Nomads Nation Podcast

🔥 Check out the bag I made 👉🏼 https://go.nomadsnation.com/fyro-t22

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00:00 - Intro to Rework Gear and the Toshi Sling
00:20 Meet the Co-founders of Rework Gear
01:39 Immigration Story: From Singapore to the US
02:47 - The Story Behind Rework Gear: From Corporate Aversion to Bag Design
04:05 - Launching the Reset System on Kickstarter
06:09 - Journey into Bag Industry
07:26 - Jia's Initial Thoughts on Starting a Bag Company
09:14 - Kickstarter Realities and the Transition to E-commerce
11:49 - Singapore as a Carry Capital
14:33 - Bag Scene in the Bay Area
16:56 - Inspiration Behind the Rework Toshi Sling
18:30 - Development & Prototyping Process
21:38 - Balancing Design, Materials and Price
24:55 - Marketing Strategies: Facebook Ads and Reviewers
27:44 - Expansion and Compression Design of the Toshi Sling
30:36 - Most challenging thing aside from the product development
33:17 - Cash Flow and Business Planning
35:03 - It's not easy to run a bag company
36:56 - Future Plans for Rework: New Products and Series
40:00 - Customer Support and Brand Connection
42:01 - Female Perspective in the Carry Community
46:55 - Aaron's Journey to Hong Kong and Entrepreneurship

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🌐 Sign up to the NNewsletter 
➡️ https://nomadsnation.com/newsletter/

😊 Connect with gear-heads on the NN Subreddit 
➡️ https://www.reddit.com/r/Nomads_Nation/

🤝  Buy/sell used bags on the NN Marketplace 
➡️ https://marketplace.nomadsnation.com/

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If you want to get notified when the newest bags and travel gear drops, be sure to sign up to the NNewsletter 👉 https://nomadsnation.com/newsletter/

🎙️ Welcome to Episode 16 of the Nomads Nation Podcast!

In this episode, I’m joined by Danny from Danny Packs — a fellow bag nerd, content creator, and all-around travel junkie who’s been tearing up the globe with his latest adventures (think salsa dancing in Seoul, suitcase wisdom, and some seriously spicy bag takes). 🕺🌍 We dive deep into the world of bags, packs, and everything in between, with plenty of laughs, hot takes, and travel stories along the way.

We kick things off with an exciting Rushfaster collab, then dive into the best sling bags of the year, our favorite small backpacks, and a solid discussion on EDC bags. We also cover travel backpacks that won’t break your back, the top personal item bags for flights, and ask some spicy questions: which is the most underrated travel bag out there? Are duffels smart or straight-up stupid for travel? And we break down one of the most unique travel bags we’ve ever seen—genius or total gimmick?

If you're into bags, travel stories, and hot takes on gear, this one’s for you. 🧳 Let’s get into it! 🚀

00:00 - Intro
03:04 - Rushfaster Collab
04:26 - Salsa, Seoul & Suitcases: Danny’s Travel Adventures 
06:06 - Best Sling Bags of the Year
12:53 - Small Backpack Recommendations
21:06 - Best EDC Bags Discussion
26:06 - Travel Backpacks That Won’t Break Your Back
27:56 - Best Personal Item Backpacks
32:09 - Is This the Most Underrated Travel Bag? 
42:14 - The Duffel Dilemma: Smart or Stupid for Travel? 
43:26 - Genius or Gimmick? The Most Unique Travel Bag Yet

00:00 - Intro
00:28 - Meet Fred Perrotta, Co-Founder of Tortuga
2:01 - Tortuga in 2010 
5:32 - The Rise of Backpacks on Kickstarter
9:01 - The First Tortuga Prototype
10:28 - Why Tortuga Moved Manufacturing to Vietnam
11:10 - Backpacks Made in China vs. Backpacks made in Vietnam
17:01 - How Backpack Fabrics Have Evolved Over 15 Years
22:23 - Being innovative vs risks 
26:03 - Why Tortuga Only Focuses on Travel Bags
39:06 - How Airline Restrictions Are Changing Bag Designs
40:30 - The Water Bottle Pocket Controversy
43:08 - The Emotional Connection to Travel Bags
48:04 - The Role of YouTube Reviews in the Backpack Industry
51:59 - Is It Harder to Run a Bag Brand in 2024?

