You’re not going to go far wrong with these two. Norse Projects and Ally Capellino continue their accessories partnership. The Fjell rucksack, originally available in canvas, returns in nylon and all the good looks of its older brother. “The tough, water resistant nylon exterior acknowledges the fundamental demand for a hard-wearing rucksack and is united with a suede base and classic ‘Ally’ leather straps. Inside, there is a padded 15″ laptop compartment secured by a velcro strap.” Two top brands combining their sizeable design skills. Yep, Good stuff. In stores today and online next week

We featured Haerfest a while back, a brand who bring a bit of  understated luxury to the man bag game. Leather packs can often come off a little 70s music festival, especially those of the tan variety. Using some less expected colourways the New York brothers, Dan and Tim Joo, avoid any dowdy associations. Modern through and through, all their goods come with practical little touches such as two way back straps and handles that go from long to short with the twist of a clasp. This all cowhide number is a great example of keeping design simple is often a winning line. Find it at LN-CC.

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German satchel makers, Seil Marschall, have been doing their thing since 1896. Today, you can find them in J. Crew stateside, though it is clear their looking to expand on that territory. Like all bag makers, the descriptors fall under heritage, hand-produced, and small town. Worth a look if you need some new carry material.

Photography: Jeff Carvalho/Selectism.com

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We take a look at Spring Summer from Hasso. Based in Bogota, Columbia, the line has been going strong for three years. Nicholas Hurtado and Andrés Niño  “wanted a label with a strong focus on design, top quality materials and accurate craftsmanship”. Ipad cases, totes, messenger bags and backpacks, they describe “We create sophisticated, cleverly designed and refined products, yet durable and convenient for the present urban needs. All of our products are remarkably crafted by master artisans in Bogotá, Colombia.” The Significant Other tells us more.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear works a new backpack for the boys at Outlier. Their Minimal Backpack is made using Hyperlite textiles and comes in looking very light indeed. Expect the white pack to get worked, which is of course the point of the pack. While we may not stuff bread directly into the back itself (keep it wrapped in paper)*, it does help show the volume of the Minimal Backpack. Hits home at $128. Find it online at Outlier.

More looks after the click.

* the gentleman at Outlier have informed us that those are bricks and not bread, which makes the bag all the more impressive. I would still have preferred bread sticks.

This one speaks for itself. The Lexdray brand’s special edition backpack for Boston’s Bolyston Trading Company is one of the best backpack collaborations of the year, and with the help of BTC we’re giving away one to our readers.

The specs on the Lexdray Boulder Bag for Boylston Trading Company are bonkers: “Ultra-durable weather-resistant fabrics. Military grade hardware. 7 exterior zipper pockets and 3 interior zipper pockets. Padded top handle with removable neoprene wrap. Back-entry zipper compartment. 2 detachable key rings. Fleece lined notebook compartment for up to 15” laptop. It retails for $470.

Need we say more?

To enter to win:

1. “Like” Selectism on Facebook
2. “Like” Bolyston Trading Company on Facebook.
3. “Like” this post on Facebook.

It’s that easy. Contest begins today. Winners will be announced after December 23.

Other open giveaways happening now. Enter to win!

• Win This! | Dockers Alpha Khaki Whiskey Crates
• Win This! | Gift Box from Goodhood
• Win This! | END Clothing Shopping Giveaway
• Win This! | Hanae Mori Holiday Gift Set for Men

Woodstock NY’s Peter Mountain Works delivers two new shapes for Garbstore. Their overlock backpack and tote bag come in a blue and light brown/tan – choose whichever works best. Both are made in the USA. One change I would love is for the “Made in the U.S.A.” tag to sit right side up when used on the exterior, but that may be a limitation of the actual tag itself for stitching purposes. Well done either way. The tote bags are calling my name.

More look after the click.

Backpacks are still here. Perhaps that’s because, aside from the heritage/70’s outdoors-men association, they’re actually the easiest way to carry a heavy load.  HMG, Hyperlite Mountain Gear, build their product with functionality foremost on their list. Mike St.Pierre, a chef from NYC, would escape the kitchen for walks in the Adirondacks on the weekends. He started to think about ways to reduce the weight of his gear, the answer came in the form of light but durable Cuben Fiber, “a high-performance, non-woven, rip-stop, composite laminate developed in the 1990s by a nuclear weapons physicist and an aerospace composite engineer.” An idea turned Maine based business, they offer several ultralite packs designed for hikers, climbers, cyclists and campers.

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Months after the tsunami disaster in Japan, the clean-up and relief effort is still on-going. Help is still needed in the region and it continues to rebuild and try to save the area from further human and environmental consequences. Isaora does its part with help of Porter through the release of their Poirer Backpack. Designed by Camille Poirier in 1882, the pack is considered the model for all modern day backpacks. Originally used by the outdoorsmen and women, the Poirier design has been updated for modern times. You’ll find additions such as the iPod pouch and felt padding there to keep your electronics safe. Proceeds from the sales of the Porter for Isaora backpack benefit the Japanese Red Cross.

More looks after the click.

Cornelian Taurus by Daisuke Iwanaga Taurus backpack is a unique take on the form. Using Japanese methods and techniques, the designer makes the backpack form all his own. Made from canvas with horse leather details. Fully lined as well. Por Vocacao has it.

More looks after the click.