bltd

Yes, it did take a while for MoMA to feature New York City in its Destination series, but at least they have now, and we’ve got a nice selection of home-grown design to consider. You’ll see a few things featured here on BLTD, of course, the first of which is the Blokket by The Way We See The World. Blokket is a pouch made of a silver and nylon material that blocks cellular signals. So, if you want to fully dedicate your attention to your dining partner, you can take your phone out of the equation by placing it inside the pouch. You could also just completely turn it off, which is the obvious solution. However, the Blokket also protects against identity theft by
unauthorized RFID readers, which means your slip chipped ID cards and/or passport is safe from prying radio frequencies when inside, especially useful if you might be involved in espionage. Take a look at the whole Destination:NYC series over at the MoMA Store.
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Here’s another bag called JetPack, but this design reuses workers’ safety vests to make sure you remain visible at night, biking or walking. With a cross-body style, the shoulder strap and two stripes on the back reflect light, giving you an effective ‘HEY! I’m here!’ visual cue to any vehicles around you. See below for details.
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This backpack won’t make you fly, but it does utilize a faceted fabric that expands/contracts according to the bag’s contents, which is just as good, really. What else besides this interesting visual effect? It has the requisite laptop sleeve (faux fur), two zippered compartments, places for pens and pencils, as well as another internal sleeve for an iPad or sketchbook. So, room for everything plus the very cool faceted fabric, all for $60. See Kickstarter for more details.
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A carry-all made of authentic World War II military tent canvas seems like a good choice to survive the everyday wear and tear of commuting from home to the workplace battlefield. Simple leather straps and front pocket keeps things minimal for our modern day civilian lives. Also available with tan straps/pocket.
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Hey musicians, guess what we’ve never featured before? A guitar case, and for good reason. Up until now, there’s been no reason to consider how one case might be better than the other. However, this Bowoo Case by Reonda looks to have several advantages. It’s well designed and built to last, with the same protection of a hard case at half the weight. Stop replacing your cheap cases every so often and invest in this one- it’ll last. Take a look at the video below to see more.
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Still looking for a decent messenger bag? A bit picky, aren’t we now? That’s okay, because you should be when it comes to the bag you carry around most everyday. This flap front, messenger style bag is made of heavy cotton duck and natural HF leather for a utilitarian look, feel, and function. Two large compartments and two smaller pockets keep things partitioned on the inside with a snap front closure to keep your belongings secured. And, if you’d rather rock a different style bag with the same sort of look, MAKR has a ruck sack, tote, and satchel as well.

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Do you recall the Bluelounge Backpack we featured a while ago? This messenger bag is similar in its simple exterior style and multi-pocketed interior, yet suits the over-the-shoulder mode of carrying around your goods. A quick release buckle makes the on/off process easy and (of course) it’s also got an ergonomic fit that’s pretty important if your commute is longer than, say, 5 minutes. Just like the backpack, the fabric is made of 100% recycled PET plastic bottles.
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Are you though? Or do you only appear to be? Such questions, such statements. Designed and printed by Izabella Dennis for Fifi du Vie. (Sound familiar? You might recognize some of her work that’s recently been pinned/posted around your regular (internet) haunts: Adventurers and Good People Print .)

Screen printed using non-toxic ink on 100% cotton tote bag.

Do you remember the Unit Portables 01 Shoulder Bag? That handy movable-pocket idea? Now there’s a larger overnight size that’s just right for a weekend trip. A mesh toiletry bag, a padded laptop sleeve, and a cable/accessory bag is included, so you’ll be all set when packing for an adventure. Oh, and if a tote is more suited to your needs, the Unit Portables 16 Tote is available for pre-order.
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With so many iterations of the simple black backpack, how do you choose the right one? Well, the price, for starters, has to be somewhat reasonable, and the ‘cool’ factor must exist. It’s unlikely you’re going to give up the look you’ve cultivated just for a functional carry-all. Modern Industry meets both criteria with two backpacks that will complement your daily wardrobe. The Magnitude Backpack, $250, is the larger of the two, and has a padded laptop sleeve (away from your back for comfort), a large main compartment and three accessories pockets for smaller stuff. The Conduit Sling Pack, $100, is a smaller pack with one main pocket (will fit a laptop or jacket) and one accessories pocket. Both bags feature a flap top that can be adjusted according to your needs.
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Somehow I missed that Bluelounge, the cord/cable/charging station company, has gotten into the bag and backpack game. While backpacks can be hit or miss when it comes to fashion, this one makes the grade for its simple exterior style and very functional interior. There’s a neoprene cushioned laptop compartment as well as a custom iPad pocket- so both of your devices are adequately protected- along with ergonomic shoulder straps. And, for extra credit, the fabric is made of 100% recycled PET plastic bottles.
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Perhaps you’ve learned, as I have, that style takes a second place to durability in the luggage department. If you can get a little style along with durability, then, hey, you’ve done well. This Handmade Canvas & Leather Weekend Bag hits just the right note with its carry-on size and utilitarian materials. If you don’t already have a good weekend bag for your holiday travels, it’s something to consider.

Speaking of holiday travels, have a nice Thanksgiving holiday; if you’re on the road or at the airport, be careful/stay safe/etc. We’ll be back on Monday with our regular posting schedule.

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Do you have €450 to spend on a leather hold-all? If so, check out Travelteq’s latest offering. The Mirjam is handmade in Italy of Florentine Vachetta leather and has 4 inside compartments to organize your laptop, files, and other necessities. Yes, the laptop compartment is shock resistant (as it should be), and yes, the bag is big enough to carry around everything but the kitchen sink, so it looks pretty perfect for everyday use or for travel- especially as a carry-on bag for longer flights.
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I write ‘what is it?’ as the title knowing full well that if you’re viewing this post on our RSS feed, you’ll see the revealing photo first. Sorry. If you don’t see the revealing photo, you can play along. So, what is it? Hint: it’s not an ironing board cover, nor is it a double layered apron. Also, (this might give it away) some of us wish we could use this everyday… if we lived in the right location and possessed some sort of body coordination, that is.

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Sure, you have your reusable bags, but do they fold up as easy as this one? Simply pull the aluminum handle and the bag collapses neat and tidy to be stored away. This quick action is thanks to a paracord that runs through the bag and pulls the structure together. Carbon fiber tubes reinforce the bottom of the bag.

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