Today we present the all-in-one bag with a pocket full of tricks.
In the article of 6 December, we promised to give you a full description of the Ultimate Backpack come Jan 10th. And here we are, Jan 10th. Time to lift the lid on what makes the Ultimate Backpack, the ultimate backpack. Whether you’re packed to the brim with tech, just pottering about or actually heading out on a hike, you’re not going to want to miss this.
Elevated Versatility
The Ultimate Backpack has one clear purpose: to become THE piece of luggage of the rest of your life.
It was quite clear from your answers to our co-creation questionnaires that you were looking for an all-in-one backpack. A 3-in-1 silver bullet that you can just reach out for no matter the task at hand.
As practical as a hiking rucksack, as solid as a technical backpack and good to look at - we've developed it to meet 95% of your needs. Sorry for those looking to take it on their Mont-Blanc ultra-trail. You can, but we don’t recommend it.
1. Quite the looker
Say what you like, if a bag looks like a Cybertruck with shoulder straps it’ll stay in the cupboard. When you're talking about a multi-purpose backpack, first and foremost it has to look good. And that's something we've taken very seriously.
In search of inspiration, we went deep into old mountain gear. The days when people climbed faced down towering peaks wearing leather shoes, a woollen jumper and a walking stick carved with a Swiss Army knife. Looking back, it’s the perfect crossroads of style and functionality. And this period is unrivalled when it comes to producing bags that were super-utilitarian and full of character. Details, materials, colour ways - the Ultimate Backpack is firmly rooted in all this good stuff.
Having said that, we need to reassure you on one point. We know your hiking might not venture further than a trip to your local shopping precinct, so we haven't pushed the mountaineering aspect too far. However, we have gone all out on the design:
Everything you asked for.
We called on the creative mind of Clément Johanet to come up with a label that sums it up. And of course, it's all there: the mountains, the city, aesthetic purity and a nod to our vintage inspiration. Thank you, Maestro.
2. Ready for the MOT
Looking good’s key, but it doesn’t make for a good bag alone. So we swotted up to make sure that it passes its tech degree with flying colours.
The canvas fabric is woven from 100% organic cotton, weighs 360g/m2 and has a water-repellent treatment. In other words, it's all-natural, fully armoured and capable of withstanding a standard downpour. What's more, the bottom and flap are double-layered for extra protection from the elements.
It has a 20-litre capacity which is the best capacity/compact ratio for an everyday bag, in our humble opinion. To give you an idea, 20 litres represents about 50 cans. We assume you’ll be carrying more useful things like a computer, a book or your gym kit.
The closure system is simple, practical and secure. The flap is fastened with a metal snap hook so you can easily open and close it. No more leaving your personal belongings in plain sight. You know the drill: beware of pickpockets, achten sie auf taschendiebe, cuidado con los carteristas.
3. Comfort and practicality
You know as well as we do all the really annoying things about backpacks on the market. They’re not kind on your back, for one. Or they tear through your shoulders. Or you have to empty them every time you want to get something out. When we created the Ultimate Backpack, we made it a point of honour to solve 100% of these problems. Practicality and comfort, uncompromised.
That's why we've pulled out all the stops when it comes to finishing touches.
An interior compartment for your computer. No explanation required.
An inside zipped pocket for passports, important documents or headphones.
This bag is not only beautiful and well thought out, it's also extremely durable, and ready to serve you for the next 50 years.
4. Finally a sustainable backpack
Today, the vast majority of backpacks are made in Asia, and that's a huge problem. Not so much because of the quality of the items, but rather because of the opacity of the production chains and energy mix there. Whether we're talking about labour rights, manufacturing conditions, workers' pay or the energy footprint of finished products, it's not great. To make matters worse, most are made from synthetic materials, which is catastrophic for social, ecological, environmental and health reasons.
At Asphalte, we've chosen to break away from this damaging model. We use a natural, certified raw material, woven in France at Telatex, assembled and made in Portugal at Cintize; and we are 100% transparent about the traceability of the Ultimate Backpack.
All this for under 130€, it has to be Asphalte.
Almost in the bag
As you may well know, our Ultimate Backpack will be launching on 21st January. Before the big day, we’ll share a final article next Tuesday to see the Ultimate Backpack in action.
Need to know anything else? Drop it in the comments below or check our international Instagram page for the answer. Possibly.
Until then,
The Asphalte Team