#kickstarter watch

[bagbot]

Kickstarter Watch: HANCHOR Chalk Bags (HULA & KANGAROO)

The Project: Two innovative chalk bag designs for serious climbers

The Timeline: 14 days to go (ends December 18, 2013)

The Funds: Funded! ($14,310 pledged of $5,000 goal)

The Goods: $34 for a HULA, $37 for a KANGAROO

The Delivery: Projected delivery date of March 2014.

I used to climb. I wasn't terribly good at it, but I had fun. I always had trouble with my terrible chalk bag - spilling chalk everywhere, breaking hardware, etc.

HANCHOR's Kickstarter project for two new chalk bags looks to be just the ticket. 

The first, called the Hula, is designed to deploy chalk in a 360-degree circle.

It's got a unique filling method, as far as I've seen:

The second, the KANGAROO, is a combination chalk-ball and loose chalk holder:

Not that I climb anymore, but if I did, I would get one of these. HANCHOR is a tiny bagmaking company out of Taiwan, and they make amazing products. While I've never seen these bags in person, I did review one of HANCHOR's messengers, the CHAMBER. My verdict? One of the best bags I've ever used. I'm willing to bet that same quality will translate to their chalk bags.

And so are they: If you don't like the bag after you receive it, you can return it and they will give you a refund.

So if you climb, or you think you might want to climb, check out HANCHOR'S Kickstarter project.

[bagbot]

Kickstarter Watch: Owen & Fred

Not even gonna write anything, really, because Matt Grandin at baglog already covered it. Owen & Fred has a dopp kit, a briefcase, and a duffel.

16 hours to go, folks. Already funded.

Get it in.

[bagbot]

Kickstarter Watch: A Better Backpack by MIJLO

The Project: A new take on an iconic design.

The Timeline: 34 days to go (Ends December 27, 2013)

The Funds: Funded! ($42,317 CAD pledged of $20,000 CAD goal)

The Goods: $39 CAD for a backpack

The Delivery: Projected delivery date of January 2014.

Everyone's seen this kind of pack. Jansport makes it. So does Dickies. Eastpak. Herschel. Many more. The shape and single pocket are iconic. 

And at first glance, this pack by MIJLO is yet another riff on that classic, like the "Don't Stop Believing" chord progression.

But a closer look reveals the details that make this bag a new version on the classic. The outer is plain-woven, heavy-duty cotton canvas (unwaxed), and Daniel told me that they're still nailing down the inner fabric, but that it will be waterproof. He also mentioned that the outer could be waxed with something like Martexin if so desired.

Apart from the materials being much nicer, it's also got a padded laptop compartment. 

Probably the most interesting and unique feature: The bag comes with a built-in coupon, good for 10% off the user's next purchase if they send the bag back. The company has made a guarantee that they will recycle or donate any backpack that is sent back to them, and the sender gets 10% off their next purchase. Not only does this make good business sense (I assume they've built that 10% into the purchase price of the pack), but it also encourages recycling and (hopefully) gets people who need them access to bags.

Annnd here's a carousel gif of the colors so far:

I love the silhouette. While I really wish the bag was made of waxed canvas (and honestly that white bag is going to get so disgusting so quickly), I think it's great to see another incarnation of a classic pack.

[bagbot]

Black Rainbow kickstarter?

Apparently, Scott isn't done yet.

Which is amazing news! There's rumors of a possible Black Rainbow Project kickstarter. Nothing definite yet (believe me, I'll let you know), but Scott is considering the option.

I will, without hesitation, become a backer of the Black Rainbow Project if a kickstarter launches.

[bagbot]

Kickstarter Watch: JbirdCollective

The Project: Durable, well-built men's carry goods.

The Timeline: 28 days to go (Ends November 1, 2013)

The Funds: Funded! ($24,272 pledged of $12,000 goal)

The Goods: $30 for a keyhook, $150 for a briefcase, and $195 for a backpack

The Delivery: Projected delivery date of January 2014.

Justin Pyle just launched his Kickstarter campaign for JbirdCollective, a line of bags for men. If you were thinking about skipping the video, don't. It does a great job of explaining each item.

"I knew I couldn't compete against the larger companies making cheaper, higher volume bags overseas. But where I can beat them is building the highest quality, low volume pieces that are meticulous scrutinized from the first sketch to the packaging they will be shipped in."

Justin's focus for the project is on durability, quality, and intentionality in design. He's using waxed canvas, leather, and metal hardware to create bags that will last.

"Since I couldn't find a bag that met all my requirements, I decided to create my own."

The designs here are pretty interesting. There's the flagship of the line, the Tech Pack:

see that Cobra buckle?

The pack's got some great features, including MOLLE on the left side of the pack:

Grab handles on the front, side, AND top, and a really nice-looking sternum strap:

As I've said before, I'm not really a leather guy, so I do wish they were made of waxed canvas. But they don't look bad.

