Britain certainly has its share of illustrious brands in the luxury carry scene. Think of the likes of Globe-Trotter or Burberry. But step outside the sphere of stratospheric price tags and you may fail to discover hard-working, dedicated British brands that don’t get the full recognition they deserve. We’re set on changing that, flipping the switch on that spotlight and shining some carry love on 10 UK brands you should know…
Trakke
We’ve kept a keen carry eye on Trakke over the years, enjoying their growth as an excellent urban/outdoor crossover brand. Inspired by Scotland’s rugged landscapes, Trakke creates aesthetically pleasing yet tough pieces that balance everyday utility and outdoor adventure. Their dedication to British manufacturing is evident through their commitment to using top-quality British-sourced materials and crafting all their gear by hand in their Glasgow workshop. From founder Alec Farmer upcycling discarded skip gems to the brand’s current position, Trakke’s journey has been long but impressive, and it’s set to evolve further.
Gear of note:
- Storr Carry On Backpack
- Assynt 17 Backpack
- Linen Travel Towel
Bedouin Foundry
A rebellious streak with a luxe feel. Enduring style with an even more enduring build quality designed to last for generations. Bedouin Foundry bags embody all these aspects. Inspired by diverse sources, from traditional craft to geometric art and surrealism, the brand’s bags stand out from the crowd for all the right reasons. Exceptional Scottish waxed canvas, premium vegetable-tanned European and British leathers, Swiss zippers, and AustriAlpin Cobra buckles are expertly crafted together by hand in England and backed by a lifetime guarantee. The name nods to the Bedouin tent and lifestyle: weatherproof and tough on the outside, but luxurious and comfortable on the inside.
Gear of note:
- Delireis SE in Dyneema
- Bosun’s Tote
- Genghis
Knomo
Embracing a varied life, stepping outside of the routine, and doing so in style are all things Knomo believes in. Their bags offer a blend of urban-savvy aesthetics, functional design, high quality, and a pop of personality. The London-based brand ensures their bags are well made with durable materials sourced from reputable suppliers worldwide. The name Knomo is a merging of Knowledge and Mobility, reflecting their goal to help you discover more through adaptable and timeless style.
Gear of note:
- Albion Leather Laptop Backpack
- Foster Leather Laptop Briefcase 14″
- Barlow Backpack
Millican
Founded by two travelers, Millican lives and breathes the open road, venturing off the beaten track and forming connections with the surrounding landscape. Named after Millican Dalton, a man ahead of his time who embraced outdoor living, sustainability, and simplicity, Millican utilizes carefully selected materials such as vegetable-tanned leather, organic cotton canvas, recycled polyester, their custom-made Bionic® Canvas, and locally sourced wool. Based in the English Lake District, the brand partners with local and international suppliers committed to social responsibility, fair working conditions, and environmentally-conscious production.
Gear of note:
- Miles the Duffle Bag 28L
- Harry the Gladstone Bag 38L
- Smith the Roll Pack 25L
hardgraft
Founded in 2007 by partners monie.ka and James Teal, hardgraft has grown as a distinct player in the luxury carry scene. Their pieces are made in Italy by expert artisans, many of whom run family businesses that have spent years honing their craft. hardgraft pairs beautiful craftsmanship with equally beautiful materials like Tuscan vegetable-tanned leather and sustainable, durable wools sourced from Italy, Germany, and Britain. Their designs combine contrasting materials in striking ways, creating pieces that stand out in both the boardroom and everyday carry pursuits.
Gear of note:
- Well-Rounded Wool Backpack
- Phone Pack
- Small Brick Card Case
Francli
Francli began as a three-month design and crafting project by Ali Goodman and Frances Baseley, which developed into a brand dedicated to handmade British craftsmanship, sustainable production, and a fusion of form and function. Francli gear is designed and crafted by hand in a farm workshop in Cornwall using pre and post-consumer waste materials, British-made materials, and hardware. The nature of salvaged materials results in distinct collections and short runs. Francli also offers custom commissions and embraces collaborations to inspire and further the design process.
Gear of note:
- Kit Rucksack R-PD / 0001
- Phone Card Case
- Custom Kit Rucksack
Restrap
Born in a bedroom in 2010, Restrap now thrives in a Leeds-based workshop in Yorkshire. Initially making pedal straps, the brand expanded to include a range of rugged bags. Restrap pieces are handmade and tested in demanding outdoor environments to ensure top-notch quality, durability, and functionality. The brand focuses on meticulous quality and design agility, adapting designs quickly thanks to in-house production. Today, they offer various bike-friendly bags ready for any adventure.
Gear of note:
- Sub Backpack
- Commute Backpack
- Saddle Bag 8L
BUILT TO SEND
BUILT TO SEND makes obsessively engineered alpine rucksacks with a mono-shell construction technique, resulting in fewer seams and stronger packs. Almost all of the brand’s hardware is custom-engineered for exceptional durability. Aimed at big wall and alpine climbing, these bags are flexible enough for ultralight backpacking too. From comfortable shoulder straps to customizable modularity, each pack is honed for durability and functionality. The bags are made by hand in the UK from lightweight yet tough Dimension-Polyant VX42 fabric.
Gear of note:
- BUILT TO SEND X0 Alpine
- BUILT TO SEND X2 Alpine
Ally Capellino
With decades of design experience, Ally Capellino focuses on quality and timeless aesthetics, creating bags that perform well and look great. Their offerings aren’t cheap but are reasonably priced for the quality materials, craftsmanship, and fashionable flair they offer. Ally Capellino integrates a distinct sense of Britishness and quirky irreverence, making the brand stand out on the global fashion stage while catering to everyday carry needs.
Gear of note:
- Hoy Travel/Cycle Rucksack
- Kenny Travel/Cycle Satchel
- Branca Leather Crossbody Frame Bag
Finisterre
Inspired by a love of the sea and the desire to create hard-wearing, functional, and sustainable gear for British surfers, Finisterre was founded in 2003 above a surf shop in Cornwall. The brand began with an innovative fleece and has since expanded into various apparel and carry items. As a Certified B Corporation, Finisterre focuses on functional, sustainable products, using repurposed materials, Econyl® in swimwear, their own blend of merino wool, and eliminating fluorocarbons from their waterproof range.
Gear of note:
- Packaway Duffle
- Packing Cubes
- Nimbus Insulated Jacket
