Solve All Your Packing Problems With Ridge’s New Expanded Travel Collection

Riding hot on the heels of its hugely successful Ridge Travel Collection, Ridge further expands its line of functional, durable, and stylish travel gear to offer even more options when planning your next trip. The new additions include the Ridge Check-In Luggage, Ridge Weekender Duffel, and, by popular demand, the Ridge Personalized Logo Plates. Let’s check each out to see how they fit into the collection.

Ridge Check-In Luggage: Designed for the Long Haul

Serving as the perfect companion to the previously released Ridge Carry-On, the Ridge Check-In offers the same impressive materials that make its little sibling a fan favorite. Its exterior shell, measuring 26.5" x 18.5" x 10.5”, is crafted from German Makrolon polycarbonate—a material that’s 30% thicker than standard plastic shells and is highly flexible. This makes it nearly impossible to break and able to absorb energy from impact while staying lightweight.

The corners are usually the parts of the luggage that sustain the most abuse during transit, so it’s great that black anodized aluminum corner protectors reinforce the corners of the Ridge Check-In Luggage. Compared to standard plastic corners, they do a much better job protecting your luggage from rough handling. We’re also glad to see YKK Racquet Coil zippers keeping the case together. Zippers are the primary failure point for any luggage, and Ridge went with the best in the business to ensure smooth and reliable performance. Oversized 360° spinner wheels keep things moving smoothly even over rougher terrain, while two handles keep options open for vertical or horizontal carry.

Open it up, and you’ll be greeted by a 70-liter compartment lined with 200D nylon fabric. 200D nylon is often found in tactical vests because of its high tear strength, so you can expect the Ridge Check-In’s interior to serve you well for years. You’ll also find a removable compression panel with its own zipped pocket to efficiently use any available space and a zipped panel on the left side to make separating items more manageable and organized. And just like the Ridge Carry-On, the Ridge Check-In has a pocket for AirTags or any GPS tracker, so you’ll always know where your luggage is at any given time.

The Ridge Check-In Luggage is available for $445 USD in Matte Olive, Basecamp Orange, Alpine Navy, Royal Black, or Gunmetal.

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Ridge Weekender Duffel Bag: Works Hard, Plays Hard

If you’ve got several short trips planned after you reach your destination, it wouldn’t be practical to roll your belongings around with you, especially if you’re going camping or attending a sporting event. That’s where a duffel bag comes in. Lightweight and compact, duffel bags are still spacious enough for all your essentials for the weekend while allowing enough versatility for whatever comes your way.

The Ridge Weekender Duffel Bag answers these needs and offers several convenient features for good measure. The exterior is made from a weatherproof 900D ballistic nylon shell held together by YKK AquaGuard zippers, providing excellent protection against the elements. It measures a compact 19" x 19" x 12", so you can use it as a carry-on, while a removable shoulder strap offers customizable carry options.

You’ve got 32L of space inside, with the 210D antimicrobial nylon lining ensuring longevity and helping resist bacteria and mold, making it ideal for holding clothes that may get wet. Two mesh organization pockets keep essentials organized, and a dedicated pocket for AirTags or any small GPS tracker ensures you’ll always know where your luggage is. The Ridge Weekender Duffel Bag is available now for $195 USD.

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Personalized Logo Pates: Make It Personal

One of the more frustrating things that could happen on your trip is realizing that several bags look just like yours, and you’re left second-guessing which bag to grab from the baggage carousel. With Ridge's Personalized Logo Plates, you’ll never have to worry about that again. Available in Royal Black, Hyper Lime, and High Dive Blue (made from 6061-T6 aerospace-grade anodized aluminum), Stonewashed Grade 2 Titanium, and Carbon Fiber 3k, the Personalized Logo Plates allow you to customize your Ridge gear with three characters, making it uniquely yours.

Each Personalized Logo Plate is compatible with any of Ridge’s travel bags, including the Carry-On, Check-In, Weekender Duffel Bag, Commuter Backpack 20L, and Travel Kit. They’re also scratch-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about them getting scuffed in transit. As a bonus, Ridge’s website even allows you to see what your custom text will look like before you purchase. The aluminum plates are priced at $25 USD, while the titanium and carbon fiber plates are priced at $30 USD and $35 USD, respectively.

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Ridge Frequent Flyer Kit: An All-in-One Travel Solution

If you’re new to the Ridge Travel Collection family, Ridge offers you a chance to purchase a complete travel system at a hugely discounted price with the Ridge Frequent Flyer Kit. It includes the Ridge Carry-On and Ridge Check-In bundled together for $550 USD, giving you a massive savings of $240 USD off. You also get to add the Ridge Commuter Backpack for another 15% off, plus additional discounts on essential add-ons: the Ridge Packing Cubes, Hanging Airtag Holder, the Packable Backpack, and the Toiletry Bag.

