I saw the City Line in person
Popped in to the SF retail store today and the sales associate on staff was using one of the new City Line bags as a tester. We got talking and he showed me some of the other new bags, and I’m extremely hyped.
I won’t spoil the exact details, lest my post be taken down, however these are my initial thoughts:
- These bags seem squarely aimed at Bellroy’s Cinch and Classic lines. They’re the closest match to what’s coming out soon in terms of construction, materials and design, both external and internal. Maybe even a bit of construction similarity to Cotopaxi’s Allpa X hip bag, particularly on the smallest and largest bag. The bags seem to be design complete, with the bags I saw all having retail product info labels attached.
- The concealed water bottle design language found on the Travel 20L is here to stay, and features on a number of the new bags. In both instances I saw this, they’re designed to have some degree of independent volume, working with the interior volume of the bag instead of simply taking up space. Probably a benefit of the new fabric that they’re using on this line.
- The bags will compress a fair bit when empty and definitely do not have the same level of padding as an EDB or Travel. It is slightly more protection than an outdoor sling, however the whole package is more geared towards school/work bag style carry loads. Your cameras won’t feel at home here.
- In what I think is a first for a PD backpack, the backpack does have a “kangaroo style” front pocket. It’s concealed and doesn’t protrude, and sits in combination with a quick access pocket akin to EDB.
- I have no indication on price, and was only told that the KS would be launching “soon”.
Also if anyone from PD sees this, please know that your sales guy was great! Loved chatting to him and he was really enthusiastic about your gear!