In the world of carry, Kickstarter remains a hotspot for innovation, showcasing the latest breakthroughs from passionate brands and breakaway creators. This month, we’ve identified three standout projects that embody the essence of thoughtful design and practical functionality. Each of these carries not only serves a purpose but also tells a story—crafted with care, attention to detail, and a keen understanding of what a Carryologist may need. Let’s dive into the highlights of this month’s top three, where creativity meets utility in remarkable ways.
Wingback Journeyman Pen
For many, a trusty pen is a key component of a functional EDC setup. And if you can have something that’s beautiful and built to last, even better. Wingback have created just such a pen with the Journeyman. Designed and crafted in England, the Journeyman Pen builds on Wingback’s original mechanical pen but makes it even better. The pen accommodates any G2 ink cartridge and also comes with a Schmidt EasyFLOW 9000m refill. The length has been increased by 10mm to enhance user comfort and the pen features a machined clip with a subtle Wingback logo. The bolt-action twist mechanism is quick and easy to use, with diamond knurling on the barrel for added convenience.
Material-wise the pen comes in brass, stainless steel, and black steel options, each offering a durable and refined aesthetic for work or personal use. But then Wingback gets a little playful, allowing you to customize your pen on the component level. Mix and match materials across the barrel, crown, and clip to create a distinct aesthetic. The pen comes standard with a cork pen rest but to elevate your setup you can pair it with an optional metal pen rest also available in brass, stainless steel, or black steel. The pen rest doubles as a cable tidy too, helping your work area stay tidy to keep the productivity and creative juices flowing. And for an added personal touch you can even get a personalized inscription on the clip and metal pen rest to make it truly yours.
Clever Supply Co Sidekick Pro
Carrying your camera every day isn’t always easy but Clever Supply Co wanted to find a way to ensure you didn’t leave it behind. Already experienced in creating camera straps and camera bags, they wanted a simplified option ideal for grab-and-go use with your essential kit. So they created the Sidekick Pro, a compact 2L sling designed to carry your day-to-day camera kit. The bag can be worn as a sling or stashed inside your everyday or travel bag, ensuring you can easily take your camera wherever the day leads.
The Sidekick Pro is designed to work with a multitude of compact mirrorless kits and features a padded cube insert and a choice of pockets for storing accessories or EDC items. Additionally, the cube insert can be removed if you need extra space for larger setups. Built to endure everyday use in changing weather conditions, the bag is available in tan waxed canvas and black Cordura options, with weatherproof YKK zippers for added protection. Designed to embrace spontaneous urban outings, stay nimble on outdoor adventures, and carry gear discreetly, the Clever Supply Co Sidekick Pro neatly spans the divide between no camera and larger, bulkier setups, ensuring you’re always ready when epic shots present themselves.
FARA Future-Proof Bags
FARA may be a new brand but its founders have an impressive design pedigree behind them, having originally founded Wookey Backpacks and Wookey Design Studio almost three decades ago. FARA has a significantly different focus, however, launching with its debut messenger and sling bags created for everyday and travel use. Pairing clean urban style with thoughtful features and comfortable carry, the bags include the FARA RĀVEN Messenger in 12L and 16L sizes, as well as the smaller VALR Sling in 3L and 4L sizes.
The FARA RĀVEN Messenger takes its name from a word meaning ‘to wander’ in Old Norse, and is built accordingly. The burly weatherproof construction features a waterproof Carbonate coating and stands up to rugged use, with 360-degree foam padding offering protection for your gear and also providing structure to the bag. The messenger includes magnetic buckle access and a variety of useful quick-access and interior pockets to organize gear. Inside you’ll find collapsible water bottle pockets that can also accommodate camera lenses, as well as two sleeves to store a laptop and tablet. A padded, ventilated back panel helps keep you cool and comfy on the go and the grab handle also serves as a luggage pass-through. And of particular note is the shoulder strap, taking inspiration from backpack carry with a high-density foam exoskeleton supporting the lower-density soft foam on the underside. The strap is ambidextrous and also includes a custom adjustable buckle for ease of use.
Named after the Old Norse word for ‘falcon’, the VALR Sling swoops in for smaller setups. Offering weatherproof construction and a nifty magnetic flap closure for secure but fast access, the sling has a variety of pockets including a microfleece pocket that’s handy for glasses and a hidden AirTag pocket. The sling also benefits from an ambidextrous strap and a padded, ventilated back panel. And for added travel convenience, the sling can attach to the messenger for all-in-one carry.
