Not long ago, three friends—a filmmaker with an eye for the perfect shot, a bank executive who knew the value of every detail, and a sport aviation geek who thrived on adventure—found themselves deep in conversation over coffee. As stories of globetrotting and gear mishaps flew around the table, a spark ignited: what if they could create a company dedicated to sourcing only the finest carry gear in the world? The idea simmered, evolving through countless more meetings and shared experiences, until it became a mission.

Our team’s travel experiences have shaped our gear recommendations in profound and practical ways. Over decades, we’ve logged millions of air miles, traversed endless city streets, endured countless subway commutes, braved ferry crossings, and scaled countless mountain trails—always with our trusted backpacks by our side. This breadth of real-world travel ensures we’ve tested gear in every imaginable environment, from the unpredictable rigors of adventure travel to the daily grind of urban commutes.

Unlike armchair reviewers, we’ve lived through the consequences of poor gear choices: sore shoulders from ill-fitting straps, soggy electronics after a sudden downpour, or the frustration of a bag that just won’t fit under the seat. These firsthand experiences inform our recommendations, helping us identify what truly works—and what doesn’t—across a spectrum of travel styles and needs. We understand that every traveler is different, and our recommendations reflect the wisdom gained from adapting to a wide variety of situations and requirements.

Ultimately, our aim is to help you travel well—with minimal hassle, maximum comfort, and only the essentials you need. We know the value of reliable gear because we’ve relied on it ourselves, in every corner of the globe. That’s why, when we recommend a product, you can trust it’s been thoroughly vetted through the lens of real travel experience.