If you want to get notified when the newest bags and travel gear drops, be sure to sign up to the NNewsletter 👉 https://nomadsnation.com/newsletter/

🎙️ Welcome to Episode 15 of the Nomads Nation Podcast!

In this episode, I chat with Fred Perrotta, co-founder of Tortuga, about everything from travel bags to making backpacks to how the industry is changing. We get into how Kickstarter helped launch backpack brands, why people get so attached to their bags, and yes—the great water bottle pocket debate (it’s a real thing, trust me).

Fred also shares why Tortuga only focuses on travel bags instead of everyday carry, why they moved manufacturing to Vietnam, how airline rules shape bag designs, and whether running a backpack brand in 2025 is tougher than ever.

If you’re a bag nerd, travel junkie, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode is for you! 🚀

If you want to get notified when the newest bags and travel gear drops, be sure to sign up to the NNewsletter 👉 https://nomadsnation.com/newsletter/

🔥 Check out the bag I made 👉🏼 https://go.nomadsnation.com/fyro-t22

Welcome to Episode 14 of the Nomads Nation Podcast! Today I chat with Bellroy founder Andy Fallshaw about all things bags and warranties. We chat about the challenges surrounding warranties, and what Bellroy is doing to improve their own warranty and customer support.

00:36 - The carry community
2:46 - New Bellroy bags
6:20 - Traveling lite
10:30 - Bellroy's ambitious year
13:29 - Different EDC for different locations
17:09 - Bellroy's new warranty
29:08 - Innovation vs playing it safe
31:45 - Evergoods
32:29 - Fine print in warranties
36:55 - GORUCK & Osprey warranties
40:30 - Bellroy repair center?
42:11 - Overseas repairs
43:03 - Bellroy customer support
46:20 - Brand reputations
49:15 - Why 6 years?
54:30 - Upcoming Bellroy bags

If you want to get notified when the newest bags and travel gear drops, be sure to sign up to the NNewsletter 👉 https://nomadsnation.com/newsletter/

🔥 Check out my bag on Kickstarter! 👉🏼 https://go.nomadsnation.com/fyro-t22

Welcome to Episode 13 of the Nomads Nation Podcast! Today myself and my guest, Luke Reynolds the founder of BagMe,  come at you live from Vietnam where we talk all about the behind the scenes of developing and manufacturing bags!

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00:00 - Intro
01:34 - Community questions
07:00 - Starting BagMe
12:06 - Replicas/Knockoffs
15:50 - Why Vietnam?
20:20 - Factory conditions
25:39 - Timeframe of bag development 
31:50 - PU Coated zippers
42:43 - Fabrics
54:28 - Lukes go-to bag?
1:0:27 - Sustainability 

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Affiliate Disclosure - We hope you enjoyed our podcast episode!

Here at Nomads Nation™, we thrive to create the best travel content on the web! To do that we create EPIC videos that take a lot of time and money, so we monetize our videos with affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of our links and make a purchase, we make a small commission - at no extra cost to you!

Using our links for purchases is the best way to support the channel so we can keep making amazing videos. 

If you aren’t going to make a purchase, but still want to show us some love - then smash that subscribe button! 

Thanks for the love!  :)

**********

If you want to get notified when the newest bags and travel gear drops, be sure to sign up to the NNewsletter 👉 https://nomadsnation.com/newsletter/

🔥 Check out my bag on Kickstarter! 👉 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fyro/fyro-backpack

Welcome to Episode 12 of the Nomads Nation Podcast! Today I sit down with the Ubrancred founder Edward Wang. In the episode we talk all about bag stores, why there aren't more of them, and what can be done about that...

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00:00 - Intro
01:14 - What is Urbancred?
4:42 - How bag retail works
7:27 - How to start a bag retail store
10:13 - Online vs physical store
15:38 - More bag retail stores?
19:03 - Biggest bag markets
23:40 - Best cities for bag stores
30:06 - Why Huckberry is amazing
36:19 - How to pick a retail location
38:42 - More bag events?
41:15 - Losing sales
45:20 - Carry Competition?

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Looking for awesome deals on top-notch gear?

Check out the Nomads Nation Marketplace! A secure hub where bag enthusiasts can buy, sell, and connect. Discover amazing deals and join the community today 👉 https://district.net/nomads

**********

Affiliate Disclosure - We hope you enjoyed our podcast episode!

