Popwuping

Please excuse the poor photograph (I didn’t follow any of this advice) but I’m incredibly pleased with the splash-proof zipper (#8 YKK Uretek) which closes the front pouch of Tom Bihn’s Ristretto. Fantastic decision – it’s details like this that make all the difference and make having products like this a joy. Tom Bihn has a better photograph on his site.
I just received the Ristretto and plan to later write some thoughts, including putting it though the rigours elementary school! The Osprey messenger we received a couple months ago hasn’t faired too well, while my old Crumpler has passed the test on a number of occasions.
My initial thoughts, beyond the joy of that new bag smell, is just how small both our devices and the bags we carry them have become. The Ristretto is a far cry from the Brain Bag I used to have to carry my laptop in.

I hope Forestbound doesn’t mind me sharing these photographs. It’s been awhile since I visited their collection and I wanted to introduce some of their new cotton canvas work but this series is hard to miss. Gorgeous. The bags definitely define the idea of meant for use not show — so much so that they attract instead of detract. It’s hard to put into words as I’m not a writer and I only have 90 seconds to write this post.
Forestbound Men’s Bags 2011

I linked to this earlier on twitter but it’s worth re-mentioning… A must read, the Carryology Guide is a “mix of awesomeness, radness and amazingness all rolled into one for your reading pleasure”. And a definitive document to aid in your bag using understanding. I wish I could put together something as good as this.
Read it here