While hiking is an activity that Hong Kongers enjoy all year round, it gets even more popular as the fall season approaches, when we can finally enjoy a delightful cool breeze under a fine blue sky, as we trek our way through the city’s beautiful trails. Though hikes around Hong Kong can often be leisurely, like all outdoor activities, it still requires you to bring along a certain set of gear such as your water bottle, sunscreens, blister plasters and more. Which means, you’ll need a functional bag to fit everything in.
The utilitarian aesthetic has been trending for some time now, and for the Fall/Winter 2019 season, designers continue to merge functionality with runway-worthy style. For bags, in particular, brands from Prada to Fendi are opting for technical fabrics — most commonly, nylon — to add durability, making these bags the perfect choice for fashion-savvy men who also enjoy spending time in the great outdoors. We’ve rounded up a list of our favourites below, all of which can stand up to rocks, dirt and rain while keeping you stylish.
Prada
Nylon is certainly a material Prada is very much familiar with; not only does the brand have an ongoing nylon bag collection, it’s also recently introduced a new Re-Nylon sustainability initiative, through which the brand promotes a cyclical, renewable supply chain by introducing bags (and their backstory) created from regenerated ECONYL® nylon. This backpack, which we saw on the Fall/Winter 2019 runway, is made from padded technical fabric, topped with nylon straps and utilitarian-style metal buckles, which give it a nice cargo-inspired design. There are even two removable pouches on the shoulder straps, so you can store any essentials that you need quick and convenient access to.
Get yours here.
Bottega Veneta
Using innovative fabrics borrowed from the world of technical outdoor gear, Bottega Veneta brings sophisticated functionality into its heritage of craftsmanship and style. This Paper Touch Nylon backpack (available in three sizes and two colours) is from the brand’s Pre-Fall 2019 collection, and is made primarily from a new, extremely lightweight and water-resistant nylon fabric with an interesting crinkled texture inspired from paper. The construction is so complex that it requires a total of nine distinctively different materials for each design — including ripstop nylon for the bright contrast linings, elastic mesh for the pockets, and spinnaker canvas for trims and straps, amongst others.
Get yours here.
Fendi x Porter
Teaming up with Japanese luggage brand, Porter, Fendi has reinterpreted the maison’s iconic bag designs in Porter’s signature bonded nylon, resulting in a series of unique accessories that perfectly adapt to the contemporary lifestyle of the modern-day man. Debuted on the Fall/Winter 2019 runway, these bags include Baguette belt bags and large Peekaboo totes made from ultralight yet durable nylon, all successfully highlighting Porter’s innovative lightness and functionality, along with Fendi’s famous designs and attention to detail. We love both the Baguette and the Peekaboo, but we think the former (which is available in four colours including grey, black, red and blue) would be more suitable for your outdoorsy adventures. Secure it to your body by also wearing the detachable shoulder strap across your body, or if you fancy, attach the shorter strap to wear it over your shoulder.
Get yours here from early September.
Tumi
Tumi is, of course, an expert in travel bags. The brand designs with practicality at heart, all without compromising its sense of style. This Bozeman sling bag from its Tahoe series is specifically designed to maximise the freedom of movement between work, travel, and — yes, you guessed it — the great outdoors. It’s a grab-and-go bag made from webbed nylon (available in colours of grey and black), featuring a padded mesh back panel for extra comfort as well as a quick-release adjustable strap that can be conveniently worn on either side. There’s also an adjustable front in case you need more storage space, and a zip opening to the main compartment for quick and easy access.
Get yours here.
Valentino
Spotted on the Fall/Winter 2019 runway, the Valentino Garavani Undercover backpack is made from technical nylon, and features a leather patch with a Logo V Face Ufo graphic designed by famed Japanese label Undercover’s Jun Takahashi. It features a typical rucksack design with flap and drawstring closures along with two side pockets, elevated with a more structural silhouette, topped with lacquered logo detailing and hardware with a palladium finish.
Get yours here.
Burberry
It’s all about versatility with this nylon bum bag by Burberry, which comes with a two-in-one functionality, and can be transformed into a backpack by unfolding the adjustable shoulder straps. It features a simple design that puts focus on the Burberry lettering at the front, with hiking-rope-inspired zipper pulls for an extra touch of outdoor flair.
Get yours here.
Bally
Though this is not a nylon bag, we thought we’d sneak it into the list anyway, as we absolutely adore the design inspired by mountain climbing in Bally‘s home country of Switzerland. This Havanas backpack is crafted from deep burgundy, tan and black grained leather, garnished with neon yellow trim for a contemporary vibe. The front is anchored and secured with a snap buckle, while the exterior top pouch features a blue toggle closure technical cord design and zip pocket, topped off with a triangular key hook with a logo tag. Two additional snap buckles secure the sides, while the backside and shoulder straps have been set with three padded mesh discs for added comfort. Yes, it’s more of a casual city bag with hiking-inspired aesthetics, but it certainly works as an extra option for those who wish to add an outdoorsy vibe to their urban ensemble.
Get yours here.