The inside pockets look great, including a business card holder and an easy-access laptop pocket:

$195.

There's also the Bloke briefcase:

It's got a detachable strap, leather handles, and a loop for your rolling suitcase. It's $150.

Lastly, there's the Kilo dopp kit/carryall, which can connect to either of the above bags:

All of these are available in brown, navy, or black waxed canvas.

Some other nifty rewards are available, including a cord wrap, wallet, and key hook. The keyhook and wallet actually hook together in an interesting way, as demonstrated in the video.

Anyway, check out JbirdCollective, and let me know if you back it!

[bagbot]

Fos

Fos, the wearable LED display, has just launched their Kickstarter campaign. For as little as $149, you can get a flexible, removable, phone-controlled LED grid for your bag or jacket.

This is the type of tech I'm talking about. This is smart bags, reactive systems, the sort of thing that the future is bringing us.

[bagbot]

Kickstarter Watch: Boreas Bootlegger Modular Pack System

The Project: Modular suspension system for packs, designed by legendary outdoor gear company Boreas.

The Timeline: 22 days to go (Ends May 8, 2013)

The Funds: already funded! ($53,978 pledged of $10,000 goal).

The Goods: $65 for a suspension system and hydration pack add-on, $75 for suspension system/drybag, $110 for suspension system/daypack, $190 for the whole shebang.

The Delivery: Projected delivery is in July of 2013.

Boreas Gear probably needs no introduction around these parts. A small, independent outdoor gear company, they make some amazing and iconic packs, which are especially impressive in light of the fact that they've been around less than 4 years.

They recently started a Kickstarter campaign for their Bootlegger modular pack system, and the results look nothing short of amazing.

The basic design of the system is four components. There's the Triple Tramp suspension system, which is used in combination with the other three components of the Bootlegger collection. The user takes the suspension system and attaches one of the three other modules to it. There's a hydration pack (the Torpedo), a dry bag (the Scrimshaw), and a daypack (the Hopper).

Modularity? check. Awesome colorways? Check. Stunning design? check.

There's a number of awesome features that go along with these bags, however:

Of particular interest to me is the way the Triple Tramp suspension system gives the user the ability to adjust the back support and rigidity depending on the intended use and  weight/shape of the load:

It all combines to form a thoughtful, versatile, and decidedly interesting take on the usual outdoor gear offering. Considering the price, the Bootlegger system is not only versatile but a pretty good deal to (ahem) boot!

You can check out Boreas' campaign here, and the rest of their offerings at their website.

[bagbot]

Kickstarter Watch: Packswell

The Project: Cotton canvas backpack focused on clean design and ease of use.

The Timeline: 14 days to go (Ends April 19, 2013)

The Funds: $4,768 to go ($5,232 pledged of $10,000 goal).

The Goods: $30 for a tablet sleeve, $200 for a backpack.

The Delivery: Projected delivery is in June of 2013.

When I was in Japan, there was a shop called Muji. It was mostly a personal goods store (clocks, pencils, soap, dishes) - vaguely similar to what you'd imagine an Ikea/Crate & Barrell hybrid would look like, but from a Japanese perspective. This store was amazing - everything they sold was elegant and cleverly designed.

Packswell clearly takes its design seriously as well. The brainchild of Dustin Driver, Packswell is a design-heavy take on the every day carry. Aesthetically, the Packswell backpack is meant to be simple. I'd say it succeeds in this. The lines are simple, there are very few breaks in the silhouette, not much in the way of visible external controls.

Despite its simplicity, however, the The Freelance is intended for daily use. It includes:

A padded laptop compartment

Side-zipper access

Magnet fasteners for front pockets

Heavyweight, water-resistant cotton canvas exterior

Super-bright corduroy interior

At 17″ x 12″ x 6″, it should be able to fit most 13-15" laptops. Dustin has indicated that the magnets for the front pockets are shielded to protect electronics (although who worries about that anymore?). My concern is the water-resistance. According to the Kickstarter page, "The Freelance is made of heavyweight, water-resistant cotton canvas woven by Fairfield Textile in the USA." Until I see some tests, I would be hesitant to recommend the bag for anyone who needs environmental protection for their stuff. The potential for disaster is simply too high.

The iPad sleeve is apparently made out of the same materials and designed for the 10" iPad, although I have not seen an actual produced prototype yet. It will also include a set of D-rings for an attachable strap, which is a great idea.

The Freelance and iPad Sleeve will be manufactured in the US by The Last US Bag Company (literally the name of the company), which is in Vancouver, Washington. Nice to see a bag that's made domestically.

There you have it! With just under two weeks to go, jump on this soon to make sure the project hits its goal and you get a bag!