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The Most Innovative Everyday Carry Releases This Week

Whether you're a seasoned EDC enthusiast or just getting started, these new releases are sure to reshape the way you carry and use your essentials.

Big Idea Design’s Ultem Pen Elevates Everyday Writing

A pen that writes well is best for everyday carry. But a pen that also looks great at the same time is a bonus. That’s why the new American-made and machined Ultem and titanium clip pen from Big Idea Design is a great candidate to be your next pocket daily driver. The hot translucent yellow from the US-made Ultem polyetherimide is becoming ubiquitous in everyday carry gear, but it’s not just for show. Using it in a fountain pen allows you to visualize the amount of ink you have left to work with, and it cuts a unique look in your hand compared to a basic clear plastic demonstrator pen you might find elsewhere.

And even if you’re new to fountain pens, the Big Idea Design Utem is a great place to start. That’s because the Kaweco nib on the pen writes very smoothly, with a fine line thickness that doesn’t feel as scratchy as other entry-level pens. And when comparing it to the feel of a cheap ballpoint, there’s no competition. Using the Kaweco nib also opens the wide world of swapping out nibs to the exact thickness that works for you because Kaweco sells those nibs in various sizes. The pen also comes with six Kaweco pearl black standard ink cartridges, and the more adventurous enthusiasts may attempt to fill the entire inner body of the pen with ink with a bit of silicone sealant to make for a tighter seal.

Buy Now ($175)

Luminox 3500 Masters Time with Military Precision

“All In All The Time” is one of the key mantras of the Navy SEALs, and Luminox celebrates this testament to unwavering commitment and resilience with the Navy SEAL 3500 “All In All The Time” watch. Crafted with a 45mm CARBONOX case and uni-directional bezel, this limited-edition timepiece combines lightweight carbon fiber with a robust construction to offer unparalleled durability. The watch’s face proudly bears the SEALs’ mantra, “All In All The Time,” embossed in gold color from 7-11 hours, a daily reminder to embody their relentless spirit. The gold-tone Navy SEAL trident logo on the case back juxtaposes the black-out design, creating an aesthetic of bold contrasts.

Thanks to its integrated Luminox Light Technology, the Luminox Navy SEAL 3500 shines continuously, ensuring 24/7 visibility in all conditions for up to 25 years. It's powered by a Swiss Ronda 515 quartz movement that boasts a 50-month battery life and can withstand depths up to 200 meters. Its sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating ensures minimal scratches through any adventure. With only 775 pieces available globally, this timepiece is as exclusive as it is inspiring.

Buy Now ($545)

Vosteed’s Ankylo Knife Innovates at the Push of a Button

Vosteed is one of the most respected brands in the knife industry, so we're all ears when they launch a Kickstarter campaign for a new knife. The Ankylo Knife by Vosteed was created by asking their customers what they wanted in a knife: a pivot that doubles as a button, a new lock mechanism, a comfortable design, a secure lock-up, and it has to be fun to use. The Ankylo delivers all that and more.

The Ankylo’s 3.18” Böhler Elmax reverse tanto blade is a workhorse. Elmax steel combines excellent edge retention, high wear resistance, good corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. The handle of the Ankylo is constructed from 6061 aerospace-grade aluminum, ensuring the ultimate weight-to-strength ratio. Every corner is double CNC chamfered, and the handle boasts a hard-coated matte finish with a machined texturized pattern for secure control even in adverse conditions.

What truly sets the Ankylo apart is its new and innovative V-anchor lock. A N52 neodymium cylindrical magnetic connector is discreetly inserted within the lock shaft. This ingenious design ensures that the lock button remains recessed even when the blade is closed, enhancing safety. In conjunction with the thick lock plate, the connector creates an integral fail-safe system. Whether the lock is engaged or not, there are always contacts among the three parts, providing stability and reinforcing the lock mechanism.

There are still a few days until the Kickstarter ends for an Ankylo in your choice of color, so be sure to check it out; standard disclaimer for being aware of how Kickstarter and crowdfunding work.

