Kletterwerks Flip Pack

Founded in Bozeman, Montana by outdoorsman Dana Gleason in the early 1970s, Kletterwerks was one of the first outdoor outfitters in the US. Named after a rough German translation for "the climbing factory," they focused on innovation, durability and practicality—introducing a handful of popular packs in Cordura nylon that became must-haves for American adventurers. The Kletter flip daypack was one of their flagship bags. But after making their mark in the industry, Kletterwerks was shuttered and the brand sat dormant for more than three decades. Now they're back, with Gleason himself at the helm, along with his son, Dana III, as lead designer. The team worked to modernize their signature flip pack, improving known wear points, reinforcing the bottom and handle along with padding the shoulder straps with soft foam. They also added an insulated tech sleeve that will accept any size computer or tablet. Of course some things didn't need improving, like the nickel-plated YKK zippers, durable webbing or the leather pulls and logo patch (which is stamped from the original dies unearthed at the first Bozeman facility). The bags are available in an urbane graphite or all-black model, but we're partial to the original rust orange.