Orvis took 29-oz firehose grade canvas (the same stuff that firefighters drag through burning buildings, broken glass, and whatever else they find in their way) and combined it with American bison leather to create the new Five Alarm Briefcase. Despite it’s classic style points (such as the Sam Browne studs that secure the top flap), the Five Alarm Briefcase still has the modern features we demand, such as a padded laptop section and internal dividers. Orvis Five Alarm Briefcase ($300)
One of the dilemmas in owning an IPod Touch is finding the best case to protect it. In order to work out you need an additional armband, or case that has a belt clip on it. Well Otterbox has you covered with the Defender Series case with armband. The case has a hard plastic shell with a rubber overlay for easy grip while providing maximum protection. What makes this case outstanding is it will still slide into a pair of jeans, and goes right into the workout armband without having to dismantle the case. This makes that transition from on-the-go to workout and back virtually effortless. ($45)
Never leave your laptop behind. With the Brain Cell from Tom Bihn, you have a perfect companion for your portable computer. Available in three colors and 11 sizes, you’re sure to find one that matches your personality and your notebook. The low-profile design means that it will easily fit inside of other bags, turning any bag into a laptop bag, and the sandwich-style construction of soft foam, corrugated plastic, and memory foam, means that it will protect your laptop no matter what the conditions. Stash it inside your Air Boss on the plane, then use it on it’s own to transport your laptop, files, and power supply to your next big meeting. Tom Bihn Brain Cell ($60)
Straight out of Big Sky Country comes our new favorite travel bag; the Red Oxx Air Boss. Featuring 1000 denier cordura construction, self-locking zippers, and all-metal hardware, the Air Boss is built to last; as a matter of fact, Red Oxx recommends that you put the bag in your will. All of their products carry a full lifetime warranty. The Air Boss has three large compartments, two on the outside with straps for holding down your clothes, and a large one in the middle for your other gear (shoes, MacBook Pro, etc). All of the pockets have zippers that wrap around three-sides so that you can open the bag and lie it down flat for easier packing, unpacking, or finding that last travel size Jack Daniels bottle at the bottom of the bag. The Air Boss was designed under guidance of Doug Dyment from onebag.com and perfected by Jim and Perry at Red Oxx, two ex-military parachute riggers who understand attention to detail. Did we mention that it also comes in 12 colors? (Red Oxx Air Boss, $255)
