Backpacks are no longer relegated to kindergarteners and college brah’s. With the Filson tote explosion finally calming down, men are realizing how much function a backpack has as well as how much better it feels since it distributes weight evenly. So now you aren’t walking like you need a V-8 after a day of carrying around your laptop in a shoulder bag.
Since 1978, High Sierra (a division of Samsonite) has been rolling out awesome outdoor gear at affordable prices for adventurers around the globe. In 2012 the brand began partnering with the CITYPAK project in Chicago to create purposeful, utilitarian backpacks for the homeless. These well-thought-out packs are waterproof, have a large capacity, are outfitted with lots of pockets and come with ponchos to defend against the elements.
Rolling out now, High Sierra has developed a new backpack called the PUBLICPAK, which will help fund the CITYPAK project. The thin, envelope-style PUBLICPAK comes in five cool colors and features a fully padded computer sleeve, reflective webbing loop and open bike lock pocket.
“With each purchase of a PUBLICPAK, our customers are helping support our mission to provide the homeless with a dignified and safe way to carry their belongings,” said Dawn Sicco, Vice President and General Manager of High Sierra.
Since partnering in 2012, High Sierra and The CITYPAK Project have created and distributed more than 8,000 custom-designed CITYPAK backpacks to homeless individuals in cities across the United States.
To learn more about The CITYPAK Project or to make a secure online donation, visit www.citypak.org. 100 percent of every dollar contributed to The CITYPAK Project goes to the purchase of CITYPAKs and their distribution to the homeless.