Here at Nomads Nation™, we thrive to create the best travel content on the web! To do that we create EPIC videos that take a lot of time and money, so we monetize our videos with affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of our links and make a purchase, we make a small commission - at no extra cost to you!

Using our links for purchases is the best way to support the channel so we can keep making amazing videos. 

If you aren’t going to make a purchase, but still want to show us some love - then smash that subscribe button! 

Thanks for the love!  :)

If you want to get notified when the newest bags and travel gear drops, be sure to sign up to the NNewsletter 👉 https://nomadsnation.com/newsletter/

🔥 Check out my bag on Kickstarter! 👉 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fyro/fyro-backpack

Welcome to Episode 11 of the Nomads Nation Podcast! Today I sit down with Klint from The Perfect Bag and JB Outside to discuss our BEST travel hacks. In the episode we discuss...

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00:00 - Intro
01:35 - JB’s travel life
4:04 - Klint’s travel life
05:10 - Aaron’s travel life
05:47 - JB the pilot
08:46 - Airline loyalty/points/miles
16:47 - US vs International flights
23:58 - One bag traveling
28:24 - Luggage travel
31:08 - Travel shoes
36:18 - Klint’s fav travel bags
42:24 - JD’s fav travel bags
46:45 - 1.5 bag travel
49:10 - Thoughts on sling bags
58:23 - Making content 
56:55 - New content
1:01:00 - Fyro updates
1:05:03 - NN Marketplace
1:08:38 - Youtube growth

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Looking for awesome deals on top-notch gear?

Check out the Nomads Nation Marketplace! A secure hub where bag enthusiasts can buy, sell, and connect. Discover amazing deals and join the community today 👉 https://district.net/nomads

**********

Affiliate Disclosure - We hope you enjoyed our podcast episode!

Here at Nomads Nation™, we thrive to create the best travel content on the web! To do that we create EPIC videos that take a lot of time and money, so we monetize our videos with affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of our links and make a purchase, we make a small commission - at no extra cost to you!

Using our links for purchases is the best way to support the channel so we can keep making amazing videos. 

If you aren’t going to make a purchase, but still want to show us some love - then smash that subscribe button! 

Thanks for the love!  :)

If you want to get notified when the newest bags and travel gear drops, be sure to sign up to the NNewsletter 👉 https://nomadsnation.com/newsletter/

🔥 Check out my bag on Kickstarter! 👉 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fyro/fyro-backpack

Welcome to Episode 9 of the Nomads Nation Podcast! Today I sit down with EDC-expert Ron Kwok to talk all things carry. 

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00:00 - Intro
02:43 - Living with purpose
05:49 - Overcoming perfectionism
08:10 - Why EDC?
12:08 - Ron's knife pitch
17:25 - How location affects EDC
22:56 - EDC & weather
30:33 - The magic of slings
41:56 - Knife recommendations 
45:30 - Fav pouches
49:00 - Fav slings
55:21 - Fav EDC backpacks
1:04:22 - Fav travel bags & travel talk
1:16:25 - Ron's plans

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Looking for awesome deals on top-notch gear?

Check out the Nomads Nation Marketplace! A secure hub where bag enthusiasts can buy, sell, and connect. Discover amazing deals and join the community today 👉 https://district.net/nomads

**********

Affiliate Disclosure - We hope you enjoyed our podcast episode!

Here at Nomads Nation™, we thrive to create the best travel content on the web! To do that we create EPIC videos that take a lot of time and money, so we monetize our videos with affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of our links and make a purchase, we make a small commission - at no extra cost to you!

Using our links for purchases is the best way to support the channel so we can keep making amazing videos. 

If you aren’t going to make a purchase, but still want to show us some love - then smash that subscribe button! 

Thanks for the love!  :)

If you want to get notified when the newest bags and travel gear drops, be sure to sign up to the NNewsletter 👉 https://nomadsnation.com/newsletter/

🔥 Check out my bag on Kickstarter! 👉 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fyro/fyro-backpack

Welcome to Episode 8 of the Nomads Nation Podcast! Today I sit down with Danny Packs where we look at hot topics in the carry community and decide if they are overrated, underrated, or perfectly rated.