Buy Now ($149+)

GORUCK's GR1 Upgrades Offer Less Weight and More Utility

The GORUCK GR1 has reached a venerable spot in the everyday carry loadouts of enthusiasts everywhere, and one of the key reasons is the bombproof 1000D ballistic nylon construction of their original design. The use of high-denier fabric helps the bag resist damage from scratches and abrasion, and it provides inherent water resistance, thanks to the strength and density of the weaving. However, one significant downside is the overall weight of the bag, which can be too much for some users who are thinking about picking one up for their loadout. Users have also noticed that the abrasive ballistic nylon can rub and wear against softer clothing over time because everyday clothing isn’t built to the same bombproof specifications. Another much-requested quality-of-life upgrade seen in GORUCK's more recent models is a quick-access top pocket that makes it extra useful during travel and has become a staple in modern daypacks or weekender backpacks.

To address this situation, GORUCK has made its first significant updates to its original GR1 design. The new GR1 now includes 210D CORDURA in the back panel and shoulder strap area, making for a better quality-of-life experience with the bag without compromising the reliability and durability of the overall pack. It makes for a more plush feel in your hands that does less damage to your clothes simultaneously. Plus, GORUCK has already tested the material swap in other parts of their line, and in our experience, it has resulted in much more enjoyable EDC packs. Each new GR1 from GORUCK is made in the USA, and while the new quick access pocket is limited to the Black and Ranger Green 21L, other colors and sizes are available with the 210D backing upgrade. We’ll watch for and report when the 210D and quick access pocket upgrades become standard additions to all future packs.

Buy Now ($335+)

LOOP GEAR's SK03 Pro Unleashes the Power of the Dark Side

We were highly impressed with LOOP GEAR’s SK03 compact light when we previewed it while it was on Kickstarter, and the Pro version adds even more functionality while retaining the same fit-in-your-palm, AA-sized form factor and dimensions. This aluminum version weighs a mere 65g (2.3oz) even with the battery, sporting an all-black aesthetic that LOOP GEAR aptly calls “Darth Vader.” Bright side LEDs make it easy to find in dark environments, while illumination is still handled by the same impressive 6500K Philip LED emitter that produces a max of 1,000 lumens.

Unique to the SK03 Pro is its special multi-functional bracket with a magnetic base that can be attached to metallic surfaces. This allows you to angle the light for hands-free use. The bracket also features a retractable stainless steel blade/bottle opener, providing even more utility. The SK03 Pro comes with a 14500 Li-ion battery with a built-in USB-C port for direct charging into the cell, removing the need for a separate external charger.

Buy Now ($119)

Upgrade Your Everyday Carry With WE's Anniversary Sale and New EDC Releases

In this roundup: sweet deals from WE Knives' 10th anniversary and a lineup of exciting new EDC releases from our favorite brands.

WE Knife Co. Celebrates 10 Years with Limited Edition Releases and a Huge Sale

It’s been 10 years since WE Knife Co. entered the scene (and 24 years since its founding in 2000), showing the world that they could stand toe to toe with the very best knife manufacturers, and this year, they’re celebrating the milestone with re-releases of their iconic knives, as well as a massive sale and commemorative promotion for many of their CIVIVI knives.

The two knives leading the anniversary are the CIVIVI Elementum in a special Jungle Wear Fat Carbon Fiber colorway built just for the anniversary and the 601X, a re-engineering of one of their early and popular models, the 601. Both are dressed in premium iterations, with the Elementum packing S35VN for its blade and the 601X with 20CV across four titanium-handled colorways. Each of the 601X models is limited to 150 pieces and comes with a custom serial number and certificate of authenticity, so these surely will be the first to go.

There’s also plenty to see in the CIVIVI sale, with up to 51% off across a ton of models like the Conspirator, Sentinel Strike, Synergy3, and the Voltaic. The 10th Anniversary event is ongoing on both WE and CIVIVI websites (where you can claim promotions like a giveaway, commemorative shirt, and coin) and other partnered retailers like Amazon, and runs through April 18th.

Buy Now (CIVIVI)

Buy Now (Amazon)

Buy Now (WE Knife Co.)

Big Idea Design Unveils Its Very First Fixed Blade Knife “The Lookout”

Big Idea Design has entered new territory with its first fixed-blade knife, the Lookout. As their 47th Kickstarter project, it comes from a long line of successful EDC products and packs a punch in a small package. It's named after the iconic Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, TN, and was designed in collaboration with their CNC shop manager Mak Kelsay, ABS Journeyman Smith.

With a compact 2.2” blade and an overall length of 6.2”, the standard Grade 5 titanium-handled model is equipped with an M390 steel blade, while the USA line features a MagnaCut blade with handle options in G-10, Ultem, and Tigerwood to suit your taste. What's truly impressive about this new drop is the attention to detail, from the custom-made lanyard screw to the custom-milled center-mounted clip on the included Kydex sheath that ensures the Lookout doesn't stray in your pockets. The knife's overall small profile, even with its sheath, lets it carry very light for a fixie and is a great alternative for an EDC knife, especially with its wealth of premium materials. For BigIDesign fans and knife enthusiasts alike, the Lookout is a great addition to any collection.

