CH Omakase 2016: Tumi Otis Backpack
Lined with antique Japanese katazome cloth, each of these collaboration bags is unique
An elevated version of our Otis Backpack, a piece we worked on for several months with the team at Tumi, the exclusive CH Omakase bags are each unique. With every detail considered, the Otis is our best carry-all yet—made from high-quality coated canvas that’s sturdy, weather-resistant and durable. Most exciting though, is for Omakase clients, there’s a lovely, but hidden, touch: the pockets inside each of the 25-piece limited edition Omakase bag’s front panel feature antique Japanese resist indigo-dyed katazome cloth that’s over 100 years old. The katazome is backed to nylon so that the inside of the pockets remain durable, while the outsides have a unique look.
Because of our rare and varied collection of the fabric, no two backpacks are the same. So while the Otis is entirely functional—made with mostly Italian coated canvas that’s both durable and water-resistant, but with leather detailing—it’s also special.
When designing the Otis, we decided we wanted a bag large enough to be used every day, but also for travel. (It also needed to look sophisticated enough to be seen in meetings and work-related events.) That said, anything too neat is in danger of being dull, so we veered away from all-black and settled on navy with black accents. As for storage space, this bag will carry everything you need. There are nine external pockets—some with two-way zips. On the inside there are lots of organizational elements so it can carry a 15″ laptop, large tablet, DSLR and lenses, headphones, water bottle (in a lined, expandable exterior pocket), lots of accessories, as well as toiletries and clothes.
The Otis also has CH’s seal of approval since we tested it for months—taking it from home in NYC to work and back again, but also on our travels to Asia, Indonesia, Africa and Europe. To make traveling with it easier and safer, we added a pass-through sleeve on the back to easily slip on to the handle of a roll-aboard bag, and included a micro-fiber lined Tumi ID Lock pocket that shields chipped and electronic contents from being scanned by identity thieves. Our final samples have had about three months of daily use in all weather conditions and we love the subtle and distinctive sheen the material is taking on while at the same time showing no breakdown, wear or tear from the extreme use.
While you can’t purchase one of the Omakase editions, you can pick up one of the standard version packs from Tumi. Be sure to reserve your Omakase gift box for 2017 now, so you don’t miss out next time.
Images by Cool Hunting
