Outdoor Insight

18 • Outdoor Insight • January 2019 outdoorinsightmag.com BAGS EVERYDAY performers B ags are all the rage. The lifestyle outdoor trend has taken hold in the pack and bag category, with consumers seeking out comfort, ease of use, style and personalization options in the latest crop of bags. "We see more and more travel revolving around being outside and bringing the gear you need with you," says Gregory product manager Matthew Connors. "Overall, the trend of adventure travel is growing and we've built the pack to suit the variety of activities and packing styles to suit any adventure." Gregory's new Tetrad and Women's Tribute adventure travel packs, MSRP $179.95-$239.95, are designed to work as travel lug- gage. Each pack features a lightweight, internal frame with adjustable torso fit. An Active Shield compartment separates dirty gear from clean clothes, and a compact daypack zips off the main pack. Urban commuters also continue to drive trends in this category. "From a practical perspective – let's use Seattle or Portland as examples – many people in those cities bike to work, the sun sets early, it's grey and gloomy most of the time," says Dana Kafka, director of sales and marketing at Jack Wolfskin USA. "Having a pack that's functional, practical, and delivers on safety, plus looks cool is important. The Fall/Winter 2019 Neuron packs use large patterned reflective surfaces to create attention at night and the Proton 18 uses bright LEDs surrounding the perimeter of the pack." Jack Wolfskin's Proton 18, MSRP $179.95, is a commuting pack with LED lights sewn into the perimeter of the pack, so the user is more visible while riding at night. The suspension system sits close to the back with a central air channel, air permeable back padding and breathable mesh fabric. B E Y O N D T H E P A C K Left to right: Mystery Ranch Street Zen Pack; YLE Roll Pack; and Osprey Transporter Flap Pack.

• Cover