Meet the Field Bag: A Collaboration with Journeyman & Co.

“Where need exists, there will always be someone with the bravery and
the vision to bring resolution.” -- excerpt, Journeyman & Co. mission statement

Shortly after we moved to Denver, Nathan Downey and Cory Doney -- the duo behind Journeyman & Co. -- came to us with a concept for a bag and proposed a collaboration. The two advertising creatives were in the process of developing their first 'cause-crafted collection,' fusing their appreciation for beautiful craftsmanship with their desire to better the world we live in. What began as an idealistic goal evolved into a brand whose objective is to unite craftspeople while creating collections of unique products allied around a common cause. With their first military-inspired collection of goods, 10% of all proceeds are donated to IAVA (Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America), a nonprofit committed to improving the lives of new veterans.

Over the next two years we worked with Nathan and Cory to design the Field Bag: a roll-top, messenger-style bag with army-inspired materials and detailing. (One of the design references was a mid-century military map bag). Handcrafted in our Denver workshop, the Field Bag is made from durable, heavyweight, 20oz Olive waxed canvas, reinforced at the bottom with a layer of Dublin leather from Chicago's Horween Leather Company. The same leather we use to make our Tobacco wallets, this strong but supple leather is infused with a special wax blend at the tannery, giving it a lovely texture and sheen. Adopting a traditional roll-top feature, we then added an adjustable closure system using dead-stock military cotton webbing and multiple brass D-rings, allowing you to clip the bag closed at different points with solid brass snap hooks. This allows the bag volume to adapt to how much you’re carrying at any given moment.

The next objective was to outfit the bag with a few key organizational elements while maintaining a streamlined profile. A concealed zippered pocket on the front of the bag allows you to stash items from the outside without opening the roll-top. Inside the roomy interior, you will find a laptop sleeve plus an an additional flat accessory pocket for keeping small items at arm's reach. The bag interior is fully lined with a lightweight, 10.10oz army duck canvas, with a custom graphic label designed by Nathan and Cory and screen printed by our friends at A Small Print Shop.

The Field Bag can easily be transported by hand with a small leather carry-handle, while an adjustable leather shoulder strap allows for comfortable toting over one shoulder or across the body. The handles and strap are cut from sturdy 8oz cowhide from Hermann Oak (another reputable US tannery) and then oiled to match the deep hue of the leather bag bottom. Well suited for both daily commutes and travel adventures, this rugged-looking and handsome carry-all combines quality craftsmanship with utilitarian function for a valuable cause: educating, supporting, and empowering those who have given their efforts for our country. Truly a labor of love, we are pleased to join our friends at Journeyman & Co. in sharing the fruit of this meaningful project with you.