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00:00 - Introduction
05:42 - XPAC
10:00 - Security features
15:00 - RFID protection
24:00 - YouTube comments
25:40 - Fidlock buckles
32:00 - Vertical slings
40:00 - Self standing bags
46:00 - Strap management
48:30 - PU coated zippers
49:40 - Bellroy backpacks
56:00 - Bag weight
1:01:39 - Suitcases vs backpacks


**********

Looking for awesome deals on top-notch gear?

Check out the Nomads Nation Marketplace! A secure hub where bag enthusiasts can buy, sell, and connect. Discover amazing deals and join the community today 👉 https://district.net/nomads

**********

Affiliate Disclosure - We hope you enjoyed our podcast episode!

Here at Nomads Nation™, we thrive to create the best travel content on the web! To do that we create EPIC videos that take a lot of time and money, so we monetize our videos with affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of our links and make a purchase, we make a small commission - at no extra cost to you!

Using our links for purchases is the best way to support the channel so we can keep making amazing videos. 

If you aren’t going to make a purchase, but still want to show us some love - then smash that subscribe button! 

Thanks for the love!  :)

If you want to get notified when the newest bags and travel gear drops, be sure to sign up to the NNewsletter 👉 https://nomadsnation.com/newsletter/

Welcome to Episode 8 of the Nomads Nation Podcast! Today I sit down with Bo Ismono & Chase Reeves for an in-depth DEBATE of Aer vs Bellroy...

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00:00 - Intro
02:15 - Trivia time!
8:01 - Aer's FIRST product?
9:34 - More popular?
12:33 - Aer impressions
18:45 - Bellroy impressions
26:11 - Worst Bellroy products
32:09 - Worst Aer products
34:18 - Getting older
40:11 - Favorite Bellroy bags
47:59 - Favorite Aer bags
51:53 - Who makes more comfy bags?
54:00 - Who makes better looking bags?
57:15 - Which brand wins?
1:01:33 - What did we learn?
1:10:03 - Is the market oversaturated?
1:13:16 - Materialism vs happiness

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Do YOU want to build a backpack with me? 🎒

We are building our own backpack on Nomads Nation and we are documenting every step of the process! 

Join our email list to get a behind-the-scenes look and to be able to vote on key features of the bag. 

Learn more 👉🏼 https://nomadsnation.com/building-a-backpack/

**********

Looking for awesome deals on top-notch gear?

Check out the Nomads Nation Marketplace! A secure hub where bag enthusiasts can buy, sell, and connect. Discover amazing deals and join the community today 👉 https://district.net/nomads

**********

Affiliate Disclosure - We hope you enjoyed our podcast episode!

Here at Nomads Nation™, we thrive to create the best travel content on the web! To do that we create EPIC videos that take a lot of time and money, so we monetize our videos with affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of our links and make a purchase, we make a small commission - at no extra cost to you!

Using our links for purchases is the best way to support the channel so we can keep making amazing videos. 

If you aren’t going to make a purchase, but still want to show us some love - then smash that subscribe button! 

Thanks for the love!  :)

If you want to get notified when the newest bags and travel gear drops, be sure to sign up to the NNewsletter 👉  https://nomadsnation.com/newsletter/

Welcome to Episode 7 of the Nomads Nation Podcast! Today I sit down with Bo Ismono, James Jeffrey and Davin Hanna for an in-depth discussion on Bellroy

00:00 - Intro
00:31 - JJ background
03:59 - Davin background
8:23 - Fav Bellroy product
11:30 - The Bellroy process
17:17 - Designing for different countries
24:00 - Bellroy's design system
28:15 - Why multiple factories
30:13 - Mainstream vs Carry Community
40:08 - Designing admin compartments
44:39 - Designing for organization
48:14 - Bellroy fabrics
51:48 - Finding new fabrics
53:16 - Retiring products
55:14 - Waxed canvas bag??
1:00:07 - Why no luggage pass throughs?
1:00:25 - Next Bellroy x Carryology collab!
1:02:06 - New categories?
1:08:47 - Conclusion

If you want to get notified when the newest bags and travel gear drops, be sure to sign up to the NNewsletter 👉 https://nomadsnation.com/newsletter/

Welcome to Episode 6 of the Nomads Nation Podcast! Today I sit down with Bo Ismono for an in-depth discussion on HOT TAKES we have about the bag industry. 

