s. Of course that's far too large for a simple commuter bag. The Mariposa is amply sized for the daily carry at 2040 cu. in. I could fit gym gear, work stuff, book, and lunch in there. In fact, it's about 50 percent larger than what I currently use. The RMW Lupine is a little smaller and maybe a better fit for daily use. These aren't widely available, or even widely discussed outside of backpacking sites, so it's tough to really assess them. They seem quite functional, though, and the styling is pretty ideal--and the Tolkien reference doesn't hurt. At under $100, the price is also pretty good for a made-in-USA bag, although you don't get the more lux materials and styling of something like Altadena Works. Still trying to decide if the vague, unintentionally vintage Web order form page is charming (like Birdwell's ) or just a barrier.
Great River Canoe Pack wool 50s backpack.
I'm giving this one a shot, despite the crazy embroidery (not all Great River packs feature lettering). I'll just be repping New England for awhile. The Great River bag is made of Pendleton wool and all compartments are closed with a zipper and lined in cotton. The leather and hardware look great. A canvas version is still in stock at Garbstore, listed, suspiciously, under Yuki Matsuda's brand Meg Company, but as a heads up there's a couple Great River bags on eBay cheap. Certainly not as light and a little flashier than the RMW pack listed above or the J. Crew Kelty I have my eye on.
No comments:
Post a Comment