After the more classical Ballast and Skinny packs, I really wanted to try something new, and different, while still keeping the overall look and feel of the series! This November I present to you: the Monarch! I do not mean the head of state guy, but rather the butterfly, and if you read on, you’ll understand where the name comes from!
The Monarch started as a concept a long time ago, and went through quite a few iterations before I started actively working on it. I was looking for a commuter bag that not only has the looks but also the brawn. As I walk or ride a bike to pretty much everywhere, I sometimes need a simple laptop bag, other times I want to be carrying heavy supplies from the hardware store, and often I have the need for a bigger size backpack than what I have with me at the time.
And that’s where it all started: the need for a small but extensible backpack. Now some of you will just tell me that I can use compression straps and shock cords to “expend” a packs size, but really, all you do is to compress a big pack. The Monarch is a tad different, and without any more words, the following pictures will tell you why.
As you can see, the Monarch is part waterproof bag for the main body, part duffel bag in a loose sense for the extensible secondary compartment that can be used to carry quite a few things.
The main compartment is made out of X-Pac X10 with a roll top closure and designed to be very water resistant (not yet seam sealed, but that’s planned for later) and contains a laptop sleeve (not padded) and a small pocket.
The flaps on the other hand are made out of a 350D double layer uncoated Cordura, and designed in such a way that they can be folded back with adjustable overlaps in order to extend the secondary compartment’s volume. The closed flaps are secured with two compression straps with quick release buckles for easier access.
In the pictures below, I “wrap” around one of my sturdy camera cases. The whole point of this design is to allow you to pack more only when you need it, but not have to fiddle around with you pack when you don’t.
Now to the juicy part, here are the specs of this particular build.
| Volume | min. 20L typ. 25L max. 40L |
| Dimensions | 50x28x5cm (roll-top closed, flaps completely overlapping) |
| Weight | 730g |
| Carries | comfy. 6kg max. 10kg |
| Fabrics | X-Pac X10 (Cotton outer fabrics, and PES layer for waterproof-ness) 350D Cordura |
| Closure | Roll-top Quick Release + Velcro Flaps |
| Back Padding | 8mm Closed Cell Foam pad (80% surface covered) 4mm 3D mesh |
| Strap Padding | 3D Mesh without CCF padding |
| Hip Belt | Not Applicable |
| Pockets | – Laptop sleeve inside the main compartment – Small key/phone pocket inside the main compartment – Extensible 5-25 liters flaps – Optional zipper pouch secured with Velcro |
| Attachements | – Daisy chain for accessory on the front of main compartment – Small gear loops inside the secondary compartment – Velcro on the left flap to add gear pouch/accessories – Horizontal front compression straps (x2) – Front flap daisy chains (mostly for securing the flaps with the lowest compression strap) |
Stay tuned for behind the scene pictures, and some more commentary!