Nomads Nation Podcast

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 aaron@nomadsnation.com

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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/