Nomads Nation Podcast

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/**********🌐 Sign up to the NNewsletter ➡️ https://nomadsnation.com/newsletter/**********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 the Nomads Nation Podcast!In this episode, I’m joined by Chad, aka the Bag Dad, to talk about something we haven’t really covered before: backpacks for dads. We dive into how premium EDC and travel backpacks can double as dad bags, from the diaper years all the way to sports tournaments and everyday family adventures.We talk about the features that suddenly become way more important when you’re a parent, including quick access, one-handed zippers, self-standing designs, water bottle pockets, organization, and most importantly, comfort. Chad also explains why he thinks a great backpack can be a much better long-term investment than a traditional diaper bag.00:00 - Intro03:58 - Backpack Parenting05:31 - Big Announcement07:01 - Stages12:52 - Quick Access15:51 - Diaper Bags21:00 - Chaos24:45 - More Gear28:29 - Value31:45 - Comfort 34:26 - Top Dad Bags37:16 - #6 Evergoods 40:45 - #5 ULA 45:09 - #4 Eberlestock 48:59 - #3 Black Ember 52:30 - #2 Evergoods 55:40 - #1 Dad Bag1:04:58 - Final Thoughts**********Looking to have YOUR backpack reviewed? Contact Aaron at [email protected]**********Affiliate Disclosure: We hope you enjoyed our The 6 BEST Bags for Dads podcast! To support our channel, we use affiliate links in our content. Clicking on these links and making a purchase helps us keep creating great videos (at no extra cost to you!)Free Gear Disclosure: We often receive free gear for our reviews, but this does not influence our opinions. We always provide honest reviews—if a product isn't up to par, we'll tell you.

Work with Move Supply Chain - https://go.nomadsnation.com/move-supply-chain Move YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@SupplyChainLaraIf 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 25 of the Nomads Nation PodcastIn this episode, I sit down with Laura, founder of Move Supply Chain, to uncover why some of the world's most popular backpacks are constantly out of stock. We dive deep into the realities of supply chain management, from sourcing specialized materials and managing factory relationships to navigating logistics, cash flow, and production delays.We also discuss how small brands can compete with industry giants, why strong relationships with manufacturers matter more than most people realize, the importance of understanding your product's construction, and practical strategies founders can use to build a more resilient supply chain. Whether you're a backpack enthusiast, product founder, or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes before a bag reaches your doorstep, this episode is packed with valuable insights. 00:00 - Introduction03:24 - Supply Chains10:47 - Manufacturing13:08 - Materials17:50 - Optimization18:55 - Cash Flow20:23 - Enterprise vs DTC23:43 - Partnerships28:05 - Growth30:20 - Factory Visits36:41 - Philippines39:58 - Product Development42:27 - Expert Support44:23 - Final Thoughts**********Looking to have YOUR backpack reviewed? Contact Aaron at [email protected]**********Affiliate Disclosure: We hope you enjoyed our Why are the best bags always SOLD OUT video! To support our channel, we use affiliate links in our content. Clicking on these links and making a purchase helps us keep creating great videos (at no extra cost to you!)Free Gear Disclosure: We often receive free gear for our reviews, but this does not influence our opinions. We always provide honest reviews—if a product isn't up to par, we'll tell 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/**********🌐 Sign up to the NNewsletter ➡️ https://nomadsnation.com/newsletter/**********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 the Nomads Nation Podcast!In this episode, I’m bringing back Lara from Move Supply Chain for a behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to build a backpack brand from scratch.We dive into the realities of creating a bag, from figuring out your true costs and pricing strategy to sourcing materials, sampling, prototyping, and eventually getting the finished product into customers’ hands. We also talk about why building a custom backpack can take much longer than expected and just how many individual components can go into a single bag.I also share some real numbers and lessons from building my own bag brand, including what our flagship backpack actually costs to make and why the cost of manufacturing is only one piece of the bigger picture.If you're thinking about starting your own bag brand, building an e-commerce product, or you're simply curious about what goes on behind the scenes of your favorite backpacks, this episode gives you a look at the realities of bringing a bag from idea to market. 🎒🔥00:00 - Building Bags01:35 - Founder Reality07:00 - Know Your Costs10:18 - Pricing Strategy14:34 - Starting From Scratch16:42 - Material Sourcing20:06 - Backpack Economics24:25 - Profit Margins29:15 - Pricing Matters34:19 - Better Prototypes38:00 - Product vs Profit40:18 - Build a Brand44:11 - Final Thoughts**********Looking to have YOUR backpack reviewed? Contact Aaron at [email protected]**********Affiliate Disclosure: We hope you enjoyed our How to Start a Bag Brand video! To support our channel, we use affiliate links in our content. Clicking on these links and making a purchase helps us keep creating great videos (at no extra cost to you!)Free Gear Disclosure: We often receive free gear for our reviews, but this does not influence our opinions. We always provide honest reviews—if a product isn't up to par, we'll tell you.

