Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Our Favorite Urban Riding Packs by Mission Workshop

In 1994, Bart Kyzar, Mark Falvai, and Doug Hudson formed Chrome Industries to make cycling bags and apparel. When they moved on from Chrome in 2009, Bart and Mark refurbished an old warehouse in the Mission District of San Francisco as a workshop for building gear as tough as it is beautiful. Thus, Mission Workshop was born.

Jeff Roberts from Massif Mountain Gear Company specialized in creating advanced combat apparel for the CIA, Navy Seals, NASA, and teams that “don’t officially exist.” Roberts now runs the apparel design crew at Mission Workshop.

Related Videos

From the Arkiv System for backpacks that debuted in 2012 to sleek new camera carriers and hydration packs for 2018, Mission has been quite busy in its workshop. Here’s a look at the best gear that the brand has to offer right now.

Arkiv Modular Pack System
Mission Workshop Arkiv® Field Packs

Build Your Dream Backpack

Modular backpacks have been around for a long time for military purposes, but have only recently made their way onto the urban scene. Adapting this MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) system the military, Mission Workshop created the patented Arkiv attachment.

The base Arkiv packs come with either two, six, or eight rails to slide attachments onto. Thick metal clips on the modules slide onto these stiff webbing rails or on other modules. They’re easy to add, pop off, and customize.

Mission Workshop Arkiv System
James Adamson

The main pack has 20 or 40 liters of space with a laptop-sized pocket and one small external zip for quick access. It can be closed with a roll on top or just by folding the flap down; a huge buckle holds the whole thing shut. The exterior is made from super-thick 500 denier nylon with a urethane polymer for water and stain resistance.

Go minimal with one or two pouches or all the way to eight or even 10 pouches for laptops, notebooks, hard drives, sunglasses, and travel essentials. The folio and laptop pouches, which hold larger books and computers, fit on the back of the pack and provide two additional rails for more modules. Small pockets fit on top of that or on the side of the bag. A rail on each of the shoulder straps on the front fits small pouches for cell phones or passports.

See It

The Capsule
The Capsule : Padded Camera Insert

Keep Your Glass Safe

With so many photographers using the brand’s bags, Mission Workshop designed a padded camera insert to fit with any packs 20 liters or larger (like the Arkiv). A large clamshell lid opens to reveal all your lenses and a smaller end-lid opens to allow you quick access to your main camera. You can also get the optional messenger bag straps to run with The Capsule alone.

See It

The Hauser

Stay Hydrated

Cyclists need water, but finding a way to carry that water without weighing you down is tough. The Mission Workshop guys have taken their 20 years of cycling gear knowledge and built a burly hydration pack that looks as good as it works. Four small pockets and a main gear holder complement the big clamshell opening for the actual hydration pack. Hip belt “wings” wrap around your body, keeping things stable, while the waterproof fabric protects everything inside.

See It

Editors' Recommendations

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
Face the Sun: 5 Essential Summer Accessories for Men
sunset palm tree beach

Bring on the warm weather as remnants of this year's Nor’easter melt away and temps rise. But be careful — just because you don’t have to cover up with puffys and balaclavas doesn’t mean you should go without skin protection this spring and summer.

Combat the heat, burn, and harmful rays of the sun with these essential men's accessories that are both stylish and protective. Whether hiking outdoors or adventure traveling, don’t forget these products.
Serengeti Eyewear Carlo Large Sunglasses - $270

Read more
Spend Less Money on Sunglasses with a Shades Club Subscription
shades club

Sunglasses are expensive. That's not a question — that's a fact. Sure, there is a lot of technology that goes into the process, but in reality, you are paying for a brand name. If that's your thing, and you can afford it, more power to you. There are too many awesome sunglasses out there to even count. I'm not here to knock the shades you love; I'm here to introduce you to the shades you're going to love next.

Meet Shades Club. This (insanely affordable) monthly subscription sunglass service is about to make your life a whole lot easier. If you are like a lot of guys and demand that sunglasses serve their purpose — shielding your eyes from the sun's bright and harmful rays — but you also desire a little personality to your frames, Shades Club seamlessly offers both.

Read more