Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Fashion & Style

Brenthaven –The Ultimate in Form & Function

By

When Brenthaven began making wilderness packs over 30 years ago, their products were aimed at explorers and adventurers.  Now the way we explore and seek adventure has evolved. Today, they craft their bags, and more, to survive the rigors of our active lives and digital lifestyles.

Their new collection named Collins is a true pairing of form and function. This collection with it’s oxford grey exterior and buttoned-up grey and white ticking striped interior, eliminates that awkward feeling of walking into a business meeting sporting a very collegiate backpack. This very dressed-up take on a backpack not only looks awesome, but is the ultimate in functionality.

Recommended Videos

After taking their convertible backpack on a test-drive for the past few weeks, we are big fans of the five exterior pockets (one to slide in the partly detachable shoulder straps) and three interior pockets, as well as white ticked interior that is inside is so bright you can actually see everything.  One of the pockets is padded for a laptop, another for a tablet, and finally, one for your cell phone/glasses. The black zipper across the top glides like a speed skater, and keeps everything neatly inside. Bonus points: This backpack converts to a tote bag and sits up-right for easy access, so it’s actually, two bags in one. No more lifeless backpacks for meetings #ever.

Related

The Manual asked the Creative Director of Brenthaven, Timm Fenton, about his design point of view for the Collins collection:

Tell us what inspired you to create this collection.

The Collins collection aesthetic represents a level of sophistication that is comfortable to wear and carry everyday.  The design direction was inspired by ready to wear fabrics and provides a high durability while maintaining a soft hand feel.  The chambray fabric weave denotes a subtle two-tone effect that is enhanced through the deep grey coupled with the black trim appointments.

What are some of the aspects of the collection that are unique?

The natural interior ticking is in high color contrast to the dark exterior which allows the consumer to organize and visualize their mobile tech accessories.  The Collins collection demonstrates Brenthaven’s commitment to serving the needs of the urban entrepreneur who appreciates great design, functionality and high quality.

As for the brand history, in 1980, a bearded, Brent Harris established Brentley Softpacks, in Bellingham, Washington. Then in 1994, they rebranded to Brenthaven, and went from outdoor packs to bags that were more aligned to carry laptops, but still have a retail store in Bellingham.  The brand is also sold in Apple stores across the U.S. and via their website.

Check out the Convertible backpack and other bags from the Collins collection http://www.brenthaven.com/collins-collection

Editors' Recommendations

Tom Handley
Tom Handley
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Tom Handley is a contributor for TheManual. As a professor of public relations and social media strategy at Parsons The New…
TACS Watches: Lifestyle-Inspired Design Where Form Meets Function
tacs watches profile nato lens feature dimage

It can be hard to make a decision when you’re searching for the perfect watch. Sometimes you want something that's easy to read and sleek-looking, and other times you may be looking for specific functionality that fits your lifestyle. TACS watches are inspiration-designed, meaning they take on the task of being the perfect fit for your needs, from appearance and functions to special features and thoughtful design.

TACS
is a Japanese-based watch company that crafts fantastically designed timepieces. Its expansive collection features everything from innovative details and unique minimalist designs to precision movements and constructions that cater to specific functions, such as a dual time feature for frequent flyers or its Nato-Lens equipped watch for photography fanatics.

Read more
If you’re looking for the best men’s cologne, try these recent drops
Smell your best with these great fragrances
A person spraying cologne on themselves.

You only get one chance to make a great first impression. That is why we dress nicely. That is why we groom ourselves expertly. And that is why you need to have a great cologne. You never know who you are going to meet, and you don't want to be caught in anything other than your best. You may be forgiven if your hair is a little long when you are on the trail. You may be forgiven for having a five o'clock shadow on Saturday afternoon. And you may not be punished for wearing jeans and a T-shirt at the movie theater. However, you will always be judged for not smelling good. That is why you need to invest in the best men's colognes.

Having a pleasant fragrance is more than smelling pleasant for those around you. It also attracts people to you and shows that you care about your hygiene. People will respond better and remember you fondly if your smell lingers. It is the most powerful scent tied to memory, so make sure you are remembered in 2024 with these top picks for colognes for men. We didn't go with all the big boys in the men's cologne industry. You will see one name that nearly everyone knows. But, we stuck more with the ones that you all should know. There is no Dior, no Polo, and no Gucci on this list. We didn't go for names. We went for quality fragrances and picks that will keep you remembered long after you leave.
Fulton & Roark Cloudland

Read more
Adidas just kicked off a big sale – Up to 40% off sneakers and shoes
Running in Adidas shoes.

Looking for great sneaker deals? Look no further than Adidas which currently has up to 40% off many of its shoes and sneakers. If you’re looking for new footwear, this is your chance to do so while saving plenty of cash. Buying a few pairs right now would be a great idea so you’re all set for the coming months. With hundreds of items in the sale, hit the button below to check out the sale for yourself. Alternatively, keep reading and we’ll take you through some of our favorite deals.

What to shop for in the Adidas sale
The best Adidas running shoes are pretty special so why not check out the which are down to $180 or $120 for members, instead of $200. The shoes are coded for forward motion with an updated 3D-printed Adidas 4D midsole with a new lattice structure. It transforms impact forces into forward motion and is combined with great traction from the Continental Rubber outsole. There’s also adaptive Adidas Primeknit which is teamed up with light and breathable mesh so your feet feel comfortable at all times.

Read more