Work with Move Supply Chain - https://go.nomadsnation.com/move-supply-chain Move YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@SupplyChainLaraIf 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 24 of the Nomads Nation Podcast!In this episode, I sit down with Alpaka co-founders to explore the story behind one of the fastest-growing carry brands in the industry. From launching with a Kickstarter campaign to owning their factory, hardware, and even developing their own fabrics, they break down how Alpaka built a business around controlling its entire supply chain.We also dive into why they created Maglock hardware, the challenges of manufacturing at scale, the evolution of Axoflux fabrics, and how owning production helps Alpaka move faster than most brands in today's rapidly changing market. If you're interested in backpacks, product design, manufacturing, or building a gear brand, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes insights. 🎒🔥00:00 - Introduction03:27 - How Alpaka Started06:31 - Building the First Backpack10:00 - Kickstarter Lessons12:59 - Scaling Beyond Kickstarter15:23 - Why Own the Supply Chain?17:42 - The Story Behind MagLockz20:39 - Owning Their Factory23:28 - Shipping Strategy Evolution28:54 - The Future of Retail31:45 - Creating Axoflux Fabrics35:20 - What's Next for Alpaka37:50 - Upcoming Products38:56 - Final Thoughts**********Looking to have YOUR backpack reviewed? Contact Aaron at [email protected]**********Affiliate Disclosure: We hope you enjoyed our Alpaka podcast video! To support our channel, we use affiliate links in our content. Clicking on these links and making a purchase helps us keep creating great videos (at no extra cost to you!)Free Gear Disclosure: We often receive free gear for our reviews, but this does not influence our opinions. We always provide honest reviews—if a product isn't up to par, we'll tell you.

Work with Move Supply Chain - https://calendly.com/hello-movesupplychain/move-supply-chain-discovery-callMove YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@SupplyChainLara**********00:00 - Intro to Disruptions02:03 - Freight Costs Impact05:32 - Oil Price Effects07:56 - Oil in Production09:41 - Vietnam's Energy Shift11:00 - Diversifying Sources16:46 - Brand Owner Steps20:11 - Negotiating Reserves25:27 - Focus on Hero Products28:01 - Understanding Margins32:17 - MOQs and Terms35:28 - Value of Visits36:41 - Solution Mindset37:34 - Global Disruptions38:29 - Past vs. Present40:26 - Brand Resources41:40 - Final Words

Subscribe to UnPack'd 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@UCuG5k_GNYcwjfSPIeS0VNoQ 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 21 of the Nomads Nation Podcast!In this episode dives deep into the world of bags, slings, and EDC gear with John from the UnPack’d YouTube channel—a true carry nerd. We start by comparing premium and value-focused brands, break down the best slings, small backpacks, and everyday carry essentials, and geek out over design, materials, and usability. Expect insights on why simplicity often wins, and which bags truly stand out for everyday life.From larger travel backpacks and personal item bags to tech pouches and water bottle holders, we cover all the gear that makes a bag iconic.Finally, we wrap with our review philosophy, share tips for organizing gear, and tease some exciting upcoming bag drops hitting UnPack’d in March. If you love smart gear, obsess over compartments, or just want a fun deep dive into bags and EDC essentials, this episode is packed with nerdy carry goodness. 🎒00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast2:27 – Favorite Travel Backpacks11:19 – Features vs Comfort Discussion17:56 – Everyday Carry (EDC) Bags Discussion 20:00 – Early Travel Bag Experiences with Able Carry25:03 – “Ride or Die” Bag32:04 – Price Comparison & Value vs Competitors46:02 - Favorite Daily Carry52:29 - Personal preference on Evergoods vs Tomtoc54:00 - Best Water Bottle holders58:07 – Tech pouches S-tier discussions1:04:09 - Upcoming Gear Tease**********🌐 Sign up to the NNewsletter ➡️ https://nomadsnation.com/newsletter/😊 Connect with gear-heads on the NN Subreddit ➡️ / nomads_nation 🤝 Buy/sell used bags on the NN Marketplace ➡️ https://marketplace.nomadsnation.com/