Standard crowdfunding disclaimer here, so just be aware of how pledging on Kickstarter works, but there's still time to back your own Lookout at the link below.

Buy Now ($184+)

AceBeam’s High-Tech Terminator M2-X Dominates the the Dark

With modern everyday carry flashlights, you don’t have to be limited to a regular light's traditional cylindrical design and single-head emitter output. Take the new AceBeam Terminator M2-X torch, for example. It takes its design cues from what you might find on a tactical weapon light customarily mounted on a rifle and shrinks that power and unique versatility into a more compact package that fits your hand. The flat design of the AceBeam Terminator M2-X is thanks to its standout feature: the multi-source design, which gives you a combination spotlight, floodlight, and auxiliary light in one pocketable body, all without having to carry multiple lights to get the job done. While the AceBeam might lack the infrared (IR) illuminator or the laser designator, it maximizes its footprint to give you a rich feature set even if you consider yourself as decidedly non-tactical.

On one side of the flat-bodied light is the flood light, which comes out to a max of 3,200 lumens out the front with the Cool White 6500K version of the light. The high-CRI edition knocks it down for 2,000 lumens but retains better rendering of colors, especially at a distance for quick identification. The RGB auxiliary lights are on the periphery of the floodlight section, which gives you additional color options. Handy is the red light, which is better for low-light situations if you don’t wish to ruin your night vision. On the other side is the spotlight, which throws 900 lumens over 1,600 feet. Each of these functions usually features on individual flashlights, but the draw of the AceBeam M2-X is being able to pack just one device for your loadout, and it strikes a unique path in the pocketable everyday carry flashlight space that deserves some consideration.

Buy Now ($139.90)

Mystery Ranch's Radix Packs Set the Standard for Lightweight Stability

Lightweight bags have recently become more popular for everyday carry, but the ones available today tend to be unstructured when they are not filled to the brim with gear. Bags like the updated Radix line from Mystery Ranch buck that trend by combining lightweight technical materials with a structured frame that holds the bag's shape regardless of the load carried inside. The new series from Mystery Ranch was made for people who climb up mountains and cliffs regularly, but the need for lightweight and stable packs can benefit anyone who opts for a quality bag or pack for their own everyday carry missions. The Radix series from Mystery Ranch comes in three different capacities, but for everyday carry use, we will focus on the 31L version of the bag.

Its two key features are the lightweight 100D Robic recycled ripstop nylon fabric shell and the removable aerospace aluminum frame that helps this hiking and climbing bag hold its shape. It has a top flap buckled construction with an off-center main zipper for accessing the main compartment for your carry convenience. The bag features hydration bladder compatibility, but unlike Mystery Ranch’s dedicated urban everyday carry bags, there is minimal padding in this pack. Lightweight movement and freedom, as well as harness comfort, were at the top of the list of Mystery Ranch’s crafters when they made the Radix line, and that unique approach can make them great for everyday carry even if you don’t climb up big rocks regularly.

Buy Now ($219+)

Danner's Moc 917 with GORE-TEX is a Fresh Huckberry Exclusive

It’s easy to focus on what’s in your pockets or your pack when it comes to everyday carry, but having the right shoes for your travels both near and far is a critical component often overlooked. As someone who’s overlooked having comfortable shoes in the past, it’s better to discover the benefits of having great shoes before you discover the painful aftermath of having the wrong ones on your feet after a long hike. One of the most comfortable shoes you can buy is based on the venerable moccasin pattern, and Danner has teamed up with our friends at Huckberry to provide a modern interpretation of this comfortable shoe with modern touches that make it an excellent choice for daily wear.

The original water moccasin was woven from tanned leather skins by Native Americans. Danner has a rich history dating back decades, taking that woven design that offers comfort in the front toe box and turning it into a working boot. In its latest incarnation in collaboration with Huckberry, Danner has updated their Moc 917 from the 1960s with a mix of leather and GORE-TEX liner to provide excellent waterproofing while keeping a heritage look. And where old moccasins had a smooth leather sole, Danner’s new Moc 917 comes with a lightweight Vibram SPE sole for added grip on wet and slippery surfaces. With a 365-day warranty and eligibility for Danner’s recrafting services, you can rely on this boot for all your travels in the years to come.

Buy Now ($220)