Topo Designs
Colorado based Topo Designs makes simple, beautiful and functional outdoor gear products. With humble beginnings and an endless pursuit of perfection the small company looks to make inroads into the hearts and stores of like-minded adventure seekers across the globe – Peek inside for what they’re all about.
Oftentimes there is nothing more satisfying than old-fashioned hard work. The ability to create a concept and see it literally begin to take shape before your eyes is a beautiful trait of being human – whether that be an artistic or practical or commercial in nature, humans want nothing more than to share the fruits of labor with our neighbors. We understand this, as our own operation was born, bred and educated lock-step with making mistakes, tough learning curves and old-fashioned hard work in order to produce something new, or at least something helpful in the pursuit of creativity, knowledge and carving out a little corner of the vast and daunting internet.
This is why we like to work with and do our best to showcase brands that follow the same journey – One of hardship and tough-to-swallow lessons that all make up the exhilarating and heart fluttering journey of building a name for yourself. One such company making inroads into the game of retro-inspired practical outdoor wear and honest and driven values is Topo Designs based out of Colorado, USA.
Topo Designs started humbly, each product inspired by an inferior version found on store shelves already and the task set out to improve upon what was already out there – Why didn’t brand X do this? And why does their X product have this done to it? Certainly questions many of us have asked ourselves but unlike Topo, stopped there in our pursuit of perfection.
“Canoe vs. motorboat – we’re the canoe” Topo asks questions first then shoots – making prototype after prototype and multiple testing sessions before it is brought to market ensures customer satisfaction and a reputation for quality.
Their mainstay are Packs/Bags including the Klettersack which we have taken a closer look at as well as their handy Accessory Bags as well as Duffles, Daypacks, Chinch Bags, Slings and Hip Packs. They expanded into Accessories including a belt and a few apparel items including t-shirts, fleece sweaters and a ranger hat.
We were able to spend time with the Klettersack, the Accessory Bags and a Belt. Pictured below are the Klettersack which is their staple 22l “do everything” pack made from 1000d Cordura with leather accents and heavy-duty plastic snaps. Along with their small accessory bags (good for putting just about anything under the sun inside) and put them in a variety of situations (including Enduro Moto riding, Fly Fishing, Trips to the Dog Park, Hikes)
All of Topo Designs gear is made inside a LEED certified facility right in Colorado (If you aren’t familiar with LEED – Certification distinguishes building projects that have demonstrated a commitment to sustainability by meeting the highest performance standards). Typically smaller companies won’t make products in-house due to higher manufacturing costs and they especially won’t outfit their facilities to meet stringent requirements either – A indication where the Topo Design heads are.
The Accessory bags make great compliments to your travel pack and the multiple sizes can hold everything from shaving kits, personal hygiene items, tools, towels, change of underwear, snacks, fishing lures, USB cables and other recreational items you may need to keep separated from your gear.
The Klettersack is an extremely versatile bag that’s home on the asphalt or in the woods and with its 22l of capacity, it sits right in the middle in terms of pack-ability and comfort – you don’t need to lug around a space-age trekking pack when not needed. It comes in eight colorways (including a camo and bright orange) and looks killer – nice and rugged.
It’s made of Cordura (which is the standard for all durable/practical bags) and has all the necessary stitching reinforcement and has a lined interior. The buckles are beefy and the leather patches allow you to attach necessary items to the pack. The zippers are durable and substantial and you can even add a sternum strap or buy more accessory straps when you purchase the bag.
The Topo Designs offering is one of the better fashionable day-packs out there – the quality and attention to details really show.
Add Topo Designs to your list of brands to check out this holiday season and when you need an update to your gear supply – you won’t be disappointed.