Since I’m on a bit of a bag kick lately, here is the Ivan from Chrome.  Here are the pros of Chrome and this particular bag.  Chrome makes very industrial style bags for the urban environment.  What I mean is that they are designed to hold up to people who are rough on their equipment…myself included.  They remind me of Crumpler bags in the way they are constructed with tough materials…not so much design-wise though.  More pros are the ability to throw really about anything you can think of into this bag and it will handle it.  (note picture of ice!)  The roll top design is good for times when you have something that sticks out the top.  Where the regular backpack can’t be closed with large objects, here you have the option.

Just discovered an excellent post (and good design) from Carryology.  They compare backpacks and messenger bags to determine who needs which.  It’s slightyly humorous while making good arguments for each.  I agree with much of what they say, and while I own both, for day to day activities, I prefer the messenger for the simply pure reason that it’s more stylish.  But for backpacking, I’ve never found a use for one.  Maybe I’ll try it on my next trip to appear more local and not so touristy.

From FlipAndTumble.com comes the 24/7 reusable eco bag.  It’s developed for groceries as a way to carry a big bag in a very small space, then transform it into a shopping bag to not waste plastic bags. I think this bag has very cool travel potential as well.  Pack it up and fit it into a shoe or some tight space, then when travelling, it can be used as a laundry bag, grocery bag, day bag, or just about anything.  I would encourage you to check out their site and watch the video of this being folded up…sort of like a sock.

Jansport‘s ‘go to’ bag, the superbreak, is now available in many different colors and designs.  For backpackers planning on hostel jumping, you may want a daybag like this if you’re pack isn’t over 3700cc.  It’s good to pack around cities once you get to your destination.  The funky color above can be found here. Usually Jansport bags can be found in about any retail store and will go from $20 – $75.  The standard bag above is their lower end model (no leather on the bottom).

Whenever I think of the Timbuk2 I think of custom messenger bags. Actually, the word “bulky” comes to mind. So when I saw they had a Daypack, I became interested. The Undergournd Day Pack is well designed and has easy access flaps and all the custom pockets you could want. You still can’t build your own like with their messenger bags and totes, but in the future I guess they will have that as an option.