00:00 - Introduction and Hot Takes
03:50 - Made in America
12:04 - Bellroy is boring
17:52 - Warranties are BS
24:16 - Carryology collabs are scams
30:36 - Bo's coffee hack
32:00 - Uninspired collabs
37:20 - Controversial collabs
44:11 - Pack Hacker collab?
51:30 - Bo's dream collab
56:56 - Waxed canvas vs. XPAC

If you want to get notified when the newest bags and travel gear drops, be sure to sign up to the NNewsletter 👉 https://nomadsnation.com/newsletter/

In NN Podcast EP5, I sit down with Bo and Avishay for an in-depth discussion on the things that are NON NEGOTIABLE for us with bags. 

In the episode we chat about...

00:00 - Introduction and Non-Negotiables for Bags
14:00 - Features for Tech Pouches
19:00 - Aaron's Must-Have Features for Tech Pouches
32:00 - Must-Haves for EDC Bags
40:00 - Sling Bag Must-Haves
54:00 - Bo's Sling Bag Must-Haves
56:00 - AV's Sling Bag Must-Haves
01:00:00 - Aaron's Sling Bag Must-Haves
01:14:00 - Dealing with airline restrictions and personal items
01:18:00 - Benefits of 180-degree clamshell opening

If you want to get notified when the newest bags and travel gear drops, be sure to sign up to the NNewsletter 👉 https://nomadsnation.com/newsletter/

In NN Podcast EP4, I sit down with Bo Ismono and Gregory Li from Suburban for an in-depth discussion on the trends in the bag world.

In the episode we debate...

00:00 - Intro
10:07 - Trivia time!
14:47 - Are bags getting bigger?
25:43 - Vertical sling revolution
34:36 - Trending fabrics
37:01 - Eco-friendly BS?
41:19 - The rise of waxed canvas
52:40 - Brands on the up
01:03:46 - Brands in trouble
01:18:43 - Final thoughts

If you want to get notified when the newest bags and travel gear drops, be sure to sign up to the NNewsletter 👉 https://nomadsnation.com/newsletter/

Welcome to Episode 3 of the Nomads Nation Podcast!

Today I sit down with Bo Ismono and Danny Packs for an in-depth debate of GORUCK vs Evergoods.

00:00 - Intro
04:02 - Trivia time!
12:40 - GORUCK pros and cons
19:40 - Evergoods pros and cons
31:30 - Favorite GORUCK Bag
33:44 - Are collabs overrated?
48:40 - Durability of the Bags
55:12 - Which brand has a better look?
01:02:00 - Favorite bag overall
1:08 - Motorbiking trips

If you want to get notified when the newest bags and travel gear drops, be sure to sign up to the NNewsletter 👉 https://nomadsnation.com/newsletter/

Welcome to Episode 2 of the Nomads Nation Podcast!

Today I sit down with Bo Ismono and Roland Kay Smith from Rushfaster for an in-depth discussion on the Able Carry Max.

In the episode we discuss...

00:00 - Intro
03:05 - Able Carry as a Brand
06:27 - Experience with the Max
11:57 - Honest Opinions
18:30 - Favorite Features
26:27 - Crucial Weaknesses
33:14 - Pockets & Water Bottle Holder
49:00 - Final Rating
01:05:00 - Alternative bags

If you want to get notified when the newest bags and travel gear drops, be sure to sign up to the NNewsletter 👉 https://nomadsnation.com/newsletter/

Welcome to Episode 1 of the Nomads Nation Podcast!

In this episode, I sit down with Bo Ismono and Roland Kay Smith from Rushfaster for an in-depth discussion on the Evergoods PLC20.

In the episode we debate...

00:00 - Intro
1:02 - Who has the coolest PLC20 color?
2:51 - RIP Aaron's man-bun
8:40 - How comfortable is the PLC20?
9:52 - Evergoods internal materials
12:10 - Evergoods vs Black Ember
15:41 - Evergoods' impressive growth
24:52 - No water bottle pocket?
26:38 - Bo's embarrassing Dubai story
36:30 - Rate the bag's materials
41:58 - Rate the bag's aesthetic
46:15 - Rate the bag's functionality
53:36 - The brilliance of Tom Bihn bags