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 20 of the Nomads Nation Podcast!In this episode, I’m joined by Nick from Alpkit—a veteran in the backpack world and a true OG when it comes to thoughtful design and quality manufacturing. We kick things off with the story of how Alpkit started, from four friends with a passion for outdoor adventures to building a versatile brand that covers everything from travel gear to technical outdoor equipment.We dive deep into the challenges and advantages of making bags in the UK, including training skilled seamstresses, balancing craftsmanship with production efficiency, and why producing locally can actually be a huge business advantage. Then we pivot to one of the most exciting parts of the episode—the Trakke story. Nick shares how Alpkit rescued the beloved heritage brand, preserved its iconic designs, and is now paving the way for a new chapter that balances classic aesthetics with lighter, technical gear.If you’re into carry gear, love understanding the construction behind your bags, or just can’t resist a deep dive into bag history and innovation, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. 🎒🔥00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast01:20 - Alpkit origin story06:50 - Sewing shortage in UK16:02 - UK production advantage22:04 - Trakke closure28:08 - Made in Scotland31:11 - Trakke's Future35:37 - Integrating Alpkit & Trakke**********🌐 Sign up to the NNewsletter ➡️ https://nomadsnation.com/newsletter/😊 Connect with gear-heads on the NN Subreddit ➡️ / nomads_nation 🤝 Buy/sell used bags on the NN Marketplace ➡️ https://marketplace.nomadsnation.com/

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 18 of the Nomads Nation Podcast!This episode takes a fun turn into the world of cold plunges, ice baths, and cold showers—where growth meets discomfort (and shivering ❄️). Aaron gives his take on Chase’s now-viral ice bath video, Bo shares his own frosty plunge experience, and we dive into how cold exposure ties into self-growth, men’s groups, and personal development. Yep... we’re going deep.Of course, it wouldn't be a Nomads Nation episode without some serious bag talk. We break down our picks for the best sling bags, small backpacks, EDC essentials, and even make a case for the most underrated carry of all: the tote bag.If you're into gear, growth, and a little bit of chill (literally and figuratively), this one's packed with good vibes, solid takes, and plenty of nerdy carry goodness. 🧠💼00:00 -  Intro02:28 - Aaron's opinion on Chase's ice bath video05:26 - Aaron's Dry January06:19 - Bo's cold plunge experience07:17 - Chase's cold shower experience09:54 - Overlap between carry community and self-growth13:41 - Men's groups and personal development19:11 - Best Slings discussion31:05 - Best Small Backpacks discussion40:00 - Best EDC backpack discussion59:46 - Best Tote bag discussion**********🌐 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/

🔥 Check out the bag I made 👉🏼 https://go.nomadsnation.com/fyro-t22**********00:00 - Intro to Rework Gear and the Toshi Sling00:20 Meet the Co-founders of Rework Gear01:39 Immigration Story: From Singapore to the US02:47 - The Story Behind Rework Gear: From Corporate Aversion to Bag Design04:05 - Launching the Reset System on Kickstarter06:09 - Journey into Bag Industry07:26 - Jia's Initial Thoughts on Starting a Bag Company09:14 - Kickstarter Realities and the Transition to E-commerce11:49 - Singapore as a Carry Capital14:33 - Bag Scene in the Bay Area16:56 - Inspiration Behind the Rework Toshi Sling18:30 - Development & Prototyping Process21:38 - Balancing Design, Materials and Price24:55 - Marketing Strategies: Facebook Ads and Reviewers27:44 - Expansion and Compression Design of the Toshi Sling30:36 - Most challenging thing aside from the product development33:17 - Cash Flow and Business Planning35:03 - It's not easy to run a bag company36:56 - Future Plans for Rework: New Products and Series40:00 - Customer Support and Brand Connection42:01 - Female Perspective in the Carry Community46:55 - Aaron's Journey to Hong Kong and Entrepreneurship**********🌐 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/**********

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 - Intro03:04 - Rushfaster Collab04:26 - Salsa, Seoul & Suitcases: Danny’s Travel Adventures 06:06 - Best Sling Bags of the Year12:53 - Small Backpack Recommendations21:06 - Best EDC Bags Discussion26:06 - Travel Backpacks That Won’t Break Your Back27:56 - Best Personal Item Backpacks32:09 - 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