Brand New Bags for Summer and Fall

The Outdoor Retailer show is just around the corner. And new product announcements are rolling in fast. Here's a quick look at some of the most promising bags we'll see in outdoor stores this summer and fall.

BOREAS BOOTLEGGER: This 3-in-1 adventure bag, the “Russian Dolls” of day packs, is designed to be used as a single unit, or in any one of three separate configurations, depending on what kind of excursion you’re on. Boreas calls the outer bag the Scrimshaw Dry Bag. This 11oz, 30-liter bag is made from rough and tough triple ripstop nylon with an extra heavy duty bottom. It’s fully taped to keep your gear from getting wet even when submersed, and its big enough to fit the Hopper Day Pack if you need your day bag to be fully waterproof.

The 28-liter ripstop nylon Hopper also has a burly reinforced bottom, as well as two-way stretch front panel pockets. And, inside it’s an organized commuter day pack.

The third part of the system is Boreas' 13-liter Torpedo Hydration Bag. This minimalist biking or hiking hydration pack has stretch front panel pockets (Boreas’ signature detail). And it fits inside the daypack. Having a hard time picturing it? Here's a visual aid:

The entire system fits on a frame Boreas calls Triple-Tramp Suspension. It’s aluminum with stainless steel stays, a mesh back panel, and perforated EVA foam shoulder straps. The back panel can be moved from one bag to another depending on your activity or desire, and it can be swaped from conventional to high-ventilation. 18.5 inch torso, four pounds for the complete system; available July 2013, $200; boreasgear.com.

EAGLE CREEK MORPHUS: Eagle Creek’s ultra-durable, ultra-versatile, ultra-light hybrid polycarbonate suitcase morphs into two travel bags with the flick of a zipper. The front conversion bag separates from the frame to reveal a second shelled suitcase inside. One rolls, one carries in a multitude of ways, and both are full sized. Bonus: Both bags have interior organization and built-in security. Available July 2013, $395 for the 22-liter carry-on, $470 for the 30-liter; eaglecreek.com.

PACSAFE Z-28 URBAN BACKPACK: Known for its slashproof bags, PacSafe’s urban styled backpack looks good enough to carry every single day. Winner of the iF Product Design award, the Z-28 is a canvas fabric bag with a hidden internal 360-degree eXomesh metal locking layer. A large main compartment is complemented by a zippered top compartment with wallet and key ring, internal zippered pocket, padded back support and adjustable shoulder, sternum, and waist straps, and side compression straps that draw in your load. Inside, the 17-inch MacBook- and iPad-compatible sleeve are removable. Three pounds, 5oz; available now, $220; pacsafe.com.

—Berne Broudy
@berneb