information – Here’s a treat from across the pond! Trakke is a Scotland-based shop that makes handmade bags using UK-sourced materials. Waterproof waxed canvas is their weapon of choice for backpacks, messengers and accessories. Their latest design is called the Wester, and it’s a roll-top backpack designed to keep your gear dry as you get into whatever Mother Nature throws at you.
The Wester hopes to continue Trakke’s reputation for elegant, functional designs and gorgeous color palettes in its collection. The roll-top form provides plenty of weatherproofing for your gear, but this design includes a few extras for added functionality. An external management panel with a waterproof zipper gives you quick access to your items, in addition to providing separate access to your laptop from the outside. You also get two large side pockets for water bottles and more. The entire package has a volume of 21 liters and an empty weight of 2.3 pounds. It is also backed by a lifetime warranty (Check out their website for details).
I haven’t personally dealt with anything from Trakke, but their reviews are consistently excellent. I especially like that this bag solves some of the issues I’ve seen with other roll top designs by adding extra access to your frequently used items. They also provide a lot of information on how to keep waxed canvas looking sharp and reaching its full potential.
The Wester Roll-Top Backpack retails for $245 and is available in 4 colors: black, olive, whisky (tan/brown) and port (a burnt red, pictured above). They also ship to the US. Check it out here!
