Work with Move Supply Chain - https://go.nomadsnation.com/move-supply-chain
Move YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@SupplyChainLara

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 25 of the Nomads Nation Podcast

In 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 - Introduction
03:24 - Supply Chains
10:47 - Manufacturing
13:08 - Materials
17:50 - Optimization
18:55 - Cash Flow
20:23 - Enterprise vs DTC
23:43 - Partnerships
28:05 - Growth
30:20 - Factory Visits
36:41 - Philippines
39:58 - Product Development
42:27 - Expert Support
44:23 - Final Thoughts

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Looking to have YOUR backpack reviewed? Contact Aaron at [email protected]

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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/

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🌐 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 Bags
01:35 - Founder Reality
07:00 - Know Your Costs
10:18 - Pricing Strategy
14:34 - Starting From Scratch
16:42 - Material Sourcing
20:06 - Backpack Economics
24:25 - Profit Margins
29:15 - Pricing Matters
34:19 - Better Prototypes
38:00 - Product vs Profit
40:18 - Build a Brand
44:11 - Final Thoughts

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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/@SupplyChainLara

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 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 - Introduction
03:27 - How Alpaka Started
06:31 - Building the First Backpack
10:00 - Kickstarter Lessons
12:59 - Scaling Beyond Kickstarter
15:23 - Why Own the Supply Chain?
17:42 - The Story Behind MagLockz
20:39 - Owning Their Factory
23:28 - Shipping Strategy Evolution
28:54 - The Future of Retail
31:45 - Creating Axoflux Fabrics
35:20 - What's Next for Alpaka
37:50 - Upcoming Products
38:56 - Final Thoughts

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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-call
Move YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@SupplyChainLara

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00:00 - Intro to Disruptions
02:03 - Freight Costs Impact
05:32 - Oil Price Effects
07:56 - Oil in Production
09:41 - Vietnam's Energy Shift
11:00 - Diversifying Sources
16:46 - Brand Owner Steps
20:11 - Negotiating Reserves
25:27 - Focus on Hero Products
28:01 - Understanding Margins
32:17 - MOQs and Terms
35:28 - Value of Visits
36:41 - Solution Mindset
37:34 - Global Disruptions
38:29 - Past vs. Present
40:26 - Brand Resources
41:40 - 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 Podcast
2:27 – Favorite Travel Backpacks
11:19 – Features vs Comfort Discussion
17:56 – Everyday Carry (EDC) Bags Discussion
20:00 – Early Travel Bag Experiences with Able Carry
25:03 – “Ride or Die” Bag
32:04 – Price Comparison & Value vs Competitors
46:02 - Favorite Daily Carry
52:29 - Personal preference on Evergoods vs Tomtoc
54:00 - Best Water Bottle holders
58:07 – Tech pouches S-tier discussions
1:04:09 - Upcoming Gear Tease

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🌐 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 Podcast
01:20 - Alpkit origin story
06:50 - Sewing shortage in UK
16:02 - UK production advantage
22:04 - Trakke closure
28:08 - Made in Scotland
31:11 - Trakke's Future
35:37 - Integrating Alpkit & Trakke

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🌐 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 -  Intro
02:28 - Aaron's opinion on Chase's ice bath video
05:26 - Aaron's Dry January
06:19 - Bo's cold plunge experience
07:17 - Chase's cold shower experience
09:54 - Overlap between carry community and self-growth
13:41 - Men's groups and personal development
19:11 - Best Slings discussion
31:05 - Best Small Backpacks discussion
40:00 - Best EDC backpack discussion
59:46 - Best Tote bag discussion

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🌐 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

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00:00 - Intro to Rework Gear and the Toshi Sling
00:20 Meet the Co-founders of Rework Gear
01:39 Immigration Story: From Singapore to the US
02:47 - The Story Behind Rework Gear: From Corporate Aversion to Bag Design
04:05 - Launching the Reset System on Kickstarter
06:09 - Journey into Bag Industry
07:26 - Jia's Initial Thoughts on Starting a Bag Company
09:14 - Kickstarter Realities and the Transition to E-commerce
11:49 - Singapore as a Carry Capital
14:33 - Bag Scene in the Bay Area
16:56 - Inspiration Behind the Rework Toshi Sling
18:30 - Development & Prototyping Process
21:38 - Balancing Design, Materials and Price
24:55 - Marketing Strategies: Facebook Ads and Reviewers
27:44 - Expansion and Compression Design of the Toshi Sling
30:36 - Most challenging thing aside from the product development
33:17 - Cash Flow and Business Planning
35:03 - It's not easy to run a bag company
36:56 - Future Plans for Rework: New Products and Series
40:00 - Customer Support and Brand Connection
42:01 - Female Perspective in the Carry Community
46:55 - Aaron's Journey to Hong Kong and Entrepreneurship

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🌐 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 - Intro
03:04 - Rushfaster Collab
04:26 - Salsa, Seoul & Suitcases: Danny’s Travel Adventures 
06:06 - Best Sling Bags of the Year
12:53 - Small Backpack Recommendations
21:06 - Best EDC Bags Discussion
26:06 - Travel Backpacks That Won’t Break Your Back
27:56 - Best Personal Item Backpacks
32:09 - 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

00:00 - Intro
00:28 - Meet Fred Perrotta, Co-Founder of Tortuga
2:01 - Tortuga in 2010 
5:32 - The Rise of Backpacks on Kickstarter
9:01 - The First Tortuga Prototype
10:28 - Why Tortuga Moved Manufacturing to Vietnam
11:10 - Backpacks Made in China vs. Backpacks made in Vietnam
17:01 - How Backpack Fabrics Have Evolved Over 15 Years
22:23 - Being innovative vs risks 
26:03 - Why Tortuga Only Focuses on Travel Bags
39:06 - How Airline Restrictions Are Changing Bag Designs
40:30 - The Water Bottle Pocket Controversy
43:08 - The Emotional Connection to Travel Bags
48:04 - The Role of YouTube Reviews in the Backpack Industry
51:59 - Is It Harder to Run a Bag Brand in 2024?

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 15 of the Nomads Nation Podcast!

In this episode, I chat with Fred Perrotta, co-founder of Tortuga, about everything from travel bags to making backpacks to how the industry is changing. We get into how Kickstarter helped launch backpack brands, why people get so attached to their bags, and yes—the great water bottle pocket debate (it’s a real thing, trust me).

Fred also shares why Tortuga only focuses on travel bags instead of everyday carry, why they moved manufacturing to Vietnam, how airline rules shape bag designs, and whether running a backpack brand in 2025 is tougher than ever.

If you’re a bag nerd, travel junkie, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode is for you! 🚀